Archive for August 2014
India take 2-0 lead over England
By : UnknownStoke stun Champs Man City
By : UnknownThe last time Mark Hughes oversaw a victory at the Etihad Stadium, he was sacked shortly afterwards. It is safe to say a different fate awaits him now and, whether or not this constituted revenge, it was certainly a reminder of his prowess to the club that discarded him so unceremoniously.
Hughes is now approaching the fifth anniversary of his 2009 dismissal, minutes after Manchester City beat Sunderland 4-3, and when they had already lined up his successor, Roberto Mancini, and if he was miscast as a manager of a super-rich club with vaunting ambition, he has often excelled with a lesser budget and a competitive group of players.
A superlative result was achieved in spectacular style, Mame Biram Diouf running virtually the length of the pitch to score the only goal.
Nevertheless, earthier values were as important for Stoke City. Well configured by Hughes, they defended brilliantly. Manchester City, who had scored 99 times in just 30 home games under Manuel Pellegrini, were frustrated and, as the champions had won 50 of their previous 58 league matches at the Etihad Stadium, this was both a startling scoreline and, for Stoke, a deserved one.
It had seemed a sign of Manchester City’s strength in depth that they could rest Pablo Zabaleta, arguably the division’s outstanding right-back, after a solitary start this season, and introduce Bacary Sagna for his debut. The Etihad Stadium serves as a home from home for former Gunners and a combination of Arsenal alumni almost brought the opener. Sagna squared the ball for Samir Nasri, whose low shot was touched wide by Asmir Begovic.
Stoke have a sizeable former Manchester United contingent, headed by manager Hughes. Another Old Trafford old boy attempted to give them a belated first goal at the Etihad Stadium. Diouf intercepted Phil Bardsley’s hopeful effort only to scuff his shot wide. Ruled offside then, he was irritated that the officials took no action when Aleksandar Kolarov tripped him just inside the penalty area.
It was proof that, while defending in numbers, they still possessed an attacking threat. The favourites were frustrated. Stevan Jovetic squared up to Ryan Shawcross while his team-mates showed hints of rustiness. Kolarov took the wrong option when he could cross, Yaya Touré lofted a shot over the bar and, strangest of all, David Silva overhit a pass.
Briefly, however, they returned to their seductive best. Sergio Agüero darted into the penalty area, drawing a crowd of defenders to him, and released Kolarov with a backheel. The left-back took the right option this time, finding Touré, who struck the bar.
While one penalty area was packed, however, the other was virtually deserted and, inadvertently, the pressure one City exerted brought a breakthrough for the other. Stoke cleared a corner as far as Diouf, lurking a few yards outside his penalty area. He ran a further 80, brushing off Kolarov and nutmegging Fernandinho, the last defender, before sliding a shot past Joe Hart for a magnificent solo goal.
Manuel Pellegrini responded by sending for the cavalry, in the form of Edin Dzeko and Jesús Navas, but two of his starting 11, the elusive Agüero and the persistent Touré, threatened an equaliser. The latter had a shot deflected wide before being booked for diving when he claimed a penalty after an Erik Pieters challenge. As Stoke had discovered earlier, referee Lee Mason was in no mind to point to the spot.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/30/manchester-city-stoke-city-premier-league-match-report
Ronaldo jokes expressing thoughts about Messi might put him in Jail
By : UnknownMessi didn't deserve Golden Ball, feels Ronaldo
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Real Sociedad beat Real Madrid 4-2
Stoke stun Champs Man City
India comeback with a Wonderful Turnaround
By : UnknownIndia - England 1st ODI Washed Out
By : UnknownThe next One-Day will be played at Cardiff on Wednesday.
Kobe Bryant's text message to LeBron James
By : UnknownLeBron’s original Decision seems like it happened an eternity ago, but perhaps the biggest change to the NBA since that pivotal offseason has been the gradual demise of the Los Angeles Lakers. When James chose to ditch Cleveland for Miami, Phil Jackson’s Lakers were two-time defending champions, and Bryant had just won consecutive Finals MVP awards.
Bryant’s text to James in the summer of 2010 is classic Kobe.
Via Bleacher Report:
With a brutal seven-game victory over the Celtics in the bank for Bryant, the 2010 offseason is dominated by LeBron James’ decision to leave Cleveland for Miami.
What matters to Bryant is Phil Jackson agreeing to return to coach the Lakers again in pursuit of a third consecutive NBA title. Bryant sends James a text message. It goes like this:
“Go ahead and get another MVP, if you want. And find the city you want to live in. But we’re going to win the championship. Don’t worry about it.”
Derrick Rose beat out James in MVP voting that year, but LeBron led the Miami to the Finals in his first season with the Heat. The Lakers did keep Jackson around and went 57-25 in the regular season, but were swept by the Mavericks in the conference semifinals.
Source: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/kobe-bryant-lebron-james-text-the-decision
Chelsea 2 - 0 Liechester City
By : UnknownRafael Nadal pulls out of US Open
By : UnknownUnable to recover from Wrist injury, defending Champion withdraws
Nadal also said he expected to be able to return for the US Open itself. But on Monday, he issued a statement on his Facebook page, saying he is "very sorry to announce" he would not play in New York.
"I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things," Nadal's posting read. "Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back."
Liverpool Grab Mario Balotelli
By : UnknownBalotelli on move to Anfield
The news comes as a shock 2 weeks after Liverpool Manager Brendan Rogers' statement of not making any kind of bid for the 24-year-old controversial Italian.
This comes off as a big boost for the Liverpool line-up, frustrated after not being able to land a big name move in place of Luis Suarez. Earlier during the Reds' tour of USA, Rogers stated "I can categorically tell you that he will not be coming to Liverpool." referring to Balotelli.
Balotelli scored 16 goals for Milan last season, as well as the winner in Italy's World Cup opener against England in Manaus.
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Marcos Rojo confirms Man Utd deal
Swansea shock Man Utd in Premier League Opener
The 2013/14 UEFA Best Player Award Contenders
Suarez Ban Upheld
Kroos, Ronaldo star in Super Cup triumph for Real Madrid
Marcos Rojo confirms Man Utd deal
By : Unknown
Marcos Rojo looks set to complete his €20m move to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.
Neymar scores on return while Suarez debuts for Barcelona
By : UnknownSuarez, Neymar makes returns for Barcelona
Neymar was cleared to play just hours before the game but he showed no signs of any injury & netted twice in the 12th & 44th minute after setting up the opening goal for Lionel Messi in the 3rd minute.
Barcelona youth forwards Munir El Haddadi scored in the 54th & 77th and Sandro Ramirez added another in the 89th.
Both Neymar & Suarez were given a warm welcome by the fans. Neymar was shined as he was fully exposed, however Suarez managed a few touches in his 15-minute stay coming on in the 75th minute as a substitute.
This was the last match Suarez will play for Barca till his ban on playing competitive matches is lifted on 25th October. Barcelona start their Spanish league campaign against Elche on Sunday.
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Marcos Rojo confirms Man Utd deal
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Suarez Ban Upheld
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Neymar to return with Suarez
By : UnknownStrikers expected to play alongside for the first time
Humiliation all over for India
By : UnknownEngland demolish India to take the series 3-1
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The Indian Innings was demolished for the 2nd time in 3 days, this time touching a new level of humiliation as they were bundled out for a mere 94 inside 30 overs. Sir Don Bradman had a better career average than this!! Such a shame for 11 men who boast of world class batting line-up who couldnt get past 100.
Being an Indian Cricket Fan, I feel devastated, and I am not able to comment more on this as I am in shambles right now just like the Indian Batting.
Please read the match report Here.
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Swansea shock Man Utd in Premier League Opener
By : UnknownSwansea City beat Manchester United 2-1 in Van Gaal's debut as club Incharge
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English Premier League Fixtures for August
The 2013/14 UEFA Best Player Award Contenders
Suarez Ban Upheld
Kroos, Ronaldo star in Super Cup triumph for Real Madrid
Manuel Neuer's Waxwork Honour
Glenn Maxwell Unveils Mystery Shot
By : Unknown
India crumble against England pacers again
By : UnknownIndia have learnt nothing from defeats: Gavaskar
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- England won the toss & elected to bowl on a green pitch in overcast conditions.
- Seamers justified Captain Cook's decision by reducing India to 90/9, taking wickets at regular intervals.
- Only MS Dhoni showed his mettle yet again with a gutsy 82, the only batsman to score in double digits along with Vijay(18) & Ashwin(13).
- Gambhir got dismissed for a Golden Duck whereas Rahane got out for duck first time in his 18-innings career.
- Chris Woakes & Chris Jordan bagged 3 wickets each with Broad & Anderson also scalping 2 dismissals apiece folding up the Indian innings at 148.
- Alastair Cook(24) & Sam Robson(33)* remained unbeaten with England at 62/0 at stumps on Day 1 of the 5th Investec Test at the Kia Oval.
NBA schedule 2014-15
By : UnknownClick here for the complete schedule for 2014-15 NBA season
The 2013/14 UEFA Best Player Award Contenders
By : UnknownNeuer, Robben and Ronaldo make the Shortlist
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Suarez Ban Upheld
By : Unknown
Uruguayan Luis Suarez's 4-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder during Uruguay's 1-0 win at the 2014 FIFA World Cup has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, he was cleared to train with Barcelona.
Kroos, Ronaldo star in Super Cup triumph for Real Madrid
By : UnknownReal crowned Super Cup Champions
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- UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid beat Europa League winners Sevilla FC to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
- Kroos put in an emphatic performance on debut, winning a trophy in his first game for Real Madrid.
- Ronaldo scored twice, first near the half hour mark, then just after first half.
- Sami Khedira wasn't even on the bench for the game.
- Ronaldo put in a spectacular cross by Bale for the first goal.
- He scored again with a powerful strike courtesy of some smart work by Benzema & Kroos.
Manuel Neuer's Waxwork Honour
By : UnknownNeuer to be Waxed at Tussaud's
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Nadal to take final call by Saturday
By : UnknownRafael Nadal to decide for US Open
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Neymar joins Barca teammates
By : Unknown
The Brazillian star striker Neymar boosted Barcleona preparations by finally joining his teammates for training.
Neymar suffered a fractured vertebrae, courtesy of a knee by Colombian defender Camilo Zuniga, which ended his world cup dream run prematurely. But after just under 6 weeks of rehabilitation, it was time for him to join Barcelona teammates for a full training session.
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Tsonga beats Federer for Rogers Cup title
By : Unknown
The 13th seed Jo-Wilfred Tsonga defeated 2nd seed Roger Federer to win the Rogers Cup title in his 4th consecutive victory over a higher ranked opponent.
He defeated Djokovic, then Murray & then Grigor Dimitrov before overcoming the odds yet again in the final against Federer by 7-5, 7-6 (3) .
The quality of the match picked up late in the first set when the score was tied at 5-5 but soon Federer launched a ball well long to give Tsonga the opening set within 44 minutes.
Tsonga kept the pressure on Federer in the second set & had a break point on 3-2 but could not capitalize.
He also had 2 break points at 4-3 but Federer answered with 2 straight points to make it a deuce.
In the tiebreaker, Tsonga picked up a mini-break at 4-3 and took the next three points for the victory.
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Rafael Nadal recovering fast from Wrist Injury
NBA could Veto Kevin Love move
By : UnknownIndia sink to Innings defeat against England
By : UnknownLeBron James named Fittest athlete ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo & Usain Bolt
By : UnknownLebron James becomes the Fittest Male Athlete

LeBron James beats Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt to top the first ever World's Fittest Male Athletes' list by Sports Illustrated.
The athletes from all the corners of the sports field were rankd according to their speed, strength, agility and endurance.
Former Miami Heat and now Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James scored a perfect 10 in all the 4 categories followed by Ronaldo & Bolt.
The top 10 also features big names like Boxer Floyd Mayweather & Michael Phelps.
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England Pacers spell Doom for India
By : UnknownEngland dominate on Day 1
England v India, 4th Investec Test, Old Trafford, 1st day
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