IFFHS NAMES REAL MADRID THE EUROPEAN & WORLD TEAM OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Uji coba PERSIBO vs PSIR Rembang(2-0)

Kemarin sore laga ujicoba PERSIBO vs PSIR Rembang,di gelar di Stadion Letjend H.Soedirman Bojnegoro.Laga ini di adakan sebagai pemantapan formasi masing-masing tim.
Di bawah cuaca mendung,laga ini di gelar.Persibo hanya memainkan satu pemain asingnya Abel Cello Quioh,langsung menggempur pertahanan PSIR dari menit awal.Laga baru 6 menit Nurhidayat berhasil menjebol gawang PSIR dari luar kotak penalti memanfaatkan bola muntahan.
Dan gol ke dua di lesatkan Abel Cello yang menerobos pertahan samping PSIR pada babak ke dua.

WPSL playoffs

New England Mutiny 6, Northampton 0
AC Diablos 3, Long Island 1

Kerri Hanks wins Hermann Trophy

Notre Dame star Kerri Hanks won the 2006 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy as the top college player.

Draw for FIFA Under-20 World Championship

FIFA U-20 World Championship August 17-September 3, 2006 in Russia.

GROUP A
Russia
Brazil
New Zealand
Australia

GROUP B
China PR
Finland
CAF 1
Canada

GROUP C
Germany
Switzerland
Mexico
Korea

GROUP D
USA
CAF 2
France
Argentina

Fourteen year old Kori Quinn diagnosed with cancer

Some of you may have heard there is a girl, Kori Quinn who plays on the Viati 95's (U14's) who was recently diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer.
She is an amazing athlete and is now fighting for her life. Regardless of what jersey a player is wearing, a soccer player is a soccer player. We are reaching out into the soccer community asking for support for Kori and her Mom and Dad to help pay for medical expenses. Kori will start her 3rd round of chemo this upcoming weekend and then will have 10 more to go.
We are selling "Kick it for Kori" wristbands for $4 and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Kori Quinn Medical Fund.
We feel greatful to have healthy kids but when something like this happens EVERYONE needs to step up to the plate to support a kid who LOVES to play the game of soccer.
 You can find more info around Kori's story at www.viatisc.com and there is a link to her Caring Bridge website where her mom give daily updates.
Theresa Hultz
C! ell 913-526-8565 
You can contact Theresa via the cell phone listed above or by email at theresa@viatisc.com
 

F1 : 2008 - The end of road for Super Aguri

Tuesday, 07 May 2008
I was 'shocked', yeah.. I mean not really shock... when I read the news of Super Aguri retreated from F1 grid this season. I already knew the end. Nick Fry already spoke out loudly that he wanted to get rid of Super Aguri, he didn't said it directly but by saying "... Pessimistic about the future of Aguri" and rumors said he is the man who ordered to ban the Super Aguri truck to enter Turkey Grand Prix.

He (Nick Fry) even 'worried' that a size of Weigl company could make a better life for Aguri, w! hen Weigl group wanted to bid Super Aguri. Weigl is too small he said. I started to dislike this person because he is talking too much regarding the future of Aguri in the name of Honda, which is actually it is in the name of his a$$... Poor this guy... He is disappointed because Magma pulled over in the last minute, if not, Nick would pocket a lot of money from the boy-out... At least that's what a close resource said to me yesterday.

Suzuki-san has been trying his best to save the team, and failed, Magma Group retreated of buying Suzuki because in 2009 the customer's card will be banned in 2009, means they have to spend more money to build R&D, including wind tunnel, which Super Aguri didn't have one. To build such a complete system, Magma group has to spend nearly 1 trillion excluding to pay 200 millions to Honda regarding Super Aguri's debt during 2005-2008.

I am very disappointed of losing this great team, I really like the team spirit, I alw! ays remember in 2007, when Takuma Sato overtook Alonso,... it ! was so s weet.... Rest in Peace Aguri....!!!!

Proteas surrender on 265

The Proteas made the best of unpredictable conditions, despite being bowled out on day one. The third test against India started in Kanpur this morning on a spinner friendly pitch, that already looked 5 days old. Some have even questioned whether it presents some danger for the batsmen.

There was evidence of a lot of bounce for the spinners today and the patchy wicket made life difficult for the batsmen. But the Proteas started well and reached a solid, but patient 80 for 1 at lunch.

The slow bowlers definitely had some assistance, but there was also something in it for Ishant Sharma, who took 3 for 55 in 12 overs - bo! wling Amla, Boucher and Harris. Among the slow bowlers (for whom the pitch was prepared), Chawla took 2, while Sehwag and Singh took 1 each.

But the star bowler was Harbajan Singh. Getting a lot of bounce and turn, the spinner took 3 for 52 in 31 overs. India coach Gary Kirsten's pre-series forecast that Singh will be a match winner, might just come true in the second innings (if there is one).

Is there a chance that India could be bowled out twice for less than 265? Yes. Based on the second test collapse we saw at Ahmedabad and a deteriorating pitch, we could see Steyn, Morkel and Ntini soften up the top order again before Paul H! arris
takes advantage of the conditions and produces a ma! tch winn ing effort.

South Africa showed some composure to reach 265 all out, but obviously would've loved to bat as long as possible. The top three stood out: McKenzie got 36, Smith got 69 and Amla got 51 in tough conditions.

Proteas Manager Logan Naidoo told me that the players want to make history (with series wins against Pakistan, Bangladesh and India on a tour of the sub-continent) and win the last test at all costs - then he joked that hopefully they'll be on their way home in 3 days.

Not a bad forecast Mr Naidoo. We already know India can lose it. Combine that with losing the toss, batting last and facing a patient Proteas batting line-up and it seems India are on the backfoot...unless they survive a vicious and balanced Proteas bowling attack on a 'dangerous' pitch.

Premier League comes to Hout Bay

The community of Imizano Yetho in Hout Bay have welcomed the visit of coaches from Liverpool Football club. The aim of the coaching clinic is to create self worth among the kids and coach the art of football. As well as raise the responsibilty of social awarness. They will talk to learners about the dangers from drug abuse and using weapons.

Howard Gayle former Liverpool forward says kids in the township are growing up like he did with none of the games consoles available now and instead pass their time playing soccer.

With the Soccer World Cup on our doorstep Gayle hopes all is being ! done to make it a success.

WP vs Bulls

Vodacom WP coach Allister Coetzee today announced his team to play the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday 28 June. Kick-off is at 17h05.

There is a curtain raiser match at 14h45 between a Paarl Regional and a Helderberg Regional team.

The Vodacom WP team is as follows:

15. Gio Aplon; 14. Wylie Human; 13. Dylan Des Fountain; 12. Gcobani Bobo; 11. Tonderai Chavhanga; 10. Willem De Waal; 9. Alastair Siegelaar; 8. AJ Venter; 7. Francois Louw; 6. Pieter Myburgh; 5. Ross Skeate (C); 4. Adriaan Fondse; 3. Brok Harris; 2. Schalk Brits; 1. Schalk Ferreira
Reserves:

16. Deon Fourie; 17. Wicus Blaauw; 18. Francois Van Der Merwe; 19. Justin Melck; 20. Paul Delport; 21. Isma-eel Dollie; 22. Morgan Newman

SA Looking to Clinch ODI's As Well

Maybe not the ideal end to the test series against England, but the Proteas have done what they went over there to do and now they're looking to do much the same in the one-day internationals.

The record book speaks for itself, the Proteas are a much better one-day side against England than in the longer format of the game which is why they'll cruise to a series win once again. In the 35 matches the two sides have played since 1992, the Proteas have won 22 while England could only manage 11 wins. One of those matches were tied and another ended with no result.

To further swing things in the favour of South Afr! ica is the fact that they have almost a completely different (and certainly a more fresh and rested) side who'll take part in the one-dayers. The likes of the vastly talented Herschelle Gibbs, the hard-hitting Albie Morkel and the versatile Vernon Philander will give the Proteas the needed impetus to deal with an England side who'll be fielding laregely the same side.

One-day specialists, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Ravi Bopara, are likely to join the squad but that's as far as it goes. Kevin Pietersen will resume the captaincy of the side after taking over in the recent series against New Zealand. Pietersen and Ian Bell will be looked at to perform for England especially at the death of an innings where both have proved to be highly capable. The One-Day series starts with a T20 international on the 20th.

Wed 20
16:30 local, 15:30 GMT Only Twenty20 International - England v South Africa
Riverside Ground, Cheste! r-le-Street

Fri 22
14:30 local, 13:30 GMT 1st ! ODI - En gland v South Africa
Headingley, Leeds

Tue 26
14:30 local, 13:30 GMT 2nd ODI - England v South Africa
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Fri 29
10:15 local, 09:15 GMT 3rd ODI - England v South Africa
Kennington Oval, London

Sun 31
10:15 local, 09:15 GMT 4th ODI - England v South Africa
Lord's, London

September 2008
Wed 3
14:30 local, 13:30 GMT 5th ODI - England v South Africa
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Bafana's next task

Bafana Bafana face Ginuea tonight in an international friendly at the Atteridgeville's Super Stadium.

Bafana are fresh from the 1-0 loss agaisnt Nigeria over the weekend. Coach Joel Santana has made a few changes to the team, he has rested Benni Mccarthy and Bradley Carnell and Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala.

After the loss against the Super Eagles South Africa will not participate in 2010 African Nations Cup. This would have been some much needed game time to help prepare for the 2010 Soccer World Cup which takes place later that year.

Hopefully Bafana can get a much needed win which will boost their confidence.

Boks Wrap Up Training

The Springboks have wrapped up their final training session at UCT before departing for the UK on Friday. Bok skipper John Smit missed training due to a personal matter. He's back in Durban and will join his team in Johannesburg. Tendai Mtawarira also sat out as he's not feeling well.

A number of fans showed up to watch the Boks run a few drills. It wasn't too intense, but the players did seem very comfortable - even with Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf. I must say Pienaar does look very comfortable at ! flyhalf, although it does look like the backline is drifting more often that straightening the line.

Schalk Burger participated in some of the activities, but is said to be struggling with a hamstring strain. Jean de Villiers was back on the pitch after missing training yesterday.

New flank Heinrich Brussouw simply slotted in well, while flyhalf Earl Rose was given some extra tackling practice. He had Ryan Kankowski running at him! Conrad Jantjes looks set to take the kick-offs. The full back was very accurate and consistent today.

Chiliboy Ralepelle got some extra throwing practice and also showed some pace for a big man. He finished off one move by selling JP Pietersen a shimmie and darting over the try-line.

The warm weather was great to train in, but it's probably also the last bit of sunshine the team will see for weeks, as they're expecting cold, wet and gloomy weather in Britain. At least Peter de Villiers will have a very relaxed and confident squad on tour.

Breakfast Headlines

Proteas batsman AB de Villiers is getting some much needed practice against Western Australia, reaching 82 not out. Neil McKenzie scored 69 and the proteas are 197 for 4.

***
The second day's play between New Zealand and the West Indies has been abandoned with the home side on 226 for 4.
***
England have reached 294 for 8 at lunch on day two against India. Andrew Strauss scored 123.
***
After two massive music concerts, cricket returns to Sahara Park Newlands for the first time this season when the Nashua Cape Cobras face the Nashua Dolphins on Sunday. The match starts at ten o'clock and tickets cost R40 for adults and R30 for scholars. We caught up with Cobras fast bowler Francois Plaatjies who says he's hoping to stop Sanath Jayasuriya early in the innings. Plaatjies, who was clocked at 148 km per hour recently, makes his first class debut at Newlands and says he'll be going for the 150 mark.
***
Rafael Cabr! era Bello has taken the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek. He's 9 under par, three ahead of Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood.
***
Formula One could be heading for a stand-off between teams and the FIA if plans go ahead to standardise engines and gearboxes. That's the view of motorsport journalist, Hendrik Verwoerd, who says there's a very real chance that some of the top teams will walk out on F1 is the plans go ahead. But he says standard engines will bring the teams a lot closer.
***
Ajax Cape Town will be flying the flag for the Mothercity when they face Pirates in the Telkom Knockout final in Durban tomorrow night. Ajax are without centre-back Eduardo Ferreira, but have the psychological edge after a 1-0 win over the Buccaneers recently.
***
The World Club Cup is underway in Japan. Man United have a by to the semi-final and will fly out after they've played Tottenham tomorrow night.

New Premier League Kits Leaked

If you, like me, think Liverpool's all grey away kit this season is terrible, have a look at what the Premier League's top four could be wearing next season.

These pics were posted at www.thespoiler.co.uk.

Let us know what you think.

Italian Grand Prix: Points of Interest

This weekend's upcoming Italian Grand Prix at the historic Monza circuit is going to be special. The title chase has tightened up dramatically given the controversial events that occurred last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with Lewis Hamilton being given a 25 second penalty costing him the win. We are all eager to watch the ensuing battle between McLaren and Ferrari; however there will be other points of interests that I will be following as well.

1. Speed differential. Just like Spa, Monza is a true horsepower circuit. 75% of the lap at Monza is full throttle. I again will be curious to see the difference in speed trap numbers especially since teams will be running with very little downforce on the car.

2. Renault. They have picked up their pace and the performance of the package has gotten better throughout the year. Given that they had an encouraging test at Monza in preparation for the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix and had a good result at Spa, I w! ould like to see if they can continue the performance uptick; this time with both cars. Although I think Toyota will still beat Renault, it will be positive to see Renault perform well.

3. Nick Heidfeld. He has been under pressure to perform recently after being outperformed all season by his teammate Robert Kubica. There are rumors that Alonso is set to go to BMW and replace Heidfeld. Heidfeld is fighting for his seat and maybe fighting to stay in Formula One. Given his performance at Spa, he did all that he could to make the case for himself, but I am not convinced and I do not think BMW is either. I will be watching to see how he performs in this race.

Dirk Kuyt: Chelsea Don't Worry Liverpool

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt claims that his side are heading into Sunday's trip to Chelsea with confidence, despite the fine early season form of Carlo Ancelotti's men.

The Reds completed a Premier League double over the Londoners last season, and the Dutchman feels that that gives Rafa Benitez's men a strong reason for optimism.

"Okay, Chelsea had a one hundred per cent record until last weekend, but I'm not really worried about them," Kuyt told Liverpool's official website.

"If we play to the level we're capable of, we can win there again. We beat them home and away last season, so why not this year too?

"It's always a difficult game at Stam! ford Bridge but I believe we showed something last season by winning there.

"By beating both Chelsea and Man United twice in the league we proved we can beat most teams home and away. Chelsea have a group of players who have been together for a long time and with fantastic strikers such as Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

"But we know them well after playing against each other many times."

Two Premier League defeats already this season mean that there is a certain amount of pressure on Liverpool, although Kuyt maintains that if they focus on their own performance things should go well on Sunday.

He added: "We know what we have to do. At this stage we've already lost twice. That's the same amount as the whole of last season in the league.

"We just have to worry about our own games for now. Chelsea is a big game but we just have to look at ourselves.

"It's too early to talk about where the title is going, but ! if we beat Chelsea we'll be right back in there."

!

Jamie Carragher Is Right To Stress The Importance Of Liverpools Next Three Games

It must be a long time since a trip to Sunderland was being described as part of a 'massive' week for Liverpool FC, but that's how Jamie Carragher has portrayed the upcoming threesome against the Black Cats, Lyon and the boys from down the other end of the East Lancs Road.

Notwithstanding the tendency of footballers to attach great importance to a friendly against a Blue Square Conference side, such is their fear of being seen to drift off-message by their manager, you can see where Jamie's coming from. A poor result at Sunderland, who looked a decent side at Old Trafford, and the suspension of disbelief that many are choosing to indulge with regard to our title hopes might be abruptly shattered, leaving us staring at the cold reality of another prematurely-ended Premier League quest.

That in turn would heap the pressure on for the visit of Lyon, with the possibility of another trophy going south s! hould we fail to capitalise on home advantage.

And as for United, with the chance, albeit remote, that Michael Owen could pop up and score a deciding goal, well that just doesn't bear thinking about.

Now you'd be forgiven for wondering what's brought on this sudden anxiety over the possibility of this doomsday scenario taking place, and I can almost feel the metaphorical slapping of my cheeks as many of you urge me to snap out of it and take a cold bath. There's plenty of evidence to suggest that things aren't as bad as they seem, there's a long way to go, yada yada yada.

Indeed, the last performance against Chelsea was by no means poor, and, as Rafa is constantly reminding us, games like this turn on small details such as Mascherano losing possession which led to their break downfield leading to Anelka's opening goal.

But the return to our traditional reward from Stamford Bridge, after last season's delight at smashing their unbe! aten home record, was disappointing as it was a missed opportu! nity to reassert our right to sit at the top table.

We've lost all the difficult games so far this season, a stark contrast to last year, and no amount of stockpiling goals against the likes of Stoke, Burnley and Hull will offset that if we carry on looking that vulnerable in the big games.

So we can afford to lose a few more if we convert some of the last campaign's draws into victories, but last season's aberration whereby Man U won the title by beating up the small kids is unlikely to be repeated.

So if I'm to get my mojo back, I want to see the Reds really perform when the pressure's on. That ability to rise to the occasion was evident in spades last season, and it can't, or shouldn't, disappear with the loss of one player.

Nor should its restoration be dependent on another's return, or should I say arrival, from injury. We've yet to find that confidence which, stopping just short of arrogance, is essential to the ability to both contr! ol games and find the right moment to pick off opponents who have been manipulated where we want them.

We might be short of alternative options at present, but we won difficult games last season without Torres and Gerrard, never mind Alonso. When the players remember this, and regain last season's conviction and commitment, then perhaps my disposition will improve along with our results.

Hopefully there'll be many more 'massive' games to come; and they won't be about scrabbling in to next season's Champions League.

Barcelona Will Return For Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano In 2010

Barcelona will re-ignite their interest in Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano this summer, as speculation over the Argentine's future continues to grow.

The Blaugrana were heavily linked with Mascherano during the close season, and it is reported that preliminary talks began over a possible move to the Camp Nou.

The Albicelestes international remained at Anfield but as of yet no contract extension has been offered to the 25-year old.

Sky Sports reports that Mascherano has previously stated his desire to join Argentina colleague Lionel Messi in Spain, but that his comments may have been to ensure an improved contract with Liverpool.

The def! ensive midfielder recently refuted the claims, with the News of the World reporting that he said, "I have never asked for a new contract, I already have a contract with Liverpool, and I do not play for the money.

"I play for me and to win things, obviously I will not play for free but why should I?"

Rafa Benitez is keen to tie Mascherano to the club on a long-term deal, but with Liverpool reportedly ready to offload some of their first-team squad to raise funds for new additions, a bid from the Spanish giants may be too good to refuse.

Thai Model Promo

Thai Model Promo

New sponsor for Soodeen

By John Hopkins

CALGARY, AB -- Alberta road racer Jessica Soodeen has announced a sponsorship arrangement with Seitzco Motorsports, a Yamaha dealer based in Okotoks, AB.

Soodeen will compete aboard Yamaha equipment in western Canadian regional road racing series in 2005, as well as the burgeoning Western Canadian Mini Road Racing Series.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

First win for Morin

From WPSA Racing

GAYLORD, MI — French Canadian rider Mathieu Morin earned a debut win in the Pro Stock final, while D.J. Eckstrom won the Pro Open event during the weather-delayed AMSOIL Duluth National, Saturday at the Otsego Club and Resort. Morin (Ski-Doo), who is substituting for the injured C.W. Sirjane, made his Pro class debut this weekend, while Eckstrom led a Polaris sweep of the podium in the AMSOIL-sponsored machine.

Fog stopped the Semi-Pro and Pro finals in Duluth on Nov. 27, so the Tour completed the Pro Stock and Pro Open finals, as well as the Semi-Pro Stock and Open final. The Duluth events were run as part of the Michigan Snocross here.

Kurtis Crapo (Arctic Cat) was second in the Pro Stock final, ahead of Eckstrom, who competed in both events. Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports/Polaris) was the Pro Open runner-up, followed by defending Pro Stock titleholder T.J. Gulla (TEAM Industries! /Polaris).

Zach Pattyn (Ski-Doo) won the Semi-Pro Stock final, while Jeff Snow (Olah Racing/Arctic Cat) grabbed Semi-Pro Open honours.

Morin led every lap of the Pro Stock event. Morin, who qualified for Winter X Games 10 by winning an invitational race two weeks ago at Duluth, wasn't certain of his racing future. Then, on Sunday at Duluth, he was tapped to fill in for Sirjane, who had suffered a season-ending knee injury.

"In Duluth, at the time, it was just my dad and I; we had no sponsorship," said Morin. "We thought we'd only run a few Semi-Pro events here and there. To be given the opportunity to compete in Pro Stock this year is quite an honour. I didn't think I would win so quickly. It felt great to win the race, and now I know I can race with these guys. So tomorrow should be fun."

Eckstrom, who lives in Duluth, was excited to bring the trophy home. Eckstrom took the lead of the Pro Open final in the first corner and never! looked back.

Inside Motorcycl! es // ww w.insidemotorcycles.com

Opening Day Thoughts

Today marks one of the best days in the City of Cincinnati. Opening day is like new years here in the Queen City (for more ways than one.) On this day Baseball is here, the King of Cincinnati has returned. Or at least that is what it used to be. The Reds are tied for first place in the Division and sniffing for a playoff spot. We don't know if we can say that in June, July, August or September but we know in April we are right near the top. Opening day brings a lot of excitement for the team, which unfortunately typically fizzles out by early June. But this year may be different. There is a young nucleus of talent on this roster that can really make some noise.

*Micah Owings was named the 5th starter in the Reds rotation rounding out making our Top 5: Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, Micah Owings. Not bad at all, there is some real talent there. Arroyo is suffering from Carpal Tunnel and has been shelled his last few outings but there ! is always Homer Bailey waiting in the wings, who really turned it up and just missed making the team this season for opening day.

*One of the more questioned roster moves the Reds made was sending Jonny Gomes to AAA. Don't expect Gomes to stay there long, he should have made the Major league club in my opinion.

Opening day roster:
Jerry Hairston Jr. lf
Darnell McDonald cf
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Ramon Hernandez c
Alex Gonzalez ss
Aaron Harang p

I am hopeful that this season will be the year that the Reds turn it around.

Jordan Crawford posterizes King James

There are a number of stories around the cyber land today relating to Xavier Guard Jordan Crawford and LeBron James during his LeBron James Skills Academy camp. According to reports, on Monday Jordan Crawford dropped a nasty two handed dunk on LeBron which brought some serious reaction from spectators. Following the jam King James walked over to a Nike official who then proceeded to confiscate the tape that we being shot to avoid some YouTube embarrassment.
Apparently James is very protective of his Kingdom and does not want footage of him being embarrassed by a mid-major guard to reach the masses. Good for Crawford though, if you ever get the opportunity to take it to LeBron James you have to go for it. I would say that 9 times out of 10 you are going to lose. But every once and a while you might just capitalize!

Read Gary Parrish here

Read The Dagger here

Antwan Odom 5 Sacks vs Green Bay Packers

NBA Players on the Move

-Keefe

With the NBA's trade deadline quickly approaching on February 21st, I want to take a look at what teams have done so far. The league has been criticized in the past for boring deadlines where franchises are afraid to make a big splash and look stupid if the deal doesn't work out for them. But this year has been a little bit different, thanks to one big trade that I have already discussed, as well as some big name players signing contracts. Also we have some time for perhaps Jason Kidd to find a new home, despite Mark Cuban saying he won't be returning to where his career began, in Dallas.

So far Shaquille O'Neal has become a Sun, Shawn Marion is in Miami, Pau Gasol a Laker, Chris Webber back in Golden State, Damon Stoudamire plays for the Spurs, and Kyle Korver has joined the Jazz.

That's a combined 24 All-Star selections changing uniforms during the season. Ok 14 of those All-Star nods come from Shaq, but still there's some big ! names changing addresses. Toss out Marion going to the Eastern Conference, the worst team to boot, and you have 5 teams in the West making a move that they think can either get them over the top or solidify themselves as a championship contender. Let's take them each one by one.

Shaq, although I still don't agree with the move, gives Phoenix a low post threat and allows Amare Stoudemire to play his natural position. Can these guys make it work? How many games will Shaq play? In his first practice with Phoenix he was exhausted. Will the games be different? It's going to be interesting no matter what happens.

Pau Gasol has been a force with the Lakers and they look great. Even with Bynum still sidelined LA is 5-1 with Pau in the lineup and the big Spaniard is averaging an even 20 points a game playing with Kobe. Do they now have a chance to win the whole thing? With Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Bynum, and whoever else they want to throw out there… yes,! yes they do.

Chris Webber is back in the Bay Area! , and pl aying for Don Nelson like he did when he won Rookie-of-the-Year back in '93-'94. What kind of impact can he have? Well in 2 games C-Webb has only played an average of 13.5 minutes, so it's hard to say. Doesn't fit their style at this stage of his career, similar to Shaq, but he is an excellent passer who can maybe open it up finding Davis, Jackson, and Ellis for free threes.

Damon Stoudamire will split back up point guard duties once Tony Parker returns to the lineup. For now, he and Jacque Vaughn, yes Jacque Vaughn, are running the show for the Spurs. Stoudamire is looking for his first ring, and although he's now a member of the defending champs, they could win it again… with or without him.

Kyle Korver actually was traded to the Jazz at the very end of 2007. This move has not been discussed much as Korver doesn't even start in Utah, and some thought the fans needed another player to relate too. Hey take a look at the roster in the team's mos! t successful season in franchise history. You'll find the likes of John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek, Greg Ostertag, Adam Keefe, and Greg Foster. That's an all- American white wash. But as far as on the court is concerned the Jazz are 17-3 with Korver and now lead the Northwest division. Probably the most underrated move so far. I love the Jazz's chances in the West with Deron Williams, Boozer, Okur, AK-47, Ronnie Brewer, Harping, and now Korver.

The East should and will come down to Detroit and Boston, unless LeBron James and get a little more help and he just goes crazy for a series or two. The West is going to be a fantastic finish. The 10 teams who have hopes of winning the whole thing: Phoenix, New Orleans, Dallas, Utah, Lakers, San Antonio, Denver, Golden State, Houston, and Portland. Who needs to make a move and who can stand pat? Half of these teams have already added pieces that will factor in their playoff run. What will happen in the next week or ! so?

I will break down all the festivities that make! up All- Star weekend before they kick off on Friday. I'm talking rookie- sophomore game, 3 point contest, dunk, the damn skill competition, and of course the game.

Keep reading and tell your friends.

The Sports Brief's Preseason All-American Team

The college basketball season is underway, and I feel compelled to give you a list of the very best players in the country. As we all know it is both a blessing and a curse for college hoops, that the NBA makes players attend schools for at least a season. On the one hand college fans get to see the very best players such as Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo (wow looks like the top of the draft the past 2 years). But as quick as they come on the scene, they are gone. Frankly I don't think 18 year olds, who can go to Iraq and fight for the United States, can not go to the NBA where there are plenty of teams that would take a chance on them for millions of dollars a season.

There is always incredible turnover from year to year in college basketball, and for me it's quite an adjustment to get used to the teams/ players. What do we know? Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Joe ! Alexander, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayliss, Brandon Rush, Anthony Randolph, Robin Lopez, Marresse Speights, JaVale McGee, J.J. Hickson, Ryan Anderson, Kosta Koufos, George Hill, Darrell Aruther, Donte Greene, Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Douglass-Roberts, and Bill Walker were all in college last season, could have been back this season, but all went to the NBA.

Where does that leave us? The same place as every new season since we've been attached to these incredble freshmen and underclassmen only to see them go pro, looking for the next big thing. We start our list with a very familiar face...

Tyler Hansbrough, SR, UNC
Like saying Tim Tebow could be a factor the year after he wins the Heisman. I would have voted for Beasley for player of the year a season ago, but truth is Hansbrough put up monster numbers in the ACC and then wisely came back to school. He's the best player on the best team, should be a fo! rce again and the overwhelming favorite to not only be All-Ame! rican 1s t team, but POY.

James Harden, Soph, Arizona St.
Last season the lefty Harden posted the 8th highest points per game average for a freshmen in Pac-10 history. His 17.8 ppg, helped him land on the All Pac-10 1st team, the other four players to earn that honor were lottery picks in this past draft. Harden, who is also a steals machine, flirted with going pro, but decided to come back to school. I predict a monster season that propells him into the early 1st round, a 2-and-down guy.

Luke Harangody, JR, Notre Dame
The Big East is loaded once again this year with 7 teams in the pre-season Top 25 including the Irish. Harangody burst onto the scene last year and was a 20-10 guy. If he comes close to those numbers this year, when everyone is expecting him to do it, he's a no brainer for the All-American team. The spotlight is on this season.

Blake Griffin, Soph, Oklahoma
Griffin ! was one of many incredible freshmen last season in college basketball. But unlike the majority of them who had success, even some who didn't, he returned to school like Harden. With Beasley, Walker, Augustin, the Kansas guys, and even DeAndre Jordan gone to the pros, Griffin should take down Big 12 Player of the Year no problem, promting him to All-American status.

Willie Warren, FR, Oklahoma
Wait a minute. Before we crown Griffin the Big 12 Player of the Year, his biggest competition could come from super stud freshmen teammate Willie Warren. Warren dropped a game-high 23 in the most recent McDonald's All-American game. We've seen freshmen make big time impacts in the past few seasons. Durant was POY and Beasely finished 2nd. I expect Warren to be in the mix as well.

Jrue Holiday, FR, UCLA
One of the few college freshmen that I actually saw play an entire game and did not just see in highlights, the ! McDonald's game, or read about. Holiday's high school team pl! ayed on ESPN last year and he was as good as advertised. UCLA will get a lot of attention trying to make it back to 4 consecutive Final Fours. Darren Collison has been named a preseason All-American in some publications, not The Sports Brief however, but the Bruins will be in the public eye all season.
Holiday and Warren will continue the trend of freshmen showing up on post season All-American lists.

Yes I know that is 6 players, consider it a bonus. Sometimes they name 6 guys to the 1st team. Didn't 15 guys take home 1st Team All Big East last year? I'm looking forward to another exciting season.

Besse also wants everyone to keep an eye out for University of Vermont star junior Marqus Blakely (see below).

-Keefe

Cliff Lee to Phillies; What about Halladay?

2008 A.L. Cy Young winner Cliff Lee has been sent to the Phillies along with OF Ben Francisco for 4 prospects not named J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek. The defending champs did not want to give up their 2 best young arms, but still wanted to improve their team. They did, but Lee is not Halladay.

Could Halladay be coming to Boston? The recent rumor says Clay Buchholz, a choice of Justin Masterson, Michael Bowdoin, or Lars Anderson, as well as lesser prospects. Make this happen! If the Sox get Halladay they will see Manny Ramirez, Cliff Lee, or gulp Julio Lugo in the World Series.

Trade deadline on Friday 4pm. The Sports Brief will hit you with the ! winners and losers.

-Keefe

Peer through to last eight

Second seed Shahar Peer progressed to the last eight of the Tashkent Open after beating Kathrin Woerle in straight sets.

The Israeli came through in one hour and 16 minutes to record a 6-2 6-4 victory over the world number 129, setting up a quarter-final clash with Russia's Alexandra Panova. The qualifier beat seventh seed Patricia Mayr of Austria 7-5 6-1.

Olga Govortsova of Belarus is also into the last eight as the fourth seed beat Russian Vesna Manasieva 6! -2 6-3.

Home contender Akgul Amanmuradova also made it through as she beat Russian Ekaterina Bychkova 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7-4).

Maria Sharapova shines at Pan Pacific Open

Maria Sharapova overwhelmed Samantha Stosur of Australia in a swift 6-0, 6-1 victory on Tuesday at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

The former world No 1 fired seven aces and hit a first-serve percentage of 71, in addition to a barrage of sizzling shots that ended the match in 57 minutes at the Ariake Colosseum.

However, Sharapova admits she may no longer be feared.

The Russian said she was grateful for her "second career" after a nightmare injury lay-off and insisted she had the tools to return to the top ! of the women's game.

"In some way I wish I could say I was vacationing for 10 months and then all of a sudden I kind of wanted to play again," Sharapova said.

"But every single day I was trying to find a way to get back out there. It's hard when something is taken away from you. For me it was about three or four months where I really didn't pick up a racket.

"That was the first time in my life I've had to do that since I started playing tennis. It was really strange waking up and knowing you're not going to go out on the court."

Sharapova has climbed to 25th in the world since returning to action in May after shoulder surgery.

The three-times grand slam singles champion said she had reached a different stage in her career.

"It's obviously like a second career in a way when you're almost out of the rankings and you're working your way up and you're not feared anymore," she said.

Shar! apova's victory over Stosur propelled the former Tokyo champio! n into t he last 16.

Yet to add to her 19 career singles titles since her return, Sharapova insisted she would be a major force again.

"Grand slams are still the focus," the 22 year-old said. "I know if I do well and perform at a certain level which I know I can then those goals will be met."

Kvitova ends Radwanska challenge

Petra Kvitova produced a surprise win over Agnieszka Radwanska to clinch a place in the Generali Ladies Linz final.

Kvitova, ranked 55th in the world, dominated the match and triumphed 6-3 6-2 to give herself a chance of a second title in 2009.

The 19-year-old won her first WTA Tour event at Hobart at the start of the year, however she has largely struggled to build on that.

Her notable victory over top seed Dinara Safina at the US Open suggested the left-ha! nder could be a future top 20 player though, and the ease of her win over Radwanska emphasised her potential.

World number 10 Radwanska could not make her serve count and was broken six times in the one-sided clash.

After second seed Radwanska saw her title hopes dissolve, number three seed Yanina Wickmayer took out top seed Flavia Pennetta.

Belgian Wickmayer will take on Kvitova in the final after a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 victory over Italian Pennetta who had two break points in the second set but took neither, while her opponent seized on her only chance.

Wickmayer has been usurped as Belgium's number one by the returning Kim Clijsters, however the 19-year-old is currently ranked 24th in the world after beginning the year at 67th.

Portuguese Liga Friday Review

Belenenses and Olhanense battled out a goalless draw in the only match in the Portuguese Liga.

Bernardo Tengarrinha was sent off for the visitors nine minutes from time but hosts Belenenses could not take advantage of their extra man.

The result saw Olhanense and Belenenses each climb two places to 11th and 12th respectively in the standings.

Dhoni stars in India's victory

India registered a comfortable 99-run victory over Australia in the second ODI and level the series 1-1.

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Australia lost Tim Paine and Shane Watson early, chasing a massive target of 355 runs against Ind! ia.

Captain Ricky Ponting also failed to sustain for long and departed cheaply.

Therafter, Cameron White and Michael Hussey tried to consolidate the innings but they could not accelerate the run-rate.

Harbhajan Singh then sent back White for 23 off 42 balls.

Hussey, however, continued to play his shots well and completed his half-century to give Australia some hope.

Hussey departed after scoring a fine half-century as Ravindra Jadeja claimed his wicket.

Aussies kept losing wickets at regular intervals and then it was just a matter of time before the tourists' innings folded for 255 in 48.3 overs.

Earlier, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni blazed his way to his first ODI century in more than a year and also cobbled two century stands to power India to a record total of 354 for six against Australia in the second one-daye! r on Wednesday.

Dhoni completed his century in only 94! balls, studded with two sixes and seven fours, as he simply tore the visiting team's attack to shreds on a good batting track after India were asked to bat first by Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the day-nighter.

The Indian captain was finally out for 124, after hitting his fifth century in 147 ODIs, which helped the home team easily overhaul the previous highest -- 309 for five -- against Australia raised in Kochi in April, 1998. He faced 107 balls and smashed three sixes and nine fours.

Dhoni, who came to the crease when India were struggling at 97 for three in the 16th over, first consolidated the home team innings with Gautam Gambhir (76 in 80 balls) by running the singles and twos well and then opened up in the slog overs in the company of another left hander Suresh Raina (62 off 50 balls).

After Virender Sehwag made a quick-fire 40 off only 31 balls, Dhoni, w! hose last century (109 not out) was against lowly Hong Kong in June 2008 in the Asia Cup tie in Karachi, and Gambhir (76) laid the platform with a stand of 119 runs for the fourth wicket in only 113 balls.

The Australian bowlers felt the full fury of Dhoni's blade after Gambhir was run out just before the mandatory change of ball.

Dhoni joined forces with another left-hander Raina, who struck one six and six fours, to simply tear the Aussie attack to ribbons with a partnership of 136 in only 96 balls.

Gambhir, who faced 80 balls and hit six fours, was run-out at non-striker's end by backing up too much just when he was poised to up the tempo in the company of his captain.

The task was then left to Dhoni and Raina to keep up the momentum. The fifth wicket pair utilised the batting Power Play, taken between 40th and 44th overs, to add 39 runs, with the India captain in full flow with his bottom-handed shots against the Aussie pacemen Peter Siddle ! and Mitchell Johnson.

Australia conceded as many as 116! runs in the last eleven overs from the time India's batting Power Play ended.

Earlier, India began their innings in spectacular style with Sehwag taking a particular fancy for the swing bowling of inexperienced Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus.

Sehwag spanked the second ball he faced in the match from the 27-year-old rookie, playing only his 14th ODI and first in the subcontinent, to the covers and then square-drove the bowler off the backfoot for another four to set the tone.

Sachin Tendulkar (4) worked Peter Siddle off his toes for a four but was dismissed stretching out to a ball that was bowled wide of the stumps by the bowler in his next over and edged it to the slip cordon. He had got out driving a wide ball in the first ODI at Vadodara.

Tendulkar's departure brought in Gambhir, India's top-scorer in the first ODI, and the Delhi pair kept the scoring rate above six-run mark with attacking shots.

Sehwag lofted Johnson, who passed a fitness t! est to play in the match after an ankle-injury scare, for a straight six.

The Delhi batsman, however, fell to the left-arm pacer as he mistimed a lofted shot to haul out to Hilfenhaus. His 40 came off 31 balls and included six fours and a six.

Yuvraj Singh, who came in for Sehwag, showed no uneasy signs of playing his first match since mid-September, and timed the ball beautifully in making a quickfire 23 with two fours and a six before being brilliantly caught and bowled by Hilfenhaus when he could not keep down a straight drive.

India lost three top-order batsmen just in sight of 100 on the board and in the 16th over. It called for some diligent batting from Gambhir and the Delhi batsman curbed his attacking instincts to play the sheet-anchor role for the second match running.

Gambhir and Dhoni ran their singles and twos very well and completed their individual half centuries in similar fashion, off 55 balls.

The Indi! an duo's three-figure partnership laid the ideal platform for ! the late r assault by the Indian skipper in the company of Raina.

For Australia, Peter Siddle was the pick of the bowlers with his pace and effective use of the short ball in his earlier spell before he too was carted around by Dhoni and Raina.

The World's Top 25 Soccer Clubs, Oct. 29, 2007 Edition

by The Soccer Source

Here we go, folks. The list you've all been waiting for. This past week saw a full slate of club action, both domestic and continental. There were several upsets, but mostly this was about the planet's top teams staking their claims. Meanwhile, some of the pretenders (you know who you are, Man. City) were exposed. In other words: things are starting to take shape. The cream is rising to the top:

1. (1) Arsenal. What kind of a Spurs fan am I to put the Arse first for the second week in a row?!? This makes them the first repeat #1 since I started the list. And the Gunners didn't even win this weekend! True, but neither did last week's #2, Inter. In fact the Milan side played Palermo to a scoreless tie. Last week's #3, Bayern Munich, did the same, at Dortmund. I couldn't reward that. Besides, Arsene Wenger's men were faced with a formidable task, playing at Anfield in a clash of the Premiership's last two unbeaten teams. A great game t! hat probably could have gone either way, but no arguing Arsenal deserved the point. I can forgive them for not getting three. Their Champions League spanking of poor Slavia Prague bolsters their case, as margin-of-victory tends to do in these rankings.

2. (2) Inter Milan. Okay, so playing at Palermo may not have been as tough as playing at Anfield. Still, the scoreless draw is acceptable as the Sicilian side was fifth in Serie A going into the weekend. The Nerazzurri also did well pulling out a mid-week Champions League game at CSKA Moscow. Inter was down 1-0 at halftime, but goals by Hernan Crespo and Walter Samuel gave them three important points.

3. (4) Manchester United. Last week at this time I said I didn't see much of a chance of Man U slipping up. I was right. Impressive victories at Dynamo Kiev and home to Middlesbrough. But now things get very interesting. Travel to Emirates Stadium Saturday in the biggest game of the season thus far. Not jus! t the Premiership season. Any league's.

4. (3) Baye! rn Munic h. Their UEFA Cup victory at whatever the team that used to be called Red Star Belgrade is now known as was impressive. The scoreless draw at Borussia Dortmund in weekend Bundesliga action? Less so. It only cost them one spot by virtue of the fact that Dortmund is always a tough place to play--even when the team is crap, like they are (so far) this year.

5. (7) Real Madrid. Solid victories in both games this week. The first, to #15 Olympiakos in Champions League action at Bernabeu, was more impressive because Real had to battle back twice, before winning 4-2. Sunday's victory over Deportivo La Coruna also saw them come from behind. Face a tough week: at #22 Valencia Wednesday and at Sevilla Saturday.

6. (5) Barcelona. Beat Almeira to firmly establish second place in La Liga for themselves (Real is first, natch) but dropped one spot in this table due to the scoreless draw at #21 Rangers.

7. (10) Chelsea. I promised Blues fans their team would ! break into the top ten with two wins. I keep my promises. It's their first appearance at these heights, after beating Schalke in the UCL and--more impressively--Man Sh...City 6-0 in Premiership action. Suddenly look like contenders--for a number of trophies.

8. (8) FC Porto. Only played one game this week, a 1-1 Champions League draw at Marseille Wednesday. Face Leixoes (I've never heard of them either) today and Belenenses Sunday in Portuguese league action. Will probably need to win both to keep their spot in the top 10.

9. (19) Olympique Lyon. How do I justify this massive jump in the table? Easy. Lyon won both their games, both on the road (granted both at teams--VfB Stuttgart and Paris SG--that have seen better days) and each of the 10 teams ahead of them had at least one loss--some to truly inferior opponents.

10. (6) Juventus. As a team that does not have a chance to prove themselves against the continent's best this season, the "Old ! Lady" needs to do very well domestically. They weren't up to t! he task, losing to Napoli, 3-1. But can make up for it with home games against Empoli and then Inter this week.

11. (-) Roma. Why is a newcomer this high on the list? Two reasons: impressive victories at Sporting Lisbon (2-1) and at AC Milan (1-0). More importantly, this team plays an attacking, entertaining style. Unusual (I thought impossible. I was wrong) for an Italian side.

12. (-) Benfica Lisbon. Another newcomer? Believe it. Doing well in Champs League, beating Celtic last week and are second behind #8 Porto in the domestic league, where they won again Sunday. Thanks again to Fredy Adu, who again scored the winner, again minutes before time, this after not starting. Again. And you thought the Swiss press was tough on U.S. soccer players? But that's all right Fredy! Keep up the good work!

13. (14) PSV Eindhoven. Played Fenerbace to a scoreless draw at home in mid-week Champions League play and beat up on some crap Dutch team over the weekend. M! oved up one spot not through the quality of these performances, but because they didn't lose like everybody else in this part of last week's table.

14. (20) Club America. The Mexico City side knocked Vasco da Gama out of the Copa Sudamericana at midweek, before beating Chivas in the 199th edition of "El Clasico" at Azteca last night. A game that convinced me they belong, even (especially?) at these heights.

15. (12) Olympiakos. I was all set to forgive their 4-2 loss to Real, but then they went and played a 3-3 tie at Ergotelis, who sit second-from-last in the Greek league. So they dropped a few spots.

16. (13) Liverpool. Tough loss at #19 Besiktas Istanbul in Champs League, but showed their class by leading #1 Arsenal for 70-some minutes at Anfield Sunday. Clearly a top team, but may not make it past the CL group stages. There's always UEFA, but may not make that either.

18. (11) Villareal. A week after beating mighty Barca, play! ed one good game in the UEFA Cup (a 1-1 tie at Fiorentina) and! one ter rible one (a 4-1 loss at Zaragoza). Could fall further, with trip to Atletico Madrid this weekend.

19. (-) Besiktas Istanbul. Huge win against Reds got them on the list. Would have made a higher debut had they won their Turkish league match. Unfortunately, all they could muster was a scoreless draw against some other Istanbul club whose name I didn't recognize (not Galatasaray or Fenerbace).

20. (21) Dynamo Zagreb. Beat some Croatian team on the road and are still unbeaten (and only once tied) in that country's league. Haven't been tested yet but UEFA Cup coming up Nov. 8 (home to Switzerland's FC Basle, so maybe it won't be much of a test).

21. (15) Rangers. Nice game against Barca, but unfortunately let it go to their heads and lost to Dundee to fall behind Celtic in SPL. When's the next Old Firm derby?

22. (16) Valencia. Lost at Rosenborg in Champions League and then beat coach-less Sevilla. Host #5 Real Madrid Wednesday. We'll ! see what they're made of then.

23. (22) Celtic Glasgow. Champs League loss at Benfica hurt, but currently sit top of the SPL table thanks to impressive victory versus Motherwell Saturday. 24. (-) Santos Laguna. Nice win at Atlas (by 5-2 score), got them back to the top 25 after a two week absence. Sit tops of their Apertura group with only one loss in 14 games.

25. (-) Werder Bremen. Made it into the top 25 by virtue of a strong week. Beat Lazio (Champions League) and tied at Schalke. Pretty smooth sailing ahead: Home games against Duisburg in the DFB Pokal and Hansa Rostock in Bundesliga.

Dropping out: Manchester City (9), Chivas (17), Sao Paulo (18), Espanyol Barcelona (23), Portsmouth (24), Shakhtar Donetsk (25) Also receiving consideration: Hamburg SV, Atletico Madrid, River Plate, Blackburn, Fiorentina, Bordeaux, Rosenborg, Fenerbace.

Commentary Lots of movement this week. I wasn't aware of how many upsets there were until I ! did this list. Basically, every team in last week's middle tie! r lost a t least one game. This was especially true of Spanish clubs, though Real and Barca proved the exception there. Still, the latter's scoreless draw at Ibrox, while not a loss, counted against them, especially with Gers losing in the Scottish league yesterday. This because losses to quality competition are not punished in the polls as severely as losses to crap teams. I'm not saying Gers are crap--and even if they are, they still didn't beat Barca--but losing to Dundee United doesn't exactly cast them in a good light. So how did Inter and Arsenal get away with keeping their rankings even though they also tied inferior opponents on the road? Especially in Gunners' case, with Liverpool losing to Besiktas earlier in the week? This because Liverpool's loss at Besiktas was to quality competition. Gers loss to Dundee was not. So Liverpool was not punished as severely either, which made Arsenal's tie with them more excusable. And Palermo have been in good form in Serie A, so the same ! applied with them and Inter. Yeah, yeah I know Dundee is now third in the SPL, but for all its charms the SPL is still not as good as Serie A. Finally, I am aware that Man City were ninth last week but are this week nowhere to be found. That's because they simply didn't look like a top 25 team at Stamford Bridge Saturday. I looked at City's schedule and found exactly one quality win--against Man United back on Aug. 19, when Sir Alex' troops weren't exactly in midseason form. Other than that they've beaten Derby, West Ham, Villa, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Birmingham. No offense, but D.C. United could probably beat most of those teams. Bottom line, City's top ten ranking last week was clearly inflated and it will probably take quite a bit for them to make a return trip.

Still with me? I didn't think so. I hope the ratings criteria, as it is--and it's still a work in progress--makes sense. If you're in the U.S. and/or familiar with college football's Byzantine ra! nkings system, it might. Either that or you can at least ident! ify with its nonsensical qualities. But hang in there. It gets pretty intuitive after awhile.

About the Author

A lifelong soccer fanatic who covers the New York Red Bulls for Cyber Soccer Associates. He has a day job reporting on a completely different industry. Email soccersource at gmail.com for more information.

Il Toro crolla col Modena: 0-1

di Frabrizio Turco
fonte: Gazzetta dello Sport

Il Modena vince a Torino e apre lo stato di crisi granata: a timbrare il cartellino è Juri Tamburini al 43' della ripresa. Il Toro non vince da metà settembre (3-0 a Salerno) e nelle ultime tre partite in casa ha racimolato la miseria di un punto: sconfitte contro Padova e Modena, pareggio in extremis lunedì scorso contro l'Ancona. Ma in casa granata non mancano soltan! to i risultati: la carenza di gioco è palese e all'uscita dal campo il pubblico granata ha salutato la squadra con un sonoro "vergognatevi". I granata avevano attaccato anche generosamente, ma Bianchi ha avuto pochi palloni a disposizione, e le vere occasioni sono state due, una per tempo, a firma Diana: nel caso della prima, a "sventarla" di fatto è stato Di Michele; la seconda ha visto il centrocampista no arrivare sulla respinta del portiere. Peraltro il Modena non è stato a guardare, anzi i suoi contropiede hanno creato qualche affanno nella difesa granata. Nel finale poi il gol di Tamburini, di testa su punizione di Troiano con la difesa ferma.

La nuova Juventus in società

di Dario Rosella
Fonte: Sportmediaset.it

Si chiama Khaled Fareg Zentuti il rappresentante della Lafico, la finanziaria libica di Gheddafi presente con il 7,5% nel pacchetto azionario della Juventus. Lo ha reso noto l'azionista di maggioranza della società bianconera, la Exor, che ha depositato alla Consob le liste per il nuovo Cda juventino, che verrà insediato dall'assemblea dei soci del prossimo 27 ottobre. Zentuti viene proposto come amministratore indipendente.

Nel 2007 la Lafico partecipo' alla ricapitalizzazione voluta da John Elkann con 7 milioni.

BLANC: "GRANDE ATTESTATO DI STIMA"
"Per me è un attestato di grande fiducia al quale corrisponderà da parte mia una grossa responsabilità e sempre maggiore impegno. Ma di questo parleremo dopo l'Assemblea degli Azionisti del 27 ottobre". Jean-Claude Blanc si esprime così sulla sua futura nomina a presidente della Juventus. "L'organizzazione e' solida, non c'è fretta di intervenire. Ho ben chiaro come sarà l'assetto societario e quali saranno le novità".

Il dirigente francese è intervenuto alla conferenza stampa di Lega Calcio e Infront per presentare il bando sui diritti audiovisivi internazionali di serie A e serie B, che si è svolta a Montecarlo. "Adesso il presidente è Gi! ovanni Cobolli Gigli e io sono qui oggi anche in rapp! resentan za sua, a testimonianza del lavoro che lui ha svolto in questi anni all'interno della Lega Calcio, in particolare per la valorizzazione dei diritti tv", sottolinea Blanc. Il futuro presidente della Juve conferma che all'interno della societa' ci sara' qualche cambiamento: "L'organizzazione e' solida, non c'e' fretta di intervenire. Io comunque ho ben chiaro come sara' l'assetto societario e quali saranno le novita' dal punto di vista organizzativo, ma bisognerà ancora aspettare qualche settimana". Blanc si sofferma anche sul momento della squadra: "Ferrara ha le capacità per affrontare questi momenti, una grande squadra si vede dalla capacità di rialzarsi", dice il dirigente transalpino. Infine, sul problema al menisco di Gigi Buffon, Blanc assicura che la situazione "E' seguita dallo staff medico bianconero che assieme al giocatore valuterà la scelta migliore".

Chievo - Yepes tornato in gruppo

di Tiziana Garofalo

Meno quattro giorni alla sfida contro il Bari.

E' partito il conto alla rovescia per la partita contro i la squadra di Ventura ed in casa Chievo si continua a lavorare. Mercoledì di doppia seduta (nella foto, fonte chievoverona.it) per Pellissier e compagni . Questa mattina i ragazzi gialloblu hanno effettuato esercizi in palestra e lavoro sul campo. Nel pomeriggio invece hanno svolto esercitazioni uno contro uno terminando con partitine in campo stretto.

Assente Rigoni che continua il lavoro differenziato si è invece rivisto in campo Yepes. Ancora assente Bogdani che rientrerà domani dunque la sua presenza contro il Bari non dovrebbe essere in discussione.

La doppia sfida della Salernitana

di Filippo Capurso
Fonte: Corriere del Mezzogiorno

Una partita doppia, l'ennesima. La giocherà oggi, venerdì, la Saler­nitana impegnata sia in commissio­ne Disciplinare (pomeriggio) che in campo (a Lecce). Ancora una giorna­ta di passione e pathos attende il pre­sidente Lombardi spesso, nell'ulti­mo periodo, costretto a sdoppiarsi, a raddoppiare legali e investimenti. Alla Disciplinare si discuterà del de­ferimento incrociato con il Cassino e relativo ai rapporti finanziari inter­corsi tra i due! club, deferimento che, se da una parte, non dovrebbe arrecare danni (alla Salernitana) in termini di punti, dall'altra potrebbe rafforzare la posizione dell'ex socio Vittorio Murolo nel contenzioso pen­dente presso il tribunale di Salerno e questo nel caso venissero accertati e documentati i conferimenti effet­tuati alla Salernitana dalla fami­glia Murolo (proprietaria anche del club laziale) attraverso spon­sorizzazioni. In serata, poi, la pa­rola passerà al campo.
Ultima in classifica, con primati negativi in serie collezionati nelle prime no­ve gare stagionali, la Salernitana proverà a scrollarsi di dosso il mo­mentaccio andando a caccia di gloria a Lecce. Impegno dall'alto coefficiente di difficoltà per la truppa di Cari, anche lui sulle spi­ne dopo l'approdo in granata di Nicola Salerno. «Non mi sento in discussione, con il nuovo diretto­re sportivo ho un ottimo rappor­to. Credo — dice Cari — che ci sia­no tutte le cond! izioni per fare be­ne e prolungare questo sodalizio. Gioch! iamo a L ecce con la consa­pevolezza di poter dire la nostra, in settimana il gruppo ha lavora­to bene reagendo con personalità alla brutta sconfitta casalinga con­tro il Cittadella».
Cari si dice tran­quillo e sereno ma intanto Nicola Salerno ha già immaginato la stra­tegia giusta per tirar fuori la squa­dra dalla zona retrocessione. Una delle prime mosse potrebbe esse­re rappresentata dal cambio alla guida tecnica, così fosse la Saler­nitana — che ha già impegni eco­nomici con Castori, Mutti e Brini — si ritroverebbe a busta paga ben cinque allenatori. A Lecce, pe­rò, c'è da scommetterci, i granata venderanno cara la pelle non limi­tandosi a una difesa ad oltranza. «Non giocheremo contro il Lecce con l'unico intento di non pren­derle, sarebbe come votarsi ad una sconfitta sicura. Proveremo — aggiunge Cari — a ribattere colpo su colpo. Anche per questo non rinuncerò ad uno schiera­mento offensivo». Toccherà a Fava, assistito d! a tre trequartisti (Pepe, Soddimo e Sta­tella) procurare problemi e dispia­ceri alla retroguardia salentina. In difesa spazio nuovamente al brasi­liano Machado, mentre a centro­campo Tricarico avvicenderà Pe­strin, tra i più deludenti in questa prima parte della stagione.

Di Carlo carica Pellissier: i suoi gol per Chievo e Lippi

di Marco Spinelli
fonte: Gazzetta dello Sport

I veronesi sono la sorpresa del campionato e il loro allenatore ha un doppio obiettivo: "Lavoreremo affinchè Sergio ne segni 20. Noi ci salveremo e lui andrà in Sudafrica"

Il ragionamento di Domenico Di Carlo non fa una piega: «Per mandare il nostro Sergio Pellissier al Mondiale in Sudafrica dobbiamo metterlo in condizione di segnare venti gol. E se Pellissier segna venti gol, il Chievo si salva alla grande». Ecco un caso in cui il desti! no di una squadra è legato a doppio filo a quello del suo giocatore più rappresentativo. Un bomber non proprio di primissimo pelo, entrato nella storia del club per numero di partite giocate e gol segnati. E mentre il tecnico mette a punto i dettagli della doppia operazione Sudafrica-salvezza, l'aspirante azzurro — già debuttante con gol il 6 giugno nell'amichevole con l'Irlanda del Nord — si raccomanda con molto garbo a Marcello Lippi su GazzettaTv: «Un buon motivo per portarmi in Sudafrica? Sono uno che non molla mai e, ogni tanto, servono anche giocatori così».

Di Carlo, chi l'avrebbe detto che il Chievo sarebbe stato una delle sorprese di questo inizio di campionato.

"E' presto per parlare di sorpresa, anche se non stiamo andando male. Abbiamo perso, senza meritarlo, le prime due partite con Juventus e Lazio, ma anche in quelle due occasioni abbiamo espresso un buon gioco, mettendoci la giusta mentalità. Soprattutto, adesso stiamo migliorando l'int! ensità".

Dice che il miglior Chievo non l'abbiamo a! ncora vi sto?

"I nostri miglioramenti si vedranno quando l'intensità che mostriamo per parte della partita l'avremo per 95 minuti".

Esigente. Eppure questo sembra un campionato equilibrato, alla portata di squadre organizzate come la sua, non trova?

"La serie A è sempre equilibrata nelle prime dieci giornate. E' dopo che si delinea la vera classifica".

Quindi?

"La dimensione del Chievo la scopriremo più avanti, ma credo che sia la salvezza. E' fondamentale non perdere la categoria, e se ci riusciamo con 3-4 giornate di anticipo è meglio. Siamo in linea con programmi e aspettative, ma la serie A va sudata partita dopo partita".

Lo hanno capito anche i tanti allenatori debuttanti. Non si inventa nulla.

"Non è proprio così. Le metodologie di lavoro cambiano, e anche velocemente. Tutti devono tenersi aggiornati, giovani e vecchi. L'esperienza si fa sul campo, ma contano di più le idee. Al Chievo c'è bisogno di i! dee, magari in altri posti un po' meno. Quello che mi conforta è che quando tu hai idee e il gruppo ti segue, arrivano i risultati".

Questo campionato ha portato delle novità?

"Più qualità e più corsa, senza distinzione tra grandi e piccole squadre. L'ultima in classifica può anche vincere con la prima. E' tutto ancora più bello".

Che cosa pensa del fenomeno-Mourinho? "Al di là delle cose che si dicono sul suo conto, una cosa è certa: allena l'Inter campione d'Italia e in questo momento è primo. Il personaggio va rispettato per quello che è come allenatore, poi ognuno sceglie le tattiche che preferisce per vincere".

Pro o contro lo sfogo di Lippi dopo la partita con Cipro?

"Lo capisco. Da tifoso della Nazionale io non penserei mai di fischiarla o di invocare un altro giocatore. L'Italia è di tutti, va sempre sostenuta, anche nei momenti di difficoltà".

Domani arriva il Bari. E' una partita che non può spavent! arvi.

"Ma che nasconde molte insidie. Il Bari non l! ascia sp azi, fuori casa non ha mai perso. Resta corto, è veloce, tiene bene il campo. Se l'affronti a ritmi bassi, sei fritto. Per fortuna abbiamo recuperato i nazionali. E Pellissier sta sempre meglio". E se Pellissier in questa stagione segna venti gol, è contento lui e sono contenti anche al Chievo.

Milan,3punti in rimonta

di Rocco Fortunato

fonte:eurosport.it

Il Milan si presenta a San Siro di fronte allaRoma come una squadra che deve invertire una tendenza, anzi due: perché oltre a un avvio di campionato ! deludent e, i rossoneri devono anche combattere contro il passato, visto che non battono i giallorossi da 6 partite (e negli ultimi 3 confronti al Meazza hanno sempre perso).

Leonardo deve rinunciare in avvio all'acciaccato Storari e l'inizio di gara è di quelli da incubo, ma incubo vero: Thiago Silva al 3' sbaglia un banale passaggio indietro e - di fatto - serve sulla corsa Jeremy Menez, cheringrazia e insacca comodamente l'1-0 romanista.

Il Milan, colpito nell'orgoglio, fatica a reagire e rischia ancora al 19' sull'iniziativa personale dello scatenato Menez, la cui conclusione da breve distanza muore sull'esterno della rete complice un intervento al limite del regolamento di Thiago Silva.

Al 22', poi, serve il Dida dei tempi migliori per deviare la fucilata di De Rossi, con il portiere brasiliano che si ripete anche al 37' coprendo lo specchio della porta al lanciatissimo Vucinic (che però avrebbe dovuto servire Perrotta al centro per il comodo raddoppio...).

Nel frattempo si vede un po' anche il Milan, che trova propulsione a destra con Abate, ma davanti non ha mai la necessaria lucidità: lo dimostra Ronaldinho calciando malamente una punizione al 28', mentre dieci minuti dopo èDoni a salvare il risultato con un grande intervento sul sinistro a colpo sicuro di Seedorf: l'estremo gial! lorosso si allunga in tuffo deviando la palla sul palo!!

Nell'intervallo Leonardo decide di abbandonare il 4-4-2, inserendo Inzaghi al posto di Abate (che precedentemente aveva subito un pestone da Mexes) e Pippo risponde subito presente, sfiorando l'1-1 di testa su corner di Pirlo: Doni questa volta è battuto ma sulla linea c'è Pizarro...

L'appuntamento con l'1-1, però, è solamente rimandato: al 56', infatti, Burdisso interviene scomposto in area sull'avanzato Nesta, colpendo caviglia e pallone da dietro. Rosetti indica il dischetto tra le proteste giallorosse eRonaldinho sentenzia il pareggio all'angolino.

La partita a questo punto si apre: Dida regala un brivido ai suoi tifosi con una respinta di piede sulla bordata di Riise, mentre dall'altra parte Seedorf finalizza male un raro contropiede. Alla seconda ripartenza, però, il Milan non sbaglia più: lancio millimetrico di Ronaldinho, Pato passa alle spalle di Riise, aggira Doni e scarica in rete con il mancino per il primo vero boato stagionale della curva milanista (67').

La Roma ovviamente non ci sta a perdere. Ranieri butta nella mischia Okaka, Guberti e Baptista, costruendo un'occasione colossale al 78', quando De Rossi gira alto di destro da due passi (tenuto in gioco da Nesta). Tre minuti dopo, poi, il Milan rimane anche in 10, con Ambrosini espulso per doppia ammonizione.

Anche in inferiorità numerica, l'orgoglio del Milan prevale però sulla tensione confusionaria della Roma, con i rossoneri che sprecano due ottimi contropiedi prima del triplice fischio finale che vale la metà alta della classifica, il sorpasso sugli stessi giallorossi e soprattutto un sospiro di sollievo per un ambiente sull'orlo della crisi di nervi.

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#121 Convocazioni del 31Marzo e 1 Aprile

Nazionale Under 21 (Amichevole)
(Martedì 31/03 ore 20.45)
Olanda B - Italia Under 21
Radiocronista: Giuseppe Bisantis

Nazionale - Qualificazioni Sud Africa 2010
(Mercoledì 01/03 ore 20.45)
Italia - Eire
Radiocronista: Riccardo Cucchi
Seconda voce: Francesco Repice
Terza voce: Enzo Del Vecchio

Minuto x Minuto 21

Ultima di campionato e ultime scelte dal canale You Tube di MinutoxMinuto.
Tre le scelte:
il big- match Fiorentina - Milan Radiocronaca di Riccardo Cucchi

il match salvezza Bologna - Catania Radiocronaca di Giuseppe Bisantis

il match più bello Inter - Atalanta Radiocronaca di Ugo Russo


Ringrazio per la collaborazione MinutoxMinuto, che mi piacerebbe conoscere e magari convincere a collaborare con TiCB.
Anche in questo caso tornerà durante l'estate e il 23 Agosto per la ripresa.
Anche a lui una serena estate.