|
|
|
|
|
Silvestre’s Stallone act
|
|
|
Ghana deny match rigging report, file complaint
Choosing opponents: Big Phil says Gaal talking nonsense
Algeria beat S Korea in six-goal thriller
Can the Azzurri tackle Suarez?
England seek atonement against Costa Rica
Dutch set to dodge Brazil after beating Chile
Greece, Ivory Coast hope to be third time lucky
Perfect start for Murray the returning hero
Indian lifters get foreign tour after 10 years
|
|
Silvestre’s Stallone act
Manaus, June 23 The result of another wildly entertaining World Cup match means that after two games the U.S. are in second place, level with Germany on four points. Portugal are joint bottom with Ghana on one point and face a tough task to make the next round. "Conceding a late goal was a bummer that we have to swallow. We felt very confident after we turned it around. It ended in a tie but overall I think it was an amazing game," U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann told a news conference. The Americans, who made the second round in 2010, face Germany in the final game and need a point to ensure qualification. The U.S. scored late to beat Ghana 2-1 in the first game and Clint Dempsey looked to have repeated the feat in the 81st minute, steering the ball home with his stomach to give his team the lead. Portugal lost their first game 4-0 to Germany and coach Paulo Bento said his team had to beat the Americans. Portugal opened the scoring in the fifth minute when U.S. defender Geoff Cameron swung a foot at a Miguel Veloso cross and succeeded only in slicing the ball across his own area right to the feet of Nani, who scored easily. High humidity
The Europeans then sat back in the heat and humidity, allowing their opponents to start dominating. The temperature in the Amazonia arena was 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) at kickoff with a humidity reading of 65 percent. Portugal still looked dangerous and Nani hit the left-hand post in the 45th minute from outside the area. The ball rebounded to Eder but his looping shot was brilliantly scooped over the bar by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. As the second half progressed the Portuguese wilted and it was little surprise when U.S. midfielder Jermaine Jones cut in from the left in the 64th minute, brushed past Nani and fired in a superb right-foot curling shot from 25 meters to equalize. "We conceded a second goal through our mistakes. I guess a draw was a fair result in the end although it left us in a very difficult situation," said Bento. Portugal started with Ronaldo, who has been trying to shake off a knee injury. He was ineffective against the Germans and looked well below full fitness against the Americans, contributing little until the very end. The United States were only a few minutes away from notching another surprise World Cup win over Portugal. In 2002, they beat the Europeans 3-2 in the group stage and went all the way to the quarter-finals. — Reuters |
|
Ghana deny match rigging report, file complaint
Salvador, June 23 The Daily Telegraph and Channel 4 television's Dispatches programme in London said they uncovered the case during a six-month investigation into match-fixing. GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said the reports were "a representation of half-truths and half-lies. "It's not true that we have agreed with match fixers or people who intend to organise matches of convenience between the Black Stars and any opponent in the future," he said from Maceio in Brazil where Ghana are based. FIFA said they had been contacted by the Ghana Football Association on the matter. "In line with standard procedures, FIFA's Security Division is evaluating the matter. It is important to note that we have no indications that the integrity of the World Cup has been compromised," a spokesman told Reuters. A reporter for the newspaper and a former investigator for world soccer's governing body FIFA claimed to represent a company that would buy the rights to friendly matches. The two officials said they could help recruit referees who would rig the matches and the Daily Telegraph said a contract they submitted to the GFA spelled out conditions of the deal, including who would appoint the referees. The Telegraph carried a video on its website showing what it said was a meeting between the two GFA officials and the former FIFA investigator where the match-fixing was discussed. — Reuters
|
|
Choosing opponents: Big Phil says Gaal talking nonsense
BRASILIA June 23 "Some people expressed a view that we were going to choose who we were going to play. Those sorts of comments are either stupid or ill-intentioned, I repeat stupid or ill-intentioned," said Scolari, raising his finger. "We have to play to qualify, not pick and choose our opponents. It was FIFA who chose the kickoff time," the man known as Felipao (Big Phil) told a news conference. Scolari's comments appeared to be aimed at Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal who earlier on Sunday had complained because his side were playing before Brazil. Talking nonsense
When the matter was raised again by another reporter, Scolari said: "You are putting emphasis on somebody who is talking nonsense." The Group A winners play the Group B runners-up on Saturday, while the second-placed team in Group A meet the Group B winners next Sunday. Brazil and Mexico have four points in Group A while Croatia have three and Cameroon, who are already eliminated, have none. Earlier, Van Gaal railed against world soccer's governing body FIFA and suggested the scheduling of the games disadvantaged the Netherlands. "FIFA plays these tricks. It's not a good thing of course. It's not fair play," said the Dutchman. "We're going to focus on a victory tomorrow (Monday) against Chile, and I don't think that will be affected by the fact that Brazil will be playing after us. I'm just assuming that they will do their sporting duty." Bento hanging on maths and honesty
Manaus: Portugal are hanging on to a last-16 berth by their fingernails but will head into the final Group G match with Ghana certain that the U.S. and Germany will not play for the draw that would send both sides through, coach Paolo Bento said.“In my entire career as a player and coach, I have never been suspicious about my colleagues playing for a draw," he said."Our obligation is to beat Ghana and although our chances are slim even if we do, we will maintain our professional standards until the very last minute.” — Reuters |
|
Algeria beat S Korea in six-goal thriller
Belo Horizonte, June 23 It was the North Africans' first World Cup victory since their famous 1982 success against West Germany and was the first time an African side had managed four goals in a single World Cup match. First-half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoume Djabou did the damage as Korea were on already their knees at the break. Son Heung-Min and Koo Ja-Cheol gave Korea some hope in the second half but Yacine Brahimi's fourth for Algeria kept them in charge. The result spirited Algeria up to second in Group H behind Belgium, with Russia and the Koreans trailing on one point apiece. Algeria came out fighting for their World Cup lives, only too aware defeat would send them home. — Agencies
|
|
Ronaldo: Portugal can't win World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly said to a newspaper that Portugal are perhaps not one of the best teams at the tournament. “There might be several factors. It was a long season but that’s a factor everyone could claim,” Ronaldo said when asked why Portugal have struggled so far. “It wasn’t for a lack of attitude we didn’t win. All teams are here to win and we were never favourites. The dream that Portugal could win the World Cup was always a fictional dream because everything is possible in football, but other teams are better and perhaps deserve it more than we do.” Germany fans at centre of racism probe
Germany could be punished by FIFA after fans of their national side were spotted wearing black face makeup during their clash with Ghana. Images of men with their faces painted have been doing the rounds on social networking sites.FIFA's disciplinary committee is studying the incident, and could bring a case against the German FA. "We always take any evidence or submissions to our disciplinary committee. It is the disciplinary committee that will meet," a spokeswoman told The Guardian. "If they see any grounds they will open proceedings. Then it is up to the disciplinary commission to take the decision.”\ Goals by substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over Chile on Monday that put them top of World Cup Group B and likely to avoid a second-round meeting with Brazil. Both teams were already assured of progress and the game lacked intensity until Fer produced a prodigious leap to head home Daryl Janmaat's angled cross two minutes after coming on. Depay then ran on to a telling Arjen Robben pass to complete the win in stoppage-time,The Netherlands, beaten finalists in 2010, will now play the runners-up from Group A, probably Mexico or Croatia, while Chile, who finished second on six, will play the Group A winners, likely to be Brazil.Spain, who beat Australia 3-0 on Monday, finished third on three points with the Australians on zero. pain salvages pride with 3-0 win over Australia
Defending champion Spain salvaged some World Cup pride on Monday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia in its last match at the tournament. After losing their previous matches in Group B to the Netherlands and Chile, both teams took to Arena da Baixada knowing they could not advance to the second round. David Villa, on his 97th and final appearance put Spain ahead in the 36th minute with his record 59th goal, guiding Juanfran Torres' pass into the net with the inside of his right foot. Fernando Torres doubled the lead in the 69th as he steered the ball home following an incisive pass from Andres Iniesta. Juan Mata added the third from close range in the 82nd after a pass from Cesc Fabregas. Cameroon's Song banned for three matches
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song has been banned for three matches after his sending off in their World Cup Group A defeat by Croatia, organizers FIFA said on Sunday. The midfielder was dismissed for elbowing Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic in the back during the first half of their 4-0 defeat in Manaus on Wednesday which meant they could no longer qualify for the knockout stages. The Africans, who lost 1-0 to Mexico in their opener, face hosts Brazil in Brasilia on Monday in their final Group A match. — Agencies |
|
For the last 12 days we have been resisting the temptation to discuss WAGs of World Cup footballers. But 12 days is a long time in Brazil. Beaches can be skipped, but not the beauty. So even as the greatest players (both on the field and off the field) try to score on Joga Bonito front, we check out their beautiful game.
|
||
|
Can the Azzurri tackle Suarez?
Natal, June 23 Uruguay, semifinalists four years ago, will arrive in Natal on an almighty high after Suarez’s double strike beat England and eased the pain of their opening 3-1 loss to Costa Rica — a match their totemic striker missed as he recovered his fitness. Italy also lost to Costa Rica by 1-0 but their opening victory over England means the four-times World Cup winners need a point from the fixture, while twice champions Uruguay must win because of their inferior goal difference. If there was any team you would back to shackle a goalscoring phenomenon, it would probably be Italy but they will need to be at their miserly best at the back to deny Suarez and his strike partner Edinson Cavani. “They are a very strong combination in attack,” Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said. “This is not something we’re discovering now. They’ve established their reputation as a duo for Uruguay and on their own for their clubs.” Italy’s coach Cesare Prandelli will almost certainly have to change his team with defensive midfielder Daniele De Rossi highly unlikely to play because of a leg injury. Praised for his positive 4-1-4-1 system after the victory over England, and then pilloried for the same tactics after the Costa Rica defeat, Prandelli might switch to a 3-5-2 formation for the Uruguay clash. Mario Balotelli would retain his place up front with the in-form Ciro Immobile joining him in a gamble on an untested strike partnership. Novelty strike-force
With Suarez already confirmed as fit to play by the Uruguay team doctor despite pre-tournament knee surgery, and captain Diego Lugano still an injury doubt, coach Oscar Tabarez could stick with the same lineup that beat England. He will be looking for another energetic performance from midfielders Alvaro Gonzalez and Nicolas Lodeiro, who he brought into the side after the lackluster display against Costa Rica. Italy and Uruguay played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Confederations Cup in Brazil last year with the Italians claiming a third-place playoff win by 3-2 in a penalty shootout. Buffon, who saved three penalties in that shootout, believes how well Italy recover from their disappointing defeat by the Costa Ricans will go a long way to deciding whether the Azzurri progress. “When you come from a defeat like that,” the 36-year-old said. “You’ve got to find the energy over the next few days to put things right. When we’re facing a challenge, that’s when we respond best.” — Reuters |
||
|
England seek atonement against Costa Rica
Rio De Janeiro, June 23 Belo Horizonte’s Estadio Independencia provided the setting for England’s 1-0 loss to the part-timers of USA at the 1950 World Cup. Sixty-four years on, England are braced for another day to forget in the city. Roy Hodgson’s side had hoped to be heading into their final Group D fixture vying for a last-16 place, but their tournament is already over. Instead, it is Costa Rica who have secured a berth in the knockout phase and they now require a point to claim top spot. England striker Wayne Rooney has called on his side to “restore some pride”, but Hodgson says that his chief priority will be to give playing time to those players who have watched from the sidelines until now. Hodgson has revealed that Frank Lampard is expected to come into the team for captain Steven Gerrard. — PTI
|
||
|
Dutch set to dodge Brazil after beating Chile Sao paulo, June 23 Substitute Leroy Fer scored with his first touch of the game, thumping home a close-range header from Daryl Janmaat's cross in the 77th minute. Another replacement, Memphis Depay, made it two in stoppage- time after a marauding Arjen Robben broke down the left, turning what had been a scrappy match short of goal-mouth action into a comfortable win for the Dutch. The Netherlands ended the group stage on a perfect nine points with Chile behind them on six. Reigning champions Spain finished third on three points after beating Australia 3-0 in the other Group B match. Chile, knowing only a win would secure top spot owing to an inferior goal difference, pressed hardest in the first half and bossed possession but they failed to hit the target once. The second half was not much better for the South Americans. Villa, Torres help give Spain a winning farewell Strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres scored on Monday to help give deposed champions Spain a comfortable consolation win after a miserable World Cup when they beat Australia 3-0. Villa backheeled the opener in the 36th minute after Spain carved open the Australian defence. Torres slid home in the 69th minute. Substitute Juan Mata rolled a third goal. — Reuters
|
||
|
Greece, Ivory Coast hope to be third time lucky
Sao Paulo, June 23 Greece have an abysmal record at the World Cup. In their eight matches to date they have conceded 18 goals and scored just twice. Their only victory was a 2-1 win over Nigeria in South Africa four years ago. Here in Brazil, their usually solid defense let them down in a 3-0 defeat by Colombia, and they were slightly lucky to scrape a goalless draw against Japan. The Ivorians have a better World Cup pedigree than Greece but not by much. They recorded wins over Serbia in 2006 and North Korea four years ago and kicked off their campaign in Brazil with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Striker Didier Ya Konan played in that match but missed the Elephants’ subsequent 2-1 loss to Colombia with a knee injury. Coach Sabri Lamouchi has to decide whether to give in to popular demand and field ageing but inspirational striker Didier Drogba from the outset or use him as a substitute. — Reuters Japan look for missing spark against Colombia
Cuiaba: Coach Alberto Zaccheroni must urgently find a way to unlock Japan’s attacking potential against already-qualified Colombia tomorrow. Japan came to Brazil with their hopes high after finishing ahead of Australia in their Asian qualifying group, aiming to better their impressive last-16 showing in South Africa. But little has gone right for the Blue Samurai since they started brightly against Ivory Coast, taking an early lead through Keisuke Honda only to concede twice. After the stalemate against 10-man Greece a frustrated Honda was damning about the team’s lack of creative spark. “We lack ideas,” Japan’s bleach-blond talisman said. “We tried to attack but we just can’t put the ball in the back of Who’ll make it? scenarios before group finales Group C: Colombia have qualified from Group C with a match to spare and know that only a defeat to Japan and a four-goal swing in favour of Cote d’Ivoire could deny them top spot. The Elephants must beat Greece to be entirely sure of progressing, though a draw would be enough if Colombia continue their 100 percent winning record against Japan. Only a win and a Cote d’Ivoire slip up would see Japan qualify, though a defeat for the Africans would be best for Alberto Zaccheroni’s men as they have a slightly inferior goal difference. Greece are still alive but face a tough task. They must defeat the Ivorians and hope that Japan do not beat Colombia as they have the worst goal difference in Group C. Group D: Surprise packages Costa Rica go into their final match safe in the knowledge that their place in the knockout stages is already assured and, thanks to their goal difference, only a heavy defeat to an already-eliminated England could put their position as group leaders in serious jeopardy. Group D’s other match is far more interesting, where Uruguay take on Italy with everything on the line. Italy’s slightly better goal difference means that a point would be enough for them but both teams know that a win would see them into the round of 16. England are out and playing for pride against Costa Rica.
|
||
|
Perfect start for Murray the returning hero
London, June 23 Under bright skies, with the green Centre Court grass glistening and Murray resplendent in spotless white attire, the 27-year-old walked out to a standing ovation and proceeded to reward his fans by dismantling Belgium’s David Goffin. Back surgery, a split with coach Ivan Lendl and up-and-down form meant there were a few question marks over the third seed ahead of the biggest fortnight of his year, but he answered them with an emphatic 6-1 6-4 7-5 victory. “I thought it was a very high-standard match. I was glad to finish it in three,” Murray said. “I was nervous this morning and I was nervous last night, but once you sit down on the chair it’s time to get on with it.” — Reuters Results: Round 1 Men: 7-David Ferrer (Spain) beat Pablo Carreno (Spain) 6-0 6-7(3) 6-1 6-1; 3-Andy Murray (Britain) beat David Goffin (Belgium) 6-1 6-4 7-5; 6-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat Victor Hanescu (Romania) 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4 6-3 Women: 8-Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) beat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (Croatia) 6-3 7-5; 2-Li Na (China) beat Paula Kania (Poland) 7-5 6-2; Yanina Wickmayer (Belgium) beat 17-Samantha Stosur (Australia) 6-3 6-4
|
|
Indian lifters get foreign tour after 10 years
New Delhi, June 23 Sanamacha Chanu and Pratima Kumari tested positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs at the 2004 Athens Olympics and were sent back home even before the Games began. India served two international suspensions, besides a number of individual offences before returning to the international arena after the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) paid a huge fine in 2010 to the world body. The doping fiasco in 2004 left the IWF so petrified that it stopped sending the lifters on foreign exposure trips before any major international event. But, after a long wait of 10 years, the scenario has changed as the lifters have finally been granted their wish to travel abroad to prepare for the quadrennial events. “The last time we had sent the lifters on a training-cum-competition programme (to Minsk, Belarus) was before the Athens Games. After the doping fiasco, the IWF stopped sending the lifters on exposure trips. But, this time we have sent a 19-member team to Birmingham on a three-week preparatory tour from June 22 to July 13 for next month’s Commonwealth Games,” IWF secretary general Sahdev Yadav told The Tribune. “The team will leave for Glasgow from Birmingham. The Sports Ministry has sanctioned a budget of Rs 62 lakh from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for the tour,” added Yadav.
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Yolanthe Sniejder-Cabau
Another actress, model, and TV host. The 29-year-old Spanish wife of Netherlands midfielder
Wesley Sniejder got married in Tuscany, Italy in 2010. Four years after marriage, Sneijder-Cabau still maintains her charm. Dutch fans were so smitten by her beauty that she was still being searched more than Spain on Google on the eve of the World Cup match between the two countries
Irina Shayk
There has to be something about her. Not for nothing does the alpha male of footballing universe, Cristiano Ronaldo, bears her tantrums. The 28-yr-old has walked the Victoria's Secret Show, modelled for Armani, graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine five times. The Russian was recently crowned World Cup WAG with the best hair
Sara Carbonero
What is the first thing Iker Casillas did after winning the 2010 World Cup? Kiss Sara Carbonero — during the post-match interview. The 30-year-old Spanish TV presenter for Telecinco and sports journalist turned celebrity overnight. She became one of the most photographed people of the World Cup. In July 2009, Sara was voted, The Sexiest Reporter in the World’ by the American edition of FHM
Fanny Neguisha
Fans know how it is with Mario Balotelli? The Italy striker wants a kiss (obviously on cheeks) from the Queen to score a goal. Wonder how Fanny Neguesha keeps up with him? Strangely, Mario's Belgian girlfriend has said yes to Super Mario. A glad Balotelli posted a note on Instagram saying: “She said yes. The most important yes in my life.” Fanny was in Manaus clicking Mario's pic during the England match
“It would be a novelty, with all the benefits and risks that are associated with that,” said Buffon. “If this choice is made, what happens on the field will tell us if it was the right decision.”
