Holland is on a World Cup winning mission: Van Marwijk

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 12:07 PM

London, Jul 7 (ANI): Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has hailed his players, and declared that they are on a World Cup mission after beating Uruguay 3-2 in their semi-final encounter.

The men in orange set up an all-European final against Spain or Germany on Sunday after seeing off Uruguay.

"Our first final since 1974 and 1978 - that came up in my mind in the second half. It's so very special and, as a small country, we can be so very proud. We have a mission and we have almost succeeded but we are not there yet," The Sun quoted Van Marwijk, as saying.

Holland looked comfortable at 3-1 up, though Uruguay made them work hard by pulling back a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Van Marwijk said: "After the second and third goals, we should have scored a fourth. That would have prevented that final phase.

"But this is a World Cup. It doesn't matter how you do it, it's all about the result. I love attacking football, beautiful football. But you have to work together when the opponent has the ball and then you can go a long way. I always make the comparison with Barcelona."

"They play my kind of football but look at what happens when Barcelona lose the ball. Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta and Xavi are prepared to pressurise the ball and win it back. If you can get that mentality in the team, you're on the right path. That's what we've managed to do so far," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Germany and Spain in fight for final

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 11:57 AM

Germany and Spain do battle on Wednesday for the right to meet the Netherlands in the World Cup final, in a semi widely expected to be one of the most exciting clashes of the tournament.

A 3-2 Dutch victory on Tuesday against a Uruguayan side who fought until the last minute in a thrilling encounter, guaranteed Europe would win its first trophy outside the continent in the final at Johannesburg's Soccer City on Sunday.

The semi-final in Durban on Wednesday promises to be another thriller with both teams committed to attack and fast passing.

The speed and quality of the German side has been one of the surprises of the tournament while European champions Spain are one of the world's most stylish teams, able to torment opponents with precision passes and possession.

Germany will be looking for revenge for their defeat by Spain in the 2008 Euro final.

But German coach Joachim Loew says they have got better and the speed of their game has improved since then, while Spain are the same, admittedly efficient, side as two years ago.

The Netherlands, in their first final since 1978, had to endure some nail-biting moments in the other semi-final on Tuesday when Uruguay pulled a goal back in added time and looked in danger of scoring another in the dying seconds.

Before the Netherlands, considered the best team never to have won the World Cup, were grabbing their place in the final, Africa's heroes Ghana were feted on Tuesday when they returned home after narrowly failing to reach the semi-final.

The Ghana team, the only one of six African sides to do well, was granted a $20,000 bonus for each player and hailed by both President John Atta Mills and former United Nations chief Kofi Annan, who said they were moral victors.

They were controversially beaten by Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out after becoming only the third African team to reach the quarter-finals in a World Cup.

ONE DEFEAT EACH

Germany and Spain have suffered only one defeat in the tournament, both to small teams -- Switzerland beat Spain and Serbia defeated Germany in the group stages.

But Germany have been the most impressive scoring four goals on three separate occasions: sweeping aside Australia, England and most sensationally favourites Argentina who were crushed by the speed and quality of the youngest German squad for 76 years.

Germany and Spain share a healthy respect for each other.

German coach Loew said Spain would be much harder to beat than Argentina and Vicente del Bosque paid tribute to his opponents' blend of youth and experience.

Loew has built a formation that tries to incorporate English pace, Italian defence and the fluidity of their Spanish opponents.

Spain started more slowly in this tournament and have scored fewer goals, but striker David Villa is deadly in pouncing on the slightest chance and Xavi and Andres Iniesta orchestrate a constantly mobile midfield.

Both teams represent one of the features of Africa's first World Cup -- that success is built on teamwork rather than sides that revolve around the many big names who have flopped here including Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

There was one hiccup in German harmony on Tuesday when World Cup captain Philipp Lahm said in a newspaper interview he saw no reason to give up the armband when Michael Ballack returned to fitness after the injury that kept him out of the side.

But team officials shrugged this off, saying it represented no dissent or conflict.

Germany will be without suspended midfielder Thomas Mueller. Loew has several options to replace him.

Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas is likely to be available after an injury to his leg proved less serious than feared.

More of a worry for Del Bosque may be the continuing failing form of striker Fernando Torres who has not hit his stride properly since returning from surgery.

But Villa's deadly form has made up for that in previous matches. He has rarely missed when given even half a chance near goal.

Superstitious German fans may be worried that an allegedly psychic octopus which has correctly predicted the result of all their matches so far here, foresees a loss against Spain.

Paul the octopus, which lives in an aquarium in western Germany, makes his prophecy by picking food from containers marked with the flags of the two teams.

Perhaps to counter the octopus, Germany coach Joachim Loew is refusing to change his trademark blue sweater on the touchline because staff and players think it brings them luck.

Source: Web Search

Afridi wants Pak to be more consistent

Published Wed, Jul 07 10 11:21 AM

Karachi, Jul 7 (PTI) Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has demanded more consistency from his players as the team gears up for a Test series against Australia in England. "The key is for us to develop a habit of winning matches more regularly and consistently like other top teams including Australia and South Africa," Afridi told ''Geo Super'' channel from Birmingham. Afridi, who will lead Pakistan in the Test series against Australia starting July 13, said he was delighted that the team was finally back to winning matches. "I knew sooner or later we will win back to back matches because we have been performing well since the Twenty20 World Cup but missed out in close matches. I think now that we have regained our winning habit we must work harder to maintain it and make winning a habit," he added. The flamboyant all-rounder said he would keep reminding his players that there was a big difference between Twenty20 cricket and Test matches. "There is a difference and we have to be aware of this. But the good thing is that a win is a win in any form of the game and this series win should serve a confidence booster for us ahead of the Tests," he said. The Pakistan captain admitted that the tests would be a much tougher challenge as Australia had more experienced and proven Test performers. "They are a very experienced and successful Test side so we have to be playing really well to beat them. We need to grab the opportunities that come our way to pressurise them," he added. Afridi said the team would miss the services of senior players like Muhammad Yousuf and Younus Khan in England. "Obviously we will miss their experience. I wanted them in the team for this tour and I tried my best to see they were in the team but for different reasons this couldn''t happen and it is unfortunate." "But one has to manage with the available resources so right now I am focusing completely on the team I have, on the new players because they are the ones who will fight for Pakistan in the Test matches and I retain confidence they can do this," he said.

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Even though it lost, Uruguay celebrated

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 04:17 AM

Montevideo, July 7 (DPA) Despite the 3-2 loss by Uruguay to the Netherlands Tuesday at the World Cup, tens of thousands rushed into the streets of Uruguay's capital and other cities in the region to celebrate the achievement of their team.

It was the first time since 1974 that the small South American country with only 3.5 million people reached the semi-finals. Uruguay's two world championships - in 1930 and 1950 - span many a human lifetime.

'Pride. I feel pride. That as such a small country, we came so far. By playing decent, fair football and without any big names. Morally, we are already world champions,' said a Uruguayan patriot.

The mood was at least as good as after the previous victories of the national team. Thousands of Uruguayans celebrated in the streets, calling over and over, 'I am light blue, I am light blue!,' a reference to the Uruguayan colours.

'Holland was no better!' and 'Uruguay dominated play!' they called.

Uruguay's popular President Jose Mujica watched the game at a sport centre with 1,500 children and youth in Montevideo. Former players, ministers and presidential staff mingled at the affair.

Source: Web Search

Dutch reach World Cup final after 3-2 defeat of Uruguay

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 03:17 AM

Cape Town, July 7 (DPA) The Netherlands will play their first World Cup final in 32 years after defeating Uruguay 3-2 Tuesday.

Dutch wonder duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were both on target in the Cape Town semi-final after stunning long-distance goals from the teams' two captains, the Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Uruguay's Diego Forlan.

Maximiliano Pereira's goal for Uruguay in stoppage time came too late to make a difference.

With Germany and Spain contesting the other spot in the final, Tuesday's result means a European team is guaranteed to win a World Cup organised outside Europe for the first time.

The last time the Dutch reached a World Cup final was in 1978, when they lost to hosts Argentina.

'We are so proud. It was a difficult match, but we fought and had a little luck. We are very satisfied,' said Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

Uruguay go home with their heads held high after their best World Cup performance since 1970.

The last time the sides had met at a World Cup was in 1974, in a game won by the Dutch and featuring Forlan's father in the Uruguay squad.

This time round, Forlan junior was leading the South Americans' attack following the suspension of 'hand of God' Luis Suarez.

Uruguay were also missing defender Jorge Fucile, also suspended, while the Dutch had to do without two suspended players, defender Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong.

Apart from a misfired effort from Dirk Kuyt on the 4th minute, the game struggled to lift off, with neither side taking too many risks.

It badly needed a surprise to get the crowd going, and a surprise they got: In the 18th minute, from nowhere land, Van Bronckhorst produced a missile of a shot that whooshed past Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, hit the inside of the post and filled the Uruguay net.

It was all that the Prince of Orange, Willem-Alexander, and his wife, Princess Maxima, needed to party in the stands of Green Point Stadium.

Empty seats - about 62,500 fans filled the 64,100-capacity stadium - and a lack of a serious travelling support had left the atmosphere flat in the opening exchanges.

But judging by the huge roar that went up when the Netherlands scored and the boos that met Uruguayan fouls, there was no doubt as to whose side the neutrals were on.

After the surprise came drama. Martin Caceres attempted an overhead bicycle kick but hit Demy De Zeeuw's face instead, leaving the Ajax midfielder bleeding profusely on the ground.

When play resumed, Robben almost doubled the Oranje's lead but was blocked by Caceres.

Uruguay top scorer Forlan must have felt personally offended by Van Bronckhorst's great effort, because in the 41st he decided to match it with another fantastic finish - more central but from almost the same distance, 27 metres - to make it 1-1 and stun the Dutch.

The Jabulani ball fluttered and swerved in the air, but Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg perhaps could have done better.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk decided it was time to take more risks after the break and substituted Demy de Zeeuw, a defensive midfielder, with the more attack-minded Van der Vaart.

But Uruguay grew in confidence and nearly profited from a reckless Khalid Boulahrouz backpass in the 50th minute.

Other episodes that saw them being caught on the ball suggested that Forlan's goal had unsettled the Dutch.

In the 65th, Uruguay captain Forlan took a great free-kick from 28 metres, but this time the Dutch keeper did well to block it. Three minutes later, it was Van der Vaart's turn to be denied by Muslera, with Robben firing the subsequent rebound high.

Despite plenty of effort from the South Americans, the Dutch proved to be devastatingly effective.

In the 70th Sneijder fired a rifle from inside the area, the ball was deflected by a Uruguayan leg and ended up in the far corner for the second Dutch goal.

And it took the Dutch only three more minutes to seal the game with a header from their other diminutive but classy player, Robben, who met a Kuyt cross from the right.

Uruguay, by now exhausted and ineffective, conceded defeat about 10 minutes from time by substituting Forlan.

Their second goal, from Pereira, came two minutes into stoppage time - too late to make a difference.

Source: Web Search

Sneijder inspires Dutch to reach final

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 02:57 AM

Playmaker Wesley Sneijder inspired Netherlands to a 3-2 victory over battling Uruguay on Tuesday that sent them back to the World Cup final after a 32-year wait where they will play in an all-European clash.

Sneijder, scorer of both goals in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Brazil, was on target in the 70th minute to put the Dutch 2-1 ahead before Arjen Robben got a third three minutes later.

Maximiliano Pereira grabbed a second goal for Uruguay in added time but despite a late spell of pressure from the South Americans it was too late to stop the Dutch marching on.

Netherlands progress to their third World Cup final with the win setting up a showdown with either Spain or Germany.

"First final since '74 and '78, that came up in my mind in the second half," said Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk. "It's so very special and as a small country we can be so proud."

"After the second and third we should have scored a fourth. That would have prevented that final phase. But this is a World Cup. It doesn't matter how you do it it's all about the result."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez told a news conference: "I'm very proud of my players... our opponents were better when it came to scoring goals against us. We went very far, no one expected that, so that helps the sadness of the defeat."

Midfielder Egidio Arevalo added: "We had a good World Cup. A lot of years have passed since we've done so well."

Uruguay last reached the World Cup semi-final in 1970.

The first half at Green Point Stadium ended 1-1 after superb long-range strikes from left back Giovanni van Bronckhorst for Netherlands and forward Diego Forlan for the Uruguayans.

EARLY CHANCE

Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera handed the Dutch an early chance when he failed to hold Robben's cross and the ball fell to Dirk Kuyt but he fired over the bar.

Robben had a shot blocked by his own player before Van Bronckhorst put the Dutch ahead in the 18th minute with a powerful, rising shot which went in off the far post.

The goal sparked the Uruguayans -- missing striker Luis Suarez through suspension and captain Diego Lugano through injury -- into life and they began to attack with more purpose.

They levelled four minutes before halftime when Forlan collected a pass, cut inside his marker and scored with a long-range shot that caught goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg wrongfooted although he did get a touch.

The Dutch had more possession after the break but it was Uruguay who created the better openings.

Alvaro Pereira's chip was headed off the line by Van Bronckhorst and Forlan's curling free kick forced Stekelenburg to turn the ball away at the foot of his near post.

Robben then wasted a golden chance for the Dutch when he fired wide when a rebound landed on his weaker right foot.

But Sneijder put the Dutch back in front with a shot through a forest of legs for his fifth goal of the tournament to become joint top scorer with Spain's David Villa.

Three minutes later, Robben scored with a perfectly placed downward header after Kuyt's cross from the left and although Uruguay got a second goal through Pereira the Dutch triumphed.

European champions Spain play Germany in Durban in the other semi-final on Wednesday with the winners playing Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

It will be Europe's 10th World Cup win in 19 finals but the first by a European side outside their own continent.

The Dutch lost both their previous finals in 1974 and 1978 to hosts West Germany and Argentina respectively.

Source: Web Search

Dutch push Uruguay aside 3-2 to reach final

Published Wed, Jul 07 10 02:37 AM

Netherlands pushed Uruguay aside with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday to reach their third World Cup final and set up an all-European clash with Spain or Germany.

Two goals in three minutes midway through the second half from Wesley Sneijder, his fifth of the tournament, and Arjen Robben gave Netherlands a 3-1 lead but Maximiliano Pereira gave them some nervous moments with a late goal in time added on.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst had given the Dutch an early lead with a long-range drive before Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan equalised just before halftime, also with a superb strike.

European champions Spain play Germany in Durban in the other semi-final on Wednesday with the winners playing Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

It will be Europe's 10th World Cup win in 19 finals but the first by a European side outside their own continent. The Dutch lost both their previous finals in 1974 and 1978 to West Germany and Argentina respectively.

Source: Web Search

Statistics: Netherlands at the World Cup

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 02:27 AM

Cape Town, July 7 (DPA) The Netherlands Tuesday booked their place in the 2010 World Cup final with a 3-2 victory against Uruguay. All their appearances at the finals, including the 2010 semi-final:

Year Host Finish Pl W D L GF GA

1930 Uruguay Did not enter

1934 Italy 1st round 1 0 0 123

1938 France 1st round 1 0 0 103

1950 Brazil Did not enter

1954 Switzerland Did not enter

1958 Sweden Did not qualify

1962 Chile Did not qualify

1966 England Did not qualify

1970 Mexico Did not qualify

1974 West Germany Final 7 5 1 1 153

1978 Argentina Final 7 3 2 2 15 10

1982 Spain Did not qualify

1986 Mexico Did not qualify

1990 Italy Round of 16 4 0 3 134

1994 US Quarter-finals 5 3 0 286

1998 France Fourth place 7 3 3* 1 137

2002 South Korea/Japan Did not qualify

2006 Germany Round of 16 4 2 1 132

2010 South Africa Final 6 6 0 0 125

Total 42 22 10 10 71 43

* Lost semi-final match against Brazil on penalties

Source: Web Search

Dutch in World Cup final after 3-2 defeat of Uruguay

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 02:17 AM

Cape Town, July 7 (DPA) The Netherlands will play their first World Cup final in 32 years after defeating Uruguay 3-2 Tuesday.

Dutch wonder duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were both on target in the Cape Town semi-final after stunning long-distance goals from the teams' two captains, the Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Uruguay's Diego Forlan.

Maximiliano Pereira's goal for Uruguay in stoppage time came too late to make a difference.

With Germany and Spain contesting the other spot in the final, Tuesday's result means a European team is guaranteed to win a World Cup organised outside Europe for the first time.

The last time the Dutch reached a World Cup final was in 1978, when they lost to hosts Argentina.

Source: Web Search

Pakistan complete two wins in two days over Australia

Published Wed, Jul 07 10 01:57 AM

Pakistan completed a second Twenty20 victory over World Cup finalists Australia in as many days at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday.

The Pakistanis, beaten by Australia in the World Cup semi-finals in the Caribbean this year, won by 11 runs after their 23-run win on Monday to clinch the two-match series.

Pakistan posted a challenging 162 for nine with six of their batsmen reaching double figures, including the Akmal brothers Kamran and Umar who scored 33 and 25 respectively.

Captain Shahid Afridi, who took two excellent catches on Monday, struck with the ball this time. Afridi took two for 30 from his four overs of quickish leg-spin to reduce Australia to 104 for five.

Michael Hussey, who steered Australia to victory in the World Cup semi-final in St Lucia when Pakistan appeared to have the game won, kept his team in the match batting at number seven.

Left-hander Hussey scored 25 from 14 balls but his dismissal lbw to Umar Gul spelled the end of his team's hopes and they were eventually all out for 151 from 19.4 overs.

The teams meet at Lord's next Tuesday in the first of a two-test series.

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INTERVIEW - Bruno Senna stewed over chops

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 01:37 AM

Brazilian Bruno Senna wants Formula One race director Charlie Whiting to see what can be done to prevent drivers "chopping" each other up on the racetrack.

"It is happening a lot this year where drivers who are overtaking other drivers are just chopping in front too many times," the Hispania (HRT) driver told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.

"With the front wing sizes we have, everybody is losing front wings," added the nephew of the late great triple champion Ayrton, who was himself not averse to aggressive manoeuvres.

"The amount of front wings that are being damaged or lost, and punctures on the rear tyres, is ridiculous," Senna continued. "Even if you are not competing for position, sometimes they just chop in front of you.

"I think it's maybe a good idea (to raise with Whiting in the drivers' briefing). We need to see what can be done."

'Rant over," the 26-year-old concluded with a smile, leaning back against the walls of a neighbourhood Italian restaurant adorned with framed black and white pictures of grand prix greats in action.

Senna, whose new team have yet to come anywhere close to scoring a point and are lapped several times if fortunate enough to get to the finish, said the problem did not just affect backmarkers like himself.

He felt, however, that stewards gave more weight to the leading teams, whose racers have complained this season that they are being held up by drivers from the slower new teams.

GOODWOOD THROWBACK

At the most recent European Grand Prix in Valencia, Senna and Virgin Racing's Timo Glock were called to the stewards after they collided while fighting for position in the race.

"He (Glock) caused a problem for the faster cars because he didn't let them pass early enough," said the Brazilian. "That's what they were looking at in terms of penalising, not at the incident itself when he chopped my front wing.

"So I think we need to look at it more seriously."

Senna has limbered up for Silverstone this weekend by driving at Goodwood the McLaren that Ayrton drove to five race wins in 1993, the season before his death at Imola in a Williams.

He had already driven his uncle's 1985 and 1986 Lotus cars elsewhere as well as the 1988 McLaren but it was still a precious moment.

So special that Senna drove back down the hill with one hand on the steering wheel and the other in the air to film the occasion with his camera phone. The result was sent to his 74,000 followers on Twitter (@bsenna).

"It's crazy, you get to feel what they felt then with the cars, how much technology changed from the beginning of his career to the end," said Senna of the drive.

Without being unkind, it was probably the closest Senna will get to driving a race-winning car this season. He laughed at the suggestion.

"At the end of the day you never know what can and cannot happen in the future," he grinned. "All I can do is keep pushing and hopefully get some good results."

"I think I have developed a lot, learned a lot in Formula One," continued the man who finished runner-up in the GP2 support series in 2008 and started on pole at Silverstone in that championship as well as in Formula Three.

"I have improved so much on driving and being assured of myself, in motivation.

"It's very hard to being always used to being in the front and then you start running towards the back. It's very tough being lapped, it hurts you in the mind a lot.

"Even though we know that the car is not competitive...you always expect that you can do something very special. In the end of the day, all I think about is making my career long."

The Brazilian said HRT, despite evident financial constraints on the Spanish-based team, remained his main focus for next year.

"It's a bit frustrating when you are trying to compete but can't," he said. "But at the end of the day my career is not about only this year."

Source: Web Search

World Cup has lifted SA to the fore : Zuma

Published Wed, Jul 07 10 01:07 AM

Cape Town, Jul 6 (PTI) President Jacob Zuma today said the ongoing football World Cup has helped South Africa project itself as a key world player when it comes to organising events of such magnitude and make "good returns" from the tourist inflow due to the games. "They have seen the warm friendly people of our country; they have seen the precision when it comes to planning and arrangements and they have seen the efficiency when it comes to our security," Zuma told about 80 portfolio fund managers from across the world. "A mere 20 years ago, nobody could want to come here. Apartheid seemed near impossible to overcome, but we did (overcome it). We did not give up. We overcame," he said. He said while the World Cup, like the Rugby World Cup in 1995, had the ability to unite South Africans and transform the country, it would also leave a lasting legacy on education as well as new sports centres which FIFA had pledged to build. Added to this, South Africa had made "good" returns from the World Cup, which includes R32 billion spent on transport, infrastructure and telecoms and 66 000 jobs were created through the building of new stadiums. "I don''t think any would say no, if we say let us have the Olympics, because we have the facilities," said Zuma. He urged fund managers, from countries such as Finland, Singapore, Chile and the UK, to explore Africa''s many investment opportunities. "Africa is open for business, explore your opportunities and find new partners and find returns on your investment. It is a positive time," said Zuma. He said the new global framework being drawn up by the G20, of which South Africa is a member, must create new opportunities for new centres of economic growth and allow new entrants into the mainstream. He also called for a relook at how heads of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are elected and said the process needed to be more "thorough and just" and not simply be based on the nominee''s nationality. Historically, the IMF''s managing director has been European and the president of the World Bank has been from the US.

Source: Web Search

Germany unaffected by captain controversy

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 12:57 AM

Germany's focus on their World Cup semi-final match against Spain on Wednesday has not been blurred by a captaincy controversy, coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday.

Skipper Philipp Lahm, who took over the role from Michael Ballack after the 33-year-old was ruled out of the tournament with an injury, had earlier on Tuesday said he had no intention of willingly giving up the captain's armband.

Lahm made his comments in an interview with the newspaper Bild.

"That does not bother us at all," coach Joachim Loew told reporters. "Philipp spoke honestly about what he thinks. He has been enjoying the added responsibility and he has done his job here in an exemplary fashion."

Lahm is officially the World Cup captain while Ballack, who recently moved from Chelsea to German club Bayer Leverkusen, remains the team captain.

"Philipp said he would like to continue but he also said he knows it is up to the coach to decide after the World Cup."

ANKLE INJURY

Ballack, who has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury, flew out to be with the team ahead of the quarter-final with Argentina but returned to Europe on Monday prompting speculation he may have been upset with Lahm's comments.

Loew said Ballack had returned to continue treatment on his injury but would come back for the final should Germany win the semi-final against the European champions.

"Michael Ballack is fit. He was checked here by our doctors who suggested he should start training again. so he returned for a bit more therapy but he will come back at the weekend if we win tomorrow," Loew said.

In his comments to Bild, Lahm had said: "It's obvious that I'd like to keep the captain's armband. The job gives me a great deal of enjoyment. Why should I then give it up by choice?

"If you do the job out there on the pitch and you have it under control, as in my case, you want more. You want more responsibility. You want to take care of it all. That is the case with me," he added.

Source: Web Search

Bad day for Armstrong, Schleck out of Tour

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 12:37 AM

The cobblestones of stage three took their toll on two leading Tour de France contenders on Tuesday, seven-time champion Lance Armstrong losing ground and Frank Schleck crashing out of the race.

Armstrong, who suffered a puncture, came in 2:08 behind stage winner Thor Hushovd of Norway. The American lost time to his rivals, including defending champion Alberto Contador and trails his former Astana team mate by 50 seconds.

Swiss Fabian Cancellara regained the yellow jersey.

"They took a knock," Armstrong said when asked about his chances of victory.

"We lost significant time," added the American, now 18th overall, 2:30 behind Cancellara.

Frank Schleck, fifth overall in the last two years, tumbled to the ground in the fourth of seven cobbled sectors on the day's menu and broke his collarbone.

The Saxo Bank rider will take no further part in the race. Team mate Cancellara, the Paris-Roubaix winner on the same roads in April, took the initiative on the first cobbles, 85 kms from the line, and amply deserved to claim his yellow jersey back from Frances Sylvain Chavanel.

"I have mixed feelings. It was a great day for Saxo Bank but we lost Frank. When we heard that he'd crashed, I told Andy (Schleck) not to look back and to go for it," Swiss Cancellara told reporters.

"It was a great chance to take time off Contador and Armstrong and that's what we did. Cadel (Evans) did the same."

Contador, who fared much better than expected on the cobbles, also lost a little time after breaking his wheel in the last two kilometres.

"Compared with other protagonists, we took some time except on Cadel and Andy," said his Astana team manager Yvon Sanquer.

Briton Bradley Wiggins, fourth last year, also limited the damage while Team Sky team mate Geraint Thomas shot to second overall, 23 seconds behind Cancellara.

"It's just another day in the Tour, and tomorrow is another day and you never try get to carried away over one day," Wiggins told reporters.

After Frank Schleck, the most disappointed rider in the peloton was arguably Chavanel.

Winner of the previous stage, the Frenchman held a comfortable lead of nearly three minutes over the rest of the field at the start but a crash and two punctures ruined his dreams of sporting the yellow jersey as the Tour made it back into France.

"I lived a great day yesterday and today was hell. The crash and puncture did not help as I got more tired as the stage went," he said.

Chavanel was yesterday's man. The day belonged to Hushovd.

The Norwegian champion had been angered by the decision by the peloton, led by Cancellara, not to stage a sprint finish Monday due to the poor conditions.

"Everybody knows what happened yesterday. I said to myself I want to forget what happened and focus on winning this stage," said Hushovd, determined to keep the points green jersey he won at the expense of Briton Mark Cavendish on the last Tour.

Source: Web Search

Leonardo tipped to become new Brazil coach

Published>Wed, Jul 07 10 12:27 AM

Brasilia, July 6 (DPA) Former AC Milan coach Leonardo was tipped Tuesday to replace Carlos Dunga as Brazil coach, according to ESPN Brazil.

The television network quoted unnamed sources as saying that an agreement between Leonardo and Brazilian football federation (CBF) boss Ricardo Teixeira was at the '90 per cent' stage.

Like Dunga, Leonardo is a former national team player with limited coaching experience.

Leonardo was at helm of Milan for just one season. The sides agreed to go separate ways in May after a see-saw Serie A season saw them finish in third place, behind city rivals Inter Milan and Roma.

Dunga was fired soon after Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup with their loss to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Unlike Dunga, however, 'Leonardo has a good relationship with the press and would not create as much friction,' ESPN wrote on its website.

Former national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was in charge of the Brazil team that won the World Cup in 2002, has also been linked to the job.

Scolari, however, has already indicated that his club commitments with Brazilian team Palmeiras would prevent him from becoming the national team coach for the next two years.

Source: Web Search

Dutch make three changes, Uruguay four

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 11:57 PM

Netherlands and Uruguay, both with two players suspended, made several changes for their World Cup semi-final at Green Point Stadium on Tuesday.

Joris Mathijsen returns to the centre of the Dutch defence in place of Andre Ooijer after missing the quarter-final win over Brazil with a knee injury.

Right back Khalid Boulahrouz and holding midfielder Demy de Zeeuw replace suspended Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong.

For Uruguay, Diego Godin returns to central defence, with captain Diego Lugano missing out through injury, while Martin Caceres makes his first appearance of the finals by coming in at left back in place of the suspended Jorge Fucile.

With striker Luis Suarez also banned after the quarter-final win over Ghana, coach Oscar Tabarez has opted to reinforce the midfield with Walter Gargano and bring back Alvaro Pereira while fielding a two-man attack of Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani.

Source: Web Search

Zaheer ruled out of series against Sri Lanka

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 11:17 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the away Test series against Sri Lanka with a shoulder injury.

Karnataka seamer Abhimanyu Mithun has been named as Zaheer's replacement.

'Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the forthcoming Sri Lanka series because of a shoulder injury. The national selection committee has chosen to replace him with Abhimanyu Mithun,' Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary N.Srinivasan said in a statement here Tuesday.

India will play three Tests against Sri Lanka with the first Test scheduled at Galle July 18.

India will also play an ODI tri-series, also featuring New Zealand, starting Aug 10.

The squad for the tri-series will be announced later.

Source: Web Search

World Cup dominates Indian television, online space

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 11:07 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) World Cup football fever has attracted huge Indian audience with the mega-event taking the most of the television and online space, according to a study by a market research company.

The report said this World Cup has witnessed higher viewership in comparison to the 2006 edition. The match between Portugal and Brazil had the highest rating while West Bengal had the highest number of viewership followed by Assam and Kerala.

According to viewership data from Television Audience Measurement (TAM), this year around 53 million Indians are watching the World Cup with 29 percent of them watching all the matches of the tournament which began June 11.

'Amongst the top discussions, Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are the most talked about as noticed in social networking sites, blogs and microblogs. They are being followed by Lionel Messi and Landon Donovan,' said Karthik Nagarajan, associate director, Online and IT Practice, The Nielsen.

The report further stated that among teams, England is topping the chart in online discussions followed by Brazil and Spain. But it's Germany who has the backing of the Indians fans.

'England was loved and hated, but hardly ignored in Indian social media last month. The manner of their exit and the 'Lampard goal' controversy was discussed widely. Germany has impressed one and all with their play in this World Cup and it is no surprise that the blogosphere has nice things to say about them,' added Nagarajan.

Source: Web Search

Americans Kim and Toms out of British Open

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 10:37 PM

World number 11 Anthony Kim and 2001 U.S. PGA champion David Toms have withdrawn from next week's British Open at St Andrews.

They will be replaced by fellow Americans Ricky Barnes, who tied for second at the 2009 U.S. Open, and 1997 U.S. PGA champion Davis Love III, organisers said in a news release on Tuesday.

Kim, 25, has four top-10 finishes in eight starts on the 2010 PGA Tour, including third place at the U.S. Masters, but pulled out of the Players Championship in May due to thumb surgery.

He is third in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings while Barnes lies ninth, one place from automatic qualification for the biennial match against Europe in Wales in October.

Source: Web Search

Spain's midfield maestros playing on German minds

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 10:07 PM

Durban, July 6 (DPA) Germany will be playing against many Lionel Messis, says Joachim Loew, who probably has Spain's midfield maestros Andres Iniesta and Xavi most in mind ahead of Wednesday's semi-final.

Unlike Argentina, who appeared over-reliant on Barcelona star Messi, the danger from Spain comes from all over the pitch, and none more so than in midfield.

Loew will probably agree with the assessment of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who famously said: 'I don't think Iniesta and Xavi have ever given the ball away in their lives.'

Xavi had a pass rate success of 89 per cent at Euro 2008 when he was voted the best player of the tournament. And Loew won't have forgotten his inch-perfect pass which set up the winning goal for Fernando Torres in Spain's 1-0 defeat of Germany in the final.

'We have a very clear philosophy with Spain and we have had it for some years. We know our game, how to play and we try to beat every team we meet,' Xavi has said of Spain's passing game.

Xavi and Iniesta are the key figures. While Xavi dictates the pace and angles, Iniesta often moves wide or further forward and is often a match-winner with a killer pass or a goal himself.

How to stop Spain's midfield controlling the game will be one of Loew's biggest challenges for Wednesday's meeting in Durban.

The European champions now have a Barcelona triumvirate in the middle of the park, with Iniesta and Xavi joined by club team-mate Sergio Busquets alongside Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso.

Spain can also call on another genial playmaker in Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas - perhaps also a future Barca player - if Vicente del Bosque wants even greater numbers in the middle.

But Germany can counter with a Xavi of their own - Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is now orchestrating operations for Germany in similar fashion.

'He gives the game a lot of symmetry and structure, he can vary the pace and also gives the team a lot emotionally because he is permanently in movement,' Loew said of the Bayern Munich man.

Schweinsteiger, who was the outstanding figure in Germany's 4-0 trouncing of Argentina, will again be joined by Sami Khedira and Mesut Oezil in the central midfield areas. Lukas Podolski brings width on the left while Thomas Mueller - suspended for the game - has

been doing the same on the right.

'Spain have an experienced midfield axis in Iniesta and Xavi who have played for years together at Barcelona,' Loew pointed out.

Germany's midfield is far less experienced, but Loew believes Khedira and Schweinsteiger, who have struck up a perfect understanding in the centre, can counter the Spanish duo.

But for injuries, Germany's midfield may have had an entirely different look about it in South Africa.

Loew lost both Chelsea's Michael Ballack and Bayer Leverkusen's defensive midfielder Simon Rolfes to injury. Thomas Hitzslperger, who has just joined West Ham, was previously a Loew mainstay but was discarded after he was dropped by Stuttgart and a move to Lazio did

not help him rediscover his form.

It has led to Schweinsteiger coming from a wide position to take over the Ballack role in the centre.

Schweinsteiger thanks Bayern's Dutch coach Louis van Gaal for the switch last season.

'Louis van Gaal gave me the chance to play there at Bayern Munich and it went very well. Now it is going well with the national team but that is only because of the help I have received from the whole team,' he said.

It is six years ago that Schweinsteiger earned the first of his now 78 caps, a remarkable tally for a player not yet quite 26, but this tournament has demonstrated a new maturity.

Germany legend and honorary Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer noted: 'What has changed with Schweinsteiger is that his football has become more important to him than his choice of hairstyle.'

Source: Web Search

Muralitharan to retire after Galle Test against India

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 09:51 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan will retire after the first cricket Test against India beginning July 18 at Galle.

Muralitharan, 38, is the leading wicket taker in Test history with 792 victims from 132 matches.

'World's leading wicket-taker and champion spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has decided to retire from Test cricket after the first Test in Galle versus India commencing July 18,' Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on its website Tuesday.

'Muralitharan has had discussions with the national Selectors, SLC officials and has had the blessings of the president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sports Minister C.B. Ratnayake.

'Sri Lanka Cricket will hold an official press conference to announce his retirement in due course.'

Muralitharan is also the top wicket taker in One-Day Internationals with 515 wickets in 337 matches.

He was to retire from Tests in November but his decision to exit the Test early has been taken to extend his ODI career keeping in mind the 2011 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

It is understood that SLC wants Muralitharan to be around till the World Cup.

A prolific wicket-taker, Kandy-born Muralitharan overwhelmed West Indies paceman Courtney Walsh's world record of 519 Test wickets in May 2004. He was briefly overhauled by his fierce competitor Shane Warne but returned to head the list in December 2007.

However, his illustrious career was not without controversies.

He was called for throwing during the 1995-96 Australia tour, first in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by Darrell Hair and later in the One-day series that followed.

He was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) only to be called for throwing once again in Australia by Ross Emerson on the 1998-99 tour.

He was again pointed for chucking in March 2004 when he was reported by match referee Chris Broad following a three-match series against Australia but nothing wrong was found in his action.

Source: Web Search

Frank Schleck suffers heavy crash on Tour third stage

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 09:37 PM

Luxembourg's Frank Schleck crashed heavily during the third stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday.

The Saxo Bank rider fell off his bike on the fourth cobbled sector of the 213-km stage from Wanze, Belgium, some 26 kms from the finish.

Schleck was lying on his back but he was conscious.

Source: Web Search

Captaincy row threatens German harmony, World Cup chances

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 09:21 PM

Durban, July 6 (DPA) A row over the captaincy of the German national team threatens to torpedo the harmony within the side as the three-time champion takes on Spain in the semifinals of the World Cup Wednesday.

Injured captain Michael Ballack showed up in South Africa in what seemed like a show of support for his troops. But current captain Philipp Lahm caused a major controversy by saying he would not willingly hand the captain's armband back to Ballack.

As the dispute continued, German team manager Oliver Bierhoff appeared to throw his support behind Ballack.

'It has been discussed in the team council: Michael Ballack is still the captain - and Philipp is now our World Cup captain,' Bierhoff told a press conference ahead of Wednesday's semi-final showdown with Spain.

Bierhoff expressed his disappointment in the timing of the issue, calling it 'not so fortunate.'

'This is an issue that cannot be addressed this week. Now we have to focus on completing the final two games successfully. Everything else comes thereafter and in the end is a decision of the coach,' he said.

The row broke out on the same day that German keeper Manuel Neuer was asked at a press conference Monday about the harmony within the German side.

'No, we're not taking any harmony pills. We just get along well with one another,' said Neuer.

But the media had a field day later when Lahm said in a number of interviews that would like to remain Germany captain beyond the World Cup, creating splash headlines in Germany of a 'power struggle' between him and Ballack.

'Of course I don't want to give up the captain's armband again,' Lahm was quoted as telling the Munich-based daily tz. 'I will not volunteer to give it up. But that decision is with the coach.'

Asked by the tabloid Bild whether the German team still needed the 98-times capped Ballack, Lahm said: 'I am not the one who should answer the question with a yes or a no.'

The row has created a giant stir back home with a variety of former German greats lining up and taking sides on the issue.

'There is no reason that he should quite as captain,' said former German national team boss and 1990 world champion Rudi Voeller, who also is also the sports director of Ballack's new Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.

'He is still one of the most dangerous midfielders in the world. He can help any team.'

Former Germany captain and record international Lothar Matthaeus meanwhile called out for Ballack to step down.

'If Michael were to say now: 'The team is strong without me as well, I am stepping down and concentrating on Leverkusen, then he would prove his stature,' Matthaeus told Bild.

And former international Stefan Effenberg is convinced Ballack will return to the German side.

'He has a great club with Bayer Leverkusen, he will return to fitness and he will again be the captain of the national team,' said Effenberg, a commentator on the World Cup for German pay-TV channel Sky.

'Philipp Lahm must then return to the second rank and give up the armband.'

The 33-year-old Ballack left the German World Cup team in South Africa and flew home Monday amid suggestions that relations with some of his teammates were less than idyllic. Bierhoff, however, said Ballack did not know of Lahm's comments prior to his departure.

Team doctors said Ballack, who had come to support the team before the 4-0 quarter-final win over Argentina, would be better off continuing recuperation in Europe.

Source: Web Search

Under-16 football tournament to spot talent

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 09:07 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) To promote football and identify promising talent, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in partnership with Coca-Cola India kicked off the Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy (MIHT) under-16 tournament Tuesday.

This year, 16 young and promising footballers identified from MIHT attended the 'Coca-Cola International 2010 Football Camp' in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup June 15-20.

The tournament has been extended to 75 cities involving over 40,000 young footballers from 1,500 schools from this year.

'We received an overwhelming response for MIHT in 2009 and are proud to take the initiative to the next level by organizing it in a bigger way,' said AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco.

Atul Singh, president and CEO, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, said: 'The initiative will identify young players for the national under-16 sub junior football team.'

Source: Web Search

Biswal wishes Dhoni, Sakshi happy married life

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 08:51 PM

Ranchi, Jul 6 (PTI) Ranjib Biswal, who is set to be Team India Manager for the forthcoming Tour of Sri Lanka, today wished newly-wed Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni a happy prosperous married life. "I wish the couple a long and happy married life," Biswal told PTI over phone from Cuttack. Biswal said he is eagerly waiting to greet Dhoni personally when the two meet when members of Team India will leave for Sri Lanka to play a three-match Test series and a tri-nation one-day series beginning July 18. Dhoni tied the nuptial knot with childhood friend Sakshi Singh Rawat on July 4 in a private ceremony at a farmhouse, about 25 km from Dehradun, attended only by family members and close friends, including a few of his team-mates.

Source: Web Search

Muralitharan to retire from tests

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 08:37 PM

Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, cricket's leading international wicket taker, will retire from tests after this month's first test against India, his manager said on Tuesday.

"Murali took a decision to retire from test cricket during the West Indies series in November but with an unscheduled Indian series coming up he has fast-tracked his retirement from Test cricket," Kushil Gunasekara said.

"The selectors want Murali to consider himself to be available for the 2011 World Cup which Sri Lanka is partly hosting with India and Bangladesh," Gunasekara added.

The 38-year-old off-spinner is unlikely to play in the one-day Tri-Series against India and New Zealand next month but may play one-day internationals in the build-up to next year's World Cup.

Sri Lanka are due to tour Australia in November where they will play three one-dayers and two Twenty20 Internationals and they have five one-dayers against West Indies in December.

Muralitharan has taken 792 wickets in 132 tests and 515 wickets in 337 one-day internationals since making his test debut against Australia in 1992.

A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket said an official press conference would be held "in due course" to announce Muralitharan's retirement.

"Mr. Muralitharan has had discussions with the National Selectors, SLC officials and has had the blessings of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Minister of Sports, Hon. C B Ratnayake," said a statement on the Sri Lanka Cricket website (www.srilankacricket.lk).

Source: Web Search

Four Indian sailors to take part in Radial World Championship

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 08:07 PM

Panaji, Jul 6 (PTI) The Scottish Sailing Institute at Largs Sailing Club will play host to nearly 600 of the world''s best sailors from 58 different countries at the 2010 Radial World Championship between July 6 and 25. There are 120 entries in both the Men''s and Women''s Championships. India has fielded four entries of which two is in the international Men''s class and two in the Women''s class, Lt Col Anil Das said in a release. Ajay Rau and Rajesh Choudhary are seasoned campaigners at this level and will be hoping to get a good finish at the Men''s Championship. Ajay''s best overall position at the World Championship was India''s best result ever, finishing 15th in Japan. Rajesh''s best overall position was 22nd at the 2006 World Championships in USA. Rohini Rau and Mrinalini Santhanam are currently the best women sailors in the country. Rohini is an experienced campaigner at this level while Mrinalini is relatively new, Das said. Rohini''s best result at a World Championship was in Japan, 2008, finishing 23rd in the silver fleet. While Mrinalini''s best result was 39th at the 2008 Volvo Youth World Championship held in Denmark . .

Source: Web Search

Queen''s Baton Relay reaches Uttarakhand

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 07:51 PM

Dehradun, Jul 6 (PTI) The Queen''s Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games today entered Uttarakhand via Kulhal bridge where it was received by President of State Olympic Association and local MLA amid much fanfare. Himachal Pradesh officials and players carrying QBR reached Kulhal bridge on Yamuna river in Paonta Sahib area on the border of the two states where Rajiv Mehta, President of State Olympic Association and Vikasnagar MLA Kuldip Kumar received it. Leaders of various political parties, state officials and players were present on the occasion. A large number of sportslovers had to wait for long to catch a glimpse of the QBR as it reached the area nearly two hours behind the scheduled time due to rains. Later, the relay proceeded towards Governor''s house here. After being flagged off by Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, the QBR passed through various places of the town before finally reaching the Parade Ground, where a function was held on its arrival. Tomorrow, the QBR will leave for holy town of Haridwar. The QBR was launched by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 last year in the presence of Indian President Pratibha Patil.

Source: Web Search

Ten-member Maharashtra squad for National Elite boxing

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 07:21 PM

Mumbai, Jul 6 (PTI) A ten-member squad would represent Maharashtra in the 57th Elite Men''s National Boxing Championship at New Delhi''s Talkatora Indoor Stadium from July 10-16. The team: Salman Shaikh (49 kg), Anilsingh Kushwaha (52), Pranit Kumbhar (56), Mrunal Bhosale (60), Vinit Kotian (64), Shrikant Suvarna (69), Yogesh Nishad (75), Samrat Ingle (81), Ajay Mane (91) and Shashibhushan Singh (91+). Chief coach: Krishna Dass; Asst coaches: Rehamat Ali and Sunil Singh; Manager: Ajay More; Referee/Judge: Milan Vaidya. PTI SSR VKV SHN

Source: Web Search

Hockey: Friends Union notches up win

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 07:17 PM

Friends Union 'B' edged out Raja Bungalow Sports Club in the Junior Division of the All-India Aga Khan Hockey Tournament at the PCMC Polygrass Ground yesterday.

Roopesh Sharanpalli opened the scoring in the 21st minute, with Yogesh Thakur providing him with the pass. Dinesh Chauhan soon drew Raja Bungalow level, however, netting in the 40th minute off a pass from Rocky Anthony.

The winning goal came in the 48th minute off the stick of Shubham Thakur, with Yogesh setting it up yet again as Friends Union 'B' secured the win.

In the Senior Division, MLI Pune had to rely on a tiebreaker to beat Rakshak Sports Club, after being locked 2-2 with them at the full-time whistle. Rakshak drew first blood in the 8th minute when Yogesh Pawar converted penalty corner. However, Ganesh Kalkekar and Jagdish Peedake struck two crucial blows in the 16th and 26th minute to give MLI a 2-1 lead.

They almost managed to hold onto this lead, but Rakshak striker Vishal Salunkhe scored late-on, netting in the 55th minute to level the scores.

In the shootout, Jagdish Patil, Atish Patil, Nandu Jagtap and Prashant Bhosale netted their strokes for MLI, while Vikram Khalse and Tushar Kamble were the only players from Rakshak SC to find the net, thus giving MLI a 6-4 overall victory.

Friends Union 'A' take on BEG in today's fixture, while Green Meadows face Metro Sports Club. The last match of the day sees Pune City Police take on the Sikh Regiment at the PCMC Ground.

Source: Web Search

Gill inaugurates wrestling stadium for Commonwealth Games

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 07:07 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) A spanking new wrestling stadium, named after wrestling great Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, who was independent India's first individual Olympic medallist, was inaugurated by Sports Minister M.S. Gill here Tuesday.

The stadium, located at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium complex, will host the wrestling competition in the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

Gill dedicated the stadium to Jadhav who won the wrestling bronze medal at the 1952 Olympic Games at Helsinki. Jadhav was awarded Arjuna Award posthumously in 2000.

His son Ranjeet Khashaba Jadhav was felicitated by Gill with a shawl, silver plaque in appreciation and recognition of achievements of his illustrious father. He was also given Rs.3 lakh from the National Welfare Fund for sportspersons.

Gill, said it was his desire to give due recognition to the achievements of Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav.

'Shri Jadhav will always be remembered as the winner of independent India's first individual Olympic medallist. We are all aware of his achievement,' Gill said.

Gill said naming the stadium after the great wrestler was a small effort on the government's side to honour the legendary wrestler's achievement.

Gill said Jadhav should be a source of inspiration for Indian wrestlers.

Beijing Olympics gold medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar was also present at the inauguration.

'We are happy that the stadium has been named after great K. D. Jadhav. It will motivate us to win laurels for our country. We are training hard for the Commonwealth Games and we are hoping a good show,' Sushil said.

Source: Web Search

Indian eves lose to Singapore

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 06:51 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (PTI) Indian eves went down fighting against Singapore in the 7th Asian Youth Netball Championship at the Thyagaraj Stadium here today. The host team lost 40-59 (11-13, 8-15, 9-13, 12-18) in the opening game on day 4 to take their tally to two wins and as many loses in the four matches they have played so far. India coach Mary Mercia Lourdes Jayasekera said lack of experience was the reason behind their defeat. "The team was a bit tense, but played a good game. The team did not know to captivate the turnover. The Singapore team accelerates we do not accelerate. The team needs a lot of experience," she said. Indian captain Prachi Tehlan also echoed the same sentiment. "We are improving in every game but still too many mistakes. Malaysia plays a very good zone defence," she said. PTI AT ATK

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Complete work at CWG venue by July 31: Khanna

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 06:37 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna Tuesday inspected the Yamuna Sports Complex, a venue for the Commonwealth Games, and asked officials to complete all construction activity at the site by July 31.

Khanna, who spent about 30 minutes at the east Delhi complex, said he would inspect the place again July 20 and 31. He also asked officials to complete the landscaping work by Aug 20.

'And while meeting the deadlines, 100 percent quality in the works should be ensured,' he directed.

The project has missed several deadlines since December 2009. However, it was inaugurated this March by Union Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy.

The Yamuna Sports Complex, work for which has been undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority, will host archery and table tennis events during the Oct 3-14 Games.

Khanna also visited the archery competition venue of the Commonwealth Games inside the complex where his permission was sought for increasing the number of seats from the existing 1,296, including 180 for VIPs.

However, he said seats should not be increased.

Source: Web Search

Lady luck will stay on Dhoni's side, says Ganesha

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 05:57 PM

Affectionately known as 'Mahi', Mahendra Singh Dhoni has rocked the Indian cricket scenario like no one since Sachin Tendulkar. The popular youth icon has made a big impact in and outside the cricketing world. His power-packed performances and on-field agility have had fans, especially girls, swooning all over him. But the heart throb is no longer single.

Although his wedding with childhood friend Sakshi was scheduled for 2011, it was pre-poned to July 4th due to some astrological reasons. With Dhoni entering one of the most auspicious years of his life, his family thought this would be the best time to formalise the couple's relationship.

Dhoni begins a new innings in his life. On his birthday today, July 7th, Ganesha uses the vedic astrology system to predict his year ahead.

MS Dhoni has Mars Atmakaraka placed in its own star Mrigasira, Sun exalted in the Navmansa,Mercury placed in its own sign and Saturn-Jupiter conjunction in Virgo. This strong planetary configuration makes him original, independent, strong, very good tactician and a good conversationalist. So there is no doubt about his potential as a Captain.

There's been talk of replacing Dhoni as a captain after Twenty20 World Cup debacle in West Indies. His charts indicate that he has the courage and stamina to face such challenges and upheavals and he proved it once again by winning the Asia cup recently in Sri Lanka.

At present the transiting Ketu is moving over the natal Sun, the transiting Saturn is moving over the natal Saturn forming square with Sun and the transiting Rahu is passing through the 7th House from natal Sun forming square with Saturn. Due to this difficult transit his performance as a player and captain has come under scrutiny.

However, with auspicious transit of Jupiter in Pisces, things picked up for good. He will remain under pressure till mid November 2010. But from 20th November 2010 onwards he may be able to contribute significantly towards smooth working in his assignment. Time will be conducive for him during the first half of 2011 when the World Cup is scheduled. However, success of team in world cup will depend on other players as well. But as a captain he will definitely lead the team from the front.

M.S.Dhoni just married his school friend Sakshi Singh Rawat. The wedding chart looks good with Moon conjunct strong Jupiter. Venus is exalted in the Navmansa. So the couple's relationship will grow closer, and will become more solid.

However, there is no perfect marriage and no relationship without conflict. So there will be issues and conflicts but the couple will have the strength to fight it all together. They will create a strong healthy family atmosphere that helps all members to grow as individuals in a loving, supportive setting.

Source: Web Search

Ashley Cole parties with girls in LA

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 05:53 PM

London, July 6 (ANI): While his estranged wife Cheryl Cole is in hospital with malaria, soccer ace Ashley Cole has been caught enjoying his new found single status on holiday in Los Angeles.

Fresh from crashing out of the World Cup after England's dismal display in the tournament, Ashley has been spotted with an unknown brunette at a beach party.

The 29-year-old star was later flashed by a busty beauty who bared her boobs in a club, reports the Sun.

He then took two girls back to his hotel. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Modi demands reconstitution of BCCI Disciplinary panel

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 05:37 PM

Mumbai, Jul 6 (PTI) Suspended IPL Chairman Lailt Modi today demanded disbandment of BCCI''s disciplinary committee, which will probe his alleged regularities in the running of the Twenty20 league, and said retired Supreme court judges should look into his case. In his legal notice to the Cricket Board, Modi has asked for removal of one of the panelists - IPL''s interim chairman Chirayu Amin - contending that he cannot be a member as he was one of the investors in the consortium which failed in its bid for buying one of the two new IPL franchises - Pune and Kochi. Modi has made BCCI president Shashank Manohar, secretary N Srinivasan and the three members of the Disciplinary panel as respondents in his notice. The other members of the Disciplinary panel are Arun Jaitley and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was chosen unanimously as a replacement for Manohar, after he recused himself from the panel. Terming the presence of Amin in the panel "unfortunate", the notice issued on behalf of Modi by his legal counsel said that the suspended IPL chief had disclosed publicly that the T20 League''s interim chief was "an investor who formed a part of the Pune consortium that made an unsuccessful bid for the two franchises this year." (More) PTI SSR VKV AT

Source: Web Search

Now, 'mobile mosques' for football fans to pray during WC matches in Saudi Arabia!

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 05:21 PM

Washington, July 6 (ANI): Saudi Arabia's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and their agents, commonly known as the 'religious police', have introduced 'mobile mosques' oriented toward Mecca to allow crazed footie fans to pray in World Cup cafes.

The 'mobile mosques' are specially designed trucks, equipped with faucets for ritual washing and microphones mounted for the preaching imams.

According to ABC News, the World Cup is as popular in Muslim countries as in other parts of the world, therefore, the commission has come up with an innovative idea of 'mobile mosques', which brings prayers to throngs of soccer fans so that they don't avoid the obligatory sunset prayer because of the match.

Analysts have described it as a sharp change and a lighter touch for Saudi Arabia's religious police, an ultra-strict corps infamous for harassing women and flogging those accused of immoral behavior.

ABC News stated that over the past ten years, as reform has slowly rolled through the conservative country, the powers of the religious police have largely been curbed, they can no longer make arrests without the presence of a civil officer, and the 'mobile mosques' are a sign the religious police are operating under the new norms.

"They are trying to adjust to the new realities, and finding creative ways so that they don't miss the train," Dr. May Al Dabbagh, an expert on Saudi Arabia at the Dubai School of Government, said.

"The debate about the role of the religious police has changed. The diversity of opinions about what they ought to do or ought not to do, what kind of privileges they should have has reached the highest levels, from the Shura Council to the Internet chat room. It's definitely a good thing," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Games Village to be handed over by Aug 1: Khanna

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 05:17 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Paying his second visit in the last 10 days to oversee construction work at the Games Village, Delhi Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna Tuesday said the village will be handed over to the organisers by Aug 1.

Khanna said work was being carried out day and night to ensure the project was completed on time. The village, coming up on the banks of river Yamuna and near the Akshardham Temple in east Delhi, will have 1,168 flats for about 8,000 athletes.

'Work at the Games Village is going good and it is certain the project will be completed well on time,' Khanna told reporters.

Asked about completion of other Games-related projects, he said: 'At present we are concentrating on Games projects undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority... Though the work has been slightly delayed (at other places), we are certain to complete all the projects well on time.'

A five-acre piece of land at the village site, which so far housed site labourers, has been made available for landscaping. The labourers have vacated the place and rubble there is being cleared.

Khanna told reporters that over 95 percent of the area had been cleared and it will take a fortnight to complete the landscaping work. Over 15,000 trees will be planted in the Games Village.

The Lt Governor instructed the officials to expedite the remaining work and said he would again inspect the place July 20.

An official said the India Tourism Development Corp (ITDC) had started arranging furniture in the village houses where work has been completed. Some furniture is to come from China.

The Games Village, constructed by Emaar-MGF, was earlier scheduled to be completed by the first week of June. The cost has escalated to Rs.1,038 crore (over USD 200 million). It earlier received a Rs.700-crore (USD 15 million) bailout package from the DDA.

Khanna had June 25 inspected the interiors of the flats, the security and landscaping of the complex and its surrounding areas.

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Tait can break Akhtar's fastest delivery record: Pybus

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 05:07 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (ANI): Former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus believes that Australia's express fast bowler Shaun Tait can break Shoaib Akhtar's record of bowling the quickest delivery.

Tait clocked 100 mph (161 kph), the fastest ever by an Australian, during the fifth and last one-day international against England at Lord's on Saturday, and Pybus believes the pacer would surpass Akhtar's 161.3 kph mark soon.

"The only one in that frame now is Tait who can break Shoaib's record," said Pybus, who was Pakistan's coach during the 2003 World Cup during which Akhtar's pace tested the speed guns.

"However, its not the speed of any particular ball that is of interest, its more the way the spell is constructed and the confrontation of a genuinely quick bowler and the skill of the batters to counter it," he added.

Pybus said that there several other bowlers who are able to touch the 100 mph mark, but more than speed it's the length and bounce that matters more for success.

"Kemar Roach may get up there as he matures in the next couple of years. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel can bowl in the 90s but both rely more on constructing spells - Steyn with swing and Morkel with bounce and length," he said.

Commenting on Akhtar's return to international cricket after a long gap, Pybus said the Rawalpindi Express still has the ability to bowl quick, but he has lost the sting which threatened even the best batsmen in the world.

"It's great that Shoaib is back bowling quick again after his injury problems. Shoaib will bowl the odd quick ball, whether he can climb into the high 90's remains to be seen," he said. (ANI)

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Torres World Cup debate rages on in Spain

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 04:53 PM

Madrid, July 5 -- The debate about whether Fernando Torres should be in Spain's World Cup football starting lineup in the semi-final against Germany continued apace on Monday. The Liverpool striker has started all of Spain's matches in South Africa - except in the debut defeat against Switzerland, when he came on after an hour - but has looked slow and sluggish, without fitness, rhythm or confidence. The struggling 26-year-old Torres has not yet scored in the World Cup and has never come close to finding the net. In the Round of 16 clash against Portugal, Torres was replaced by Fernando Llorente after an hour. The Spanish attack improved without Torres - and David Villa scored the winning goal. Against Paraguay in the quarter-finals, Torres again got the starting nod from coach Vicente del Bosque but again looked out of sorts. He was replaced after another fruitless hour by Cesc Fabregas - and Villa's winning goal soon came. Now the question is whether Torres should start in Wednesday's semi-final against Germany. An online poll taken by Madrid sports daily Marca showed Monday that 75.2 per cent of readers think he should not. Marca suggested that Del Bosque should start with either David Silva - who has not played since the Switzerland fiasco - or Fabregas. A similar poll taken by AS showed that 67 per cent of readers think Torres should not start against Germany. AS held a massive debate about Torres Monday. One columnist, Manolo Lama, argues that it is "a lack of respect" to question Torres' first-choice status, and that the Germans are "afraid of him" because of his winning goal against them in the Euro 2008 final. Lama also claimed that Torres "opens up important spaces for Villa, who takes advantage of all his hard work". Another AS columnist, Manu Carreno, said that Torres should be given "a psychologial and physical rest" on Wednesday, and be "saved for the final," with Llorente taking his place. Torres has never been a unanimous popular choice for Spain, unlike goal-scoring hero Villa, mainly because his international scoring record is much poorer than Villa's. Torres has played 78 times for La Roja, scoring only 24 goals. He was doubtful to go to South Africa after an injury-ruined season for Liverpool which saw operations to remove damaged carliage in his right knee in January and April.

Del Bosque has been faithful to Torres - too faithful according to the media. On Sunday, however, he hinted that his faith might be wearing thin by saying that "Torres will continue to give us his work and personality...but he is not an automatic starter."

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Captaincy controversy breaks German harmony

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 03:37 PM

Germany's World Cup harmony was disrupted on Tuesday after skipper Philipp Lahm said he had no intention of willingly giving up the captain's armband when Michael Ballack returns to fitness.

Lahm's comments in an interview with the newspaper Bild, were published on Tuesday and team manager Oliver Bierhoff had to answer a series of questions about the issue -- and the departure of Ballack from the team camp.

Bierhoff denied that the controversy, which broke out just over an hour before the German team were due to fly to Durban for their Wednesday semi-final with Spain, had upset the team.

"There is no dissent whatsoever, not even a hint of conflict," he told a news conference at the team's hotel.

Lahm is officially the World Cup captain while Ballack, who recently moved from Chelsea to German club Bayer Leverkusen, remains the team captain.

Ballack, who has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury, flew out to be with the team ahead of the quarter-final with Argentina but returned to Europe on Monday prompting speculation he may have been upset with Lahm's comments.

"It's not the case, Ballack visited the team in Sicily before the tournament and it was always agreed that he would visit for the quarter-final.

"UNFORTUNATE COINCIDENCE"

"It is an unfortunate coincidence that Ballack's departure and Lahm's statement coincided," Bierhoff told a news conference, adding that the midfielder's return was because he needed to continue his treatment on his ankle.

"He felt good and had excellent physiotherapy, luckily his injury is healing surprisingly fast... he needs a lot of rehab now, he needs special facilities and a lot of time.

"It emerged that Michael didn't want to take out any resources from the team. He knew that if his rehab was to proceed he needed more time from staff... he decided that it was better to continue treatment in Luxembourg," said Bierhoff.

Former AC Milan and Germany striker Bierhoff said that Ballack may return to South Africa if Germany reach the final.

In the comments to Bild, Lahm said: "It's obvious that I'd like to keep the captain's armband. The job gives me a great deal of enjoyment. Why should I then give it up by choice?

"If you do the job out there on the pitch and you have it under control, as in my case, you want more. You want more responsibility. You want to take care of it all. That is the case with me," he added.

Bierhoff said: "We have freedom of speech in the team and need players willing to speak their mind. It is rather like when a player says he is disappointed to be left out -- are you supposed to be annoyed that he is disappointed?

"But in the end, it is the coach who makes the decision over who is captain."

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Mir Iqbal trophy to feature 40,000 footballers

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 03:21 PM

New Delhi, July 6 (PTI) Over 40,000 under-16 footballers from 1500 schools would be vying for the top honours in the Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy for the National sub-junior Championship to be organised across 75 cities of the country. The grassroots level championship, sponsored by Coca Cola, is being organised to unearth promising youngsters for the Under-16 Indian football team for 2011. "We received an overwhelming response for the Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy tournament in 2009 and are proud to take the initiative to the next level by organising it in 1500 schools across 75 cities this year," said Alberto Colaco, General Secretary of the AlI India Football Federation (AIFF). The program is open to all young footballers in the age group of 12-15 years. The tournament has been organised by AIFF since 1977. In the first stage District Football Associations will organise a competition or skill trial among talented football players in the age group 12-15 years. District level teams will then compete within their state, where the State Football Association will select a team to represent the state at the Regional level. During the second stage, 31 teams will compete with each other across four zones -- North East, South, West, East and North. Top two teams from each zone will then advance to the national level. After this, 10 teams from the zonal level will qualify for the national level which will be played at New Delhi in December this year. In the end, two teams will play the national finals. PTI PM AT

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German injury worries ease ahead of semi-final

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 03:17 PM

Germany's injury worries have cleared up ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final with Spain, with team manager Oliver Bierhoff declaring that all the squad are fit for the clash in Durban.

Germany will be without suspended midfielder Thomas Mueller but Sami Khedira and Cacau, who have been training separately for the past two days, were available to coach Joachim Loew, said Bierhoff.

Central defender Arne Friedrich, who had a foot problem, also sat out training on Monday but will be ready to play.

"The most important thing is for the coach to be able to pick from all the squad except for Mueller," said Bierhoff who said the team would cope with the absence of the exciting 20-year-old.

"In a tournament a team settles and so Thomas's absence is a little link in the chain missing and he has been outstanding," said the Germany team manager.

"The team have reacted admirably whenever key players (have been) missing," he said.

Germany have several options for replacing Mueller with Cacau and Toni Kroos in the frame but the most likely choice is winger Piotr Trochowski, positionally more of a straight swap. (Writing by Simon Evans; Editing by Ossian Shine)

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Body of chess master Bobby Fischer exhumed in paternity row

Published>Tue, Jul 06 10 02:07 PM

London, July 6 (ANI): The body of American chess champion Bobby Fischer has been exhumed in Iceland in a bid to clarify if he is the father of a nine-year-old girl from the Philippines.

According to police district commissioner Olafur Helgi Kjartansson, Fischer's body was dug up from a cemetery near Selfoss in southern Iceland in the presence of a doctor, a priest and other officials.

Fischer died in Iceland in January 2008 aged 64. He left no will, and legal wrangling continues over his estate, the Telegraph reported.

The body was exhumed after Iceland's supreme court ruled that DNA testing was required to be done to determine if Fischer was the father of Jinky Young, whose mother Marilyn says she had a relationship with him.

Jinky, who lives in the Philippines with her mother, flew to Iceland to provide her own blood sample in December. (ANI)

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Rangaswami Cup: big wins for Punjab and Mumbai

Published Tue, Jul 06 10 01:51 PM

Bhopal, Jul 6 (PTI) Punjab crushed Bihar 9-0 while Mumbai trounced Chhattisgarh 7-0 in the 63rd Rangaswami Cup Senior National Men''s Hockey Championship played at the Aishbagh Stadium here. In another encounter, Goa defeated Himachal Pradesh 1-0 yesterday. Punjab captain Jasjeet Singh (17th and 46th minutes) and Karanjeet Singh (42nd, 64th) scored two goals each while Jagroop Singh (12th), Gagandeep Singh (32nd), Navjot Singh (34th), Manjinder Singh (58th) and Gauravjeet Singh (59th) hit one each. At the breather Punjab led 4-0. In the other match, Irphan Khan scored the first field goal for Mumbai in the 29th minute and after the first half they led 1-0. In the second half, Mumbai dominated completely over Chhattisgarh and hit six more goals. Gursev Singh converted a penalty corner in the 39th minute to give Mumbai a 2-0 lead, after which they scored five field goals through Alden D''souza (45th), Jayesh Jadhav (48th), Niyaz Rahim (52nd), Laxman Rao (58th) and Manish Yadav (63rd). In the third match, players of both Himachal Pradesh and Goa were unable to score till the breather despite some brilliant moves. In the second half, Ibrahim Mulla of Goa converted a penalty corner in the 64th minute and ensured his team''s first victory in the tournament.

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