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Spainful end for Portugal
Domenech, Escalettes quizzed over WC debacle
Performance Issues: Nigeria Prez bans national team for 2 years
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Poster boys with backs to the wall!
Ronaldo spits at cameraman
Elano KO scare for Brazil
AIFF renews Houghton’s contract
2011 Asian Cup
Want to do a PG in Golf Mgmt?
Airtel Champions League T20 schedule out, MI to play opener
Afridi injured ahead of Oz series
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Spainful end for Portugal
Cape Town, June 30 The match was billed as a meeting between the second- and third-ranked teams in the world but the 1-0 scoreline gave little sign of the real gulf between the Iberian neighbours. The European champions now face Paraguay on July 3 and have a strong chance of reaching to the semifinal, which will be their second semifinal and the first in 60 years.
“We always controlled the game but in the second half we were better than Portugal, we had greater depth in our game and we controlled very well,” said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Cristiano Ronaldo was a peripheral figure for Portugal, who clocked a couple of decent first-half chances but had few complaints after failing to score for the third time in four games in South Africa. “It must be recognised that Spain moved the ball extremely well and had a greater degree of possession. We had a number of opportunities but we allowed Spain to play the same type football up to the point where they scored.” said coach Carlos Queiroz. Spain looked dangerous from the off as Fernando Torres and Villa stung goalkeeper Eduardo’s palms three times cutting in from the left in the opening seven minutes. Portugal plugged that gap and worked hard to ensure Spain’s crisp passing made patterns in the midfield instead of inroads towards goal. Portugal actually had the clearer chances of the first half as a swerving Ronaldo free kick almost got past Iker Casillas while striker Hugo Almeida missed a great opportunity. Spain continued to dominate possession after the break but struggled to find a way through until Del Bosque’s inspired substitution after 58 minutes. A weary-looking Torres gave way to Fernando Llorente and two minutes later the big striker forced Casillas into a great save with his first touch - a diving header. His presence upset Portugal’s concentration and spurred Spain to accelerate their approach.
— Reuters |
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Domenech, Escalettes quizzed over WC debacle
Domenech, whose contract ended after France's group stage exit, and French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, who resigned on Monday, avoided media by using a back door to enter the National Assembly building in Paris. The hearing was scheduled to be public but took place behind closed doors at the request of the FFF. “I find it scandalous that those two people refused to speak in the presence of media,” commission member and former Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour told reporters during a break.Domenech and Escalettes faced criticism for the way they handled the team's crisis, which culminated when the players boycotted a public training session in support of expelled striker Nicolas Anelka who had insulted Domenech. “We told them this was not a court and the purpose was to
understand what happened and try to make sure it did not happen again," commission member Jean-Marc Roubaud told reporters outside the room where the hearing took place. FIFA had warned on Tuesday that soccer’s world governing body would suspend the FFF if France’s politicians interfered in its business.
— Reuters |
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Performance Issues: Nigeria Prez bans national team for 2 years
Abuja (Nigeria), June 30 Niboro said all funding of the World Cup squad, including the hiring of Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, would be investigated. Nigeria left the World Cup competition with just one point after being held to a 2-2 draw by South Korea in its last game. Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0 in its Group B opener and fell to Greece 2-1 in a game turned by the first-half expulsion of midfielder Sani Kaita. The Super Eagles haven't won a World Cup match since 1998, going out with two losses and a draw in 2002 and failing to qualify for Germany 2006. The Nigerian Football Federation's executive committee had earlier tendered an apology to the government and “all football loving Nigerians” for the early exit. Nigeria risks being banned by FIFA from all international football because of the political interference. “At the time of writing, we have no official information on this matter,” FIFA said in a statement. "However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known.” Nigeria's next scheduled international match is a qualifier for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, at home to Madagascar in early September.
— AP |
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Poster boys with backs to the wall!
Messi, who has had an excellent tournament so far without scoring a goal, and Torres, who has had an indifferent tournament without scoring either, are still involved with Argentina facing Germany in their quarter-final and Spain playing Paraguay in theirs. Rooney undoubtedly had the worst World Cup of the lot. The build-up to the tournament in England was dominated by stories of how an-in form Rooney would lead England to the semi-finals at least. Rooney though, was never on form, played without a smile as if he would rather be anywhere else, and although he came close to a goal in England's final Group C match against Slovenia, he had a miserable sullen campaign. With Portugal's defensive approach in the final group game against Brazil, the winger saw little of the ball and, excepting the odd useful pass, his threat was nullified by imposing centre back
Lucio. Frustrated by not being able to make darting runs and with his free kicks mostly flying into the stands, Ronaldo spent most of the tournament pouting. Spain's Torres came in direct opposition to Ronaldo on Tuesday, with coach Vicente del Bosque deploying him in a two-pronged attack with strike partner David Villa. After returning from knee surgery shortly before the tournament, he has been totally outshone by Villa, who has netted four in four matches to draw to within two of Raul's national scoring record of 44. Torres at least, like Messi, is still involved. Messi, the World Player of the Year, has had a series of excellent games with Argentina seemingly on course for a final showdown with Brazil. Of all the “poster boys” Messi still has the chance to etch his name on the finals just as Diego Maradona did in 1986. The two big African stars of the pre-tournament build-up had moderate successes, even though their teams failed to survive the group stage. Drogba played with a protective cast for Ivory Coast after fracturing his arm before the tournament, and at least had the satisfaction of becoming the first African to score a goal against Brazil in the World Cup when he netted in their 3-1 defeat at Soccer City. Cameroonian Eto'o managed to get on the scoresheet twice before his side also exited at the group stage. They never came close to emulating the 1990 Roger Milla campaign.
— Reuters |
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Silva to join City from Valencia
London, June 30 Spanish media reported the deal was worth about 32 million euros ($39.16 million) although no financial details were given in the announcement on City's website (www.mcfc.co.uk). “The player’s advisers and officials from both clubs have finalised the details... he will complete his medical and officially become a City player once his involvement in the World Cup is over,” the world's richest soccer club said. The pacy left-footer has been a potent force at Valencia and at international level with team mate David Villa, Spain's goalscorer in their World Cup second-round victory over Iberian neighbours Portugal on Tuesday. The money will be welcome for Valencia, who have qualified for the Champions League but are in a dire financial situation and have already sold Villa to Barcelona for 40 million euros. “The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City,” the City website quoted Silva as saying from Spain's World Cup base in South Africa. “I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.” The playmaker, who has been at Valencia for six years, thanked the Primera Liga club for their support and said they would always be special to him. City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini said Silva was an important signing for the Abu Dhabi-owned club who finished fifth in England last season to qualify for the Europa League. “I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe,” he said. “I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City. In signing David, we are showing the World that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League. When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition, they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it,” added Mancini. Valencia have been forced to sell players because of debts running to over 500 million euros.
— Reuters |
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Ronaldo spits at cameraman
Ronaldo, whose team endured a particularly poor night, where they were unable to utilise many opportunities they had, spat at the cameraman, who was trailing him at the final whistle, The Sun reports. Spain midfielder David Villa fired a 63-minute goal, his fourth goal of the tournament, which eliminated Portugal, and sent his team into the last eight. Vicente Del Bosque’s men dominated the game, but were frustrated for long periods by a strong Portugal defense. Spain now plays Paraguay in the quarterfinals on Saturday. The South Americans progressed on penalties 5-3 after a 0-0 draw with Japan.
— ANI |
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Elano KO scare for Brazil
"He can walk and run without changing direction, the problem is the impact, when he puts weight on it," Runco told reporters. “The bone is swollen inside, hence the name. He could be better in a few days, a week or a month.
We still hope he can play next week but I can't say that categorically. He is working intensely so we have to see if nature can give a helping hand.”
— Reuters |
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AIFF renews Houghton’s contract
“I have signed a contract till 2013,” Houghton, who had threatened to resign in May after he learnt that the AIFF was looking for a new coach after the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar, said at a press conference here on the eve of national team’s departure for a two-month training tour of Portugal. “My plan is to stay after Asian Cup. But like any other coach it’s never look beyond a big tournament,” said the Briton, tongue in cheek, referring to the the continental event which will be a tough test for him and his players. Houghton is not new to controversy, including the latest resignation drama which hit the headlines two months back, and today also he hit out at the clubs for hampering in the development of Indian football. “There has not been much change in Indian football in the last four years of my coaching career here. The national team’s performance depends on the I-League and domestic structure and the clubs do not want to change,” he said. “The Executive Committee has presidents of big clubs as members. So, for example, when I want I-League players not to play in the local leagues, these members don’t agree. Ultimately, they take decisions and have voting rights,” said the experienced coach. “I have had several confrontational meeting with the club officials in these four years. I ask them how is that your clubs are more than 100 years old but India are languishing below 130 in FIFA rankings,” Houghton, who took over as coach in June 2006, said.
— PTI |
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2011 Asian Cup
New Delhi, June 30 National coach Bob Houghton and 28 players will leave for Portugal from here in the wee hours tomorrow for a two-month tour, which will kickstart India's preparations for Asian Cup next January, for which the country qualified after 1984. Defender Gouramangi Singh will join his teammates in a few days as he is yet to reach the country from Australia after failing to get a contract with the A-League side Melbourne Heart FC. Striker Sunil Chhetri, who is also among the 30 players selected for the preparations, is not expected to be in Portugal as he has joined Major League Soccer side Kansas City Wizards in March. “Sunil will join the team later, may be in November," Houghton told a press conference on the eve of team departure here today. “For one month from July 1-31, the team will be based at Vierra, a small town, 200 km from Lisbon on the road to Porto. It is a peaceful place with good football facilities. A Portuguese league third division side is based there,” he said. “In the first month we are not playing any friendly matches. The objective was to bring all players to same level of fitness. The players had come after playing in different clubs, some with injuries and later recovered, so they need to come to the same level of fitness before playing any competitive games,” the 62-year-old coach elaborated. The whole of August, the team will be trained at facilities of Portuguese Premier League side Sporting Clube in Lisbon and play 10 friendlies against second division sides. “The players will train at the Sporting Clube Academy for August. The academy is famous for producing two World Footballers of the Year in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo. We will play 10 friendlies there,” the experienced British coach said. From Lisbon, the players will directly go to Bangkok to play an international friendly against Thailand on September 4. They will return here on September 5 or 6 to host the Thai side for another international friendly at Ambedkar Stadium on September 8.
— PTI |
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Berdych sends Federer packing
World number two Federer, who had endured a shaky start to the grass court tournament, was outplayed by the tall Czech in front of a capacity Centre Court crowd. He saved one match point with a volley at the net but Berdych finally completed his third career victory over the Swiss with a forehand winner. Berdych will face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals after the third seed comfortably saw off Andy Roddick's conqueror Lu Yen-hsun of Taiwan. Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic eased into the men’s semifinals at Wimbledon today with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, win over Yen-hsun on Court One. Lu caused the biggest shock of the men’s tournament on Monday when he knocked out Andy Roddick to become the first Asian man to reach the quarterfinals of a grand slam since Japan's Shuzo Matsuoka in 1995. However, the son of a chicken farmer, Lu, had his wings clipped by Djokovic, who sealed victory with a crosscourt forehand in one hour 51 minutes.
Meanwhile, Serena and Venus Williams’ stranglehold of women’s doubles was ended at Wimbledon today when the American sisters were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Vera Zvonareva and Elena Vesnina. A 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to the Russian duo ended Venus’s tournament after she suffered a shock defeat to Bulgaria’s world number 82 Tsvetana Pironkova in the last eight of the women’s singles on Tuesday. The Williams’ title at the French Open earlier this month was their 12th together in grand slams and meant they held all four majors at the same time. World number one Rafael Nadal overcame a slow start to beat Swede Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 today and reach the semifinals of Wimbledon. The Spaniard, who also saw off Soderling’s challenge in the French Open final earlier this month, squandered his first match point but then sealed victory with a forehand down the line. Sixth-seeded Soderling had a medical timeout for treatment on his left foot as Nadal was about to serve for the third set at 5-4. Former champion Nadal, who missed last year’s Wimbledon withknee problems, will face either Britain's Andy Murray or Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinal. — Reuters
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Want to do a PG in Golf Mgmt?
Highlights India’s first ever PG course in Golf Management Collaboration with one of the premier institutes in the industry, and known as Centre of Excellence in golf related studies - Elmwood College, UK Six months’ intensive apprenticeship at a golf facility in Scotland, UK Comprehensive course focusing on every aspect of the industry. Eligibility Graduation must Admission through entrance test Candidates qualified in GMAT, CAT, MAT or equivalent with at least 60% marks will be exempt from the entrance test Defence services officers may be exempted from the entrance test based on service profile candidates will have to qualify Selection Interview Must be a golf player with at least a 24 handicap.
Chandigarh, June 30 ISCOM has always aspired to help students explore varied career options and in sync with this, they have introduced a niche course in golf management in association with Elmwood College, UK. Speaking about the course, Director, ISCOM, Prof Keshav Rae, a former director of Symbiosis Institute of International Business, said it was time to go professional for golf. “There are so many things related to the sport, which don’t have a professional outlook. We think there is a great chance to work upon that and change it too. The course is dedicated to the sport and its planned uplift.”
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Airtel Champions League T20 schedule out, MI to play opener
Tribune News Service
Groups The complete schedule Sep 10: Mumbai Indians vs Highveld Lions, Johannesburg 9 pm.
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Afridi injured ahead of Oz series
Karachi, June 30 Afridi has confirmed that the strain has troubled him a bit but is confident that he will recover in time to play in the opening Twenty20 International against Australia July 5 in Birmingham. The seasoned all-rounder, who is leading his team in a warm-up match against Kent in Canterbury, will be visiting a clinic later Wednesday to ascertain the full extent of the injury. “I don’t think its anything serious,” said Afridi. “Its just a minor side strain and hopefully I’ll be fully fit soon.” Afridi, 30, will lead Pakistan in back-to-back series against Australia and England later this summer. At the helm of a relatively inexperienced team, Afridi has to carry much of his team’s hopes during the tour.
— IANS |
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Paris, June 30
Johannesburg, June 30
They still have time to leave an indelible mark on this World Cup but the chance has gone, for at least another four years, for Rooney and Ronaldo. For Drogba, who will be 36 in 2014 and Eto'o, who will be 33, the chance may have gone for good.
His old Manchester United team mate Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, also rarely rose above the mediocre. He came close to starting the tournament in glory with a long-distance strike that crashed against the Ivory Coast post and was mostly ineffective for the rest of that game. He did shine, though, in the 7-0 rout of the North Koreans, firing shots against the bar, the side netting and the keeper as well as making some delightful passes and breaking his long dry spell for the national side with a comical late goal.
The second round tie against the Spaniards offered Ronaldo a great chance to shine but Portugal's direct method to counter their opponents' passing game left him with little service and his main chance came from a fierce, swerving free kick that Iker Casillas struggled to defend.
Torres looks to be lacking the pace and strength that have made him such a terror for defenders in the past and is a shadow of the player who scored the brilliant winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.
JOHANESSBURG: Brazil midfielder Elano’s nagging ankle injury has ruled him out of Friday's quarterfinal with Netherlands, team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said Wednesday. Runco said Elano was had suffered a bone bruise, the result of a crunching tackle he received during Brazil's second group game against Ivory Coast on June 20.
New Delhi, June 30
London, June 30