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Uefa Champions League
KNOCKOUT STAGE – PREVIEW After a 3 month absence Champions League action is finally back and what amazing fixtures we have this season. Tickets for all matches are sold out and why wouldn’t they be??!!!
Fixtures: Tuesday, 21st Feb Wednesday 22nd Feb Real Madrid v/s Arsenal Chelsea v/sBarcelona
Benfica v/s Liverpool Ajax v/s Inter Milan PSV Eindhoven v/s Lyon Werder Bremen v/s Juventus Bayern Munich v/s AC Milan Rangers v/s Villarreal
Chelsea v/s Barcelona
A repeat of last season’s fixture as the English champions welcome the Spanish champions. There is immense rivalry between the two sides as they go into this fixture. When the two teams met here last season Chelsea walked away with a controversial 4 – 2 win. This being the first leg of the match and this time it is played at England first. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has had his own worries as the strong Chelsea defence hasn’t quite lived up to its reputation. In 2006 Chelsea have conceded 7 goals in 6 premiership matches, the latest of them being a 3 – 0 humiliation at the hands of Middlesborough. Clearly their build up to this match hasn’t quite been good. But in the last 7 home games Chelsea have only conceded 3 goals. Mourinho will look forward to the lead in the 1st leg as Barcelona are not an easy side to beat at the Nou Camp. On the other Barcelona have made it clear that they would want revenge for last season’s controversial defeat. They also suffered a slight set back as they lost 2 matches in a row but they bounced back with and amazing 5 – 1 victory against Real Betis, a side that has already beaten Chelsea once in the Champions League. The return of play maker Ronaldinho and teenage prodigy Lionel Messi will boost their confidence. Frank Rijkaard’s men were very disappointed with the playing conditions and Chelsea have reacted in their usual fashion. Will the pitch prove to be the decisive factor as these 2 sides meet? Since it is the first leg and it is an away leg Barcelona would definitely have a more defensive mentality than Chelsea and they would look to watch out for Chelsea’s deadly counter – attacks. Team News Chelsea look really strong leading up to the game.Maniche could well be debuting for the Londoners.The only spot of bother for Mourinho would be the left back position. With Gallas not fully fit will he gamble with Del Horno or would he give the nod to Gallas. Del Horno is much slower than Gallas and against the pace and flair of Ronaldinho and Co. one would feel that Mourinho would prefer Gallas. Another interesting position would be that of the 3rd midfielder as Micheal Essien is unavailable thanks to the two – match ban he received. So will Mourinho stick to a more defensive option by playing Maniche or would he give Gudjohnsen a start who is more of an attacking player. With Drogba not at his best Mourinho would most probably go with Crespo upfront. If either Maniche or Gudjohnsen start it would be interesting to see how Chelsea copes with Barcelona’s attacks. Tracking down Lampard would be Barca’s main worry and so the position of Thiago Motta would be extremely important. Looks like Motta will be given the nod ahead of Van Bommel and Guily as Motta is the most defensive of the three. If Edmilson were to control Lampard and Maniche alone then he would have a tough time so Barca would definitely need a defensive midfielder. Belleti and Gio will have a tough time trying to control the runs of Robben and Cole. This dual looks to be one of the highlights of the tie. All – in –this atch is going to be one hell of a contest as both teams go at it hammer and tongs. With the bad pitch conditions and home advantage one would say Chelsea would have the upper hand but Barcelona would be hungry for revenge. Can Barcelona resist the Blue – wave or will it be yet another top caliber performance by Mourinho’s men. How Chelsea can beat Barcelona? - Firstly they will have to play their natural game. Just think it is “just another game” and Chelsea will do fine. - Secondly Chelsea will have to buck up their defence. Conceding away goals could be a decisive in the outcome of this fixture. Chelsea have the attacking flair but they can be a little vulnerable at the back so Mourinho’s men will have to get that straight before the match. - Joe Cole and Arjen Robben will play a vital role as their super jinxing runs down the flank can give Chelsea the goals. It would be interesting to see how Barcelona contain the duo. - Also Chelsea must finish the game before half time. The first 20 minutes of the match would be vital and Chelsea would want an early goal. Once they have a 2 goal cushion they can sit back and defend. - Last time out, long balls where the key as Chelsea beat Barca. The quality of passing from Lampard, Robben and Cole should be top class so that Ronaldinho and Messi can be kept quiet. How Barcelona can beat Chelsea? - The first 20 minutes of the match are very important. Barcelona would be tested immediately and the team that makes the better start will be the better team. - Possession is also very important. Barca must keep the ball and frustrate Chelsea and then try and catch Chelsea off guard with the counter attack. - In last year’s first leg Chelsea troubled Barca with the long ball from the defenders. Puyol and Marquez must be alert at all times. - Samuel Eto’o would the difference between the two teams. His natural ability to score goals could set the tone for Barcelona. - Set – pieces will be vital as Ronaldinho is deadly when it comes to dead ball opportunities. So Barcelona should draw the fouls from Chelsea and play to their strengths.
Chelsea(Predicted 11) --------------------Petr Cech---------------- Ferriera----Carvalho----Terry--------Gallas ------Lampard-----Maniche---Makelele--- Robben-------------------------J. Cole -----------------Drogba-------------------- Barcelona(Predicted 11) -----------------Victor Valdes----------- Belleti----Marquez----Puyol------GVB Motta ---Edmilson---Deco--------Ronaldino ------------------Messi ------------------- -----------------Samuel Eto’o ------------- Players to watch:Chelsea: Terry,Lampard,Robben Barcelona : Motta,Ronaldinho,Messi
Liverpool vs Benfica
Playing against Benfica may seems like an easy tie but may turn out to be a tricky fixture. Benfica are strong at home, and are doing really well at the moment in the Portuguese superliga. They knocked Man Utd out of the UCL and really played well and proved the punters wrong. Liverpool has beaten Benfica 5 times out of 6 tries in this competition, including the finals in 1978. If Liverpool’s not too disrupted by injuries, they will take this game.
Liverpool XI (Possible)
-----------------Reina------------
--Finnan--Hyypia--Carra---Riise--
--Gerrard--Alonso--Sissoko--Kewell--
------Fowler-------Morientes-------
Subs to Choose from : Dudek, Crouch, Garcia, Warnock, Agger
Benfica XI (Possible)
--------------Moretto-------------
--Nelson--Luisao--Anderson--Leo--
--Geovanni--M.Fernandes--Petit--Simao
--------Marcel----Nuno Gomez----
The department that they surpass Liverpool is the Striker department, they both combined goals tally of 22 goals which surpass the Liverpool striker mark. However, with Gerrard in midfield, Liverpool looked to dominate the game and create chances, which the upfront men must convert it to take the 1st leg.
How Liverpool can beat Benfica ?
- Hyypia and Carra should be marking their men, Marcel and Nuno, tightly as they are very prolific goalscorers. Marking them effectively would mean no goals conceded.
- Our strikers should be scoring if not winning at the Estadio da Luz in order to have an advantage at Anfield on away goal.
- Perhaps man marking would be more efficient that zonal. You agree ?
- Their midfielder, Simao, is also known for spot on crosses and a winger specialist and will be playing head to head to Steven Gerrard. If Sissko and Gerrard could compliment each other well, Simao won't have chance.
- Finish off the game early because Liverpool always dominate the early 30 mins or half time but usually manage to kill off the game and were made to pay like the Birmingham game How can Benfica beat Liverpool? - Instead of playing long balls to Gomez and Marcel they should try playing the ball at the attackers feet. Hyypia and Carragher are very good in the air. Hyypia has been deceptive when the ball is played towards the attackers feet. - Simao must take not be daunted by the task of facing Stevie G. He should take him on and go to the byline to try and get in decent crosses. - Most important. Believe that they can beat the former UCL Champs. Players to watch: Benfica: Simao Sebrosa, Nuno Gomez and Geovanni Liverpool : Gerrard, Kewell, Morientes
AC Milan V Bayer Munich Two European giants. 10 European Trophies between them. What more does one need? When these two teams meet tonight, irrespective of what happens we’ll have a winner. FOOTBALL will sure win. Milan are looking for their 7th UCL win, whereas Munich are looking for their 5th title. Milan are going to be looking to make amends for last years heartbreak. Both teams won their last respective cups on penalties. Milan beating Juventus while Munich beat Valencia. Both teams have their worries though. Milan hasn’t really been themselves after losing to Liverpool in Istanbul. Mediocre performances in the seria a and they barely managed to squeeze themselves into the knockout stages of this years competition after qualifying on the last day. But then even Liverpool and Porto won the competition after barely managing to go through to the knockout stages. For Munich, captain Oliver Kahn will be missing. Just as he began to get back into the form he used to be in the injury has seriously dented Munich’s hopes. But then do stats and form mean anything once the game starts? Liverpool showed that last year, beating Juventus , Chelsea and then Milan themselves. Will it be Milan magic, or Bavarian bravado? Whatever it is, this match is going to be 1 real cracker. How can Milan beat Munich? - Firstly, attack them from the start. If Munich are allowed to play their game, they can be devastating. - With a weakened defense, the midfield must be hold out Munich’s attacks. - Gilardinio and Sheva must be at their best if they can get anything out of Lucio and Ismael. - Clever little balls will me more effective than over the top balls as Lucio is a brilliant header of the ball. How can Munich beat Milan? - Expose the absence of Cafu and Maldini. Stam will be playing on the right where he is least effective. - Get Ballack n Demichelis involved. Both are in stunning form and could quite be the difference. - Deisler and Ze Roberto must run at Stam and Serginho who don’t look to confident. Stam particularly doesn’t look to confident at the wingback role and Roberto will look to expose that. - Bastian Schweistiger (the hidden weapon). Bring him on if nothings happen and the young German will make things happen and could give Serginho/Stam a real run around. Milan(Predicted XI) --------------------Dida-------------------- Stam------Nesta------Kaladze----Serginho Gattuso------------Pirlo------------Seedorf ---------------------Kaka-------------------- ---------Sheva----------------Gilardinio---- Munich(Predicted XI) --------------------Rensing----------------- Sagnol-----Lucio-----Ismael-----:Lizarazu Diesler-----Ballack---Demichelis---Ze Roberto --------------Makaay-----------Pizzaro--------- Players to watch: Milan: Nesta,Kaka, Gilardinio Munich : Deisler, Ballack,Lucio n Schweinstiger(maybe from the bench)
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FA Cup 5th round Review
LUCK RUNS OUT FOR RED DEVILS, COLCHESTER TROUBLE THE BLUES BUT IN VAIN.
FA Cup 5th Round Review By Gautam Swaminathan
Liverpool v/s Manchester United
Perhaps the biggest fixture of the season for both these sides as they wanted to keep their FA Cup hopes alive. Manchester United suffered an early setback as Rio Ferdinand failed his fitness test and so Nemanja Vidic was given a start. Sir Alex had to go with an inexperienced centre back combination with Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic. Good news for Liverpool fans as goal keeper Jose Reina started. Xabi Alonso was left out of this match. Robbie Fowler was cup tied so he was unavailable which meant that Peter Crouch would start instead of Ciise and Morientes retained his place in the eleven. Liverpool started the match with a bang and within minutes they had their first chance of the match. Steven Gerrard’s cross met Harry Kewell who has been in good knick of late and his shot was saved acrobatically by Edwin Van Der Sar. But the resulting corner was a short corner taken quickly by Gerrard who passed it to Steve Finnan and his cross was met by Peter Crouch as he gave the European Champions the lead after just 19 minutes. Rafa Benitez taking a big gamble as he gave crouch the start and this gamble paid off. Liverpool were clearly the better team as Manchester United’s weak defence was tested several times and to add to their problems Mikael Silvestre had to be substituted at half time. The second half was a fierce battle as Man Utd looked for a comeback but the Liverpool defence was solid. The best chance of the game for Man Utd was for Ruud Van Nistelrooy as he wasted too much time and the Liverpool defenders quickly reacted. The game had no less than 40 fouls and the game had 7 yellow cards. Liverpool proved to be too strong for their opposition and they were looking set to reach the Quarter final stage of the competition. On the very last minute Man Utd suffered yet another setback as mid fielder Alan Smith suffered a freak injury. The Englishman was defending a Liverpool free kick and Riise’s powerful free kick hit the bottom of his foot. By the looks of it Alan Smith would certainly be out for the rest of the season thanks to a broken leg and a stress fracture on his ankle. But all smiles for the European Champions as they beat Man Utd in the FA Cup after 85 years and by doing so they made it to the Quarters. Liverpool are now firm favorites to reach the final which will take place at Wembley. Rafa Benitez said in the interview later that “It’s hard to loose a match at Anfield with our fans behind us”. Charlton Athletic v/s Brentford Charlton have been very impressive at “The Valley” off late and they continued their good run of form as they entertained Brentford. Darren Bent has been in an excellent form as he has scored 4 times in the last 4 games. Bent gave the premiership side the lead in the 3rd minute. Charlton were clearly outplaying their opponents and they got their reward minutes before half time as Jay Bothroyd scored from 25 yards out. His powerful free kick gave the Charlton a 2 – 0 lead just at the break. Conceding two very sloppy goals lowered the confidence level of Brentford as Bryan Hughes sealed the game with an easy finish in the 62nd minute as Charlton were heading to the Quarters. Brentford did get some conciliation as Isaiaih Rankin scored on the 83rd minute but it proved to be too little as Charlton won the game. Newcastle v/s Southampton FA Cup was the only chance of silverware for Alan Shearer’s men and they headed into this match with a good victory over Aston Villa. Newcastle started the game really well as Shola Ameobi had a few chances but Southampton goal keeper, Claus Lundekvam made some sensational saves as he kept Southampton in the hunt. At halftime both sides were level but Newcastle were clearly the better side and they didn’t want to take this match to a replay. Newcastle started off from where they left off as they pounded shot after shot on Lundekvam’s net but the young goal keeper was not to be beaten. But he eventually had to give way for a goal from Kieron Dyer as he slotted home thanks to a lovely through ball from Charles N’Zogbia. Some sloppy defending from Southampton and too add insult to injury, Goal keeper Lundekvam suffered an injury just after Southampton had used up all of their 3 substitutions. They had to play the remainder of the game with 10 men as substitute Dexter Blackstock took the gloves. Newcastle moved to the final 8 in the competition. Bolton Wanderers v/s West Ham Honors even at the Reebok stadium as Bolton fail to make most of the home advantage. Not the best of conditions at the Reebok Stadium, as West Ham were welcomed by a Bolton side who were famously strong at home. What was at stake? A place in the last eight of the oldest competition in England. Both teams played with fury as tackles were flying in and none of the teams really made their chances count as the first half ended goalless. Kevin Nolan came closest to scoring as his shot went wide. But a spirited second half performance from West Ham ensured that they would take the match to the replay. Paul Konchesky proved to be very dangerous down the left hand side but his crosses were not met by the West Ham players and in the end it ended in a disappointing 0 – 0 draw. For West Ham fans it was a good result but the replay was to be played. With European matches round the corner Bolton are going to face Fixture congestion as they play 4 games in the space of a week. This would give a slight advantage to West Ham. Chelsea v/s Colchester United 42 places separated the two teams as England’s best football team entertained League 1 side Colchester. Colchester were in a 4 match winning streak and they were no pushovers. Jose Mourinho made 9 changes to the side that went down to Middlesborough. John Terry, William Gallas, Del Horno, Frank Lampard and Hernan Crespo were rested before their crucial encounter with Barcelona. The pitch was in terrible condition as it rained continuously in London. Chelsea started in an unlikely fashion as they were 1 - 0 down after just half an hour gone in the game. Perhaps they took Colchester too lightly as the goal coming from an unlikely source as Ricardo Carvalho scored the Own Goal. Kevin Watson’s cross was intercepted by Carvalho and to Chelsea’s misfortune the ball ended up in the back of the net. Keeper Carlo Cudicini had no chance. But Chelsea responded quickly as Portugal defender Paulo Ferreira scored the equalizer. The half ended at 1 – 1 and Colchester were clearly the better team and an upset was on the cards. But then manager Jose Mourinho brought on Frank Lampard, Hernan Crespo and Joe Cole and this proved to be the decisive move as Chelsea pressurized the Colchester defence but the keeper Aidon Davidson wasn’t going to give up very easily. Some good defending from the full backs forced Chelsea to shooting from 25 yards out. Luck was on Colchester’s side as they continued to hang on and try and take it to the replay at Colchester. But Colchester’s luck finally ran out on the 79th minute as the keeper failed to collect Crespo’s shot and Joe Cole pounced on the rebound and he gave Chelsea the lead. Heart breaking for Colchester fans as they pushed more men forward and in the last kick of the game Cole added his second to give Chelsea the win 3 – 1. The match was a hard fought match but one would feel that the score line was a little unfair to Colchester but nevertheless Chelsea confirmed their place in the last eight of the competition. Aston Villa v/s ManchesterCity 17 year old Micah Richards saved the day for the city team as his goal late in the game took the match to the replay at the City of Manchester stadium. But Stuart Pearce would feel hard done as his side thoroughly dominated their opposition but they failed to convert their chances. Former Villa man Darius Vassell was the culprit as he should have killed the game in the first half itself. Pearce’s new signing Georgios Samaras was looking dangerous but Thomas Sorensen was keeping brilliantly and he denied two shots from Samaras. Sylvain Distin had one of the best chance of the match as his shot went over the bar. Joey Barton’s corner was failed to be converted by Antoine Sibierski. ManCity were getting frustrated as they had 4 yellow cards in the whole game compared to Villa’s 1. But the break through had to come as ManCity were caught napping as Milan Baros scored his 9th goal of the campaign. He gave Aston Villa a rather undeserved lead in the 72nd minute. City pushed all their men forward and in the dying moments of the game Barton’s corner was met by teenage prodigy Micah Richards as he restored ManCity’s FA Cup hopes. This was just his second start as he proved worthy of a place in the starting line-up more regularly. If Stuart Pearce wins the FA Cup he would be the first English Manager to do so in more than 10 years. In other results Birmingham beat Stoke City away from home 1 – 0, the goal coming from forward Mikael Forssell. Middlesborough also had success over Preston North End as they beat the league 2 side 2 goals to nil, Yakubu netted home both the goals giving Middlesborough their 3rd win in a space of 1 week. Results: Liverpool v/s Manchester United | 1 - 0 | Chelsea v/s Colchester United | 3 - 1 | Newcastle v/s Southampton | 1 – 0 | Charlton Athletic v/s Brentford | 3 – 1 | Stoke City v/s BirminghamCity | 0 – 1 | Preston North End v/s Middlesborough | 0 – 2 | Bolton Wanderers v/s West Ham [Replay] | 0 – 0 | Aston Villa v/s ManchesterCity [Replay] | 1 – 1 |
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FA CUP 2006
FA Cup 5th Round Preview Fixtures Saturday, Feb 18th 2006 Liverpool v/s Manchester United Bolton v/s West Ham Newcastle v/s Southampton Charlton v/s Brentford Sunday, Feb 19th 2006 Preston North End v/s Middlesborough Stoke City v/s Birmingham City Chelsea v/s Colchester United Aston Villa v/s Manchester City Liverpool v/s Manchester United The biggest fixture of the 5th round and what a huge match this is going to be. Both sides evenly matched and are currently in great form so this one is going to be a classic. Liverpool would want revenge as Man Utd had beaten them earlier this season. What will happen in this match only time can tell but this one is going to be a thriller!!!!! Since it is at Anfield Liverpool will have the psychological advantage but Man Utd have been very impressive away from home this season. Both sides are within 4 pts of each other in the premiership and this win would certainly boost their confidence, especially for Liverpool who have an all important Champions League Fixture coming up. Good news for Man Utd fans as they have been scoring goals consistently and Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the form of their lives. Robbie Fowler still hasn’t scored his first goal since his move from Man. City and what better occasion than this, can he and Liverpool see Man Utd off and book a place in the Quarter-finals or will the Red Devils triumph yet again……..Only time will tell!!!!!!!! Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 Man Utd [Nistelrooy ,Gerrard , Fowler] Man to Watch: Robbie Fowler Bolton Wanderers v/s West Ham One can say this will be the 2nd best fixture in this round but this one also promises to be a ripper. Both sides doing really well in the league and its hard to say who has the upper hand. Bolton has one of the meanest defences at home and West Ham have scored 5 goals in 2 of their previous away games. Bolton goal keeper Jussi Jasskelinen has been in outstanding form and a lot will depend on his goal keeping if Bolton want to win. Bolton knocked out holders Arsenal in the 4th round and clearly their confidence is sky high. But West Ham have been in scintillating form of late and that is mainly due to Marlon Harewood and Anton Ferdinand who have been in superb form. Both these sides are fighting for a place in Europe and this will surely be one of the best matches in the round. The last time these two sides met Bolton won 2 – 1 away from home but with 4 draws from their previous 5 matches, West Ham are looking to be the better team who are in a 5 match winning streak. Prediction: Bolton 1 – 2 West Ham [Nolan, Harewood and Zamora] Man to Watch: Marlon Harewood Newcastle United v/s Southampton Newcastle haven’t been in the best of form lately but on paper they clearly are the stronger side. But one cannot right off Southampton. They are 15th in the 3rd division but they are a far better team than that. But obviously Newcastle will be favorites in this clash as it’s at St. James Park and with Shearer finding his goal scoring touch things are looking good for Newcastle as they go into this fixture with a win over Aston Villa. Southampton are the underdogs in this fixture but could they have Giant – killing on their minds!!!! Prediction: Newcastle 3 – 1 Southampton Man to Watch: Alan Shearer Chelsea v/s Colchester United One of the most one sided matches in the history of the competition but is there a chink in the Chelsea armour!!!! Middlesborough certainly took advantage of it as they beat the Blues 3 – 0. So will Chelsea look to avenge their defeat or will we see the biggest upsets of the season. Chelsea going into this match after they beat Everton 4 – 1 and the return of Didier Drogba returning from the African Cup of Nations would add to the worries of Colchester. Chelsea would be looking to get back to winning ways ahead of their crucial Champions League tie against Barcelona. Prediction: Chelsea 4 – 0 Colchester [Lampard, Crespo, and Gudjohnsen] Man to Watch: Hernan Crespo Aston Villa v/s Manchester City Yet another all premiership clash, Manchester City look to extend their unbeaten run as they make their trip to Villa Park. Aston Villa haven’t had a great campaign this season but they certainly have what it takes to make it to the Quarters. Joey Barton is looking in great touch and he clearly has been city’s best performer this season. One of the major worries for city will be Andy Cole’s absence who is out with a knee injury. Darius Vassell will play a key role if City wants victory. Aston Villa will have the home advantage but they will be severely tested by the travelers and their attack will have to fire if they hope to advance to the Quarters. Prediction: Aston Villa 1 – 3 Man City [Vassell, Sinclair, Barton and Barry] Man to Watch: Darius Vassell
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Hutch Cup 2006
India PakO.D.I Matches
4th One Day International,Multan
India went into this match really confident,as they had beaten Pakistan on the last two occassions. Both matches had witnessed a professional performance by the Indians. But what Multan,witnessed was one of Indias best fielding and bowling performance in a long time.
Rahul Dravid won the toss once again and elected to field. India went into the game without any changes, as Ajit Agarkar was fit enough to play. Pakistan were forced into a change as Shahid Afridi was out due to a chest injury.
India started again in fine fashion,as Shreeshant shrugged of his wayward bowling in the past matches,to bowl really tight and started off really well. But it was Pathan who struck first. In a move,which started with a field change, as Suresh Raina was moved from 2nd slip to short point. The move worked right away as Pathan trapped him with a slower ball. Salman Butt n Shoaib Malik got together,but weren't anywhere next to their fluent best. Shreeshant got rid of Butt,with a brilliant outswinger,which was snapped very well by Dravid at first slip. Malik n Younis Khan were dismissed by R.P Singh in his first over of successive balls. That brought Inzamam Ul Huq and Mohammad Yusuf to the crease. Both of them were playing really well and the partnership was looking ominous for the Indians. But it was Ajit Agarkar who provided the break through for the Indians,as he had Yusuf caught behind by Dhoni. After that India got wickets regularly even as Pakistan brought on Imran Farhat instead of Yasir Arafat as a supersub. He fell cheaply too off the bowling of R.P. Singh. Once Tendulkar got Inzamam out for the second time in 2 matches, India looked well on their way to a victory. Pakistan finished with 161 on da board.
Pakistan knew that they required early wickets,and early wickets is what they got, as Sami got rid of Sachin Tendulkar for a duck and then got Gambhir for 21. But then skipper and vice captain for this match got together as they played with assurity and also attacked the Pakistan bowlers when the oppurtunity came upon. Both players took India towards the brink of victory before getting dismissed. Kaif was dismissed cheaply again. Raina played a brilliant cameo of an innings to take India to victory along with Dhoni,as India won the match and took the series 3-1, with one game remaining.
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EPL Midweek Results
Latest Results
Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0(Luis Garcia)
This match was no less than a 6 pointer. 3rd place in the premiership met 5th place,as Liverpool took on Arsenal at Anfiled. Liverpool had scored only 31 goals before last night's game and Arsenal had scored only 9 goals away from home. So these stats combined us to let us know,that we weren't going to get a high scoring game.
Robbie Fowler made his home debut for Liverpool,as Rafa Benitez made only one change in the team,as he replaced German Didi Hamann with Momo Sissoko. Arsenal threw Kolo Toure and Ebouye straight back into the team after a long injury lay off.
Liverpool made the stronger start,but it was Arsenal who had the first major chance of the game,but Toure wasn't able to direct his header goalwards. After this it was all Liverpool,as they created chance after chance,but just weren't able to find the back of the net. It all started with a dodgy clearence by Phillipe Senderos,who turned 21 on the day of the match. Jens Lehmann made an outstanding save to turn the ball over for a corner. Liverpool kept on pressurising a weakend Arsenal. The pressure seemed to have paid off when, Morientes was fouled by Ebouye in the penalty box.Steven Gerrard stepped up to take it,but Lehmann denied Liverpool once more with a strong save. Some would say justice was done as the penalty decision was a little harsh. Gerrard was involved straight after the penalty miss as he tried to set up Fernando Morientes with a brillaint cross,but the Spaniard missed his kick. Morientes was also setup brillaintly by Robbie Fowler's cross,but he wasn't able to place his header well enough. Both teams went into the half time interval scoreless.
Liverpool started the second half in the same fashion,attacking but not being able to score. Gerrard's throughball was met excellenty by Robbie Fowler and after controlling the ball well and making good contact,the shot looked destined to be Fowler's 1st goal after his comeback for Liverpool,but an outstreched arm by Jens Lehmann denied Fowler the glory moment. Liverpool kept pressurising the Arsenal defence.Didi Hamann replaced Xabi Alonso. Cisse replaced Fowler,n Garcia replaced Sissoko. This move worked for Rafa as Hamann hit a brilliant shot from outside the box,which was saved brilliantly by Lehmann,but Garcia pounced on the rebound n score Liverpool the vital late winner.
Our Man Of The Match: Harry Kewell
Blackburn 2 Sunderland 0(Craig Bellamy(2)
Bellamy scored twice on his return for Blackburn Rovers. Sunderland continued thier wayful away form. Blackburn look to be in real good form now.They could have scored more than 2 goals,but the delivery of the final ball was poor.
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Indian Tennis
WTA BANGALORE OPEN
Bangalore,February 2006
Main Draw :
Round 1:
1 Sania Mirza (IND) vs Martina Muller (GER) Tuesday
Camille Pin (FRA) vs Angelique Widjaja (INA) Mon. 4pm, C1
Vania King (USA) vs Q Qualifier Tuesday
7 Elena Vesnina (USA) vs Nicole Pratt (AUS) Mon. 7.30pm, CC
3 Mara Santangelo (ITA) vs Henrietta Nagyova (SVK) Tuesday
Tzipora Obziler (ISR) vs Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) Tuesday
W Isha Lakhani (IND) vs Q Qualifier Tuesday
8 Emma Laine (FIN) vs Yuliana Fedak (UKR) Tuesday
5 Aiko Nakamura (JPN) vs Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) Mon. 2pm, C1
Melina Czink (HUN) vs W Rushmi Chakravarthi (IND) Mon. 5pm, CC
Alona Bondarenko (UKR) vs Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) Mon. 2pm, CC
4 Sybille Bammer (AUT) vs Anastassia Rodionova (RUS) Tuesday
6 Jelena Kostanic (CRO) vs Q Qualifier Tuesday
Kaia Kanepi (EST) vs W Ankita Bhambri (IND) Tuesday
Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) vs Q Qualifier Tuesday
2 Shahar Peer (ISR) vs Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) Tuesday
Doubles
Doubles Round 1:
1 N.Pratt/ M.Santangelo vs Q Qualifier/ Qualifier
I.Abramovic/ M.Abramovic vs R.Fuda/ S.Okamoto Mon. 6pm, C1
4 A.Rodionova/ E.Vesnina vs Y.Fedak/ T.Poutcheck
A.Bondarenko/ K.Bondarenko vs E.Hrdinova/ A.Nakamura
S-W.Hsieh/ T.Tanasugarn vs A.Amanmuradova/ J.Vorobieva
3 M.Koryttseva/ S.Peer vs E.Dzehalevich/ K.Nagy
M.Muller/ S.Talaja vs A.Bhambri/ R.Chakravarthi Mon. 9.30pm, CC
2 L.Huber/ S.Mirza vs T.Obziler/ A.Widjaja
P.S.: Gautam n Zehaan..I wish i could put a Maria Sharapova picture for this topic. But that wouldn't be suitable.
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Hutch Cup 2006
India PakO.D.I Matches
3rd One Day International,Lahore
The intense rivalry between these two teams moved to Lahore. When the two teams met here in the longer version of the game, the pitch resembled a graveyard for the bowlers. More of the same was expected for today's 3rd odi.
Indian skipper Rahul Dravid was thrid time lucky,as he won India the toss for the first time in this series n decided to bowl first so that the Indian seamers could use the overcast conditions. Irfan Pathan did exactly that as he enduced an edge from the blade of Salman Butt and dismissed the wristy left hander for yet second ball duck. Afridi was sent into open the innings & he could also have been back in the hut if Mohd. Kaif had snapped up a chance at first slip,however he dropped him,one of the three drop catches at the slips of Shreeshants bowling. Although given a life Afridi wasn't able to capatilize and was dismissed for 18 by Irfan Pathan. Shoaib Malik n Kamran Akmal got together. Both were given chances of the bowling of Shreeshant, although Malik capatilized on it,Akmal was dismissed by R.P. Singh(took the place of Z.Khan). Mohd Yusuf was also sent back to the pavilion as Pakistan were got to 90-4. Inzamam somewhat rescued the homeside along with inform Malik,but was later dismissed by Tendulkar. Yunis Khan was also dismissed cheaply leaving Pakistan at 166-6 of 35 overs. Razzaq joint Malik at the centre. Pakistan added 122 runs in the last 15 overs as Malik finally went past the 100 mark,after being dismissed in the 90's in the earlier games.Razzaq also scored a quickfire 60.
India begun the chase in the worst possible fashion,as they lost two quickfire wickets. Gambhir played on and saw his leg stump being dispatched, whereas Pathan was caugh behind of a sharp bouncer by Mohd. Asif. Tendulkar looked positive all throughout n Rahul Dravid was looking set for a big one. But then just against the run of play, Dravid committed suicide by running a non existent single and was superbly runout by Umar Gul. That dismissla brough Yuvraj Singh out to the middle. The tall Punjab batsmen is in exceptional form at the moment, and his timing and placement really showed it. He and Tendulkar batted flawlessly and even went on the offensive at a time ,during which a wicket could have handed the game to the Pakistani's. Tendulkar showed flashes of coming back into form and Yuvraj Singh supported him brilliantly. But he was dismissed once more by medium pacer Abdur Razzaq. Razzaq has now dismissed the little master 6 times. Kaif was dismissed without troubling the scorers. That left India at 190-5.Enter Mahindra Singh Dhoni. He played one of the best offensive innings ever. He smashed a brilliant 72* of only 46 balls. He was severe on all the bowlers,specially Rana Naved as he scored 15 of a single over of his. Yuvraj played sensibly and both of them guided India to a memorable victory at Lahore.
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Epl Weekend Review
Weekend Fixtures Results and Goal Scorers
Wigan 0 Liverpool 1(S.Hyypia)
Liverpool went into this game with only 1 point taken of their previous 12 available. Rafa Benitez and his boys knew that a victory was the minimum required of this game. Robbie Fowler earned his first start for Liverpool on his return,as he started alongside Spaniard Fernando Morientes. None of Liverpool's strikers have scored in the EPL this year. Florent Sinama Pongolle(on loan to blackburn) was the last Liverpool striker to find the back of the net. Liverpool clinched this game 1-0 with one of the most unlikely offensive pairing. Jamie Carragher assisted Sami Hyypia. Hyypia hit a sweet left footed volley at the half hour mark to give Liverpool all 3 points
Arsenal 1 Bolton 1(Gilberto Silva, Kevin Nolan)
Bolton beat Arsenal twice already this season,and looked to do the double on Arsenal after 6 dozen years. They looked like doing it till the 92nd minute. Kevin Nolan handed Bolton an early lead,and they looked like hanging onto the lead till the end. Jasskelinen made brilliant saves all throughout the match to deny the Gunners a point. But he couldn't do a thing to deny,Gilberto Silva from finding the back | | | | |
