Somdev Devvarman was ousted in the first round. Disappointing. But lets get behind our guy and hope he does better in the upcoming grand slams. This was his first grand slam. So lot of factors like playing in front of big crowds, nerves etc would come into play.
Federer was in 2nd gear and yet cruised into the 2nd round. Soderling (last year's finalist) eased into 2nd round with a straight-set win. The comedian from Serbia -Dojokovic, (type djovkovic mimicry on youtube, if you have not already), had a little scare but went thru in 4 sets. Jo-wili-Tsonga made heavy weather of little-known German, and battled thru in 5 sets. Best match of the 1st round though was between Gasquet and Murray. The Glasgow boy came back from 2 sets down to beat the local boy to go through in 5 sets. The Scot looked down, when he was 2 sets down and 1 break behind in the 3rd set. But, in an amazing turn around, he silenced the crowd and won in over 3 and a half hrs.
But, it looks like it is going to be the same old, fed-nadal final since there is no Delpotro and no Davydenko due to injuries. Even if they did play, it de-nadal was the likelier final, but now that they are not there, it makes it even more likely.
There is still hope for India, as Paes-Dloughy are seeded 3rd in doubles. Also, Bopanna is playing with a Pakistani guy Qureshi! Sadly, I dont see Sania Mirza in the FO'10. I hope all the Shoaib Malik/ Marriage thing does not take her focus away. If it does, it will be a shame. I cant imagine someone from the US or Europe stops playing because he/she got married!!
WC'10
Ballack is injured and wont play wc.
Grosso has been left out by Lippi. I remember this guy played really well in the wc'06, he defended awesome and also scored the goal that killed Germany in semi final. So, he must have done something pretty bad to be removed.
Ronaldo is 'worried' about Ivory Coast. Indeed, this group is the 'Group of Death'. Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea. My boss, who is himself from the Ivory Coast, says Brazil and North Korea will go through. Lets see.
Champions League final was pretty boring
I kind of dozed off in between the match 5 or 6 times. Agreed, I was tired after playing cricket in the morning. But, certainly, a football match has to be really boring to make me go to sleep, and that too in a CL final.
But it certainly did escalate Maurinho's figure as the father who work magic. And for those who want trophies at 'any' cost, would be full of praise for the Portugese. He does have an aura about him. But never in my life would I want himto coach Arsenal. Indeed, their path to CL glory could not have been tougher, with the likes of Shelski, Bayern and Barcelona thrown in their path. So well donw Maurinho and well done Inter and well done Zannetti, the 36-yr old captain of Internazionale. And btw, it was sweet revenge for Maurinho. He was fired as the assistant coach of Van Gaal at Barcelona 10 years ago!!
........thats it for now
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Arsenal Next Season
In Arsene we trust!
Lets start off with the Goalie issue. WE DESPERATELY NEED A HIGH CLASS GOALIE. There is no alternative to that. From what Wenger is saying it looks as though he might put the Pole (Fabianski) between the poles and make Almunia the 2nd choice. That very thought makes me nervous. I am not sure what Wenger sees in him. He may be a good shot stopper and he may have good reactions. But, what we need is a steady presence in our box. Someone who cannot collect (or punch) the corners effectively and efficiently. There are about 20 to 25 corners+freekicks to defend in a game and about 1 or 2 or sometimes up to 4 shots which require quick-reaction/ diving/ spectacular stops. (Arsenal-Barcelona was an exception). It is quite clear that to do the simple things efficiently is more important than to pull-off the spectacular. And this is what Wenger should look at. We know that Arsene will not bring in someone like Buffon or Toldo. I am hoping if he can persuade Lloris from the French team, that would be awesome. But, I think Wenger could go for someone really low-profile. Can he find another Lehman from somewhere? Over to you Arsene........
Gallas' wants and Arsenal/Wenger's policy means that the Frenchman could be on his way out. I have never been a big fan of Gallas ever since he came to Arsenal. Even though he formed a great partnership with TV earlier this season, I wont mind letting him go. BUT, that would leave a huge hole in the defence. We missed out on the Fulham youngster (Smalling). Can we get the Blackburn youngter? Jones? But then again, that would mean too many youngsters. So, in short, if Gallas stays, then TV + Gallas in the center with Djourou and Sol as backups. Otherwise, we need a well established center back. Would be awesome if we could get in a beast in the mould Lucio or Alex.
Over to you Arsene........
Left and right backs?
Clichy and Sagna backed up by Gibbs and Eboue. That is solid for me. There is talk that Clichy might go to Madrid or Barca. If he does, the Gibbs backed up by Armand Traore makes me concerned.
1) Gibbs, (even though, I like him as a player) is coming back from injury.
2) Traore is not a good defender.
Now the big one. The fab-skipper. This is what I think:
a) Fab wants go to Barca "some day". Some day is important.
b) Does he want to go now? Only Cesc knows the answer to that.
Why he would want to go
------Barca will probably win more trophies than Arsenal.
------Barca is his childhood club.
------Barca is in Spain
Why he would not want to go
------Papa Wenger. The person who has almost brought him up
------Feeling of almost there in Arsenal, just a little bit more to go. For a few seasons, we have been "almost there". If we sign a decent goalie and defender, (and having already bought the Morrocan), we should hopefully BE THERE next season instead of almost.
------Skipper at Arsenal, 3rd choice in Barca. Fab can dictate his terms over here. In Barca, Fab will only play if one of Xavi or Iniesta is unavailable.
Rest is upto AW.
There is a possibility that he might still go. But, I say he wont.
Since Cesc is not going, our mid field is pretty strong. We dont need any more re-inforcements in mid-field contrary to the pouplar belied. Song, Diaby, Nasri, Fab and Vin backed up by Walcott, Denislon, , Eboue and Rosicky is awesome, the best mid field in England.
RVP and Chamakh up-front backed up by Bendtner and Eduardo/Vela is still a little weak. But, if Jay-Emmanuel Thomas has matured enough, then we dont really need any more strikers. Jay-Emmanuel Thomas is a tall strong lad. May be just what we need.
Lets start off with the Goalie issue. WE DESPERATELY NEED A HIGH CLASS GOALIE. There is no alternative to that. From what Wenger is saying it looks as though he might put the Pole (Fabianski) between the poles and make Almunia the 2nd choice. That very thought makes me nervous. I am not sure what Wenger sees in him. He may be a good shot stopper and he may have good reactions. But, what we need is a steady presence in our box. Someone who cannot collect (or punch) the corners effectively and efficiently. There are about 20 to 25 corners+freekicks to defend in a game and about 1 or 2 or sometimes up to 4 shots which require quick-reaction/ diving/ spectacular stops. (Arsenal-Barcelona was an exception). It is quite clear that to do the simple things efficiently is more important than to pull-off the spectacular. And this is what Wenger should look at. We know that Arsene will not bring in someone like Buffon or Toldo. I am hoping if he can persuade Lloris from the French team, that would be awesome. But, I think Wenger could go for someone really low-profile. Can he find another Lehman from somewhere? Over to you Arsene........
Gallas' wants and Arsenal/Wenger's policy means that the Frenchman could be on his way out. I have never been a big fan of Gallas ever since he came to Arsenal. Even though he formed a great partnership with TV earlier this season, I wont mind letting him go. BUT, that would leave a huge hole in the defence. We missed out on the Fulham youngster (Smalling). Can we get the Blackburn youngter? Jones? But then again, that would mean too many youngsters. So, in short, if Gallas stays, then TV + Gallas in the center with Djourou and Sol as backups. Otherwise, we need a well established center back. Would be awesome if we could get in a beast in the mould Lucio or Alex.
Over to you Arsene........
Left and right backs?
Clichy and Sagna backed up by Gibbs and Eboue. That is solid for me. There is talk that Clichy might go to Madrid or Barca. If he does, the Gibbs backed up by Armand Traore makes me concerned.
1) Gibbs, (even though, I like him as a player) is coming back from injury.
2) Traore is not a good defender.
Now the big one. The fab-skipper. This is what I think:
a) Fab wants go to Barca "some day". Some day is important.
b) Does he want to go now? Only Cesc knows the answer to that.
Why he would want to go
------Barca will probably win more trophies than Arsenal.
------Barca is his childhood club.
------Barca is in Spain
Why he would not want to go
------Papa Wenger. The person who has almost brought him up
------Feeling of almost there in Arsenal, just a little bit more to go. For a few seasons, we have been "almost there". If we sign a decent goalie and defender, (and having already bought the Morrocan), we should hopefully BE THERE next season instead of almost.
------Skipper at Arsenal, 3rd choice in Barca. Fab can dictate his terms over here. In Barca, Fab will only play if one of Xavi or Iniesta is unavailable.
Rest is upto AW.
There is a possibility that he might still go. But, I say he wont.
Since Cesc is not going, our mid field is pretty strong. We dont need any more re-inforcements in mid-field contrary to the pouplar belied. Song, Diaby, Nasri, Fab and Vin backed up by Walcott, Denislon, , Eboue and Rosicky is awesome, the best mid field in England.
RVP and Chamakh up-front backed up by Bendtner and Eduardo/Vela is still a little weak. But, if Jay-Emmanuel Thomas has matured enough, then we dont really need any more strikers. Jay-Emmanuel Thomas is a tall strong lad. May be just what we need.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
arsenal this season
In wenger we trust!
Oh buoy! yet another season! yet another year! do i need to say .....same old story.....there is a sense of frustration growing around the emirates.....so where the hell did we go wrong?
it could be any one of the following:
no pre-season buys??
.....in fact, our pre-season buys were negetive......we sold traitor ade and kolo habib toure.........and bought in vermaelen....we thought eduardo and rosicky's come-back will fill the adebayor's slot.....vermaelen, along with fabre and sir alex was one of our players of the season and probably would make it to the premier league IX of the season......so i would say pre-season buy was not something where we went wrong.....
injuries?
we lost nasri for first 3 months, rvp for about 5 months, fab for about 2 months, bendtner for about 3 months and of course aaron the ramsey....so, that would definitely be a factor I would say.......i dint follow shelski so closely......but they lost essien and cashley cole for 2 or 3 months......but no one else really......hope the injury gods are good to us next time.....
big-match losses??
......we lost home and away to shelski and manure......which is losing 12 points....and almost equivalent to 24 points......considering that they are our title rivals......so if we had even drawn those games or won our home games.....things could have been so different.....but considering that manure lost to loserpool both their matches last year and yet won the title means that we could have still made up for the lost ground.......
no january transfer buys
.......possibly......coz arsene knew we dint have rvp and bendtner......and he asked vin(arsha) to play up front as a lone-striker.....the dimunitive Russsian did a reasonable job.....and also scored a couple of wonder gols......the one against loserpool comes to my mind first......probably maruanne the chamakh boy at this time would have been ideal for Arsenal.....as much as Bendtner tried.....he is not more than a squad player, an impact player....who could come in the last 20 mins.......if you ask nick to lead the line against Barca at camp nou......oh buoy....you are asking way too much of him..... we did get sol in January who was a revelation really....but thats all we did
goal keeper???????
oh yes.......this is where we lost the title......
remember the manure again early in the season......we were leading manure 1-0 comfortably .......when manuel stupid almunia charged wayne rooney when there was no need to......rooney dived, made the most of it, got a penalty and united not only got out of jail, they went on to win the game 2-1.......against porto in CL, 2 horrendous flapianski errors cost us the game.......its a different story that that game dint really affect us much.......but its the confidence (or the lack of it in this case) that you instill in your defence as a keeper that was the problem......Verminator tried hard to be the leader.......but with flapianski and silvster arround......oh buoy!........u are asking too much......
against Birmingham......almunia could have punched the ball over but instead let kevin phillips equalize in the 91st minute.......
against wigan......again flapianski was found flapping........
i remember i used to not like leheman......because he used to shove the opposition off .... i remember when he used to rise to catch a ball he used to have his studs up.......so any striker near him would get a knock or two on their shins and knees if they dared to go near him......how we miss him now.....
david seaman says that wenger should trust in these 2 glovers......but as much wenger i trust.......i cant take these to flappers......i can even take bendtner......and trust wenger on that........but not on flapianski or almunia please......
Oh buoy! yet another season! yet another year! do i need to say .....same old story.....there is a sense of frustration growing around the emirates.....so where the hell did we go wrong?
it could be any one of the following:
no pre-season buys??
.....in fact, our pre-season buys were negetive......we sold traitor ade and kolo habib toure.........and bought in vermaelen....we thought eduardo and rosicky's come-back will fill the adebayor's slot.....vermaelen, along with fabre and sir alex was one of our players of the season and probably would make it to the premier league IX of the season......so i would say pre-season buy was not something where we went wrong.....
injuries?
we lost nasri for first 3 months, rvp for about 5 months, fab for about 2 months, bendtner for about 3 months and of course aaron the ramsey....so, that would definitely be a factor I would say.......i dint follow shelski so closely......but they lost essien and cashley cole for 2 or 3 months......but no one else really......hope the injury gods are good to us next time.....
big-match losses??
......we lost home and away to shelski and manure......which is losing 12 points....and almost equivalent to 24 points......considering that they are our title rivals......so if we had even drawn those games or won our home games.....things could have been so different.....but considering that manure lost to loserpool both their matches last year and yet won the title means that we could have still made up for the lost ground.......
no january transfer buys
.......possibly......coz arsene knew we dint have rvp and bendtner......and he asked vin(arsha) to play up front as a lone-striker.....the dimunitive Russsian did a reasonable job.....and also scored a couple of wonder gols......the one against loserpool comes to my mind first......probably maruanne the chamakh boy at this time would have been ideal for Arsenal.....as much as Bendtner tried.....he is not more than a squad player, an impact player....who could come in the last 20 mins.......if you ask nick to lead the line against Barca at camp nou......oh buoy....you are asking way too much of him..... we did get sol in January who was a revelation really....but thats all we did
goal keeper???????
oh yes.......this is where we lost the title......
remember the manure again early in the season......we were leading manure 1-0 comfortably .......when manuel stupid almunia charged wayne rooney when there was no need to......rooney dived, made the most of it, got a penalty and united not only got out of jail, they went on to win the game 2-1.......against porto in CL, 2 horrendous flapianski errors cost us the game.......its a different story that that game dint really affect us much.......but its the confidence (or the lack of it in this case) that you instill in your defence as a keeper that was the problem......Verminator tried hard to be the leader.......but with flapianski and silvster arround......oh buoy!........u are asking too much......
against Birmingham......almunia could have punched the ball over but instead let kevin phillips equalize in the 91st minute.......
against wigan......again flapianski was found flapping........
i remember i used to not like leheman......because he used to shove the opposition off .... i remember when he used to rise to catch a ball he used to have his studs up.......so any striker near him would get a knock or two on their shins and knees if they dared to go near him......how we miss him now.....
david seaman says that wenger should trust in these 2 glovers......but as much wenger i trust.......i cant take these to flappers......i can even take bendtner......and trust wenger on that........but not on flapianski or almunia please......
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Football Development in India
"Maradonas made in India" This was the slogan which caught everyone's attention when Maradona was here in India in December last year. He inaugurated the private academy which has some big plans for football development in India. I was browsing through the slideshare and came across their presentation and thought to share it to you all. Football is catching everyone's attention in India. Hope to see India playing in 2020 world cup.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Arsenal vs Villareal UEFA Champions LEague
Posted by Giri
Whats up in April? The "Ars"pective. (Arsenal Perspective. Sorry Bad PJ)Wow!! Its an absolutely mouth watering month to look forward to. I will hopefully buy my first car in the US. And then I will hopefully get my work visa. I know it was funny when I completed my Masters in Computer Science. But its funnier to think that I am working full-time as an Engineer.
Coming to the Ars-pective (haha....I like my jokes/pjs)Arsenal Vs Villareal - Gooners Vs The Yellow Submarine. Ya thats what they call Villareal. Looks a pretty easy match up on paper. But, as some of you may remember, it required a last-minute penalty save from Lehmann, Jens not Darren, in the 2006 CL semi final. Would be nice to have Pires back at our home ground. I am sure he will receive a great reception. When Henry used to score those countless goals, this man's contribution was often forgotten. But the avid/ hardcore arsenal supporters, which I must admit I was not in those times, will know that he was one of the most important of the "Arsenal Invincibles". RVP has been ruled out. Arshavin is cup-tied. So, that leaves us with Adebayor and probably Bendtner up-front. The mid-field should be, Fabri, Denilson, Nasri, Walcott. I think, however, Bendtner might make way for Alex Song. Back four should be Clichy, toure, gallas and Sagna. And Almunia between the sticks.
The players to watch out for in Villareal would be Pires, of course. Though he would be playing after being red-carded in his last Primera Liga outing. Giuseppe Rossi, the Man U reject will be keen to prove a point. John Dahl Tomasson, (I wish Bendtner starts playing half-as-good as his compatriot) is a natural Goal scorer. Even though age is running against the Dane, Arsenal will do well to keep this man in check. Marcos Senna, he was regular member the Euro-winning Spanish team. Joan Capdevilla, I think he is the captain, but more importantly, this defender has the uncanny ability to come forward and score crucial goals. Edmilson, I remember this guy's brilliant over-head kick in the 2002 world cup for Brazil.
My prediction (Villareal 1 - 2 Arsenal)
18th Apr- FA cup against Chelsea.
We should have Arshavin and RVP back for this one. I hope Arshavin/Nasri rapes Ashley Cole.
My prediction(Chelsea 0- 1 Arsenal)
15th Apr- CL Home Vs Villareal
I think we will give them a spanking at home if my first prediction is correct. If it is wrong, we will spank them even harder at home. LOL
My prediction(Arsenal 3- 0 Villareal)
21st Apr- EPL against Liverpool
Then Arsenal travel to Anfield (The is Wigan in between that). Playing in front of 'the kop' under lights is one of the most daunting prospects in football they say.
My prediction(Liverpool 1- 2 Arsenal)
29th Apr- Champions League ***CL semifinal Vs Man U
Wow.......Porto Vs Arsenal would be interesting. But there is a slight chance that Man U might make it to the semis. Wow!!That would be an intersting one. I hope Macheda gets red-carded, Ronaldo is injured and Vidic starts fighting with Rooney.
My prediction(Man U 0- 2 Arsenal)
***if Man U beats Porto
Monday, February 16, 2009
Arsenal - ManU Nike Commercial
Awesome Arsenal - ManU Nike Commercial
Just Do It !!!
Just Watch It !!!
Just Do It !!!
Just Watch It !!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
El Diego - Diego Maradona
I have read it twice before and reading it for the 3rd time. Every time I enjoy reading the straight from the heart autobiography of the footballer of the century Diego Maradona. If Pele was FIFA player of the century Maradona was people's choice.Story of struggle , hard work , dedication , belief in oneself, motivation. Diego's life is full of it and it inspires me a lot.
There are not many players who have lifted world cup on their own, Zizu came close in the last world cup but Maradona did it in 1986.
Book covers every detail of Maradona's life. How young Pelu was born in a poor family and since his childhood he enjoyed playing futball day and night. He was the start player since his childhood and this was proven when in just 2 years he jumped from divison 9 of Argentina to a national player at the age of 16 and Argentinos Juniors star player. He was also famous for showing his football skills at the half time when he was not a divison one player for Argentinos Junior.
Five years at Argentinos and how he managed to ditch River Plate who were gunning for him and join where his heart wanted to go i.e Boca Juniors. He went there even he was getting very less and Boca were not financially rich also. Pelu followed his heart always.
Pelu was not selected for 1978 FIFA world cup and he took his revenge by winning the youth world cup for Argentina.
Journey to Barcelona where he had a bad time due to fights with the president and also because he caught Hepatitis B. Finally he got transferred to Napoli Italy which was not one of the top club at that time.
Maradona gave the Nepolities the hope and worker class who were treated not at par with other italians the faith and belief in themselves. Napoli went on to win the Italian league twice , UEFA cup and many more events.
I came to know how he fought with Fifa Boss ' João Havelange ' at that time for the player rights and their sufferings when they had to play matches @12 noon during the Mexico world cup just because Europeans can watch the match during their day time. He also raised his voice against referring decisions.
1986 world cup legendary show by Maradona, Match against England , Hand of God and Goal of the century winning the final emotions . I loved this chapter in the book it was the best one.
1990 world cup , Argentina not the favorites, underdogs ,out of form loosing to Morocco in the first match. Beating Brazil and qualify to the next round , slowly moving to next rounds little bit through luck and more through team gelling at the right time. Italians hooting against the team and Maradona giving them some sermons at press conference. Napoli was like home to Argentina, kicking the italians out in the world cup ... you have to read it to enjoy it fully
Closing with a quote from the French great, Michel Platini, comparing Diego and Zizou
"Zidane does some extraordinary things, it’s true. But you have to put everything in context. What Zidane does with a ball, Maradona could do with an orange".
Read the book to know more about the Legend
Thursday, June 5, 2008
McDonald's Fantasy Football
After playing IPL Fantasy League, lets now play the Euro Fantasy League. This one is simpler no need to substitute daily, one need to make team for stages. Team making is as easy as A.B.C .
I have made my team for Stage 1
| Group Stage 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Czech Republic | 7 Jun 18:00 |
| Portugal | Turkey | 7 Jun 20:45 |
| Austria | Croatia | 8 Jun 18:00 |
| Germany | Poland | 8 Jun 20:45 |
| Romania | France | 9 Jun 18:00 |
| Netherlands | Italy | 9 Jun 20:45 |
| Spain | Russia | 10 Jun 18:00 |
| Greece | Sweden | 10 Jun 20:45 |
My Captain is Torres and favorite team is Spain :)
Following are the most selected players from the website
| Player | Team | Sel | |
| Cristiano Ronaldo |  | Portugal | 87,085 |
| Torres |  | Spain | 75,569 |
| ÄŒech |  | Czech Republic | 64,260 |
| Ballack |  | Germany | 49,155 |
| Lahm | | Germany | 48,036 |
| Carvalho | | Portugal | 45,937 |
| Klose | | Germany | 41,865 |
| Evra |  | France | 40,707 |
| FÃ bregas | | Spain | 37,406 |
| Puyol | | Spain | 34,607 |
Vivek Goyal aka Chakku has created the Daiict League on the website password is 121041-26198
So Lets fight it out :)
Technorati Tags
Euro Fantasy League Euro08
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Chelsea-o-Chelsea , where's is my Manager
Perhaps they need to market themselves and place themselves in the hearts of fans. Sacking of Jose and now Avam grant has lowered the
image of Chelsea. It seems to me that if the manager doesn't agrees to the owner he is fired. Or other case can be he is getting obsessed with the big silver cup which could have been there's in Moscow but not this time. Abramovich should realize that money can buy you everything but not respect and stature as other clubs command.
Now many managers are in fray for the top post at Chelsea. AC Milan's Ancelotti has said he is not interested, Sven-Goran Eriksson is off to Mexico, Scholari , Mancini , Rijkard are left in the fray or there may be any surprise. Guys at chelseablog are suggesting the name of Thomas Schaaf who is currently managing Werder Bremen in Germany.
I don't know who will be the manager but it should be one like Jose aggressive and attacking who can take this club to heights where the club become lovable by all. Wait for few days
Technorati
Chelsea Jose Milan Manager
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Chak Diya India Ne
In a rarest of rarest delight for Indian football fans India lifted the Nehru cup after defeating Syria a very high ranked team 39 places to be precise (another rare for India). This is the first time India has lifted the Nehru cup in total 13 attempts.
All are saying that the face of Indian football will change with this, I don't think this even in my dreams.
Era of Indian football when it came 4th in Olympics in 1956 will never come back in the coming 60-70 years I am damn sure about it. But all kudos to the coach Bob Houghten for doing such good work for Indian football.
p.s This is the 200th post though posts in the past month has decreased considerably as all are busy but still we have crossed the 200 barrier in less than a year time
All are saying that the face of Indian football will change with this, I don't think this even in my dreams.
Era of Indian football when it came 4th in Olympics in 1956 will never come back in the coming 60-70 years I am damn sure about it. But all kudos to the coach Bob Houghten for doing such good work for Indian football.
p.s This is the 200th post though posts in the past month has decreased considerably as all are busy but still we have crossed the 200 barrier in less than a year time
Monday, August 6, 2007
Van Der Sar – Man, U did it!!
Nobody was sent out, No serious injuries, No physical combats and performances at par, and thus there was dawn of the football season. Manchester United and Chelsea met at the Wembley to fight for the Community shield and the so much celebrated rivalry was revisited in a nonetheless dramatic fashion.
The game went to the penalties and Van Der Sar rocked. He saved consecutive penalties shot by Claudio Pizarro, Frank Lampard and Shaun Wright-Philips while Peter Cech wasn’t able to wall out the hits of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.
The victorious goal keeper told in an interview "It's a little revenge for the cup final and also gives us a boost before the start of the league. I've never saved three penalties in a row. I was 5-2 down on penalty shootouts during my career, so this makes it 5-3.”
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sports Updates
I would define the later half of the july as dull period for sports, one big event was the awesome European F1. I saw for the first time race being red flagged all due to the rain gods which are angry on whole of the world of sports it seems specially in Europe, England is reeling under floods first it was Wimbledon now its India-England Test Series.
But off the fields there is lot of happenings going on.
Talking about Football : Pre season tours of EPL teams are in the last stages ManU , Liverpool
all came down to South East Asia and China for expanding the EPL and may be money for pre season team builds up. All thanks to the professionalism of EPL organizers who have expanded the popularity of EPL to almost whole of Asia and now its have become profitable to be compared to American NBA and NHL leagues, EPL is far ahead in terms of viewership.
Transfers is in full flow with last 2-3 days left. Tevez saga has not yet been cleared if he stays in WestHam he will be joined by another Arsenal great Freddie Ljungberg who has left Arsenal another big exit after Henry. Mourinho is trying to avoid Robben from going to Real Madrid, Kaka has made it clear that he will remain in AC Milan.
Manchester city has been brought by ex Thailand Premier Shinowatra and has pumped in 100 million dollars to Sven Erricson new manager for transfer. Big money spending is done by almost all the teams in the EPL.
Beckham made his lackluster debut in LA-Galaxy against Chelsea, he is injured and will miss the initial 2-3 matches of LA, Giri can give more updates on the Beckham from US.
In the AFC whole of Iraq has been united by its splendid performance in the competition , it has
reached the finals and will face Saudi Arabia. Big teams of Asia Japan, Korea have been kicked out, even Australia has not felt that its not easy playing football in Asia as the team studded will players who play in EPL also couldn't do anything.
Indian football is also trying to improve its game, team is touring Portugal and is playing matches against League 3/2, thanks to fine display by bhutia it has won 2 matches also.
Moving over to India's religion Cricket:
Star Cricket, they are saying they have reached 75% of ESPN-Star Sports coverage, i don't know how, my cable wala is not showing it. Its not in half of haryana and many parts of UP. Cable guy said they are demanding 8 Lakhs, he said its not worth spending for test matches only as the ODI's will come on DD1 itself. Great :)
India's famed line failed again in Lords, dk has already written about that. In second test bowlers have performed well despite of rain England is on backfoot at 167/7 .
Off the field ICL is slowly bulding up. Lara is coming Warne and McGrath are also expected to join. Sportscenter rumors say Fleming has also been offered a lucrative deal to join. With the league being run by ex-players and professionals not by unknowledgable politicians in case of BCCI we can expect it to promote cricket and provide good players for Indian cricket. Some of the lashings players are also expected to join. If planned properly i feel the T20 T20 format can become very popular and we can expect like county and even like WI, T20 leagues.
T20 world cup has been launched in SA. The 13-day event will have 12 nations compete in 27 matches for one trophy. It starts from September 11 with matches being played in Johannesburg, Capetown and Durban. I am looking forward to the cup as my interest in 50 overs format is at all time low. Music, cheer boys and girls it will be all exciting. To the top of the excitement India has been placed with Pakistan in group D, other team being Scotland. Australia are in Group B along with England and Zimbabe, while hosts South Africa have been teamed up with West Indies and Bangladesh in Group A. New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Kenya constitute Group C. India play Pakistan on September 14.
F1
Mclarean is cleared of all the charges of stealing Ferrari's documents, there will be no punishment and points deductions.
18 race calender for 2008 has been announced by FIA with two new entrants Singapore and Valencia and there will be no race in USA.
Last race was awesome though i couldn't watch the whole race, Hamilton was without points for the first time, ups and downs do happen to all. Alonso showed why he is still the best when he overcame Massa with only few laps remaining.
Kartikeyan chances of driving again for spyker were dealt a blow when Sakon Yamamoto was signed by spyker, money is the only reason seems to me as he has given around 33 crores rupees to driver the Spyker car and spyker needs money badly.
In other sports Tour De France has become Dope De France, doping has again affected the event, I reckon the event to be the toughest in the world, cycling association should take some stringent measures to stop the doping saga affecting the event every year. If Armstrong can do it 7 times without doping (though charges were also raised against him but not proved) why can't others do it.
In tennis hard court season has begun Sania is participating in tier 3/4 events and performing well. Great ..... Do you see any chances of here getting into top 10 in coming year ????
In other sports political news IOA is fighting with sports ministry over some sports policy which the ministry is framing to encourage the sports. IOA is complaining that ignoring it is unethical. Well to me the policy will not do anything IOA supremo Kalmadi who has been at the helm for the past 2 decades has done nothing and with meagre 500 crores sports budget the ministry expect to win golds!!!!! hahahhahhaha. We hire cheap coaches and many are not upto the marks , we compare ourselves to china LOL china spends millions and millions in sports and you will see China pipping USA handsomely in 2008 Olympics.
Comments expected!!!!
I have written about 4-5 sports so a small check of interest of readers
Technorati Tags
Cricket T20Cup Football EPL F1 Tennis Cycling IOA Olympics 2008 Lords
But off the fields there is lot of happenings going on.
Talking about Football : Pre season tours of EPL teams are in the last stages ManU , Liverpool
all came down to South East Asia and China for expanding the EPL and may be money for pre season team builds up. All thanks to the professionalism of EPL organizers who have expanded the popularity of EPL to almost whole of Asia and now its have become profitable to be compared to American NBA and NHL leagues, EPL is far ahead in terms of viewership.Transfers is in full flow with last 2-3 days left. Tevez saga has not yet been cleared if he stays in WestHam he will be joined by another Arsenal great Freddie Ljungberg who has left Arsenal another big exit after Henry. Mourinho is trying to avoid Robben from going to Real Madrid, Kaka has made it clear that he will remain in AC Milan.
Manchester city has been brought by ex Thailand Premier Shinowatra and has pumped in 100 million dollars to Sven Erricson new manager for transfer. Big money spending is done by almost all the teams in the EPL.
Beckham made his lackluster debut in LA-Galaxy against Chelsea, he is injured and will miss the initial 2-3 matches of LA, Giri can give more updates on the Beckham from US.In the AFC whole of Iraq has been united by its splendid performance in the competition , it has
reached the finals and will face Saudi Arabia. Big teams of Asia Japan, Korea have been kicked out, even Australia has not felt that its not easy playing football in Asia as the team studded will players who play in EPL also couldn't do anything.Indian football is also trying to improve its game, team is touring Portugal and is playing matches against League 3/2, thanks to fine display by bhutia it has won 2 matches also.
Moving over to India's religion Cricket:
Star Cricket, they are saying they have reached 75% of ESPN-Star Sports coverage, i don't know how, my cable wala is not showing it. Its not in half of haryana and many parts of UP. Cable guy said they are demanding 8 Lakhs, he said its not worth spending for test matches only as the ODI's will come on DD1 itself. Great :)
India's famed line failed again in Lords, dk has already written about that. In second test bowlers have performed well despite of rain England is on backfoot at 167/7 .
Off the field ICL is slowly bulding up. Lara is coming Warne and McGrath are also expected to join. Sportscenter rumors say Fleming has also been offered a lucrative deal to join. With the league being run by ex-players and professionals not by unknowledgable politicians in case of BCCI we can expect it to promote cricket and provide good players for Indian cricket. Some of the lashings players are also expected to join. If planned properly i feel the T20 T20 format can become very popular and we can expect like county and even like WI, T20 leagues.
T20 world cup has been launched in SA. The 13-day event will have 12 nations compete in 27 matches for one trophy. It starts from September 11 with matches being played in Johannesburg, Capetown and Durban. I am looking forward to the cup as my interest in 50 overs format is at all time low. Music, cheer boys and girls it will be all exciting. To the top of the excitement India has been placed with Pakistan in group D, other team being Scotland. Australia are in Group B along with England and Zimbabe, while hosts South Africa have been teamed up with West Indies and Bangladesh in Group A. New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Kenya constitute Group C. India play Pakistan on September 14.F1
Mclarean is cleared of all the charges of stealing Ferrari's documents, there will be no punishment and points deductions.
18 race calender for 2008 has been announced by FIA with two new entrants Singapore and Valencia and there will be no race in USA.
Last race was awesome though i couldn't watch the whole race, Hamilton was without points for the first time, ups and downs do happen to all. Alonso showed why he is still the best when he overcame Massa with only few laps remaining.
Kartikeyan chances of driving again for spyker were dealt a blow when Sakon Yamamoto was signed by spyker, money is the only reason seems to me as he has given around 33 crores rupees to driver the Spyker car and spyker needs money badly.
In other sports Tour De France has become Dope De France, doping has again affected the event, I reckon the event to be the toughest in the world, cycling association should take some stringent measures to stop the doping saga affecting the event every year. If Armstrong can do it 7 times without doping (though charges were also raised against him but not proved) why can't others do it.
In tennis hard court season has begun Sania is participating in tier 3/4 events and performing well. Great ..... Do you see any chances of here getting into top 10 in coming year ????
In other sports political news IOA is fighting with sports ministry over some sports policy which the ministry is framing to encourage the sports. IOA is complaining that ignoring it is unethical. Well to me the policy will not do anything IOA supremo Kalmadi who has been at the helm for the past 2 decades has done nothing and with meagre 500 crores sports budget the ministry expect to win golds!!!!! hahahhahhaha. We hire cheap coaches and many are not upto the marks , we compare ourselves to china LOL china spends millions and millions in sports and you will see China pipping USA handsomely in 2008 Olympics.Comments expected!!!!
I have written about 4-5 sports so a small check of interest of readers
Technorati Tags
Cricket T20Cup Football EPL F1 Tennis Cycling IOA Olympics 2008 Lords
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Henry on his way to Barcelona
Giri's wish of Henry failing the medical test failed when Henry cleared the medical test and was unveiled at Nou Camp after signing a 4 year deal with Barcelona. Arsenal Football confirmed the signing. Arsenal has thanked Henry for his massive contribution to the club development. The club said:
During his time at Arsenal, Thierry became the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals from his 370 appearances. He was also an integral part of the 2003/04 ‘unbeaten’ League season, won the Premiership twice, the FA Cup twice, the Premiership ‘Golden Boot’ four times, was voted the PFA Player of the Year twice and won the FWA Player of the Year on three occasions.
Everyone at Arsenal wish Thierry the best of luck for the future.
Good luck from our side also :( we will miss you in arsenal matches.
Read More
BBC
img: bbc
ESPYS AWARDS
ESPYS are back again, 2007 nominations have been announced. Though most of us do not follow American games like NFL and NHL, but still we can participate in the ESPYS by voting in the following categories.
- Best International Male Athlete
- Didier Drogba
- Roger Federer
- Dirk Nowitski (NBA)
- Albert Pujols (Baseball)
- Best International Female Athlete
- Justine Henin
- Maria Sharapova
- Lorena Ochoa Golf
- Annika Sorenstam Golf
- Best Male Tennis Player
- Rafael Nadal
- Roger Federer
- James Blake
- Andy Roddick
- Best Female Tennis Player
- Justine Henin
- Maria Sharapova
- Serena Williams
- Jelena Jankovic
ESPYS2007
img: atptennis.com
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Five Sporting Wishes
Sports fans here are my 5 sporting wishes. I would love to do these in coming 5-10-15-20 years, I hope these moments would come much sooner.
1. Watching Formula one race in Monaco. I love street racing and Monaco is the best street circuit till now. Delhi is expected to have a track around the Janpath, but you know how much time it takes in India. But Monaco rules.
2. Watch the Wimbledon final, yes wimbledon not any another Grandslam tournament. 120 year old tournament has its own class and I would love to be at the centre court watching the final.
3. Emirates Stadium... Gunners home my favourite club and watching them play ManU at their home would be icing on the cake.
4. Match at Lords .. mecca of cricket. Though my interest in cricket is slowly dying but still sitting at the stands in Lords and watching arch rivals England take on Australia in the Ashes test would be great.
5. Fifa World Cup Final, i hope its between brazil and argentina.
I have written what are yours
Technorati Tags
F1 Football Wimbledon UEFA Arsenal Argentina Cricket Brazil ManU Monaco
1. Watching Formula one race in Monaco. I love street racing and Monaco is the best street circuit till now. Delhi is expected to have a track around the Janpath, but you know how much time it takes in India. But Monaco rules.
2. Watch the Wimbledon final, yes wimbledon not any another Grandslam tournament. 120 year old tournament has its own class and I would love to be at the centre court watching the final.
3. Emirates Stadium... Gunners home my favourite club and watching them play ManU at their home would be icing on the cake.
4. Match at Lords .. mecca of cricket. Though my interest in cricket is slowly dying but still sitting at the stands in Lords and watching arch rivals England take on Australia in the Ashes test would be great.
5. Fifa World Cup Final, i hope its between brazil and argentina.
I have written what are yours
Technorati Tags
F1 Football Wimbledon UEFA Arsenal Argentina Cricket Brazil ManU Monaco
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Spanish Primera
It can't get better then this in Spanish Primera. Those with weak hearts should stop watching, even I can't watch because of almost nil coverage of Spanish lega and when star sports shows, its too late to watch. But what a season we are witnessing this year, top four teams in 4 point difference with Barca and Real Madrid at same point but Real ahead of barca on head to head count. With just three more days left Day 36 on 27th May, Day 37 on june 10 and Day 38 on june 17 to decide the winner of this season, nobody is sure who is going to win the cup. So much is at stake for all the teams this season except Sevilla who has something to cheer about after winning the UEFA Cup.
Day 35 was the highest scoring day in this season will all the teams scoring goals like the teams hit sixes in WI world cup. Barcelona trounced Atletico Madrid in a tennis like score 6-0.
Meanwhile I have installed FiFa07 on my lapy and have started the Spanish Primera season and will take Barcelona to the Cup victory before 17th June :)
Read Mode
Soccer-Spain
EPL Fans Must Read
Time.com-England's Goal Rush
Day 35 was the highest scoring day in this season will all the teams scoring goals like the teams hit sixes in WI world cup. Barcelona trounced Atletico Madrid in a tennis like score 6-0.
| Espanyol | 1-5 | Getafe |
| Atlético | 0-6 | Barcelona |
| Betis | 1-1 | NÃ stic |
| Sociedad | 3-1 | Celta |
| Levante | 1-4 | Osasuna |
| Villarreal | 2-1 | Racing |
| Mallorca | 0-1 | Valencia |
| Zaragoza | 4-3 | Athletic |
| Deportivo | 1-2 | Sevilla |
| Recreativo | 2-3 | R Madrid |
| Day 35 - May 20 | ||
| Team | GP | W | D | L | Pts | GF | GA | GD | |
| Barcelona | 35 | 20 | 9 | 6 | 69 | 70 | 30 | 40 | |
| Real Madrid | 35 | 21 | 6 | 8 | 69 | 58 | 36 | 22 | |
| Sevilla | 35 | 20 | 7 | 8 | 67 | 61 | 33 | 28 | |
| Valencia | 35 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 65 | 50 | 32 | 18 |
Meanwhile I have installed FiFa07 on my lapy and have started the Spanish Primera season and will take Barcelona to the Cup victory before 17th June :)
Read Mode
Soccer-Spain
EPL Fans Must Read
Time.com-England's Goal Rush
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Rooney, Kaka! Kaka, Rooney!
The fight for European supremacy continues as Milan took on Man U in England Manchester Milan
Image source : UEFA
Saurabh, anand and dk decided to run a parallel game of scrabble as the referee blew the whistle, we set the board and got ready and then came the noise, GOAL, already. Five minutes in the game, and a Ronaldo head gets the ball behind the bars. Controversial though, whether it should have been a Dida own goal, who in attempt to keep the ball away from heading Heinze touches the ball in the net.
I am always on the losing side when Saurabh takes on scrabble, but it was my lucky dayJ, Saurabh was already angry on Man U’s pass-it-long tactics as I made progress. And suddenly we discovered God, Kaka, making the defence realize that they lack some players, single handedly took one to the brink and finished it beautifully. 22 minutes in the game and its open yet again. Saurabh happy, anand happy and Vivek gets up.
Kaka makes his presence felt again and doesn’t take long to do the same, 15 minutes later, on again he dodges the defenders, leaving Heinze and Evra colliding, one on one with Van Der Sar makes it 2-1, beautiful goal!! On away ground
Soon with a carry over yellow card already, Evra gets himself booked, making the 
A yellow to Kaka, one to Giggs, one to new kid Bonera, the game looks all set to go winnerless, Rooney gets the crowd erupted by hitting one in injury time, and I have won my first game J and Manchester united pulls this game back from behind leaving behind the Kaka-embarrassment to strike a claim for the European championship.
Image source : UEFA
Technorati Tags:kaka, rooney, manu, ac milan, uefa
Friday, April 20, 2007
Messi's Goal
Said to be the best goal of the century. Its compared with maradona's goal.
Messi vs Getafe
Maradona vs England
Technorati Tags
Messi Maradona England Getafe SpanishLega
Messi vs Getafe
Maradona vs England
Technorati Tags
Messi Maradona England Getafe SpanishLega
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)