Saturday, December 19, 2009
WPSL Championship
FC Indiana 3, New England 0
Marred by a red card to New England's Megan Cunningham in the 58th minute - and the subsequent ejections of Mutiny head coach Tony Horta and his assistant for protest - F.C. Indiana scored on the ensuing possession for a two-goal lead and would eventually run on to a 3-0 victory over the East Conference champions to win the 2007 WPSL Championship. This is the second WPSL Championship in the past three years for F.C. Indiana, as they also won the 2005 title.
2007 ALL-WPSL FINAL FOUR TOURNAMENT TEAM: GK Stephanie Labbe (New England); D Brooke O'Hanley (Ajax America), D Elisabetta Tona (F.C. Indiana), D Karyn Riviere (New England Mutiny), D Paulina McIntosh (Tampa Bay Elite); M Maria Ruiz (F.C. Indiana), M Fatima Leyva (F.C. Indiana), M Elena Terekhova (F.C. Indiana), M Lauren Molinaro (New England Mutiny); F Lindsay Brauer (Tampa Bay Elite), F Kandace Wilson (Ajax America).
2007 FINAL FOUR MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Maria! Ruiz (F.C. Indiana).
WUSA revival looking more like reality
In the meantime, the biggest challenge for Antonucci is getting the remaining investors signed up and getting them to move in concert with one another.
"We don't want to be in a situation where we got the business model right the second time around but we created an operation challenge for ourselves by not preparing early enough in 2008," Antonucci said. "Every market is moving independently. We need all of them together on the same time line so that we can go to the next phase, which is actually standing up the league and standing up the teams. It's herding sheep."
If Antonucci can get those remaining investors on board, then her reputation as a miracle worker should be secure.
Boston Aztecs sign two
The Boston Aztecs of the East Conference of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) have announced their Summer 2009 coaching staff. Former Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) standouts & Aztec All-WPSL selections Meotis Erikson and Rebekah Splaine will serve as player/coaches this upcoming season.
MotoGP : Guardarrailes asesinos (Pedrosa's flag during lap of honour)
Wednesday, 11 June 2008While I was watching the lap of honour during the Catalan GP, I noticed that Pedrosa brought a white flag with a red circle in it and it wasn't very clear tough.
He didn't do a burn out and no wheeling at all. The flag really made we wonder, what the message was all about. After searching all the net, still no clue at all and finally a forum (in Spanish) discussed this matter and I took a while to ask in English and finally got a revealation :)
The flag is to denounc! e the fact that thousands of motorcyclists die each day on the streets because of illegal barriers, it seems the road is designed only for cars, and in the end kills many motorcyclists.
The bad news is, the media left it unnoticed, but the people who concern about the biker's safety on the road has called Valentino Rossi to join the force. The plan is to pain the helmet of the riders with the message: Guardarrailes asesinos (or they can find an appropriate translation in English).
United 7 points from title
With only 4 rounds to go in the English Premier League, Manchester United need 7 more points to retain the title thanks to their massive goal difference.
Chelsea are currently second on the log, 5 points behind United, after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Wigan. Anything less than maximum points from now on will just make it easier for the Red Devils to claim their second successive league title.
Arsenal are 9 points behind and will be out of the running if United win their next game. The Gunners play Reading, Derby, Everton and Sunderland.
Chelsea face Everton on Thursday, before their crunch match against United next Saturday. They also have Newcastle and Bolton.
Besides the big one at Stamford Bridge, United play Blackburn, West Ham and Wigan.
Eriksson's future confirmed
Manchester City have annouced that coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has left the club, this has ended weeks of speculation over the Swede's future. Eriksson says he really enjoyed his time at City and thanked the fans, players and staff for all their support during his time at the club. The question now on everyone's mind is where is he going to next.Blackburn Rovers have just given manager Mark Hughes permission to speak to City, so he could be Eriksson's replacement.
Villa may miss final
Spain's David Villa seems set to miss the Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday. The striker injured his thigh when they took on Russia in their semi-final tie last night. Initial reports say that Spain coach Luis Aragones said Villa will not play but has now said they are waiting for further assesment to make a decesion. The Spaniard's are through to the final after a first class performance over in form Russia. It was in the second half when all three goals were netted. Aragones praised his team saying they have played for some time with a winning mentality.
ENG Premiership fixtures
Here are the upcoming fixtures in the English Premier League:
Saturday, Aug. 14
Premier League
Arsenal vs. West Brom
Bolton vs. Stoke
Everton vs. Blackburn
Hull vs. Fulham
Middlesbrough vs. Tottenham
Sunderland vs. Liverpool
West Ham vs. Wigan
League Championship
Barnsley vs. Coventry
Bristol City vs. Derby County
Burnley vs. Ipswich
Doncaster vs. Cardiff
Norwich vs. Blackpool
Preston vs. Crystal Palace
Reading vs. Plymouth
Sheffield United vs. QPR
Southampton vs. Birmingham
Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest
Watford vs. Charlton
Wolves vs. Sheffield Wednesday
Sunday, Aug 17
Premier League
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
Chelsea vs. Portsmouth
Manchester United vs. Newcastle
Saturday, Aug. 23
Premier League
Blackburn vs. Hul! l
Fulham vs. Arsenal
Liverpool vs. Middlesbrough
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Stoke vs. Aston Villa
Tottenham vs. Sunderland
West Brom vs. Everton
League Championship
Birmingham vs. Barnsley
Blackpool vs. Sheffield United
Cardiff vs. Norwich
Charlton vs. Reading
Coventry vs. Bristol City
Crystal Palace vs. Burnley
Derby vs. Southampton
Ipswich vs. Wolves
Nottingham Forest vs. Watford
Plymouth vs. Swansea
QPR vs. Doncaster
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Preston
Sunday, Aug 24
Premier League
Manchester City vs. West Ham
Wigan vs. Chelsea
Monday, Aug 25
Premier League
Portsmouth vs. Manchester United
Paralympic medals wrap
Team SA continue to rake in the medals at the Paralympics in Beijing.
Capetonian Fanie Lombard has shown his dominance at the games when he won his 11th career medal in the Shot Put event. Lombard has had quite a prolific career so far. He has won seven gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
Earlier in the day Kevin Paul picked up South Africa's sixth gold medal in the 100m breaststroke. The 17 year old swam in a time of 1 minute 08:58 seconds. He also beat his personal best when he shaved more than 4 seconds of his time during the heats.
Meanwhile Cyclists Gavin Kilpatrick and Michael Thomson beat Japan's Japan's Tatsuyuki Oshiro and Hitoshi Takahashi to claim the bronze. The South African pair came third in the mens sprints for blind and vision-impaired cyclists. Thomson is Kilpatrick's "guide".
David Roos picked up SA's silver in the men's long jump. Phillipa Johnson has won her second gold medal, she came f! irst in the Individual freestyle event in the Equestrian section. Team SA now have 11 medals overall.
Afternoon Drive in Proteas Kit
94.5 Kfm Afternoon Drive's Richard Hardiman and Morne Esben tried on the new Proteas test and one day kit. The new gear was launched in Johannesburg last night, but we've managed to get our hands on it already. What do you think about it?
As you can see, the ODI kit has a new yellow insert around the bottom and along the sides, while the test kit doesn't look much different. I can say that the test jersey is very light - vital when you could spend 90 overs in the field, in the harsh Aussie sunshine during December. Th! e ODI jersey is thicker and heavy, so it must be tailored for day/night matches. Both have a much tighter and streamlined fit, which could be a hit with the ladies...
Friday, December 18, 2009
Ajax star 'overjoyed'
Ajax Cape Town Captain Brett Evans says he is absolutely overjoyed with the teams Telkom Knockout win.
The team arrived home in Cape Town on Thursday and held a victory parade.
Earlier the team presented the trophy to Deputy Mayor Grant Haskin at the Greenpoint Stadium Visitors' Centre.
Their 2-1 victory over Soweto giants Orlando Pirates was even sweeter because it was the first time in eight years that the team had brought a major cup back to the Mother City.
Evans was not part of the team in their last two cup parades because he was on international duty, but he says he is happy to have finally got his chance.
"I've got my first opportunity to drive around and see the supporters and be part of the vibe and just to celebrate so I am very happy."
The team will now shift their focus to this weekend's game against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The match is the last before the Christmas break and Evans believes being highe! r up in the table lessens the pressure.
"Our goal ! was to f inish in the top three at Christmas and I think it always helps in the last 10 or 15 games of the season as teams tighten up with their defense, they don't want to give anything away and they are fighting relegation or they are fighting for the top three positions."
The Urban Warriors will be looking back to winning ways against Sundowns after their 1-1 draw with Platinum Stars on Wednesday.
Kick-off at Athlone Stadium is at 8pm.
Songo.info still confident
Karl Platt of team German Bulls ends in agony . Image-jeff Ayliffe.
There are just 2 stages remaining in this years ABSA Cape Epic. Stage 6 of the Epic takes place today in Oak valley, Grabouw, with the interest centered on attempts by Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser of Songo.com to close the gap on the Bulls, the overall leaders, who took the top spot after a time penalty was imposed on Songo.com on Wednesday.
The Bulls Team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm maintain their overall leader position in the Men's category (21:46:46). They finished in ! 4th place yesterday (04:21:09) and will again be wearing the Yellow Leaders jersey out of Oak Valley. Karl Platt rode bravely, finishing the stage with a dislocated shoulder, and he will be in huge pain for the remaining 2 stages. the race ends at Lourensford Estate on Saturday.
Formula One Testing: Jerez Summary
Teams went back to the test track this week in Jerez, Spain, deep within the sherry producing region of Spain.
On Day 1 (Tuesday), BMW-Sauber, Williams and Honda began the final testing session of the season with Renault, Toyota, McLaren, Toro Rosso, Red Bull expected to join on Day 2. Ferrari chose to test privately at Mugello and Fiorano starting Wednesday and Force India chose not to test. Notable events were that Williams and Honda tested their KERS system. For Will! iams it was their first test of the system. BMW-Sauber's Marko Asmer was quickest with a 1:20.189 lap.
On Day 2, the 8 teams scheduled were on track and again BMW-Sauber topped the sheets this time with official test driver Christian Klien. He focused on aerodynamic developments that will be used during the rest of the season. His time was 1:19.537. McLaren tested their KERS system for the first time with test driver Gary Paffett. Paffett did a check of the sys! tem, and tried some new aerodynamic developments. Williams tested their new 2009-specification rear end with Kazuki Nakajima at the wheel. Sebastian Vettel was at the wheel of a Red Bull-Renault getting more familiar with the team he will be racing for next year. The team focused on car setup and data acquisition.
On Day 3, Sebastian Vettel set the fastest time again at the wheel of a Red Bull-Renault. BMW-Sauber with Nick Heidfeld at the wheel set the 2nd fastest time, while working on the mechanical and aerodynamic set-up. It rained during the test, so they also worked on wet weather set-ups. Renault had Lucas Di Grassi testing various updates to the car and he set the 3rd fastest time of the day. McLaren continued their KERS development with long time tester, Pedro De la Rosa. Takuma Sato made his return to Formula One with Toro Rosso in which he worked on set-up to get a feel for the car and some aerodynamic tests which acco! rding to the team produced positive results.
On the! final d ay of testing, McLaren-Mercedes tester, Pedro De la Rosa went quickest with a lap of 1:18.992. The focus of the program was to continue with KERS testing and some aerodynamic work. Honda and Williams continued their development work with the KERS. Renault's Lucas DiGrassi continued to work on aerodynamics and car set-up. Toyota had a productive day of testing with Timo Glock behind the wheel. Glock did aerodynamic comparisons in preparation for the races in Singapore and Japan as well as testing brakes and other systems.
As ! mentioned previously, Ferrari chose to test at Mugello and Fiorano. On Day 1, tester Luca Badoer worked on developing aerodynamic solutions for final 4 races. He also did some work on car set-up. Day 2 saw Raikkonen (Mugello) and Massa (Fiorano) in action where Raikkonen continued with the aerodynamic work. Felipe Massa carried out the shakedown of the cars the team will use at the Singapore Grand Prix. Day! 3 saw < span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Massa move to Mugello to complete the test program.
Banks Press Tom Hicks And George Gillett On Liverpool Debt
Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the owners of Liverpool, have been issued with an ultimatum by the club's bankers to attract investors to reduce the club's debt or to sell up.
A statement released on behalf of Hicks and Gillett yesterday provided official confirmation for the first time that a search for new funds is under way, with Rothschild and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the investment banks, leading the search.
City sources believe the announcement is an indication of the pressure that the Americans, who bought Liverpool in February 2007, are under to reduce the club's exposure to debt. An equity raise — a quest to find minority shareholders to inject finance into the club in return for a stake — is a clear signal that the days of Hicks and Gillett as dual owners are numbered, although speculation that a Saudi Arabian prince is on the verge of concluding a deal to secure a half-share have! been dismissed.
"The owners have jointly retained Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Rothschild to evaluate the possibility of new investors injecting equity into Liverpool Football Club," a spokesperson for Hicks and Gillett confirmed. "However, the process is at an early stage, there is no agreement with any party and reports to the contrary are wholly inaccurate."
Hicks and Gillett secured a deal in July to refinance their debts with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia, but the agreement was struck only on the condition that they provided £60 million in equity to reduce Liverpool's outstanding liabilities from £310 million to £250 million, after fears expressed by the club's accountant, KPMG, of their ability to continue as a going concern given such large-scale exposure to debt.
However, rather than cementing their position as owners, the deal was designed to allow Hicks and Gillett more time to sell the club. It is understood both banks! are reluctant to extend the loans again unless the club reduc! e their debt before next summer.
A statement released on behalf of Hicks and Gillett yesterday provided official confirmation for the first time that a search for new funds is under way, with Rothschild and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the investment banks, leading the search.
City sources believe the announcement is an indication of the pressure that the Americans, who bought Liverpool in February 2007, are under to reduce the club's exposure to debt. An equity raise — a quest to find minority shareholders to inject finance into the club in return for a stake — is a clear signal that the days of Hicks and Gillett as dual owners are numbered, although speculation that a Saudi Arabian prince is on the verge of concluding a deal to secure a half-share have! been dismissed.
"The owners have jointly retained Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Rothschild to evaluate the possibility of new investors injecting equity into Liverpool Football Club," a spokesperson for Hicks and Gillett confirmed. "However, the process is at an early stage, there is no agreement with any party and reports to the contrary are wholly inaccurate."
Hicks and Gillett secured a deal in July to refinance their debts with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia, but the agreement was struck only on the condition that they provided £60 million in equity to reduce Liverpool's outstanding liabilities from £310 million to £250 million, after fears expressed by the club's accountant, KPMG, of their ability to continue as a going concern given such large-scale exposure to debt.
However, rather than cementing their position as owners, the deal was designed to allow Hicks and Gillett more time to sell the club. It is understood both banks! are reluctant to extend the loans again unless the club reduc! e their debt before next summer.
Claims that Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah al-Saud, of Saudi Arabia, is about to strike a deal in which he would assume a 50 per cent stake in Liverpool were dismissed, with senior club officials having been taken by surprise by reports that an agreement was in place and that due diligence is under way, neither of which is true.
Gillett, in particular, though, is stepping up his efforts to recruit investors who would allow him to retain a partial stake in the club at the least. His meeting with Prince Faisal at Anfield last Saturday was accompanied by a raft of publicity.
In statements emanating from the Middle East, a spokesman on behalf of Prince Faisal has since claimed that a significant investment deal was imminent, but, as reported in The Times on Monday, this is not the case, with the only accord being one that will further Gillett's interests ! in Nascar, the North American motor-racing sport.
Aquilani Reveals Kop Goal Motivation
Alberto Aquilani has revealed the motivation that has seen him through some tough times on his road to recovery.
The Italian midfielder has yet to appear for the Reds since signing from Roma in the summer, but he's told LFC Weekly Magazine the thought of scoring a goal in front of his new fans has spurred him on.
"It's not been easy for me," the 25-year-old said. "I moved to a new club in a different country and have been unable to play or train properly.
"When you are not involved with the team it is not a good feeling.
"It is my ambition to score at the Kop end though. I've thought about it a lot during my rehab here. Anfield is ! a great stadium with a superb atmosphere. I can't wait to play in front of that crowd."
The Italian midfielder has yet to appear for the Reds since signing from Roma in the summer, but he's told LFC Weekly Magazine the thought of scoring a goal in front of his new fans has spurred him on.
"It's not been easy for me," the 25-year-old said. "I moved to a new club in a different country and have been unable to play or train properly.
"When you are not involved with the team it is not a good feeling.
"It is my ambition to score at the Kop end though. I've thought about it a lot during my rehab here. Anfield is ! a great stadium with a superb atmosphere. I can't wait to play in front of that crowd."
Rafael Benítez Says He Is Not Worried About His Position At Liverpool
Rafael Benítez today shrugged off the growing pressure on his position at Liverpool ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester United at Anfield. Liverpool desperately need a win after four consecutive defeats, and Benítez will give Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson - all groin injury victims - as long as he possibly can to prove their fitness.
The match, though, will be overshadowed by fans' unrest over the team's poor performances and the continued ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. A protest march ! is being planned and Hicks and Gillett will be the subject of increased security but Benítez said he was not worried about losing his job should the team fail to win on Sunday.
"I am relaxed in terms of my position," he insisted. "I know how we are working every day, the players know, too. In the past we have been very good and the situation and players has not changed too much.
"It is about confidence and winning that first game. If we want to change things we must focus on football and not what is going on off the pitch here."
Benítez has kept his team in for extra training sessions this week, but insisted the players' attitude had been good. "They know the situation. They know what they must do and they will try to do everything we are asking of them.
"I have had great support from Steven [Gerrard]. He is a leader, he wanted to prove something in the week against Lyon, he wanted to play despite the injury problem. That shows th! e right mentality and what we expect from any player at Liverp! ool.
"The team is not as bad as people think. We have beaten United without Gerrard and Torres and we know that we can beat anyone. We have total confidence in that.
"When you are not winning, you cannot be too negative with players. When I push the players it is when I know that we can improve and they are already doing well. When we are not doing well we have to analyse carefully and not to push too hard."
Benítez has had support from the former Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish, now the club's ambassador and academy figurehead.
"I have talked with Kenny. We both have experience, but he knows this club and what happens here. He knows that if we work hard then everything will be fine," said Benítez. "Every week everything changes. The pressures from the critics is to be expected. It is part of the game and you have to adapt to the situation.
"But it is results that matter. I understand that, the only way to respond is to do the r! ight things on the pitch.
"Actions change things. It is time for everyone to be positive and it is up to the players to make the difference."
If Liverpool lose on Sunday it will be their worst run since the club was relegated from the old First Division in 1953.
But Benítez maintains a change of fortune is only a win away. "As a manager you know that sometimes there will be good moments and bad moments, and at this time we know that we have to improve. But it is only a matter of time. If we win a game then everything changes.
"This game against Manchester United is just the right opportunity. It is a massive game, the fans will be right behind us from the first minute to the last.
"When people talk about our squad not being strong enough, I maintain that we are better than people think. If we have half a dozen players who are injured, then things will be difficult.
"If you take five players out of United, Che! lsea or Arsenal, it will be very difficult for them to win gam! es. The best way to regain confidence and to improve our situation is to beat Manchester United."
The match, though, will be overshadowed by fans' unrest over the team's poor performances and the continued ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. A protest march ! is being planned and Hicks and Gillett will be the subject of increased security but Benítez said he was not worried about losing his job should the team fail to win on Sunday.
"I am relaxed in terms of my position," he insisted. "I know how we are working every day, the players know, too. In the past we have been very good and the situation and players has not changed too much.
"It is about confidence and winning that first game. If we want to change things we must focus on football and not what is going on off the pitch here."
Benítez has kept his team in for extra training sessions this week, but insisted the players' attitude had been good. "They know the situation. They know what they must do and they will try to do everything we are asking of them.
"I have had great support from Steven [Gerrard]. He is a leader, he wanted to prove something in the week against Lyon, he wanted to play despite the injury problem. That shows th! e right mentality and what we expect from any player at Liverp! ool.
"The team is not as bad as people think. We have beaten United without Gerrard and Torres and we know that we can beat anyone. We have total confidence in that.
"When you are not winning, you cannot be too negative with players. When I push the players it is when I know that we can improve and they are already doing well. When we are not doing well we have to analyse carefully and not to push too hard."
Benítez has had support from the former Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish, now the club's ambassador and academy figurehead.
"I have talked with Kenny. We both have experience, but he knows this club and what happens here. He knows that if we work hard then everything will be fine," said Benítez. "Every week everything changes. The pressures from the critics is to be expected. It is part of the game and you have to adapt to the situation.
"But it is results that matter. I understand that, the only way to respond is to do the r! ight things on the pitch.
"Actions change things. It is time for everyone to be positive and it is up to the players to make the difference."
If Liverpool lose on Sunday it will be their worst run since the club was relegated from the old First Division in 1953.
But Benítez maintains a change of fortune is only a win away. "As a manager you know that sometimes there will be good moments and bad moments, and at this time we know that we have to improve. But it is only a matter of time. If we win a game then everything changes.
"This game against Manchester United is just the right opportunity. It is a massive game, the fans will be right behind us from the first minute to the last.
"When people talk about our squad not being strong enough, I maintain that we are better than people think. If we have half a dozen players who are injured, then things will be difficult.
"If you take five players out of United, Che! lsea or Arsenal, it will be very difficult for them to win gam! es. The best way to regain confidence and to improve our situation is to beat Manchester United."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Motorcycle Experience returns
From Whistlestop TV
BLOOMFIELD, ON -- The 2005 season of Motorcycle Experience will kick off on TSN Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11:30 a.m. EST.
The premier episode will feature Olympic figure skater Lloyd Eisler, riding instructor Clinton Smout chats about buying a dirt bike, Suzuki superbike star Clint McBain reminds us all to concentrate, while Norm Wells and Dave pay a visit to P.E.I. Plus a guest rider samples Harley-Davidson's new Heritage Softail Deluxe.
The show will repeat Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 3 at 12:30 a.m. and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 3:30 a.m. All times are Eastern.
Richmond rides on Pirellis
From Pirelli U.S.A.
Pirelli has reached an agreement to supply the Richmond Kawasaki team, which will be competing in the Amp'd Mobil AMA Supercross Series in 2006. Richmond Kawasaki riders Darcy Lange and Teddy Maier will be competing in the Supercross Lights West series, while teammates Kyle Chisholm and Donnie McGourty will compete in the Supercross Lights East series.
Lange has won two AMA National Arenacross Championships, the most recent one in 2004 and on Pirelli tires.
Pirelli's marketing manager Chris Wall said, "We are very happy to be working with Richmond Kawasaki as they step up to a new challenge. We have great confidence in the team and their talented riders and look forward to a year of many successes."
This will be Richmond Kawasaki's first year competing in the Supercross series and the second year that the team is sponsored by Pirelli.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Highlands to Name Mike Flynn as New Head Coach
The Highlands Bluebirds, one of NKY's most storied basketball programs, is expected to name Mike Flynn as head coach of their Varsity Basketball program. Flynn, who previously coached at Holmes during the 1990's, is scheduled to be announced as head coach at the school on Friday. After leaving Holmes in 1996, Flynn accepted a head coaching position at Ashland Paul Blazer. Flynn was the longest-tenured boys basketball coach in Ashland's storied history at nine years from 1997-2006, has a career record of 417-191 and was 182-92 with the Tomcats. Flynn's most recent head coaching position was in Bourbon county where he finished the 07-08 season at Bourbon County 11-19.
Bengals Announce Practice Squad
The Bengals have selected the maximum number of eight players on their practice squade listed below. Among those who did not make the squad were Marvin White, who was picked up by Dallas, and Fui Vakapuna who was not re-signed and is expected to sign with Arizona.
TE Darius Hill
HB James Johnson
S Corey Lynch
DT Clinton McDonald
FB Chris Pressley
WR Maurice Purify
G Jason Shirley
LB Dan Skuta
One Last Thing: Celts, Trades, and Draft
-Keefe
First of all, the draft is just hours away, so I apologize if I'm just too excited/ nervous for any of this to make sense. I want to take a look at papa shark's incredible insight into the Celtics' roster. What do they need to do to become a dominant presence in the league? His answer: Defense. And I don't think you can argue that after watching (or hearing about, since no one watched) the Spurs dismantle the sorry Cleveland Cavs. What about the Suns? Well even though they allow over 102 points per night, they still have Shawn Marion and Raja Bell, two shut down defenders, plus their style of "8 seconds or less" sways their statistics both offensively and defensively.
The Celtics don't have one lockdown defender. Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen are two guys who showed promise last season, but neither are quite there yet. As horrible as Gerald Green may have been at that end of the court, you would think a player of his athletic ability, shou! ld be able to learn D. Right? Well Doc Rivers is not known for developing young talent. Just ask Tracy McGrady when he was with Orlando. Besides Al Jefferson name one young player who improved under Rivers' "tutelage." Actually try naming a player who hasn't regressed. Perk's points and rebounds were both down from the previous season. Telfair had career lows in both points and assists. Some of the other youngsters stats may have improved, but the injuries of Pierce and Wally as well as the "let's see what these guys can do, and if we lose that's ok" minutes they received in their efforts to get Oden or Durant.
"To trade or not to trade?" I think the question is more simply, who to trade? One way or another this team needs to make a trade. Whether it's the No. 5 pick, which Danny Ainge is claiming to keep at this point, or Jefferson, Green, even Pierce. If Boston keeps the 5th overall pick as well as Big Al, what does Pierce do? He probably demands! a trade, and who could blame him. If you're not going to go ! for the gusto, i.e. Garnett, Marion, or even Kirilenko, why make Pierce suffer through another season in which the Celtic fans will be on the Love, Beasley, Mayo bandwagon for next year's draft. The only way I could see both Jefferson and Pierce on the same team next season is if a guy like AK-47, Marion (if he'll play more than 1 season) or Ron Artest, all great defensive players, joins them. Just the 5th pick, whether its Corey Brewer, Jeff Green, or Yi Jianlian, is not going to propel them deep into the playoffs.
A perimeter defender like Artest, AK and Marion (at times, they can do a little of everything), even Brewer or Green (I like Green more than Brewer), are more important to the Celtics than a big man in the middle. Is it nice to have a dominant low post guy? Of course. But particularly in the East, it's not essential by any means. The list of guys I just mentioned will have the task of guarding the likes of LeBron, Wade, Vince, Rip Hamilton, Arenas, Ben G! ordon, Caron Butler, Richard Jefferson, Iguodala, Redd, Joe Johnson and others. Right now Jefferson and Perk (who certainly aren't great defenders) have to put up with… let's see… Zydrunas Ilgauskas won the East, Dwight Howard will be a force, but right now just dunks. Bosh is solid, but like Big Al, more of a 4 than a 5. Looking at the studs in the East, wouldn't you rather have perimeter defenders than low post guys? If I have to watch someone like Mo Williams, Ty Lue, or Chucky Atkins have a career night in the TD Banknorth one more time I might lose it. So defense is a must. What else can they do?
Why not trade Pierce? I hate the thought, especially after watching this team lose a franchise record 18 straight games, with the Truth missing the majority of them. Boston had 11 players see court time last year who were born in 1982 or later. And if they keep this draft pick, there will be yet another. Pierce, 30 in October, doesn't need to baby sit the! se guys. If they keep the 5th pick, and that's a big IF right! now, se e what you can get for Pierce. Ben Gordon, Ty Thomas, the No. 9 pick? Maybe I'm overvaluing Pierce, but he's one of the best players in the league, I'd argue that with anyone. Pierce is the difference for some playoff teams, like the Bulls, to become championship teams.
Clearly Ainge and the Celtics have a lot of decisions to make. If they stand pat and just make their two picks tonight (5 and 32), they will have failed, again. They need to do something. We've given them plenty of ideas. Garnett (if he will stay) for No. 5, Jefferson, Telfair, Ratliff. Marion (also if he will stay) for the No. 5 and Ratliff in the three teamer. AK-47 for Green, Allen, Wally, and a future pick. Ron Artest for a similar package. For the record I do not want Jermaine O'Neal, thanks. Or go the other way with it, and trade the captain. Do something. I can not wait for tonight. I'll be back soon with all my reactions to the draft, with all the winners and losers. Let's! just hope the Celtics fall in that "winners" category. Goodluck tonight and I hope your team makes the right choices.
-Rich Keefe
The Sports Brief's Week 6 NFL picks
Was anyone else sickened by Tim McCarver and Joe Buck ranting about Manny Ramirez's turbelent end in Boston everytime he was relevant during last night's game? It was borderline ridiculous. In the first inning, he did something he's always done. Crushed a ball to the deepest part of the park and admired it along with everyone else in the stadium who thought that ball was way out of there. I can't blame the game for having it hit off a chain link fence that sits on top of the wall in dead center at the 409 mark. Sure, he trotted down the line, but he does that all the time. And he drove in the run with an RBI double. Could he have been on second? Sure, he might have made it. But McCarver and Buck just couldn't let it go. Then when he came up in the 5th, they made it a point to discuss how he gave up on Boston in the final weeks of July, opting out of games against Seattle and New York, going for the MRI on his knees, shoving the traveling secretary to the ground, etc! . etc. etc. I don't know about them, but I heard about all of that stuff a few months ago when it happened. Two and a half months of major league baseball have expired since then, and what he's done for the Dodgers has been remarkable. Yet they're still caught up on that. Following McCarver's comments the other day about Ramirez's final days being "despicable" and a "disgrace", I couldn't help but feel he had an agenda going into that broadcast. And I thought his blatant efforts to continue the Manny bashing was an absolute disgrace in itself.
Did anyone else catch that episode of "The Office" last night? If so, you'll appreciate the following clip:
Onto this week's NFL games.! Some in teresting matchup as Week 6 proves to be critical for several teams across the league. The Chargers were pre-season Super Bowl favorites but have stumbled to a pedestrian 2-3 record. They host the Patriots in a game that seems more winnable now that Matt Cassel is the quarterback and not Tom Brady. But it will be intriguing to see how Bill Belicheck neutralizes the ground game with LT, especially seeing how Miami torched the Pats on the ground in Week 3. Meanwhile, the Colts struggling offense comes off a dramatic win over the lowly Texans and faces a defensive stalwart in the Ravens. And what are the odds we see Brady Quinn on Monday Night Football? Could the Giants improve to 6-0?
For Random Rob, it's darts galore once again. I couldn't find a quarter. Oh well. Once again let's go Mike Goldberg for the official introduction:
"And HERE...WE...GO!"
Besse's picks:
Last week: 11-3; 43-31
Bears -2.5 ! over Falcons
The Bears defense is tenacious, and I think Matt Ryan has one of those stumbling block weeks here. The Bears will contain Turner and Norwood and force Ryan to open things up. Look for Orton to have another steady game. This could very well be decided by a field goal, but nonetheless, Bears cover.
Panthers +2.5 over Bucs
I'm a big Panthers fan. This could be a real grinder of a game, but Jake Delhomme has a lot of weapons on offense now, and the Panthers run defense has been solid. Look for that to continue here.
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
This could potentially be a shootout. Clinton Portis should had a tremendous game and Jason Campbell throws for a pair of TD's. Rams will punch in a couple, but they'll get outworked in every phase of the game.
Texans -3.5 over Dolphins
Let's hope Matt Schaub protects the ball better than his backup did last week. I see a lot of gamblers overloo! king the Texans this week and pushing Miami. Let's not forget,! was it not for Rosenfels and his lack of awareness (I wonder what his rating is on Madden '09) the Texans would have had an impressive 27-17 win.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts win by a FG. McGahee and McClain could have career days on the ground, but I think the Colts manage to pull this out on a late FG by Adam Vinateri.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
I'd like to see how St. Paul's fares against the Lions. They've only scored one TD in three ISL games this fall, but the Lions suck. Frerotte could be the top fantasy QB in Week 6. Yea that's right. Gus Frerotte.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
I love the Saints and that offense. And I can't wait till Marques Colston gets back. In the meantime, as long as Henderson, Meachem and Moore can actually catch the balls that Brees throws to them, they should light up the Raiders.
Bengals +5.5 over Jets
I see this as an old fashioned, gun slinging shootout b! etween Brett Favre and Carson Palmer. I think the Bengals get their first win this week in a minor upset.
Jaguars +3.5 over Broncos
Another high scoring affair that ends in close fashion. Both offenses should look impressive against each other's pedestrian defenses. I think the Jags keep it close.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
I actually believe Arizona could win this outright. And if Anquan Boldin is ready to play, that will affirm my belief even more. Cowboys are thin in the secondary and I think the Cardinals passing game will outduel that of Dallas. The best bet for the Boys is to run the ball and control the clock; keep Warner with his hat on for a while.
49ers +5.5 over Eagles
San Fran hosts another East Coast team this week, and I think they actually cover this time.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
Seattle's offense isn't there yet, and the Packers offense could duplicate tha! t of the Giants in week 5.
Patriots -6.5 over C! hargers< /em>
I just don't feel like rooting for the Chargers.
Browns +7.5 over Giants
Something tells me the Browns are going to hang tough in this one. I'm not calling an upset, but I think the Giants win by a score and fail to cover.
Keefe's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall 36-38
Falcons +2.5 over Bears
Michael Turner leads the league in rushing after the first 5 weeks. He has a tough match up but I like the surprise Falcons to roll.
Panthers +2.5 over Buccaneers
Sneaky good NFC battle in Tampa. I'll take Steve Smith and the runningback tandem in Carolina, even though Jeff Garcia is a "winner."
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
Rams are the worst team in football, Skins are playing like one of the best. Enough said.
Dolphins +3.5 over Texans
I think the Texans get their first W, but it will be by less than 4. Matt Scha! ub back in there after Sage literally gave away the game last Sunday.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts are down this year, Ravens D can overcome the offense… at least to cover.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
Wait are the Rams the worst team, or the Lions? They both loss by 2 TDs.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
Who's coaching the raiders again? Saints get it figured out this week, Coleston and Shockey could be back.
Jets -5.5 over Bengals
Bengals remain winless, as the Jets keep pace in the suddenly ultra competitive AFC East.
Broncos -3.5 over Jaguars
I've been anti Jags all season, and maybe its reflected in my miserable picks the past couple weeks, but I'm going to keep it up.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
Will Pacman play? As of right now he will, but that could be a huge loss with Terrence Newman already sidelined against a great passing! attack in Arizona.
Eagles -5.5 over 49ers!
Ph illy is 2-3, they need this win, and they'll get it.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
How are the Seahawks favored? I know they're home, but come on. I'll take the Pack.
Patriots -6.5 over Chargers
I'm not convinced the Patriots will win the game, but even if they don't it will be pretty close thanks to a very banged up LT.
Giants -7.5 over Browns
And I thought the Browns would be in the playoff picture. They look bad, and may look even worse Monday Night against maybe the top team in the league.
Random Rob
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 44-30
Bears
Bucs
Rams
Dolphins
Colts
Lions
Raiders
Bengals
Broncos
Cardinals
Eagles
Packers
Pats
Browns
-Bess
Besse's UFC 100 picks
Well, folks, UFC 100 is finally upon us. Just over 12 hours from now Mike Goldberg will open the show and then we'll here his patented line, "and I'm joined as always by my partner Joe Rogan." We're being treated to an absolutely stacked card, and we can only hope that some of these fights on the main card will end early so we can get a look at some of the preliminary fights. I'm not going to give a thorough, fully detailed breakdown of each fight, but I'll pick my winners below and offer a brief synopsis of my thought process on why I'm making that pick. Without further ado, let's get to it:
Brock Lesnar v. Frank Mir - UFC Heavyweight Championship
My pick: Frank Mir by 3rd round submission
If you watched the weigh-in yesterday, Mir looks to be in fantastic shape, the best of this point in his career. Since his most recent comeback, he's a more cerebral, calculated and dedicated fighter than he's ever been, and toni! ght will be his moment in the spotlight. Utilizing his improved footwork, I look for Mir to pick his spots on his feet and wear down and frustrate Lesnar. By the third round, Lesnar's gas tank will begin to depleet and Mir will take full advantage, pulling guard and submitting Brock to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Georges St. Pierre v. Thiago Alves - UFC Welterweight Championship
My pick: St. Pierre by 4th round (T)KO
Alves will give St. Pierre all he can handle early on, but it just simply won't be enough. St. Pierre is the champion for a reason, and he'll do all he can to avoid getting chopped down by the vicious leg kicks of Alves. It will be close after two rounds, but St. Pierre's impressive cardio will come into play, and he'll start to mount a charge in the third round. There, I look for him to press Alves against the cage, wear down his opponent, and set up a fantastic finish in the fou! rth. He'll score a takedown and work his way to a convincing g! round an d pound victory, leaving us all wondering if his next move is to middleweight to take on Anderson Silva in a superfight.
Dan Henderson v. Michael Bisping
My pick: Henderson by decision
Bisping is a talented middleweight and will one day challenge for the title. Heck, he may even win it. But it won't happen going through Henderson, not at this point in his career. Hendo knows what he has to do to get another shot at Silva, and he knows what he'll have to do to beat Silva, as well. Throw a few bombs and set up a take down, and stick to his bread and butter ground and pound. That's what he'll do tonight. Bisping may be the quicker, more technical striker, but he reminds me a lot of Joe Calzaghe. Not to compare the two by any means, but within the context of MMA and UFC, that's what I see: a guy with fast hands whose damage comes merely by accumulation of punches, not power. He won't hurt Henderson, but Henderson ! will hurt him. A few bombs will put Bisping on shaky legs, and Henderson will start landing some takedowns. He'll grind his way to a decision win.
Jon Fitch v. Paulo Thiago
My pick: Fitch by 2nd round (T)KO
Thiago scored a flash knockout over Josh Koscheck and had been getting dominated prior to it. Perhaps it was Koschecks fault for trying to replicate his hellacious KO victory over Yoshiyuki Yoshida last December. Nonetheless, let's not crown Thiago just yet. Fitch is at the top of the sport in his division and he won't make the same mistake as his training partner at AKA. He'll wear down Thiago in the first and pound his way to victory in the second. Overall, a dominant showing by the former title challenger and a fall back to Earth for the promising prospect, who may be in over his head on this one...in fact, I thought he was against Koscheck, but that's what happens with 4oz. gloves. Anything can happen.!
Yoshihiro Akiyama v. Alan Belcher< br />
My pick: Akiyama by 1st round submission
Sure, Belcher spoiled the debut of middleweight superstar Denis Kang. But it was a guillotine chock off a takedown attempt. That happens and doesn't necessarily speak to a phenomenal jiu-jitsu game or a dominant performance. I look at it as a guy taking advantage of another man's mistake. Akiyama won't do the same thing. This guy is the real deal, and he should steamroll right through Belcher with a first round submission. Look for Akiyama to be clamoring for a title shot in early to mid 2010.
Preliminary Bouts:
Mark Coleman (15-9) vs. Stephan Bonnar (13-5)
Bonnar by 3rd round (T)KO
You have to respect everything Coleman has done for the sport and the fact that he's still competing at his age. But the guy has never adjusted to the fact that his gas tank is the size of a walnut. Plus there are rumors circulating that the for! mer heavyweight had a lot of trouble with this cut. This fight should get Bonnar back on track, as he'll avoid an early flurry from Coleman and take it to deeper waters. Watch Coleman's tank run on "E" in the latter half of the fight as Bonnar begins to pick him apart and finish him on their feet.
Mac Danzig (21-6-1) vs. Jim Miller (13-2)
Danzig by 2nd round (T)KO
Everyone is picking Danzig to lose to Miller; everyone is also extremely high on Miller. So am I. But I'm going with a minor upset here. Danzig is a talented fighter, but he needs a win here to stay in the UFC. Miller has a promising, long career ahead of him within this organization. Danzig is motivated, and has the skillset to compete with a lot of talented lightweights. He'll utilize his wrestling and avoid a slew of submission attempts from Miller before working to side control and eventually the mount. GnP win for Mac.
Jon Jones (8-0) vs. Jake ! O'Brien (11-2)
Jones by spectacular death
Watch Jones masterfully pick apart O'Brien before turning the lights off with an early KO in the second round. It will be a contender for KO of the Night.
Dong-Hyun Kim (11-0-1) vs. T.J. Grant (14-2)
Grant by 2nd round submission
That blemish on Kim's record is a NC against Karo Parysian, a fight which he lost but had overturned after Parysian tested positive for god knows what. Certainly wasn't steroids, look at the guy. Grant is a submission guy, and a talented one at that. He'll work the fight to the ground and eventually lock one in.
C.B. Dollaway (11-2) vs. Tom Lawlor (6-2)
Dollaway by 1st round steamroll submission
Jesus, I'd stand a better chance against Dollaway. Good for Lawlor dropping weight, and he's a great personality and entertaining guy. But this is a showcase fight for Dollaway before they have him take the leap to the next tier of talented fighters in the middlewei! ght division. Lawlor won't stop anything in this fight, most certainly not a takedown and submission quickly in the first.
Matt Grice (9-2) vs. Shannon Gugerty (11-3)
Gugerty by 3rd round submission
This could be your Fight of the Night. Grice can bang, and he got caught in his last fight against Veach and had trouble recovering. But up until that point, he'd been outclassing Veach on his feet. The decision was a disputable one, and you know he'll bring it tonight. But Gugerty has excellent submissions, and I trust has learned a lot from his submission loss to perennial contender Spencer Fisher at UFC 90. These guys will go to war for 2.5 rounds before Gugerty lands on the mat with Matt (like that?) and locks in a fight ending submission.
So there you have it. An excellent card throughout, hopefully we'll get to see some of these preliminaries.
Also, you'll notice on the sidebar that we've posted a link to! my Twitter page. My Twitter name is @tbesse29. Keefe may be j! oining s oon, as well, but for now, I'd love to have anyone and everyone following me on Twitter. Tonight I'll be tweeting during the fights, posting results, thoughts on the action and possibly even scoring rounds as they happen. Feel free to check it out, follow me and enjoy the action from your phone, especially if you can't watch the fights anywhere tonight but want updates. And I welcome any and all comments and thoughts on the action as we follow it tonight. Enjoy.
-Bess
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
The Premier League match report between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Saturday Sept 26, 2009.
No theatrics from Robin Van Persie – just a sensational little coup de theatre instead. Having admitted he had, on occasions, exaggerated the effects of a foul to gain a free kick or penalty, the Arsenal striker was not only the paragon of probity against Fulham but scored the decisive goal.
How Arsenal needed such a classy intervention which lifted them into fifth place but was hard on a Fulham side who are struggling to balance out the demands of league and Europe this season. They certainly deserved far more here but instead hover above the relegation zone.
It was also an extraordinary evening for Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper, the 21-year-old Italian Vito Mannone who has come under scrutiny but who, twice, superbly denied Andrew Johnson, with headers, but was also buffeted by his own defender William Gallas in a further sign that things aren't quite clicking for Arsène Wenger's side.
They were for long periods, disjointed, lethargic and struggled to find any rhythm while Mannone, making only his fourth senior appearance, also prevented a goal-bound effort by Clint Dempsey with his face. Andrei Arshavin who had missed Arsenal's previous t! hree matches through injury appeared ring-rusty and his tea! m-mates were not much slicker as Fulham upped the tempo and snapped into tackles.
Johnson was caught by Thomas Vermeulen on the corner of the area, an advantage was played and Zoltan Gera's low cross-shot, collecting the striker's flick, was pushed away by Mannone as Fulham gradually took hold of more territory. Another opportunity came. Again Johnson and Gera were involved and this time the latter centred for Bobby Zamora to head wide with Gallas challenging.
By now Fulham should have capitalised on Arsenal's torpor. As the players returned for the second-half, Arsène Wenger ran across the pitch. He showed more urgency than his team had so far. Again, however, it was Fulham threatening even if Zamora shot too early when presented with a chance by Gera with a clever reverse pass. The sight of Fàbregas then, with a hint of panic, hacking the ball away summed up Arsenal's plight and Fulham's sway.
However such is Arsenal's qu! ality that they can make a mockery of proceedings in a blink of an eye. And they did just that. Alex Song intercepted, Fàbregas flighted a pass for Van Persie to run onto – and the striker, after one touch, slid his left-footed shot across Mark Schwarzer and into the net. It was a sublime moment.
Seconds later and Schwarzer saved from Bendtner, after he was released by Van Persie, but then back came Fulham and Mannone again parried a Johnson header only for the ball to run to Dempsey, once more, but he could only turn his shot across the face of goal. Soon after Dempsey went closer, his shot deflecting off Bacary Sagna and clipping the post before, somehow, Gallas intervened to deny Zamora with Mannone clattered.
The goalkeeper learnt. The next time the ball came into the area it was him doing the clattering, taking Zamora and punching the ball before superbly pushing away Johnson's low shot. He did even better in stoppin! g Zamora's header.
AZ Alkmaar 1 Standard Liège 1
The Champions League fixture between AZ Alkmaar and Standard Liège at DSB Stadion on Tuesday Sept 29, 2009.
AZ Alkmaar were denied a first ever win in the group stages of the Champions League as Moussa Traoré's last-gasp strike salvaged a point for Standard Liège at DSB Stadion.
The Dutch champions looked set to profit fully from Mounir El Hamdaoui's strike early in the second period of the Group H clash, but the three points were snatched from the grasp of coach Ronald Koeman a minute into stoppage time as Traoré pounced.
The final-minu! te heroics meant Liège avoided a second straight loss following their thrilling 3-2 reverse against Arsenal last time out.
Both sides had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping the scoreline blank in a breathless first half.
AZ's Maarten Martens had the first real opening after 17 minutes, the defender unleashing an effort from the edge of the area which brought a smart parry from Sinan Bolat in the Liège goal.
Five minutes later the Belgian visitors themselves threatened when Axel Witsel struck a long-range shot that brought the best out of Sergio Romero, the AZ keeper at full stretch to tip the ball around the post and to safety.
The busy Witsel carved out another opening two minutes later but this time he fired over from inside the area, while moments later Bolat was back in action at the other end as he tipped over El Hamdaoui's goalbound header from Gill Swerts' cross.
In a half which ebbed and! flowed, it was next Liège's turn to get the opposition def! ence on the back-foot as he unleashed one from distance that rose over the bar, while after 33 minutes David Mendes da Silva did likewise for AZ.
Moussa Dembélé fired wide with another opening for the hosts after 35 minutes while the half ended on a fitting note in stoppage time when Wilfried Dalmat's effort from the edge of the area was clutched confidently by the alert Romero.
The breakthrough arrived just three minutes into the second period as AZ finally unlocked the visitors' stubborn defensive line.
Brett Holman's craft was the key to the opener, his teasing ball from the left landing in the path of El Hamdaoui, who swept the ball home into the bottom-left corner of goal from the edge of the area.
El Hamdaoui might have made it 2-0 when he had another effort four minutes later but this time Bolat made the save.
The one-time Tottenham forward threatened the Liège goal again after 58 minutes, this ti! me rising highest to meet Martens' free-kick but he could not keep his header down.
Liège began to come more into proceedings as the match entered its final quarter and after 68 minutes Mehdi González was frustrated to see his left-footed strike tipped round the post by Romero.
The AZ keeper again thwarted the visitors after 73 minutes when he safely held Milan Jovanovic's drilled effort, while 60 seconds later Bolat was called back into action, this time making a stop from Holman's free-kick.
The points appeared certain to stay in Alkmaar as the clock ticked down without Liège threatening, but a minute into added time AZ's defences were finally breached when the ball broke loose to substitute Traoré inside the area, and the striker made no mistake as he lashed home high into the net to rescue a point.
Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 Sevilla
Deportivo La Coruna moved level on points with Sevilla following a surprise 1-0 win over Manolo Jimenez's side in the Primera Liga.
The Andalusians had won five matches in a row since losing at Valencia on the opening day and many consider them to be a good outside bet for the title following their impressive 2-1 win over Real Madrid prior to the international break.
But they had no answers against an impressive Deportivo side that claimed the points at Riazor than! ks to a stunning first-half strike from Juan Rodriguez.
And some stout defending in the second period saw the Galicians go on to claim a fifth victory from seven matches to join their opponents on 15 points.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid both in action later on the same night, Sevilla had the chance to apply some pressure on the big two in Galicia.
And they started well as Renato blasted over the bar after seven minutes following Jesus Navas' excellent far-post cross.
The lively Navas then set up Frederic Kanoute and, after the Mali forward had in turn fed Adriano, the Brazilian midfielder fired wide after 24 minutes.
Sevilla were creating the better chances at this stage, but Deportivo were having their moments as well and went ahead through a fantastic Rodriguez strike seven minutes before half-time.
The midfielder seized on a loose ball and leathered a thunderous drive past stand-in Sevilla keeper Javi Varas from more than 30 ya! rds to give the home side a surprise lead.
Rodriguez ha! d fallen out of favour in recent weeks, but impressed Deportivo coach Miguel Angel Lotina during the international break and marked his return to the first-team in style with a truly breathtaking strike.
And four minutes later, the midfielder almost created a second when he set up Andres Guardado in the area, but the Mexico winger was off target with his effort.
On the stroke of half-time, Javi Varas then produced a wonderful save to deny Riki's header as Deportivo pressed for a second.
After the break, Alvaro Negredo saw his long-range effort kept out by Daniel Aranzubia as Sevilla pushed for an equaliser.
And the Spain striker was off target a minute later with a volley as that pressure intensified.
But Deportivo weathered the Sevilla storm and restricted the visitors to a handful of chances.
The best of those came late on, when Julien Escude was off target with a header and Renato opted to tee up Kanoute when he should have gone for goal ! with six minutes left.
That chance was also wasted and Deportivo held on for victory.
England 34 France 12
The Gillette Four Nations rugby league match between England and France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Friday Oct 23, 2009.
England put in an impressive second-half performance to get their Four Nations campaign off to a winning start against France in Doncaster.
Lee Smith opened the scoring early on, only for France to recover in style with well-taken replies from Vincent Duport and Kane Bentley.
Thomas Bosc added two goals for the French side while Sam Burgess and James Graham squandered good opportunitie! s for England. The hosts tried to hit back but squandered a good opportunity when Burgess knocked on from a James Graham pass.
France looked the more accomplished side and a high kick from Bosc had the hosts back-tracking, but Ben Westwood tidied up. The French were particularly strong in the tackle and forced Westwood to concede possession as three men hit the Warrington forward in a stern triple challenge.
An opportunity opened up for England five minutes before half-time but Graham knocked on in front of the posts. England got themselves back into the game three minutes after the restart when Richie Myler evaded a tackle 20 metres out and found a gap to force his way over.
Kevin Sinfield added the extras but France threatened again when Toulouse scrum-half James Wynn found his way to the line, only to be pulled back for obstruction.
It fell to new Warrington signing Myler to dig England out of their ! predicament, offering good support to Sinfield and scoring af! ter a st rong run from the Leeds skipper.
That put England back into the lead and Sinfield touched down moments later from a Jamie Peacock offload. With two more Sinfield goals, England were starting to breathe more easily at 22-12.
As the pressure reduced England increased their attackign threat with Ryan Hall and Hull winger Tom Briscoe both going over for tries to wrap up a morale-boosting victory for England.
Team details
England: S. Briscoe, T. Briscoe, Smith, Shenton, Hall, McGuire, Myler, Morley, Moore, Peacock, Ellis, Burgess, Sinfield.
Replacements: Graham, Roby, Westwood, Eastmond.
France: Greenshields, Duport, Raguin, Baile, Pelo, Bosc, Wymm, Ferriol, Bentley, Casty, Elima, Gagliazzo, Fakir.
Replacements: Billggas, Sadaoui, Martins, Touxagas.
Referee: Leon Williamson (New Zealand)
- Saturday Oct 24: Australia v New Zealand (Twickenham Stoop, 8pm)
- Oct 31: England v Australia (DW Stadium, Wigan, 2.30pm); France v New Zealand (Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse, 5pm)
- Nov 7: France v Australia (Charlety Stadium, Paris, 2.30pm); England v New Zealand (Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, 6pm)
- Nov 14: Final (Elland Road, Leeds, 7.30pm)
Celtic 0 Hearts 1
The CIS Cup game between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Parkhead on Wednesday Oct 28 2009.
Home may be where the heart is but, unfortunately for Celtic, it was where the Hearts were. The Tynecastle side held out against what became a siege of their box in the second half of this Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter final to edge into the last four with a penalty kick from Michael Stewart, who was jeered by his own fans in the goalless draw ! with Falkirk last Saturday.
Celtic, meanwhile are increasingly finding their home form to be a burden - they have now won only twice in nine competitive games at Parkhead – and to make matters worse their captain, Stephen McManus, was sent off in injury time after being initially shown a yellow card by Craig Thomson for a foul on Andy Driver, which the referee was then persuaded constituted violent conduct, after consultation with his main stand side assistant.
Celtic Park, a fortress when full, can be a trap for the home team when populated only sparsely – as it was here – and it becomes a setting that catches and replays every barbed comment or catcall which may greet a misplaced pass or wayward shot.
The lack of numbers was predictable given the combination of circumstances -it was live on terrestrial TV during an extended recession, with Christmas already beginning to make its demands on d! omestic spending.
Still, the context encouraged Hear! ts and C saba Laszlo's side turned out in 4-1-4-1 formation against a Celtic side which had Chris Killen leading the line, supported by Zheng Zhi.
Nobody could fault Celtic for lack of offensive intent; at times they were effectively moving forward in 4-2-4 array, with Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney flanking the front two, leaving the pair of Marc Crosas and Landry N'Guemo in central midfield.
Hearts, though, proved adept at crowding Celtic out around Janos Balogh's goalmouth, but it was an indictment of the entertainment value of the first half that by the interval the only effort that could be described as a threat on target was a swiped effort on the turn by Kiollen which Balogh tipped on to the roof of the net.
Telegraph Sport readers watching in the stadium or in their armchairs would not have been surprised, of course, because it was predicted here that (a) just such a state of affairs would prevail a! nd (b) that Paddy McCourt would be invited to display his party tricks by way of remedy.
Sure enough, the Northern Irish international replaced Maloney at the restart, five minutes after which he set off on a twisting run that took him past three opponents to finish with a fizzing drive that cracked back from the crossbar.
Hearts had also made an interval change, replacing Ian Black with the more forceful Eggert Jonsson and they, too, were endowed with greater purpose, to such effect that were ahead before the hour mark.
Danny Fox, restored to left back after injury, tried to block Christian Nade after the forward had got goal side of him and succeeded only in sending the Frenchman sprawling for a penalty kick. Stewart accepted responsibility and, although Zaluska got a hand to the ball, found the net to give Hearts the lead.
Zhi and Killen promptly got the hook, with Giorgios Samaras and Scott McDonal! d, but although the G reek battered at the maroon ramparts, he! was thwarted by Balogh and then the post when he was certain he had scored.
Then came the contentious climax and the ejection of McManus to the fury of the home crowd, who had seen Jose Goncalves booked for unsporting behaviour for fouling McDonald on the edge of the Hearts box.
Match details
Celtic (4-4-2): Zaluska; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Fox; McGeady, Crosas, N'Guemo, Maloney (McCourt h-t); Zhi (Samaras 57), Killen (McDonald 57).
Subs: Cervi (g), Wilson. Sent off: McManus.
Booked: Fox.
Heart of Midlothian (4-1-4-1): Balogh; Thomson, Goncalves, Bouzid, Wallace; Palazuelos; Obua, Stewarty, Black (Jonsson h-t), Driver; Nade Witteveen 75).
Subs: Kello (g), Kucharski, Glen.
Booked: Bouzid, Jonsson, Goncalves.
Referee: Craig Thomson
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Importance of Soccer Pre game Warm Up
by Niv Orlian
Soccer warm up exercises are the most frequent in pre match situations and training. there's no other type of exercise that a soccer player will spend more time with then with warm up. Professional teams usually spend around 30 minutes of their training sessions on a quality warm up, because this has three major effects on players, effects that we will discuss in the following paragraphs.
-Soccer Pre game Warm up - Avoiding Injuries
Our muscles and tendons can easily cause problems if they are used at their fullest without a proper series of soccer warm up drills. The muscles work on the same principle as an elastic string would. Pull it slowly and the elastic will be able to stretch without problems, but if you pull it in one quick motion, there's a risk it might snap. Ok, your muscles won't just "snap" if you use them intensely without the proper warm up, but there's a good chance you might strain them or develop ot! her injuries.
That's why a good part of soccer warm up drills includes stretching exercises, which slowly get your muscles used to the effort.
-The Importance of Soccer Pre game Warm up - Higher Performance
It's not called warming up for nothing: when performing these exercises, you actually warm your muscles and entire body, allowing it to be ready for effort. By performing soccer pre game warm up exercises, you set your muscles, heart rate and breathing to the same levels you will be using in the match, so you can easily accommodate to the variables that the match brings.
Try this very simple exercise to test this theory: warm up for 30 minutes thoroughly, using a wide range of soccer warm up drills that work with your entire body, not just your legs. After you're done, do 5-10 sprints on the width of the soccer pitch and measure your heart rate and the general difficulty of each sprint.
Now, come back in another day, do a c! ouple of stretching exercises so you don't develop any injurie! s and si mply start sprinting (the same number of sprints as the day before), without getting a proper warm up beforehand. You will notice that you will have harder time breathing throughout and between the sprints, they will be harder to perform and at the end, your heart rate will be much higher than yesterday, meaning that your body had a harder time adjusting to the high level of effort.
-The Importance of Soccer Pre game Warm up - Concentration
This is strictly related to the other two benefits of a quality warm up. Knowing that you're fully prepared for the match/training session and that there's no risk of injury, you will be a lot more focused on the game and on doing your job right. Soccer warm up exercises will also get your body ready for the effort as I explained above and this has a positive effect on concentration. When you're not focusing on having to breathe right or stopping to catch your breath, you can, again, concentrate on your j! ob.
These should be enough reasons to convince you of the importance of soccer warm up exercises. If you're a player that wants to give his or her best on the soccer pitch, your first concern will be giving your best in the soccer pre game warm up drills.
About the Author
Niv Orlian is the author and the owner of a Soccer Fans website that provides information on various topics related to soccer.
Wants to Improve your Soccer Conditioning? For the complete guide to soccer fitness click here.
LA REDAZIONE GIORNALISTICA TUTTOLEGACALCIO
di TuttoLegaCalcio Redazione
Direttore: Mosconi Giorgio
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Testata giornalistica Aut.Trib. Ar n° 16/09 del 03/10/2009
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Tutto il materiale prodotto da "TuttoLegaCalcio.net" è protetto da © Copyright.
Testata giornalistica Aut.Trib. Ar n° 16/09 del 03/10/2009
Direttore Editoriale: Mosconi Giorgio
Partita IVA 01483947260 - Iscritto al Registro Operatori di Comunicazione al n° 18369
Tutto il materiale prodotto da "TuttoLegaCalcio.net" è protetto da © Copyright.
EMPOLI - I NAZIONALI
Tocca agli Under 21
fonte: Il Tirreno
EMPOLI. Saranno impegnati oggi 3 dei 4 azzurri convocati in nazionale. Proprio a Mantova giocherà stasera l'Under 21 dell'Italia contro la Bosnia con Angella e Pasquato fra i possibili protagonisti. In Croazia, invece, Gulan giocherà con la Serbia nel pomeriggio. Kokoszka, invece, potrebbe giocare domani nella sfida interna della sua Polonia (la nazionale maggiore) con la Slovacchia.
Goleada in amichevole con il Reggio Sud
di Filippo Capurso
Fonte: strill.it
Si è concluso con un travolgente 17-0 il test infrasettimanale che la Reggina ha avuto con il Reggio Sud, formazione militante nel campionato di Promozione.
Il dato più rilevante, al di là delle proporzioni del successo, riguarda il ritorno in campo di Franco Brienza a un mese dall'infortunio muscolare patito contro il Vicenza.
L'attaccante di Ischia dovrebbe comunque non partire dall'inizio contro l'Ancona, poichè la condizione non è ancora la migliore poss! ibile, nonostante le due reti messe a segno oggi.
Inutile dire che il suo ritorno potrebbe essere un fattore decisivo nel prosieguo del campionato, dato che questo primo scorcio di torneo ha dimostrato, senza mezzi termini, che la Reggina non può prescindere da Brienza.
Novellino ha tenuto Cacia a riposo, mentre l'innesto di Costa, anche lui sulla via del recupero definitivo, ha reso possibile lo spostamento di Rizzato (autore di ben quattro gol quest'oggi) sulla linea dei centrocampisti, con Pagano a destra e Missiroli a supporto di Bonazzoli, in una posizione più avanzata.
Ovviamente assente Carmona, impegnato con il suo Cile mentre è rientrato alla base Adejo dopo l'esperienza al mondiale under 20.
In grande spolvero Alessio Viola, autore di cinque reti.
Il dato più rilevante, al di là delle proporzioni del successo, riguarda il ritorno in campo di Franco Brienza a un mese dall'infortunio muscolare patito contro il Vicenza.
L'attaccante di Ischia dovrebbe comunque non partire dall'inizio contro l'Ancona, poichè la condizione non è ancora la migliore poss! ibile, nonostante le due reti messe a segno oggi.
Inutile dire che il suo ritorno potrebbe essere un fattore decisivo nel prosieguo del campionato, dato che questo primo scorcio di torneo ha dimostrato, senza mezzi termini, che la Reggina non può prescindere da Brienza.
Novellino ha tenuto Cacia a riposo, mentre l'innesto di Costa, anche lui sulla via del recupero definitivo, ha reso possibile lo spostamento di Rizzato (autore di ben quattro gol quest'oggi) sulla linea dei centrocampisti, con Pagano a destra e Missiroli a supporto di Bonazzoli, in una posizione più avanzata.
Ovviamente assente Carmona, impegnato con il suo Cile mentre è rientrato alla base Adejo dopo l'esperienza al mondiale under 20.
In grande spolvero Alessio Viola, autore di cinque reti.
Lecce-Salernitana: i precedenti
di Filippo Capurso
Fonte: Quotidiano Puglia
Per trovare la prima sfida tra Lecce e Salernitana bisogna risalire di ben 81 anni, le due squadre giocarono contro, infatti, per la prima volta il 12 febbraio 1928 alla dodicesima e ultima giornata del campionato di seconda divisione Sud girone C. Il Lecce dell'allora presidente Lopez Y Royo Luigi, allenato da Felice Ferrero fu sconfitto con il risultato di 2 – 1. Per i granata le reti furono segnate da Barone al 24' e Venturini, mentre per il Lecce andò a segno con "Mingo" Locatelli. La prima vittor! ia dei giallorossi si verificò alla terza sfida in Puglia.Era il 4 febbraio 1940 alla sedicesima giornata del campionato di Serie C. Il Lecce di Alferio Cubi, ebbe la meglio al "Carlo Pranzo" sui granata, con un secco 3 – 0, grazie alla doppietta di Bisogni al primo minuto e all'87' inframmezzata dalla rete su calcio di rigore al 61' di Giannone. La prima sfida nel campionato cadetto, invece, ebbe luogo il 2 marzo 1947. Anche in quest'occasione i giallorossi si aggiudicarono l'intera posta in palio, grazie ad una rete di Pietro De Santis al quinto minuto di gioco del primo tempo. I giallorossi di Delio Rossi scesero in campo con: Rossi, Bovo, Silvestri, Stovini, Tonetto, Piangerelli, Donadel, Vugrinec, iacomazzi, Chevanton, Cimirotic. I campani allenati da Zeman risposero con: Botticella, Cardinale, Fusco, Dobrijevic, Pienotti, Camorani, Tedesco Gia, Maschio, Vignaroli, Gonzalez, Bondi. Passarono in vantaggio i granata con Eddy Baggio al 60', ma al 67' Ernesto Chevanton ris! tabilì la parità, e solo dopo un minuto Giacomazzi realizzò la! rete ch e regalò la vittoria ai salentini. Il bilancio del Lecce nei precedenti venticinque incontri nel Salento con la squadra campana, è di: 14 vittorie, 5 pareggi e 6 sconfitte, 38 reti segnate e 20 reti subite. Per ciò che riguarda il presente bisogna dire che l'incontro si presenta difficile forse, in maniera particolare, sotto l'aspetto psicologico. L'avversario non attraversa certo uno dei suoi migliori momenti ma proprio questo può rappresentare un pericolo per i giallorossi. Approcciare la gara con sufficienza è il peggiore dei nemici e De Canio starà di sicuro lavorando sotto questo aspetto.
Sneijder: "Complimenti a tutti"
di Marco Spinelli
fonte: inter.it
GENOVA - 'È stata una grandissima gara, una grande prestazione da parte di tutti'. Queste le prime parole di Wesley Sneijder dopo il successo sul Genoa ai microfoni di Inter Channel. Un grande lavoro quello svolto dal centrocampista olandese tra le linee: 'Ho giocato bene stasera, abbiamo dovuto correre tanto perché i nostri avversari pressavano molto, ma sono contento della posizione che mi è stata affidata in campo, mi piace giocare così vicino ai centrocampisti! e agli attaccanti e creare un dialogo con loro. Sono felice, ma adesso dobbiamo rimanere concentrati: martedì abbiamo un altro appuntamento, un'altra gara da interpretare nel migliore dei modi'.
'Stasera abbiamo giocato senza i nostri due attaccanti titolari, abbiamo giocato in una maniera diversa rispetto al solito, ma bisogna fare i complimenti a tutti'.
Parla Seedorf: uniti sempre!!!!
di Gianluca Tancini
Fonte:Ac Milan
Clarence Seedorf parla in vista della partita di Champions con il Real a Madrid: ci voleva la vittoria di ieri sono contento per la squadra perchè lo merita abbiamo lottato fino alla fine,siamo andati in confusione dopo i primi 3 minuti non ci voleva iniziare così la partita però siamo stati vicini l'uno all'altro la Roma nel primo tempo ha sba! gliato qualche occasione importante poi nella ripresa abbiamo messo le cose apposto e abbiamo visto un buon Milan.
Noi dobbiamo prendere anche le cose positive sappiamo le cose che non sono andate bene ma ieri siamo riusciti a fare 2 gol era successo solo alla prima partita di campionato anche queste sono cose importanti,arrivarci renderci pericolosi. Quello che avevamo detto in settimana siamo riusciti a farlo sono contento anche per Ronaldinho che sono riusciti a segnare e la squadra ha fatto 3 punti importantissimi anche a livello morale.
Ci tengo a chiarire personalmente allo striscione che e stato messo ieri sera io non lò visto però mi e stato raccontato cosa c'era scritto mi dispiace perchè questi sono striscioni che credo abbiano poca importanza per il momento del Milan ma e di una persona di cui ho avuto una battibecco a Bergamo e mi aveva offeso in modo pesante con insistenza nel corse del riscaldamento di Bergamo ed io al momento che nel corso del risca! ldamento abbiamo delle pause mi sono girato e gli ho detto di ! andare a casa per me non e un tifoso Milanista un Milanista non insulta i suoi giocatori sopratutto nel riscaldamento questa persona sicuramente e quella che ha messo lo striscione perchè per il resto con i miei tifosi Milanisti non ho nessun problema anzi credo ci sia sempre stato sempre un grande rapporto di amore e quando cè amore ci sono anche dei momenti di discussione e di contrasto ma se non fosse per questo amore di contrasti non ce ne sarebbero mai stati dopo che ci sono state a volte dei fischi poi mi hanno applaudito tante volte per tantissimi anni.
Anche ieri mi hanno applaudito in alcuni momenti della partita e non posso credere che sia una cosa più allargata questa persona non ha avuto il coraggio di venire a Milanello una cosa da uomo a uomo e ha messo uno striscione coinvolgendo tanta gente che non centrava nulla.Volevo precisare questo e dire forza milan. La prossima partita in casa ci divertiremo ancora di più.
Queste sono partite che tutti vogliono gio! care partecipare con questa vittoria contro la Roma ci dà il morale giusto per affrontare il Real Madrid protagonitsa sia nella liga sia in Champions League. Questo porta tanti stimoli da parte nostra tante motivazioni che dobbiamo indirizzare nella testa nel cuore e nelle gambe per cercaro di raccogliere quello che si può
Fonte:Ac Milan
Clarence Seedorf parla in vista della partita di Champions con il Real a Madrid: ci voleva la vittoria di ieri sono contento per la squadra perchè lo merita abbiamo lottato fino alla fine,siamo andati in confusione dopo i primi 3 minuti non ci voleva iniziare così la partita però siamo stati vicini l'uno all'altro la Roma nel primo tempo ha sba! gliato qualche occasione importante poi nella ripresa abbiamo messo le cose apposto e abbiamo visto un buon Milan.
Noi dobbiamo prendere anche le cose positive sappiamo le cose che non sono andate bene ma ieri siamo riusciti a fare 2 gol era successo solo alla prima partita di campionato anche queste sono cose importanti,arrivarci renderci pericolosi. Quello che avevamo detto in settimana siamo riusciti a farlo sono contento anche per Ronaldinho che sono riusciti a segnare e la squadra ha fatto 3 punti importantissimi anche a livello morale.
Ci tengo a chiarire personalmente allo striscione che e stato messo ieri sera io non lò visto però mi e stato raccontato cosa c'era scritto mi dispiace perchè questi sono striscioni che credo abbiano poca importanza per il momento del Milan ma e di una persona di cui ho avuto una battibecco a Bergamo e mi aveva offeso in modo pesante con insistenza nel corse del riscaldamento di Bergamo ed io al momento che nel corso del risca! ldamento abbiamo delle pause mi sono girato e gli ho detto di ! andare a casa per me non e un tifoso Milanista un Milanista non insulta i suoi giocatori sopratutto nel riscaldamento questa persona sicuramente e quella che ha messo lo striscione perchè per il resto con i miei tifosi Milanisti non ho nessun problema anzi credo ci sia sempre stato sempre un grande rapporto di amore e quando cè amore ci sono anche dei momenti di discussione e di contrasto ma se non fosse per questo amore di contrasti non ce ne sarebbero mai stati dopo che ci sono state a volte dei fischi poi mi hanno applaudito tante volte per tantissimi anni.
Anche ieri mi hanno applaudito in alcuni momenti della partita e non posso credere che sia una cosa più allargata questa persona non ha avuto il coraggio di venire a Milanello una cosa da uomo a uomo e ha messo uno striscione coinvolgendo tanta gente che non centrava nulla.Volevo precisare questo e dire forza milan. La prossima partita in casa ci divertiremo ancora di più.
Queste sono partite che tutti vogliono gio! care partecipare con questa vittoria contro la Roma ci dà il morale giusto per affrontare il Real Madrid protagonitsa sia nella liga sia in Champions League. Questo porta tanti stimoli da parte nostra tante motivazioni che dobbiamo indirizzare nella testa nel cuore e nelle gambe per cercaro di raccogliere quello che si può
Toto Cronista: Il regolamento
Nasce oggi il "Fantacalcio" di Tutto il calcio blog.
Si chiama TotoCronista e chi vuole giocare deve indovinare i radiocronisti delle partite trasmesse da Radio 1 Rai.
E' un gioco senza premi e senza scopo di lucro. L'unico obiettivo è divertirsi attraverso la nostra trasmissione radio preferita.
Pubblico per questa prima volta il regolamento che poi troverete in formato PDF nel riquadro della barra laterale; questo regolamento è ancora parziale e verrà perfezionato dopo le varie giornata per venire incontro ai problemi che sorgeranno!
Come ci si iscrive?
Per l'iscrizione basta inviare una mail all'indirizzo ufficiale del blog (tuttoilcalcio@raibobo.it). Dal momento in cui indicate la volontà di partecipare, riceverete periodicamente le mail relative ai punteggi e a tutte le indicazioni.
Con la ! mail verrà allegato il file excel 2007 con tutti i dati di giornata , le convocazioni e le classifiche.
Come si pronostica?
Nelle giornate di martedì o mercoledì riceverete una mail con i risultati del turno precedente e con le partite del turno successivo.
Entro le ore 24.00 del venerdì [o lunedì nel caso di turno infrasettimanale] , comunque entro la data indicata nella mail,il giocatore deve inviare il proprio pronostico per il turno successivo.
Come è composto il pronostico?
I giocatori devono pronosticare i radiocronisti di Serie A e B.
Per la Serie B la struttura del pronostico è questa( a meno che la giornata non comprenda due anticipi o due posticipi ma in questo caso ci si rifà alle indicazioni della mail):
1 Anticipo non coperto che non deve essere pronosticato
7 partite di Serie B da pronosticare (Questi match hanno ! solo un radiocronista principale)
1 Campo principale di t! rasmissi one da indicare
3 partite coperte da studio da pronosticare
1 Posticipo del lunedì da pronosticare
Per la Serie A invece la struttura è la seguente:
2 Anticipi (Da pronosticare sia radiocronista che bordocampista)
7 partite di Serie A da pronosticare (Questi match hanno solo un radiocronista principale)
1 Campo principale di trasmissione da indicare
1 Posticipo (Da pronosticare sia radiocronista che bordocampista)
Ci si rifà comunque alle singole indicazioni nella mail per i pronostici che non soddisfano questa struttura.
Sistema di punteggio:
Il punteggio di giornata viene così calcolato
+ 2 punti per radiocronista indovinato
+ 1 punto per Campo principale indovinato
+ 1 punto per match da studio indovinati
+ 1 punto per Bordocampista indovinato
+ 4 punti per accoppiata Radiocronista/Bordocampista indovinato
In caso di partita sospesa il p! ronostico è valido solo nel caso in cui la trasmissione con il radiocronista vada in onda!
Classifiche:
Questo sistema di punteggi genera 3 classifiche:
Classifica A: Classifica media Si ordina per media punteggio per giornata
Classifica B: Classifica Totale Si ordina per punteggio totale a partire dalla prima giornata di ritorno del campionato 2008/2009
Classifica C: Classifica relativa Il primo della classifica di giornata prende un punto, il secondo due e così via. Vince questa classifica chi ottiene meno punti.
Si comincia con il girone di ritorno. Spero questo gioco abbia successo! Buon divertimento
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