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Can a maverick Balotelli and the old guards make Italy, not at their best, a serious contender? Keep your fingers crossed... |
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short passes Hsieh, Peng win doubles title Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan and Peng Shuai of China pose with the trophy after winning the women’s doubles final on Sunday. Reuters Spain round it off with a solid win Draw with Honduras gives England a wake-up call Have to go all out against Oz Rupinder Pal Singh again failed to score from a penalty corner, against Malaysia. AFP Rosberg takes Canadian GP pole Nico Rosberg after taking pole for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Saturday. REUTERS Ganguly joins Mudgal panel Head in clouds, feet on clay
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Can a maverick Balotelli and the old guards make Italy, not at their best, a serious contender? Keep your fingers crossed... Italy's two most influential players have a combined age of over 70, their most prolific striker has been omitted over fitness concerns following injury, and other key players are prone to wild swings in temperament. Meanwhile, an unproductive youth system is struggling to replenish the talent pool and, despite his best efforts to promote younger players, coach Cesare Prandelli, 56, could end up fielding a starting XI with an average age of around 30. Domestic football is in seemingly perpetual decline, many stadiums are in a dilapidated state, match-fixing continues to raise its ugly head, and the world's top players have gone elsewhere. Yet for all of Italian football's problems, the four-times world champions remain a World Cup threat, and there is a sneaking suspicion that Prandelli, one of the game's most likeable and eloquent coaches, will somehow come up with the right formula when it matters. His first task is to steer them through a tough-looking first-round group against Uruguay, England and Costa Rica and make sure they do not suffer a repeat of their elimination at the first hurdle in South Africa in 2010, when they went home early following draws with Paraguay and New Zealand and a defeat to Slovakia. In nearly four years since then, he has restored Italy's credibility and largely succeeded in removing the histrionics and negativity from their game. Against the odds he led them to the final of Euro 2012 and they nearly upset Spain in the Confederations Cup semi-final last year before losing on penalties. Helped by a code of ethics which he has applied implacably and led to Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli and Dani Osvaldo being dropped at various stages, he has shown an uncanny knack for dealing with problem players. Italy certainly have plenty of those. Balotelli, who seems almost certain to lead the attack, has managed to curb the worst excesses he showed at Manchester City since joining AC Milan just over one year ago, but is still prone to mood swings and often acts as if he is carrying the world on his shoulders. Argentina-born Osvaldo, who scored four goals in the qualifiers and has left a trail of training ground rows and other controversies behind him in his turbulent career, was ultimately left out. Yet this was due to a lack of form rather than misbehaviour. De Rossi, a superb all-round midfielder, also has a wild side which has earned him a hatful of red cards during his career for AS Roma and Italy. Meanwhile, forward Antonio Cassano embarrassed Italy at Euro 2012 when he said he hoped that there were no gay players in the squad. OLD FAITHFULS
Italy fielded 40 players in the World Cup qualifiers as Prandelli searched for some younger blood, yet his side in Brazil is likely to feature plenty of old faithfuls. Gianluigi Buffon, 36, remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and is set to play at his fourth World Cup while Andrea Pirlo, who will be 35, is still pulling the strings in midfield. Pirlo, who like Buffon was in the 2006 World Cup-winning team, has helped Juventus dominate Serie A over the last three seasons and remains one of the world's great free-kick specialists. Despite their age, both players would be welcome in almost any other national team. Other regulars in the qualifying campaign, such as Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and De Rossi, are all approaching or past their 30th birthdays. — Reuters awesome trio
Andrea Pirlo Deep-lying playmaker whose career found a second wind when he moved to Juventus after 10 seasons with AC Milan. The inspiration in Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning side, he missed two of their three games in South Africa through injury. An exceptional free-kick exponent who likes to dictate the pace of the game, although some regard his style of play as old fashioned. Daniele De Rossi A dynamic midfielder, he can tackle, shoot and pass well, and is the squad's leading scorer at international level. One of the 2006 World Cup winners, and much less volatile nowadays but still prone to losses of temper and has fallen foul of Prandelli's disciplinary rules three times. Like a quite few others in the side, his experience will stand Italy in good stead. Marco Verratti Central midfielder whose outstanding technique and passing have led to comparisons with Pirlo. Raised at Pescara, helped them win promotion from Serie B in 2011-12 and then went straight to Paris St Germain without ever playing in Serie A. Despite establishing himself with PSG, Verratti he has been given surprisingly few chances with his country. Group D
Italy, England, uruguay Italy’s World ranking: 9 Best finish: Champions four times, in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006 Last 3 World Cup performances: Pre-quarters in 2002, champions in 2006 and group stage in 2010 Main threat Uruguay and England
will pose a big threat to Italy. 2014 international results: |
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short passes Cameroon's World Cup squad refused to board their scheduled plane to Brazil on Sunday in a strike action over money for the tournament, officials said. Cameroon's footballers have previously refused to play due to rows with the football federation over cash, and the run up to this tournament has been undermined by disagreements over the bonus payment players should receive for playing in Brazil. National team coach Volker Finke said that talks were underway as players are complaining that the 50 million CFA francs ($104,000) that the players were paid was not enough. "I am sure the problem will be solved and we (will) take off either this afternoon or in the evening," said Finke. A member of Cameroon's official delegation confirmed the row over the payment of bonuses but said that it had been resolved by early afternoon. "They just told us that the problem is solved and that we have to be at the airport at around 9.30 PM for the travel," the source told Reuters, asking not to be named. Cameroon players had last week threatened to go on strike until they received promised payment for participating at the World Cup but suspended the strike ahead of their international friendly against Germany last Sunday, the French sports paper L'Equipe reported. Ronaldo back in training with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, suffering with tendinosis around his left knee and an injury to his right thigh, trained with his Portugal team mates on Saturday for the first time since joining the World Cup squad 10 days ago. Midfielder Raul Meireles was also involved in the session but central defender Pepe continued to train separately, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement. According to media reports, Ronaldo did not show any limitations during the first 15 minutes of the session which were open to the media. The World Player of the Year missed the recent friendlies against Greece and Mexico. Ronaldo, 29, struggled with minor injuries during the closing weeks of Real Madrid's season before playing 120 minutes in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid and scoring the final goal in their 4-1 win, with a penalty. Portugal, who are training just outside New York, face Germany in their opening World Cup match on June 16. They also face United States and Ghana in their group. Meireles has a problem in his left thigh and Pepe a muscular injury in his right leg.
Nigeria defender Echiejile ruled out
Defender Elderson Echiejile will miss the World Cup because of an injury suffered in a warm-up match last week, Nigerian officials said on Sunday. The left back from French club Monaco tore a hamstring in the friendly draw with Greece in Philadelphia on Tuesday and will need a minimum of three weeks to recover. "We don't have that sort of time to play with," coach Stephen Keshi told reporters after Saturday's 2-1 loss to the United States in Nigeria's last warm-up match before departing for Brazil. Fellow defender Kenneth Omeruo and winger Ahmed Musa have been passed fit despite both sitting out the defeat by the Americans in Jacksonville. Nigeria are expected to announce midfielder Ejike Uzoenyi as Echiejile's replacement.
Sponsors uneasy on Qatar 2022 bribe allegations
Sponsors Adidas, Sony and Visa called on soccer's rulers to deal thoroughly with allegations of bribery to secure the 2022 World Cup for Qatar, an issue that is overshadowing this week's kickoff in Brazil. With its four yearly showpiece event only four days away, soccer's governing body FIFA is on the defensive, conducting an internal investigation into the decisions to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 Cup in Qatar. Both countries have denied any wrongdoing. Qatar's bid has attracted controversy from the outset because of the extreme summer heat during the months when the Cup is played and the tiny country's lack of domestic soccer tradition. — Reuters Ronaldo back in training with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, suffering with tendinosis around his left knee and an injury to his right thigh, trained with his Portugal team mates on Saturday for the first time since joining the World Cup squad 10 days ago. Midfielder Raul Meireles was also involved in the session but central defender Pepe continued to train separately, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement. According to media reports, Ronaldo did not show any limitations during the first 15 minutes of the session which were open to the media. The World Player of the Year missed the recent friendlies against Greece and Mexico. Ronaldo, 29, struggled with minor injuries during the closing weeks of Real Madrid's season before playing 120 minutes in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid and scoring the final goal in their 4-1 win, with a penalty. — Reuters
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Hsieh, Peng win doubles title
Paris, June 8 Hsieh, of Taiwan, and China's Peng, both 28 and born four days apart, extended their win-loss record to 12-0 in doubles finals with their victory on the Paris clay, building on the Wimbledon title they lifted last year. The Italian pairing, seeded second, had won four of the last eight grand slams, including the 2012 Roland Garros crown and this year's Australian Open. "Don't be sad... you guys will win much more than us, so let us win this one," Peng said to her opponents at the trophy presentation on court. "It is the dream to win." Murray appoints Amelie Mauresmo as new coach
Andy Murray has appointed former women's number one Amelie Mauresmo as his new coach, the Wimbledon champion said on Sunday. Former Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Mauresmo will initially take up the role for the grasscourt season and will join Murray at the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club next week where the British No. 1 will be hoping to defend his title. "I'm excited by the possibilities of the new partnership and Amelie is someone I have always looked up to and admired," Murray said. "She's faced adversity plenty of times in her career, but was an amazing player and won major titles, including Wimbledon. I have a very strong coaching team already in place, but I think Amelie brings with her experience and tactical expertise and will push us all to improve. Everyone I know talks very highly of Amelie, as a person and coach, and I'm convinced that her joining the team will help us push on – I want to win more grand slams." The 34-year-old Mauresmo, who is currently France's Fed Cup captain, has enjoyed a successful coaching career since retiring as a player in 2009 and guided Marion Bartoli to her first major title at Wimbledon last year. "I'm really excited to be able to work with Andy," Mauresmo said. "He's an amazingly talented tennis player and I feel I have plenty to offer both him and the team around him.” — Reuters |
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Spain round it off with a solid win WASHINGTON, June 8 Vicente Del Bosque's team squandered a chance to take an early lead when Diego Costa was felled in the penalty area by goalkeeper Henry Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas smashed his fourth-minute spot kick over the crossbar. Villa, whose goals helped Spain to their maiden world title in South Africa four years ago, came off the bench at the break and was in the right place to nod in a Sergio Ramos knockdown in the 60th minute. David Silva floated the ball into the area three minutes from time and Villa chested it down before firing into the corner on his 96th appearance. "We know that Villa, in tight spaces, is one of the best forwards in the world," said Del Bosque. — Reuters
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Draw with Honduras gives England a wake-up call
MIAMI, June 8 England striker Daniel Sturridge had the best chance of the game after 22 minutes but his weak left-foot shot missed the far post and he was guilty of wasting two other good opportunities before a crowd of 45,379 at the Sun Life stadium. The match was suspended for 43 minutes in the first half due to the threat of lightning although in the second period the sparks were on the pitch with Honduras reduced to 10 men when Brayan Beckeles caught Leighton Baines in the head with his arm. But England failed to capitalise on the one-man advantage in the closing stages leaving manager Roy Hodgson to put a brave face on their second draw in Miami after Wednesday's exciting 2-2 result against Ecuador in front of half as many fans. "It's time for the real thing now," he told ITV. "Everyone is fit, (injured winger) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is making progress and I think he will make the tournament. "Honduras were quite physical and it was one of the most frustrating games I have been involved in for a long time. I thought the tempo of our play and effort to score in the second half was commendable," he added. "I will take the draw and take the fact we got away without any injuries. We go to Brazil in the right frame of mind." Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez, whose team lost their previous warmup game 4-2 to Israel, was delighted with the draw, telling reporters: "A result like that against England can make people believe in Honduras and give them optimism." England's opening World Cup game is against Italy on June 14 followed by Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D. Honduras start versus France before facing Ecuador and Switzerland in Group E. US beat Nigeria
Jozy Altidore ended his goal drought to score twice as the United States completed their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 win over Nigeria at EverBank Field in Jacksonville on Saturday. Altidore had not scored since December for either his English Premier League club Sunderland or the national team but managed a goal in each half to send the U.S. to Brazil on the back of three successive friendly victories.— Reuters |
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Winning against an Asian side is always special and the team’s win over Malaysia means that India will not finish last no matter what happens in the coming days.
In the semifinal of the Asian Games, they beat us 4-3, making a late comeback. When you have beaten a side in the near past, the belief that you can win stays with you. The win has also come at the right time as India face Australia in their last pool game. India played good hockey and almost everything clicked. They dominated for most part of the game and played with a lot of confidence, which showed in the way they controlled the ball.
A big worry for the Indian coach will be the penalty corner conversion. They have not scored one goal from a penalty corner — the first goal against Malaysia, though technically a penalty-corner goal, cannot be counted as one. Rupinder Pal Singh and VR Raghunath have not at all seemed dangerous. Despite being unsuccessful with the direct effort, why have they not used a variation once? The team has to resolve this issue, especially if it wants to beat Australia. A win will be a big ask but India have to go all-out and not worry about a huge loss. A draw will not change India’s situation, as Spain will most probably beat Malaysia to climb above us. A win will mean that India can finish in the top-6, assuming Belgium beat England. The writer is a former India captain
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Rosberg takes Canadian GP pole Montreal, June 8 After controversy surrounded Rosberg's pole in Monaco two weeks ago, the German left no room for argument in another psychological blow for Hamilton. Rosberg, who is four points clear of Hamilton but has never finished higher than fifth in Canada, pulled out a stunning lap of one minute 14.874 seconds to beat the Briton by 0.079. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, last year's race winner, will line up third in a promising boost for the German after a tough start to the season. Mercedes-powered Williams enjoyed a strong qualifying session, with Finland's Valtteri Bottas qualifying fourth ahead of team mate Felipe Massa in fifth. Australian Daniel Ricciardo will start on the third row in the other Red Bull while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, the winner in Canada in 2006 and runner-up last year, will line up seventh. — Reuters
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New Delhi, June 8 The panel is headed by Retd. Justice Mukul Mudgal and includes advocates Nageswara Rao, Niloy Dutta and senior IPS officer BB Mishra. “We had requested Ganguly to join the panel and he has agreed. Since our committee member L. Nageswara Rao was not present, we couldn’t fix the date of our next meeting,” Mudgal said. The Supreme Court had directed the probe committee to select a cricketer of ‘impeccable integrity’ who would help the committee on the cricketing matters related to IPL betting and spot-fixing. — PTI
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Head in
clouds, feet on clay
Paris, June 8 The world No. 1 became the first man to win five successive titles at Roland Garros to take his overall grand slam tally to 14 — three short of Roger Federer's record. Djokovic, who was looking to become the eighth man to complete a career grand slam, made a great start but appeared to suffer from the heat and humidity after losing the second set. The 28-year-old Nadal, who has only lost one of his 67 matches on the Paris clay, fell on his knees when Djokovic double-faulted on the first match point. "In matches like this every moment is crucial. Playing against Novak is always a big challenge, I had lost against him the last four times," Nadal said on court. "Sorry for him today, he deserves to win this tournament." It was Djokovic's sixth attempt against Nadal in his spiritual home, and his sixth failure — the second in a final after the 2012 showdown. Djokovic, one of three men to beat Nadal on clay this year, had also won four of the last eight matches he had played against the Spaniard on the slow surface. None of them had occurred in a best-of-five match, though. "Congratulations to Rafa and his team, it is incredible to win this tournament nine times," said Djokovic, who became the first person to win the opening set of a Roland Garros final against Nadal since 2006. "It was an emotional day. I have tried with all my power, my strength, my capacities but Rafa was the strongest on court. To my team: this trophy is not for us this year but we will try again and again." Hsieh and Peng lift doubles crown
Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng Shuai beat Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-1 to take their second grand slam title in the clash between the top seeded women. — Reuters |
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Italy's two most influential players have a combined age of over 70, their most prolific striker has been omitted over fitness concerns following injury, and other key players are prone to wild swings in temperament.
Meanwhile, an unproductive youth system is struggling to replenish the talent pool and, despite his best efforts to promote younger players, coach Cesare
Prandelli, 56, could end up fielding a starting XI with an average age of around 30.
Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng Shuai beat Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-1 at the French Open on Sunday to take their second grand slam title in the clash between the top seeded women.Hsieh, of Taiwan, and China's
Peng, both 28 and born four days apart, extended their win-loss record to 12-0 in doubles finals with their victory on the Paris clay, building on the Wimbledon title they lifted last year.
India got their first win of the tournament and it was a crucial one that will boost their confidence.
Winning against an Asian side is always special and the team’s win over Malaysia means that India will not finish last no matter what happens in the coming days.
Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg took pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday, with Mercedes team mate and closest rival Lewis Hamilton again beaten into second place at a favourite circuit.
India got their first win of the tournament and it was a crucial one that will boost their confidence.
The win will also help India in the Asian Games. If these two teams meet in the Asian Games, India will have that mental edge. In the last Asian Games, Malaysia had this edge over us, having beaten us 5-2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier that year.
The forwards found their groove — even Lalit Upadhyay looked confident with the ball. SV Sunil, who had been quiet in the previous matches, was creating chances. But just like in the previous matches, too many chances were missed. With the kind of possession they enjoyed and the chances they created, the contest should have been over much before the final hooter. Akashdeep Singh has been the only forward who has had the finishing touch. 
