Cross-border camaraderie as CWG baton arrives

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 07:38 PM

Attari (Amritsar), June 25 (IANS) The Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games (CWG) entered India amidst a carnival atmosphere at the Attari border outpost with Pakistan to mark the start of the 100-day countdown for the Games.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal accompanied by state Governor Shivraj Patil and other senior leaders were present at the Wagah-Attari border, some 30 km from Amritsar, to extend a rousing welcome to the baton that had completed its 340-day, 190,000 km journey through 70 Commonwealth countries.

Badal, who began his address in English, soon switched over to Punjabi.

'Punjab is happy to host this event and I would like to speak in Punjabi language. Punjab state exists in both sides of the border (India and Pakistan) and Punjabis of these two neighbouring countries share similar kind of lifestyle and food and we all are proud of it,' said Badal.

Pakistan Olympics Association chief Syed Arif Hassan gave the Queen's Baton to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief and Comonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

'I am very happy that the baton is making its entering into India via Attari border in Punjab as this state has produced many prominent sportspersons. Moreover Amritsar is a holy city where we have Golden Temple. It augurs well for the baton journey in India,' said Kalmadi.

Pakistan Punjab governor Suleman Taseer accompanied the baton to India and he shared the dais with other Indian dignitaries.

'This baton carry the message of friendship to India from Pakistan. We all are hopeful that our relations will improve and flourish. Pakistan Zindabad - India Zindabad,' said Taseer.

Even CWG federation chairman Mike Fennell touched upon the significance of both Punjabs while delivering his brief speech.

'I am very delighted to be here on this historic day. There was a great reception to the baton coming from Pakistan to India. It symbolises harmony, inspiration and anticipation,' said Fennell.

Hundreds of people, officials and mediapersons gathered here for the arrival of the baton.

Famous Indian Sufi singers Wadali brothers and Pakistan-based singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan gave a mesmerizing performance at the border.

Punjabi bhangra and gidda dancers, performers from Rajasthan and other states, and military bands added to the festive atmosphere at the border checkpost as the baton arrived.

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Portugal v Brazil - teams

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 07:17 PM

Teams for Friday's World Cup Group G match between Portugal and Brazil at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Portugal: 1-Eduardo; 2-Bruno Alves, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 15-Pepe, 23-Fabio Coentrao, 21-Ricardo Costa, 16-Raul Meireles, 19-Tiago, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 5-Duda, 10-Danny.

Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio, 4-Juan, 6-Michel Bastos, 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 13-Dani Alves, 21-Nilmar, 19-Julio Baptista, 9-Luis Fabiano.

Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)

Follow all matches live at http://live.reuters.com/Event/World_Cup_2010

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Manmohan Singh congratulates Indian cricket team on Asia Cup victory

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 06:53 PM

New Delhi, June 25 (ANI): Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday congratulated the Indian cricket team on their winning the Asia Cup.

In a message before his departure for Toronto to attend the G20 Summit, Dr Singh said: The players displayed team spirit and fighting qualities in bringing the laurels to the country".

India defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by 81 runs in a rather one-sided final of the tournament at Dambulla on Thursday.

Batting first, India put up 268 for six and then bowled out the hosts for 187 in 44.4 overs. (ANI)

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FACTBOX - Five facts about new AC Milan coach Allegri

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 06:37 PM

REUTERS - Five facts about new AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri:

* Born August 11, 1967 in Livorno, Italy

* Started his playing career in the lower Italian divisions before impressing in midfield with Pescara in Serie A and moving to Cagliari, Perugia and Napoli among others

* In 2004 became coach of fourth division team Aglianese, where he finished his playing days

* After a spell at Grosseto, he led unfashionable Sassuolo to promotion to Serie B in 2008 and was soon snapped up as coach of top-flight Cagliari

* Managed to lead modest Cagliari to a top-half finish in 2009, playing an attacking style of football, and was named Serie A coach of the year. Three of his unheralded players received Italy call-ups during his tenure. Allegri was surprisingly sacked in April for allegedly talking to other clubs about jobs.

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FUFfers sexy image beats WAGs?

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 06:21 PM

England's WAGs are facing heavy competition from Germany's own version - the FUFfers.

The frauen und freundinnen, wives and girlfriends, of Germany's footballers, include blonde model Sarah Brandner, 21, who is the partner of midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 25, the Sun reported.

She had shot to fame after she started dating Schweinsteiger two years ago, and she has famously posed in nothing but body paint for Sports Illustrated, the paper said.

Another high-profile FUFfer is defender Philipp Lahm's fiancee Claudia Schattenberg, 26. They have been dating for two years and plan to wed on July 14 - three days after the World Cup final.??

Next is 24-year-old striker Mario Gomez and his girlfriend Silvia Meichel, 22, who have been dating since their teens.

Werder Bremen winger Mesut Ozil, 21, is dating student Anna-Maria Lagerblom, 28, and keeper Tim Wiese, 28, is married to Grit Freiberg and the couple have a three-year-old daughter, Alina.

Defender Jerome Boateng, 21, is dating Sherin Sendler, who is studying fashion, and among the youngest of the lot is model Lisa Muller, who married midfielder Thomas Muller in December at 20.

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England turns to science to ensure penalty shoot-out victory over Germany

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 05:53 PM

London, Jun 25 (ANI): To overcome their past history of failures during penalty shoot-outs in crunch games, England has roped in statisticians to ensure a victory over Germany in their crunch game on Sunday.

England players are undergoing penalty kicks training and will be told exactly where to get their spot kicks during the crucial moment.

England U-21 coach Stuart Pearce pioneered a more scientific method of dealing with pressure penalties last summer during the U-21s run to the Euro final, and it worked in the semi final against Sweden, The Mirror reports.

He wants to take the uncertainty and doubt out of players minds, to the extent that they know the most reliable place to hammer their effort, whether that is top right, bottom left or wherever.

Pearce has his own painful memories of missing a penalty in the 1990 World Cup, when he and Chris Waddle failed to convert, letting Germany into the final, the paper reports.

He explained his take last summer, and England players have replicated it this year, The Mirror reports.

Discussing his U21 shoot out plan, Pearce said: "We have analysed the direction in which players take penalties, which is the most successful way for each of our players, the success rate of those players, and obviously the goalkeeper's technique in saving penalties.

"We spent two years working on those lessons. From years gone by the one thing that comes out is that when a manager walked out to the centre circle they had no idea who his best penalty takers were. He would ask who fancies it. That is not exactly a precise science, is it?" (ANI)

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Jo'burg's Gandhi Square is melting pot for football fans

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 05:37 PM

Johannesburg, June 25 (IANS) Once infamous for some of the most gory crimes in the city, the Gandhi Square here has become the melting pot of football fans at the World Cup.

Gandhi Square was the place where Mahatma Gandhi, as a young lawyer, began his fight for human rights in the early 1900s. But in the twilight of apartheid, Gandhi Square was a forbidden zone and it became the popular hangout for beggars, muggers, glue-sniffers, pickpockets and tramps.

But now, the once dark alleys of Gandhi Square have turned into a safe cosmopolitan downtown neighbourhood, complete with art galleries, cafes, boutique hotels and pedestrian precincts attracting football fans from all over the world.

From diski dancing, a popular South African jig, to watching matches on giant screens and beer festivals, the Gandhi Square is buzzing with all manner of activities.

Ask Pablo Almeida, an Argentine fan, for whom the Gandhi Square is now the most happening place in Johannesburg.

'We were aware of the dark side of Gandhi Square. We were warned never to venture out alone in this place. It was hard to believe the area, which got its name from such a famous personality, was so infamous. But once we came here we were surprised to see how the local administration has worked to change the face of Gandhi Square,' Pablo told IANS.

Pablo is not the only overseas football fan for whom the Gandhi Square has become the pulse of this vibrant city.

Germans, Britons and Brazilians, for all football fans, Gandhi Square is now the place to party.

Jamie Sutherland, a British fan, feels that Gandhi Square has now become the face of the city.

'This place is apt for all football fans. We watch the matches on the big screen with fans of all countries cheering for each other. It is a fascinating experience here,' Sutherland told IANS.

For locals, Gandhi Square has become a prized possession.

'Earlier we used to tell outsiders to avoid the place. But now it has become the face of the city and we are proud of it. We have showed the world that we have prepared well for the biggest sporting party in the world,' said Moses Bruckner.

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L-G satisfied over Games preparations

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 05:21 PM

New Delhi, June 25 (PTI) As the 100-day countdown for Commonwealth Games begins, Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna today expressed satisfaction over the preparations for the mega event, saying all the projects undertaken to improve the city infrastructure will be completed well in time. "I am 100 per cent satisfied with the overall preparations. Everything is progressing very well," Khanna said during a visit to Games Village here. Khanna''s comments came on a day when the Queen''s Baton Relay arrived in India from Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border. The QBR was launched by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 last year. The Lt Governor inspected all the 34 towers in the Games Village being built by Emmar-MGF group and said the towers, comprising 1,168 flats, will be handed over by the real estate firm to the Delhi Development Authority. Officials said ITDC has already started work on furnishing some of the flats. Asked about whether there was any lacuna in the overall preparations, Khanna said he did not want to look back. "I look into the future. I do not look back. The future is bright." In a major relief to Emmar-MGF, the DDA had last year given Rs 700 crore to the real estate firm to complete the Games Village. Asked about preparation on the security aspect, Khanna did not want to comment on it. He only said the government was working tirelessly to ensure fool-proof security in the city. The Lt Governor is looking after the security aspect in coordination with the Union Home Ministry. Khanna also directed removal of shanties near the Games village by July 5 so that plantation can be carried out in the area. Construction workers of the Games village are staying in the shanties. The Lt Governor set a deadline of July 15 to complete horticulture work in the area. Requesting the citizens to offer full cooperation for the event, Khanna also appealed to the people to obey the traffic rules. He said the right lane of the road should be kept vacant for Games vehicles.

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Yuvraj likely to return to Test squad

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 04:51 PM

New Delhi, Jun 25 (PTI) Axed from the ODI squad due to lack of fitness and form, Yuvraj Singh is likely to make a Test comeback when the selectors meet in Chennai tomorrow to pick the Indian team for the three-match series in Sri Lanka. "Yuvraj is virtually a certainty tomorrow, more so especially after (captain Mahendra Singh) Dhoni made it clear how much he values Yuvraj''s presence in the side," a Board source told PTI. Before leaving for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Dhoni was effusive in his praise for Yuvraj, predicting the left-hander would soon return to international cricket. "The kind of talent Yuvraj is, I do not think it will be difficult for him to come back in the side," Dhoni had said. "I am just hoping that he will be back as soon as possible. I am a big fan of Yuvraj Singh. It is a pleasure to have him in the side. "He is one of the best batsmen in the world. He can bat at number four. He is sort of a batsman who can really cash in on. He can play both the ways aggressive cricket and also play good defensive cricket. I do not think it is difficult for him to come back," the India captain gushed. Yuvraj''s last Test match was against Bangladesh in January this year even though a ligament injury did not allow him to bat in the match. Apart from Yuvraj''s inclusion, the Kris Srikkanth-led panel is likely to retain more or less the same squad that played against South Africa earlier this year. "See, the squad is more or less settled. (Sachin) Tendulkar is available, while (Virender) Sehwag is also likely to recover from his injury," the source said. Pacer Ishant Sharma, who played in the Test series against South Africa, is also likely to retain his place, while leg-spinner Amit Mishra is set to be persisted with. PTI RE AY PM PDS

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India beat Sri Lanka, regain Asia Cup after 15 years

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 04:47 PM

Dambulla, June 24 -- Ashish Nehra took off like a plane after sending back Mahela Jayawardene in his second over. It was the 14th over of the Sri Lankan innings and the match was tantalizingly poised. Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara were just grafting in for a long vigil when the wicket fell. MS Dhoni looked pleased like a punch and the celebration continued when Angelo Mathews sent a nick in the same over. Sri Lanka slumped to 50 for 4 and India were clearly on top of the match. The Indian seamer had saved his best for the final and, on Thursday, Sri Lanka petered out without a fight. Chasing 269 for victory, the hosts folded up for 187, handing India an 81-run victory. The visitors finally ended their Asia Cup drought and won the trophy after 15 years. If India had a poor start, losing Gautam Gambhir in the seventh over, Sri Lanka's was poorer when Tillakaratne Dilshan fell in the first over. Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan and Nehra turned the heat on the defending champions and Sangakkara was left to curse his luck for losing the toss in the final. India had an advantage batting first after Dhoni won the toss. Gambhir and Dinesh Karthik set the tone early but the third over got everybody on the edge of their seats. The stadium let out a collective sigh when Gambhir was dropped twice off Nuwan Kulasekara's second over. Thilina Kadambi failed to latch on to a flier from Gambhir at first slip and Sangakkara dropped another chance while standing up to Kulasekara in the very next delivery. It was Karthik who got going after Gambhir was run out, trying to steal a third in the seventh over.

Finally, a gritty innings from Rohit Sharma took India to a modest total.

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US seek revenge as Ghana fly the flag for Africa

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 04:37 PM

Rustenburg, June 25 (DPA) The United States are out to avenge a defeat to Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and reach the quarter-finals in their last-16 match Saturday.

Ghana, meanwhile, carry the hopes of Africa on their shoulders in the match which will set up a meeting between either Uruguay or South Korea for a place in the last four.

Ghana, led by Serb coach Milovan Rajevac, beat the US in the final group stage match in 2006 to send the Americans home, before then going out 0-3 to Brazil in the Round of 16.

'Now we're playing for all Africa,' said midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.

'Ghana is the standard-bearer for the whole continent. The African fans will be behind us as we do everything we can to reach the quarter-finals.'

Defender John Paintsil, who will be facing his Fulham team-mate Clint Dempsey, said: 'We are happy that things have gone our way. We know that if we beat the US, we will face Uruguay or South Korea in the quarter-finals and those are matches we could win.'

Ghana lost their final Group D match 0-1 to Germany after beating Serbia 1-0 in the opener and drawing 1-1 with Australia.

Some concern for the Ghanaians will be the fact that both their goals have come from penalties, scored by Asamoah Gyan, and that they have not converted the chances they have created.

'It's a fact that we haven't scored from open play, but it does not mean that we can't play,' midfielder Sulley Muntari said. 'We will continue to work hard on it.'

US coach Bob Bradley said his coaching and technical staff had prepared well for the eventuality of meeting Ghana, describing them as a 'talented team, athletic team, mobile.'

He added: 'We know some of their guys pretty well, we've watched them a lot and we expect a really good game.'

Striker Jozy Altidore said: 'It's a good chance for us because it's a rematch. A lot of the guys were on that team in 2006 that got knocked out by them. They all understand what the game means and how important it is to all of us.'

Landon Donovan, whose last-gasp goal in the 1-0 win over Algeria, set up the encounter, has been impressed with Ghana after initially thinking the Black Stars would struggle without the injured Michael Essien.

'They're going to be a very difficult team to play with. Clearly their athleticism will be difficult to deal with,' he said.

However, goalkeeper Tim Howard believes a knock-out game suits the US and he is confident the team can get the better of Ghana.

'They're physical, they're strong, they're fast, they can create special moments one-on-one. As individuals, I think that plays to us a little bit because I think we're strong and we're fast and we like to go head-to-head,' he said.

'I think, collectively, if we do the same things we've been talking about, defending well as a unit, staying compact, I think the game will open up for us.'

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England to wear 'lucky' red strip for WC tie against Germans

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 04:21 PM

Rustenburg (South Africa), June 25(ANI): The England team will go into Sundays' World Cup knock-out game against Germany wearing their "lucky" all-red strip.

Steven Gerrard will lead his side out in the red tops, shorts and socks, which the side wore in their 'do-or-die' Group C game against Slovenia, The Mirror reports.

An in-depth statistical analysis reveals that England has won four times out of five when they have played all in red, and the tops also stir memories of the Three Lions' victory over West Germany in the 1966 final, the paper said.

FIFA are expecting 20,000 Brits as well as 20,000 Germans in Bloemfontein's 45,000-seater Free State stadium. (ANI)

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Pak selectors threaten to quit over Mohsin's 'betrayal'

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 04:11 PM

Lahore, June 25 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and controversies seem to go hand in hand, as members of the selection committee have now threatened to resign, saying they were not consulted over the team picked for the upcoming England tour.

According to reports, a member of the selection committee Salim Jaffer has objected to the team selected for the exhaustive tour and alleged that chief selector Mohsin Khan did not consult them before announcing the 17-man squad.

"Jaffer pointed out that normally when teams are selected, all the selectors put their signatures on the final sheet but this time no such thing happened," highly placed sources in the PCB said.

Sources said that the selectors want to resign in protest, as they felt betrayed by Mohsin, who had told them that only the team for the Twenty20 internationals against Australia would be picked in the first phase.

"But they went ahead and picked the Test squad as well for the six Tests against Australia and England which is unacceptable," The News quoted sources, as adding.

They also revealed that the selectors are unhappy by the team manager Yawar Saeed and assistant coach Ijaz Ahmed's direct interference in selection process.

"The biggest problem is that Ijaz and team manager Yawar Saeed have direct interference in the selection of the squad for England and it was obvious they didn't want Younis in the side," they said. (ANI)

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Tait to replace Hauritz in Oz squad

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 03:51 PM

Melbourne, Jun 25 (PTI) Australian off-spinner Nathan Hauritz was today ruled out of the remaining three ODIs of a five-match series against England due to a foot injury and the selectors brought in pacer Shaun Tait as his replacement. "Cricket Australia''s National Selection Panel today advised South Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait will replace Nathan Hauritz in Australia''s squad for the remaining one-day matches of its VB Tour of England," CA said in a statement. Hauritz will return to Australia to recover from the injury that hampered him during the first two one-day games against England. Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Nathan Hauritz has developed pain in his left foot during the first two ODI''s against England. "While the pain was manageable in the first game, it became more severe during the second game. The pain is likely to be related to a previous foot injury and we have decided the best course of action is to withdraw Nathan from the current tour to allow sufficient time for it to recover." Ryan Harris'' will continue to be monitored by CA''s medical staff ahead of the third one-day international against England in Manchester on Sunday. Harris reported soreness in the groin area following the first one-day game against England in Hampshire. Tait will travel with the team from Cardiff to Manchester today.

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Wimbledon practice more important to Nadal than meeting the Queen

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 03:47 PM

London, June 25(ANI): Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has admitted that he declined an invitation to meet the Queen because he wanted to focus on his second round Wimbledon match against Holland's Robin Haase.

Nadal was given the chance to meet the Queen when she visited the All England club for the first time since 1977 on Thursday.

Some of the sport's biggest stars, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Andy Murray, spent time with the Queen during her visit, but Nadal was concerned that he might upset his pre-match routine.

"It was disappointing for me, but the Wimbledon club knows I have my routines before the match. I knew it was going to be a very difficult match. I had to practice around then, so it was impossible for me [to meet the Queen]," The Daily Telegraph quoted Nadal, as saying.

"I have my routines. Before the match, it is very difficult when you don't know when you're going to play. I had to practice at that time, so it was impossible for me to meet her at that moment," he added.

Nadal further said that he had hoped that the Queen would stay to watch his match.

"Seriously, I thought the Queen was going to be at my match and I would love to have the chance to meet her after the match, but it wasn't possible because I think the Queen left before," Nadal said.

"For me it was disappointing. I was excited to meet her, but it was a very important match for me too," he added.

The five-time French Open champion was also adamant that he meant no disrespect to the Queen.

"I have a lot of respect for the Queen. I have a lot of respect for this tournament. It was always my dream to play here. It is a match-day for me so I have my things to do and I try to do what I think is best to win the match," he said. (ANI)

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Tiger Woods is not dad to porn star's son

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 03:37 PM

London, June 25 (ANI): Disgraced golfer Tiger Woods has not fathered a child with porn star Devon James - a DNA test carried out in 2002 has proved that another man is dad to nine-year-old Austin.

James initiated legal proceedings in Manatee County, Florida earlier this month, requesting a judge to determine the paternity of her son.

James, real name Melinda Brinling, alleged Woods had fathered her child after a reported fling in 2001.

She went public with her claims on American news show Extra, telling the programme that she kept her pregnancy and the birth of her son a secret from Woods, but decided to disclose all about the golfer's son following his 2009 cheating scandal, reports The Daily Express.

James maintains Woods knew all about young Austin, because she told him the news after they reconnected when the golfer's wife Elin Nordegren was expecting their first child.

The adult entertainment star wanted to force Woods to submit to DNA testing as part of the paternity suit, but now TMZ.com has obtained documents proving a man named Pele Watkins is 99.99 per cent the biological father of Austin.

James has earlier denied all knowledge of the existence of the 2002 test. (ANI)

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Wimbledon practice more important to Nadal than meeting the Queen

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 03:23 PM

London, June 25(ANI): Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has admitted that he declined an invitation to meet the Queen because he wanted to focus on his second round Wimbledon match against Holland's Robin Haase.

Nadal was given the chance to meet the Queen when she visited the All England club for the first time since 1977 on Thursday.

Some of the sport's biggest stars, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Andy Murray, spent time with the Queen during her visit, but Nadal was concerned that he might upset his pre-match routine.

"It was disappointing for me, but the Wimbledon club knows I have my routines before the match. I knew it was going to be a very difficult match. I had to practice around then, so it was impossible for me [to meet the Queen]," The Daily Telegraph quoted Nadal, as saying.

"I have my routines. Before the match, it is very difficult when you don't know when you're going to play. I had to practice at that time, so it was impossible for me to meet her at that moment," he added.

Nadal further said that he had hoped that the Queen would stay to watch his match.

"Seriously, I thought the Queen was going to be at my match and I would love to have the chance to meet her after the match, but it wasn't possible because I think the Queen left before," Nadal said.

"For me it was disappointing. I was excited to meet her, but it was a very important match for me too," he added.

The five-time French Open champion was also adamant that he meant no disrespect to the Queen.

"I have a lot of respect for the Queen. I have a lot of respect for this tournament. It was always my dream to play here. It is a match-day for me so I have my things to do and I try to do what I think is best to win the match," he said. (ANI)

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New Zealand look to shake up 2014 World Cup

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 03:17 PM

New Zealand's soccer team can look forward to a bright future after a World Cup run in South Africa surprised many and took them to the brink of a shock qualification for the tournament's second round.

The All Whites, one of the lowest ranked sides in soccer's biggest competition and with no big name players, ended the group stage unbeaten, after holding more accomplished teams, including world champions Italy, to draws.

"I think I need to probably pinch myself ... we've finished in the top 24 in the world," coach Ricki Herbert said after the final Group F match against Paraguay saw New Zealand finish third in the group on 3 points after three draws.

Most experts saw the side that has only one player from a major soccer league -- captain Ryan Nelsen plays for England's Blackburn Rovers -- as the whipping boys of the group.

Herbert said there were great things to come from a young team, with most of the players likely to be around for the next World Cup in 2014 in Brazil.

"I think when you look at the team, 85 percent of it can go on to the 2014 programme and there are not a lot of sides that are in that position," he said.

"The future looks extremely bright for this team."

RUGBY-MAD

The hype generated from the tournament, which saw usually rugby-mad New Zealanders glued to screens watching their unheralded side, might also lead to a few more youngsters taking up soccer and spreading the selection pool.

A survey by Sport and Recreation New Zealand two years ago showed that only 5.5 percent of New Zealanders over 16 years of old had played soccer at least once in the previous year. The country's total population is about 4.3 million people.

Many of the squad are still aged in their 20s with standout players Tommy Smith and Winston Reid only 20 and 22 respectively.

Those two helped form a solid defence alongside Nelsen that conceded only one goal from open play, against Slovakia. With a debatable penalty awarded to Italy, the team let in two goals in three games.

Herbert coaxed Smith back from England and persuaded Reid to play for New Zealand after the tall defender represented Denmark at under-19 and under-21 level.

The coach, who played in New Zealand's only other World Cup in 1982 that ended in three heavy defeats, said the team raised their game and urged the world to take notice.

"I think right across the board players have really grown in stature. Everyone has played well and I can't find anyone who has not contributed at the highest level."

With neighbours Australia now competing in the Asia qualifiers, New Zealand have an easier path to the World Cup through the Oceania division and may well see many more tournaments.

However, opponents will be more wary of them in future.

Source: Web Search

Team for Lanka Test series to be picked tomorrow

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 02:57 PM

Chennai, Jun 25 (PTI) The Cricket Board''s selection committee will pick the team for India''s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka here tomorrow. The Kris Srikkanth-led panel will meet tomorrow morning to pick the side for the away three-Test series starting July 18 "The All-India Senior Selection Committee will meet at 8:45 am on Saturday, 26th June 2010, at the TNCA, Chennai, to pick the Indian team for the Test series against Sri Lanka in July-August 2010," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement. India''s ODI squad is in Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, which the team won after a gap of 15 years.

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In South African township, the passion live on

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 02:47 PM

Barcelona soccer club have been training this week on a grassless, hard-dirt pitch in South Africa's Mangaung township. Not Lionel Messi and his team of champions from Spain, but a group of local youths.

They have no sponsorship from Coca Cola, McDonald's, or anyone else. They cannot afford tickets to see Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and other household names from England when they come to Bloemfontein to play Germany in the World Cup on Sunday.

Yet if the future of African soccer lies anywhere, it may well be with impoverished but impassioned kids like these.

"I wake up thinking about football. Football means so much to me. I think I will make it," said Matthews Leeuw, an 18-year-old schoolboy, during a break in afternoon training.

The playing field is on a garbage-strewn waste ground in Manguang on the edge of Bloemfontein, a vast expanse of tin shacks, squat breeze-block homes, taverns and car repair shops.

The black residential districts known as townships are a legacy of South Africa's apartheid regime and although they no longer suffer the political oppression of that era, many are still bleak, deprived areas where life is tough.

The goals have no nets, the pitch is strewn with broken glass, and the young players' leave their clothes in plastic shopping bags after changing into ragged shorts and split boots. Cows sometimes wander over.

"Only the city people get chances. No scouts come down here," Leeuw said.

Barcelona are run by Quentin Sewele, 26, a township resident who once played for local side the Mighty Lions. He started the team a year ago and they will make their debut in the city's Metropolitan League in August.

He chose the name because he liked Barcelona, he said.

"I want the team to play like Barcelona. They are all schoolkids. When I was their age, I had a team, so I thought why not start one? It motivates them."

He funds them himself, even though he has no permanent job. For their league debut, they will wear white T-shirts he bought at a local store.

NO TICKETS FOR THE BIG MATCH

The World Cup has thrilled the boys even though South Africa have gone out and only Ghana of the other African teams taking part look likely to progress to the second round of the tournament, the first to be held in the continent.

"It's good for Africa. I tell everyone the time will come for Africa. This was not the time," Sewele said.

He said he had three players he thought had future prospects and introduced a reporter to 17-year-old Kaptein Msiwonakele.

"Football means everything to me. I play for the passion. It is my first priority. I want to become professional, especially to play for Manchester United," Msiwonakele said.

He said his parents had left him and he lived with his grandmother. He watched the World Cup on television with friends.

He was disappointed South Africa were eliminated but proud of their performance, which saw them beat 2006 runners-up France 2-1 in their final game.

"I'm still interested. It is the first time in Africa. Only Ghana are through but I think they are going to make us proud. They are going places," he said.

They were excited about the prospect of the England v Germany match taking place in Bloemfontein and dreamed of meeting the likes of Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard.

"I just wish we had some money to take these players to the stadium," Sewele said.

Still, Leeuw said, the Barcelona boys had learnt a lot from watching the games on TV.

"We are the future. We want to represent South Africa."

Source: Web Search

2010 Games will bring closer the sub-continent people

Published Fri, Jun 25 10 02:37 PM

Lahore, June 25 (PTI) The New Delhi Commonwealth Games, to be held later this year, will help bring the people of the sub-continent closer, feels Chief Minister of Pakistan''s Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif. "This extravaganza will not only bring closer the people of the subcontinent but also the participating countries," Sharif said at a dinner reception hosted by the Pakistan Olympic Association to mark the arrival of the Games'' baton in the country. "It is a big honour for Southeast Asia that it is going to host such a mega event," he added. Sharif assured Pakistan''s support and cooperation to the organisers for successful hosting of the event. He described the Commonwealth Union as a unique blend of various cultures and traditions and said the exchange of sportspersons from various continents gives them a chance to know each other. The POA chief Syed Arif Hasan handed over the Baton to Sharif and underlined the need to revive sports events between Pakistan and India. "Sports teaches the lesson of tolerance and respect, besides creating an atmosphere of competition and athletes carry forward the spirit of the game," he said while addressing the gathering. Manglam Singh, a member of the Games'' Organising Committee, gave assurance that the Indian government will extend full cooperation to facilitate smooth entry of Pakistanis for attending the sporting extravaganza. The Baton arrived in Pakistan on the last leg of its international journey after travelling through 71 nations and was handed over to the Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi at the Wagah border today.

Source: Web Search

Broad sets up England win over Aussies

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 02:07 PM

Birthday boy Stuart Broad took four wickets as England beat Australia to go 2-0 up in their five match one-day series against the world champions at Sophia Gardens here.

England, chasing 240, were in trouble at 109 for three yesterday.

But Eoin Morgan, who'd rescued England from the depths of 97 for four with an unbeaten century, in their series-opening win at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday, made an accomplished 52.

He put on 83 for the fourth wicket with Paul Collingwood before his World Twenty20-winning captain played on to left-arm quick Doug Bollinger for 48.

There was still work to be done though when left-hander Morgan was caught behind off Bollinger. The paceman had taken two wickets for two runs in 13 balls and England were 211 for six.

However, Tim Bresnan (12 not out) and Graeme Swann (15 not out), who ended the match with a six off paceman Clint McKay, saw England to a second straight four-wicket win with 24 balls to spare.

"Chasing 239, you'd take that every time against Australia," said victorious England captain Andrew Strauss.

"We had a bit of a wobble at the end but it's another good performance," added the left-handed opener who made a run-a-ball fifty.

Broad, playing in this series after being rested from England's 2-0 home Test series win over Bangladesh, said: "It's great to be back playing and be involved in this changing room.

"Everyone is seeking constant improvement. I feel in pretty good shape at after three-and-a half-weeks' work in the gym."

Ultimately, an Australia attack lacking injured quicks Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus was unable to defend a below-par total of 239 for seven.

But that owed much to the accuracy of England's bowlers with paceman Broad taking four wickets for 44 runs from his 10 overs, including his 100th at this level as he turned 24 on Thursday.

All-rounder Luke Wright weighed in with one for 38 off nine while left-arm spinner Michael Yardy's eight overs cost just 31 runs as Australia's run-rate slowed in the middle overs.

"It was pretty much a mirror image of the last game," said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

"We just didn't get enough runs after winning the toss. We need guys like me and the top order to get more runs," the star batsman added.

"But you've got to give England some credit."

Broad did most damage in a spell of three wickets for 12 runs in 22 balls as Australia, who were 51 without loss, collapsed to 77 for three after winning the toss.

Australia were indebted to Cameron White's unbeaten 86 off 98 balls including two sixes and seven fours and his sixth-wicket partnership of 84 with Steven Smith, who made 41 in only his second ODI

Opening batsman Strauss -- not renowned as a dynamic one-day batsman -- drive a straight six early on off the struggling McKay, who finished with figures of none for 60 off 9.2 overs.

However, spin slowed England's progress with Smith, one of two Australia changes along with McKay after teenage quick Josh Hazlewood and Ryan Harris (groin) were omitted, taking the key wicket of Kevin Pietersen for 33 thanks to a leaping one-handed catch by Ponting at mid-wicket.

Strauss pressed on to fifty but, soon afterwards, the left-hander chipped a return catch to off-spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Australia scored 34 off their first five overs and were going well before first change Broad brought England into the game.

Broad took his 100th ODI wicket when Tim Paine's glance was held by opposing wicketkeeper Kieswetter.

He then captured the prize wicket of Ponting, out for 13 when caught behind after edging a superb ball that cut away.

England then enjoyed a tactical triumph, and again Broad was involved.

Three balls after Swann was stationed in the unusual one-day position of short leg, Michael Clarke -- who managed just one -- gloved a catch to the close-in fielder off a rising delivery.

The series continues at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

Japan make history by sinking Danes

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 01:51 PM

Superb free-kicks by Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo inspired Japan to an exhilarating 3-1 win over Denmark here today that sends them into the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time on foreign soil.

The two first-half strikes set Takeshi Okada's squad on track for a meeting with Paraguay in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Denmark pulled a goal back when skipper Jon Dahl Tomasson netted the rebound from his own penalty after Daniel Agger had been shoved off the ball by Japan's captain, Makoto Hasebe, nine minutes from time.

But substitute Shinji Okazaki wrapped up a famous victory and condemned the Danes to their first group-stage exit from a World Cup.

Needing to win against opponents requiring only a point, Denmark's best period came in an opening quarter of an hour in which they might easily have taken the lead.

Tomasson failed to connect with Simon Poulsen's deflected cross on the edge of the six-yard box and a penalty claim was waved away when, from the resulting corner, Per Kroldrup seemed to be impeded by centreback Yuji Nakazawa as he volleyed wide.

Japan hit back with two chances in quick succession.

Daisuke Matsui was thwarted at close range by Thomas Sorensen's legs before skipper Makoto Hasebe struck a drive fractionally over the angle of bar and post.

Cutting in from the left, Tomasson then saw his attempt to place a shot beyond Eiji Kawashima run inches beyond the far post, just before Japan claimed the lead.

A free-kick conceded 35 yards out did not seem to present a major danger and Honda's shot was not struck with full power.

Sorensen, though, misread it, moving initially to his left before failing to get back across to his right in time to prevent the strike from finding the corner of the net.

The Stoke goalkeeper was at fault on that one but there was little he could do about Japan's second, on the half-hour mark.

Kroldrup was booked for pulling down Yoshito Okubo on the edge of the area and Endo stepped up to dip a David Beckham-esque free-kick over the corner of the wall and just inside Sorensen's left-hand post.

Danish coach Morten Olsen reacted by replacing 34-year-old midfielder Martin Jorgensen with Jakob Poulsen.

But the introduction of younger legs had little impact, with Christian Poulsen's comfortably-saved long-range effort the best the Danes could muster before the break.

Source: Web Search

Ponting blames poor run from him, top-order for England ODI woes

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 01:37 PM

Cardiff (Wales), June 25(ANI): Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has put the responsibility on himself and the rest of team's batsmen to provide his inexperienced bowling attack with larger totals to defend in their one-day series against England.

Australia has failed to register score big in the tournament so far, where England have comfortably chased down their scores of 7-267 and 7-239 in the opening two games in Southampton and Cardiff respectively.

"We have to address that obviously; I and the guys at the top need to be consistent run scorers, and we haven't done that in the first two games," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"From the outside today, it probably looks like we bowled pretty poorly, but we would have bowled better if we'd had more on the board," he added.

The 35-year-old, who has made a slow start to the England tour with scores of 33 against Ireland, 17 against Middlesex, 21 and 13 against England, further believes that he needs to be consistent with big scores.

"I have not got any, I felt pretty good in the first game, but did not go on and get a big score there and was not great today. Batting in the top order it is your job to make big scores and make them consistently," Ponting said.

"I have not done that in the first two games. Three games to go and hopefully I can do that in the last three games," he added.

England leads the five match ODI series 2-0 ahead of Sunday's game three at Old Trafford in Manchester. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England stars better at penalty shoot-outs than Germans, say stats!

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 01:17 PM

London, June 25(ANI): A new survey has found that England can turn the tables on penalty maestros Germany in Sunday's World Cup last 16 clash.

An in-depth statistical analysis revealed that Fabio Capello's men have a better scoring rate from the spot than their German counterparts.

The survey for The Sun by statistics experts at Opta looked at the past four seasons - covering English and German league games, domestic cup competitions in England, Champions League matches and internationals.

It revealed that the players in Germany's squad for the World Cup scored 23 penalties in 29 attempts, a success rate of 79 per cent, while England stars tucked away 79 out of 98, or 80 per cent, The Sun reports.

It also found that England keeper David James is better at stopping spot kicks than German goalie Manuel Neuer.

James has saved nine out of 29, a rate of 37.9 per cent, while Neuer has kept out four of 11, or 36.4 per cent.

It certainly gives fresh hope to Brit fans, who have seen England being knocked out by Germany on penalties in the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro '96. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Zimbabwe refuses to rule out opposing Howard's ICC bid

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 01:07 PM

Sydney, Jun 25 (ANI): Zimbabwean cricket chief and an associate of President Robert Mugabe, Peter Chingoka, has refused to rule out opposing John Howard as the International Cricket Council's next vice-president after meeting the former Australian prime minister.

Howard was in the country to meet key figures of Zimbabwe Cricket to get Zimbabwe's support for his nomination as vice-president of the ICC.

Zimbabwe had earlier tried to convince fellow council members that Howard lacks appropriate support to bid for the vice-presidency of the ICC, as President Mugabe does not think fondly of the former premier after he ordered the Australian team not to tour the country in 2007.

"I don't have much to say, we had a friendly discussion, it was very constructive, we were very honest and frank with each other. The matter will be discussed by the ICC, so I don't think it's appropriate for me to say any more," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Chingoka, as saying.

Pressed on whether he could guarantee Zimbabwe would not attempt to block Howard's candidacy, Chingoka said: "I have already given you an answer, more than what I wanted to."

Howard said on Thursday it was his personal wish that Zimbabwe be rehabilitated as a Test nation following his meeting in Harare with the country's cricket heavyweights.

As Prime Minister, Howard played a leading role in Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth.

"My personal wish is to see Zimbabwe fully reintegrated into the world cricket family and see the sport continue to grow in all parts of the world, including Zimbabwe," Howard said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Fabregas backs USA to reach World Cup semi-finals

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 12:47 PM

Cape Town, June 25(ANI): Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is tipping the United States to reach the World Cup semi-finals after they snatched a dramatic place in the last 16.

Fabregas said that he is not surprised that Bob Bradley's men have topped Group C ahead of England.

"The best moment for me at the World Cup so far was that nail biting end when the USA scored in the last minute against Algeria. It was an incredible finale and was the most memorable one for me," The Sun quoted Fabregas, as saying.

"They are a great team. We found that out when they beat us in the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup last year. So, I wasn't surprised at all they finished top of the group. They are fit and strong and dangerous on the counter-attack."

"They are in a good side of the draw now - they have Ghana next, then maybe Uruguay in the quarter-finals. So, I can see them reaching the semi-finals and then who knows what might happen," he added.

Fabregas further believes that England can beat Germany on Sunday, and will get stronger as the tournament goes on.

"I saw their first two games and they are better than that, they are stronger than that and they should score more goals. On any day you can beat any team," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Defoe trashes Beckenbauer's "stupid" England taunt

Published>Fri, Jun 25 10 12:37 PM

Rustenburg (South Africa), June 25(ANI): England striker Jermain Defoe has dismissed German legend Franz Beckenbauer's taunts where he branded the Three Lions "stupid" for finishing second in Group C to set up a clash with Germany in the last 16.

Beckenbauer also claimed that Fabio Capello's men looked "burnt out" after a long domestic campaign.

"You're never going to get into a position where everyone says nice things about you all the time. We can't get side-tracked, we have to concentrate on ourselves," The Sun quoted Defoe, as saying.

"I don't feel tired. The Premier League is one of the toughest leagues to play in but, if you look after your body and prepare right, you shouldn't have a problem," he added.

Defoe also admitted that he would have preferred to face Ghana rather than Germany in the round of 16.

Earlier, Beckenbauer had said: "A game like this should be a semi-final, not a last-16 game. Stupidly, the English have slipped up a little by finishing second in their group."

"The English look a little tired. There is a good reason for that. The Premier League players have to play far more games than their Bundesliga colleagues. When it comes to a World Cup, they are burnt out," he added.

Beckenbauer captained Germany to the 1974 title, and then coached the team that won the title in 1990.

At the beginning of the tournament, Beckenbauer rekindled the rivalry between the two European giants by criticizing England's style of play under Capello. (ANI)

Source: Web Search