This Seasons Cricket WAGs!
July 9, 2009
With the 2009 Ashes under way, I thought it was a good time to give you a little insider information about a few of the cricket WAGs.
Batting for Australia is model Lara Bingle (above) who is fiance of vice-captain Michael Clarke.
The lingerie model is quite famous in her homeland of Australia, so we look forward to hearing more about her.
Bowling for England is Jessica Taylor wife of Kevin Pietersen.
Jessica has had a few career paths including singer in Liberty X, appearing on Dancing on Ice and now modelling.
Our last WAG we love is Rachel Flintoff wife of England ace Andrew Flintoff.
Rachel is a stay at home Mum with three children to look after, and also does a lot of charity work.
With the Ashes starting yesterday we are hoping to see these WAGs, and others supporting their men on the side lines!
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In Argentina, fans from the same team fight
July 9, 2009
The English hooligan problem was at its worst outside Britain, when fans went to international matches abroad. Violence in Argentine football, by contrast, has reached a point in recent years where it is rarely even a confrontation between the hardcore fans of rival teams.
Now, factions who support the same team fight each other. At stake is control over a number of money-spinning ventures linked to their clubs.
It might appear paradoxical at first that just when Huracan have produced a stylish attacking team which nearly won the Argentine league title, their hardcore fans should to go war with each other.
Two men died and a number of people were injured in recent fighting in the Buenos Aires barrio of Parque de los Patricios just hours after the team’s 3-0 home win over Arsenal had put them a point clear at the top of the standings. (They then unluckily lost the title decider to Velez Sarsfield.)
Fighting between groups from the same set of fans has nothing to do with on-field performance, except that a more succesful team generates higher crowds and therefore more business for the gangs (control of parking in the area, the sale of food, resale of match tickets and even drugs.)
La Zavaleta, a faction that had been marginalised a few years ago and kept quiet while Huracan languished in the National B championship (second tier), wanted a piece of the action but the powerful Jose C Paz and El Pueblito groups were reluctant to let go and violence ensued.
The government and the Argentine Football Association via its president Julio Grondona, tried to argue that the killings had nothing to do with football because they occurred far from the ground and were committed by criminals who don’t care about the game.
They are constantly criticised by the media and by organisations representing victims of football violence for not taking preventative measures.
Thugs seem able to carry all kinds of illegal items into grounds under the very eyes of the police.
Unusally, the Jose C Paz faction posted an apology for the violence on a website although it went on to say La Zavaleta needed to be taught a lesson.
The lesson clubs never seem to learn is that as long as they give favours to hardcore fans and allow them to exercise power in and around the clubs, the violence will not go away.
PHOTO: River Plate fans are arrested by the Argentine police near the Monumental stadium before their Argentine First division soccer match against Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires September 9, 2007. They were arrested following a fight between two different River Plate fan factions. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
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Czech midfielder Plasil signs with Bordeaux
July 9, 2009
PRAGUE (AFP) – Czech midfielder Jaroslav Plasil has signed a four-year deal with French champions Bordeaux, the CTK news agency said Thursday, citing Plasil’s agent Pavel Paska.
After two years with Osasuna in the Spanish La Liga, the 26-year-old is returning to France where his career started at Monaco in 1999.
French sports daily L’Equipe said Bordeaux would pay three million euros for the midfielder with a record of eight goals in 66 games for Osasuna, and five goals in 117 games for Monaco.
Plasil has won 47 caps with the Czech national team, netting on three occasions.
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No fear of losing for Japan in World Cup build-up
July 9, 2009
TOKYO (AFP) – Japan’s coach Takeshi Okada insists that losing to stronger countries is a good thing if it helps steel the Blue Samurai in the run-up to next year’s World Cup in South Africa.
Okada has fixed friendlies against the Netherlands, Ghana, Scotland and Togo in September and October to build up his squad toward his ambitious World Cup target of a semi-final spot.
Of the four countries, only 71st-placed Togo are ranked below Japan, 40th in the FIFA standings. However, the West Africans, who count Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor among their number, are still a formidable force.
“We fight to win but we never avoid fighting strong sides for fear of losing,” Okada told reporters after announcing the international schedule on Wednesday. “If we lose, we lose.”
Japan, former Asian champions, will play world number-three the Netherlands in Enschede on September 5 and 35th-ranked Ghana in Utrecht, on September 9.
“I want my players to feel in their bones the strength of first-ranking teams that have the potential to reach the last four,” Okada said.
“It is a good thing if problems are exposed.”
Like Japan, the Netherlands have already qualified for South Africa 2010 while Ghana lead Africa’s qualifying Group D with three straight wins.
After the Dutch tour, Japan will host Scotland in Yokohama on October 10 and Togo in Oita on October 14, according to the Football Association.
They are also hoping to allocate a FIFA international match day on November 14 for a friendly against a powerhouse such as England or the United States.
“I wish to raise the level of our team by one step through these matches,” said Okada, who piloted Japan to a winless World Cup finals debut at France 1998 and assumed the job again in late 2007 to take over from ailing Bosnian Ivica Osim.
“We must improve the accuracy and speed of our kicking, outrun our opponents and outdo them in one-on-one battles for the ball,” he said.
He has vowed that Japan, who excel in organisation but lack physical strength, can reach the semi-final stage in South Africa, as South Korea did in the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by the two Asian rivals.
The goal has been widely criticised as unrealistic, with Japan’s best World Cup performance being a last-16 spot in 2002.
Okada’s squad showed weaknesses in their offensive tactics last month in qualifying for South Africa, when they went down 2-1 away to the bigger Australia in their final qualifier and in a 1-1 draw with unfancied Qatar at home.
Australia finished top of Asian Group A with 20 points against Japan’s 15 after both countries had secured their places in South Africa.
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Doyle to start for Wolves in Aussie friendly
July 9, 2009
PERTH, Australia (AFP) – Wolverhampton Wanderers’ club record signing Kevin Doyle will play in an Australian pre-season friendly against Perth Glory, manager Mick McCarthy said Thursday.
Wolves, newly-promoted to the English Premier League, signed striker Doyle in a 6.5 million pounds (10.47 million US) deal from Reading late last month.
McCarthy said Doyle, a Republic of Ireland international, will lead the attack against Glory on Friday and will prove to be a vital asset for Wolves this season.
“I’m delighted with Doyle, it’s a real coup for the club,” he said. “There were a number of clubs interested and it was brilliant we managed to persuade him to come to Wolves. When we signed Doyle it got a great response.
“It looks like we’ve got a much better squad (with him in there).”
Doyle said he was confident Wolves would survive in the Premiership.
“I’m happy with my decision (to sign with Wolves),” Doyle said.
“Time will tell but I’m pretty confident we’ll do well, I wouldn’t have signed otherwise.
“I had a chance to go to a team who’s (playing) in Europe this year and I came to Wolves instead, so I think that shows my confidence.”
McCarthy, who led Wolves back to the top flight after a five-year absence, said he expected a rusty performance from his squad, who only started pre-season training last week.
“It’s the first pre-season game, it’s the first game after being off for two months,” McCarthy said. “Two months off, it takes you a while to get back into it.
“It is about us getting fit though. It’s not about us having a great result against Perth Glory, and having a great result throughout all pre-season … and then getting slapped on the first day of the new season against West Ham.
“This is preparation for our Premiership season.”
Wolves are in Western Australia for an 11-day training camp and will play former England striker Robbie Fowler’s new Australian club, North Queensland Fury, on a double-header bill here next Wednesday.
Glory coach David Mitchell said he intended to unveil his new signings, Socceroos Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns and former Derby County defender Andy Todd against Wolves.
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Asenjo joins Atletico Madrid
July 9, 2009
Atletico Madrid have agreed to sign goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo from Real Valladolid on a four-year contract, the Primera Liga club said on their website www.clubatleticodemadrid.com.
The Spanish under-21 international was secured for a reported fee of around 5.5 million euros and the loan of Atletico striker Diego Costa for next season.
The 20-year-old, who will be presented next Monday, comes in to replace the departed Leo Franco and Gregory Coupet, who have joined Galatasaray and Paris St Germain respectively.
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Thursday’s Transfer Rumors
July 9, 2009
‘Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is weighing up a move for Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Barcelona will sanction striker Samuel Eto’o’s move to Manchester City to raise the £40m needed to try and lure midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.’ – Daily Star
‘Arsenal are closing in on the signing of St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi.’ – Daily Mirror
‘But Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo, the Gunners’ top summer transfer target, is set to sign for Juventus.’ – Daily Mail
‘Sebastien Bassong says Arsenal have made an approach to sign him, but the French defender blames Newcastle’s uncertain future for blocking his exit from St James’ Park.’ – Daily Mail
‘Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce could hijack Sunderland’s bid to sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent.’ – The Sun
‘Allardyce is also ready to swoop for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, provided Black Cats boss Steve Bruce lands his own big-money targets.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Portsmouth are considering their response to Sunderland’s bid of about £11m for striker Peter Crouch.’ – The Times
‘Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill wants to sign winger Stewart Downing and striker Tuncay from Middlesbrough in an £18m deal.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Sunderland will bid £2.5m for Middlesbrough striker Mido.’ – The Sun
‘England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson is expected to join the exodus from Boro after emerging as a surprise target for Chelsea.’ – Daily Mail
‘Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is ready to let defender Michael Mancienne join newly-promoted Wolves on a 12-month loan deal.’ – Various
‘The Blues have warned Inter Milan they will not get Ricardo Carvalho on the cheap as they look to fund a move for Porto defender Bruno Alves. Chelsea also hope to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery.’ – Daily Express
‘Everton manager David Moyes is hoping to recruit Espanyol full-back Sergio Sanchez but Sevilla and Valencia are also in the hunt.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is battling with Hamburg for the signing of Swedish striker Marcus Berg.’ – The Sun
‘Hodgson is also weighing up a £1m move for Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny.’ – Daily Mirror
‘Hull have joined Fulham in the race to sign West Brom midfielder Jonahtan Greening.’ – Daily Star
‘Tottenham are plotting a £3m bid for 19-year-old Sheffield United defender Kyle Walker.’ – Various
‘Bolton manager Gary Megson is chasing West Brom defender Paul Robinson and Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde.’ – Independent
‘Hamilton are in talks with Burnley which should see defender Brian Easton sign for the newly-promoted Premier League side. – Daily Record
‘Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is confident he can lure Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to Ashton Gate following his release from Celtic.’ – Daily Star
‘Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis has rejected a move to West Ham in favour of regular football at St Mary’s.’ – The Sun
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Messi hoping for Cesc and Masch signings
July 9, 2009
Argentine wonder kid Lionel Messi is hoping Barcelona can push through deals for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool maestro Javier Mascherano.
Both players have been heavily linked with summer moves to the Nou Camp, with Thursday’s Daily Star suggesting Barca are ready to cash in on Samuel Eto’o to raise the funding needed to move for Fabregas.
The Spaniard recently voiced his frustration at Arsenal’s lack of silverware – though within hours had insisted he remained committed to the club.
That has apparently not put off his former club, though, with Mascherano also reportedly featuring on the European champions’ summer shopping list.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted the Argentine is “not for sale” but speculation persists in both England and Spain that a deal is on the cards.
And Messi is hoping both Fabregas and Mascherano will join him.
He told Sport: “I hope Mascherano can come and we can form a solid partnership. His qualities are always appreciated.”
“The same goes for Fabregas. A good footballer like him who can contribute is always welcome.”
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Bruno reveals Blues interest
July 9, 2009
Portuguese side FC Porto’s defender Bruno Alves has admitted that he is tempted by a move to the Premier League, claiming he is “aware” of interest from Chelsea.
The Portugal international, who was a late bloomer in football terms, is expected to leave the Estadio do Dragao this summer, after some sterling performances for Portuguese champions in the last three seasons.
The 27-year-old was tipped for Real Madrid switch at the end of the season, but as of now, it appears Chelsea could look to sign him as a replacement for Ricardo Carvalho.
But, Alves also revealed, the London club could face stiff competition from Catalunya through Barcelona.
“I’m open to a move to England. I’m aware of Chelsea’s interest and also Barcelona,” he told the Daily Mail.
“But I’m under contract to Porto and any decision comes down to the club.”
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Haiti revives hopes with 2-0 win over Grenada
July 9, 2009
WASHINGTON — Haiti breathed new life into their Gold Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Grenada at RFK Stadium on Wednesday night, as goals from Fabrice Noel and James Marcelin carried les Grenadiers past the Spice Boyz in a Group B encounter.
Noel converted from a free kick in the 14th minute. Brunel Fucien whipped an inswinging cross toward a crowd in the penalty area, where the ball appeared to strike the back of Noel and dribbled into the goal.
With 12 minutes left, Haiti found the clincher when Marcelin capitalized on a howling mistake by Grenada captain Anthony Modeste. With a ball sent behind the defense, Modeste looked prime to clear the ball, but amazingly walked over it, leaving Modeste to close unmarked on goal and easily beat goalkeeper Desmond Noel.
The result revived Haiti’s hopes and left Gold Cup debutante Grenada with no points after two games.
Grenadian midfielder Patrick Modeste tested Jean Dominique Zephirin with a well-driven shot toward the upper corner eight minutes after kickoff, but Haiti netminder flung himself left to parry the effort wide.
Haiti was nearly gifted a goal two minutes later when Spice Boyz defender Jason James deflected a cross toward his own net, wrongfooting Noel, but he recovered in time to collect the loose ball at his right post.
Haiti was enjoying superior possession when Marcelin asserted himself in the center of the park and they came close to doubling its advantage in the 28th minute. <BR>Grenada’s Noel couldn’t hold a shot from Raymond Ednerson, knocking the ball toward Haiti’s Noel deep in the penalty area – but defender Anthony Modeste intervened to clear the danger just in time.
Grenada used a quick counterattack to carve out their best chance of the half six minutes before the intermission. Holding midfielder Ricky Charles exposed the Haitian defense with a delicate lofted cross to Delroy Facey at the far post, but the striker looped his shot well over the target from close range.
In the second half, Haiti hunted for a valuable second tally while Grenada looked for the equalizer needed to keep their fading tournament hopes alive. Yet both sides struggled to craft sustained passing sequences as the Spice Boyz resorted to hopeful long balls and Haiti lacked sharpness in the attacking third.
Leonel Saint Preux should have added to Haiti’s lead on a venture deep into the Grenada box in the 58th minute. Floating into ample space near the penalty spot, Saint Preux was set up by strike partner Noel but dribbled his shot well wide of the left post.
RFK Stadium was gradually filling up with blue-clad Honduras fans eager for the second half of the doubleheader against the United States and their noise percolated around the venerable facility as time ticked away on Grenada’s hopes.
Chasing down an angled ball into the Haitian box, Facey got a good look at goal but with the ball on his left foot, he elected to play a centering pass that went begging with no gold jerseys on hand.
Panamanian referee Roberto Moreno’s full-time whistle handed Haiti their first Gold Cup victory since 2002 and gave Jairo Rios’ side renewed hopes for a quarterfinal berth, while Grenada’s second loss of the tournament virtually eliminated them from contention with one match remaining.
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