Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lakers Go Up 2-1
All of L.A. should be thanking Kobe Bryant for his performance in Game 3. There has been one constant in this Lakers Nuggets series and that has been Kobe. Kobe has been great game after game. Kobe dropped 41 and hit tough shots down the stretch including a 3 to give the Lakers the lead for good. It didn't matter if it was Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith or Anthony Carter; Kobe could not be stopped. On the defensive end Kobe helped frustrate Chauncey Billups into a terrible shooting performance. That was a Mike-like game that Kobe had against the Nuggets. He put the team on his back and carried them to a win.
Krieger and Lewandowski sign with German champions
German champions 1. FFC Frankfurt have strengthened their squad ahead of the UEFA Women's Cup with the signing of American defenders Alexandra Krieger and Gina Lewandowski.
It's back!
Ownership groups representing franchises in six major U.S. cities have signed letters of intent to become charter members of the Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc.'s effort to launch a new professional women's soccer league.
WSII CEO Tonya Antonucci announced the signings today and said the league anticipates a Spring 2008 launch, timed to capitalize on interest built during the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China in September.
The six announced charter teams will be led by the following investors:
AEG
Territory: Greater Los Angeles, CA
John Hendricks, Freedom Soccer LLC
Territory: Washington D.C.
Jeff Cooper, St. Louis United Soccer LLC
Territory: St. Louis, MO
Soccer Initiative, LLC
Territory: TBD, pending its final decision to select a market
Jack Hanks and Brent Coralli, Dallas Franchise Group
Territory: Greater Dallas area, TX
WGLSI, LLC and an additional investor TBD
Territory! : Chicago and Bridgeview, IL
The league is three-quarters of the way to reaching its goal of 8 charter teams and has plans for expansion in 2009.
A critical step
"This is an important benchmark in the process to bring high-level professional women's soccer back to North America," Antonucci said. "We have taken both the lessons and the successes of the WUSA and applied them to create a business model that makes good economic sense," she added.
The new league is built on a traditional franchise model and will play its games in stadiums designed specifically for soccer. This will give the teams opportunities to generate and retain more revenue and better showcase the sport, Antonucci explained.
In creating the league, WSII will also build partnerships with established soccer and sports marketing organizations. The league is currently in negotiations with Major League Soccer's marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, to represent i! ts national sponsorship and marketing assets.
"The! new bus iness model significantly reduces overhead while taking advantage of efficiencies and synergies with existing MLS club owners and other professional sports teams," Antonucci said.
AEG Sports President Shawn Hunter said, "Having initial franchises owned and operated by organizations with not only strong ties to professional soccer but with established internal marketing, sales, promotional and operational infrastructures is a critical and significant component to launching a league that can have immediate credibility and success."
St. Louis investor Jeff Cooper said the timing of the league is ideal. "There's a tremendous upswing in women's collegiate soccer, particularly in our market," Cooper said. "Combined with the coming bump in media coverage and public interest during the FIFA Women's World Cup, this just makes sense. It's a good proposition for all involved."
"AEG is strongly committed to professional women's soccer," AEG's Hunter explained. "We beli! eve that the combination of experience and resources the initial partnership group brings to the league, along with the dedicated fan base that exists for professional women's soccer, will create not only a successful launch but a league that will be financially viable and extremely popular."
Representatives from all six markets have signed official Letters of Intent to launch the women's professional soccer league in 2008, and have made financial commitments toward that goal. The WSII estimates financial requirements to maintain and operate a franchise to be between $1.5 and $2.5 million per year.
"In addition to the cities we are announcing today, we are also in talks with investor groups about additional markets," Antonucci said. "We are also building our list of expansion cities, and we encourage interested investors to contact us."
About the WSII
The WSII is a non-profit organization backed by grants from the U.S. Soccer Federa! tion and U.S. Soccer Foundation. The organization was founded ! to build a new business plan to relaunch women's professional soccer in the United States.
Ottawa wins Eastern Conference
Amy Vermeulen notched a first-half hat trick as the Ottawa Fury stunned the New Jersey Wildcats 3-2 in the W-League Eastern Conference final at Mercer County Community College.
UNC 7, UCLA 2
Defending NCAA women's soccer champion North Carolina tallied three goals in the first 13 minutes of play Saturday night to spark a 7-2 victory for the No. 1-ranked Tar Heels over No. 3-ranked UCLA in the season opener for both teams. A crowd of 3,372 at Fetzer Field sat through a steady rainstorm throughout the night to witness what proved to be a very different game from the one the two played last December 5 in the NCAA semifinals, a 1-0 Tar Heel victory.
Official: Dovizioso heads to Repsol Honda
Friday, 26 September 2008First of all, I apologize for taking so long to update my blog. My connection was really suck and I lost contact with the world... :( but I am back now.
As you may have been heard, Andrea Dovizioso finally heads to Repsol Honda. Many people thought that Honda was left with no choice and taking Sinya Nakano to Repsol seems not a good idea because he is an old dog now. But I myself believe Honda has plotted Andrea to Repsol Honda even tough he is only an italian :). Maybe Honda will cho! ose someone else out there of there is a better guy than Dovi. But they chose him and he will need to prove them to be a front runner next year which I believe he can do it and his fight with Jorge Lorenzo in the queen class will start again as in 250cc.
Note: I just got an email stated that Masumi Hamane, HRC President, insisted that his two riders will ride for Bridgestone next year.
On the other hand, I think Nicky is sad to leave his team very soon, I can see that, but life goes on, I know he can do his best wherever he is if his team and environment is supporting him. Good luck to Nicky and Dovi.
Stormers to Ring Changes
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus is set to rest some key players for Saturday's Super 14 match against the Highlanders at Newlands.
The Highlanders have by far been the worst New Zealand team in the Super 14, managing only one win after 10 outings. The Cape side are expected to take full points against them at the weekend.
Erasmus is forced to replace JD Moller and Tonderai Chavanga through injury, with either Wikus Blaauw or Brok Harris coming in for Moller and Dylan des Fountain is the likely replacement for Chavanga.
The coach will probably also rest Andries Bekker and replace him with the under-utili! sed Ross Skeate while Tiaan Liebenberg is due a run at hooker.
It'll be interesting to see however if Erasmus decides to give Tony Brown a start at flyhalf against his old team, with Peter Grant shifting to inside centre.
All will be revealed tomorrow at the Stormers team announcement in Durbanville at 12.
Januarie Banned for Wales Test
Scrumhalf Ricky Januarie has been suspended for one test after he broke the team's code of conduct and ethics.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers didn't want to elaborate too much on what exactly Januarie did to deserve the suspension. He did re-iterate however that this doesn't place a damper on the occasion of his first test as coach.
Januarie was replaced at the eleventh hour by Bolla Conradie who was his under-study at the Stormers this season. Januarie will be up for selection again next week.
Diary
Rugby:
12h00 - WP announce their match 22 for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Cheetahs at Newlands.
Soccer:
15h00 - PSL play-off between Bay United and Black Leopards in PE.
Tennis:
From 13h00 - Men's quarterfinals today. Number one seed Roger Federer takes on the last man to beat him at Wimbledon (6 years ago), Mario Ancic. British hope, Andy Murray faces number two seed, Rafael Nadal. Marat Safin clashes with Feliciano Lopez and Rainer Schuettler meets Arnaud Clement.
Live Sport Diary
The highlight of the day's live sport is the men's 200 metre sprint final at 16h20 this afternoon. Mbulaeni Mulaudzi is also in action in the 800 metre heats. The Proteas Twenty20 clash against England has been cancelled, but India and Sri Lanka play their second one day match. Read more for a detailed schedule.
SA Olympic Athletes:
13:00 Mbulaeni Mulaudzi Men's 800m Heats SS6
13:00 Samson Ngoepe Men's 800m Heats SS6
09:30 Shaun Rubenstein Men's K1 1000m Semi Finals SS6
09:50 Calvin Mokoto Men's C1 1000m Semi Finals
03:00 Heinrich Barnes Men's 66kg Qualifications/Repechages/Medal Matches SS5/SS5A/SS6
Olympics:
10:00 - 12:50 Wrestling: Men's Freestyle 66Kg, 74Kg Finals Xtra
10:15 - 11:10 Waterpolo: Men's QF 3 SS6
10:45 - 12:30 Basketball: Men's QF 2 SS7
11:00 - 13:00 Softball Women's Bronze Xtra2
11:20 - 12:30 Waterpolo: Men's QF 4 SS6
12:00 - 14:00 Hockey: Women's SF 1: Germany v! China SS5
12:30 - 12:50 Wrestling: Men's Freestyle 66Kg, 74Kg Finals SS6
12:30 - 14:00 Volleyball: Men's QF 1 SS7
13:00 - 16:00 Boxing: Men's Fly wt (51Kg) & Men's Middle wt (75Kg) QF Xtra
13:00 - 16:55 Athletics: Session 11 SS6
14:00 - 15:30 Volleyball: Men's QF 3 Xtra2
14:00 - 15:45 Basketball: Men's QF 3 SS7
14:30 - 16:30 Hockey: Women's SF 2: Netherlands v Argentina SS5
16:00 - 17:30 Volleyball: Men's QF 4 Xtra2
16:15 - 18:00 Basketball: Men's QF 4 SS7
Cricket:
06:15 - 15:00 Sri Lanka v India 2nd ODI SS2
Games nearly at an end
The Paralympics are nearly at an end and so far team South Africa have been raking in the medals over the past few days. Not too many of our athletes competing today.
Kevin Paul will be taking part in the 400m Mens freestyle after he finished fifth in his heat earlier today. Fanie van der Merwe looks set for another medal at the games as he finished first in the mens 200m T37 heat, his final will take place tomorrow. Jonathan Ntutu looks like another medal hope he finished third in the Mens 200 T13 heat. SA currently have 24 medals 17 of them being gold.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Santos looking to get back to winning ways
Santos face PSL millionaires Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone stadium tonight. The PSL team is desperate to get a result after their 4-1 loss to Platinum stars last week. The team made many defensive errors which resulted in Stars scoring four goals in the last twenty minutes of the game.
However Santos will have defender and Captain Musa Otieno back. Coach David Bright says Otieno is a natural leader and his experience will give the team a great moral boost. Ryan Chapman also returns after his red card suspension. It isn't certain if he will start but his inclusion will help The People's team in strengthening their attack.
Oteino says teamwork is key in getting a result…
Nevertheless Sundowns won't be doing Santos any favours. Downs were dumped out of the Te! lkom Knockout by newcomers Bay United and narrowly beat Wits in the league. They have also appointed a new coach in Frenchman Henri Michel. So there is no doubt the players will at their best to impress their new boss.
Locally based players for Bafana friendly
A friendly is on the cards for Bafana Bafana, they will play Zambia on the 27th of January at the Atteridgeville's Super Stadium.
The team's coach Joel Santana is set to choose players that are all locally based, however as the game is a friendly practice game no international caps will be given.
This will give Santana a good opportunity to see what he has as he will be looking to build his squad for the Confederations Cup in June.
The Brazilian will begin selecting players on Thursday when he meets with his technical team.
The players that will be make up the core team are likely to all be from the PSL. The likes of Kaizer Chief's goal keeper Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala as well as Golden Arrows goal dynamo Bernard Parker could feature in the team. However Parker's availability is dependent on his possible move Sebian Club Red Star Belgrade.
Some good news for Ajax Cape Town players,! Mabhuti Khanyeza, Brett Evans and Nazeer Allie could find themselves in the squad. Khanyeza has been performing well for his club scoring numerous goals as they challenge for the league.
Sangakkara and Sri Lanka on the road to recovery
Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara said Wednesday he and his team are nearly 100 percent recovered after the terror attacks in Pakistan earlier this year. Sangakkara and his team's bus was shot at while they were on tour in that country. Meanwhile the prolific batsman is in Cape Town with his IPL side, the Kings XI Punjab ahead of the tournament on Saturday.
He says getting back to cricket was their priority.
"We always wanted to get back to playing cricket, ! it is what we love and we wanted to get back to normal. These are the first steps in doing that, the guys are happy to be alive and are very lucky. That is how life is and you do what you have to do."
Sangakkara, along with Brett Lee, Indian bowler Sreesanth and the owner of the Kings XI Punjab Bollywood actress Priety Zinta were all in Nyanga yesterday to give around 50 youngsters some tips on their cricketing skills.
The Sri Lankan says has seen immense talent so far.
"The abundance of it (talent) spells a great time f! or South African sport in the future and to see that talent is talent wherever you are in the world. With the IPL being hosted here hopefully its more inspiration for the kids to do well and possibly make it to the world stage."
Formula One makes deep, tough cuts
Formula One's slash and burn tactics to reduce costs continues to evolve and solidify. Some of the steps that Formula One is prepared to undertake are a total ban on in-season testing, major changes to engine rules and dramatic cuts in aerodynamic development are the main pillars of F1's cost cutting program.
Following a meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on Friday, the FIA announced a host of measures that have been agreed with the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) and will be put in place over the next few years that will cut budgets by at least one third from next year.
Below is the full list of cuts from the FIA press release:
The following measures to reduce costs in Formula One have been agreed by the World Motor Sport Council. These proposed changes have the unanimous agreement of the Formula One teams, who have played a major role in their development. The FIA is grateful to the Formula One Teams' Association! (FOTA) and its Chairman Luca di Montezemolo for their incisive contribution.
2009
Engine
-Engine life to be doubled. Each driver will use a maximum of eight engines for the season plus four for testing (thus 20 per team)
-Limit of 18,000 rpm.
-No internal re-tuning.
-Adjustment to trumpets and injectors only.
-The three-race rule voted on 5 November remains in force.
-Cost of engines to independent teams will be approximately 50% of 2008 prices.
-Unanimous agreement was reached on a list of proposed changes to the Renault engine for 2009; all other engines will remain unchanged. Comparative testing will not be necessary.
Testing
No in-season testing except during race weekend during scheduled practice.
Aerodynamic research
No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres/sec to be used after 1 January 200! 9. A formula to balance wind tunnel-based research against CFD! researc h, if agreed between the teams, will be proposed to the FIA.
Factory activity
Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws.
Race weekend
Manpower to be reduced by means of a number of measures, including sharing information on tyres and fuel to eliminate the need for "spotters".
Sporting spectacle
Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers. Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known.
Note: It is estimated that these changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams will be even greater.
2010
Power train
Engines will be ava! ilable to the independent teams for less than €5 million per team per season. These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than 20 December 2008. This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011). Subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams.
Chassis
-A list of all elements of the chassis will be prepared and a decision taken in respect of each element as to whether or not it will remain a performance differentiator (competitive element).
-Some elements which remain performance differentiators will be homologated for the season.
-Some elements will remain performance differentiators, but use inexpensive materials.
-Elements which are not performance differentiators will be prescriptive and be obtained or m! anufactured in the most economical possible way.
Rac! e weeken d
-Standardised radio and telemetry systems.
-Ban on tyre warmers.
-Ban on mechanical purging of tyres.
-Ban on refueling.
-Possible reduction in race distance or duration (proposal to follow market research).
Factory activity
-Further restrictions on aerodynamic research.
-Ban on tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).
-Full analysis of factory facilities with a view to proposing further restrictions on facilities.
Longer term
The FIA and FOTA will study the possibility of an entirely new power train for 2013 based on energy efficiency (obtaining more work from less energy consumed). Rules to be framed so as to ensure that research and development of such a power train would make a real contribution to energy-efficient road transport. An enhanced Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) system is likely to be a very significant element of an energy-efficient power train in the fut! ure. In the short term, KERS is part of the 2009 regulations, but is not compulsory. For 2010 FOTA is considering proposals for a standard KERS system. The FIA awaits proposals. A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 and 2010 Sporting and Technical Regulations.
http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/wmsc08/Pages/wmsc_121208.aspx
Benitez Hails Insua Progress
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez feels Emiliano Insua has thoroughly deserved his first international call-up.
The Argentine full-back has become a first-team regular at Anfield this season, helping him to catch the eye of Diego Maradona.
A number of impressive performances have seen him selected by his country for the first time and he will be hoping to be involved in crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.
Insua's rapid progress this term has been welcomed by his domestic boss Benitez, who has eased the 20-year-old into the fold on Merseyside following his arr! ival from Boca Juniors in January 2007.
He was initially brought in by the Reds on a long-term loan basis, but saw that deal made permanent just eight months into an 18-month agreement.
The potential spotted by Liverpool at that early stage is now being fulfilled, with the youngster seemingly set for a distinguished career at the very top of the game.
"It is very good news for him and for us," said Benitez on Insua's inclusion in the Argentina squad.
"He is a young player who is doing well for us. When you talk about young players, the idea is to try to promote them.
"Emiliano was a very good signing by our scouting department - a young player with potential and quality - and it was very good business because the price was good."
The Argentine full-back has become a first-team regular at Anfield this season, helping him to catch the eye of Diego Maradona.
A number of impressive performances have seen him selected by his country for the first time and he will be hoping to be involved in crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.
Insua's rapid progress this term has been welcomed by his domestic boss Benitez, who has eased the 20-year-old into the fold on Merseyside following his arr! ival from Boca Juniors in January 2007.
He was initially brought in by the Reds on a long-term loan basis, but saw that deal made permanent just eight months into an 18-month agreement.
The potential spotted by Liverpool at that early stage is now being fulfilled, with the youngster seemingly set for a distinguished career at the very top of the game.
"It is very good news for him and for us," said Benitez on Insua's inclusion in the Argentina squad.
"He is a young player who is doing well for us. When you talk about young players, the idea is to try to promote them.
"Emiliano was a very good signing by our scouting department - a young player with potential and quality - and it was very good business because the price was good."
Johnson Confident Of Being Fit To Face Man Utd
Glen Johnson is confident of being fit for Liverpool's Sunday showdown with Manchester United despite missing their Champions League defeat to Lyon on Tuesday night.
The right back withdrew just hours before Rafa Benitez's side lost their fourth game in a row - their worst run since 1987. The Spaniard must now face the champions with disgruntled fans making noises about his future.
Having a fit Johnson at his disposal would be a major boost for the Liverpool boss, who fielded 20-year-old Martin Kelly at right back against Lyon.
And the England international is sur! e he can shake off his groin injury before United visit Anfield.
"It is a lot better today, I think I will be alright for Sunday," Johnson said. "We haven't tested it today, just soft tissue work and massage, but it seems a lot freer than it did yesterday."
The big-money signing from Portsmouth also thinks Fernando Torres has a chance of making the game, but he is less sure whether skipper Steven Gerrard will be fit after he was forced off after 25 minutes with a recurrence of an abductor problem. He said: "I think Nando might be alright for Sunday, but I am not too sure about Stevie."
The right back withdrew just hours before Rafa Benitez's side lost their fourth game in a row - their worst run since 1987. The Spaniard must now face the champions with disgruntled fans making noises about his future.
Having a fit Johnson at his disposal would be a major boost for the Liverpool boss, who fielded 20-year-old Martin Kelly at right back against Lyon.
And the England international is sur! e he can shake off his groin injury before United visit Anfield.
"It is a lot better today, I think I will be alright for Sunday," Johnson said. "We haven't tested it today, just soft tissue work and massage, but it seems a lot freer than it did yesterday."
The big-money signing from Portsmouth also thinks Fernando Torres has a chance of making the game, but he is less sure whether skipper Steven Gerrard will be fit after he was forced off after 25 minutes with a recurrence of an abductor problem. He said: "I think Nando might be alright for Sunday, but I am not too sure about Stevie."
Johnson - Reds Face Disaster
Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has admitted an early exit from the UEFA Champions League would be a 'disaster' for the Anfield outfit.
Rafa Benitez's side are floundering in the Premier League title race after suffering their fifth defeat of the season away to Fulham on Saturday, a match which full-back Johnson missed through injury.
And their European ambitions are also hanging in the balance after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Fiorentina and Lyon ahead of Wednesday's crucial return fixture away to the French side.
England international Johnson knows the implicatio! ns of the Merseyside giants failing to progress to the knockout stages and does not want to even consider the prospect of slipping into the Europa League.
"It would be a disaster for this club not qualifying for the knockout stages - but it's not something we are thinking about," he told the Daily Star Sunday.
"We have still got to believe we can do it. We don't even want to start thinking about the Europa League.
"It will be no consolation at all. It's not the aim and it's not the plan because we want to be in the Champions. It is one of the main reasons why players want to play for a big side.
"The Champions League is the best club competition there is. I played in it a few times with Chelsea and playing in it again was something that I was looking forward to doing.
"And I would love to go on and win it with Liverpool. But really I don't want to look too far ahead because we have made things very difficult for ourselv! es in the last two games.
"On paper we should be wi! nning th is group. The Champions League is just as important to us as the Premier League.
"They are both massive competitions and we like to do well in them both. The further that we get in the Champions League and the closer we get to the title, the happier the club will be.
"But playing in Europe, as we have shown over the last few years, suits our style."
Former Chelsea and Portsmouth defender Johnson admits Benitez's men need to take maximum points from their remaining fixtures against Lyon, Fiorentina and Debrecen to be sure of progressing.
Lyon currently head Group E with a six-point cushion over the Reds with Fiorentina, who face point-less Hungarian side Debrecen in midweek, enjoying a three-point advantage.
Johnson added: "We are three points behind Fiorentina, so we may need to win all three remaining games. Lyon have got to play Fiorentina as well, so somebody will drop points.
"We would be happy with three ! wins but Lyon are a fantastic team who score a lot of goals at home.
"Any away game in the Champions League is hard. We must stick together and fight for each other. Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet and come back with three points."
Rafa Benitez's side are floundering in the Premier League title race after suffering their fifth defeat of the season away to Fulham on Saturday, a match which full-back Johnson missed through injury.
And their European ambitions are also hanging in the balance after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Fiorentina and Lyon ahead of Wednesday's crucial return fixture away to the French side.
England international Johnson knows the implicatio! ns of the Merseyside giants failing to progress to the knockout stages and does not want to even consider the prospect of slipping into the Europa League.
"It would be a disaster for this club not qualifying for the knockout stages - but it's not something we are thinking about," he told the Daily Star Sunday.
"We have still got to believe we can do it. We don't even want to start thinking about the Europa League.
"It will be no consolation at all. It's not the aim and it's not the plan because we want to be in the Champions. It is one of the main reasons why players want to play for a big side.
"The Champions League is the best club competition there is. I played in it a few times with Chelsea and playing in it again was something that I was looking forward to doing.
"And I would love to go on and win it with Liverpool. But really I don't want to look too far ahead because we have made things very difficult for ourselv! es in the last two games.
"On paper we should be wi! nning th is group. The Champions League is just as important to us as the Premier League.
"They are both massive competitions and we like to do well in them both. The further that we get in the Champions League and the closer we get to the title, the happier the club will be.
"But playing in Europe, as we have shown over the last few years, suits our style."
Former Chelsea and Portsmouth defender Johnson admits Benitez's men need to take maximum points from their remaining fixtures against Lyon, Fiorentina and Debrecen to be sure of progressing.
Lyon currently head Group E with a six-point cushion over the Reds with Fiorentina, who face point-less Hungarian side Debrecen in midweek, enjoying a three-point advantage.
Johnson added: "We are three points behind Fiorentina, so we may need to win all three remaining games. Lyon have got to play Fiorentina as well, so somebody will drop points.
"We would be happy with three ! wins but Lyon are a fantastic team who score a lot of goals at home.
"Any away game in the Champions League is hard. We must stick together and fight for each other. Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet and come back with three points."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sexy Young Girl Erika Sawajiri
Erika Sawajiri with a few the pose capturing and classy. Erika is learning guitar castanets. She thirsts for to become famous and super musician. Model photo girl who camera face meaning b! usiness in experiencing the career.
SuperMoto TV confirmed
Nov. 29
TORONTO, ON -- SuperMoto Canada has released broadcast details for the opening two events of its 2004 season, held in Picton, ON and Parry Sound, ON.
These events will be shown in Hi Definition (HD) format on The Sports Network.
The first episode from the Ride to Remember in Picton premiered last Saturday but will be repeated Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 3:30 p.m. EDT, Friday, Dec. 3 at 12:30 a.m. EDT and Saturday, Dec. 4 at 5:00 a.m. EDT.
The second round, held at the Sport Bike Rally in Parry Sound will debut Dec. 4 at 11:00 a.m. and repeat Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 5:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10 at 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4:00 a.m. All times are EDT.
Future episode scheduling will be available at www.supermotocanada.com.
Blackfoot re-signs riders
From Blackfoot Motosports
CALGARY, AB -- Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing is pleased to announce the re-signing of five-time consecutive MX1 champion Jean Sebastien Roy, two-time consecutive MX2 West champion Dusty Klatt, and MX2 East championship No. 3 ranked Mitch Cooke for the 2006 CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships.
Quebec's JSR and British Columbia's Klatt will campaign the 2006 MX1 CMRC National Motocross Championships aboard the potent Honda CRF450R four-stroke. Cooke will campaign the four western rounds of the MX1 points chase and then focus exclusively on the MX2 East Championship. The Nova Scotia native, who won his first ever national moto this year will ride the all new dual-exhaust 2006 CRF250R.
The team will also contest the '05 NAPA Montreal Supercross Oct. 1 and both Canadian rounds of the World Championship Supercross to be held in Toronto, Dec. 3 and Vancouver Dec. 10. Ame! rican rider Chad Charbonneau who finished the year in forth position in the MX2 East series will also be joining the team in these events.
"We're excited to have JSR, Dusty, and Mitch back with us for another season of great racing next year. The 2005 Hondas were awesome, championship winning bikes and we're convinced the '06 models will be even better," said Blackfoot team manager Jason Mitchell. "We're also happy to announce that the team will be at the Montreal Supercross in October and the World Championship Supercross rounds in Toronto and Vancouver in December.
"While we have signed our Canadian contingent of riders we are still in discussions and confirm our additional riders for the 2006 CMRC series including our MX2 West rider."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cincinnati Reds 2009 Team Stats
Here are the most intriguing team stats:
Pitching
The Reds have the 9th best ERA in major league baseball at the moment with a 4.11 team ERA. If it wasn't for a couple Mike Lincoln blow-ups they could be in the top-5. Surprisingly enough the top-5 pitching clubs at the moment are the Pirates at the top followed by the Mariners, Cardinals, Royals, and A's.
Hitting
The Reds are 29th out of the 30 teams for team batting average at .235 a game, pathetic. They're also 24th in home runs, 27th in RBI's, but hey they're 10th in strikeouts.... It's funny because we used to be an incredible hitting team and would lead or would be at the top of the majors in home runs and RBI's on a consistent basis. Now we have good pitching, it would be nice to be good or at least mediocre at both.
Fielding
Currently rank 28th out ! of 30 teams in fielding percentage. 18 errors so far this season, that's almost one a game.
Red Hot Reds?
The Reds started out their season "Red Hot" and found themselves amongst the top of the Division for the first few months of the season. However, they have fallen, scratch that plummetted from grace to a meager 52-71. Just look at their breakdown by month:
April: 11-10 (.524)
May: 15-13 (.536)
June: 11-15 (.423)
July: 8-19 (.296)
August: 7-14 (.333)
Despite this great start the Reds were only in first place 2 days this year going back to May 13th. Now they are the farthest back they have been all year at 18.5 games out of first place. Rather than chasing the division the Reds are chasing their worst season since 1982 when they finished 61-101.
What's to come.
This will soon be a forum consisting of all things sports. Please come often and enjoy the stories and opinions from these three guys about the world of sports. They encourage feedback, with your questions, comments, concerns always welcomed. E-mail them anytime at SportsBrief@gmail.com.
Rich Keefe, Tristan Besse, and Brian Sharkey will take you on a tour de force with their knowledge and passion.
Sit back, relax, and let the good times roll.
The Sports Brief's UFC 87 Picks
The UFC has a slew of great fights coming up over the next several months, and this card is a great way to kick things off. Not only is GSP putting his welterweight crown on the line, but he'll have an opportunity to make his case for being the top pound-4-pound fighter in the world. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar returns and looks to avoid a disastrous 0-2 start to his UFC career, one that he nor the company can afford. And to top it off, we get two of the top lightweight contenders in the UFC going toe-2-toe for their shot at UFC gold. With further ado, here are the picks, Keefe's first, then mine. We did them separately then put them together, so let us know what you think! , who you agree with and who you like coming out on top on Saturday night.
Televised Bouts
Keefe's Picks
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch (Welterweight Championship Bout)
GSP and Fitch truly are the two best welterweights in the world. The 170 pound division is dominated by UFC fighters and this is the match up every fan wants to see. The only hick-up St. Pierre has faced was the stunning loss to Matt Serra. Since then he has defeated fellow Top 10 guys in Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes (for the second time), and took care of business against Serra. Along with those names, how about B.J. Penn, Sean Sherk, Frank Trigg, Jason Miller, Jay Hieron, Karo Parisyan, and Pete Spratt being on GSP's resume. Why not add Jon Fitch to that list?
I understand Fitch has rattled off 15 straight victories including a perfect 8-0 in the UFC with wins over Diego Sanchez, Thiago A! lves, and Josh Burkman, but I'm still not convinced. Half of F! itch's v ictories in the UFC have come via decision, and St. Pierre has never lost when it comes down to the judges. He usually doesn't let it go that long. Fitch is a great wrestler. That's a fact. But GSP out wrestled Fitch's training partner and 4 time All-American wrestler Josh Koscheck. Maybe Fitch can submit GSP? He has finished 3 fights in the octagon by submission. Don't count on it. Besides that armbar by Hughes in 2004, GSP won't let that happen either. I truly believe the only way to defeat GSP now is a fluke knock out a la Serra. I think this is a solid fight for 2 and a half rounds but than St. Pierre, one of the best pound for pound fighters on the planet, ends it.
Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Roger Huerta vs. Kenny Florian
These two are not Top 10 lightweights in the world, but they are Top 5 in the UFC. The winner could find him self in line for a title shot down the road, the o! ne problem being that the current champ B.J. Penn has his sights set a little higher, on a rematch with Georges St. Pierre. I think Penn will be watching this night of fights pretty closely. After a busy 2007, Huerta has not fought in 8 months. He can't afford to have any ring rust against a guy like Ken-Flo. (I'm still upset I didn't tell Florian he had a good flow when I took a leak next to him in a Somerville bathroom, damn.) Either way I like Florian to catch "El Matador" in one of the 5,000 submission holds he knows.
Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via submission in the 2nd round
Heath Herring vs. Brock Lesnar
Will big Brock Lesnar last more than 90 seconds this time around? For the paying fans I hope so, for Herring's face, different story. Lesnar proved he's an absolute monster who just has a lot to learn. Mir got a title shot out of defeating Brock, in his 1st UFC fight no less, you figure that out. Meanwhil! e Herring is coming off a victory over Kongo. Heath has yet to! have a fight in the UFC not go the distance, but I think this will be different. Herring's only chance here is to find a submission, where most of his Pride victories came from, and slap it on early a la Mir. Upset alert… if this is an upset.
Heath Herring def. Brock Lesnar via submission in the 1st round
Demian Maia vs. Jason McDonald
A pair of fighters here who find themselves on the outside looking in, on the true contenders list at 185. Both guys hold victories over Ed Herman, of course so does Besse and I. McDonald's best win is over Leben, but anytime he's gotten a shot a one of the elite, he has lost (Franklin and Okami.) This is a huge fight for Maia. Where does he stack up? He's 7-0 in his career and 2-0 in the UFC. McDonald, owner of the worst nickname in sports "The Athlete" (aren't they all athletes?), needs this win. In fact, I feel like it's a great win for one fighter, but a bad loss at the same time, if that! makes since. The loser here is a long way from a title shot, the winner may only need another fight or two, much like Patrick Cote who went on a nice run.
Demian Maia def. Jason McDonald via submission in the 3rd
Manny Gamburyan vs. Rob Emerson
Not sure why this is a televised main event bout, I'll be honest. I can understand the die hard fans who say enough with the TUF crap being pushed down our throats. Yes there have been many great and entertaining fighters from the past shows like Forrest Griffin, Chris Leben, Diego Sanchez, etc., but there's been many more who don't belong on TV. I'm not saying Manny and Emerson are bad fighters. They could both be solid some day. If you watched Dream 5 last month you saw some incredible lightweights. This is an undercard fight. Manny's had a nice run of quick finishes, and I think it continues.
Manny Gamburyan def. Rob Emerson via submission in the 1st
Undercard Bouts
Chei! ck Kongo def. Dan Evensen via decision
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via (T)KO in 1st
Luke Cummo def. Tamden McCrory via (T)KO in 2nd
Andre Gusmao def. Jon Jones via decision
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via (T)KO in 3rd
Besse's Picks
Televised Bouts
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch (Welterweight Championship Bout)
Finally, GSP is clear of the whole Matt Hughes/Matt Serra shenanigans and can finally begin truly defending the welterweight crown. His first test since regaining that title is against a guy who is on quite a roll in Jon Fitch. Fitch has won 15 straight, but he looked a bit off target in his fight with Chris Wilson. Don't get me wrong, Fitch clearly deserves this opportunity as he's beaten some talented and fairly big name fighters along the way. He'll be relying on the strength of his wrestling and jiu-jitsu in this fight, but he's going ! to have his work cut out for him.
That's because he's taking on MMA phenom Georges St. Pierre, who is truly exemplary of the new generation of athletes in the sport. GSP is athletic and well-rounded, and you could argue that he is never at a disadvantage in any facet of the game against any fighter. Formally you would have pointed to his wrestling, but after his decisive win over Josh Koscheck, he put that to rest; he's also training with the Canadian National team. His striking will be far superior to that of Fitch, and I expect GSP to come out and get comfortable on his feet. While I think he can hang with Fitch on the ground, he'll want to score points standing and wear down the challenger, who will be going for five rounds for the first time in the UFC. In the end, GSP will simply be too much for the game, but outclassed Fitch.
GSP remains your Welterweight Champ via (T)KO in the 3rd round.
Roger Huerta vs. Kenny Florian!
This is the fight that I'm most excited a! bout on this card. Florian and Huerta are two of the top lightweights in the UFC and I think this could be an opportunity for one of these fighters to establish himself as a top 10 lightweight in the world. Dana White should be taken seriously when he says this has the potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate.
Huerta is returning to action for the first time since his win comeback win over Clay Guida last December. He posted an impressive 6-0 campaign in 2007, and while I argue that his opponents weren't top caliber fighters, his aggressive, all-action style makes for great fights and his win over Guida showed he is dangerous at any point during a fight. While he should be compared to GSP in terms of talent level, he's similar in that he's an athletic, well rounded competitor. He'll need to apply pressure for all 3 rounds and not allow Florian to gain control on the ground.
For Florian, his biggest challenge will be sticking to his gameplan. I'm confident ! that due to his experience at a championship level, he'll be able to do this, but he needs to avoid getting into a fast paced, all-action brawl with Huerta. Florian's striking is very good, don't get me wrong, but Huerta is more athletic and rangier, so Florian will need to utilize angles and his Muay Thai clinch. If he control the action and eventually take Huerta down, I think he can work his way to the mount and go for the finish.
Kenny Florian wins via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Heath Herring vs. Brock Lesnar
I hate this fight because I'm actually a fan of both fighters. Herring HAS to be one of everyone's favorite fighters simply because the guy will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. That and his infamous YouTube clip in which he knocked the guy out for kissing him during the stare down. That scores points with me any day of the week.
Yet interestingly enough, you have to respect Brock Lesnar because he's! not taking any cupcakes for opponents. This guy has stated he! wants t o fight tough, credible opponents, and he got that in Frank Mir and he's getting that again in Herring. I thought Lesnar was mighty impressive against Mir, inflicting serious damage and relentless attack before being caught in a submission. Meanwhile, Herring is coming off an impressive win over Cheick Kongo, a match that many thought would go the other way. But Herring has revamped his training and dedication to the sport, and he looked very tough, durable and much improved in grinding out the decision win.
There's no question that the biggest hole in Lesnar's game is his submission defense, and Herring has captured 16 of his 28 victories via just that. However, a lot of those have been submissions that come as a result of being on top of his opponents. I simply don't see him finding a way to control Lesnar on top and work his way to a mount, taking the back, acquiring a choke, etc. While he may be able to roll Lesnar or work out of Lesnar's guard, it's my conten! tion that Brock will simply be too big, too strong and too powerful. Herring will put in yet another gritty, impressive performance, but Saturday's fight will show why he is the Chris Lytle, Chris Leben and Marcus Aurelio of the heavyweight division.
Brock Lesnar wins via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Demian Maia vs. Jason McDonald
Maia and McDonald could be a ton of fun to watch. Both are sick submission specialist, and I thank them both for their respective embarrassments of Ed "Short Fuse" Herman. Maia has come out of nowhere and is off to a modest 7-0 start to his career. McDonald, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance at times, earning him fights with Yushin Okami and Rich Franklin. He fell flat on his face both times, however, and is slowly developing into a guy who will always fall just a bit short.
A lot of times when two guys with similar backgrounds go at it, the fight is won by utilizing other fa! cets. It's a matter of who is more comfortable in other areas ! and can keep it there. I don't think that will be the case here. Maia seems to have jiu-jitsu skills that are unparalleled, and I think his will simply outclass McDonald's in scoring a late submission win.
Plus his submission over Ed Herman was much cooler than McDonald's. That and I also have trouble picking a guy with the nickname, "The Athlete."
Demian Maia wins via 3rd round submission
Manny Gamburyan vs. Rob Emerson
Joe Silva is pitting a pair of TUF 5 alums against each other here. Interestingly enough, Emerson is an alum of something else, as well: The Lords of South County. Pretty hardcore, eh? Not if you watch the video in which he and his boys ambushed some poor guy at a gas station filling up his car. Pretty weak. I'm not a fan of Gamburyan, either, but I'll take him over some spoiled, rich kid punk. Not only do I expect Manvil the Anvil to run right through Emerson, I'm hoping he gets hold a limb and g! oes Babalu on that ass.
Manny Gamburyan wins via 1st round submission
Undercard Bouts
Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen via decision
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via 1st round submission
Tamden Mcrory def. Luke Cummo via decision
Andre Gusmao def. Jon Jones via 1st round submission
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via decision
-Besse and Keefe
E-mail The Brief at sportsbrief@gmail.com
Televised Bouts
Keefe's Picks
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch (Welterweight Championship Bout)
GSP and Fitch truly are the two best welterweights in the world. The 170 pound division is dominated by UFC fighters and this is the match up every fan wants to see. The only hick-up St. Pierre has faced was the stunning loss to Matt Serra. Since then he has defeated fellow Top 10 guys in Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes (for the second time), and took care of business against Serra. Along with those names, how about B.J. Penn, Sean Sherk, Frank Trigg, Jason Miller, Jay Hieron, Karo Parisyan, and Pete Spratt being on GSP's resume. Why not add Jon Fitch to that list?
I understand Fitch has rattled off 15 straight victories including a perfect 8-0 in the UFC with wins over Diego Sanchez, Thiago A! lves, and Josh Burkman, but I'm still not convinced. Half of F! itch's v ictories in the UFC have come via decision, and St. Pierre has never lost when it comes down to the judges. He usually doesn't let it go that long. Fitch is a great wrestler. That's a fact. But GSP out wrestled Fitch's training partner and 4 time All-American wrestler Josh Koscheck. Maybe Fitch can submit GSP? He has finished 3 fights in the octagon by submission. Don't count on it. Besides that armbar by Hughes in 2004, GSP won't let that happen either. I truly believe the only way to defeat GSP now is a fluke knock out a la Serra. I think this is a solid fight for 2 and a half rounds but than St. Pierre, one of the best pound for pound fighters on the planet, ends it.
Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Roger Huerta vs. Kenny Florian
These two are not Top 10 lightweights in the world, but they are Top 5 in the UFC. The winner could find him self in line for a title shot down the road, the o! ne problem being that the current champ B.J. Penn has his sights set a little higher, on a rematch with Georges St. Pierre. I think Penn will be watching this night of fights pretty closely. After a busy 2007, Huerta has not fought in 8 months. He can't afford to have any ring rust against a guy like Ken-Flo. (I'm still upset I didn't tell Florian he had a good flow when I took a leak next to him in a Somerville bathroom, damn.) Either way I like Florian to catch "El Matador" in one of the 5,000 submission holds he knows.
Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via submission in the 2nd round
Heath Herring vs. Brock Lesnar
Will big Brock Lesnar last more than 90 seconds this time around? For the paying fans I hope so, for Herring's face, different story. Lesnar proved he's an absolute monster who just has a lot to learn. Mir got a title shot out of defeating Brock, in his 1st UFC fight no less, you figure that out. Meanwhil! e Herring is coming off a victory over Kongo. Heath has yet to! have a fight in the UFC not go the distance, but I think this will be different. Herring's only chance here is to find a submission, where most of his Pride victories came from, and slap it on early a la Mir. Upset alert… if this is an upset.
Heath Herring def. Brock Lesnar via submission in the 1st round
Demian Maia vs. Jason McDonald
A pair of fighters here who find themselves on the outside looking in, on the true contenders list at 185. Both guys hold victories over Ed Herman, of course so does Besse and I. McDonald's best win is over Leben, but anytime he's gotten a shot a one of the elite, he has lost (Franklin and Okami.) This is a huge fight for Maia. Where does he stack up? He's 7-0 in his career and 2-0 in the UFC. McDonald, owner of the worst nickname in sports "The Athlete" (aren't they all athletes?), needs this win. In fact, I feel like it's a great win for one fighter, but a bad loss at the same time, if that! makes since. The loser here is a long way from a title shot, the winner may only need another fight or two, much like Patrick Cote who went on a nice run.
Demian Maia def. Jason McDonald via submission in the 3rd
Manny Gamburyan vs. Rob Emerson
Not sure why this is a televised main event bout, I'll be honest. I can understand the die hard fans who say enough with the TUF crap being pushed down our throats. Yes there have been many great and entertaining fighters from the past shows like Forrest Griffin, Chris Leben, Diego Sanchez, etc., but there's been many more who don't belong on TV. I'm not saying Manny and Emerson are bad fighters. They could both be solid some day. If you watched Dream 5 last month you saw some incredible lightweights. This is an undercard fight. Manny's had a nice run of quick finishes, and I think it continues.
Manny Gamburyan def. Rob Emerson via submission in the 1st
Undercard Bouts
Chei! ck Kongo def. Dan Evensen via decision
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via (T)KO in 1st
Luke Cummo def. Tamden McCrory via (T)KO in 2nd
Andre Gusmao def. Jon Jones via decision
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via (T)KO in 3rd
Besse's Picks
Televised Bouts
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch (Welterweight Championship Bout)
Finally, GSP is clear of the whole Matt Hughes/Matt Serra shenanigans and can finally begin truly defending the welterweight crown. His first test since regaining that title is against a guy who is on quite a roll in Jon Fitch. Fitch has won 15 straight, but he looked a bit off target in his fight with Chris Wilson. Don't get me wrong, Fitch clearly deserves this opportunity as he's beaten some talented and fairly big name fighters along the way. He'll be relying on the strength of his wrestling and jiu-jitsu in this fight, but he's going ! to have his work cut out for him.
That's because he's taking on MMA phenom Georges St. Pierre, who is truly exemplary of the new generation of athletes in the sport. GSP is athletic and well-rounded, and you could argue that he is never at a disadvantage in any facet of the game against any fighter. Formally you would have pointed to his wrestling, but after his decisive win over Josh Koscheck, he put that to rest; he's also training with the Canadian National team. His striking will be far superior to that of Fitch, and I expect GSP to come out and get comfortable on his feet. While I think he can hang with Fitch on the ground, he'll want to score points standing and wear down the challenger, who will be going for five rounds for the first time in the UFC. In the end, GSP will simply be too much for the game, but outclassed Fitch.
GSP remains your Welterweight Champ via (T)KO in the 3rd round.
Roger Huerta vs. Kenny Florian!
This is the fight that I'm most excited a! bout on this card. Florian and Huerta are two of the top lightweights in the UFC and I think this could be an opportunity for one of these fighters to establish himself as a top 10 lightweight in the world. Dana White should be taken seriously when he says this has the potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate.
Huerta is returning to action for the first time since his win comeback win over Clay Guida last December. He posted an impressive 6-0 campaign in 2007, and while I argue that his opponents weren't top caliber fighters, his aggressive, all-action style makes for great fights and his win over Guida showed he is dangerous at any point during a fight. While he should be compared to GSP in terms of talent level, he's similar in that he's an athletic, well rounded competitor. He'll need to apply pressure for all 3 rounds and not allow Florian to gain control on the ground.
For Florian, his biggest challenge will be sticking to his gameplan. I'm confident ! that due to his experience at a championship level, he'll be able to do this, but he needs to avoid getting into a fast paced, all-action brawl with Huerta. Florian's striking is very good, don't get me wrong, but Huerta is more athletic and rangier, so Florian will need to utilize angles and his Muay Thai clinch. If he control the action and eventually take Huerta down, I think he can work his way to the mount and go for the finish.
Kenny Florian wins via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Heath Herring vs. Brock Lesnar
I hate this fight because I'm actually a fan of both fighters. Herring HAS to be one of everyone's favorite fighters simply because the guy will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. That and his infamous YouTube clip in which he knocked the guy out for kissing him during the stare down. That scores points with me any day of the week.
Yet interestingly enough, you have to respect Brock Lesnar because he's! not taking any cupcakes for opponents. This guy has stated he! wants t o fight tough, credible opponents, and he got that in Frank Mir and he's getting that again in Herring. I thought Lesnar was mighty impressive against Mir, inflicting serious damage and relentless attack before being caught in a submission. Meanwhile, Herring is coming off an impressive win over Cheick Kongo, a match that many thought would go the other way. But Herring has revamped his training and dedication to the sport, and he looked very tough, durable and much improved in grinding out the decision win.
There's no question that the biggest hole in Lesnar's game is his submission defense, and Herring has captured 16 of his 28 victories via just that. However, a lot of those have been submissions that come as a result of being on top of his opponents. I simply don't see him finding a way to control Lesnar on top and work his way to a mount, taking the back, acquiring a choke, etc. While he may be able to roll Lesnar or work out of Lesnar's guard, it's my conten! tion that Brock will simply be too big, too strong and too powerful. Herring will put in yet another gritty, impressive performance, but Saturday's fight will show why he is the Chris Lytle, Chris Leben and Marcus Aurelio of the heavyweight division.
Brock Lesnar wins via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Demian Maia vs. Jason McDonald
Maia and McDonald could be a ton of fun to watch. Both are sick submission specialist, and I thank them both for their respective embarrassments of Ed "Short Fuse" Herman. Maia has come out of nowhere and is off to a modest 7-0 start to his career. McDonald, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance at times, earning him fights with Yushin Okami and Rich Franklin. He fell flat on his face both times, however, and is slowly developing into a guy who will always fall just a bit short.
A lot of times when two guys with similar backgrounds go at it, the fight is won by utilizing other fa! cets. It's a matter of who is more comfortable in other areas ! and can keep it there. I don't think that will be the case here. Maia seems to have jiu-jitsu skills that are unparalleled, and I think his will simply outclass McDonald's in scoring a late submission win.
Plus his submission over Ed Herman was much cooler than McDonald's. That and I also have trouble picking a guy with the nickname, "The Athlete."
Demian Maia wins via 3rd round submission
Manny Gamburyan vs. Rob Emerson
Joe Silva is pitting a pair of TUF 5 alums against each other here. Interestingly enough, Emerson is an alum of something else, as well: The Lords of South County. Pretty hardcore, eh? Not if you watch the video in which he and his boys ambushed some poor guy at a gas station filling up his car. Pretty weak. I'm not a fan of Gamburyan, either, but I'll take him over some spoiled, rich kid punk. Not only do I expect Manvil the Anvil to run right through Emerson, I'm hoping he gets hold a limb and g! oes Babalu on that ass.
Manny Gamburyan wins via 1st round submission
Undercard Bouts
Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen via decision
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via 1st round submission
Tamden Mcrory def. Luke Cummo via decision
Andre Gusmao def. Jon Jones via 1st round submission
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via decision
-Besse and Keefe
E-mail The Brief at sportsbrief@gmail.com
Ron Artest is the Man
There's more to this interview, but it's not posted on youtube yet. Artest talks about how fighting was a part of basketball when he played in high school and on the streets, but he's done with that now. He tells a story where his friend was killed during a game. Incredible. He's grown up. And he really has. I become a bigger fan of this guy the more I see him. I don't think he should have been tossed last night, and it's clear if the Rockets are going to pull this upset he is going to have to stay on the court.
I don't think there is a b! igger bad ass in the NBA today. You got to love how Barkley always jokes about guys who get in each others faces during a game, and he always says, "Ernie, these guys are lovers... They can't fight." But when it comes to Ron Artest, Barkley says, "He can play with me anytime." Talk about respect.
And Artest isn't just some tough guy, he can play. He carried them to the Game 1 win and had 25 points before being wrongfully tossed last night. If he is further punished it will be a crime. The league is looking at Ron, Kobe, and Fisher heading into Game 3.
Best series in the playoffs right now, hope you're staying up and watching it.
Side note: If you were going to make a Top 10 list of NBA players you would not want to fight, would Artest be on there like 4 times? 5?
Off the top of my head...
1. Ron Artest
2. Ron Artest
3. Ron Artest
4. Ron Artest
5. Kenyon Martin
6. Dwight Howard
7. Reg! gie Evans
8. Kendrick Perkins
9. Nene (he's got to k! now jui- jitsu)
10. Udonis Haslem
-Keefe
BJal's Lock du Suck - Monday, October 26
I didn't get this up before the game, and I apologize for that, but BJal texted me on my way home from work today with his pick. Here's his text, word for word...
"I have been picking opposites...I'm going with Washington tonight..."
That's awesome. I referenced in a post yesterday that he would be better off picking opposite of what he really thought. Apparently he got so bad, and in such a rut that he was doing exactly that...and still losing. As my buddy Kevin's dad once told him during a rough patch, it gets so bad "you can't even pick your nose." That statement pretty much sums up where BJal is right now. If he flipped a coin with heads on both sides and called heads, it would be tails.
To sum up tonight's game, Washington still sucks and so does BJal at picking games. I checked the line on Bodog, they were getting 9 points. So close, yet so far. The best part is the over/under was 38.5. For those of you that put your mortgage on the und! er, you know all too well that a Jason Campbell TD pass with less than 2 minutes left, in a 27-10 game and clearly garbage time, made it a 27-17 and...wait for it...brought the point total to...44!!! You have to love it, unless of course you bet the under.
Anyway, we'll continue to throw our support behind BJal because well, if we don't, he'll have nothing except the distant memory of no-hitting me and Kevin's legendary All-Star team back in Little League. Even though we crushed his team in the loser's bracket a day later and went on to the win the title, the fact that he no-hit our team was one of the greatest athletic accomplishments in the history of the world. It was unheard of during those days, and impossible feat, a dream that he made a reality. Hopefully by mentioning this it boosts his morale and helps get him back on the winning track.
I wonder if he'll pick another opposite tomorrow...
-Bess
Saturday, December 12, 2009
England into Champions Trophy semi-finals after beating South Africa on home turf
England (328-8) beat South Africa (301-9) by 22 runs
A nerve-shredding finale at Centurion saw England pull off one of their biggest overseas wins for years, a remarkable 22-run steal over the world's top-ranked team on their home turf. The result puts Andrew Strauss's team through to the semi-finals — an unlikely prospect when they arrived here fresh from their 6-1 drubbing by Australia — and eliminates South Africa from their own party.
There were plenty of stars on a night to remember for English cricket, but perhaps the biggest was ! Eoin Morgan, the young Irishman who is rapidly becoming one of the rocks of this team. Pressed into service as a stand-in wicketkeeper because Matt Prior had gone down with a virus, Morgan began his day with a rocket-powered innings of 67 from just 34 balls. And then, just as South Africa looked to be coming back into the game at the death, he pulled off an astonishing piece of fielding, hitting the stumps from a sitting position as Albie Morkel tried to steal a bye.
A critic might say that England made life more difficult for themselves by dropping a couple of potentially crucial catches — the more serious of them being a missed skier at long-on by Owais Shah, which allowed Graeme Smith to keep his side in the game with a monumental hundred.
He batted for so long that he developed cramp, though England's team director, Andy Flower, will be relieved that Strauss refused him a runner. "Graeme wanted a runner because he had! cramp, and the umpires weren't all that comfortable with a! llowing it," Strauss said. "When you score a hundred you're going to be tired so I thought it wasn't right to allow it."
But not even Smith — a man who seems to have an Indian sign over England — could pull this game around without some help from his team-mates. Towards the end, as he was pummelling boundaries from one end, James Anderson was ripping through the tail at the other. After a moderate NatWest Series, Anderson has been red-hot this week, and it is no exaggeration to say that he has been the bowler of the tournament so far.
England were up not just against South Africa last night, but a hugely passionate and partisan crowd. As night fell, and the floodlights blazed, the smoke from the braais created an unearthly, glowing wreath above the players' heads. It was an uncanny sight — but then so too was this performance, which had a verve and passion that has not been associated with England's one-day international cricket fo! r many years. Strauss described it as the best he had ever seen England bat. "We went out there and played our shots," he added.
It all started with a magnificent, 163-run stand between Shah and Paul Collingwood. They came together with the score on 59 for two, after Strauss had been superbly held off an outside edge, and soon found themselves up against spin from both ends.
The average English county player is no expert at manoeuvring the ball. But this was something quite out of the ordinary. Shah and Collingwood kept dropping the ball into awkward places and squeezing it through gaps. Then, once they had got used to the perfect batting conditions, they began to play a little more expansively and pick off the odd boundary.
It was a little like watching the football team that Alf Ramsey took to the 1970 World Cup — a team that played walking-pace football as well as any of the South Americans — because England wer! e showing surprising skill in an area that is normally beyo! nd their ken.
An increasingly frustrated Smith made 12 bowling changes between the 10th and 35th over. But the spinners were leaking runs, and when he went back to his seamers, calling on Morkel, Shah started to clear the ropes.
Shah has always had a knack for picking up straight balls and flicking them over the legside, but on spongy English pitches his party-trick has a habit of landing in the hands of deep square-leg. Here in South Africa, though, the ball comes off the pitch with a little more zip, and he harnessed that energy beautifully. Only as he approached his hundred did he lose his timing, eventually falling two runs short of the landmark when he popped up a bat-pad catch.
There was always a chance England's momentum would ebb away with Shah's departure, especially as Collingwood had played the role sidekick. But Morgan ensured that it did not with another sparkling innings. Already in form after his unbeaten 62 ! against Sri Lanka, he opened his account with a reverse-swept boundary, and then smacked Botha into the sightscreen with a flourish.
For South Africa, it was yet another example of underperformance on the biggest stage. Their sequence of failures in global tournaments now stretches back to 1998, when they scored their lone win in the very first Champions Trophy.
Hull City 2 Wigan Athletic 1
The Premier League game between Hull City and Wigan Athletic at the KC Stadium on Saturday, Oct 3 2009.
Phil Brown banned his Hull City players from the training ground cafeteria ahead of this game against Wigan Athletic and his unorthodox methods reaped rich rewards as his players finally stopped making a make a meal out of life in the Premier League! .
Second-half goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Geovanni eased the pressure on Brown as they secured Hull only their third Premier League victory this year and second this season to enable the Yorkshire club to climb out of the relegation zone.
Brown ordered his players to fend for themselves as he withdrew what a club official said today were "a number of privileges" following the 6-1 defeat by Liverpool and they responded magnificently by putting victory on a plate for their manager.
Vennegoor of Hesselink settled Hull's nerves with the breakthrough goal on the hour when he beat Paul Scharner to Dean Marney's near-post header and directed a powerful downward header past Chris Kirkland.
It was the Dutch striker's first goal in Hull colours since he headed to the KC Stadium as a free agent at the end of August after spending the summer training with Steve McClaren at his home! town club FC Twente.
The former Celtic player, who c! ould hav e been forgiven for wondering what he had let himself in for under Brown and his unconventional ideas, galvanised his team-mates and soon the outcome of the contest was effectively decided.
Geovanni was able to slot the ball beyond Kirkland from close range thanks to the short-comings of Wigan centre-half Emmerson Boyce and the enterprise of Hull midfielder Kamil Zayatte.
Boyce's loose pass to Scotland was cut out by Zayatte on the half-way line and he charged towards the by-line, wrong-footing the defender before knocking over a delightful cross that gave his Brazilian colleague the easiest of chances in the 69th minute.
Despite deploying midfielder Kevin Kilbane at centre-alf, Hull looked as comfortable as Wigan looked listless as they came down to earth with a bump following last weekend's 3-1 defeat of Chelsea.
However, a couple of changes by Roberto Martinez finally paid off when Scott Sinclair nodded! a loose ball over Boaz Myhill after the goalkeeper had failed to hold a shot from the Chelsea player's fellow substitute Jordi Gomez in the 87th minute to set up a nerve-jangling finale.
Debrecen 3-4 Fiorentina
Fiorentina edged a seven-goal thriller against Debrecen in Budapest to keep up the chase of Lyon at the top of Group E.
Peter Czvitkovics opened the scoring in the second minute, but two goals from Adrian Mutu and an Alberto Gilardino strike turned the game on its head before 20 minutes had even been played.
Gergely Rudolf reduced the arrears once again in the 28th minute, but Mario Santana restored Fiorentina's two-goal cushion in the 37th minute before Adamo Coul! ibaly made it a nervous ending for the Italians with his side's third in the 88th minute.
Debrecen, who had yet to score in the Champions League this season, got off to a flying start with Czvitkovics breaking their duck with just over a minute on the clock.
He took advantage of some sleepy Fiorentina defending to convert Zoltan Kiss' cross to catch Fiorentina out cold.
They soon warmed up, though, and were level four minutes later.
Centre-back Dario Dainelli had stayed up following a free-kick and he found himself in the right place to retrieve a loose ball inside the penalty area which he sent back into the danger zone where Mutu hit a side-footed volley past Vukasin Poleksic from eight yards.
The Viola were gaining momentum and Gilardino put them ahead in the 10th minute.
The crossbar was still rattling after Juan Vargas' shot moments earlier when the ball came back into the Debrecen penalty area where Mutu squared the ball intel! ligently to Gilardino, who took his time to settle before pick! ing his spot in the corner.
Back at the other end, Coulibaly had a chance similar to the one Mutu scored, but his sidefoot volley went wide of the far post.
Fiorentina were now on fire and they extended their lead in the 20th minute.
Gilardino did what he does best with his back to goal after winning a few fortunate rebounds and he laid the ball into the path of Mutu, who arrowed a shot in off the inside of the post from 20 yards out.
However, Debrecen hit back in the 28th minute with a fine individual goal from Rudolf, who cut in from the left and curled his shot over Sebastien Frey into the far top corner of the goal
Fiorentina had to attack again and they restored their two-goal cushion in the 37th minute thanks to Santana.
Marco Donadel sent Manuel Pasqual free down the left wing and his cross was diverted towards goal by Mutu, but Poleksic made an instinctive save.
He could not hold the ball, though, and it rebounded to Santana, ! who sent it back into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.
It appeared there would be even more goals in the second half when Donadel's free-kick almost slipped in as Poleksik could only save with his leg after being blinded by his wall.
The Hungarians then looked for a response as Fiorentina began packing men behind the ball to protect their lead.
Coulibaly only found the outside of the net in the 77th minute before spurning a one-on-one opportunity five minutes later as Frey stood his ground.
But Coulibaly was rewarded for his persistence with his side's third with just two minutes remaining as he raced in to send a bullet header past Frey from a right-wing free-kick.
Portuguese Liga Saturday Review
Braga moved three points clear at the top of the Portuguese Liga with a 1-1 draw at Rio Ave.
Joao Tomas opened the scoring after nine minutes for the hosts but Evaldo netted on the half-hour to earn Braga a share of the spoils.
Elsewhere, Uniao Leiria beat Naval 2-0 with first-half goals from Silva Carlao and Vargas Barbosa Cassio.
Primera Liga Saturday Review
Barcelona were denied victory in dramatic circumstances at Osasuna as Gerard Pique put through his own net deep into injury time.
Pique was attempting to clear after a Rafa Marquez error had let in Javier Camunas, but the Spain defender could only divert the ball into his own net and Barca were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw which sees their lead at the top of the Primera Division cut to just a point after Real Madrid beat Getafe earlier in the evening.
Before tha! t, Seydou Keita's strike midway through the second half had looked enough to send the Catalans on their way to an eighth victory in nine league games.
Barca remain top, although only by a point after Real Madrid won, while Osasuna move provisionally up to ninth place.
Gonzalo Higuain struck both goals as 10-man Madrid produced a superb performance to see off local rivals Getafe 2-0 and end a traumatic week on a high.
Madrid went into the match under huge pressure following Tuesday's humiliating 4-0 Copa del Rey loss at third tier Alcorcon - their third defeat in five games - and with Spanish media speculating that coach Manuel Pellegrini's job was on the line.
And when Madrid centre-back Raul Albiol was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute, it looked set to be another night of misery for the big-spending Spanish giants.
Higuain, however, stood up to be counted and proved the difference as Madrid turned in what proved to be an impre! ssive performance.
Atletico Madrid's woeful season cont! inued as new manager Quique Sanchez Flores watched them lose 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Fourth from bottom with just one win in the league so far this season going into the game, Sanchez Flores was looking for improvement after replacing the sacked Abel Resino.
However, Javi Martinez's first-half header ensured they left the Basque Country empty-handed with the home side moving back up to seventh in La Liga.
Sevilla scored late in each half to see off struggling Xerez 2-0 in an intense Andalusian derby.
The promoted side had only scored in two of those matches and missed chances again in this clash.
And they were given a lesson in finishing by a clinical Sevilla side, who took the points thanks to goals from Alvaro Negredo and Luis Fabiano late in each half.
Match Reports
Friday, December 11, 2009
Result of EURO 2008 Final
June 29th
At Ernst Happel Stadion
Germany 0 : 1 Spain ( Torres 3' )
Referee: Roberto Rosetti - Italy
Spectators: 51,428
Statistics:
Shot on target: 1 - 7
Shot off targe : 2 - 8
Possession : 52 - 48 %
Corner Kicks : 4 - 7
Off-Side: 4 - 4
Fouls: 21 - 19
Yellow Cards : 2 - 2
Red Card : 0 - 0
La rincorsa di Brocchi: domani esami clinici, con la Samp vuole esserci
di Orazio Resta
Fonte: tuttomercatoweb.com
Cure, terapie, doppi allenamenti per 25 giorni, compresi i week-end. Non si è fermato un attimo, ha lottato da leone per tornare più carico di prima. Non si è fermato un attimo nonostante l'indisponibilità. Cristian Brocchi è uscito dal tunnel a forza, si prepara al rientro. Martedì sarà sottoposto ad un nuovo controllo, poi dovrebbe rivedersi in gruppo.
Sarà in campo contro la Sampdoria? Non è escluso. Po! trebbe strappare quantomeno la convocazione ed essere sganciato dal primo minuto tra Lazio-Villarreal del 22 ottobre e Bari-Lazio del 25. Si era infortunato il 27 agosto in Svezia, fu fatale il match di ritorno contro l'Elfsborg. Si procurò una doppia lesione al bicipite femorale della coscia sinistra.
Non si era mai stirato in carriera. In pratica si fece male in due punti diversi del muscolo. Ha dovuto lavorare al doppio del ritmo: innanzitutto per guarire e nel contempo per mantenere il tono muscolare. E' stato ai box per un mese e mezzo, ha una voglia pazza di giocare ed aiutare la Lazio.
IL RIENTRO - La sua disponibilità rimette in moto il turnover a centrocampo. Con Brocchi pronto, Ballardini potrà effettuare nuove scelte, questo gli permetterà di dar fiato ai protagonisti più utilizzati. Brocchi è una pedina preziosa, lo è per la duttilità tattica e per la grinta che mette in ogni partita. Lo è per l'esperienza e per la sag! gezza, lo è per il ruolo di leader che ricopre nello spogliat! oio. La pausa è servita per iniziare a ricomporre l'organico. Brocchi è pronto, aspetta il via libera dello staff medico per ricominciare la sua stagione.
LA DIFESA - E gli altri infortunati come stanno? Anche Siviglia dovrebbe tornare ad allenarsi regolarmente da martedì prossimo. Sta per iniziare un nuovo ciclo di ferro, il suo aiuto sarà fondamentale. Spera di farcela già per Lazio- Sampdoria, altrimenti tornerà in Europa League quattro giorni dopo. Ha risolto i problemi ai flessori della coscia destra. Chi è in fase di recupero è Diakitè (distrazione muscolare ad entrambe le cosce). Sta molto meglio, ieri mattina ha continuato il lavoro differenziato. Può essere a disposizione contro la Samp. Stesso discorso riguarda Cruz ( ieri ha festeggiato i 35 anni), ha risolto i guai al polpaccio destro. Tra venerdì e sabato si è rivisto in campo Stephen Makinwa: era fermo da inizio se! ttembre per problemi muscolari. Ha ripreso gli allenamenti.
GLI ALTRI - Chi deve pazientare è Lionel Scaloni: ha un ematoma osseo (piede sinistro), non ha recuperato del tutto. Gli serve ancora tempo, riprenderà a correre con cautela, non verrà esposto a rischi. Il rientro effettivo in campo è ancora un po' lontano. Servono altre settimane. La Lazio tornerà ad allenarsi dopodomani, ha lavorato sino a ieri mattina. Vivrà due giorni di riposo, tra 48 ore inizierà la marcia di avvicinamento al match contro la Sampdoria. Da domenica 18 ottobre partirà un nuovo tour de force: i biancocelesti saranno impegnati per altre 7 volte in 20 giorni. Campionato ed Europa League entreranno nel vivo.
Chievo - Allenamento pensando al Bari
di Tiziana Garofalo
Seduta pomeridiana per il Chievo (nella foto, fonte chievoverona.it). E così dopo due giorni di riposo anche gli uomini di Di Carlo si sono ritrovati al campo di Veronello, per la ripresa degli allenamenti in vista della gara di domenica contro il Bari. Il tecnico ha fatto svolgere ai suoi un lavoro tecnico e tattico senza però tralasciare l'aspetto fisico ed atletico.
La gara contro il Bari preoccupa come è giusto che sia visto il rispetto che si deve avere per l'av! versario ma non produce timori reverenziali. Il Chievo sa di star bene ed i cinque risultati utili consecutivi sono un chiaro segnale.
Il Bari certo, fuori casa ha fin qui fatto più che bene ma si sa ogni partita ha una storia a sé ed il Chievo sembra volerne scrivere un'altra puntata avvincente proprio contro i biancorossi. Domani è prevista una doppia seduta mentre giovedì consueta amichevole infrasettimanale con la Governolese, formazione mantovana di Prima categoria.
Mantova-Empoli senza squalificati
Di Pasquale Campanella
Fonte: tuttomantova
Nessun giocatore di Mantova ed Empoli è stato sanzionato dal giudice sportivo per la prossima giornata di campionato. Per i biancorossi rimane in diffida l'attaccante Maurizio Nassi. Queste le decisioni del giudice Gian Paolo Tosel per quanto concerne il campionato cadetto: 3 turni di squalifica a Daniele Dalla Bona (Cittadella) e Tiziano Polenghi (Sassuolo). Un turno ad Antonio Galardo (Crotone), Marco Gorzegno (Sassuolo), Georgios Kyr! iazis (Salernitana), Gabriele Perico (Albinoleffe), Nicolò Cherubin (Cittadella), Elia Legati (Crotone) e Cesare Rickler (Modena).
Barreto: "E' Pellissier il pericolo numero uno"
di Tiziana Garofalo
Barreto. E sogni il gol. Barreto e sogni la vittoria. L'anno scorso il brasiliano ha deliziato i palati dei tifosi con gol che hanno portato ad una promozione tanto attesa. Quest'anno qualcosa non gira soprattutto davanti per i biancorossi. I gol non arrivano. Ma a sentire gli attori in casa Bari, il momento non preoccupa. E' stato proprio Barreto oggi in conferenza stampa a professare tranquillità: "Dobbiamo stare tranquilli, se ci innervosiamo non risolviamo nulla. Stiamo lavorando e tanto dobbiamo solo sbloccarci". L'at! taccante ha poi parlato dle Chievo: "Un avversario ostico, duro, sarà una bella partita. Noi andremo li per fare quello che sappiamo fare è ovvio che poi dobbiamo stare attenti. Il pericolo numero uno è senza dubbio Pellissier, attaccante forte e veloce. Che dire, speriamo di interrompere il nostro digiuno da rete proprio contro il Chievo".
Reggina-Ancona 0-3
di Massimo Scavello
Fonte: biancoscudati.net
Reggina (4-4-2): Cassano; Buscè, Valdez, Santos (1' st Brienza), Rizzato; Pagano (36' pt Cascione), Morosini, Volpi, Missiroli (25' st Costa); Cacia, Bonazzoli. A disposizione: Marino, Lanzaro, Carmona, Barillà. Allenatore: Novellino.
Ancona (4-4-2): Da Costa; Milani, Cristante, Cosenza, Zavagno; Miramontes (19' st Schiattarella), Catinali, De Falco, Surraco (35' st Mustacchio); Mastronunzio, Colacone (42' st Mirchev). A disposizione: Schena, Pisacane, Gerbo, Gerardi. Allenatore: Salvioni.
Arbitro: Russo di Nola
Ammoniti: Colacone (A), Milani (A), Costa (R)
Fonte: biancoscudati.net
Reggina (4-4-2): Cassano; Buscè, Valdez, Santos (1' st Brienza), Rizzato; Pagano (36' pt Cascione), Morosini, Volpi, Missiroli (25' st Costa); Cacia, Bonazzoli. A disposizione: Marino, Lanzaro, Carmona, Barillà. Allenatore: Novellino.
Ancona (4-4-2): Da Costa; Milani, Cristante, Cosenza, Zavagno; Miramontes (19' st Schiattarella), Catinali, De Falco, Surraco (35' st Mustacchio); Mastronunzio, Colacone (42' st Mirchev). A disposizione: Schena, Pisacane, Gerbo, Gerardi. Allenatore: Salvioni.
Arbitro: Russo di Nola
Ammoniti: Colacone (A), Milani (A), Costa (R)
Udinese, Marino: "Domenica? Il Palermo è favorito"
DI DAVIDE PAMPANIN
postato 30 min fa da TUTTOMERCATOWEB.COM
Domenica 25 ottob! re 2009 il Palermo di Walter Zenga ospiterà al Renzo Barbera l'Udinese di Pasquale Marino per la nona giornata del campionato di serie A 2009/2010.Della gara in programma domenica prossima, Mediterraneonline.it ne ha parlato in esclusiva con l'ex dirigente del club friulano, Pierpaolo Marino, fino a pochi giorni fa direttore generale del Napoli.
Marino ha ricordato la sua esperienza bianconera ritenendola molto positiva: "Ho ricordi molto positivi e belli dell'Udinese sono stati otto campionati bellissimi con tante qualificazioni in Uefa, mi sono trovato bene. Poi scelsi di andare via – continua – ma sono rimasto in ottimi rapporti con la gente e con la proprietà del club".
Il Palermo è reduce da due vittorie importantissime contro la Juventus in casa e in trasferta contro il Livorno. Alla luce di questo momento positivo dei rosanero che partita si aspetta domenica prossima tra Palermo e Udinese, considerato che i friulani provengono da una sconfitta interna?
"I! l Palermo credo si sia sbloccato dopo la favolosa prestazione contro la Juventus, poi a Livorno ha confermato di vivere un periodo brillante. L'Udinese invece dopo la sconfitta di Milano contro l'Inter ha avuto questa sosta causata dagli impegni internazionali e avendo tanti giocatori che partecipano alle gare di qualificazione ai Mondiali credo abbia risentito molto di questo contraccolpo. Addirittura Di Natale era in panchina. Sostanzialmente sono due ottime squadre che si equivalgono e quindi mi aspetto una bellissima partita".
Un pronostico?
"Noi addetti ai lavori siamo fatti per sbagliarli i pronostici, mii auguro che esca fuori un pareggio che metta in condizione entrambe le squadre di proseguire il loro cammino senza difficoltà perchè sono un po' tifoso dell'Udinese. Spero in un pareggio ma il pronostico è a favore del Palermo perchè è la squadra che in questo momento è in maggiore salute".
Il giorno in cui si è presentato Zenga ha scosso l'ambiente Pa! lermo parlando di obiettivo scudetto…
"Quella di Zenga er! a una pr ovocazione per dare una carica a tutti, tra l'altro la carica dei rosanero l'abbiamo vissuta come Napoli la prima giornata di campionato. Naturalmente il Palermo non è da scudetto però può inserirsi anche nella lotta per il quarto posto".
Domenica 25 ottob! re 2009 il Palermo di Walter Zenga ospiterà al Renzo Barbera l'Udinese di Pasquale Marino per la nona giornata del campionato di serie A 2009/2010.Della gara in programma domenica prossima, Mediterraneonline.it ne ha parlato in esclusiva con l'ex dirigente del club friulano, Pierpaolo Marino, fino a pochi giorni fa direttore generale del Napoli.
Marino ha ricordato la sua esperienza bianconera ritenendola molto positiva: "Ho ricordi molto positivi e belli dell'Udinese sono stati otto campionati bellissimi con tante qualificazioni in Uefa, mi sono trovato bene. Poi scelsi di andare via – continua – ma sono rimasto in ottimi rapporti con la gente e con la proprietà del club".
Il Palermo è reduce da due vittorie importantissime contro la Juventus in casa e in trasferta contro il Livorno. Alla luce di questo momento positivo dei rosanero che partita si aspetta domenica prossima tra Palermo e Udinese, considerato che i friulani provengono da una sconfitta interna?
"I! l Palermo credo si sia sbloccato dopo la favolosa prestazione contro la Juventus, poi a Livorno ha confermato di vivere un periodo brillante. L'Udinese invece dopo la sconfitta di Milano contro l'Inter ha avuto questa sosta causata dagli impegni internazionali e avendo tanti giocatori che partecipano alle gare di qualificazione ai Mondiali credo abbia risentito molto di questo contraccolpo. Addirittura Di Natale era in panchina. Sostanzialmente sono due ottime squadre che si equivalgono e quindi mi aspetto una bellissima partita".
Un pronostico?
"Noi addetti ai lavori siamo fatti per sbagliarli i pronostici, mii auguro che esca fuori un pareggio che metta in condizione entrambe le squadre di proseguire il loro cammino senza difficoltà perchè sono un po' tifoso dell'Udinese. Spero in un pareggio ma il pronostico è a favore del Palermo perchè è la squadra che in questo momento è in maggiore salute".
Il giorno in cui si è presentato Zenga ha scosso l'ambiente Pa! lermo parlando di obiettivo scudetto…
"Quella di Zenga er! a una pr ovocazione per dare una carica a tutti, tra l'altro la carica dei rosanero l'abbiamo vissuta come Napoli la prima giornata di campionato. Naturalmente il Palermo non è da scudetto però può inserirsi anche nella lotta per il quarto posto".
#060 Convocazioni del 17 Febbraio 2009
Tutto il Calcio Serie B (Martedì 17/02)
Conduce: Filippo Corsini
CP Livorno - Bari Francesco Repice
2 Albinoleffe - Sassuolo Emanuele Dotto
3 Brescia - Ancona Massimo Barchiesi
4 Frosinone - Parma Ugo Russo
5 Modena - Empoli Antonio Monaco
S Ascoli Mantova Aggiornamenti da studio
S Cittadella Treviso Aggiornamenti da studio
S Grosseto Avellino Aggiornamenti da studio
S Rimini Piacenza Aggiornamenti da studio
S Triestina Salernitana Aggiornam! enti da studio
S Vicenza Pisa Aggiornamenti da studio
La puntata è stata stravolta dalla prima serata del Festival di Sanremo, a tutti gli effetti sesto campo principale, che ha "snaturato" la puntata!
#153 TotoCronista n°16
Nel gioco di TiCB, il Toto-Cronista, c'è il sorpasso in vetta.
Raibobo vince la sedicesima giornata e si installa in vetta alla generale sempre insidiato da Eva Lenti.
Ecco la classifica di giornata...
1 RaiBobo 26
2 Emanuele Borsatto 20
3 Eva Lenti 20
4 Andrea P. 16
5 Lele Pinto 16
6 Minuto x Minuto 14
7 Francesco Del Giudice 12
8 Stefano Stradotto 12
E quella generale...
1 RaiBobo 28,50
2 Eva Lenti 28,27
3 Stefano Stradotto 24,69
4 Emanuele Borsatto 24,25
5 Francesco Del Giudice 22,94
6 Minuto x Minuto 20,36
7 Lele Pinto 18,25
8 Andrea P. 17,19
A poche giornate dalla fine la sfida per il podio è molto avvincente.
Noi torniamo giovedì prossimo con una nuova giornata!
Per avere tutto il materiale di questo gioco m! anda una mail di richiesta a tuttoilcalcio@raibobo.it
TiCB AWARDS 2008-2009
RaiBobo e Lele Pinto sono leiti di annunciarvi i vincitori di "TiCB Awards" per la stagione 2008-2009.
I premi sono il risultato delle preferenze dei lettori più assidui di TiCB che hanno espresso le loro preferenze nelle varie categorie.
Ecco la lista dei vincitori:
Voce più coinvolgente: il capo-redattore
RICCARDO CUCCHI
Miglior radiocronista di A
EMANUELE DOTTO
Miglior radiocronista di B
GIUSEPPE BISANTIS
Miglior conduttore
per la carriera ALFREDO PROVENZALI
Miglior radiocronista Altri sport
GIOVANNI SCARAMUZZINO (ciclismo)
Radiocronista emergente
MASSIMO BARCHIESI
Premio alla carriera
ALFREDO PROVENZALI per 43 anni di carriera
RADIOCRONISTA DELL'ANNO 2008-2009
FRANCESCO REPICE
Ecco il contributo per il vincitore
Convocazioni n° 6
Convocazioni dal 7 Settembre al 13 Settembre 2009
Naz. Under 21 - Qualificazioni Europeo 2011
Martedì 8 Settembre
Italia U21 - Lussemburgo U21
Radiocronista: Giuseppe Bisantis
Nazionale - Qualificazioni Mondiali 2010
Mercoledì 9 Settembre
Italia - Bulgaria
Radiocronista: Riccardo Cucchi
Seconda voce: Francesco Repice
Questi eventi verranno classificati nella parte "Coppe Nazionali e internazionali" per i calcoli della SuperClassifica
Repice al commento di Genoa-Inter 0-5: show
Per il "minutoxminuto" del martedì, l'attenzione sullo show dell'Inter al Marassi dalle parole azzeccatissime di Francesco Repice. Un monologo che scolpisce il campionato, dentro il silenzio di uno stadio ammutolito. C'è da sentire anche la perla di Stankovic, da centrocampo. Uno show, anche radiofonico.
REAL MARCINA
CASTELLAZZI
GAMBERINI K
JUAN
BURDISSO
VIEIRA
SISSOKO K
AQUILANI
SANTANA
PAZZINI
TAVANO
QUAGLIARELLA
FONTANA
FELIPE
COMOTTO
PIZARRO
MONTOLIVO
Ambrosini
LAVEZZI
formazione paolo -
1 Campagnolo
2 Gamberini
3 Materazzi @
4 Legrottaglie
5 Rosina
6 Hamsyk
7 De Rossi @
8 Ferreira Pinto
9Lanzafame
10 Palladino
11 Vucinic
12 Puggioni
13 Mellberg
14 Bovo
15 Ledesma C.
16 Karja
17 Sanchez
18 Menez
All. Paolo Passafiume
basta con l'anticassanismo
C'e' un sentimento diffuso tra i giornalisti della Gazzetta. L'anticassanismo: non e' possibile che vedo la partita e le giocate (domenica non moltissime, per la verita') di Cassano e su Sky dicono che e' il migliore per la Samp (anche perche' gioca solo lui) e poi il giorno dopo mi trovo voti di merda. Come si fa a mettere 5 a Cassano. E' l'unico nella Samp che gioca...
Comunque era un modo per non parlare del derby....
Zeru Tituli
Storari
Yepes @
Juan
Moretti
J.Zanetti @
Menez
Candreva
Matuzalem
Eto'o
Acquafresca
Floro Flores
Andujar
Balzaretti
Bellusci
Inler
Biagianti
Balotelli
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Blatter takes aim at World Cup doom mongers
Sepp Blatter has called for the media to think positively about the World Cup in South Africa as yet another FIFA event is plagued by questions about security and crime in 2010.
According to worldfootballinsider.com a visibly irritated FIFA President was once again forced to answer questions on a topic he clearly has little time for.
"Please support us by saying let's go there and trust the South Africans and South Africa," he said.
"They are ready to organize the game and your security. But 100 percent security you will never find it anywhere in the world."
Blatter cited the successful Confederations Cup and the country's staging of rugby and cricket World Cups and other international events as evidence that South African law enforcement organisations can cope.
"There was not one single incident in security [at the Confederations Cup] and still questions are coming 'what about security'."
Security isn't! the real point, says worldfootballinsider.com. No-one doubts "there will be high-level security in and around the 10 stadia in nine host cities. The problem lies in ensuring the safety of the 450,000 visitors expected to attend matches."
Blatter was speaking at the launch of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The solid-gold trophy will soon embark on its longest ever global tour, visiting 86 countries during a 225-day journey.
This excellent initiative is designed to "allow thousands of fans to enjoy a close-up view of football's greatest prize."
What a shame they ruined the idea by getting a well-known fizzy drink company involved.
Their spokesman said "Our programs to support the 2010 FIFA World Cup, such as the Trophy Tour, will leave a lifelong impression on consumers that helps to reinforce loyalty and preference for our business and our brands."
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