Chelsea are in search of their next manager and rumours have been welcomed by Juventus manager, Antonio Conte, linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge next year. Roman Abramovich is in search of the 11th boss for Chelsea because he got at the club in 2003. Rafa Benitez, Chelseaas interim director for this time, is impossible to obtain an extension. It absolutely was no secret that Abramovich wanted Pep Guardiola to take control at Stamford Bridge next time, however the former Barcelona manageras decision to participate German leaders Bayern Munich has left them in a awkward situation. And so the greatest problem now remains a' who'll take up the hot seat at Stamford Bridge next time. More realistic alternatives like Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte have already been connected with the work, while some romantics are vouching for a of Jose Mourinho. Juventus boss Conte is believed to be a prime competitor in Chelseaas shortlist for supervisors next time. In reality Gianluca Vialli, a participant and manager of Chelsea, thinks that Conte is aprobably at the top of Chelseaas needed lista. Conte started his managerial job at a relatively young age and signed up for Juventus in 2011 after having stints at groups like Siena, Atlanta and Bari. The former Juventus midfielder won over the supporters and critics after he brought the Bianconeri with their 28th Scudetto and perhaps even more dramatically, his group were able to stay unbeaten in the league last season. The 43-year-old has been rewarded for his tactical nous and he's even been weighed against Jose Mourinho in that aspect. When Conte was asked about rumours of Chelsea shortlisting him for their managerial post next season, the Italian expressed his joy at being related to this aimportanta club. He revealed his desire to manage abroad sometime in future although he assured that at this time he only worried about re-establishing Juventus as European leader. aIave often said that my goal is to coach abroad 1 day and Iam pleased to receive marks of respect from important clubs, it means that we're working well. aThey make Juventus happy also, because it ensures that they chose well one-and-a-half years ago. aAt the minute I am just thinking about Juventus, to re-establish ourselves in Italy and to accomplish well in Europe.a a' Conte was cited in press. He will add a lot of interest to the Premier League if the man, who won the Trofeo Maestrelli last year, does reach Chelsea next season. However it would be interesting to see whether he would keep Juventus a which he still believes is just a work in progress, at the least in European front.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Rafa Benitez in situation exit after Chelsea players switch on him - The Sun
v Mourinho RAFA BENITEZ has never observed eye-to-eye with Jose Mourinho. They fell out over the aghost goala that found Liverpool achieve the 2005 Champions League final. Benitez also prevailed Mourinho at Inter Milan. v Everton EVERTON struck when the Spaniard printed them aa small cluba after having a goalless draw at Anfield in 2007. Leader Keith Wyness said: aBenitez is in a group of just one in assuming Everton is a little club.a v Valencia VALENCIA won two league games and the UEFA Cup under Benitez but he quit in 2004 following a transfer line with director Jesus Garcia Pitarch. He needed a defender but got midfielder Fabian Canobbio alternatively. v Ferguson AFTER Alex Ferguson said the features were favourable to Liverpool last year, Benitez struck back by declaring the Manchester United employer made a of the Respect plan. He said: aFerguson is eliminating referees.a v Allardyce John ALLARDYCE accused Benitez of creating a agame overa hand motion when Liverpool went 2-0 against Blackburn in '09. Rovers manager Big Sam said: aIt was disrespectful and humiliating.a v Materazzi CHELSEA manager Rafa reacted furiously to Italy opponent Marco Materazzi who claimed Benitez acould not be trusteda if they were both at Inter. Benitez named Materazzi aa liara 10 times in a Press conference. Three months of biting his tongue finally proved too much to bear for the manager following Sundayas tame defeat at Manchester City. Nevertheless the straight-talking Spaniard is about to cover the price for his intense honesty after blaming the playersa attitude for the collapse of a set of high-profile professionals. Avram Grant, Big Phil Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas are just victim has been fallen by some of Benitezas predecessors who to player-power at Stamford Bridge. Also the departures of more popular managers including Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Di Matteo created little more than a wave of the shoulders in the dressing room. So they will certainly not be losing any sleep within the impending departure of Benitez after he'd the temerity to apportion the blame in a group meeting at Chelseaas Cobham education ground on Monday. Benitez tried to play down the rift in front of tonightas FA Cup fifth-round day at Middlesbrough. But he was fooling when he believed he'd the full total support of all players going into the business end of a disappointing year no body. Benitez said: aI consult with the squad every day and theyare really pleased and know very well what weare attempting to do. aYou are all professional people so you know how things get here in terms of what happens if you win or lose. aBut the people are clever enough and they realise they'll be here with long contracts, so they have to do and prepare yourself if they wish to remain at the maximum level.a CHELSEA manager faces the media and asserts his connection with Chelsea's participants is 'wonderful' Benitez was quick to create it clear he was just talking about qualifying for the Champions League again. But even though Chelsea do secure a top-four end and achieve their desires in the FA Cup and Europa League, they'll be doing it for themselves and maybe not the manager. Benitez understands that and added: aI will be working hard before the end. aThe people know me and my team are giving 100 percent to have the balance right.a and the team The moment of truth arrived for Benitez on Sunday when he had to name his best team for the trip to Manchester City a and John Terry was not in the beginning XI. While Benitez prices the captainas strength of leadership and character qualities, he is still perhaps not convinced concerning the defenderas conditioning after 3 months out with a leg injury. Yet it was Terry, his team-mates were backed by 32, who contrary to the manageras criticisms throughout Mondayas stormy group meeting. Benitez insisted: aIt was a very short exchange of a few ideas. I could understand the stress of Terry. He's a significant player who's trying to help and press because he really wants to gain. aBut he's been injured for 16 days and has had problems with his knee. aHe really wants to get but we've to control our participants. If he'd more total training sessions it would be easier. He could play at Middlesbrough.a Even though Chelsea get at the Riverside today, Manchester United wait within an Old Trafford quarter-final. Boro boss Tony Mowbray admits he has several eye on the Championship conflict with Cardiff which follows. He said: aChelsea can beat anyone, theyare the champions of Europe, you have to put it into context. aWeall participate and go, fight and make an effort to score an objective to get the fans going.a LIKELY LINE-UPS a MIDDLESBROUGH: Steele, Bailey, Hines, Bikey, Friend, Leadbitter, Williams, Carayol, McDonald, Emnes, Main. CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand, Ramires, Mikel, Moses, Mata, Threat, Torres.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
FC Barcelona in Crisis; End of a Cycle? - Yahoo! Sports
Maybe Pep Guardiola's true master was to understand when to leave. Watching FC Barcelona these days, a shadow of the squad that's been on top of the world for most of the last four years while most of the workers is the sameA-or maybe because of thatAAA-you start to believe that former BarAa teacher knew something that the rest folks did not, and still don't, but could see the effects on the area. If the Blaugrana were smashing Neymar's Santos 4-0 in the last of the FIFA Club World Cup a little more when compared to a year right back and were called the best team in history no one believed that six months later Pep would be gone. But Guardiola left, because he saw something he didn't like, something he thought he couldn't repair to extend the great function for a few more years. He prevented, remember?, so long as he could making a decision, probably hoping to the end to find a answer. Pep loved BarAa. Still, he left, and we wondered, we nevertheless do, why? For a time everything went good under Tito Vilanova, Pep's successor. BarAa had the most effective begin in the annals of La Liga, winning 18 of its first 19 games, with a draw, Messi continued his amazing rating speed, and with 13 games left the Catalans, 12 points ahead of Atletico Madrid and 16 in front of Real Madrid, can't lose the title, baring an of unprecedented, cosmic dimensions. But judging by how BarAa looked in two crucial games played within the last week, the 2-0 reduction to Milan in the UEFA Champions League, and the 3-1 embarrassment by Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, no lead is safe. BarAa is in crisis. Something must change. Even through the great group work there were signs that the staff isn't really that good. The security is suspect, it's granted one or more goal within the last 12 games, and undisciplined. The goalkeeper, Valdes (no Zamora, for sure) really wants to leave; he needs to have been dumped in January. His substitute, Pinto, is 38 and no one can tell why he is on the list. The right straight back, Alves, "doesn't do" safety, it's below him. He is never in the framework when the other team scores. PiquA walks aimlessly all over the subject, thinking, or thinking he is a centre forward. Captain Puyol is getting old. He has lots of spirit and little else. Mascherano is not a central defender, despite his good intentions. Often he scares Valdes up to other opponents. Left right back Alba is a great addition to the group, definitely not to the security. But BarAa has never been about defense. They just won more than one other team. The technological wizardry and vision of its baseball controllers, Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, has been the choice with this group and has defined BarAa's play-ball control and development through short, repeated passes-resulting in many scoring opportunities. While Messi's rating hunger and his unique ability have made him the natural leader, and the natural leading scorer, in the last 12 months a change, nearly delicate, has happened. The initial story, "BarAa is very good, BarAa may be the greatest" is now "Messi must report, Messi must set another file, and another one." From the staff, the interest has changed to Messi. Even the great competition BarAa versus. Real Madrid has been changed into a Messi compared to. Cristiano Ronaldo individual competition. It's not yet determined if Messi required dictatorial powers or if the role was bestowed upon him, but when Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Alba, Alves and most everyone else have "Messi must score" in mind, the team's performance is influenced negatively. Yes, Messi appeared as the savior in many activities, but because the team played for Messi to function as savior that is. BarAa isn't the best group when Messi scores 37 objectives in 25 group games and all of those other people have 42 combined. When Messi is annihilated, BarAa is paralyzed. Great opposite coaches like Allegri and Mourinho have identified how to stop and frustrate Messi. Stopping Messi means preventing BarAa, since participants like Pedro and Fabregas are becoming almost unnecessary, they can't take over a game, they can't even go past an opponent in dribbling, one-on-one. Damage has slowed Xavi, who's not the player he was 6 months ago. Iniesta does not have Messi's killer instinct. Accommodation has been ostracized, probably because he didn't choose the "all-for-Messi plan," youngster Tello represents significantly less than under Pep, and Alexis has been a break. Believe that Messi would use a like IbrahimoviA now? Hopefully BarAa will get Neymar (alongside a defenders), but what the staff wants at this time is really a instructor. Vilanova has been in New York since early January getting treatment for a recurrent parotid gland cancer. His assistant Jordi Roura is not really a instructor that could make the team for a casino game against Real or Milan. It'd have been enough to say: "Hey, we tied 1-1 in Madrid, we are ahead. They must score first, they must attack. Alves, PiquA, Busquets, stay straight back and keep an eye on no 7. Iniesta, only keep the ball for 90 minutes at midfield. We all hope since a team have been coached by nobody to main awards via the web, Tito gets well quickly. You can give instructions, good or bad, but you can not feel the heart of the team. And today BarAa's pulse is practically a set line. Vladimir Moraru played soccer for 15 years and has observed it for 60. He has not seen a player like Messi and a staff like Hamilton Academical Barcelona.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
RVP fit to face Real Madrid - Independent Online
Manchester United's Robin Van Persie receives medical treatment after crashing into a photographer's pit and hurting his hip.
London – Robin van Persie will be fit to face Real Madrid in next week's Champions League clash, despite picking up a bizarre hip injury during Manchester United's win over Queens Park Rangers.
Van Persie fell into a TV camera pit at Loftus Road after losing his balance while setting up Rafael's thunderbolt opener for United in the 23rd minute.
After receiving lengthy treatment he soldiered on, but his discomfort was such that Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to replace his prolific striker with Danny Welbeck four minutes before the break.
Despite the scare, Van Persie's injury is limited to bruising, so he is only expected to be out of training for two to three days.
It remains to be seen whether Ferguson chooses to keep Van Persie in reserve when United entertain Norwich on Saturday, just three days ahead of the second leg against Real at Old Trafford on March 5.
At Loftus Road, United were again indebted to one of football's finest veterans as they moved another step closer to reclaiming the Premier League trophy. Over the years QPR boss Harry Redknapp has relied on a few players in the autumn of their careers, but he has never had a player of Ryan Giggs' class.
And how Redknapp must have wished Giggs had not decided to be a one-club man as he watched the 39-year-old pull the strings for United in the 999th competitive game of his career. Giggs was brilliant, picking out passes with incredible vision and dictating the tempo before sealing United's win with an accurate strike.
He even had a hand in United's opener, stealing the ball off Adel Taarabt to begin the attack which culminated in Rafael's screamer.
"It is getting boring," joked Rafael when asked to sum up Giggs. "He is an unbelievable player. Every game you see him, he works hard, scores, makes assists.
"He is just such a good player. He's the same in training; he just loves the game. He gives us experience, confidence and when you are feeling bad he comes and helps you, especially young players. Sometimes a young player finds it tough and he helps. He pulls the player aside. He spoke to me a lot when I was young. He knows it from playing for 22 years."
A succinct summing up of Giggs' importance to the cause, on and off the field, from a player who had yet to celebrate his first birthday when his teammate made his United debut.
Redknapp celebrates his 66th birthday when QPR next go in search of a vital win which he hopes will spark a remarkable comeback. That game takes place away to his former club Southampton. 'I thought there is no better way to spend my birthday than getting 90 minutes of abuse at Southampton Football Club," quipped the QPR manager.
"They will be calling me scummer for my time at Portsmouth. I thought, 'That's a great way to spend my 66th birthday'."Earplugs would seem to be the perfect present, but Redknapp would doubtless be delighted to unwrap three crucial points. – Daily Mail
Stoke City: Fulham defeat simply not sufficient, says Shotton - This is Staffordshire
RYAN Shotton summed up Stoke's away report with brutal honesty by declaring: "It isn't great enough." Shotton was in no mood to make excuses after defeat at Fulham on Saturday made it just one single gain in Stoke's last 23 group games on the trail. a "Sometimes we do just enough to keep a clean linen, it's not good enough," he declared. "We need to go out and press teams and make chances for ourselves. myprint-247 Printing voucher Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV cotton coating, FREE following day shipping & VAT included. Pick from 1000's of pre-designed themes or upload your own art. Orders sent within 24hrs. Terms: British Provider of low priced Business Cards, Supplement Slips, Letterheads, Pamphlets and Postcards with 24hr transformation and FREE OVERNIGHT DISTRIBUTION. Contact: 01858 468192 Legitimate until: Thursday, February 28 2013 "We 've got enough home games to cover that 40-point mark, but we want shows that make us look good." and push us up the group Stoke were undone by way of a touch of quality from Dimitar Berbatov after the game was won by him with a brilliant end just moments ahead of the half-time whistle. "It was a fantastic strike from Berbatov," Shotton, right, admitted. "We have handled the combination and he then is struck it very first time. There is not just a lot you can do. Everything is changed by "the goal after coming actually on half-time. I really do not think we pushed them high enough up the frequency or got enough balls forward in the initial half. "But we pushed them higher in the 2nd half and so we've surely got to make sure we listen to the manager." Shotton was naturally sympathetic towards one of his team-mates after quickly re-living as soon as Jon Walters saw his 55th-minute fee saved comfortably by Mark Schwarzer. "He (Walters) has been on them all season a' and for provided that I have known. "I think it was quite a good charge anyway, but if the keeper goes the proper way that is fines for you." Shotton's outstanding defensive screen at right-back was reflected to a diploma by Marc Wilson at left-back following his return from the broken leg he suffered at the finish of October. "He is just a player, and a one," explained Shotton, "and ideally he stays fit for us." He was similarly impressed by Brek Shea's debut following the young American walked in early for the wounded Matthew Etherington before the game had barely got into its stride. "We started using it out wide to Brek who had a great debut. Because he is got an excellent beat on his left foot which we've seen in training." he gives us another aspect Shotton himself is hoping their own display a' one of his true greatest defensively a' may promote his manager to offer him an extended run at right-back. "That is my position," he declared. "That is just a number of games in a line for me and hopefully I will come back fighting for it again next week. "I liked it, particularly against a worldwide like (Damien) Duff who's still got great rate, which surprised me, therefore I had to keep on my toes." MARTIN SPINKS
Newcastle United Need Star to Signal New Deal as Liverpool Line-Up Shift For... - caughtoffside
Have the CaughtOffside iPad app. Acquire the # 1 Free Sports App from the Software Shop. Most of the latest footie information and much, much more. Pardew eager to help keep playmaker at St. Jamesa Park, amid interest from Anfield. Register to Swansea City vs Newcastle UnitedNewcastle are willing for Hatem Ben Arfa to sign a fresh deal at St. The Daily Mirror is reported by jamesa Park to stop the Frenchman joining Liverpool in the summer,. Liverpool employer Brendan Rodgers is understood to have approached his Toon counterpart Alan Pardew about signing the 25-year-old. But the Magpies don't wish to lose Ben Arfa and are now actually ready to present the winger a bumper new offer to help keep him in the North East. The France global is merely returning from a prolonged injury lay-off and the Toonas type has slumped amazingly in his absence. Pardew signed no fewer that five French people in the January transfer screen a' bringing the total number at the club to 12 a' and is wanting the introduction of his compatriots will help convince the former Marseille person to reject Liverpoolas overtures. Rodgers is a big admirer of Ben Arfa but mega-rich Ligue 1 leaders will also be monitoring the skilled player.
Danica improves Daytona's TV scores from this past year
NYC (AP) a With Danica Patrick beginning the post, the Daytona 500's television ratings are greater than last year's. Saturday afternoon's race received a 9.9 status and 22 share on Fox. That is up 24 per cent from 2012, when rain pushed the function to a Monday evening. The community said Tuesday it had been the greatest standing since 2008. Jimmie Johnson won the race while Patrick was eighth, the most effective finish by way of a person at the Daytona 500. Reviews represent the proportion of domiciles with televisions tuned to an application. Stocks represent the percentage of houses with TVs used during the time.
More Info: Adelaide United - Brisbane Roar FC [Live Football]
Top Chelsea Hamilton Academical manager objectives - Mourinho, Moyes, Poyet favourites - Crunchsports.com
Mourinho's future in cost of Real Madrid is under increased scrutiny and the 'Special One' has made no secret of his wish to return to England in the future. Chelsea are considered to be keen on appealing the Portuguese back again to Stamford Bridge for a second cause, while Manchester City and rivals Manchester United have been related to the 50-year-old. There's just one man that nearly all Chelsea supporters desire to see in control for next period and that's Mourinho. But will Roman Abramovich make his move? 2. David MoyesThis you can raise a few eyebrows, but there were plenty of reports that Moyes would become Abramovich's preferredAchoice if Mourinho remains at the Bernabeu next season. The Everton boss has stated that he'll leave conversations of a new deal at the club until the summer and if Chelsea, along with Champions League baseball come calling, he might be persuaded to finish his time at Goodison Park. 3. Gus PoyetThe former Chelsea person is creating a name for herself as a director these days. He's done a fantastic work at Brighton in the Championship together with his staff pressing for advertising to the Premier League. Poyet's men perform some exemplary baseball also and as a favorite person at Stamford Bridge, he'd be given the required time to impress - by Chelsea expectations anyway! 4.AThe rest! There are a heap of names being related to the Stamford Bridge hotseat and this includes both former supervisors and former participants. The kind of Avram Grant, Diego Simeone, Gianfranco Zola, Jurgen Klopp and Swansea boss Michael Laudrup are widely seen as possible challengers.
AC Milan Shocked FC Barcelona Today, But Must Their First Goal Have... - SportsGrid
Astonishing result out of the Champions League today: AC Milan emerged victorious over Barcelona, 2-0. Whether AC Milan played out of the heads or Barca was just off or it was all the Barcelona jerseysa mistake, the result was no fluke a' AC Milan received it by being the higher group today. But does which means that the win came without conflict? Of course not! AC Milanas first goal: MIL1BA0 by Samu21213 You may discover that before the chance was actually taken, just about every Barca person put up their arms together. Thatas because they needed a named a and they werenat alone. Hereas a still picture of what most of the ruckus was about: It should really be noted that many people got AC Milanas part, nevertheless the consensus was it was a missed call a and Barcaas Gerard Pique got a card for protesting the non-call, as well. None of this, we must explain, is to say that had the handball been called and the goal disallowed, Barca could have gained. AC Milan scored again later in the overall game, in the end. But a 0-0 match is different from the 1-0 match a' different enough to create sure that plenty of Barca fansa heads can hit the pillow tonight sure they certainly were robbed.
Edin back: Dzeko hints he will leave Manchester City after admitting he needs... - Mirror.co.uk
Bosnian striker has fought to gain a place under Mancini but insists he has not spoken to Borussia Dortmund...yet Alex Livesey/Getty Edin Dzeko can quit Manchester City in the summer after declaring he will go back to Germany one day. Dzeko has did not hold down an everyday devote the Blues' strike since joining from Wolfsburg just over two years before and says he loves the Bundesliga. The Bosnian international said: "I enjoy the Bundesliga and I'll go back to the Bundesliga. The only thing I actually do not know is when." Dzeko, who was simply leading scorer in the Bundesliga in 2009-10, declined claims he has achieved Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, but admitted he admires the German champions. "That is not true," he explained. "There is really a lot of talk and a lot is written. I had be playing at FC Bayern or AC Milan by now, if you believed every word. "Dortmund really are a top club. Every one in Europe can see that and with Jurgen Klopp, they've a fantastic coach working there."
Monday, February 25, 2013
FC Barcelona Links Highlights Chelsea FC Opponent Mark Luiz - The Difficult Tackle
Chelsea defense David Luiz is satisfied about rumours linking him with a go on to Barcelona in the summertime. Brian Luiz has become regular fixture in the Chelsea starting line-up since this season have been taken over at the club by Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard has implemented the Brazilian opponent both as a center back and as a holding midfielder person. Perhaps it is this versatility that has drawn Barcelonaas interest and reports in Spain recommend that the former Benfica defender is on Barcelonaas wish list for summer time. Luiz has increased as a person in 2010. He's always been a talented footballer but what he lacks at times is composure and at times requires too much danger in elements of the area where some one like John Terry or Cahill would have only cleared the ball. But besides the ability to protect, what Barcelona frequently looks for in a defender is ball playing ability and mobility with regards to starting in various positions on the frequency a while the first necessity is a concern for Luiz at times, he ticks the containers for the latter two. The 25-year-old was asked in a recent meeting about the rumours linking him with the Chelsea defender his delight and a go on to the Catalan leaders at being joined with a team like Barcelona. aIam happy a team such as for example Barcelona is interested in me. Theyare a team of winners and their attention is just a source of pleasure for me personally. aIam a Chelsea player for now. I work hard every day to create people recognize what I do. aI try to do my job in the simplest way possible, wherever I am.a a' Luiz said. The present commitment of David Luiz, who was authorized for A22million from Benfica in 2011, will expire in 2017. His capability to secure has come under criticism during his time in England and if Barcelona do make a strategy in the summer it'll be fascinating to see whether Chelsea will let go of the Brazilian. But Barcelona are impossible to fit the transfer payment that Chelsea paid for him. The Catalan giants are apparently looking for a long-term alternative for Abidal and Puyol. They have already been associated with Arsenal chief Thomas Vermaelen, Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund and now David Luiz.
More Info: Tolima - Real Garcilaso [Live Football]
Sunday, February 24, 2013
West Bromwich Albion 2 Sunderland 1: fit record - Telegraph.co.uk
He said: aI canat discuss what the fans are likely to do. He was always planning to keep coming back in to the squad at some stage. We have to go on. aLukaku is in an extremely rich vein of type. We're happy he made a decision to come here and itas been good for us and good for Rom. Iam just pleased to gain and itas a relief following the run we've had.a The 4-2 win at Sunderland in November removed Clarkeas staff into third place but they have experienced an arduous time since, with the 1-0 win at Liverpool last Monday their first victory of 2013. Sunderland were unlucky when Ben Foster fumbled John OaSheaas header onto the article before Steven Fletcheras low chance came back off the straight. But they fell behind on 35 minutes after Craig Gardner was adjudged to own managed Liam Ridgewellas cross in the penalty area. Lukaku moved as much as score from the location. Sunderland improved in the second period, but Lukaku said his second quarter-hour from time after goalkeeper Simon Mignoletas clearance from Titus Brambleas bad back cross cannoned off the Belgian to jump into the net. The visitors answered and after Jonas Olsson did not clear StAphane SessAgnon found the spot. They might have even claimed a place but Foster was corresponding to David Vaughanas effort. Driving a car of relegation continues for Sunderland director Martin OaNeill. He said: aI really thought we could and needs to have got anything out from the game."
More Info: Lekhwia - Al-Shabab [Live Football]
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 - SUNDERLAND 1: LUKAKU REPRESENTS IT BY THE... - Daily Star
ABOVE: West Brom's Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goals He played well and was some 24th February 2013 By Charlie Millar ROMELU LUKAKU has had a out of Wayne Rooneyas book on how best to handle big-time football. The on-loan West Brom striker has ploughed through the Old Trafford staras autobiography to pick up all he can about how exactly to deal with hitting the headlines as a youngster. And he's demonstrably a fast learner, showing the same kind while the Rooster of life-threatening target touch with a double against Sunderland. Stephane Sessegnon pulled one back with twenty minutes left but it was never likely to be enough. Baggiesa chef Steve Clarke said: aLukaku is in a rich vein of form. Quick feet were got by heas for a huge man. Weare pleased he made a decision to come here and further his education. Clarkeas men reach the 40-point level however they were inches from losing when Black Cat John OaShea believed his header had crossed the line to level two points. West Brom took the lead in the second when Liam Ridgewellas cross hit Craig Gardneras hand and a punishment was given despite Sunderland protests. But Lukaku, in front of baying absent supporters, kept cool to side-foot past owner Simon Mignolet. On the stroke of half-time the guests were again in uproar as Adam Johnsonas photo hit Gareth McAuleyas supply but no penalty was presented with. Sunderland boss Martin OaNeill said: aThere were two big decisions. A charge against us and the same one at the other end maybe not provided. They were charges. aBut Lukaku is powerful. He was a few and played very well.a OaNeill saw Sunderland go close again when Sessegnon grabbed at a possibility which saw the ball squirm towards the prospective only for Youssouf Mulumbu to clear. And when Alfred NaDiaye hoisted in a top ball, Danny Graham was a portion from rating on his complete debut. But Lukaku observed himself clear in the 62nd minute only to see Mignolet remain strong to prevent him. The Belgian hit his 2nd in unusual situations when Titus Bramble was guilty of a dreadfully brief backpass which Mignolet ran off his line to clear. But the owner just succeeded in battering the ball against Lukaku and it flew at full pace to the unguarded net behind him. Sunderland were stunned. Flattened. But somehow they managed to get themselves back into the overall game for a frantic finish.
FC Barcelona's Next Opposition: Sevilla FC (La Liga Scouting Statement) - Barca Blaugranes (web log)
A difficult stretch is continued by barcelona, having very little time to dwell on the stunning loss to AC Milan in the Champions League. Sevilla really are a strong opposition, having plagued Barca and overwhelmed Real Madrid in Andalusia, but a great away record was not possessed by them. FC Barcelona saved their worst performance of the season for the worst possible time, dropping 2-0 to AC Milan. But the agenda waits for nobody, and you can find critical matches to be performed in the category and in the pot against Sevilla and Real Madrid. Sevilla themselves are skeptical of a midweek cup match in four days while they attempt to revert a loss against Atletico p Madird. The Sevillistas may come back to their house fort, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, and look for the right cause progress to the cup final to meet up often Real Madrid or Barcelona. Los Rojiblancos are an essential group in Spanish football record, having won the league once and the Copa del Rey five times. In 2009-10, Sevilla became the first team to remove a Guardiola team from any competition. After defeating Barca on away targets, Los Rojiblancos went on to claim the pot themselves. In 2005-06 and 2006-07, Sevilla made history earning the UEFA Cup twice in a line. The 2006 Super Cup was also claimed by them, soundly beating Barcelona 3-0. With both teams trying to probably more important competitions in the pot, who will have the mental fortitude, as well as the team detail, to take the three points? Sort Sevilla are in decent form, regardless of the reduction in the cup. In fact, they have gained all of their last six games except two - and those two were away to Atletico Madrid and away to Real Madrid. It's very difficult for just about any staff to get these results. In every other activities, opponents have been outscored by them 12-2. Impressive, but there is one caveat. Those matches were at home, and there is no group in La Liga whose quality suffers far from their lawn around they do. Sevilla have won one match absent, compared to the eight wins at home in the category. Barcelona remain undefeated in the home across all tournaments, while Sevilla haven't won away in eight category away matches. Sevilla have also conceded at the least two objectives in seven of the past seven away matches, while Barcelona have won four or more in four of the past five home matches. Critical People Alvaro Negredo continues to attract attention from major teams across Europe, as he again spearheads Sevilla's attack. With 10 league targets, Negredo is tied for eighth in the La Liga score graphs. Ivan Rakitic is the playmaker, and the Croatian global has racked up six assists in the category, first on the staff. His five goals are 2nd to Negredo, while he's also first in the important thing goes stat with 2.8 per game Christ Navas has made his mark with the Spanish national team (he started the attack that led to Andres Iniesta's World Cup winning goal) and therefore attracted contract offers from all over Europe. But, he might never leave Andalusia as he is suffering from severe homesickness. In any case, the winger remains a key motor of Los Rojiblancos. With three objectives and three assists, Navas is yet another person to watch. In protection, Emir Spahic and Cicinho have started to acquire plaudits. Spahic is strong in a passer but also the air, while Cicinho is really a good dribbler however he also has good tackling technique. Cicinho is another Brazilian fullback who is known for his attacking prowess, but he's not negative defensively, often. In 2010, he, along with Jesus Navas, went facing Real Madrid's left flank presenting Cristiano Ronaldo and won. Method Sevilla should play in their base 4-2-3-1 formation, by having an increased exposure of countering down each side of the message. Their midfield players will be needed by them to execute an excellent shift in the center of the park to stifle the Blaugrana passing episode. Sevilla like to play large and attack down the flanks. With the solutions of Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes, as well as Cicinho and Fernando Navarro at the fullback roles, Sevilla are harmful on the wings. Standing at 6'1'', Negredo is an excellent target to shoot for, and he's shown he can finish off chances together with his mind. However, the coach Unai Emery has a few choices to produce with an eye on the upcoming cup match. Some people will need to be spun. A strong team will be Emery fielded by the question is:, given the grade of the weight? Or can attempt to he to minimize his losses and focus on the pot match primarily? Collection Andres Palop, a former Spain international, is unlikely in goal. With Diego Lopez sold off to Real Madrid, Beto must be in charge of the absent side's goal. Beto came on loan from SC Braga after the Andalusians sold Lopez, and he is had little time to acclimate himself. However, he is devote good showings so far - though his ability is questioned by some to deal with crosses. In defense, Spahic is wounded which suggests Federico Fazio and former Barca person Alberto Botia must start in defense. At right-back, Coke may deputize for Cicinho, while Alberto Moreno is Navarro's rotation choice. Gary Medel, coming off a support against Deportivo, should use up a spot in midfield. The Chilean is really a tough tackler, and as he thinks he was unfairly sent down in the last meeting between the edges, he will be even madder than usual. Geoffrey Kondogbia would then take the other place in the center of the frequency, although Hedwiges Maduro is really a chance. Piotr Trochowski remains on a damage (his last match was against Barcelona in the preceding round) and with Diego Perotti out as well, Sevilla have limited choices down the flanks. If they want to sleep Reyes or Navas, Manu del Moral may play. Rakitic must then simply take the place behind the main striker, although hypothetically Reyes or del Moral might play there, too. There's a possibility that Sevilla could go 4-3-3, with a more traditional midfield group of Maduro, Kondogbia, and Medel, Negredo must then be the frontman, although hypothetically Baba could cause him. Summary Sevilla have ability - famous brands Negredo, Navas, and Rakitic are in the sights of the major clubs across Europe. However, like Navas, they seem to get yourself a little homesick. Away from the Sanchez Pizjuan, they've been a little uneasy. Barcelona are in the home and they are upset. They want to place poor people results to their rear, but they also need to think about the large activities coming up. Resting key people, are they perhaps at risk of the challenge? Or will they develop just one more classic performance? Possible XI (4-2-3-1 ): Beto; Coke, Fazio, Botia, Navarro; Medel, ;Kondogbia; Navas, Rakitic, Reyes; Negredo Follow us on Twitter
(Video) Newcastle United 4-2 Southampton: Premier League ...
Newcastle edged relegation rivals Southampton 4-2 in a topsy-turvy game at St James' Park that took Alan Pardew's side six points clear of the bottom three.
In honour of their growing French contingent, Newcastle had dubbed the day 'French Day', handing out berets to their supporters and playing the French national anthem prior to kick-off.
However, it was a Frenchman in a red shirt who broke the deadlock, as midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin converted a Rickie Lambert knockdown to give Southampton a third-minute lead.
Yoan Gouffran forced a save from Artur Boruc after darting into the box from the left and when the ball ran across goal, Moussa Sissoko sped in to touch it over the line.
The hosts' momentum did not abate and in the 42nd minute they went ahead with a stunning goal, as Papiss Cisse cracked home a looping half-volley from 25 yards.
Newcastle lost captain Fabricio Coloccini to injury just before half-time and saw Southampton equalise five minutes into the second half when Lambert swept home a low cross from Adam Lallana.
However, Newcastle hit back once again and took the lead for the second time in the game when Yohan Cabaye converted a 67th-minute penalty awarded for a handball by Danny Fox.
The suspense in a taut game finally dissipated in the 79th minute, when an own goal by Jos Hooiveld put Newcastle 4-2 ahead and confirmed the hosts' success.
Daytona begins, day after fans injured
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) a' Fans experiencing harmful after the terrible accident at Daytona International Speedway could change seats for NASCAR's biggest battle. Course President Joie Chitwood said Sunday workers successfully repaired an area of fence a 54 feet wide and 22 feet high a that was shredded Saturday when Kyle Larson's car went flying on the final lap of a second-tier battle and crashed through the screen that divides vehicles from fans. Large bits of debris, including a tire, dispersed in to the upper and lower part of the stands. The crash wounded more than 30 people, raising more questions about fan security at race tracks. Halifax Health spokesman Byron Cogdell said eight people with crash-related injuries stayed hospitalized Sunday in Daytona Beach in stable condition. The six people brought to another Halifax hospital in Port Orange with crash-related injuries had all been dismissed by Sunday morning, Cogdell said. A spokeswoman at Florida Memorial Clinic wouldn't generate information Sunday on the people delivered to that hospital. Chitwood, meanwhile, said if any fans are uncomfortable with their up-close seating for Sunday's Daytona 500, officers would work to go them. The race started as scheduled. "If fans are unhappy with their sitting place or we'd relocate them," Chitwood said Sunday, should they have any incidents. "So we'll address that area like we do every other area of the grandstand. We make every hotel we can.", If a fan isn't comfortable where they are sitting Larry Spencer of Nanticoke, Pa., said Sunday he is not sure he desires to ever sit that low again after his 15-year-old brother, Derrick, required three stitches in his cheek after being hit by material dust flying from the accident. They lay near the barrier Saturday, but returned for the Daytona 500 with seats a large number of lines further away from the course. "I thought it absolutely was just nice to see the cars going by that close," Spencer said. "After yesterday, although, I definitely will reconsider sitting lower actually again." The tire that flew in to the stands arrived a few lines above where they had been standing. Following the accident, looking around at the people seriously hurt, Spencer said he decided to just take his brother to a hospital himself so that speedway teams and paramedics may focus on the people who needed more support. "The only way to describe it was just like a bomb went off, and the vehicle more or less exploded," Spencer said. Course employees completed fixes about 2 a.m. Sunday, having installed a new wall post, new steel meshing and the main concrete wall. Authorities didn't repair the collapsed cross-over gate, that allows fans to travel between the stands and the infield before races. Daytona has a grandstand redesign planned. Chitwood said the incidents might prompt a redesign that will include stronger fences or stands further away from the on-track activity. "It is tough to get in touch both today in what occurred," Chitwood said and terms of a possible redevelopment. "We were prepared recently, had emergency medical answer. As we study from this, you bet: If there are things that we can incorporate into the future, whether it's the home now or any other redevelopment, we will. "The key is seated with NASCAR, learning the things that happened and how exactly we deal with them." Daytona reexamined its fence and wound up replacing the entire point following Carl Edwards' frightening crash at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama in 2009. Edwards' car sailed into the wall and spewed dust into the stands. Improvements have been made by "we since then," Chitwood said. "I think that's the key: that we study on this and determine what else we have to do." NASCAR plans to take what remained of Larson's sheared car along with debris back to its research and development center in Charlotte, N.C., for assessment. "We'll make the best and brightest," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's senior vice president for racing operations. "Anything we can learn will undoubtedly be put in place. ... Fans are our first concern. Certainly we want everybody to be safe at a meeting. We've talked to the speedway. We're confident in what's in place at today's event. Undoubtedly still considering those affected, but we are confident to go ahead with this race." The 12-car accident began as the checkered flag was approached by the front-runners. Head Regan Smith attemptedto stop Brad Keselowski for the gain, causing a pileup that could have now been much worse. Larson's burning engine wedged through a gaping hole in the fence. Parts and pieces of his car sprayed in to the stands, including a tire that cleared the top of the wall and landed midway up the spectator section closest to the track. The 20-year-old Larson stood in shock several feet from his car as fans in the stands waved frantically for help. The area was briefly clouded by smoke from the burning engine, and emergency vehicles descended on the scene. Ambulance sirens might be observed wailing behind the grandstands at a time the competition winner would usually be doing celebratory burnouts. "It was freaky. When I appeared to my right, the incident happened," Rick Harpster of Orange Park said. "I appeared over and I found a tire fly straight over the wall to the stands, but next I didn't see anything else. That was the worst thing I have seen, seeing that tire travel into the stands. I knew it was likely to be severe." In 1987, Bobby Allison's car raised off the track at Talladega while running more than 200 mph, careening into the steel-cable fence and scattering debris into the group. That crash led to the utilization of horsepower-sapping restrictor plates at Talladega and its sister track in Daytona, NASCAR's quickest styles. Consequently, the cars all run not quite the same speed, and the area is normally bunched closely together a' which plenty of owners have warned is actually a more dangerous situation than higher speeds. "That is one of the items that really does discourage you," Allison said Sunday. "But it is always possible because of the speeds, where they are." Dumb Connected Press writer Jennifer Kay in Miami brought for this report.
Daytona ready for race, willing to relocate fans
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Daytona International Speedway has been repaired in time for NASCAR's biggest race, and officials are willing to relocate fans concerned about safety following a horrific crash that injured more than 30 people.
Track President Joie Chitwood says workers repaired a section of fence about 200 feet from the start-finish line, the area shredded Saturday when Kyle Larson's car went airborne on the final lap of a second-tier race and crashed through the barrier that separates the cars from the track. Large pieces of debris, including a tire, sprayed into the upper and lower section of the stands.
Chitwood says if any fans are uncomfortable with their up-close seating for Sunday's Daytona 500, officials will work to move them.
Feyenoord hit the Eredivisie name race spacious with 2-1 conquer...
Sunday, February 24th, 2013 Feyenoord 2 a PSV 1 (Eredivisie, February 24, 2013 )AJeremain Lens opened the score on 34 to place category leaders PSV forward. Ruben Schaken showed great energy to equalise two minutes in to the second half. Sequential goal scorer Graziano Pelle set Feyenoord in the front with a goal on 68.
More Info: FC Wacker Innsbruck - FC Magna Wiener Neustadt [Live Football]
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Iker Casillas healing from injury wants with getting championship title this season
Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand is going better than expected and he could possibly be straight back between the Real Madrid articles when late March.
Casillas' finger was broken by a random kick from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa during Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final sport at the Mestalla on January 23.
It was feared he would experience 3 months on the sidelines, and the team moved quickly to sign Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining activities against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Madrid club captain told reporters on Thursday morning, at the beginning of a new club look at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the first timeframe had only been a worst-case scenario.
"I am feeling very positive," Casillas said. "The doctor gave me the worst-case scenario, he said it may get three months. But the other day when the splint was removed, I was told I'd a month left. Now I'm doing active exercises to get mobility and power back the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas training service to obtain back playing when possible.
"Until now I have perhaps not had much strength in it, but I'm receiving it back little by little," he said. "We are in the halfway point of the damage. I have still got per month to go. I'll need certainly to work more and suffer more to obtain right back the freedom of before. I am looking towards returning. It is worse being off the message than on it."
The event was also attended by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, though coach Jose Mourinho was missing.
Alonso told reporters that he didn't know yet whether he'd get over his groin issue in time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the healing stage," the midfielder said. "I am hoping to get better the moment possible, to obtain rid of the disquiet and get back in top form. A lot of people ask when I'll be ready. I aspire to be able to perform against Barca, but I don't have a remedy right now."
Former Liverpool player Alonso stated that, with the tie balanced at 1-1, whoever obtained first in the Champions League last 16 reunite game at Manchester United on March 5 will be favourites to succeed.
"They should have the help of their fans," he said. "It will probably be described as a challenge. The side that results first will soon be favourites. Old Trafford is a good floor and it's the kind of match we all like to play. The tie is quite open."
Di Maria said that it may fit Madrid to be playing away from home in both of the upcoming, perhaps season-defining, games.
"Things are getting well and hopefully to carry on this way," he said. "We know that we have to have big matches in both competitions and that it'll not be easy. Probably playing away will undoubtedly be inside our favour because we prosper when things are against us. We have had this week to work on the simplest way to approach the activities. I hope everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains any doubt for Saturday evening's La Liga sport at Deportivo La Coruna, said he was not worried about his current bad form before goal.
"I hope that I score more goals than I've to date, but the thing could be the team and to win the upcoming matches," he said. "We need certainly to come together to get. We have an excellent group and we are all in good form."
Kaka performed excellent in the match vs Deportivo
"From the initial minute of the next half we found an alteration of attitude. We did not get because of the alternatives, that have been made in the minute of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It had been the attitude of all participants that sparked the recovery.
"It does work that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is important for the team, that he's another alternative and that he's playing well. That's usually good.
Kaka's performance also received the praise of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who had been pleased about the reaction of the squad after going behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us as an chance to change their fortunes. But in the second half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could get the three things house with us."
The gain moved Real to within 13 factors of league leaders Barcelona, before the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla later on Saturday evening. Despite the margin remaining the same, Kaka thinks victory over Depor may enhance Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this phrase.
"I am better. What we have nearby is fascinating and it is the critical part of the time and if the director wants me to play I'll be there to simply help in those matches."
"The team is playing well and things are becoming better for me too. In basketball anything changes quickly and I am pleased to help the team win.
"[It was] an important victory in a very difficult match. In the initial half we were a little nervous and we made a few errors. In the second half we increased and we won three points that are important for us and for what is in the future over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officials website.
Real came from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the readers. After putting up with a difficult spell with minimal game time, Kaka now thinks he is able to help his staff while they look to keep their Manhattan project Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed pleasure at his new change in fortunes, because the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Manhattan project Coruna.
Ricardo Kaka executed well in the game against La Coruna
"From the initial moment of the 2nd half we found a change of attitude. We did not get because of the substitutions, that have been made in the twelfth minute of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all people that sparked the comeback.
"It does work that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is necessary for the team, that he is another option and that he's playing well. That's usually good.
Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who was happy with the reaction of the team after planning behind to a Riki attack on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us being an possibility to change their fortunes. In the second half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could actually simply take the three items house with us."
The win moved Real to within 13 factors of group leaders Barcelona, before Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla afterwards Saturday morning. Regardless of the border remaining the same, Kaka feels victory over Depor may raise Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this phrase.
"I am better. What we have around the corner is interesting and it is the decisive area of the time and if the manager wants me to play I'll be there to help in these matches."
"The group is playing well and things are getting better for me personally also. In basketball everything changes quickly and I'm happy to support the team win.
"[It was] a significant success in an exceedingly hard match. In the very first half we were just a little troubled and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we increased and we won three points that are essential for us and for what's to come over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officers website.
True came from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the guests. After putting up with a cause with minimal game time, Kaka now thinks he can help his team as they look to keep their Manhattan project Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed joy at his new change in fortunes, whilst the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Bayern Munich vs. Werder Bremen: Final score 6-1, Bayern destroy ...
Jupp Heynckes changed more than half the team from the club's Champions League match midweek, but it didn't matter as Bayern continued their torrid pace in the Bundesliga with a 6-1 mauling of Werder Bremen.
Bayern Munich continued their torrid pace in the Bundesliga with a 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Jupp Heynckes made six changes to the starting eleven from Bayern's match on Tuesday against Arsenal in the Champions League. The rotation was necessary this weekend with a big DFB Pokal match against Borussia Dortmund this week.
After controlling the temp for the first 25 minutes, Bayern scored two in quick succession before the half hour mark. Arjen Robben knocked in a cross from Philipp Lahm, and Javi Martinez headed in a free kick from Robben.
Instead of getting back in the match with a goal before halftime, Bremen decided to make it more difficult on themselves by going down to ten men. Sebastian Prödl was sent off for a foul on Mario Gomez in the 44th minute making a comeback all but unlikely.
Bremen compounded that error by Prödl with one by Theodor Gebre Selassie, when the defender's clearance ended up in the back of his own net just after halftime. At this point it was 3-0 Bayern, and there was no looking back. It was 4-0 before Bremen could blink. Franck Ribery played a ball to Mario Gomez, and the big man easily finished.
The visitors managed to pull one back in the 58th minute through Kevin De Bruyne. Aleksandar Ignjovski intercepted Dante's clearance and passed to the Belgian who finished quite nicely. Unfortunately for Bremen, it was 4-1.
Bayern coasted for the remainder of the match, but they weren't done scoring goals yet. Ribery and Gomez scored in the 86th and 89th minutes to make it 6-1 and complete the route.
Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen don't play until tomorrow, so Bayern have an 18 point lead atop the table until then. Bremen have dropped to twelfth in the table.
How do you make an indestructible soccer ball? You start with Crocs ...
Soccer is the sport of the masses. It's just as easily played in modern temples to the game like Arsenal's Emirates London, where the knockout stages of the fabled Champions League began this week, as it is on the hardscrabble streets of Marseille, France, where legends like Zinedine Zidane first learned to kick a ball. In America, children playing youth soccer are less likely to get involved in gangs or drugs. In poverty-stricken countries like Somalia and Haiti, it can provide them with a focus that saves lives.
Surprisingly, this isn't always as simple it sounds. A typical soccer ball is really just sewn-together leather filled with air, and they aren't exactly durable. The tiniest puncture renders the entire thing useless; a defect made all the more problematic when the primary use of the thing (being kicked as hard as possible) occurs on the shredded landscapes of the third world.
That's why an organization called One World Futbol has set out to create an indestructible ball – something that is far easier said than done. It turns out, making something that doesn't need to ever be inflated but still retains the performance characteristics of a ball filled with air is a high tech feat. And just a few years ago, it may have been impossible.
"Had I pursued the idea in '06 when I first had the vision for an ultra-durable ball, it is likely to not have happened," One World Futbol co-founder Tim Jahnigen tells Digital Trends. "Even when we finally got started in '08, we were told that it was highly unlikely that we'd have a viable ball in terms of roundness and quality."
Years earlier, Jahnigen had met the founders of Crocs, the gone-viral footwear known for its vivid colors, extreme comfort, and lighter-than-air quality. He'd even tested an early prototype of the shoe. Crocs, which had recently exploded in mainstream popularity to the horror of fashionistas everywhere, are constructed from a proprietary foam resin known for its durability.
But just because they had a potential compound didn't mean One World Futbol had a ball. Jahnigen explains that, initially, none of the firms then experimenting with the brand new material could provide the technical skill to fulfill their vision–creating something that was not only round but could mimic the characteristics of an actual soccer ball.
One World Futbol secured financial support from the musician Sting, and Jahnigen began experimenting with a company called PopFoam to create a soccer ball out of similar material – an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) blend compounded with microcellular agents.
Turning the "super cool, NASA-worthy" compound they had developed into a perfectly round ball that mimicked a "classic" ball required CAD engineering, tweaking the chemistry of the compound, and developing all manner of proprietary processes that One World Futbol now holds as trade secrets. Over three and a half years of prototyping and field testing in places like Haiti and Iraq, they turned out five iterations of the ball and Jahnigen believes he and his team have finally achieved what they set out to do.
"The result is a rubber-like substance that is lighter, stronger, more flexible, resistant to tearing and abrasion and is completely inert, non-toxic to work with. Yet unlike rubber, it is impervious to sun, water and chemicals," Jahnigen says. "The feel and performance of the One World Futbol and a standard inflatable streetball are virtually the same."
The only difference? You can drive a car over the One World Futbol – an act Jahnigen is known to eagerly demonstrate – and it will regain its original shape, instantly ready for another round of kickabout. The ball is so durable, it was tossed into a lion's den and emerged structurally perfect, save for a few teeth marks. Jahnigen believes the One World Futbol should last at least 30 years, if not forever.
In our own field testing, the blue indestructible ball performed admirably. It has a hard plastic feel but is still soft enough to comfortably kick around with bare feet. Given its materials and lack of air, the ball doesn't bounce quite like a normal ball, but considering the variety of terrain the ball is meant to be played on, a uniform bounce is unimportant. It won't be mistaken for the real leather deal, but nor does it prove distracting in the flow of a game.
The concept isn't perfect; at $17 each, the balls are expensive. Unicef bought 5,200 to distribute to schools in Africa last year, but told the New York Times that, compared to $2.50 they spend on traditional balls, the One World Futbol is cost prohibitive. And shipping a ball that won't deflate has proved vexing. "We're not talking about retail packaging here," says Jahnigen. "We're taking about what is needed for these virtually indestructible balls to arrive undamaged after weeks in steel containers on the water and possibly months on a dock somewhere with internal temperatures rising as high as 180 degrees."
Such burdens have limited the potential scope of the project so far, but the program got a big boost last May when Chevrolet agreed to buy 1.5 million balls over three years. An order of that scale has the potential to bring the cost of manufacturing down, which may ultimately alleviate the price concerns of organizations like Unicef. After all, proprietary compounds and manufacturing processes are impressive, but One World Futbol won't have accomplished anything until their ball is where it belongs: on the feet of poor kids all over the world.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Schneier on Security: Fixing Soccer Matches
Right now, Dan Tan's programmers are busy reverse-engineering the safeguards of online betting houses. About $3 billion is wagered on sports every day, most of it on soccer, most of it in Asia. That's a lot of noise on the big exchanges. We can exploit the fluctuations, rig the bets in a way that won't trip the houses' alarms. And there are so many moments in a soccer game that could swing either way. All you have to do is see an Ilves tackle in the box where maybe the Viikingit forward took a dive. It happens all the time. It would happen anyway. So while you're running around the pitch in Finland, the syndicate will have computers placing high-volume max bets on whatever outcome the bosses decided on, using markets in Manila that take bets during games, timing the surges so the security bots don't spot anything suspicious. The exchanges don't care, not really. They get a cut of all the action anyway. The system is stacked so it's gamblers further down the chain who bear all the risks.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Final score 2-0, Madrid strike early ...
Real Madrid scored twice early and then held on for 72 minutes after Sergio Ramos was shown two yellow cards in less than a minute.
Real Madrid have a date with Manchester United to settle their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Before they can focus on that, Los Blancos face two El Clasico matches against Barcelona and two other league games. Today was one of those league games as Madrid hosted Rayo Vallecano, who had won six out of eight league games going in to the match.
It was not Rayo's day. Two early goals from Madrid put the ahead and despite Sergio Ramos' sending off in the 18th minute, Rayo couldn't find a goal and failed to take advantage of Real Sociedad's draw against Levante.
Mesut Özil was a man on a mission from the opening whistle creating two fantastic chances for his teammates. They couldn't take advantage of the first, but the second yielded an opening goal in the 3rd minute. Kaka led the way on a break and found Özil on the right side with a short pass. The German midfielder pulled the ball back across the box, to far for Kaka to get, but in the perfect spot for Morata who side-footed a shot into the back of the net. Not a bad to way to begin your first career league start.
Alejandro Dominguez had an excellent chance to pull Rayo back in the 8th minute, stealing the ball in the midfield and racing down the right side past Pepe. Unfortunately for Ray, Dominguez's shot rolled just wide of the far post.
Özil was assisting again in the 12th minute sending a pinpoint free kick on the head of the diving Sergio Ramos who headed the ball past Rubén. It didn't even matter that a Rayo defender was holding on to Ramos' jersey.
Referee José Paradas, who sent off Sergio Ramos back in March, booked the defender twice in less than a minute and sent him for an extremely early shower. The first card was shown for a hard foul by Ramos on Roberto Trashorras and the second card was for a deliberate handball. Both calls seems correct based on the letter of the law, but to send a player off like that seems extremely harsh.
Despite the advantage, Ray simply couldn't break through against Real Madrid despite have plenty of the ball and plenty of chances on goal.
Pepe Reina in Liverpool Europa League rally-cry|Sunlight|Sport...
The Reds go into tomorrowas second knee against Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 down following their flop in Russia the other day. And Reina said: aItas as much as supporters, players and both. aWe have to show identity from the beginning, particularly in the initial 15-20 minutes to get the folks right behind us, but then they will raise us in the fragile moments as they usually do. aThe fact an evening game it is makes it different. Supporters arrived at the overall game more enthusiastic. Itas difficult to explain, but thereas another kind of environment. aIt is likely to be higher and a great deal larger if the next goal can be scored by us in the tie, so hopefully we can do this. aEverybody knows about Anfield on a European night and I could tell you from experience, itas breathtaking when you perform against Liverpool at Anfield.a Liverpool need to score three aims to see off the Russians in standard time a and Reina admits the Reds can not afford to acknowledge. He added: aThe thinking of the players is significantly diffent when you go into a casino game like this because you know you have to win by 2 or 3 targets. Amazement have to make sure we donat concede a' thatas the first step in trying to overtake them. a90 minutes is a long time frame and we have to make sure we guard well first and then we can have the chances. aWe wish to get every prize weare involved in. Itas likely to be tough. a2-0 is just a very difficult cause overturn, but if there's one place that could do it, itas Anfield a' there's undoubtedly about that.a Reina rates Liverpoolas make an impression on Chelsea in the 2007 Champions League semi-final as his best-ever setting at Anfield. As a 1-0 deficit was overcome by the Reds penalties were saved two by the keeper. And he said. aThe Chelsea 2nd leg in 2007 was one example. aAlthough it wasn't 2-0, it was 1-0, it was a difficult effect and history might have been different if theyad obtained in the first short while or so. aThatas the thinking to have and hopefully it'll function as same result by the end. aAnfield was rocking that I and night havenat held it's place in an atmosphere like that since.a Video: Reina rules out Barca transition
Ex-Arsenal & Manchester United Defender Heading To MLS ...
Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is to become the latest Premier League player to move to the MLS in the United States after signing a deal to join the Portland Timbers.
French international Silvestre has been without a club since October when he left Bundesliga side Werder Bremen after two years with the club and will now try his luck in the MLS following a successful two-week trial with the Portland Timbers.
The 35-year-old had been acquired by the Seattle Sounders, but a trade deal with the Portland Timbers will see him begin his career in the MLS with the latter, who plan to use him at left-back rather than as a centre-back where he is also comfortable playing.
"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the field and in the locker room," Timbers head coach Caleb Porter is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "He is a quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a long way in helping to solidify our back line."
Silvestre, who has been capped by 40 times by France, began his career with Rennes and then moved to Inter Milan, but it was with Manchester United that he enjoyed the best days of his career with five Premier League titles and a Champions League success in 10 seasons between 1999 and 2008.
He then left to join Arsenal, where he spent two seasons between 2008 and 2010, before moving to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen.
FC Barcelona stars turn out to perform in new Nike Sportswear collection
Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra try the streets of Barcelona in a collection inspired by the legendary membership. Set against the background of their home city, Hamilton Academical Barcelona people Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra are the stars of a fresh strategy to debut a Nike Sportswear collection inspired by the legendary club. The collection highlights Hamilton Academical Barcelona's basic colors and includes critical details of the clubas record and a number of its most symbolic icons. The NSW variety is really a mixture of design and innovation, featuring a classic design ethos combined with Nike technologies. An illustration of thisof past-present juxtaposition may be the Nike FCB Covert Vintage 73 Throwback T-shirta'worn by Bartraa'which incorporates Nike Dri-FIT technology andApays gratitude to the club's past with a retro look. The Nike FCB Covert Vintage polo worn by Busquets features signature FCB describing, while the Nike FCB Authentic AW77 Full Zip hoody boasts stunning embroidery that enables the person to frankly express his support for the group. Pedro wears the Nike FCB Authentic N98 Jacket, providing warmth in a vintage, sport-inspired look. Within official FC Barcelona team wear the team will wear the series off the pitch.
More Info: Cagliari - Torino FC [Live Football]
Thursday, February 21, 2013
(Video) Manchester United 2-1 Reading: FA Glass Features...
Have the CaughtOffside iPad application. Download the no 1 Free Activities Application from the Software Shop. Most of the latest footie information and much, much more. Replacement Nani was the star of the show, rating one and assisting another as Man United march on to the FA Cup Quarter Finals. Register to QPR compared to Manchester United Nani won one and made another as Manchester United beat Reading 2-1 to book their invest the FA Cup quarter-finals here on Monday. The Portuguese winger was only brought on as a substitute due to a first-half problems for Phil Jones but he certainly made his mark with an effective second-half hit before establishing Javier Hernandez with a pinpoint corner. United can now face the success of Chelsea and Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals as Alex Fergusonas side continue to challenge for trophies on three fronts despite a late scare when Jobi McAnuff pulled one back for Reading. aIam satisfied with the grade of our play,a said Ferguson, who made nine changes aside that received 1-1 with Real Madrid in last weekas Champions League battle. Shock needs to have tried them better though. aAt 2-0 you're never comfortable. Nani deserved to be man of the match, his contribution was terrific. I'd a feeling he'd win the match for us. We are at home within the next round and we'd take that against anyone.a Solace was taken by his Reading counterpart Brian McDermott from the overall performance. Amazement found Manchester United and put on a great performance as well, and weare disappointed to not be coming away with a said McDermott, whose part face an essential Premier League relegation battle with other strugglers Wigan next Saturday. United had come flying from the blocks and Danny Welbeck gave his first work to Reading keeper Adam Federici of the night a minute later with a low strike which was sent away. The Reading keeper pulled off a good save in the 22nd moment to deny Tom Cleverleyas low opportunity before getting right back on his legs to show away Ashley Youngas fearful reach from close range. Jackson, after his amazing man-marking job against Cristiano Ronaldo last week, is actually a doubt for the return leg in March after injuring his ankle in a conflict with McAnuff and Nani changed him. Adam Le Fondre gave United keeper David De Gea his first work of the night with a fast change and shot that the United keeper saved. Nani then got straight to the action with a shot that beat Federici before cracking off the post and flying away from danger. The Royals stopper was then forced by the winger in to a decent preserve in first-half stoppage time with a long-range effort. United began the second half such as the first with Cleverley trying to exercise a low effort by way of a crowd of participants before Reading cleaned. A header from Vidic off Sean Morrison must be cleared off the point by Reading striker Noel Hunt who was simply playing with staples in a head wound after a conflict with the Serbian defense in the first half. Reading were being pinned back as van Persie replaced Young before Nani whizzed one by the article in the 65th minute. The Portuguese winger was certainly out to prove a spot after perhaps not making the starting line-up and when Antonio Valencia set the ball to him in the region in the second, a touch was taken by him before rifling the ball home just for his third of the period. Le Fondre dismissed at De Gea within occasions but the tie was all but put beyond the visitors in the 72nd minute when Nani crossed for Hernandez who went in at the post. With seven minutes remaining, Chris Smalling didn't clear a combination and McAnuff pounced to pull one back for Reading however they could not get a second to drive the replay as a corner was headed by Le Fondre just over in stoppage time.
AC Milan stuns FC Barcelona 2-0 in Champions League - San ...
AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng celebrates after scoring during the Champions League round of 16, first leg soccer match against FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Felice Calabro')
Kevin-Prince Boateng gave Milan the lead in controversial circumstances in the 57th minute. Cristian Zapata appeared to handle Riccardo Montolivo's assist in the buildup.
It was a deserved win for Milan, which contained Barcelona's potent attack impressively, allowing it just two shots on target all match.
The result caps a stunning turnaround of fortunes for Milan. Massimiliano Allegri's side started the season dreadfully and was 15th in the Italian league after eight games. It is now third.
More Info: FC Nantes - AC Le Havre [Live Football]
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Bundesliga: Lewandowski future remains unclear - ClubCall.com
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are considered front-runners in the battle for his signature as incoming boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly told the Bayern board to match Dortmund's asking price, believed to be £25.5million.However, Premier League side Manchester United have a long-standing interest in the Poland international and are planning a rival move, while Italian champions Juventus are also keeping tabs on the striker's situation.Lewandowski's agent Cezary Kucharski said: "Many clubs are interested in the player, in particular Manchester United. Bayern Munich? I know something, but no further details."
Eredivisie: NEC Nijmegen 1 VVV Venlo 2 - Soccerway
Uche Nwofor produced a prompt reply, however, collecting Barry Maguire's pass to slot home an equaliser just five minutes later.
Ton Lokhoff's side had to wait until the 72nd minute to snare the winner, which came via Dutch midfielder Bryan Linssen following another Maguire assist.
Venlo stay in the relegation zone in 17th place on 19 points but have bridged the gap to the safety of 15th spot, currently occupied by Roda JC, to two points.
Having seen their three-match winning streak snapped, NEC stay seventh, 10 points shy of fourth spot and a subsequent Europa League spot.
United 2 Reading 1 - Manchester United
Second-half goals from Nani and Chicharito sent Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a tense, attritional victory over Reading at Old Trafford.
Brian McDermott's Royals stifled United for long periods but Nani, on for the injured Phil Jones, rifled home the opening goal after 69 minutes and superbly laid on the second just two minutes later.
Jobi McAnuff struck with 10 minutes remaining to ensure a nervy finish for the home support, but United held on to secure a last eight tie against either Middlesbrough or Chelsea.
Sir Alex Ferguson had championed the depth of the talent pool at his disposal ahead of the game, and sought to demonstrate it with eight changes to the side which fought out a draw at Real Madrid five days earlier, with only Jones, David De Gea and Danny Welbeck retaining their place.
The opening made by the much-changed Reds augured well. In little more than a minute United might have moved ahead as Chicharito's shot was blocked by Adrian Mariappa, as was Welbeck's rebound, and the ball ricocheted marginally too high for Antonio Valencia to nod into the yawning goal.
Less than two minutes later Welbeck forced Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici into his first save of the evening with a powerful left-footed effort, before Ashley Young's shot was bravely blocked by Sean Morrison as the winger looked certain to sidefoot home the opening goal of the