FC BARCELONA: AJAX LUIS SUAREZ CLOSER?

The Lakers are the Most Complete Team In The NBA

The Lakers crushed the Thunder last night 107-93 last night to run their record to 47-10. Kobe Bryant erupted for 36 points on 13 for 21 shooting. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 32 points but it wasn't enough to overcome L.A. The Lakers now have an 8 game lead with 25 to play over the Spurs for the Western Conference's number 1 seed. The Lakers continue to play the basketball in the NBA and look like a sure bet to go to the Finals. L.A. is so deep that they have only lost one game since losing their starting center. The Lakers have swept the season series from the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference and seem poised to make a long playoff run. If L.A. gets a healthy Bynum back in time for the playoffs, I don't see how any team in the NBA can contend with the Lakers team depth and front court height. Throw in the NBA's best 4th quarter finisher and L.A. has a great shot at winning its first championship since 2002.

Washington Freedom name new management structure

John Hendricks, Chairman and Managing Member of Freedom Soccer, LLC, today announced the management team for the Washington Freedom women's professional soccer team, which will be part of the newly launched women's professional league in 2009.

Joe Quinn has been named President and General Manager of the Washington Freedom.
Reporting to Joe Quinn will be the head coach of the Washington Freedom, Jim Gabarra.
Louise Waxler has been named Director of Operations for the Washington Freedom and will report to Joe Quinn.
Clyde Watson remains as assistant coach of the Washington Freedom.

"My family and I have enormous confidence in this management team and we are very pleased to continue our support of women's professional soccer," said John Hendricks. Hendricks continued, "The Washington Freedom has continued its enviable record of success on the playing field under Jim Gabarra and Clyde Watson. We look forward to many victories ahead."!

Early season thoughts

An intriguing early season in WPSL and W-League, much more competitive than one might have thought.
W-LEAGUE
Atlantic Division
In a mediocre division Atlanta, Richmond and Cocoa are the favorites.
Midwest Division
Probably the weakest division in the league. Michigan and Minnesota will fight for the first place again.
Northeast Division
Washington has been the outstanding team of the season so far. They have played the most stylish, entertaining soccer. Featuring by far the most impressive attack, at times Washington has blown teams off the field, and is a serious favorite to take the title away from Vancouver.
Northern Division
Ottawa will win it again.
Western Division
Without Canada WNT, I really didn't expect much from Vancouver, and they've fully achieved that. Newcomers San Diego just might do it.

WPSL
East-North Division
The main feature of this division is that it is so tightly contested. T! his is by far the most competitive division in the league. Looks like New England is back, winning convincingly. Massachusetts and Long Island will not be easy.
Mid-Atlantic
Atlantic City is a shoe-in.
Midwest Division
Give it to one of the biggies; Indiana or River Cities.
South Division
In a division of minnows your guess is as good as mine.
West Division
Nothing ever changes here; California Storm or Ajax California will finish first.

US falling further behind

"The women's game has seen tremendous growth and improvement, especially outside of the United States." - US U-20 coach Tim Schulz.

This year marks the first time the US did not finish first in at least one international competition.
Algarve Cup - did not win
Nordic Cup - did not win
U-20 WC - did not win

Cheetahs vs Reds

The Cheetahs havn't won a single game this season so far and they'll do well to end higher than 10th by the end of the tournament. But they have lost a number of close games so far, often losing in the dying minutes. The Cheetahs are due a win and with the return of their influential captain Juan Smith, they'll have their best chance against the Reds.

The Reds have been a bit up and down this season so far, winning their first match against the Highlanders but then losing three on the trot before thumping the Bulls and drawing with the Lions. They're quite solid at home but not the best travellers and should come up short against the Cheetahs.

Prediction: Cheetahs by at least 10.

No Evans for All Blacks

New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans is set to join English rugby union side Harlequins.
Evans will have to give up his international commitments, as the All Blacks only select home-based players.

Mbazo in special training, Tera sits out

Bafana Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena has been put on a special training programme to speed up his recovery from a leg injury. Mbazo has however been training with the team.

More good news for coach, Joel Santana at camp this week, is the return of centre-back, Bevan Fransman, who suffered concussion in the match against Equatorial Guinea.

Teko Modise, Bafana's chief playmaker, has been treated for slight pain to his toe, but is training, so fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

There's a big concern over Thembinkosi F! anteni, who has picked up a groin injury that has kept him out of training.

Gerald Sibeko, who was so unlucky to get injured after his call-up, is fit to train.

Proteas progressing

England have entered the history books. They have become the first team ever to name and unchanged side for the sixth consecutive time. England will take on South Africa at Lords tomorrow for the first of four tests.

The Proteas have performed well while on tour in England but have never won a test series. Former South African cricketer Pat Symcox believes the Proteas can win. He says they hold the edge as they are good, strong and balanced.

South Africa have been rewarded for their good form. They have moved up to second in the ICC test ranking with England dropping to fourth. Symcox says that the fact that SA are second will not faze them. They will be focusing on the game at hand to make they do the best job possible.

Province to Edge Out Cheetahs

Vodacom Western Province take on the Free State Cheetahs tomorrow afternoon and a lot is being said about this clash. Can Province turn it around or will their returning Springboks make the difference? We take a closer look at the pro's and con's for both teams.

Province have welcomed back a total of eight Springboks for the match and all of them are in the starting fifteen. Conrad Jantjes is back at fullback while Jean de Villiers continues his successful centre partnership with Gcobani Bobo. Ricky Januarie and Peter Grant play together for the first time since their f! inal Super 14 clash against the Lions in May while Schalk Burger and Luke Watson complete a formidable loose-trio with Francois Louw. Brian Mujati returns at tighthead prop.

One Springbok not in the match 22 is Percy Montgomery, who's struggling with a stomach bug and is being rested for the week. So, on paper, WP should walk all over the Cheetahs but the men from Bloemfontein are the defending champions and a very tough side to beat in the City of Roses. The midfield pairing of Meyer Bosman and Robert "Magic" Ebersohn will have something to prove against the Springbok midfield of de Villiers and Bobo.

A potential problem for the Cheetahs though could come at flyhalf where they've opted for regular scrumhalf Tewis de Bruyn in place of the injured Chris Rossouw. They do however have Jaques-Louis Potgieter on the bench should anything go horribly wrong in that department.

So we've spoken about all the returning Boks and how! they should win this one easily but the reality is a side doe! sn't gel in one week so expect a few mistakes from Province on their way to a messy but effective win.

Prediction: WP 28 - 19 Cheetahs

Natalie Inspires

Swimming superstar Natalie du Toit popped in at our studios yesterday and revealed what keeps her going. She's just returned from getting 5 gold medals at the Paralympic Games and finishing 16th in the Swimming Marathon at the Olympics. Du Toit inspired the live audience and listeners as she shared some of her challenges and goals...

Breakfast Headlines

Ajax Cape Town have set a date with Pirates in the Telkom Knockout final on the 13th of December. Ajax striker Sifiso Vilakazi scored a hat-trick against his former club as Ajax beat Free State Stars 3-2.

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Arsenal handed Chelsea their second home defeat of the season with a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. Robin van Persie scored both goals. Christiano Ronaldo was sent off for a deliberate handball, but Wayne Rooney scored his hundredth goal in Man United's 1-0 win over Man City. Everton strikers Ayegbeni Yakubu and Louis Saha picked up injuries in the 1-0 win at Tottenham. Portsmouth beat Blackburn 3-2. Liverpool can go top of the table when they face West Ham at Anfield tonight.
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Australia have thrashed New Zealand by an innings and 62 runs in the second test. The Black Caps were 203 all out this morning. Brett Lee was the chief destroyer taking 5 for 105 and Brendon McCullum was the only highlight in the batting line-up with ! 84 not out.
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The Chevrolet Warriors beat the bizhub Highveld Lions by 83 runs in the MTN Championship. Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson took 5 for 11 in 7.5 overs. The Nashua Cape Cobras were unlucky on Friday as rain ruined their chances for victory against the Gestetner Diamond Eagles.
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The Sevens Springboks will arrive in George as the early series leaders after winning the opening tournament in Dubai. Coach Paul Treu will be hoping his team can take the momentum onto home soil and get their first win in George.
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Super 14 coaches, referees and officials will meet in Sydney this week to discuss preparations for the coming season. Back home, the Stormers will get their on-field training underway at their High Performance Centre in Bellville. Fullback Conrad Jantjes says they'll have to at their best when they face the Sharks in the opening match on the 14th of February.
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Sweden's Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson won the ! World Cup of Golf by three shots after a nine-under-par 63. SA! 's Richa rd Sterne and Rori Sabatini were 13 shots off the pace.
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Bobby Lincoln wrapped up his second win in the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola as he partnered Sunshine Tour star Garth Mulroy.
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Ericsson 4 have won the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Telefonica Blue was second in the journey from cape town to Cochin in India.

Ajax desperate for a win

Ajax Cape Town have the chance to get their first win in six matches. The Urban Warrior's are in the midst of a slump as their last victory came in January.

Ajax host Bay United at Athlone stadium tonight. The Coastal team will be on a high after they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in their last game.

It is has been teams who have been battling relegation that has proven the toughest test for Craig Roslee's men.



He says their motivation towards playing smaller clubs! should be different.

"The fact is that no one has to motivate your players when you are playing against the top three or four teams in the league. So when you do play against the lower level teams you do not prepare yourself correctly throughout the week for that because it's not that important in your own mind."

The Cape side have are now trailing log leaders Supersport United by eight points and Roslee says they title hopes are virtually over.

"It's a one horse race with Supersport now, they have taken an unassailable lead. I think we need to worry more about ourselves and concern ourselves with what we have to do now."

Kick off for the game is at 19h30.

Gibbs' Cobra's inclusion still to be decided

Nashua Cape Cobras coach Shukri Conrad said Monday he hopes that Herschelle Gibbs will join his Cobras compatriots for the Champions League tournament later this year.

Gibbs and his Deccan Chargers team are the winners of this years IPL, while his local franchise the Cobras are the domestic Pro 20 champions.

Both these team have automatically qualified for the tournament which means the Protea's batsman will have to make a choice as to who he will play for.

If he does choose to play for the Chargers, his local team may be compensated.

According to the coach a decision should be made within the next ten days.

Meanwhile Conrad says having Gibbs' experience within the team is invaluable.

"He (Gibbs) would make a huge difference in any side he played for. It will also be a first for many of our guys on the international stage. The more experienced international players you have around you ! it makes the transition a lot easier for the local players who have only played at a domestic level."

Honda need to choose wisely

Honda appear to be in no rush in confirming their driver line-up for 2009. It is reported that they are waiting for Renault's Fernando Alonso to finalize his plans, but that will not happen until after the season. However, let us be realistic. Alonso has a contract with Renault and the performance gains they have made has demonstrated and reconfirmed the winning abilities of Alonso and of the team.

Also, Alonso is very familiar with Renault and they are already pulling in one direction. A move to Honda would simply put Alonso back to square one in terms of understanding a new team, learning the personnel and trying! to develop a totally new and different car with no point of reference. Not to mention that there would be no guarantee the car would be very drivable even if Honda perfects their KERS system. Moreover, even with the prospects of working wit Ross Brawn and the resources of Honda, a move like this would be foolish and Alonso would simply be wasting time.

So, if Alonso is out of the frame, who can they choose? I think Jenson Button is still a quality driver even though his career has been the definition of potential not translating to tangible and consistent success. Honda have put a lot of faith into Button over the years and he has shown glimpses of really having drive and hunger but there is something missing from Jenson Button's driving. He does not seem to 'take the bull by the horns' and seems content to wait for Honda to build him a better car. Again, he is still a quality driver and worthy of a seat in Formula One, but what Button amounts to is a very! good number 2 driver. So, you can say he is another Barrichel! lo.

Speaking of which, Barrichello confirmed the rationale of Honda keeping him. He came to help support Button and helped to develop the car. The problem was Honda engineers in the past were not on board with his feedback and Button and Barrichello's driving styles were very different. This makes development difficult because you are pulling data from two different places. Now that the team has employed the service of a quality test driver in Alex Wurz, having someone like Barrichello in the era of reduced testing and standardization is not as important. So, even though he did what he was asked to do, I do not see Rubens Barrichello in Formula One in 2009. I think we will see Barrichello driving in the American LeMans Series with Gil De Ferran in 2009.

So with no real prospects of landing a real bonafided number 1 driver like Alonso and with no reason to sign Barrichello, but having a very serviceable Button and Wurz as your solid tester, Honda can! go in 3 directions:

1. Support Button: After spending time with Super Aguri and developing his racecraft and calming down his style a bit, Takuma Sato would be an ideal choice. He is familiar with the team and he has plenty of speed. Also, he has shown that he has reduced the amount of mistakes that cost him his job at Honda the first time around. Moreover, it would raise the profile of Honda on par with Toyota who have a couple of Japanese drivers in addition to Nakajima.

2. Challenge Button: If Toro Rosso boss, Gerhard Berger has a mental breakdown and drops Sebastien Bourdais, Honda should waste no time in scooping him up. With a year's worth of F1 experience under his belt in addition to the wealth of overall racing Bourdias' speed, professional and practical approach can be a catalyst to get Button move motivated or get the engineers to be working with a proven winner and champion that is in his prime racing years. H! owever, if Berger is of sound mind and keeps Bourdais then Hon! da can d o the following:

3. Go young: This direction can actually have 2 effects: a) a quick, young driver can motivate the more experienced and demotivated driver. We have seen this before with Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld; b) Honda gets to develop a young driver to eventually replace Button. So, who can fit one or both of these?

There are two candidates for this job and both are at Renault. Honda will be well served to get either Lucas Di Grassi or Nelson Piquet. Di Grassi has solid lower formula experience and has been schooled in the ways of Formula One given his tenure in Renault's Driver Development Program. Moreover, he has demonstrated speed and ability to finally make the leap to Formula One. As a matter of fact, it is reported he is in line to replace Nelson Piquet.

So, how can Piquet be an answer to Honda's driver choice if he himself is replaced? Well, it is clear that Piquet has F1 experience and has shown g! limpses of consistent speed. However, Piquet's failing has been his mental approach and a growing lack of confidence in his abilities; and is making big mistakes as a consequence. Moreover, his job has been in jeopardy for most of the season, which only amplifies the lack of confidence and questions of 'do I belong'. One needs to remember the Piquet we saw in GP2 in 2006. There was a reason Renault signed him.

I think being in a team where he is not comparing himself to a double world champion that is proficient in many areas will help Piquet's confidence. Honda is a place where I think Piquet can develop and grow. I think having a driver like Wurz would be helpful in that he is not there to take his job but to help develop the team; and Button's laid back style would be non-threatening. So, with experience, teamwork, personal growth and reconstituted confidence, I think Piquet can quickly put the pressure on Button. Thus raising everyone's game.

Honda will have a lot to think about and really figure ! out what is it they want to achieve in Formula One and who can get them there.

Fernando Torres Is Top Class But Liverpool Must Get Him Some Help

Fernando Torres has now scored 33 goals in 34 games at Anfield for Liverpool.

It is a quite astonishing statistic and he walked off with the match ball after Liverpool trashed Hull 6-1.

But sadly I do believe Liverpool are becoming a two-man show, with Steven Gerrard and Torres running things for Rafa Benitez's side.

I had a few callers at the weekend saying Liverpool play a better, faster attacking style of football without Xabi Alonso.

But I disagree, as apart from Gerrard and Torres, Alonso was arguably! Liverpool's only other world class performer before he quit for Real Madrid.

Now he has gone, Liverpool's squad looks weaker and more reliant than ever on Torres and Gerrard.

In the past Liverpool always used to buy from a position of strength, but they have not done so this summer.

They still have Alberto Aquilani to come back from injury in the next few weeks following his £20million move from Roma.

But Liverpool badly need to buy some more players to do the business for them away from home.

We know Anfield is a fortress but they need another striker to supplement Torres and take the burden off the forward.

Agger Confident Of Reds Recovery

Fit-again Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has vowed the Reds will get things right and drag themselves out of their current crisis.

Five defeats this season already in all competitions has turned a harsh spotlight on Liverpool ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group E home clash with Lyon.

For Agger, 24, it will be his first game at Anfield this season after a painful back injury that needed a summer operation.

He has been able to play in two games for Denmark this month, guiding them to the World Cup finals, and now he must repeat his classy! defending of last season to help solve Liverpool's woes.

Agger claims "having Steven Gerrard back from injury will be a real inspiration," but he also knows a team effort is needed now.

Agger said: "The results have not been right, but we know what we are capable of and we know that only hard work will get us the results we need.

"Confidence is still there, we know we are a good team and we just need to show it on the pitch.

"I do not believe that four Premier League defeats means the title race is over. There is a long way to go, a good result in Europe this week will then set us up to play Manchester United on Sunday."

On his own battle for fitness, Agger added: "It is always difficult when you are injured and on the sidelines for a long while, I found it hard. But I set myself a target date to return and I have worked hard to reach it.

"I never had any doubts that the back problem would not be solved, eve! ryone knew what was wrong.

"Now it takes time for m! e to get back to the levels of fitness and performance that I had beforehand. But I am working hard to achieve that, and the only way is to play games.

"I am doing extra training in the gym doing work to strengthen my back, that will help me return to my best quicker, to get the touch back.

"I am working hard in the gym now to strengthen and to avoid further injuries."

He added: "I am not 100% yet, there is still a way to go. I have had two games with Denmark and one with Liverpool now since my operation, and all three were hard.

"Mentally I am strong, but physically my body has a way to go yet before I am back to my best.

"I had been out for a long time, I missed all the pre-season, and that makes life very tough. I am not at my best but improving all the time.

"You are always catching up with fitness when you are out a long time, and it has been the most frustrating thing to have to watch when you know you cannot pl! ay.

"It is difficult to say what has changed, but as defenders we definitely need to work a lot harder, get the team spirit up and prove what we can do.

"We must stick together, then the luck and confidence will come back. Then games will start to go our way."

Liverpool Hope To Tie José Reina With Lucrative Long-Term Deal

Liverpool intend to reflect José Reina's status as one of the finest goalkeepers in the game with a lucrative new contract that will secure his long-term future at Anfield.

The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on a five-year contract extension he was awarded in 2007. However, in keeping with club policy not to allow key players to enter the final two years of their contracts, and having tied such players as Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun to new long-term deals over the summer, Reina is next in line for a contract offer.
Talks between Liverpool and Reina's representatives are expected to begin in the coming weeks with an agreement anticipated early next year. The Spain international has proven an outstanding purchase since he arrived from Villarreal for £6m in 2005, comfortably eclipsing both Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar's record of clean sheets for Liverpool (79 in his first 150 league games compared to 69 for both predecessors), and was linked with a return to his former club Barcelona this summer.

Rafael Benítez is keen to end any uncertainty over his compatriot's future and the Liverpool manager may also consider a contract offer for Fábio Aurélio, the Brazil defender who was this week included in his national squad for the forthcoming friendly with England and who is out of contract at the end of this season.

Reina, meanwhile, believes Sunday's 2-0 win over Manchester United could mark a watershed for Liverpool this season, with their prospects also helpe! d by the most open title race he has encountered in five seaso! ns in En gland.

"Against United we were the better team and we deserved that win so hopefully it can be a turning point for us and give us the confidence that we need to do better," the Liverpool keeper said. "We are a team with character. Sometimes we do not play well but the character is always there, mainly because of our fantastic supporters who are with us during every single second. We have been in a difficult situation and this meant that we had to show our character, which we did on Sunday.

"We are six points behind the leaders and it will be a long, long race. It will be tough for everybody. There aren't just four teams involved in the title race, there are at least six or seven in it, which is good for the competition."

Haruka Ayase with Sexy Perfect Body

Haruka Ayase with pose and picture which sexy and good looking. Haruka a model who is ambitious wish to open model school for children which indigent.

Latino Young Girl

Latino girls being style dress with white tiger spotted

Adventure calls in Ontario

From KTM Canada

ST-BRUNO, QC -- KTM Canada, already the main sponsor of Rally Connex has announced its involvement in the Ontario Trail Ride Series and the KTM Canada / Rally Connex Adventure Ride Series.

Team Rally Connex / KTM Canada will be present at every Ontario Trail Ride Series event with awnings, banners, stickers and KTM brochures or product information. The team consists of Predi Medina, Najua Medina, Ed Strohak and Warren Thaxter.

KTM Canada will also donate $150 in prizes to be drawn for the participants at every event.

KTM Canada has also teamed up with Rally Connex to develop the KTM Canada / Rally Connex Adventure Ride Series. All of these off-highway rides are designed specifically for adventure style motorcycles and consist of up to 350km of activity per day. These rides allow the use of GPS technology for navigation, but they are not mandatory.

The rides will ! also be stock tire friendly. Rally Connex has incorporated routes specifically designed for stock tire bikes and routes for those who have more aggressive tires.

More information is available at www.rallyconnex.com.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Monsters invade Montreal

From Ducati North America

Cupertino, CA -- A crowd of over 50,000 battled the frigid Northeast temperatures last weekend to see the Montreal round of the Ducati Monster Challenge. Monster Challenge participants demonstrated why the Monster is quickly gaining popularity in the Canadian motorcycle market.

When the tire smoke cleared, Peter Hattle of Fergus, ON rode home with top honours for the coolest Monster at the show. His 1997 Monster 900 boasts Superbike forks, Ohlins rear shock and Brembo radial mount calipers. However, the most visually stunning part of his bike is the gold powdercoated magnesium wheels. As the winner, his bike will be transported to Birmingham, AL for the final round of competition at Barber Motorsports Park.

"The wheels really do it for me. They are very light, beautiful and do incredible things for the handling of the bike as well as being so bling! This is what I envision ! as a 'Streetfighter.' And to be a real streetfighter, it just has to be black and it's a very cool, true hooligan Monster," said Hattle.

Lucie Poliquin of Arundel, QC took second place with her 2003 Monster 900. The bike's hand-built exhaust system and S4R front suspension caught the judges' attention in both detail and performance.

Third place went to Sylvie Labelle also of Arundel and her S4R. Her bike balanced the catalogue performance parts with good suspension modifications for a nicely built overall package. Her bike is a great example of Ducati's increased presence in Canada, especially with the Monster family.

Kevin Davis, Canadian sales and marketing manager for Ducati North America said, "Ducati has experienced strong growth in Canada the past two years, with over 60 per cent increase from 2003 to 2005. Nearly 42 per cent of total Ducati sales in Canada in 2005 were Monster models, with the M620 and S2R800 being the two strongest s! ellers. The Monster is really gaining ground in Canada."

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Xavier News: Kevin Parrom Re-Opens Recruiting

Top 100 recruit , Kevin Parrom, has been granted his release from his national letter of intent to play for Xavier. Parrom, a 6'6 200 pound G/F from New York City now has Arizona listed as his top choice. Chris Mack met to speak with Parrom this past week and reports say talks went well. With Miller's departure and Emanuel Richardson, whom recruited Parrom not being added to new coach Chris Mack's staff I don't see him as a Muskie in the near future. This is a huge blow to Xavier as they now lose Parrom and could also lose Derrick Brown to the draft. The muskies incoming class now includes three guards in Mark Lyons, Jordan Crawford and Brian Walsh. Walsh could be used as a combo G/F but Mack needs to start w! orking the recruiting mill for some bigs!

Reds make a trade with Seattle

The Cincinnati Reds have traded right-handed pitcher Robert Manuel to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Wladimir Balentien.

Balentien, who made is MLB debut in 2007, has only played in 130 career games in three seasons. During that span he has hit .209 with 12 HR and 41 RBI. Balentien is a right handed bat and has played a number of games at each position in the outfield.

Manuel made his MLB debut this July for the Reds and in three games and 4.1 innings pitched Manuel gave up five hits, no runs, walked one and struck out two. Not really sure the thinking behind this deal. Balentien has shown some inconsistencies at the plate, but he is only 25. Waldimir was designated for assignment by the Mariners on July 25th. This season he has dealt with some wrist injury issues. He has mainly been labeled as a disappointment in Seattle, as he was one of their highly touted prospects.

Early NKY Basketball Preview

Practice for High School Basketball begins on Thursday and it is never too early to take a look at the early projections on the NKY High School Basketball scene. I will give you a little early preview here with my preseason team rankings as well as give you some players to watch. (Since I don't rank high school kids I will only point out the players to watch in the region)

NKY SportsWorld Preseason Rankings
1. Holmes
2. Highlands
3. Boone County
4. Ryle
5. Newport Central Catholic
6. Conner
7. Dixie Heights
8. Scott
9. Covington Catholic
10. Newport

Players to watch:
Ricardo Johnson- Holmes
Elijah Pittman- Holmes
Jeremiah Johnson- Holmes
Demetrius Avery- Holmes
Jacob Rieger- Bishop Brossart
Brady Jolly- Campbell County
Jon Pohlgeers- Beechwood
Steven Kowolonek- Highlands
George Grote- Highlands
Ben Wats! on- Highlands
Andy Earls- Boone County
Mike Gabbard- Boone County
Blake Bryan- Villa Madonna
Grant Pangallo- Newport Central Catholic
Jake Giesler- Newport Central Catholic
Mitch McLeish- Ryle
Bobby Staufer- Ryle
Jake Thelen- Covington Catholic
Trevor Wellbrock- Covington Catholic
Matt Trammel- Dixie Heights

The Sports Brief's UFC 84 Picks

I can't even begin to tell you how excited The Sports Brief is for this weekend's card. Not only do Penn and Sherk settle the score, but someone may die in a fight between the "Dean of Mean" and the "Ax Murderer". It may be one of the greatest nickname combinations ever to step into the Octagon against one another. And to top it all off, Tito Ortiz makes what will most likely be his final stand in the Octagon. So much drama, so much intrigue, let's get to the picks...

BJ Penn (champion) v. Sean Sherk

This is a terrific match-up between a champion and former champion who truly hate each other. Stylistically, I don't think this is a good one for Sh! erk. He's short and will be up against a considerable reach advantage for Penn, who is a far superior striker. And while Sherk will certainly be the better wrestler in this fight, he'll be playing right into Penn's strength. "The Prodigy" is clearly the most flexible fighter in all of MMA, and his jiu-jitsu is world class. If put on his back, he'll be able to neutralize the attack of Sherk and possibly even submit him.

But I don't think the fight will go there. Sherk, like Matt Hughes, has yet to evolve from a wrestler with a tremendous ground-and-pound to a well-rounded mixed martial artist. Because of that, I think Penn will either score a takedown or pull Sherk into his guard then sweep, taking top control and working his way to a victory. Just look at St. Pierre's dominant victory over Sherk at UFC 56. Penn, who arguably may have won his fight with GSP (after which GSP went to the hospital), should have the same success.

Penn via T(KO), refe! ree stoppage due to strikes.

Keith Jardine! v. Wand erlei Silva

It bothers me that this is Jardine's first fight since his shocker over Chuck Liddell at UFC 76. But it's intriguing, because Liddell is the last opponent for both of these guys. Jardine has to be bitter that Forrest Griffin, whom he destroyed in their fight, leapfrogged him for a shot at the Light Heavyweight title. Silva, meanwhile, needs to win here in order to make himself relevant in this division in the UFC.

This will assuredly be an all-out standup war, much like the fight between Liddell and Silva. "The Ax-Murderer" is an exciting fighter who lays it all on the line, win or loss, in every fight. He applies pressure and constantly works. While Liddell kept him at bay with the jab, using his reach advantage and counter-striking ability, Jardine doesn't have the same technical prowess as Liddell. His kicks are what did in the "Iceman", and they were successful because Liddell stayed on the outside trying to box and counter. Silv! a won't be doing that here. We've seen in the past that Jardine's defense is like a sieve, particularly against the likes of Houston Alexander who dominated him in the clinch and inside. I like Silva to use his superior cardio and apply constant pressure, working inside the jab and kicks to put the "Dean of Mean" to sleep.

Silva via KTFO in the 2 nd round.

Tito Ortiz v. Lyota Machida

I'm actually nervous about this fight. Tito is by far my favorite MMA fighter, and this is a fight that will have me on pins and needles until it's over. Machida is an underrated, technical fighter who frustrates opponents and constantly outscores them; this is why most of his wins have come by decision. He's defeated a murderer's row of opponents, too, including Rich Franklin, Stephan Bonnar and a bloated BJ Penn.

Ortiz, meanwhile, hasn't fought since July of '07 when he gassed against Rashad Evans and would have won the fight h! ad he not grabbed the fence. After a long layoff and an appear! ance on "Celebrity Apprentice", Ortiz claims to be fully healthy and ready to go. It's also a contract fight for the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy", and his feud with Dana White will come to full boil at UFC 84: Ill Will. I can't help but think that Machida will grind out yet another decision here. But I'm not going to do it. I think Ortiz is in fact motivated and will provide his best performance in years. Look for him to pressure Machida the entire fight and display a vastly improved cardio. I can only hope to join Ortiz in his celebratory "grave digger" ceremony after a victory.

Ortiz via T(KO) in the 2 nd round

Wilson Gouveia v. Goran Reljic

Gouveia is on a four fight win streak in the UFC after a tough decision loss to Jardine back in '06. Reljic, meanwhile, is a UFC newcomer who comes with five submission wins in seven victories, no defeats. For Gouveia, I think he's okay here. He's a jiu-jitsu practitioner and has never been su! bmitted. If he can avoid whatever strikes Reljic throws at him, I think Gouveia should be able to secure victory here. He was impressive in his last win over Jason Lambert which was a spectacular knockout, and I think he'll continue to prove his mettle in the UFC on Saturday.

Gouveia via Decision

Thiago Silva v. Antonio Mendes

Remember way back when Silva was supposed to fight Rashad Evans on this card? And then Evans got bumped to fill in for Mauricio Rua as the main event against Liddell at UFC 85? And then Liddell got injured and James Irvin was supposed to fight Evans even though it was no longer a main event? And then Irvin got hurt and Evans got scrapped? Remember? Doesn't that suck for everyone involved, from Silva to Evans to the UFC and the fans. Imagine if that fight was still on this card?

Instead, we get Mendes, a Brazilian riding an 11-fight win streak and 14-2 overall record. This should ! be a good test for Silva, who has terrific striking ability an! d showed some explosive ground and pound against highly touted, and now overhyped, Houston Alexander. I personally think Silva is a BAMF and don't think he'll have a letdown here. This guy was probably an assassin or enforcer in a past life, or this life even, and I think he'll put on another impressive performance. Look for an explosion early on, but Silva will prevail.

Silva via T(KO) in the 1 st round

Ivan Salaverry v. Rousimar Palhares

Palhares by submission in the 2 nd round

Rameau Sokoudjou v. Kazuhiro Nakamura

Sokoudjou via Decision

Rich Clementi v. Terry Etim

Clementi by submission in the 2 nd round

Jon Koppenhaver v. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

Yoshida via T(KO) in the 1 st round

Jason Tan v. Dong Hyun Kim

Tan by submission in the 3 rd round

Christian ! Wellisch v. Shane Carwin

Carwin by (T)KO in the 2 nd round

Please note that these are only my picks. Rich is too nervous about the Tito fight to write anything for this weekend's card. But he did want me to say hello and also pass along that he's going Penn, Wandy and Tito. Enjoy, and let me know what you think will happen with this weekend's fights.

-Bess

Weekend Synopsis

-Terrell Owens signs with the Buffalo Bills for 1 year at $6.5 million.

-Rampage Jackson defeats Keith Jardine by unanimous decision at UFC 96 earning himself a Light Heavyweight title fight against Rashad Evans.

-Frank Mir was injured during training, pushing his Heavyweight title bout with Brock Lesnar to July.

-Stephon Marbury starts his 1st game in a Celtics uniform for an injured Rajon Rondo. The C's lost to Orlando 86-79.

-Jon Lester and Red Sox agree to a 5 year $30 million extension, with a $13 million club option in 2014.

-UConn better hope they don't have to see Pitt in the NCAA tournament.

Tito Ortiz v. Forrest Griffin 2 set for UFC 106

Tito Ortiz just announced via his Twitter that he will be fighting Forrest Griffin at UFC106. Griffin is filling in for Mark Coleman, who bowed out with a knee injury. Here's what Tito had to say:

"So the match has been set!!!! Forrest vs Ortiz 2 live Nov 21st Las Vegas PPV. Let the Punishment begin!!!!"

Great job by Joe Silva and kudos to Griffin for accepting the fight. This was a hotly contested match back at UFC59. Tito dominated Forrest in the first frame, bloodying him badly and almost finishing the TUF1 winner. The 2nd round was close and that's more or less where the debate ensues. Griffin came on strong as the fight wore on. It's believe that Tito had an injured knee heading into the fight, and he noticeably lost speed and power on his shots later in the fight and tired quickly. Forrest brought the fight, coming back from near death to almost steal the decision.

It's an intriguing! matchup for both fighters beyond their history, as well. Tito is returning after major back surgery following his loss to current champ Lyoto Machida at UFC84. Griffin, meanwhile, has lost his last 2 fights...surrendering his belt to Rashad Evans at UFC92 then being embarrassed by middleweight champ Anderson Silva at UFC101. Should be interesting, I can't wait!

-Bess

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Schalke

Jefferson Farfan fired Schalke to victory in the Ruhr derby at Borussia Dortmund as Felix Magath's Royal Blues moved up to third.

The Peruvian forward struck in the 31st minute with Schalke's first chance of the game after Dortmund had made a bright start.

And that goal proved to be enough to earn the visitors all three points and leave Dortmund languishing near the foot of the table.

The 134th Ruhr derby attracted over 80,000 fans to the Westfalen Stadion, ! but the majority would have left disappointed.

Dortmund fell to their third defeat of the season and extended their run of games without a win to six against their local rivals.

But it did not look like it would end that way in the first half an hour as Dortmund dominated possession and ought to have found themselves ahead in the 26th minute.

Lucas Barrios' powerful shot from 25 yards out struck the underside of the crossbar and appeared to bounce down behind the line before Manuel Neuer was able to recover the ball, but referee Wolfgang Stark waved play on.

Schalke remained under pressure until a quick break and their first chance of the game led to the winning goal.

Levan Kenia began the attack before feeding Halil Altintop on the left.

The Turkish forward cut in to find Farfan, who used his strength to reach the ball and then place it past Roman Weidenfeller after 31 minutes.

Schalke were buoyed by their shock lead and Raf! inha almost made it two minutes later, but Weidenfeller made a! n excell ent save to deny him.

Dortmund did have the ball in the back of the net early in the second half, but Tamas Hajnal's goal was rightly ruled out for an offside decision against Tinga in the build-up to the goal.

Schalke then had the chance to put the game beyond their hosts in the 70th minute, but Gerald Asamoah blasted his shot over the crossbar after Vicente Sanchez's shot was only parried by Weidenfeller.

The home side threw men forward as they searched for a late equaliser, but Schalke held firm to take all three points and local bragging rights, as well as to move up to third in the table.

Maria Sharapova breezes into semi-finals at Pan Pacific Open in Japan

Maria Sharapova has comfortably seen off the challenge of Iveta Benesova to remain on course for a potential final against Jelena Jankovic at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan.

The Russian former world No 1, champion in 2005 but unseeded this time around, shrugged off a service break in each set before securing a 6-4, 7-5 victory to advance into the semi-finals.

Sharapova said: "I feel like it's almost automatic again. Figuring things out and being patient. It didn't come easy to me at first.

"The goal is to! be aggressive no matter what the situation is. It's about execution and not making errors when you have to step up and win big points."

Seventh seed Jankovic, another former world No 1, powered her way through to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Marion Bartoli, putting an end to her losing streak against the French 14th seed.

"Sometimes I dropped service games but I held many of them, and broke her serve a couple of times. I thought I did quite well," said Jankovic, reducing her record against Bartoli to 4-5.

"She is a good returner. Sometimes I hit good serves, but she broke back and used my power. So I tried to hit so hard first serves and mixed it up at times, which was the difference. I put pressure on her when I was returning."

In the semi-finals on Friday, Sharapova will play either Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia, while Jankovic will meet the winner of the tie between C! hina's Li Na and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

Eredivisie Saturday Review

A last-minute goal by Blaise Nkufo ensured FC Twente maintained their lead at the top of the Eredivisie as they edged a 3-2 win over AZ Alkmaar.

The hosts went ahead through Kenneth Perez nine minutes before half-time but AZ levelled through Mounir El Hamdaoui and an own goal by Peter Wisgerhof gave the Alkmaar side a 2-1 lead with half an hour to go.

Just two minutes later Bryan Ruiz brought Twente back into it and the match appeared to be heading for a draw befor! e Nkufo's intervention brought the hosts all three points.

PSV Eindhoven are second after a goal by Danko Lazovic 10 minutes from time gave them a narrow win over Heerenveen.

That result keeps them one point ahead of Ajax while Heerenveen are third from bottom.

Ajax were emphatic 4-0 winners over Willem II who had Leo Veloso sent off 10 minutes from time.

The Amsterdam team went ahead on the stroke of half-time through Eyong Enoh with substitute Miralem Aulejmani doubling the lead two minutes after coming on.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men before Marko Pantelic after 82 minutes and Luis Suarez with a minute left rounded off the emphatic victory.

NAC Breda were winners over Vitesse Arnhem by the same scoreline as they claimed their second home win of the season.

However, the visitors were forced to play with 10 men for 55 minutes after Frank van der Struijk was sent off for handling the ball in the penalty area.

!

Edwin De Graaf converted from the spot and Kees Kwakman the! n headed a second into the top-right corner, before Anthony Lurling netted twice to round off the result.

Northampton Saints 21 Sale Sharks 16

The Guinness Premiership game between Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday Oct 24, 2009.

Northampton returned home to the scene of their Heineken Cup triumph over Munster but failed to match that performance in a lacklustre win over Sale.

The Saints began full of attacking purpose and looked dangerous whenever their dynamic pack broke the gain line. But too often their rhythm was interrupted in the final third by technical offences and basic errors.

Even Shane Geraghty, looking to ru! bber-stamp his elevation to the England Elite Squad for the autumn internationals, fluffed his lines and was replaced with a quarter of the game to go.

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder admitted that off the field matters disrupted his side's preparation. "It's not been a particularly good week for us. In terms of our performance out in Perpignan and then having some disciplinary problems this week. But I think the way the lads responded was excellent," he said.

It took the sin-binning of Sale centre Andy Tuilagi, for his involvement in an off the ball altercation, for Northampton to make their dominance count in the scrappiest of first-halves.

Ben Foden exploited the numerical advantage by scoring the first try of the game when he wriggled over in the corner following good work from Chris Ashton. This seemed to ! spur the home side on to go looking for more points before ! the inte rval, and they soon had their second.

From a line-out close to the Sale line, Geraghty released Ashton and he looped a long ball out wide to Bruce Reihana, who stepped England wing Mark Cueto to score.

Geraghty added a penalty just after half-time to extend Northampton's lead before the inaccuracies returned to allow Sale a route back into the game.

Northampton's pack, who had looked in complete control for the opening 50 minutes, were turned at a routine defensive scrum five metres out and James Gaskell pounced on the loose ball to score.

A yellow card apiece for Mark Easter and Brent Cockbain ensured a dramatic final ten minutes. But Sale left the Midlands content after Charlie Hodgson's penalty brought them a losing bonus point.

Match details

Scores: 3-0 Geraghty pen, 3-3 Hodgson pen, 8-3 Foden try, 10-3 Geraghty con, 15-3 Reihana try, 18-3 Geraghty pen, 18-8 G! askell try, 18-10 Hodgson con, 18-13 Hodgson pen, 21-13 Myler pen, 21-16 Hodgson pen.

Northampton: B Foden; C Ashton, C Mayor (J Ansbro 57), J Downey, B Reihana; S Geraghty (S Myler 62), L Dickson (A Dickens 76); R Dreyer, D Hartley [capt], S Tonga'uiha, I Fernandez Lobbe (C Day 62), C Lawes, P Dowson, N Best (M Easter 53), R Wilson.
Yellow card: M Easter (70-80)
Sale: N Macleod; M Cueto, M Tait (C Bell 80), A Tuilagi, B Cohen, C Hodgson, R Wigglesworth (D Peel 76); G Kerr (J Forster 60), M Jones, E Roberts, D Schofield [capt] (R O'Donnell 80), S Cox, J Gaskell (B Cockbain 54), D Seymour, S Koyamaibole (D Tait 57).
Yellow card: A Tuilagi (30-40), B Cockbain (75-ft)
Referee: P Fitzgibbon (Ireland).

Monaco exits; Frenchmen flourish

Juan Monaco was a high-profile casualty in the second round of the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon on a day which saw five Frenchmen book their places in the quarter-finals.

French wildcard Michael Llodra was on fine form as he beat the fourth-seeded Argentinean 6-3 6-4, joining the top two seeds in the last eight.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the top seed, beat Belgium's Olivier Rochus 6-3 6-2, while Gilles Simon was a 6-1 6-2 winner over compatriot David Guez.

The six! th and seventh seeds did fall, however, in the shape of Paul-Henri Mathieu, who lost 6-4 6-0 to another Frenchman, Marc Gicquel, and Germany's Benjamin Becker, who fell 6-4 6-3 at the hands of French wildcard Arnaud Clement.

Third seed Ivan Ljubicic beat Nicolas Kiefer of Germany 6-3 3-6 6-3.

CAN Cup 2008 Results

Quarter Finals

04/02/2008----------00:00-------- Ghana 2 - 1 Nigeria -----------

-----------------------03:30---------Ivory Coast 5 - 0 Guinea ------

05/02/2008----------00:00---------Egypt 2 - 1 Angola ------------

-----------------------03:30---------Tunisia 2 - 3 Cameroon--------

Semi Finals

07/02/08------------- ??:??-------- Ghana 0 - 1 Cameron

----------------------- ??:??-------- Ivory Coast 1 - 4 Egypt

Third Place

09/02/08----------- ??:?? ----------Ghana 4 - 2 Ivory Coast
Finals

10/02/08 ---------- ??:?? --------- Cameron 0 - 1 Egypt

FRA VICENZA E CESENA VINCE LA NOIA

Vicenza – Cesena 0-0



Vicenza:Fortin,zanchi,ferri, martinelli ,de cesare,gavazzi(sestu),bernardini(Rigoni),signori,botta,sgrigna,margIotta.
Panchina:frison,giosa,minelli,paonessa all.maran

Cesena : Antonioli,lauro,biasi,volta,de feudis,do prado(bonura),piangerelli,parolo,segarelli(predelli),schelotto,djuric(bucchi)
Panchina: teodorani,giunchi,sinigaglia,tattini all.bisoli

Ammoniti:volta,segarelli
Arbitro:Candussio

Al Romeo Menti si sperimenta l'orario all'inglese già provato l'anno scorso in serie A ma con scarsi risultati. I padroni di casa sono privi di Bjelanovic, mentre i romagnoli devono fare a meno di Petras convocato nella nazionale slovacca per le qualificazioni mondiali. Inizio di marca bianconera grazie ad un Do Prado in vena che riesce a scardinare sulla fascia sinistra e riesce a mettere in mezzo cross invitanti prima per Parolo che mette fuori, e poi per il centravan! ti Djuric che spreca. Il Vicenza si rende pericoloso in due circostanze: prima Gavazzi con un diagonale dalla sinistra impegna severamente Antonioli,poi una punizione di Bernardini,fallo di Segarelli su Signori, si stampa sulla traversa ad Antonioli battuto e finisce cosi la prima frazione. Nel secondo tempo
nessuna emozione di rilievo,da segnalare i vani tentativi di Schelotto,Djuric,e di Piangerelli su corner ma non creano problemi all'estremo difensore biancorosso Fortin. Per il Cesena ottavo risultato utile consecutivo che proietta la formazione di Bisoli nei quartieri alti della classifica,per il Vicenza soliti problemi di gioco davanti al pubblico di casa. Bruno Galvan

MUSLERA, ESAME DI MATURITÀ

di Orazio Resta
fonte: lazialita.it

Una notte Mondiale, anche se il Sudafrica dista ancora novanta minuti: Fernando Muslera stanotte affronterà l'Argentina davanti a novantamila tifosi uruguagi. In palio c'è un posto per il paradiso. La squadra allenata da Tabarez, con una vittoria, scavalcherebbe in classifica la selezione albiceleste conquistando la qualificazione al Mondiale. Maradona rischia di restare fuori dalla competiz! ione: quranta anni fa, in Messico, - era il 1970 - l'ultima kermesse senza l'Argentina. La sfida del Centenario è legata a doppio filo a quella tra Cile ed Ecuador: la classifica recita Argentina 25, Uruguay 24, Ecuador 23. Con un successo in Cile, l'Ecuador volerebbe in Sudafrica. Uruguagi e argentini vivono la vigilia nel timore di una pastetta: nelle qualificazioni ai Mondiali del 2006, un pari tra le due nazionali platensi eliminò proprio i cileni che ora meditano vendetta. Comunque vada, il portiere della Lazio stanotte sarà chiamato a fare la sua parte, cercando di frenare Messi e compagni, alla disperata ricerca di un punto per ottenere il passaporto per il Sudafrica. Dopo l'ottimo esordio in Ecuador, il numero uno della Lazio sarà chiamato a un'altra prestazione straordinaria per regalare un sogno a un'intera nazione. Muslera è stato promosso a pieni voti dopo la partita di sabato scorso in cui si è distinto per un paio di interventi prodigiosi. La storia del portie! re laziale somiglia quasi a una favola: dopo un avvio stentato! con la maglia della Lazio, è stato in grado, allenamento dopo allenamento, di convincere anche i più scettici arrivando a conquistare un posto da titolare in nazionale. La Lazio, come confermano le parole del presidente Lotito rilasciate a RomaUno, è pronta a un adeguamento contrattuale. «I fatti hanno dimostrato che è un grande portiere - ha dichiarato il patron della Lazio - Muslera ha un contratto e giustamente quando una persona cresce è giusto che venga valutata nel modo giusto, nell'interesse della persona e della società».

Per scovare nuovi talenti, il Palermo investe sui... televisori!

di Davide Pampanin

Fonte: sport.repubblica.it 15/10/09

Due dirigenti rosaneri impegnati per 18 ore al giorno a visionare filmati provenienti da tutto il mondo.

"Cosa vuoi fare da grande?" Quante volte ce la siamo sentiti fare (ed abbiamo fatto...) questa domanda? Le risposte dei bimbi sono sempre variegate, ma l'astronauta, il pompiere e la maestra vanno sempre per la maggiore. Certo a nessuno sarà mai venuto in mente di rispondere "Il visionatore", professione altament! e innovativa sviluppata in una stanza dello stadio Barbera (e si parla di Palermo, chiaramente!), nella quale viene costantemente monitorato il calcio mondiale per vedere di scovare qualche futuro Pallone d'Oro. Sembra impossibile, ma per 18 ore al giorno la coppia formata dal team manager rosanero Frederic Massara e dal collaboratore Luca Cattani, esamina filmati che arrivano da una rete di osservatori sparsi per tutto il pianeta. Una vera scorpacciata calcistica... Volete qualche numero, giusto per rendervi conto di quello che stiamo dicendo? Visionate 1600 gare e 1300 segnalazioni per arrivare a pescare un nuovo campione. E qualche anteprima, qualche nome succulento? I nuovi campioni potrebbero arrivare dall'Africa, come il ghanese Mensah, od il costaricano Martinez. Ma anche in Europa c'è qualcosa di interessante, là, nella repubblica ceca ecco spuntare Gostonyi! Mo' me li segno... verrebbe da dire! Anche per sapere se Zamparini potrebbe essere disposto a retribuire gli! straordinari a questi due dirigenti, che dopo 18 ore di parti! te in TV , difficilmente conteranno le pecore per addormentarsi. Anche perchè, si può starne certi, oramai sanno contare solo fino a 22...

Del Neri: "Obiettivi? Importante è uscire sempre dal campo a testa alta. Calma su Accardi"

di Rocco Fortunato

fonte:sampdorianews.net

Sampdorianews.net, come da tradizione, era presente a Bogliasco in occasione! della c onferenza stampa di mister Del Neri. Il ritorno all'Olimpico dopo la sconfitta nella finale di Coppa Italia, la situazione in infermeria, gli obiettivi della sua Sampdoria, le reazioni dei suoi colleghi e le caratteristiche della Lazio. Sono questi i principali argomenti trattati dal tecnico blucerchiato.

"La finale di Coppa Italia è stato un ricordo brutto per il risultato finale, ma per quello che hanno ottenuto è davvero tanto! . In una partita secca poi chiaramente ci vogliono un po' di componenti favorevoli. Noi non andiamo a Roma per vendicare niente, andremo consapevoli della nostra posizione e consapevoli di affrontare una squadra che sta facendo bene, giocando un ottimo calcio e che sarà protagonista in questo campionato".

Daniele Gastaldello dovrà scontare all'Olimpico il turno di squalifica inflittogli dal giudice sportivo, mentre Accardi è sulla strada del recupero, anche se, per il tecnico doriano, è giustamente ancora presto per parlare di un suo impiego in gar! e ufficiali: "Possiamo giocare con diversi uomini e lo abbiamo! dimostr ato più volte in questa stagione. Un esempio può essere l'amichevole col Siena dove abbiamo giocato con Lucchini eRossi centrali difensivi. Lo stesso discorso è valso nella partita di Coppa Italia dove abbiamo giocato una buona gara anche senza Gastaldello squalificato. Il problema delle assenze non sussiste perché Rossi è un giocatore di sicura affidabilità. Calma,Accardi sta meglio e sta rientrando piano piano nel gruppo. Verrà il suo tempo, sta bene, ma vogliamo recuperarlo bene per averlo in piena condizione. Semioli invece manca ancora, è un problema perc! hé abbiamo meno giocatori. Mi dispiace perché è meglio avere una rosa completa, ma capita: finora ha fatto bene, ma è stato sfortunato. Lo aspettiamo, rientrerà quando avremo la sicurezza della sua condizione".


Italia e Argentina si sono qualificate ai prossimi Mondiali in Sudafrica, ma Lippi eMaradona si sono resi protagonisti di dichiarazioni dure, rispettivamente nei confronti di tifosi e stampa. Ecco il pensiero del tecnico blucerchiato: "Dipende da cosa di intende con "nemico". Considerare "nemica" la squadra avversaria mi sta bene, ma mi sento in dovere di aprire una parentesi. Io penso che certe volte chi scrive, anche voi giornalisti, debba prima considerare il mestiere de! ll'allenatore. Chi dice parole del genere dovrebbe pensare con! la test a di un allenatore, ma chi scrive non lo è e dovrebbe informarsi meglio. Un allenatore cerca sempre appigli per proteggere la propria squadra e per questo si creano discussioni in generale. La cosa migliore è cercare appigli nella propria squadra, non sugli altri, che è poi quello che facciamo noi alla Sampdoria".


Lo strepitoso inizio di stagione ha necessariamente fatto sognare i tifosi. Mister Del Neri torna a parlare di obiettivi, anche dopo le recenti dicharazioni ottimistiche del Presidente Riccardo Garrone: "Il Presidente ha preso questo come spunto per difendere la propria squadra; è difficile che esterni le proprie impressioni in modo immediato. Posso solo dire che alla Samp come punti non è stato regalato niente. Può essere stata penalizzata in qualche partita come nel caso del rigore non dato contro ilParma, ma penso comunque che quello che mi avete chiesto sia un discorso da non tenersi. Le prime quattro saranno quelle che avranno più punti e, se li avranno, vorrà dire che lo avranno meritato sul campo. L'importante è che la Samp faccia sempre il suo dovere in campo ed esca sempre da esso a testa alta. Potenzialmente le squadre costruite per vincere il campionato sono altre, ma ce ne sono anche tante, tra cui noi, che se hanno un po' di serenità ambientale possono inserirsi in una lotta anche davanti. Ora come ora il campionato è aperto un po' a tutti., perché nessun confronto parte con una squadra già battuta in partenza: è un campionato molto più equilibrato rispetto agli anni passati. Le favorite s! ono certamente le grandi perché hanno investito di più e hanno! un oper ato in maniera diversa dalla nostra, ma questo non significa che non ci possano essere outsider".

Inevitabile un riferimento alle caratteristiche tecnico - tattiche dei biancocelesti. MisterDel Neri nutre grande rispetto nei confronti dei capitolini: "La Lazio è una squadra completa anche nell'uno contro uno. Hanno attaccanti interessanti come Zarate, Rocchi e Cruz, ma lo stesso Foggia è un giocatore di qualità. Il loro centrocampo poi è fisico e allo stesso tempo tecnico. Hanno giocatori importanti in un collettivo interessante. Riguardo eventuali ! somiglianze posso dire che ognuno ha il suo modo di vedere il calcio: loro possono usare sia il 4-3-3 o il 4-2-4 come a Firenze. Hanno parecchie soluzioni di gioco grazie a una squadra votata al gioco offensivo con giocatori duttili che sanno giocare molto bene".

Empoli: domani la ripresa degli allenamenti

di Giovanni Di Noia

La squadra, dopo la dura trasferta di Mantova, ha goduto una giornata di riposo.

La ripresa degli allenamenti e' fissata per domani 19 Ottobre 2009 alle ore 15.30 allo stadio Carlo Castellani di Empoli.

Piacenza, Bini fa autocritica :"Abbiamo regalato la partita al Modena"

di Andrea Ranaldo
Fonte: Eurosport.it

Il difensore del Piacenza, Francesco Bini: "Inutile girarci attorno. Abbiamo commesso errori gravi e ingenuità colossali: alla fine abbiamo fatto tutto noi, regalando di fatto la partita al Modena. Abbiamo faticato molto a giocare contro una squadra, quella di Apolloni, che era schierata con cinque difensori. In più, a volte, siamo stati troppo leziosi e indecisi. Che dire, peggio di così non potevamo fare. Sul primo gol abbiamo lasciato Troiano completamente libero, ! mentre il 2-1 di Cortellini è nato addirittura da una rimessa laterale. Ripeto: abbiamo fatto quasi tutto noi, complicandoci incredibilmente la vita con le nostre imprecisioni. Ora la classifica è decisamente preoccupante. Per fortuna, però, martedì recuperiamo la partita con l'Ancona. Abbiamo la possibilità di rifarci subito e dobbiamo assolutamente sfruttarla".

#075 Convocazioni del 28 Febbraio, 1-2 Marzo

Tutto il Calcio Serie B (Sabato 28/02 ore 16.00)
Conduce: Alfredo Provenzali (diverso rispetto al solito) *

A Empoli - Livorno NON COPERTO

CP Mantova - Bari Francesco Repice
2 Modena - Parma Antonio Monaco
3 Frosinone - Brescia Antonello Brughini
4 Triestina - Pisa Livio Forma
5 Treviso - Sassuolo Ugo Russo
6 Salernitana - Piacenza Gianfranco Coppola
S Rimini - Ancona Aggiornamenti da studio
S Avellino - Ascoli Aggiornamenti da studio
S Vicenza - Cittadella Aggiornamenti da studio

P Albinoleffe - Grosseto Emanuele Dotto

Anticipo di A (Sabato 28/02 ore 18.00)
Lazio - Bologna
Radiocronista: Giuseppe Bisantis
Seconda voce: Massimo Barchiesi

Anticipo di A (Sabato 28/02 ore 20.30)
Juventus - Napoli
Radiocronista: Antonello Orlando
Seconda voce: Tarcisio Mazzeo

Tutto il Calcio Serie A (Domenica 1/03 ore 15.00)
Conduce: ! Alfredo Provenzali
In studio: Emanuele Dotto *

CP Sampdoria - Milan Riccardo Cucchi
2 Reggina - Fiorentina Tonino Raffa
3 Siena - Genoa Giuseppe Bisantis
4 Cagliari - Torino Andrea Coco
5 Atalanta - Chievo Vr. Antonio Monaco
6 Palermo - Catania Roberto Gueli
7 Udinese - Lecce Livio Forma

Posticipo di A (Domenica 1/03 ore 20.30)
Inter - Roma
Radiocronista: Francesco Repice
Seconda voce: Tarcisio Mazzeo

C.P.: Campo principale della trasmissione pomeridiana
* Da notare l'assenza per tutto il fine settimana di Filippo Corsini

#169 Highlights della 38^ giornata di Serie B

Venticinque reti nel trentottesimo turno della serie cadetta. Tre le vittorie esterne, quelle di Modena ad Ascoli, del Grosseto contro il Cittadella, del Livorno a Salerno. In classifica sempre più vicina la matematica promozione del Bari, ora a più undici punti sul Livorno, e sempre più affascinante la lotta per i posti nei play-off. In fondo alla classifica, entra in zona retrocessione la Salernitana, mentre ne esce il Modena. Anche nelle ultime posizioni la classifica è corta e riserverà ancora molte sorprese. Ma vediamo le partite singolarmente:

Albinoleffe – B! rescia 1-1: Il vantaggio nella prima parte di gara illude l'Albinoleffe che divide la posta in palio con il Brescia che pareggia nella ripresa. Gara aperta ad ogni possibile risultato vista l'importanza del match. I bergamaschi restano vicini alla zona play-off, ma vengono scavalcati in classifica dal Grosseto. Per l'Albinoleffe tra recuperi e turni di campionato regolari si trattava della terza partita consecutiva in casa, in queste ha ottenuto una vittoria, un pareggio ed una sconfitta. Il Brescia torna al quarto posto ed ottiene il terzo risultato utile di fila in trasferta.

Ascoli – Modena 1-2: Il Modena fa il colpaccio della giornata ed ottiene una vittoria importante in chiave salvezza. Gli emiliani con questi tre punti si portano in diciottesima posizione, in piena zona play-out. Per i gialloblù seconda vittoria consecutiva fuori casa. L'Ascoli subisce la quinta sconfitta interna della stagione. Per i biancone! ri momento delicato con ben tre sconfitte di fila, ma la class! ifica se mbra essere sicura per gli ascolani a più sette dalla zona play-out.

Avellino – Parma 3-3: Partita infinita al Partenio. Parma sempre in vantaggio, soprattutto nella ripresa con ben due gol di scarto. Sul 1-3 la partita sembrava finita, invece i campani con un veloce uno-due pareggiano i conti. Per l'Avellino si tratta del secondo pareggio interno consecutivo. Il Parma invece sciupa una buona occasione per mantenere invariato il distacco dal Livorno, ora i punti sulla terza sono sei. I parmigiani portano a quattordici la serie di partite utili consecutive.

Bari – Empoli 0-0: Festa rinviata al San Nicola. Il Bari infatti non riesce a superare l'ostacolo Empoli. Pugliesi vicini al vantaggio in diverse occasioni, ma per ben due volte il portiere avversario nega il gol. I pugliesi recriminano inoltre per un rigore non concesso dopo un fallo su Masiello. L'Empoli dal canto suo disput! a una partita molto accorta e raramente si rende pericolosa in area barese. Il Bari resta a più undici punti sul Livorno e domenica potrà avere un altro match-point per chiudere il discorso promozione. L'Empoli invece centra il suo terzo pareggio di fila nella terza gara esterna consecutiva, ora si trova al sesto posto, in zona play-off, insieme al Grosseto.

Cittadella – Grosseto 0-2: Si rianimano le speranze play-off per il Grosseto, che con questi tre punti si porta al sesto posto, l'ultimo utile per i play-off. I grossetani si impongono nella ripresa disputando una gara più convincente del primo tempo. Per il Cittadella quinta sconfitta interna della stagione e zona play-out a tre punti di distanza. Il Grosseto entra in zona play-off e porta a sei la serie di partite utili consecutive, con tre vittorie (due nelle ultime due trasferte) e tre pareggi.

Mantova – Treviso 3-1: So! ffre il Mantova, che solo nel secondo tempo riesce ad avere la! meglio su un tenace, seppur poco incisivo, Treviso. I virgiliani guadagnano punti fondamentali sulla zona play-out, ora distante cinque punti. Mantovani al terzo successo casalingo nelle ultime quattro gare. Il Treviso resta ultimo in classifica ad otto punti dalla zona play-out, a quattro giornate dalla fine la salvezza sembra ormai impossibile. Per i trevigiani quarta sconfitta nelle ultime cinque trasferte.

Pisa – Ancona 2-0: Punti pesanti per il Pisa, che allontana una diretta rivale nella zona bassa della classifica. I toscani si portano a più cinque sulla zona play-out e dopo sei turni tornano alla vittoria, nelle ultime sei gare infatti solo due pareggi e ben quattro sconfitte. Se il Pisa esce momentaneamente dalla crisi, l'Ancona ci piomba. Per i marchigiani terza sconfitta di fila, la quinta nelle ultime sei partite e diciannovesimo posto in classifica, l'ultimo valido per i play-out.

! Salernitana – Livorno 0-2: La Salernitana vende cara la pelle ed il Livorno si impone solo nella ripresa. I livornesi si portano a meno otto dal Parma, che pareggia ad Avellino, ma soprattutto allungano sul Brescia, ora a meno due dal terzo posto. Per i toscani seconda vittoria consecutiva in trasferta. La Salernitana perde una posizione in classifica, ora si trova al ventesimo posto, e precipita in piena zona retrocessione. Per i campani prima sconfitta interna dopo quattro turni casalinghi utili nei quali avevano raccolto ben dieci punti.

Sassuolo – Frosinone 1-1: Il Frosinone perde una buona occasione per guadagnare punti fondamentali in chiave salvezza. Ciociari in vantaggio nel primo tempo e raggiunti nella ripresa dagli emiliani. Questi restano al quinto posto, ottenendo il settimo punto nelle ultime tre gare giocate consecutivamente fra le mura amiche. Il Frosinone guadagna un punto sulla zona play-out ed otti! ene il secondo pareggio consecutivo, per i ciociari nelle ulti! me cinqu e trasferte solo tre pareggi e due sconfitte.

Triestina – Piacenza 0-0: Deludente 0-0 a Trieste. Gli alabardati sciupano molte occasioni e perdono l'opportunità di guadagnare tre punti fondamentali per restare i corsa per un posto nei play-off. La vittoria manca in casa alabardata da quattro turni con solo un punto nelle ultime due gare casalinghe. Il Piacenza perde un posto in classifica ma guadagna un punto sulla zona play-out, che ora dista sei punti. Per i piacentini quinto pareggio nelle ultime sei gare.

Vicenza – Rimini 2-0: Due gol, uno per tempo, permettono al Vicenza di raggiungere la decima piazza in classifica e di portarsi a più sette sulla zona play-out. Per i vicentini a quattro giornate dalla fine la salvezza sembra essere vicina. Per loro seconda vittoria consecutiva in casa. Il Rimini invece mantiene la sua pericolosa posizione in graduatoria ad un punto dai pos! ti per i play-out. Per i riminesi quarta sconfitta consecutiva in trasferta, la sesta nelle ultime sette partite.

Classifica dopo 38 giornate: Bari 73, Parma 68, Livorno 62, Brescia 60, Sassuolo 59, Grosseto e Empoli 57, Albinoleffe 55, Triestina 53, Vicenza e Ascoli (-2) 49, Piacenza 48, Pisa e Mantova 47, Cittadella 45, Frosinone 44, Rimini 43, Ancona e Modena 42, Salernitana 41, Avellino (-2) 37, Treviso (-1) 34 .

Prossimo turno, 39^g. 8-9-11/5/2009 ore 16.00: Ancona – Sassuolo, Brescia – Cittadella, Empoli – Ascoli, Frosinone – Albinoleffe, Livorno – Triestina (8/5 ore 20.45), Modena – Mantova, Parma – Pisa, Piacenza – Bari, Rimini – Grosseto, Salernitana – Avellino, Treviso – Vicenza (11/5 ore 20.45).

Buon calcio a tutti.............

Amarocord 1980-81 (Parte 2)

Chiudiamo la stagione 1980-1981 con la 29a Giornata, quella che per intenderci assegna lo scudetto, almeno virtualmente.

Giornata 29

in studio Roberto Bortoluzzi
Campi principali
da Napoli per Napoli - Juventus Enrico Ameri
da Brescia per Brescia - Como Sandro Ciotti
da Roma per Roma - Pistoiese Paolo Carbone
da Torino per Torino - Udinese Carlo Nesti

Tutto il ! calcio blog chiude per ferie da Lunedì. Questa rubrica torna fra 3 settimane ovvero Giovedì 6 Agosto 2009, antivigilia della finale di SuperCoppa

Highlights 4^ giornata Prima Divisione Lega Pro

Quarta giornata in Prima Divisione con qualche sorpresa nei due gironi. Nel girone A la Cremonese vince in casa con il Lecco e si porta al secondo posto della classifica. Il primo posto è in condominio tra Novara e Lumezzane, la prima ha pareggiato in casa con il Monza, mentre il Lumezzane ha vinto in casa con il Foligno. In coda Paganese e Figline dividendosi la posta in palio guadagnano il primo punto della stagione. Nel girone B La Ternana resta a punteggio pieno, la inseguono Portogruaro (2-1 alla Reggiana) e Pescara (1-0 al Pescina). L'unico successo esterno è del Giulianova che espugna il ter! reno della Real Marcianise per 1-2. Ecco risultati, classifiche e prossimo turno.

Prima Divisione, girone A
Arezzo – Sorrento 2-0 (14/9), Benevento – Pro Patria 1-1, Cremonese – Lecco 3-2, Lumezzane – Foligno 3-2, Novara – Monza 1-1, Paganese – Figline 0-0, Pergocrema – Varese 2-0, Perugia – Alessandria 2-1, Viareggio – Como 0-0.
Classifica dopo la 4^ giornata: Novara e Lumezzane 10; Cremonese 9; Foligno, Alessandria, Pergocrema e Varese 7; Perugia ed Arezzo 6; Viareggio, Benevento e Como 5; Sorrento e Pro Patria 4; Lecco 3; Monza 2; Figline e Paganese 1.
Prossimo turno, 5^ giornata 20/9/09 ore 15.00: Alessandria – Figline, Arezzo – Benevento, Como – Perugia, Foligno – Cremonese, Monza – Viareggio, Pergocrema – Novara, Pro Patria – Lecco, Sorrento – Paganese, Varese - Lum! ezzane.

Prima ! Division e, girone B
Cavese – Spal 2-2, Cosenza – Verona 0-0, Foggia – Virtus Lanciano 0-0, Pescara – Pescina V.G. 1-0, Portogruaro S. – Reggiana 2-1, Ravenna – Taranto 1-1, Real Marcianise – Giulianova 1-2, Rimini – Andria Bat 2-1, Ternana – Potenza 3-0.
Classifica dopo la 4^ giornata: Ternana 12; Portogruaro Summaga 9; Pescara 8; Giulianova e Taranto 7; Verona, Cosenza, Ravenna e Foggia 6; Virtus Lanciano 5; Reggiana, Cavese, Potenza e Rimini 4; Spal 3; Pescina V.G. 2; Real Marcianise ed Andria Bat 0.
Prossimo turno, 5^ giornata 20/9/09 ore 15.00: Andria Bat – Cosenza, Foggia – Ravenna, Giulianova – Pescara, Pescina V.G. – Rimini, Potenza – Real Marcianise, Reggiana – Cavese, Taranto – Spal, Verona – Ternana (21/9 ore 20.45), Virtus Lanciano – Portogruaro S. .

L'appuntamento con la Prima Divisione è per martedì pros! simo. Alla prossima settimana.

Citati da Giuseppe Bisantis

Ecco l'estratto dell' ultima puntata di Cinquanta con il riferimento al nostro sito

A-Riscopri dov'e' il SOLITO errore !!!!!!!!!!! (cioè W CULELLO)

GOL SEGNATI 27ma GIORNATA:
PIERO 4 GOL
TOMMASO 3 GOL
Cu-LELLO 3 GOL
FELICE 2 GOL
PAOLO 2 GOL
PASQUALE 1 GOL
GIOVANNI 1 GOL
CELESTE 0 GOL

PUNTI CONQUISTATI 27ma GIORNATA:
CU-LELLO 3 PUNTI
FELICE 3 PUNTI
GIOVANNI 3 PUNTI
TOMMASO 3 PUNTI
PASQUALE 0 PUNTI
PAOLO 0 PUNTI
CELESTE 0 PUNTI
PIERO 0 PUNTI

Dov'e' l'errore ?????????????????????

Chi è il più CU-LELLO della Lega??????????????

Statistica estrapolata tra i primi due in classifica :
PALLONE D'ORO
VITTIMA PREDESTINATA P.P.P. = 2033.5 punti
SUPER STRA MEGA CU-LELLO = 1994

SCARPA D'ORO
POVERO DERELITTO P.P.P. = 83 GOL
MEGA IPER CU-LELLO = 65 GOL

CIOE' BEN 18 GOL REALIZZATI IN PIU' MA..................
.................... SOLO DUE PUNTI DI VANTAGGIO IN CLASSIFICA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MI ARRENDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO