"Hopefully this is just a turning point to have gained this tie and to make it better it was against Barcelona," said Casillas. "We enjoyed an extremely good wrap all this and round will motivate us to create a good showing of ourselves in other suits. "Cristiano is essential for us. Today he offers us his maximum." and is in sensational form Cristiano Ronaldo's history against Barcelona for Sure Madrid: Spanish Primera Liga 10 April 2010Real Madrid 0 - 2 Barcelona Ronaldo's first game against Barca found Real on top for much of an engrossing game, in the conclusion the Catalans found a supplementary gear. At the middle of all of it, the 2 men the planet was seeing, Cristiano thrown into battle with Lionel Messi. The showman against the sorcerer, design against material. Ronaldo, all poise and energy, the cleaving broadsword at the heart of each Real assault, and Messi, impish, bizarre, Barcelonaas rapier. Ronaldo was denied his dream begin in his private struggle with the Argentine. Its first test that was failed by the vanity project of unprecedented scale brought Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and the rest to the Spanish capital in the summer at great cost, precisely to overthrow Catalan dominance,. --- Spanish Primera Liga 29 Nov 2010Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid Beautifully-engineered first-half moves by Xavi and Pedro represented the smallest amount of the imperious house side earned, but a support for David Villa following the interval established the party alight. Realas befuddled players, not least an unknown Ronaldo, beat a retreat back once again to the main city with tails between their legs. Spanish Primera Liga 16 Apr 2011Real Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona (1 goal for Ronaldo) The very first of an quadruple for El Gran ClAsico in a matter of months opened with an engrossing draw that most but guaranteed Barcelonaas coronation as Spanish winners for a third straight season. The crisis did not quite match the exotic wonders on display in the same installation last November, when Barcelona won 5-0, but Jose Mourinhoas Real Madrid produced some measure of satisfaction from this dedicated performance as Ronaldoas charge nine minutes from time, his first objective against Barca in the white of Madrid, served block out Lionel Messias earlier success from the spot. Copa del Rey 20 Apr 2011Barcelona 0 - 1 Real Madrid (1 purpose for Ronaldo) True Madrid believed their first trophy under Jose Mourinho in spectacular fashion when Ronaldo's extra-time winner secured a 1-0 Kingas Cup final victory over arch-rivals Barcelona. With fines looming in a tense and sporadically challenging battle at a joyous Mestalla arena in Valencia, the Portuguese forward hopped to accident house a header from Angel Di Mariaas fantastic heart after typical time had ended in stalemate. Champions League 27 Apr 2011Real Madrid 0 - 2 Barcelona Two moments of splendor stood out amidst the beastliness of what Henry Cold temperatures called 'The Game of Shame.' Two this brutal match was rescued by goals, twomoments of magic from Lionel Messi, his second goal echoing Diego Maradonaas dribbled gem against England in 1986, from the dark ages. But for Messi recalling that football must be about adventure, happiness and creativity, and Xavi also playing with type, this was the game that pride forgot. There clearly was no value, no appeal, no strength. Pepe was sent off and the overall game was scarred by play-acting from both sides, continuous surrounding of the umpire, Wolfgang Stark and a tube ruck at half-time. Champions League 03 Might 2011Barcelona 1 - 1 Real Madrid A creditable pull for sure and Ronaldo but the better team won right through to the Wembley closing. Undoubtedly Messi was in the middle of Barca's sophisticated motion, the ball driving a content carousel with him, Ronaldo was full of work and innovation but to no avail. Madrid attempted equally reasonable means and fouls to stop the stylish little Argentine. Of Madridas 29 fouls, 11 were on Messi, a record for a Champions League sport in 2010. It was not as dirty while the first leg and Real renewed dignity nevertheless the general effect was never in doubt. ---- Spanish Super Cup 14 Aug 2011Real Madrid 2 - 2 Barcelona Real Madrid and Barcelona provided four targets in a fascinating first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Having hogged the news for several bad-tempered issues last time, the 2 played out a game refreshingly void of late issues and mass-brawls. Another shock found Real undertake the position of the cultivated driving side out from the two, opening the rating through Mesut Ozil and then levelling through Xavi Alonso. In between times, Barcelona occupied the smash-and-grab design often utilized by Madrid last year, with David Villa and Lionel Messi rating. Spanish Super Cup 17 Aug 2011Barcelona three - 2 Real Madrid The bench was come off by cesc Fabregas to help his new part Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, but the former Arsenal captainas introduction at the Nou Camp was overshadowed by another unpleasant brawl involving the bitter opponents. Spanish Primera Liga 10 Dec 2011Real Madrid 1 - 3 Barcelona Messi yet again eclipses Ronaldo in the battle of the footballing gods, while Andre Iniesta was Herculean in midfield as Barcelona overcame the surprise of a 22nd-second Karim Benzema goal to draw level with Real towards the top of La Liga. Copa del Rey 18 Jan 2012Real Madrid 1 - 2 Barcelona (1 goal for Ronaldo) Eric Abidal proved an impossible matchwinner as Barcelona originated from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final a the Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo answered critics of a perceived bad efficiency against Barcelona last month by rating the operator after 11 minutes, picking right on up Karim Benzema's move before driving past Gerard Pique and firing low past Jose Manuel Pinto. Spanish Primera Liga 21 Apr 2012Barcelona 1 - 2 Real Madrid (1 target for Ronaldo) Real Madrid and Ronaldo upstaged the European champions and Messi with a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou. The effect sent Real are seven points clear with four games left after goals from Sami Khedira and Ronaldo either side of an Alexis Sanchez equaliser. In the method the Spanish league scoring record was broken by Real with their 108th and 109th objectives of the campaign. True proceeded to get the Spanish name. ----- Spanish Super Cup 23 Aug 2012Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid (1 purpose for Ronaldo) Barcelona came from behind to have a slender lead from the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa at the Nou Camp. Cristiano Ronaldo went Real into the cause against the run of play 10 minutes into the second half from Mesut Ozil's part, but Barcelona replied as Pedro showed good poise to position house one minute later. The motion then ran from end to end and it absolutely was when Lionel Messi obtained from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos had brought down Andres Iniesta the hosts who forged ahead 20 minutes from time. A great jinking function from Iniesta opened Xavi to swing house Barcelona's next goal eight minutes later. Nevertheless, the readers were talented a means back in the link five full minutes from time when Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes tried to dribble around Angel Di Maria and only succeeded in presenting the Argentinian an open target Spanish Super Cup 29 Aug 2012Real Madrid 2 - 1 Barcelona (1 purpose for Ronaldo) True Madrid secured their first Spanish Super Cup since 2008 on away targets after a narrow victory over arch competitors Barcelona in Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu. The hosts had did not gain inside their last seven home meetings with Barca but went about finishing that report in the beginning with objectives in the very first 20 minutes from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo. The guests were then paid down to 10 men as Adriano was shown a right red card for denying Ronaldo a clear goalscoring opportunity, but they regained their composure and were brought back into the game by a stunning free-kick from Lionel Messi right before half-time but Real found the game out against the 10 men and got the treasure on away goals. Spanish Primera Liga 07 Oct 2012Barcelona 2 - 2 Real Madrid (2 targets for Ronaldo) On a balmy evening another classic in the current editions of El Classico a' another spectacular present, amid all the sound and fury, the theatrics and the genuine beauty, for 2 men who just require to be hailed as aMore than the usual Playera. It ended up Ronaldo 2 to Messi 2, with the small Argentine master and the preening Portuguese maestro, two of the finest players of this or any generation, illuminating the 222nd bout of footballas glitziest competition as only they can. aThose two are of another planet,a sighed Realas employer Jose Mourinho afterwards. Copa del Rey 30 Jan 2013Real Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona Both parties had lots of chances all through an enthralling first half nevertheless the operator didn't occur until five minutes in to the next period when Cesc Fabregas locked onto Lionel Messi's through basketball to fire past Diego Lopez. Madrid got the equaliser their performance merited nine minutes from time when the game's outstanding artist, Raphael Varane, rose to head home Mesut Ozil's mix. Copa del Rey 26 Feb 2013Barcelona 1 - three Real Madrid (2 goals for Ronaldo) Ronaldo scored a goal in each half as Real Madrid demolished Barcelonaas 22-match unbeaten function in a triumph at the Nou Camp to secure an area in the Copa del Rey closing. Ronaldo struck on his sixth straight stop by at Nou Camp when he earned and converted a charge in the minute before obtaining the net again after the break in the minute. Raphael Varane got his second goal of the sport in the 68th minute to summary the link carrying out a 1-1 lure the initial leg.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Chelsea FC linked with Jose Mourinho but Rafael Benitez ignoring speculation - Crunchsports.com
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez insists he is ignoring what Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has said about a potential return to the Premier League this summer.
Mourinho's future in charge of Real is under increased scrutiny and the 'Special One' has made no secret of his desire to return to England in the future.
Chelsea are believed to be keen on luring the Portuguese back to Stamford Bridge for a second spell, while Manchester City and rivals Manchester United have also been linked with the 50-year-old.
Mourinho earlier this month stated that he will look to return to the Premier League when the time comes to leave the Bernabeu, and has been installed as the bookmakers' favourite to be in charge of the Blues next season.
But Benitez, whose current contract expires in the summer, insists he is focused on doing as well as he can until the end of the season.
"I am concentrating on my job, and I finish my contract at the end of the season. I will try and do my best. That's my job.
"I cannot change the opinion of some people. But what I can say is the team is growing, getting better for this year and also for the future.
"I was asked in Spain about Real Madrid, but I didn't talk about them. I will worry about myself. It's out of respect, yes, because Real have a manager under contract."
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Cottage boss on deal talks mission - Clubcall
Martin Jol has confirmed that he will be holding contract talks with several of his Fulham players in the coming weeks.
The Cottagers boss recently tied down Damien Duff to a new deal and, with 11 key first-team squad members such as Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Mladen Petric, Giorgos Karagounis, Simon Davies, Chris Baird and Philippe Senderos all set to be out of contract this summer, Jol has plenty of work on his plate in the coming months.And, while the majority of players have already opened talks, Jol feels it will be a matter of time before further announcements are made, not to mention the fact some players will automatically qualify for contracts if they trigger clauses in their respective current ones.He said: "There's a lot of players finishing their contracts [at the end of the season] and we are talking to most of them."We will have a few more in the next couple of weeks."There's a couple with clauses if they play more than 25 matches will get an automatic extension."
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Michael Appleton: aEveryone knows what I believe of Jerome Thomas. He is a top... - Birmingham Mail
West Bromwich Albion: Blackburn Rovers to produce a further approach for Jerome Thomas Jerome Jones Blackburn Rovers Rovers are as a result of method West Bromwich Albion over a possible loan transfer for Jerome Thomas. The Ewood Park team, managed by former Baggies assistant chef Michael Appleton, were very close to signing Thomas for A600,000 on move deadline day last month. Johnson was really at Blackburn ready to sign but the package was not done in time a a with DJ Campbellas transfer from Queens Park Rangers had a influence with the Thomas transfer. But Rovers are keen to signal the winger on loan for at the very least monthly. Bob Clarke has previously said he'll perhaps not allow anyone to keep Albion on loan but the Baggies might be suited by a short-term fix. Johnson did not make Albionas 18-man squad against Sunderland, despite Clarke having few other extensive alternatives. He has made just three Premier League performances for Albion this season, last making the matchday squad in the game at Liverpool. Appleton has made it clear he'd want to sign the 29-year-old, who played six games for Leeds early in the day this year and is going of agreement this summer. Asked whether he'd want to provide the ball player in, the Rovers boss replied: aIf I said no, you'd not trust in me. aWe works very hard to see what we could do. West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland aBut people have to comply and wish to accomplish it. aEveryone knows what I do believe of Jerome. He's a top talent. Shock have lost speed within our part. Within my next game I said I wanted pace in the wide areas. It is crying out for rate. aWhat Bents (David Bentley) has done though is give us that quality and composure on the ball, but when we are able to blend that up with true rate on one side (by getting Thomas) then it will be considered a great balance.a
Michael Owen to give Stoke City stay? - GiveMeFootball.com
Jordan Owen may land himself a fresh agreement by the end of the growing season for Stoke City. That employs Stoke chef Tony Pulis declined to eliminate a new option for the former England International. The Real Madrid star and former Liverpool has rarely presented in the Premier League this season for The Potters, but there is still a chance Owen will continue on past this season. Pulis informed Sky Sports: aHe doesnat have to play a certain level of activities to win a contract. There's nothing like that in his offer. There is no strings attached to his contract at all.a Surely his ability to function as a striker in among the top leagues in the world can be an situation also, while his exercise has undoubtedly been a problem. Nevertheless, Owen has believed he still has something to offer, stating that he wonat fall down the group structure to be able to play soccer. During this period, one must surely commence to question his good reasons for planning to stick to in the top-flight. To be low down in the Manchester United pecking order might be appropriate but to be below Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome in the structure at Stoke absolutely canat be simple to stomach. Nothing against Crouch and Jerome but they canat claim to be anywhere close to the person Owen was in his heyday. But regrettably for Owen, his heyday was at the least five or six years back. If he was unwilling to fall down a category to be able to perform often why didnat he consider the sunny retreat of the aging Premier League professional that is Major League Soccer? Conditioning enabling he would have now been guaranteed in full playing time and acclaim. But he doesnat seem enthusiastic about that. Rather, he is apparently buying team close enough to his stables to pay him in the hope that he may be as effective as he was previously. DISCLAIMER: This short article has been published by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy and doesn't represent the views of GiveMeFootball.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are entirely that of the author paid at the very top of the report. GiveMeFootball.com and SportsNewMedia do not simply take any responsibility for this content of its contributors.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Strategy FC: 3 Shocking Research About the Gunners This Season - Bleacher Statement
Collection have now been the best enigma during the 2012-13 time. This assertion is born out by some surprising statistics. They include figures that indicate higher defensive solidity than seems clear. There are also figures that suggest Arsenal do not need certainly to make signing a goalkeeper an integral part of their summer programs. Listed below are three astonishing statistics from the Gunners' tumultuous season. Defense surpasses you may think The initial retort many have against Arsene Wenger may be the lack of defensive solidity many of his squads exhibit. While no body is suggesting the Gunners offer a defense to rival their well-known straight back five, this season's numbers do show progress in this area. In line with the English Premier League Index, Arsenal rank third in the league in goals admitted per game. The number is provided at 1.12, whilst the Premier League's standard site lists it at 1.11. That is a marked improvement on the 1.29 number listed in 2011-12, according to eplindex.com.AHowever, regardless of the figures, few can challenge that Arsenal appear weak in defense. Arsenal's defense has increased by the figures. However, it's only a surface-deep improvement.Michael Regan/Getty Images A truly reliable right back point creates trust and confidence in fans. You can find probably no Gunners supporters whose nerves stay satisfied when the opposition attacks. The nub of the thing is problems. Based on fourfourtwo.com, Arsenal have made 14 mistakes that have led directly to objectives this season, that is the highest figure in the league. The most popular perception is that Wenger is tactically inept and Steve Bould is not being allowed to work. Nevertheless, it ought to be noted that zonal tagging and falling figures behind the ball, were presented this year under Bould's stewardship. Attention and business remains the important thing concepts Arsenal's defence should learn. It's also true that the back four has not been helped by the inconsistencies in attack. Whenever a strikeforce cannot be depended upon to score consistently, defensive gaffes normally undertake greater significance. Gunners learn how to defend from leading Continuing the theme of allegedly deceptive defensive frailty, it might surprise many that Arsenal list large defending from the front. Actually, your blog squawka.com puts them second greatest in theAentireAEPL in this class. The report notes that the important thing for Arsenal's protecting from the leading is Santi Cazorla. He's said to have produced 22 interceptions in advanced positions, a league-best level. Santi Cazorla's school and significance to Arsenal is evident in both strike and defence.Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures This is just further proof of how good Cazorla has been this year. Add this to his 11 goals and understand just why it could be a vomit-inducing knowledge reading ungrateful Gunners supporters criticising the characteristics of the Spanish ace. It seems that Arsenal's inconsistent forward line is at least in a position to routinely disturb resistance attacks at their starting points. Wojciech Szczesny and his qualifications as a No. 1 goalkeeper This writer does think Wenger must change Szczesny this summer, to be clear right away. The young Pole simply concedes way too many he should save. His technicians are wrong and that's nobody's fault but his own. Nevertheless, the numbers at the least suggest Arsenal mightn't want to give up their current No. 1. Szczesny was recently in comparison to a pair of mooted substitutes, by talkSPORT. Szczesny is currently outperforming both Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes, based on the figures. One of many more interesting stats is Szczeny's preserves 72 percents of the photos he has to cope with. The figures seem to suggest Szczesny is just a valuable first-choice goalkeeper.Stu Forster/Getty Pictures Obviously, few can challenge Szczesny's shot-stopping prowess, specially in one-on-one circumstances, close in. What these numbers do prove is that Wenger includes a play to create regarding Szczesny. Does he risk that the 22-year-old could complete his obvious potential, sooner in place of later? Or does he risk that the smart youngster will remain too cavalier and prone to blunder? There is often a great threat of getting too much stock in numbers. Statistics can show a lot but rarely disprove what's apparent to the naked eye. Yes, Arsenal's support is doing at a higher level than last year. Yet that is comparative development and does it make anyone feel comfortable about maintaining enough clean sheets to make the top four? Probably not. What these stunning data show first and foremost, is how Arsenal's biggest weakness is their practice for personal problems. If Wenger ever hopes to field a team again, he often has to get superior players to cover the errors, or place more emphasis on understanding the basic principles.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
QPR 0 - Manchester United 2: Harry Redknapp hopes for happier results - Express.co.uk
Harry Redknapp is wanting his fortunes change quickly But what he'll maybe not find as something special from Sandra or the youngsters looking forward to him, is just a person with the grade of Ryan Giggs. And boy does the QPR director need one right now. Birmingham United attained Loftus Road as favourites for the concept. Thanks to yet another masterful show by the evergreen Giggs, they left with the red ribbons ready to be linked onto the trophy. The fat lady may possibly not be performing just nevertheless, but she sure as heck is clearing her throat. In terms of Harry and QPR, the decline looms ever closer, inspite of the A20 million spent on players in January. But Redknapp feels that in Bobby Zamora and Loic Remy, he's the attack relationship that could still buy them out of trouble. The situation will be keeping them both fit. Welshman Giggs was 39 last November and incredibly he is still going strong in Unitedas cause. This match was his 999th senior appearance for team, state and the GB Olympic team and the way Unitedas second, game-clinching, goal 10 minutes were struck by him from time rolled back the years. He struck his first-ever United target at Loftus Road in 1994, in a 3-2 win. Unitedas different gorgeous goalscorer on Saturday, full-back Rafael, was a toddler during the time. Ryan Giggs results for United Ryan is amazing. It's getting dull. He is exactly the same in education, he just likes to play soccer. He plays, he scores, he helps. Rafael Da Silva Rafael said : aRyan is incredible. It is getting boring. He is exactly the same in education, he just loves to play football. He plays, he ratings, he assists.a You merely need to escape age a' and Redknapp does it just as well as Giggs, considering the force. He said: aIt is my birthday next week, on March 2. aI reckon there is no better method to commit it than with 90 minutes finding punishment at Southampton. Theyall be calling a to me for my time at Portsmouth.a Saints supporters, of course, can never forgive Redknapp for his two periods in control at Portsmouth. But more importantly, for the fact he failed to hold Southampton up in his short stint in charge in 2005. But he doesn't usually fail to keep teams up. West Ham, Pompey and Spurs have all benefited from his capability to work the magic and eliminated relegation. QPR might be trapped eight factors adrift of security today but Redknapp said: aNow we have got Zamora and Remy together that's our chance. aIf Bobby is struggling, then we are struggling. If he continues fit he can provide you some thing. aEven a half-fit Bobby is really a top player. He requires a procedure on his hip, but he is still going out there. At least now I think we shall score. We've won only 19 objectives all season. But Bobby can score, Remy can score. aThereas enough activities left a' 11. It is still available. aI however fancy people. Everybody thinks we are gone. But it can be changed by you so easily. aAt Portsmouth I'd a c**p group and we got 20 points from 10 games and stayed up. It ainat impossible.a
Bryant outscores Nowitzki as Lakers top Mavs
DALLAS (AP) — Kobe Bryant had 38 points to win a scoring duel with Dirk Nowitzki, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 103-99 Sunday in a matchup of teams fighting to get in the playoff race.
With chants of MVP from a strong contingent of Lakers fans, Bryant scored 14 in the fourth, including seven in the final 3 minutes to hold off a spirited Dallas effort.
Nowitzki finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavericks, who had a chance to pull virtually even with the Lakers for ninth place in the Western Conference. Houston is in eighth, with a cushion of several games.
Bryant, who also had 12 rebounds and seven assists, was playing in Mark Cuban's building two days after the outspoken Dallas owner suggested in a radio interview that the Lakers might have to consider dumping the five-time NBA champion through the amnesty clause.
Steve Nash had 13 of his 20 in the second half against his former team in a game that neither team led by more than six.
The Lakers went up 94-90 with three free throws after O.J. Mayo was called for a foul and a technical on a drive by Bryant. It was Mayo's fifth foul, and he jumped around wildly after the call. Nash made the technical free throw before Bryant's pair.
Nowitzki was called for a technical earlier in the quarter after a similar display when he missed a shot during a physical sequence with Metta World Peace.
Bryant scored again from just inside the arc for a 94-92 lead, and Nash answered Mayo's first 3-pointer of the game with his third from long range in the second half for a 99-95 lead.
Bryant did it again in the final minute after Nowitzki missed a free throw on a potential three-point play, hitting a jumper for a 101-97 lead. Nowitzki scored to make it a two-point game, and World Peace missed a free throw to give Dallas a chance to tie. Mayo missed a 3-pointer with about 5 seconds left.
Bryant had already put on a display of shooting, driving and shot-blocking when he took over early in the fourth, but Nowitzki and the Mavericks kept answering.
Bryant scored on three straight possessions with Jae Crowder guarding him and had the ball again the fourth time down when Nowitzki ran over to help. Bryant's pass was intercepted by Vince Carter, and Mike James fed Nowitzki for a dunk and a 90-87 Dallas lead.
Nowitzki and Bryant each scored 16 in the first half, which ended in a 54-all tie, and kept it up in third quarter, finishing that period with 24 apiece.
The Lakers had the biggest lead at six — several times — and the Mavericks erased each one through three quarters. Nowitzki's 3-pointer from the top of the key late in the third made him 4 of 4 from long range and capped a 7-0 run for a 71-70 Dallas lead, but Bryant scored twice on drives after a timeout to put the Lakers in front again.
In the first half, Nowitzki was 5 of 8 from the floor, made both 3-pointers and all four free throws and led everyone with eight rebounds. Bryant, meanwhile, was 3 of 4 from long range, including a pair from well behind the arc, but just 1 of 6 inside the line. He had a game-high six assists before halftime.
NOTES: Bryant got a technical in the first quarter when he gestured at referee Ken Mauer after Darren Collison stole ball. It was his league-leading 13th technical — one ahead of DeMarcus Cousins of Sacramento. A one-game suspension is in order when a player reaches 16 technicals. ... Mavericks C Chris Kaman entered the game in the second quarter after missing 10 straight games with a concussion. ... The Mavericks scored at least 30 points in the first quarter for the fifth time in six games.
All-American final at Match Play Championship
MARANA, Ariz. (AP) — Hunter Mahan and Matt Kuchar gave the Match Play Championship its first all-American final in five years Sunday at Dove Mountain.
Mahan extended his streak to 166 holes without trailing and defeated Ian Poulter on the strength of his chipping. Mahan won, 4 and 3, giving him a chance to join Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back winners in 15 years of this tournament.
Mahan twice hit tough chips to win the hole and build a 2-up lead at the turn, and he chipped in for birdie on the 12th hole to seize control.
Kuchar advanced to the final match for the first time. He won three holes late on the front nine and was never challenged after that in a 4-and-3 victory over Jason Day of Australia.
More Info: SC Paderborn 07 - FC Energie Cottbus [Live Football]
QPR v Manchester United match survey - Official Manchester...
22/02/2013 11:29, Report by M Froggatt, M Singh Day, time and coverage: Saturday 23 February, kick-off 15:00 GMT. The fit won't be public in the UK, nevertheless you may abide by it stay via ManUtd.comas text and radio commentaries. Kind guide: Since losing a dead-rubber link to CFR Cluj in early December, United have gone 16 fits without defeat in all games -Amost recently beating Reading in the FA Cup sixth round. That weekend, the Reds go back to Barclays Premier League action and realize that victory over QPR might quickly produce a 15 point lead at the very top. However, the Hoops will soon be no pushovers, having lost one time within their last six journeys. Worrying, the West Londoners also have caused upsets against Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester City in recent months. The Reds have been priced by betting: bwin to get atA1.50 andAQPR at 6.75, as the draw is 3.90. Obviously, price can for ages been present in the first goal scorer market, so perhaps you might want to back the fit-again Nani at 8.50? Inches and outs: Sir Alex Ferguson is definitely without Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Phil Jones -Awho acquired a knee injury contrary to the Royals -Abut otherwise has a full group to choose from and considering the fact that he made nine changes on Monday, an identical amount is expected at Loftus Road. Meanwhile, Fabio is ineligible to handle the Reds included in his mortgage offer, while you will find query marks over Julio Cesar, Loic Remy and Junior Hoilett. Andrew Johnson continues to be sidelined.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Ronda Rousey wins historic women's UFC debut
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ronda Rousey won the first women's bout in UFC history Saturday night, beating Liz Carmouche on an armbar with 11 seconds left in the first round of their bantamweight title fight at UFC 157.
Rousey (7-0) defended her belt with her signature move, forcing Carmouche to tap out after bending back her arm. Rousey raised both arms in victory while flat on the canvas after the longest fight of the mixed martial artist's ascendant career.
Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida won a lackluster split decision over 42-year-old veteran Dan Henderson on the undercard at Honda Center, and bantamweight Urijah Faber beat Ivan Menjivar with an acrobatic rear naked choke late in the first round.
But the sellout crowd largely showed up to see Rousey, whose star power and athleticism ended UFC President Dana White's long-standing disinterest in women's MMA — and even put Rousey and Carmouche in the main event of a pay-per-view show.
Rousey and Carmouche didn't disappoint in their sport's pressure-packed debut. Although Rousey was heavily favored, Carmouche (7-3) actually got Rousey in trouble early, nearly landing a rear naked choke while clinging to Rousey's back in the opening two minutes.
Rousey, who had never been so seriously threatened in a bout, barely escaped the chokehold. She gradually imposed her will on the former Marine after that, finally getting her legs on top of Carmouche and patiently separating her arms to land an armbar.
Rousey has won all seven of her professional MMA bouts by armbar, a judo move that has dislocated at least two prior opponents' elbows.
"I had to learn to take my time in judo, and I was just able to keep a clear head," said Rousey, who became the first American woman to win an Olympic judo medal in Beijing.
"I thought I had it," said Carmouche, who served three tours of duty in Iraq. "Like everything else, you make a mistake, and it turns around."
Rousey had to deal with constant attention from media and fans in recent weeks, but said the pressure was nothing she couldn't handle.
Machida (19-3), the former light heavyweight champion, had lost three of his previous five bouts before edging Henderson (29-9) in a slow, technical fight. Machida used his typical elusiveness and unorthodox, karate-based techniques to pick away at Henderson, who had won four straight fights.
Henderson finally took down Machida in the third round, but couldn't capitalize. Both fighters raised their arms in victory after the third horn, but Machida landed 68 percent of the fight's significant strikes, with a 23-8 advantage in head strikes.
"He's a very great opponent for me, and I have a lot of respect for him," Machida said while fans booed. "My strategy was to keep the fight standup, and I think I got it. I think I completely dominated the first round, second round, third round."
Faber (28-6) got his career back on track with an impressive victory over Menjivar (25-11), a Salvadoran veteran fighting out of Canada. With his home-state crowd behind him, Faber took early control on the ground and then finished Menjivar by clinging to his back and wrapping both legs around his standing opponent, forcing Menjivar to tap out while on his feet with 26 seconds left in the opening round.
"Ivan is a very crafty veteran," Faber said. "I just attacked the neck. He let me hold on too long, and that was that."
Although Faber has a huge fan following after dominating the now-defunct WEC, he was just 2-2 since moving to the UFC two years ago, dropping narrow decisions to bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Renan Barao.
Earlier, Robbie Lawler stopped Josh Koscheck with 1:03 left in the first round with a series of strikes, and Court McGee beat Josh Neer by unanimous decision in his welterweight debut.
Iker recovering from surgery desires with a title this year
Iker Casillas says his recovery from the broken bone in his hand is certainly going much better than expected and he might be right back involving the Real Madrid posts when late March.
Casillas' finger was broken by a random kick from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa during Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final sport at the Mestalla on January 23.
It absolutely was feared he'd face three months on the sidelines, and the team moved quickly to signal Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining games against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Madrid club chief told reporters on Thursday night, at the beginning of a new club look at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the original timeframe had just been a worst-case scenario.
"I am feeling quite positive," Casillas said. "The doctor gave the worst-case scenario to me, he said 3 months it could get. But yesterday when the splint was removed, I was told I had one month left. Now I am doing active exercises to obtain mobility and energy in the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas training service to obtain right back playing the moment possible.
"Until now I have not had much energy in it, but I'm getting it back little by little," he said. "We are in the halfway point of the damage. I've still got a month to go. I will need to work more and suffer more to get back the mobility of before. I am looking forward to returning. It is worse being off the pitch than on it."
The function was also joined by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, although coach Jose Mourinho was missing.
Alonso told reporters that he didn't know yet whether he'd cure his groin issue in time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the recovery stage," the midfielder said. "I am hoping to get better the moment possible, to have rid of the disquiet and return in top form. Plenty of people ask when I'll get ready. I hope to be able to play against Barca, but I don't have a remedy right now."
Former Liverpool person Alonso stated that, with the link balanced at 1-1, whoever scored first in the Champions League last 16 return game at Manchester United on March 5 would be favourites to succeed.
"They should have the help of these fans," he said. "It will be a concern. Along side it that results first is likely to be favourites. Old Trafford is a great ground and it is the type of match most of us prefer to play. The link is extremely open."
Di Maria said that it may fit Madrid to be playing away from home in both of the forthcoming, possibly season-defining, games.
"Things are getting well and hopefully to continue this way," he explained. "We know that we've to have huge matches in both competitions and that it'll not be easy. Perhaps playing away is likely to be in our favour because we excel when things are against us. We've had this week to work on the best way to approach the games. I really hope everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains any doubt for Saturday evening's La Liga game at Deportivo La Coruna, said he was not focused on his current poor form before goal.
"I trust that I score more goals than I've up to now, nevertheless the important thing is the squad and to win the future matches," he said. "We need certainly to work together to win. We've an excellent team and we're all in good form."
Ricardo Kaka executed well in the game against Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first minute of the next half we found a change of attitude. We did not win because of the substitutions, which were made in the minute of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all the participants that sparked the recovery.
"It is true that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. His mind-set assists him and this is important for the team, that he's another option and that he is playing well. That is always positive.
Kaka's performance also received the praise of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who was pleased about the reaction of the team after planning behind to a Riki hit on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an possibility to change their fortunes. However in the second half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we were able to take the three items house or apartment with us."
Before the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla later on Saturday evening, the win moved Real to within 13 factors of league leaders Barcelona. Inspite of the margin remaining the exact same, Kaka thinks success over Depor could increase Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this expression.
"I am a lot better. What we've around the corner is interesting and it is the decisive the main time and if the director wants me to play I'll be there to help in these matches."
"The team is playing well and things are getting better for me too. In soccer everything changes quickly and I'm happy to help the team win.
"[It was] a significant success in an exceedingly hard match. In the initial half we were only a little anxious and we made a couple of mistakes. In the second half we improved and we won three points that are essential for us and for what's in the future over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officers website.
True originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain won an 88th-minute champion for the visitors. After enduring a spell with minimal game time, Kaka now feels he can help his team because they check out hold their Manhunter Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed delight at his new change in fortunes, because the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhattan project Coruna.
Kaka performed well in the game vs Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first second of the second half we saw a change of attitude. We didn't get because of the alternatives, that have been made in the twelfth second of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all of the participants that sparked the recovery.
"It is true that actually he [Kaka] is playing well. His mind-set assists him and this is necessary for the group, that he is another option and that he's playing well. That is always positive.
Kaka's performance also received the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who had been pleased about the reaction of the squad after going behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us as an possibility to change their fortunes. In the second half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we could simply take the three points house with us."
Before the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla afterwards Saturday evening, the gain moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Despite the profit remaining exactly the same, Kaka believes victory over Depor can increase Real's chances of claiming carpet this expression.
"I am better. What we've nearby is fascinating and it is the decisive the main period and if the director wants me to play I will be there to help in these matches."
"The team is playing well and things are receiving better for me personally too. In soccer every thing changes quickly and I'm happy to support the team win.
"[It was] a significant victory really difficult match. In the initial half we were only a little anxious and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points that are essential for us and for what's ahead over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officers site.
True originated in behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain scored an 88th-minute winner for the visitors. After putting up with a difficult cause with limited sport time, Kaka now thinks because they check out keep their Manhattan project Liga and Champions League hopes alive he can help his group.
Kaka has expressed delight at his recent change in fortunes, while the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Manhattan project Coruna.
Queens Park Rangers vs. Birmingham United: Final rating 0-2...
Manchester United cruised previous Queens Park Rangers thanks to a man-of-the-match present from Rafael, while a bump to Robin van Persie can give cause to them for distress. Julio Cesar was called into action early to help keep United out as Ashley Young's cross found Javier Hernandez in the region, but the Brazilian was aware of tip the Mexican's header absent. Rafael has been having a superb period for United, and he made an exceptional couple of minutes of basketball in the initial half. Robin van Persie managed to escape down the right-hand channel, but after he was refused, the ball arrived on the scene for the Brazilian to break it to the web from 25 meters, a superb work that gave Cesar zero chance. Shortly after, the youthful right-back continued his remarkable performance, first clearing Christopher Samba's header off the line to avoid giving out a fast equaliser, before enjoying in Robin van Persie with an brilliant long ball which will have doubled United's lead. The good thing was easily accompanied by bad for United, nevertheless, and Van Persie was quickly taken through injurywith what appeared to be a bump to his right back. It seemed to just be a provision, however, and United looked to seal their victory without their star man. After half-time, Harry Redknapp decided to bring some new names into the mix to try and force a breakthrough, with his side having offered little. Esteban Granero was changed by Jermaine Jenas, while Bobby Zamora was forced down with harm, January acquisition Loic Remy changing him. The Frenchman very nearly had an immediate effect, too, reducing inside to let fly at the United purpose, but despite having little to accomplish all morning, David De Gea was aware of make the end. With the game drawing to a close, United closed their 2nd purpose of the afternoon through Ryan Giggs. Danny Welbeck showed some great play to get the ball after Rooney's wayward move, delivering it back to Evra before receiving the get back and enjoying in Ryan Giggs, who eluded Clint Hill, moving to the left of the goal and striking his end past Julio Cesar. Queens Park Rangers' new defensive record in the home encouraged this could've been a possible strawberry skin for United, who will experienced their eyes on different tournaments, but it was a remarkably comfortable trip for the Red Devils. It was a game between first and last, needless to say, and it appeared as if it - and both of these jobs are becoming less likely to change weekly.
Friday, February 22, 2013
The best of the rest of the action from the Europa League | The Sun ...
Europa League holders ATLETICO MADRID crashed out despite a 1-0 win at RUBIN KAZAN. Falcao scored but the Spaniards lost 2-1 on aggregate.
More Info: FC Austria Wien - FC Admira [Live Football]
Bundesliga 2013, Week 23 preview and fixtures: Freiburg host ...
The Bundesliga returns with a big match on Friday between Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. With a victory, Freiburg can move ahead of Frankfurt for the league's fourth Champions League place.
The Bundesliga returns to action this weekend after a bag of mixed fortune in midweek European action. In the Champions League, Bayern Munich went to Arsenal and crushed them, and Schalke grabbed a 1-1 draw on the road in Istanbul against Galatasaray. In the Europa League, there was far less about which to be positive. Stuttgart were the sole club to move on to the next round earning a 2-1 aggregate win over Genk. Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen, and Hannover were all knocked out by Lazio, Benfica, and Anzhi Makhachkala respectively. Eesh. Hopefully that won't damage the coefficient too much.
Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt - 20:30 CET / 2:30 PM ETFreiburg's stellar season has continued, and they're now only three points behind Friday's opponent, Eintracht Frankfurt. Christian Streich has put players in the right positions, and they have succeeded for him this year. Max Kruse and Daniel Caligiuri in particular have stood out all season long. Eintracht Frankfurt were extremely poor at the weekend in a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. BVB were down to ten men after only thirty minutes, but Frankfurt were unable to do anything with the man advantage and looked quite inept at times.Prediction: Freiburg 2 - 1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETBayern Munich crushed Arsenal in London on Tuesday, but it was far from the Bavarians best performance. They're now unbeaten in their last 19 matches and will likely extend that to twenty heading into next week's massive clash with Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal. It's tough to find a weakness in this Bayern side, and it's even tougher to see Werder Bremen being the team to end this unbeaten run. Bremen came back twice against Freiburg last week, but they were unable to come back the third time to earn a point. They're floating in an area where they're seemingly safe from the relegation zone, because they're high enough to avoid the bottom teams catching them. However, they're close enough to the Europa League places that, if they put together a little run, they can latch onto a spot.Prediction: Bayern Munich 2 - 0 Werder Bremen
Stuttgart vs Nürnberg - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETStuttgart had been massively struggling since returning from the winter break, but they picked up their first win in a 1-0 win against Hoffenheim. Thursday they picked up a massive 2-0 victory over Genk in the Europa League and advanced to the next round of the tournament. Every week I'm going to keep reminding myself and you that I picked Stuttgart to finish in second place this season. Gross. Nürnberg grabbed a point against Hannover with a goal in stoppage time. They have the ability to really push forward this week and put even more distance between themselves and the relegation zone, but it's going to be extremely difficult.Prediction: Stuttgart 2 - 1 Nürnberg
Augsburg vs Hoffenheim - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETIs this what they call a "relegation six pointer"? Hoffenheim sit in the relegation playoff place, but are only one point ahead of Augsburg in the table. The Hoff are playing better lately, even if the results aren't their to show it yet. The defense has greatly improved since Heurelho Gomes joined in the winter transfer window. However, the offense isn't producing like they should. Augsburg lost to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend to snap a five match unbeaten run that stretched back to December. The return of Sasha Mölders has invigorated this side, and it's easy to see them pipping Hoffenheim and getting into the relegation playoff place before the season end.Prediction: Augsburg 2 - 1 Hoffenheim
Hannover vs Hamburg - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETThe Hamburg revolution is in taking place right now. Thorsten Fink's side has taken ten out of a possible fifteen points since returning from the winter break. Rafael Van der Vaart, Artjoms Rudnevs, and Heung-Min Son have been in excellent form so far this year. A win this weekend will see them further secure their hold on a Europa League place and potentially find themselves in a Champions League place. Hannover needs to put aside their last few weeks of middling performances and really step up this week. If the result goes against them, they could find themselves on the outside looking in on a Europa League place.Prediction: Hannover 1 - 2 Hamburg
Mainz vs Wolfsburg - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETMainz have only lost twice in their last nine matches and, with a win this weekend, could see themselves back in the Europa League places. Adam Szalai has put together a fantastic campaign and has twelve goals to his name. Mainz took the reverse fixture in the first half of the season in Wolfsburg 2-0, and it's tough to see a different result this time around. It will be interesting to see if Thomas Tuchel rests some starters for the club's massive midweek DFB Pokal quarterfinal match against Freiburg.Prediction: Mainz 2 - 0 Wolfsburg
Schalke vs Fortuna Düsseldorf - 18:30 CET / 12:30 PM ETSchalke will look at their last two matches as potentially putting their horrid form behind them. They grabbed a draw on the road in Mainz, and they picked up a big draw on the road midweek in the Champions League against Galatasaray. They're still a mess at the back, but Fortuna Düsseldorf doesn't have the team to capitalize on this.Prediction: Schalke 2 - 0 Fortuna Düsseldorf
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Borussia Dortmund - 15:30 CET / 9:30 AM ETBorussia Mönchengladbach bombed out of the Europa League against Lazio and will have to deal with Borussia Dortmund this weekend. In the reverse fixture earlier this season in Dortmund, BVB ran away with a 5-0 beatdown. It's tough to see there being a big difference this weekend, but there is a small chance for Gladbach. BVB have the massive DFB Pokal match with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, so we'll have to see if Jürgen Klopp rests any players. Otherwise, BVB should win easily.Prediction: Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 3 Borussia Dortmund
Greuther Fürth vs Bayer Leverkusen - 17:30 CET / 11:30 AM ETGreuther Fürth dismissed manager Mike Büskens on Wednesday with the hope of putting a little life back into their campaign to try to avoid relegation. I really hope that the Fürth supporters will get to see a victory on their home turf before the season's out, but I don't see it happening this weekend against Bayer Leverkusen. Die Werkself will be looking to put a little more space between themselves and Eintracht Frankfurt for the third and final guaranteed Champions League place for next season.Prediction: Greuther Fürth 0 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Equalizer Soccer – U.S. Soccer releases roster for 2013 Algarve Cup
Goalkeeper Hope Solo, left, is not on the 2013 Algarve Cup roster for the U.S. due to injury. Nicole Barnhart, right, is one of three goalkeepers who will vie for her starting spot in Portugal. (Photo Copyright: Patti Giobetti
Tom Sermanni and U.S. Soccer announced the 23-woman roster for the 2013 Algarve Cup on Thursday. In Portugal, the United States will face Iceland, China and Sweden in Group B.
Of the 23 players, 17 are currently tied to NWSL clubs — including Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe, who are under contract in France until the season there is over. The most notable player missing from the roster is Hope Solo, who has a long-standing wrist injury that may require surgery.
Lindsey Horan is the only player on this roster that Sermanni did not call in for two recent friendlies against Scotland. Horan, 18, made waves earlier this season when she decided to bypass a college career in favor of signing with Paris Saint-Germain.
U.S. Women's National Team Training Camp Roster by Position -GOALKEEPERS (3): Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City), Ashlyn Harris (Duisburg), Jill Loyden (Sky Blue FC)DEFENDERS (7): Rachel Buehler (Portland Thorns FC), Crystal Dunn (North Carolina), Whitney Engen (Liverpool FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)MIDFIELDERS (8): Yael Averbuch (Göteborg FC), Shannon Boxx (Chicago Red Stars), Lauren Cheney (FC Kansas City), Tobin Heath (Paris Saint-Germain), Carli Lloyd (Western NY Flash), Kristie Mewis (FC Kansas City), Heather O'Reilly (Boston Breakers), Megan Rapinoe (Olympique Lyonnais)FORWARDS (5): Lindsey Horan (Paris Saint-Germain), Sydney Leroux (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns FC), Christen Press (Tyresö FF), Abby Wambach (Western NY Flash)
Liviu Bird is a freelance journalist in Seattle who contributes to The New York Times, American Soccer Now and The Equalizer. He played collegiately at Seattle Pacific University, from where he received his journalism degree in 2012.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Final score 2-0, Madrid strike early ...
Real Madrid scored twice early and then held on for 72 minutes after Sergio Ramos was shown two yellow cards in less than a minute.
Real Madrid have a date with Manchester United to settle their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Before they can focus on that, Los Blancos face two El Clasico matches against Barcelona and two other league games. Today was one of those league games as Madrid hosted Rayo Vallecano, who had won six out of eight league games going in to the match.
It was not Rayo's day. Two early goals from Madrid put the ahead and despite Sergio Ramos' sending off in the 18th minute, Rayo couldn't find a goal and failed to take advantage of Real Sociedad's draw against Levante.
Mesut Özil was a man on a mission from the opening whistle creating two fantastic chances for his teammates. They couldn't take advantage of the first, but the second yielded an opening goal in the 3rd minute. Kaka led the way on a break and found Özil on the right side with a short pass. The German midfielder pulled the ball back across the box, to far for Kaka to get, but in the perfect spot for Morata who side-footed a shot into the back of the net. Not a bad to way to begin your first career league start.
Alejandro Dominguez had an excellent chance to pull Rayo back in the 8th minute, stealing the ball in the midfield and racing down the right side past Pepe. Unfortunately for Ray, Dominguez's shot rolled just wide of the far post.
Özil was assisting again in the 12th minute sending a pinpoint free kick on the head of the diving Sergio Ramos who headed the ball past Rubén. It didn't even matter that a Rayo defender was holding on to Ramos' jersey.
Referee José Paradas, who sent off Sergio Ramos back in March, booked the defender twice in less than a minute and sent him for an extremely early shower. The first card was shown for a hard foul by Ramos on Roberto Trashorras and the second card was for a deliberate handball. Both calls seems correct based on the letter of the law, but to send a player off like that seems extremely harsh.
Despite the advantage, Ray simply couldn't break through against Real Madrid despite have plenty of the ball and plenty of chances on goal.
Zullos future "up in the air" | Eredivisie - EatSleepSport
Michael Zullo admits he would love to stay with Utrecht but says he has no idea where he will be playing football next season.
The 24-year-old joined Utrecht from Brisbane Roar on a three-year deal back in 2010 and has become an important member of the side with 20 appearances for the Stadion Galgenwaard outfit this term.
He will fall out of contract at the end of the season but the club do have the option to a activate a two-year contract extension when talks begin over his future in the next week.
The Australia international insists he would love to remain with his present employers but confessed that his future is uncertain.
"Things are up in the air right now. The club has the right to activate the extension or not to - so it's in their hands," he said.
"The reality is that I want to be playing games because that will give me my best chance of staying involved with the Socceroos."
Simon Mignolet observed by Arsenal and Manchester United - Sunlight
Manchester United and Arsenal are both monitoring the Sunderland keeper, who has experienced 12 weeks of superb form. He'll receive the North-East Football Writersa Associationas Player of the Season this week-end, whipping Newcastle pair Hatem Ben Arfa and shotstopper Tim Krul in to third and second. Mignolet, 24, has appeared as one of the best small keepers in the Premier League and is battling to be Belgiumas No 1 with Chelseaas on-loan Atletico Madrid ace Thibaut Courtois. David Bruce closed Mignolet for A2million in June 2010 from Sint-Truiden when he penned a five-year deal. Strategy employer Arsene Wenger is understood to be in the market for an owner and Mignolet created a string of beautiful stops in the Gunnersa 1-0 get at the Stadium of Light this month.
Link: Central Coast Mariners - Melbourne Victory [Live Football]
Reus ready for Borussia gathering|Bundesliga - EatSleepSport
Last Updated: Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:13 Dortmund star Marco Reus has admitted he is looking forward to Sunday's "special" reunion with old club Borussia Moenchengladbach. The 23-year-old left Borussia Park last summer and joined Dortmund, where he's played a vital role within their advance this year and has caught the eye along side the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Mario Goetze. He's preparing for a to his old stamping ground this weekend and admits he's looking towards the game. "Gladbach will be something specific for me," he told Bild. "With Gladbach, I became the main national staff, performed my first Bundesliga fit and scored my first Bundesliga purpose. I will remember them, and I am very grateful towards the entire club." Perhaps you have a viewpoint on this story? Put your hard earned money where the mouth area is and declare a totally free A25 guess.