The Finland Under-21 international joins Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side after failing to make a first-team appearance at Craven Cottage.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Stop-start return is insisted by manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic from injury... - The Independent
Manchester United leader Nemanja Vidic is feeling good about the progress he's making as he continues on the highway to recovery from his knee problems. Vidic endured cruciate ligament injury in his right knee in United's Champions League group game against Basle in December 2011 which sidelined him for the remaining of this period. Then, after enjoying in the Red Devils' beginning five suits of the current strategy, the Serbian centre-back underwent surgery on the same knee in September. He came back to activity in December and has presented in 10 of United's last 16 fittings in every competitions, beginning nine of these. And after sitting out the 1-1 Champions League last-16 first knee bring at Real Madrid on February 13, over the previous couple of days Vidic has finished back-to-back starts - in advantages over Reading in the FA Cup and QPR in the Barclays Premier League - for the second time since his September function. Regarding his fitness, the 31-year-old said: "I had issues with my knee and I was so long without baseball. "It is hard now we're playing Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday. "I experienced to consider whether it's beneficial to me to perform or not. Sometimes I'll get yourself a effect and often I'll not. This really is normal. "Since I came ultimately back I have had to state if I can complete both or three months. Then I'll be great. "It is not a long-term thing. It's the conventional procedure after the type of op I'd. "After I'd had surgery I knew we had then have to control the leg and then next it'd be normal again. "It is all influenced by the person. However it ought to be soon. After each game I am feeling better and that is an excellent sign. "It was just swelling sometimes after matches. There was no pain, it was just a response because the knee got used to the work again. It's a normal thing. "I have played twice in five days now and it's been good." United's 2-0 gain at QPR on Saturday guaranteed they remain firmly on course for the league title, with the distance between them and second-placed Manchester City presently standing at 12 points with 11 top-flight activities left to perform each. Some body who has been a part of most of the Red Devils' previous 12 victorious Premier League plans is Ryan Giggs, who netted the team's second target at Loftus Road. Even at 39, the midfielder remains a vital player for United and Vidic has paid tribute to Giggs. "Ryan is very professional and is this example for the small players," Vidic said. "They observe how you have to treat yourself and educate yourself in basketball to be a good person. Needless to say he has the quality and power as well. "He is a great exemplory case of how exactly to be professional and to play towards the top for way too long. "We have many players like this. Rio (Ferdinand) could be the same. He's a devoted professional just like Paul Scholes." Missouri
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Match Preview: FC Barcelona vs Sevilla FC | totalBarça
Since Wednesday's defeat in Italy, the talk has been of a comeback. Now this may have specifically related to March 12, but the comeback actually begins tonight at home versus Sevilla. Players and staff will want to banish the un-inspirational 90 minutes from memory as soon as possible, to right the wrongs and prove to all, themselves included, that this FC Barcelona continues to mean business.
But will Tito Vilanova call for rotation? The advantage in the league is wide enough to possibly merit inclusion of some squad players. If a Thiago or Tello are trusted enough to be the principal backups for a Xavi and Pedro, then surely they must be trusted enough to deputize once in a while. Many would argue that Sevilla at home is the match of immediate least priority over the next 7 days.
Sevilla are 10th at the moment. With more defeats than wins or draws and more goals conceded than scored, this is not the Sevilla of 4-5 years ago anymore. And it has definitely not been their away form that has kept them alive. With 32 total league points, a mere 7 have been on their travels (1 W, 4 D, 7 D, -13 GD).
Yet, since January 13th the club has been under the new stewardship of Unai Emery. The ultra-demanding fans of Valencia grew tired of the constant 3rd places, but, achieve that 3rd place spot repeatedly he did, without fail. Emery is a legitimate manager capable of producing results with his obsessive attention to tactics and details with focus on fundamentally strong defending. In fact, since he took over, 8 matches ago (in all competitions), Sevilla have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 2. Emery won the games he 'should' (Granada, Rayo, Deportivo) but also suffered at the hands of both Real and Atlético Madrid.
Only Adriano is a definite no go this evening. As totalBarça has reported, Abidal is back to full training and has every chance of making the final 18 man squad. David Villa also trained without limitations.
Predicted Starting XI: Valdés; Alves – Piqué – Mascherano – Alba; Fàbregas – Busquets – Thiago; Tello – Messi – Villa
Twenty players took the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona. Campaña, Cala, Kondogbia, and Albero Moreno return from various forms of absence. Cicinho and veteran keeper Palop remain injured.
Full squad: Beto, Julián; Coke, Cala, Fazio, Botía, Fernando Navarro, Alberto Moreno; Medel, Maduro, Campaña, Kondogbia, Hervás, Navas, Manu, Rakitic, Stevanovic, Reyes, Negredo, Ba
That Sevilla formation may read 4-3-3 but it certainly will not of an attacking nature. Prepare for a tactical set-up from Emery to noticeably mirror AC Milan's performance Wednesday. The back four will constantly be protected by Medel, Maduro, and Kondogbia, while Navas and Reyes will be forced to track back to cover Alba and Alves, leaving Negredo upfront to bring down long balls and hold up play. That will, in defensive positions, mutate into a 4-5-1. Don't be surprised either if this match gets a little edgy, because tough man Medel will not hesitate to leave his impression, literally, on a few Barça legs.
The speed and inevitable space that will be left on the flanks by Alves and Alba will be where Emery sees his greatest opportunity to score by unleashing the pace and trickery of Reyes and Navas. Once again the match will be about patience and controlled aggression for FC Barcelona in the absence of space, but tonight there has to be quicker ball circulation, purposeful player penetration, and more attempts on goal. The team knows the best way to rid bad news is with good news, because any sort of egg laid tonight will only compound the pressure. There will be no complacency tonight and an early goal or not could be the difference between a comfortable win or nervy, narrow victory or even a draw.
More Info: Napoli - Juventus [Live Football]
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Defending champion City defeats Chelsea - FOXSports.com
UpdatedAFeb 24, 2013 12:02 PM ET Birmingham City were thankful for a fee preserve from Joe Hart and objectives from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez as a 2-0 make an impression on Chelsea allowed the protecting Premier League champions to claw straight back some ground in the title race. Goalkeeper Hart played a component in City's critical gain at Etihad Stadium by keeping a penalty from Frank Lampard in the 52nd second, denying the England midfielder his 200th target for Chelsea. Eleven minutes later, Toure provided a created finish after dribbling inside the area and substitute Tevez sealed success by striking in a finish from 25 meters in the 85th, ending City's harmful three-match winless work in the category. The outcome kept City 12 points behind Manchester United and moved the defending champions seven points clear of third-place Chelsea, providing renewed desire to Tottenham and Arsenal behind them in the competition for the Champions League spots. Spurs should go third by beating West Ham on Monday. Bristling with power and power, it was one of City's many genuine displays of a season where it's struggled to replicate the form of last season. Relive the best action photos from the Barclays Premier League. With United tightening its grip on top position by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-0 on Saturday, this fit was perhaps more important due to its impact on the battle for second place. Chelsea had closed the gap to four points before kickoff because of City only picking right up two points in its last three games, but was chasing shadows for a lot of the game. Goalkeeper Petr Cech held Chelsea in the overall game in the beginning with intelligent saves from Toure, Matija Nastasic and Jack Rodwell, while Sergio Aguero will regret wanting to round Cech rather than shooting first time after being played through by David Silva. The visitors' protection - absent chief John Terry, who started on the table - stood firm but their attacking danger remained non-existent till Demba Ba pounced on a lofted cross from midfield and fell under minimal contact from Hart. Lampard hit his spot-kick low and hard but Hart jumped to his to claw it away. Town regained the upper hand and after Aguero fluffed another chance by trimming a over when one-on-one with Cech, Toure gave his group the lead the bar. The Ivory Coast midfielder, playing in a attacking role behind Aguero, obtained Silva's move, drifted round John Obi Mikel's thin problem and curled a shot inside the far post from 10 yards (meters). Tevez had think about it as an alternative by then and he served further stretch the Chelsea defense before scoring his seventh target in eight group looks against Chelsea, leaving no chance to Cech with an arrowed shot in to the part.
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur: match preview - Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Jaaskelainen; O'Brien, Reid, Collins, Pogatetz; Noble, Diamé, J Cole, Taylor; Nolan, Carroll.Out: McCartney (knee), Potts (head).Tests: Collins (hamstring), O'Brien (thigh).
Tottenham (Possible, Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Naughton; Lennon, Parker, Dembélé, Bale; Holtby; Adebayor.Out: Defoe (ankle), Kaboul, Santos, Huddlestone (all knee).
Team NewsWest Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed both James Collins and Joey O'Brien have been training this week and are in contention for the Premier League game with Tottenham on Monday.
Collins has been missing due to a hamstring problem whilst fellow defender O'Brien was sidelined with a thigh injury but both are now part of Allardyce's squad for the London derby against Spurs.
Meanwhile, Hugo Lloris is expected to return in goal for Tottenham after being on the bench for Thursday's Europa League draw at Lyon.
Striker Jermain Defoe returns to training next week, but he will not be considered for the match against his former club.
But while Spurs have been on Europa League business in the past two weeks, their opponents jetted out to a warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
A West Ham refreshed and motivated to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bobby Moore's death should see them deny Champions League-chasing Tottenham and one-man goal machine Gareth Bale maximum points.
UEFA Winners League: Hamilton Academical Barcelona FW David Apartment The Person for Milan... - Barca Blaugranes (web log)
With a come-from-behind win against Sevilla within the last match, it is hard never to genuinely believe that Barcelona were for some reason training to overturn the two-goal debt inside their Champions League tie with Milan. Sevilla got into the Camp Nou and took a one goal lead into halftime, but they awoke the sleeping monster. It's perhaps not initially that Barcelona have cleared this season to a debt. In fact, Sevilla should know exactly about it, having finally dropped 3-2 after leading 2-0 within their previous meeting. A key component in the return victories has been the the 3-4-3 formation. An ultra-attack oriented create, it sacrifices a defense for one extra forward compared to Barca's base 4-3-3. David Villa has often been the important thing person in those formations, and which was the case again yesterday as he won Barca's first in a reasonably straightforward manner. Apartment is 5'9'', little for a main forward (just two inches higher than Lionel Messi), but he can still challenge centerbacks with his intelligent runs. His headed goal was more the consequence of great placement and a pinpoint cross from Dani Alves than any particular physical characteristic. Messi is and will be the important thing person in the Barca startup, but if groups pay extraordinary amounts of awareness of him, sense is made by it to add another power in his place. This is simply not a plan for every match; Barca knowledge stuffed defenses every time and frequently Messi will lead Barca to success. Rather, it's for several situations - especially like against Sevilla. The problem is: will it be used against Milan? And if so, when? Doing it from the beginning could assure the most time to try get critical goals. But it can also open up the unstable defense to an objective. If the clean sheet is kept by Barca, just two goals are essential. But if Barca concede just one, they'd have to report four as a result of absent targets rule. Maybe the key would be to begin in a, and then switch to a 3-4-3 as needed. Barca might fall into line like this: Another possibility is to play Cesc Fabregas upfront, leaving the left wing role to be played by Villa. You will find other available choices, like Jordi Alba, Adriano Correia, Alves, or Iniesta in the wing spots. So, what do you think? Should Barca risk the 3-4-3 from the start against Milan? Put it to use at halftime? Or only towards the end? Follow us on Twitter
More Info: FSV Mainz 05 - SC Freiburg [Live Football]
Transfers - Chelsea Hamilton Academical To Land Cristian Cuevas In The Summer - The Tough Handle
Cristian Cuevas has revealed that Chelsea have agreed a to signal the Chilean midfielder. Cristian Cuevas was on trial at Chelsea in 2012, however the Chilean midfielder fundamentally came ultimately back to his native membership OaHiggins. The 17-year-old came out through the ranks of the Chilean team since joining their childhood school in 2007 and he made his first group introduction back 2011. Cuevas made some amazing performances during the South American U-20 championship held in January, where Chile finished fourth in the final collection stages. A lot of European clubs were checking his progress and now it seems Chelsea have arrived the highly ranked teen. The London team have apparently agreed a fee of $2,6 million with OaHiggins for the sale Cuevas, who is also called aCimbya in his state. Cuevas is expected to function in the forthcoming U-20 World Cup, to be kept at Turkey, and the youngster is expected to become listed on his new team in June. Cuevas has expressed joy at joining the English team and hopes to become listed on Chelsea after the U-20 World Cup. aIam happy. This week every thing was finished and Iall participate in the middle of the season. aChelsea were following me for more than a year. What I desired happened, that has been joining this club. aThe Under 20 World Cup will come in the middle of the year and I hope to take the team and perform some minutes as I actually want to. If the World Cup is played by me, Iall then visit England. Otherwise Iall go there in June.a a' Cuevas was cited in press. It seems like Chelsea have landed a promising youngster at discount price, but it's yet to be observed how he develops at Stamford Bridge and how a lot of first group chances he receives.
Pistorius' brother facing charge in traffic death
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The murder case involving Olympic star Oscar Pistorius took another unexpected turn Sunday with the news that his older brother, Carl, is himself facing charges for the death of a woman in a traffic accident.
Carl Pistorius faces a charge of unlawful, negligent killing for a 2008 road death, "in which a woman motorcyclist sadly lost her life," Kenneth Oldwage, the Pistorius family lawyer said on Sunday. The charge of "culpable homicide" will be challenged in court, he told The Associated Press.
It is the second time someone associated with the Pistorius case has been found to face a serious charge. It was revealed that the chief police investigator in the case is facing charges of seven counts of attempted murder for shooting at a vehicle with seven passengers. Following the revelations, he was removed from the Pistorius investigation and a new chief detective was appointed on Thursday.
In another twist this weekend, model Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot to death by Oscar Pistorius on Valentine's Day was on television again in a new episode of the reality show "Tropika Island of Treasure 5" even though she was buried last Tuesday.
On Monday, Oscar Pistorius must report to the police station in Brooklyn, a suburb of the nation's capital Pretoria, and sign in, a twice-weekly procedure which is part of his bail conditions.
Pistorius was released on bail Friday and stayed at the home of his uncle Arnold in Waterkloof, an affluent suburb of Pretoria, where Oscar is now staying. His brother, Carl, came to visit the house Sunday.
The problem confronting his older brother Carl is the latest complication in a case that has transfixed South Africa and much of the world.
"It's also doubly sad because it's involved with Oscar and his brother and all the family — so they have double sort of trouble," said Johannesburg resident Jim Plester.
Lawyer Oldwage said that "Carl deeply regrets the accident" and that a blood test showed he was not drunk at the time. He said the charges had initially been dropped, only to be reinstated later.
Oscar Pistorius was charged with premeditated murder, but the athlete says he killed his girlfriend accidentally, opening fire after mistaking her for an intruder in his home.
The three-story house where Pistorius is staying with his aunt and uncle sits on a hill with a sweeping view of Pretoria. It has a large swimming pool and an immaculate garden.
The character of Pistorius also continued to take center stage. For many, it mirrors his public appearances as an articulate, well-spoken advocate for Paralympic athletes facing hardship. Witness statements describing Pistorius as a down-to-earth guy were presented at the hearing.
Others have described him as a reckless risk taker who has been in trouble before, such as a boating accident in 2009 which put him into a hospital intensive care unit.
But in a report on Sunday, a South African man who said Steenkamp had stayed at his home since September, described Pistorius as moody and impatient. Cecil Myers, whose daughter was close friends with Steenkamp, said in an interview in the City Press newspaper, that Pistorius will have the killing of Steenkamp on his conscience. "I hope he gets a long sentence. Gets what he deserves," said Myers.
Pistorius appeared "very nice and charming to us when they started dating," said Myers. Myers said Pistorius initially used to come into the house but later just dropped Steenkamp off and picked her up when they began to date steadily, and he described the change as a lack of respect.
Myers recalled their first date and told the newspaper: "After that he wouldn't leave her alone. He kept pestering her, phoning and phoning and phoning her."
Myers said he told Pistorius "not to force himself on her. Back off." He said that after initially agreeing with him, it appeared that Pistorius soon took no heed.
In the bail hearing, a character reference for Pistorius, acknowledged that "the only issue in the relationship that I was made aware of was that Reeva sometimes thought Oscar was moving a little fast."
Pistorius was born without fibula bones due to a congenital defect and his legs were amputated when he was 11 months old. He has run on carbon-fiber blades and was originally banned from competing against able-bodied peers because many argued that his blades gave him an unfair advantage. He was later cleared to compete. He is a multiple Paralympic medalist, and won a silver medal at the 2011 Daegu world championships with South Africa's 4x400 relay team. But he failed to win a medal at the London Olympics, where he ran in the 400 meter race and the 4x400 relay race.
AP Sports Writer Gerald Imray contributed from Pretoria. AP Writer Christopher Torchia contributed from Johannesburg.
Jeter about 14 days away from games
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) a' Yankees leader Derek Jeter is about a couple of weeks from enjoying in spring training games for the first time since breaking his ankle last drop. Nyc common manager Brian Cashman said on Sunday that the shortstop ought to be willing to mess around March. 10. Jeter used on-field running and speed exercises for the second straight day Sunday. He wants to get ready for opening day April 1 against Boston. The 38-year-old broke his left ankle lunging for a in the AL championship line opener against Detroit on Oct. 1 and had surgery weekly later.
US wins historic gold medal at Nordic Worlds
VAL DI FIEMME, Italy (AP) — Kikkan Randall and Jessica Diggins gave the United States its first world championship gold medal in cross-country skiing Sunday by winning the women's team sprint by nearly eight seconds.
After Diggins opened up a small lead on her last leg, Randall anchored the American duo to the victory with a scorching final lap to pull away from the Swedish and Finnish teams.
The U.S. pair finished the 6x1.2-kilometer event in 20 minutes, 24.4 seconds, beating Swedish defending champions Charlotte Kalla and Ida Ingemarsdotter by 7.8 seconds. Finland's Riika Sarasoja-Lilja and Krista Lahteenmaki were third, 10.9 seconds behind the Americans.
"It feels incredible," Randall said. "This is something we've looked forward to for a long time. It's my seventh world championship and I've had to spend a lot of time watching award ceremonies, so we're pretty excited to do it, and in a team event especially, and to finally get us on the podium.
"That moment when your teammate comes running out (in the finish area), it starts to sink in that you're world champion."
It was the second American gold at these Nordic skiing worlds after Sarah Hendrickson's victory in the women's ski jump. Randall became the first American woman to win a cross-country medal at worlds in 2009 when she took silver in the individual sprint.
Randall is known as one of the top sprinters on the circuit, with seven individual World Cup victories in the discipline, to go with one win in the team event — also with Diggins in Quebec in December.
"I'm sprinting with the best sprinter in the world," Diggins said. "I knew that if I could get her to take off in a good position, she'd be able to hold it and improve upon it. So I just tried to get her in the best spot I could."
Diggins made her break on the second-to-last leg, attacking on the steepest climb of the track. The 21-year-old pushed so hard she even broke a pole near the top, but her coach was on hand to rush and give her a replacement.
At the final change-over, Diggins was 1.4 seconds ahead of Kalla — and Randall then extended the lead with the fastest lap of any skier in the final.
"I started crying when I realized my mom and dad were watching on TV," Diggins said. "It started to sink in, and we've been training so long for this. It means a lot for the whole team because it takes an entire team to make a race like this come together. Hopefully, it'll inspire some young skiers in the U.S. to go after it and stick with the sport."
In the men's 6x1.5-kilometer event, Alexei Petukhov and Nikita Kriukov of Russia beat Sweden's Marcus Hellner and Emil Joensson by 0.4 seconds to win in 21:30.9.
Kazakhstan duo Nikolay Chebotko and Alexey Poltoranin won a photo finish for bronze, edging out defending champions Canada by 0.03 seconds.
A strong climb by Petukhov on his final lap gave Russia the lead at the final exchange, leaving Olympic champion Kriukov — who won the individual sprint Thursday — to wrap up the victory.
US, Russia win team sprints at Nordic Worlds
VAL DI FIEMME, Italy (AP) — United States duo Jessica Higgins and Kikkan Randall stormed to victory in the team sprint at the Nordic World Championships on Sunday, winning by nearly eight seconds.
The U.S. pair finished the 6x1.2-kilometer event in 20 minutes and 24.4 seconds, beating Swedish defending champions Charlotte Kalla and Ida Ingemarsdotter by 7.8 seconds. Finland's Riika Sarasoja-Lilja and Krista Lahteenmaki were third, 10.9 seconds behind the Americans.
In the men's 6x1.5-kilometer event, Alexei Petukhov and Nikita Kriukov of Russia beat Sweden's Marcus Hellner and Emil Joensson by 0.4 seconds to win in 21:30.9.
Kazakhstan duo Nikolay Chebotko and Alexey Poltoranin won a photo finish for bronze, edging out defending champions Canada by 0.03 seconds.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Kenyan career now more hazardous than Chelsea - Football - nation.co.ke
Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouch addressing a conference on 20th February 2013 after he was unveilled as National team, Harambee Stars coach at Nairobi Boulevard Hotel. Photo/FileA NATION ByACHARLES NYENDE cnyende@ke.nationmedia.comPostedA Wednesday, February 20A 2013AatA 17:34 Coaches. Kenyaas Harambee Stars coaches really. They come a dime several. Former Kenya soccer manager, the late Job Omino, summed it up after demands were persistently made by the apeskya coach for better terms when he summarily got rid of the vastly popularly and achieving German Reinhardt Fabisch in 1987. aCoaches come and coaches go,a was the famous, or can it be famous, statement that the Kenya Football Federation chairman made while they and the 1987 All Africa Games basketball finalist parted ways with much in bravado from the former but little in civility. And it has arrived at pass that the Harambee Stars training job is certainly one of the the most hazardous in the world. The very volatile Chelsea career, where managers barely last a period, can simply make the European record books but compared to the Harambee Stars situation, the Blues regular problems seem like an eon of security. Basketball Kenya Federation, as usual, after failing continually to spend his expenses to Frenchman Henri Michel, parted ways with him in unclear situations last year. Was the Frenchman fired or did he go on French leave? It didn't matter to FKF. They promptly declared that James Nandwa would stand-in while they looked for yesterday an alternative who was simply duly unveiled. Adel Amrouche. Coaches. Kenyaas Harambee Stars instructors really. They come a dime several. Former Kenya basketball manager, the late Job Omino, summed it up when he summarily got rid of the hugely commonly and achieving German Reinhardt Fabisch in 1987 after the apeskya instructor persistently made demands for better terms. aCoaches come and instructors go,a was the famous, or is it notorious, remark that the Kenya Football Federation chairman made while they and the 1987 All Africa Games football finalist parted ways with much in bravado from the former but little in civility. And it has arrive at pass that the Harambee Stars teaching job is certainly one of the the most hazardous in the world. The very volatile Chelsea job, where executives barely last a season, can simply make the European record books but compared to the Harambee Stars condition, the Blues constant challenges sound like an eon of stability. Football Kenya Federation, as usual, after failing to spend his fees to Frenchman Henri Michel, parted ways with him in unclear situations this past year. Was the Frenchman fired or did he continue French leave? It didn't matter to FKF. They quickly declared that James Nandwa might stand-in while they shopped for yesterday an alternative who had been duly revealed. Adel Amrouche. Observe that FKF were mum on his commitment. They did not even bother to indicate just how long the contract of the Algerian-turned-Belgian was despite the spirited questions from journalists through the presentation ceremony. The shocking statistic that will make Omino change gaily in his grave is this: The visit of Amrouche makes it the seventh change of coaches within the last two years for Harambee Stars a' that's an astonishing average of just one national instructor every three and a half weeks.
Iker recovering from surgery dreams with a championship title this season
Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand goes much better than expected and he might be straight back between the Real Madrid posts the moment late March.
Casillas' hand was broken by an accidental end from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa throughout Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final game at the Mestalla on January 23.
It absolutely was feared he would face 90 days on the sidelines, and the club 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 chief told reporters on Thursday morning, at the opening of a new club store 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 could get 90 days. But the other day when the splint was removed, I was told I'd four weeks left. Now I am doing active exercises to obtain mobility and energy back the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas training center to get back playing as soon as possible.
"Until now I have not had much strength in it, but I am receiving it back little by little," he explained. "We have reached the halfway point of the injury. I have still got a month to go. I will need certainly to work more and experience more to get straight back the flexibility of before. I am getting excited about returning. It is worse being off the message than on it."
The function was also attended by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, although coach Jose Mourinho was missing.
Alonso told reporters that he did not know yet whether he'd get over his groin problem in time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the restoration stage," the midfielder said. "I am trying to get better when possible, to obtain rid of the distress and reunite in top form. When I'll get ready plenty of people ask. I aspire to be able to perform against Barca, but I do not have a solution right now."
Former Liverpool player Alonso said that, with the tie balanced at 1-1, whoever obtained first in the Champions League last 16 get back game at Manchester United on March 5 could be favourites to progress.
"They can have the support of these fans," he said. "It is going to be considered a problem. The side that results first will undoubtedly be favourites. Old Trafford is a good ground and it's the sort of match we all want to play. The link is quite open."
Di Maria said that it will suit Madrid to be playing overseas in both of the forthcoming, probably season-defining, activities.
"Things are getting well and we hope to continue this way," he explained. "We know that we have to have large matches in both tournaments and that it'll not be easy. Maybe playing away will soon be within our favor since we prosper when things are against us. We've had this week to focus on the best way to approach the activities. I am hoping everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains a doubt for Saturday evening's La Liga game at Deportivo La Coruna, said he wasn't focused on his current bad form in front of goal.
"I hope that I score more goals than I have to date, nevertheless the important things may be the team and to win the future matches," he explained. "We have to come together to get. We've an excellent group and we are all in good form."
Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Freiburg 0 - Soccerway
23 February 2013 00:29 Bundesliga high-flyers Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg couldn't be separated on Friday, playing out a 0-0 sketch at Mage Solar Stadion. Aigner found himself in the spotlight again early in the competition, going large from a good position before missing the mark again on 16 minutes. The hosts were taken by it until close to the time mark to jeopardize the Frankfurt goal, Jan Rosenthal and then Matthias Ginter requiring Stefano Celozzi to clear off the line in rapid succession. With 14 minutes remaining, Jonathan Schmid was played through on goal by Max Kruse, but Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp pulled off a good end to sustain the deadlock. Johannes Flum then missed to be able to win the game for the house side with in the 85th moment, heading within the bar from Rosenthal's inviting distribution. The pull sees Frankfurt stay final, three points ahead of Freiburg, who have defied expectations to date this season to sit fifth in the rankings.
Kaka performed terrific in the game against Deportivo
"From the very first moment of the next half we found a big change of attitude. We did not win because of the substitutions, that have been made in the second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It absolutely was the attitude of all of the people that sparked the comeback.
"It does work that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is essential for the staff, that he's playing well and that he is another option. That is always good.
Kaka's performance also received the praise of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who was simply happy with the result of the team after planning behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an opportunity to change their fortunes. In the second half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we could simply take the three things home with us."
The gain moved Real to within 13 factors of group leaders Barcelona, until the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla afterwards Saturday morning. Despite the border remaining the exact same, Kaka believes success over Depor can enhance Real's chances of claiming carpet this phrase.
"I am much better. What we've nearby is exciting and it's the important the main season and if the boss wants me to play I'll be there to greatly help in those matches."
"The team is playing well and things are receiving better for me too. In basketball anything changes rapidly and I'm pleased to help the team win.
"[It was] an important success really hard match. In the initial half we were only a little nervous and we made a couple of problems. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what's ahead over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officers site.
Real originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain scored an 88th-minute champion for the readers. After enduring a cause with limited game time, Kaka now thinks because they turn to hold their Manhattan project Liga and Champions League hopes alive he is able to help his team.
Kaka has expressed delight at his new change in fortunes, since the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhunter Coruna.
Ricardo Kaka performed terrific in the game vs La Coruna
"From the first minute of the next half we found a big change of attitude. We didn't win because of the alterations, which were made in the twelfth minute of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It had been the attitude of all of the participants that started the recovery.
"It does work that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is necessary for the group, that he is playing well and that he's another alternative. That's always positive.
Kaka's performance also received the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who had been pleased with the reaction of the group after going behind to a Riki attack on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us as an possibility to change their fortunes. In the next half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we were able to take the three items home with us."
Before the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla afterwards Saturday evening, the win moved Real to within 13 factors of league leaders Barcelona. Despite the margin remaining the exact same, Kaka believes victory over Depor could enhance Real's odds of claiming silverware this expression.
"I am much better. What we've nearby is fascinating and it's the decisive the main year and if the boss wants me to play I'll be there to help in these matches."
"The team is playing well and things are receiving better for me personally also. In soccer everything changes quickly and I'm very happy to help the team win.
"[It was] an essential success in an exceedingly hard match. In the first half we were a little troubled and we made a couple of errors. In the second half we improved and we won three points which can be essential for us and for what is to come over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officials 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 visitors. After putting up with a spell with limited sport time, Kaka now feels he can help his group while they turn to keep their Manhunter Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed delight at his new change in fortunes, since the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhunter Coruna.
Bundesliga 2013, Week 23: Bayern Munich crush Werder Bremen...
19 minutes before Article 0 remarks Schalke beat Fortuna DAsseldorf 2-1 on Saturday for only their second win in their last fourteen suits. about 2 hours ago Article 0 comments NArnberg restored after a poor first hour and was able to earn a spot on the road against Stuttgart. They're not unbeaten inside their last four matches. about 2 hours before Article 0 comments Wolfsburg took place to ten men after a half hour, and they kept on for a place on the road against Mainz. about 3 hours before Article 0 remarks The most effective medicine if you are knocked from the Europa League is playing at home and striking around your competitors to a 5-1 scoreline. Hannover enjoyed today. Hamburg... Less. about 3 hours before Article 0 comments Augsburg jumped out from the direct relegation locations on Saturday with a big 2-1 win over Hoffenheim. about 4 hours before Article 0 remarks Jupp Heynckes changed more than half the team from the club's Champions League match midweek, however it did not matter as Bayern continued their torrid speed in the Bundesliga with a mauling of Werder Bremen. 1 day before Article 0 comments Night Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt treated the planet to a dull scoreless sketch on Friday. 2 days ago Article 0 responses The Bundesliga results with a big match on Friday between Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. With a success, Freiburg could move ahead of Frankfurt for the league's fourth Champions League position.
Liverpool FC v FC Zenit Saint Petersburg [Europa League]: Match ...
For the second time this week Liverpool face a team that has beaten them in a cup competition this season, as they host Zenit St Petersburg at Anfield in the second leg of their Europa League tie.
Earlier in the season the Reds were eliminated from the Capital One Cup after suffering a 3-1 home loss to Swansea, who Liverpool delt to in the Premier League on Monday winning 5-0. Despite fielding a much weaker side with one eye on this week's League Cup final, the Swans were well off the pace in their league rout, while the scoreline and performance has given Liverpool hope they can turn around their fortunes in Europe.
Liverpool came away from Russia last week hugely disappointed after an excellent 80 minutes was spoiled by a fantastic strike by Zenit's Hulk, and a period of switching off defensively, resulting in a 2-0 loss. Defensive errors have lead to opposition goals far too often this season, and the Reds were haunted by their own demons again during their away trip.
But confidence is high around Anfield that, on the back of the Swansea win, the players can deliver enough goals at home to force their way into the Europa League's final 16. However that difficult task will have to be achieved without Liverpool's two january signings – Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho – who are both ineligible.
The exclusion of Sturridge is particularly worrying given that another of Liverpool's strike options, Fabio Borini, has been ruled out for six to eight weeks – after dislocating his shoulder early into this week's Swansea fixture, he's also facing more surgery on the foot that kept him out for three months. Manager Brendan Rodgers should have the rest of his senior squad to select from though, with fullback Martin Kelly the only other long-term injury absentee.
With so much riding on the result of this match, it's expected Rogers will opt for the strongest line-up possible .. although it remains to be seen who he will opt for in a couple of positions.
The defence should almost pick itself, including the selection of Pepe Reina in goal. The Reds' Spanish stopper still remains first-choice at Anfield, and has this week reiterated his desire to remain a Liverpool player, despite rumours linking him again with a move to Barcelona. Fullbacks Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are almost certain to retain their spots from earlier in the week, along with Daniel Agger, who should also feature.
Any questions on who will play surround veteran Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel, and who of the pair will partner Agger in the centre. Skrtel's lack of form and Carragher's lack of pace have been the sticking points for many, but the former's strength and the latter's organisation will be big considerations for their inclusion. One wonders if Skrtel will be pushing hard to face his former club – the Slovakian helped Zenit to the Russian league title in 2007, before moving to Liverpool.
Ahead of them the midfield trio would seem to be fairly automatic, with Lucas and Jordan Henderson the most likely options to partner captain Steven Gerrard. Joe Allen started ahead of Lucas in the away leg, with the 2-0 loss attributed in part to Liverpool's lack of a conventional defensive midfielder. The Brazilian's presence also affords Gerrard the ability – and confidence – to surge forward more often, which will be required as the Reds go in search of the goals needed to avoid elimination. Henderson's inclusion should come on the back of good form, and the energy which he provides in abundance.
Speaking of goals, a lot of the responsibility will also fall on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan's finishing was below-standard at Petrovsky Stadium in thei first leg, but he turned that around against Swansea scoring one, winning a penalty and providing the assist for Coutinho's first goal for the club.
In the first leg Rodgers experimented by playing midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in a central attacking role and, for the most part, it was an effective enough plan. The lack of a naturally instinctive goal-scorer left the Zenit goal area devoid of red shirts at times, but Shelvey caused enough headaches to at least come in to consideration.
Stewart Downing and Raheem Sterling are the other obvious contenders for inclusion in the starting line-up and, should Rodgers opt for Shelvey up front, the assumption is Downing would start with the pace of Sterling a factor later in the game. They could both get the call-up though, with the possibility of Suarez returning to a more central role.
Goals from Hulk and Sergey Semak secured Zenit's home win, and the former will be a player to watch again. The Brazilian wide man notched up 54 goals in 99 appearances for Porto before moving to Russia this season, and has very little to talk about in terms of weakness. His linking with Zenit's other attackers will be something the Liverpool defence will have to do it's best to nullify.
Hulk's former Porto teammate Bruno Alves is a strong presence at the back, along with Belgian international Nicolas Lombaerts, who should provide decent support down Zenit's left flank. Fellow Belgian internation Axel Witsel provides a fantastic fulcrum in the Zenit midfield along with captain Roman Shirokov, and Vyacheslav Malafeev provides Zenit with an excellent stopper betwen the posts.
Along with needing to score at least twice to keep their hopes alive, Liverpool know they must also prevent Zenit from scoring a vital away goal, so a clean sheet will be just as important as a fluid attacking display. Should Zenit score, the Reds will need to bang in at least four to progress to the next round.
After a poor previous week that saw Liverpool sink to back-to-back 2-0 losses in the only competitions they are still alive in, this week Liverpool have the chance to almost completely turn things around by securing their continuation in the Europa League.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Bundesliga struggler Fuerth fires instructor Bueskens - Football information
FUERTH, Germany (AP) a' Bundesliga bottom side Greuther Fuerth dismissed coach Mike Bueskens on Wednesday as the marketed group has won only twice in 2010. Fuerth spokesman Immanuel Kaestlen told The Associated Press that Bueskens, a Schalke midfielder, was informed of the club's decision in the afternoon. Assistant coach Mirko Reichel subsequently do not continue. Former under-23 coach Ludwig Preis and club manager Rouven Schroeder will need over on a temporary basis until a permanent replacement can be found, Kaestlen said. The 44-year-old Bueskens light emitting diode Fuerth to its first-ever promotion to the utmost effective flight after winning the German 2nd section last year a' following several near misses. "This has historic sizes for us," Bueskens said at the time. "So many thought: it was not wanted by them, they can not do it. And now we have found everyone." But Fuerth has struggled in the Bundesliga where it had been last with 12 items from 22 games. "It was an extremely difficult decision for people since we understand what we have to thank Mike Bueskens for," Fuerth president Helmut Hack said. "We have still got an opportunity of (Bundesliga) survival. Why we should try giving the team new impetus." that's Bueskens' dismissal came following a 1-0 defeat last weekend by Fortuna Duesseldorf, another endorsed part. Fuerth next plays on Sunday, in the home against third-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Bueskens is the last Bundesliga coach to be dismissed in 2010 following Felix Magath at Wolfsburg, Markus Babbel at Hoffenheim and Huub Stevens at Schalke. Discuss article: Bundesliga struggler Fuerth fires coach Bueskens
Real Madrid Boss Jose Mourinho Interested In Taking Over as PSG ...
Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho has publicly stated his interest in taking over at the Parc des Princes according to ESPN.
fanatix tickets – El Clasico tickets are still available for the biggest derby match in Europe.Real Madrid vs Barcelona tickets are on sale for this massive La Liga clash at the Bernabeau on March 3rd.
The under-fire Real Madrid manager is, according to this source, widely expected to leave the La Liga giants in the summer and seems to be 'putting out the feelers' for possible new positions he could fill when his time in the Spanish capital comes to an end.
Mourinho captured the Spanish title last term but has seen his side fail to keep up with Barcelona this time around, falling some 16 points off the pace and are four points behind city rivals Atletico.
Many Real Madrid fans are unhappy with Mourinho's arrogant demeanour and the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss has fallen out with a number of his star performers and could well be axed at the end of the season.
As for a move to take over at PSG, well clearly such a move would at first require Carlo Ancelotti to make way for the Portuguese boss.
Europa League Betting: Spurs to pass French exam, Magpies to fail...
"Metalist have won all four of their home games in this seasonas Europa League, while Newcastle have not won any of their four away matches." Right back Metalist to get at 1.9110/11 Our Europa League guy Kevin Hatchard predicts mixed fortunes for the Premier League teams involved with Thursday's early Europa League kick-offs. Metalist Kharkiv vs Newcastle United, Thu 18:00 BST, Live on ESPN Fit Odds: Metalist 1.9110/11, Newcastle 4.57/2, the bring 3.613/5 It's difficult to flee the idea that Newcastle could have already missed their possiblity to get this link. Last week's goalless bring at St. John' Park was difficult on the Magpies - they had two perfectly good Papiss Cisse targets disallowed for offside - but a full-strength staff also squandered several excellent opportunities to grab a first-leg advantage. With an important Premier League conflict with Southampton coming on Sunday, Newcastle employer Alan Pardew has mentioned he will perhaps not be able to field this kind of powerful line-up in the 2nd leg. Striker Shola Ameobi and winger Sylvain Marveaux are likely to play after impressing as alternatives last Thursday, but it remains to be viewed whether top stars like Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Fabricio Coloccini is going to be risked from the start of the match. Metalist showed number signs of rustiness last week, despite coming back from a long winter break. The smooth passing and brilliant action which have become Metalist emblems were in evidence on Tyneside, and despite the loss in star striker Taison to Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainians still carried an objective risk. Midfielders Jose Sosa and Marlos are dangerous moving forward, and Brazilian schemer Cleiton Xavier is a danger from both open play and set-pieces. Metalist have won all of the home games in this season's Europa League (including a 2-0 conquer Bayer Leverkusen), and I believe they will have a lot of quality for a vulnerable Newcastle part. Goal was conceded just one by the Ukrainians at home in the group stage, and I do believe the buying price of 1.9110/11 for the home win is fairly generous. It is worth taking into consideration that Newcastle have not won any of their four European away games this term, and in the Premier League they've won on just one of their 13 road trips. Advised Bet: Right back Metalist to gain at 1.9110/11 Lyon vs Tottenham Hotspur, 18:00 BST, Go on ITV4 Match Odds: Lyon 2.3411/8, Spurs 3.412/5, the draw 3.55/2 Gareth Bale's heroics (two tempting free-kicks, one at the end of every half) have given Spurs a slim 2-1 edge going into this second leg in France, and I think which is enough of a platform to get the North Londoners into the last 16. Lyon recovered well from that first-leg defeat at the week-end as they won 4-0 at Bordeaux, but they must now do what number other team has managed in this season's Europa League - they must defeat Spurs. Tottenham won two and received four of their team games, and the only fit that offered a serious threat was a draw at Lazio when the Italians squandered a number of possibilities. Spurs have a fantastic absent report in the Premier League, winning seven of their 13 games, and I think their rate on the break could possibly be critical in this encounter. At some level Lyon will have to start looking for the goal they need to win the link, and I believe the pace of people like Bale and Aaron Lennon can catch Les Gones from the table. Strength will be drawn by lyon from their exceptional house report in Ligue 1 (8W, second, 2L) and the very fact they won all three of their Europa League team games at Stade Gerland. On another hand, Remi Garde's men have didn't win their last two home games, pulling 0-0 with Evian Thonon and losing 3-1 to Lille. Spurs have had a week's rest because the first leg, and their next Premier League game is not until Monday night. On that basis I would assume Europa League devotee Andre Villas Boas to field a solid line-up, and they require if he does I think their power and speed will undoubtedly be enough to secure the effect. Layers must look into opposing Lyon at 2.3411/8, but instead you may back Spurs +0 & +0.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.9310/11. Suggested Bet Right back Spurs +0 & +0.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.9310/11 There are number comments with this report.
More Info: NK Osijek - NK Istra 1961 [Live Football]
Eredivisie: Fiorentina eye Clasie Dutch ace - ClubCall.com
Italian side Fiorentina are said to be keen on Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie and are being tipped to make a summer bid.
The 21-year-old has impressed for the Dutch side this season and has caught the eye of several top European clubs, who have sent scouts to watch him in action.The latest suggestions are that La Viola are leading the race for his signature, and are preparing a summer offer - thought to be in the region of £4million - for the Holland international.Fiorentina would face competition for Clasie, who already has three caps for his country, and Feyenoord will hope there is plenty of interest to drive up his value.Since making his debut in 2010, Clasie has gone on to make 55 appearances for the Dutch giants, scoring five goals, while he also had an eye-catching spell on loan for second-tier side Excelsior last season.
Major Link Soccer: Colbert, Alonsos Defection, Goal-Line ...
Sharlie Joseph's acquisition is equal to that of Eddie Johnson last year in terms of the talk it has sparked. Everyone is weighing on on a team acquiring an MLS legend at a position where they already have perhaps the best in the league. Fueling the fire is the sheer amount of uncertainty surrounding Joseph's role with the team and the cost of keeping him around.
This is perhaps the most in-depth account of Osvaldo Alonso's defection from Cuba. Certainly the most moving. The Miami Herald (perhaps the leading source of news for Cuban Americans) transcribes their interview/story in harrowing detail.
James Riley, to say the least, was surprised to leave Chivas last week. Riley, better known as my favorite former Sounder (yes, that was typed correctly) talks about a "handshake deal" with the LA club.
David Estrada is one of a few players on the club competing for the second striker position in Sigi's typical 4-4-2 formation. His speed and work rate could create an interesting dynamic with a guy like Eddie Johnson.
Meet Sounders supplemental pick Kevin Durr, soon to graduate from Air Force Academy. Few college experiences would prepare a player better for the physicality of MLS.
DC United is dreaming about the future of their new, Capital home. They aren't the only ones looking at the MLS stadium situation, as LAGConfidential does an expose on multipurpose buildings (including our own Centurylink).
I wouldn't wish the "privilege" to spend 10 bucks on a beer at a soccer match upon any futty fan, but there are some spectators on the other side of the pond who look at our freedom with pouting eyes, green with envy. They can have mine; there are better things to spend that 200 dollars per year on (and that would be one medium-sized beer per match!). That said, for anyone with the desire to buy, I'm at section 128 row V (this is a joke; I've got to drive home after every match).
Report: Arsenal 1-3 Bayern Munich|Arseblog News a the Arsenal...
System face an uphill task this evening to be eligible for a the next round of the Champions League after a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Arsene Wenger picked a strong side, with Theo Walcott implemented in advance and Lukas Podolski facing his old club. But the Gunners could have gotten down to a start when Toni Kroos dismissed the readers into a 7th moment cause, shooting into the bottom and past Wojciech Szczesny. The Germans doubled their lead from a corner in the 21st minute when the Polish keeper didn't handle a near article header and home was tapped by Thomas Mueller from close range. There were quickfire yellow cards for Bacary Sagna and Mikel Arteta as Arsenal attempted to up the strength and get back in the game, from the referee who looked out of his degree. Strategy did get forward sometimes but Bayernas extremely efficient and persistent defense snuffed out most the risk. Per Mertesacker had a go blocked, failed to discover a way through and while Walcott and Cazorla tried. Late in the half a straightforward Bayern assault saw Lahm combination for Mandzukic who had got between the centre-halves, but his strong header went just wide of the post. A significant let down for Arsenal and half-time arrived with a of boos, straight away drowned out by way of a substantial chant of aCome on Arsenala. Arsene Wenger made no improvements at the break and started well, keeping property but still finding it hard to break Bayern down. But following a Santi Cazorla opportunity deflected off Lukas Podolski the referee gave a corner to Arsenal, and from the resulting set-piece the former Bayern person got one back. The ball came across, they allow it jump in your community and Podolski headed into an empty web as Neuer came rushing out. The Germans seemed content to allow Arsenal have the ball, seeking to hit on the split and once more Kroos presented some threat, shooting well at Szczesny, who was simply found in no-manas land again from the resulting place but luckily they headed over. As yellow cards were dished out more by the referee to Arsenal men simply for sporting red and having limbs, Schweinsteiger shot over from the free activate a dangerous situation, before Jack Wilshere very nearly ran through the Bayern defence only to overrun it together with his final touch. A Podolski photo was then cleaned from inside the 6 garden box before the goalscorer was replaced by Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky came on for Aaron Ramsey. Inside a moment Walcott and Giroud combined, the cross from the best hand side was met sweetly by the French international but his shot went straight at Neuer. It absolutely was looking good for Arsenal but in the 77th minute Bayern got their two purpose lead back each time a Lahm combination from the right hand side identified Mandzukic whose work from close range went upright in the air, and landed back down in the internet. There was a little fortune to it but Vermaelen was left to manage two participants and the guests exploited the overlap well. Jack Wilshere then pushed Neuer into a save after a good run before a deflected chance wrong-footed Szczesny but he did enough to drive the ball wide, making Gomez to blast over from a small angle. Strategy looked for another goal which will provide a 2nd leg lifeline, but none was forthcoming, indicating they want to go to Germany in several days time and report at the very least three goals to go through. Itad be described as a huge shock if which were to happen, really the probabilities have become thin indeed, and the past concrete trophy of the season undoubtedly out of reach and looks well. The Arsenal fans sang of these love for the team, even as we encounter another beat, itas some thing worth remembering because the game drew to a close.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Kids soccer: Southern Section playoff results and updated combinations...
GUYS' SOCCER SOUTHERN AREA DEPARTMENT 1 2nd round, Wednesday San Clemente 2, Harvard-Westlake 1 Santa Barbara 1, Riverside Poly 0 JSerra 1, Edison 0 Palos Verdes 2, Damien 1 Servite 1, El Toro 0 Claremont 1, Redondo 0 (OT) Los Alamitos 1, Santa Margarita 0 Loyola 4, West Torrance 0 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Santa Barbara at #1 San Clemente No 4 Palos Verdes at JSerra Servite at Claremont # 2 Loyola at Los Alamitos SECTION 2 2nd round, Wednesday Corona Santiago 3, Lynwood 2 Loara 2, Manhattan project Quinta 1 Bell Gardens 3, Fontana 1 Noble 2, King 0 Alta Loma 2, Montebello 0 Warren 3, Segerstrom 1 Corona 2, Agoura 1 (OT) Paramount 2, Upland 1 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Loara at number 1 Corona Santiago Number 4 Royal at Bell Gardens Alta Loma at Warren No 2 Paramount at Corona DEPARTMENT 3 Next round, Wednesday El Rancho 5, Littlerock 1 La Sierra 1, Santa Ynez 0 Oxnard 3, Woodbridge 1 Century 2, Crescenta Valley 1 Palmdale 3, Nipomo 1 Burbank Burroughs 2, Redlands East Valley 1 Moreno Valley 2, Knight 1 (OT) Channel Islands 1, Corona del Mar 0 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. # 1 El Rancho at La Sierra Oxnard at no 4 Century Burbank Burroughs at no 3 Palmdale Channel Islands at Moreno Valley DIVISION 4 Next round, Wednesday Montclair 2, Artesia 1 (OT) Temescal Canyon 2, Valencia 1 South Torrance 1, Perris 0 (OT) Salesian 5, Carpinteria 0 Cathedral 6, Elsinore 0 Santa Paula 4, Hart 1 Ontario 2, Norwalk 0 West Ranch at no 2 Oak Hills, THURSDAY, 3 p.m. Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Montclair at Temescal Canyon No 4 Salesian at South Torrance #3 Cathedral at Santa Paula Ontario at West Ranch OR # 2 Pine Hills at Ontario DEPARTMENT 5 Next round, Wednesday unless mentioned San Jacinto three, Desert Hot Springs 2 Stone Hills at Los Altos, THURSDAY, 5 p.m. Godinez 3, Righetti 2 Pasadena Marshall 1, Pomona 0 Silverado 2, Desert Mirage 1 Crossroads 1, Monrovia 0 Saddleback 1, Los Amigos 1 (Saddleback improvements on charges, 3-1) Tahquitz 1, Arroyo Grande 0 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Los Altos at #1 San Jacinto OR #1 San Jacinto at Granite Hills Pasadena Marshall at Godinez No 3 Silverado at Crossroads Tahquitz at Saddleback DIVISION 6 Next circular, Wednesday Davidson 3, St. Margaret's 0 Rubidoux 2, Firebaugh 0 Ontario Orlando 2, Cerritos Area Christian 1 Cate 1, Banning 0 Jurupa Hills 4, San Gorgonio 1 Chadwick 4, Environmental Charter 0 Rialto 2, Bishop 0 Animo Leadership 7, Sage Hill 3 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Number 1 Carter at Rubidoux Ontario Christian at number 4 Cate Chadwick at number 3 Jurupa Hills Rialto at number 2 Animo Leadership TEAM 7 2nd round, Wednesday unless observed CAMS 0, West Shores 0 (CAMS advances on penalties, 4-2) Lancaster Desert Christian 3, Saddleback Pit Religious 1 St. Monica 0, Buckley 0 (St. Monica developments on fines, 8-7) Lennox Academy 1, Bishop Diego 0 Nordhoff 7, Serra 0 Huge 0, Tarbut VaTorah 0 (Mammoth improvements on penalties, 3-2) Avalon at Nuview Bridge, THURSDAY, 1 p.m. Vistamar 3, Milken 2 Quarterfinals, Friday, 5 p.m. Lancaster Desert Religious at CAMS Number 4 Lennox Academy at St. Monica Nordhoff at Mammoth # 2 Vistamar at Avalon/Nuview Bridge winner Notes: Semifinals, Tuesday. Finals, Mar. 1-2.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Bundesliga: Reus ready for Borussia gathering - ClubCall.com
Dortmund star Marco Reus has admitted he is looking towards Sunday's "special" reunion with old team Borussia Moenchengladbach. The 23-year-old left Borussia Park last summer and joined Dortmund, where he's played a vital role within their advance this time and has caught a person's eye alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Mario Goetze.He is planning for a return to his old stamping ground this weekend and admits he is looking towards the game."Gladbach will always be something specific for me," he told Bild. "With Gladbach, I became part of the national team, played my first Bundesliga match and scored my first Bundesliga purpose. I will always remember them, and I'm very grateful towards the entire club."
Bayern Munich wasnt good against Arsenal, but several people stood...
There is no doubt that Bayern Munich was the better group at the Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday morning, but the performance was not all there from the Bavarians. But, several people really stood out. Irrespective of Bild proclaiming that Bayern Munich were the new "Kings of London", the Bavarians' performance left a great deal to be desired. The clearest proof it was their quite bad passing proportion. Normally, Bayern take pride in the accuracy of their passing, however they left nearly all of that in Munich on Wednesday morning. Based on WhoScored.com, Bayern's moving percentage was a measly 79.7%, that will be the best rate in a or Champions League match since May possibly 2011. While a good quantity of that was down seriously to Manuel Neuer's exceedingly inconsistent evening in purpose, Javi Martinez was well off his commonly quality shows. While Arsenal's single target was a significant fluke --- I like to assume Neuer is still coming up for why he permitted that ball to drop like he did. ---, Bayern never did actually get free from 2nd gear after the first half hour. This has been a thing that has been hurting the Bavarians for some of the season, and it is still a concern this late into February. Bayern has been at their utmost in very few challenges this season, and their failure to get that kind on a regular basis must start to become a problem. That is not to say there were no great performances in the match against Arsenal. Listed here are a couple of that really stood out. Watching Philipp Lahm work up and down the flanks is just a kind of art. The defender might have lucked out a bit by being on the side of the field where Lukas Podolski was playing, since everyone knows that Podolski seldom, when, tracks right back, however it didn't matter as Lahm was a above on the evening romping and roaring down the right side. While observing the first half, I thought that possibly Arsene Wenger determined that he wanted his staff to concede two-thirds of the field to Bayern, or the Bavarians were using what they wanted and having their way with the London club. Maybe it was a little of both, now that I do believe about it. Lahm, and David Alaba on the left side also for example, appeared to spend the maximum amount of time in Arsenal's half approaching while they did within their own half protecting. Lahm continues to perform at a world class degree year after year after year, and yet he never fails to amaze yours undoubtedly with the items that he manages to do on the pitch. His galloping run out of the rear towards the finish of the very first half, when he properly placed his cross on the pinnacle of Mario Mandzukic, was a thing of beauty. If excellent fullbacks can be your point, Bayern Munich are pleased to provide you with leisure thanks to Lahm and Alaba. The progress of Toni Kroos throughout the last three periods has been a joy to view. The 23 year old has become the vital cog in the machine that is the Bayern Munich offense. Jupp Heynckes moved Kroos to the position just behind the striker, and the midfielder has grown like nothing you've seen prior. He's eight goals and seven assists to his name to date, and as we keep on in this year these figures will simply grow. Kroos is among the best real strikers of the ball in the sport today, and these abilities were displayed by him early with a seventh minute target that completely silenced the normally-not-very-loud Emirates Stadium. There is yet another 23 year old up top with Kroos, and his name is Thomas MAller. I am nearly certain that there is a player in world soccer that will score goals in a wider selection of ways that MAller. It was a lot more difficult than it looked, while his goal will be put by many on Wednesday evening down seriously to a. When Wojciech Szczesny makes the preliminary save very well Daniel Van Buyten's header, the ball just dangles in the air, inches from being bumped in to the Arsenal net. MAller, in the process of falling backwards, has the wherewithal to help keep his toes pointed down enough that his opportunity will position into the roof of the net. From my perspective, the chances that MAller heavens the ball over the net were just as large, or even higher, than him scoring the target. Kroos and MAller have gotten better and better every game this year, and with the three perception contests coming to a head in the forthcoming weeks, the 2 German internationals will need to be at the top of their game as no time before. Perhaps it's only me, but does anybody else like this new Arjen Robben we are seeing on the subject? I was concerned that people would begin to see Robben to arrive toward the conclusion of suits and then only jacking up shot after shot after shot, because he is no further an everyday starter. He would perhaps not care where he was. If he saw a break of sunlight, he would let an attempt grab. Well, color me pleasantly surprised in what I've been seeing. Mandzukic's purpose today is a excellent exemplory instance of what I'm speaing frankly about here. Robben obtained the ball just outside of the Arsenal penalty area and got two touches while Thomas Vermaelen came toward him. My mind immediately went along to where it often goes when Robben has the ball at his feet: my friend Bennett. I will hear Bennett's speech in my mind today, "Robben will just drive the ball to his left and boost a shot, and if they let him score that way, I will scream." I simply knew which was what Arjen would do, but the Dutchman surprised me yet again. With Philipp Lahm streaking past him on the right, the ball was played by Robben into place for Lahm to work on to. Lahm's combination was simple yet perfect, and Mandzukic determined ways to get it in to the net for the next target. For whatever reason, I just don't feel that Robben would've made that past last season. Part of me believes --- Number, part of me knows... --- that he would have just taken the chance once that small crack of daylight appeared. And undoubtedly all of the following right back he is been doing. Bayern probably choose this Robben. Bayern likely need this Robben.
More Info: Paris Saint Germain Youth - Tottenham Youth [Live Football]
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