Wales
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Torghelle on target again
Sandor Torghelle's strike was enough to sink Albania and keep Hungary in second place in Group 1. The FC Augsburg striker got the only goal in the 38th minute in a hard-fourth encounter in Tirana.
Both teams started the match knowing that nothing less than a victory would realistically keep their South Africa 2010 hopes alive, and it was Albania, with a raucous crowd behind them, that had most of the early pressure.
Hamdi Salihi came closest to opening the scoring midway through the half, heading wide at the back post before dragging a 20 yard shot wide after a Szabolcs Huszti mistake had put him through.
Hungary, playing quickly on the counter, saw two long-range efforts from Tamas Hajnal go past the post as the game went from end to end.
Uruguayan Diegos down Paraguay
South American Zone pacesetters Paraguay suffered a jolt on a seemingly inexorable road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ when they went down 2-0 to Uruguay.
Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan scored the Uruguayans' opener on 28 minutes, before Diego Lugano made the points safe with a second just before the hour mark in front of 45,000 supporters at the Centenario.
Gerardo Martino's visitors were unable to come back off the ropes as the Paraguayans went down to only their second defeat in 11 games.
With 23 points they still lead Brazil, who have 17 from ten games ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Ecuador in Quito.
Argentina, who the Uruguayans joined on 16 points, will climb second if they beat struggling Venezuela, and close the gap on top spot to four points.
Chile also have 16 points from ten outings ahead of their trip to bottom side Peru. Also tomorrow, Colombia and Bolivia will face off in Bogota, with the hosts hoping for a victory that would keep them in contention.
Bosnian goal spree downs Belgium
Three goals in the last 16 minutes earned Bosnia-Herzegovina a 4-2 win over Belgium in a thrilling 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier.
Bosnia's victory gave them nine points from five matches in European Zone Group 5, two points ahead of Belgium, who have also played five games.
A right-foot shot from striker Edin Dzeko put Bosnia in front after seven minutes.
Moussa Dembele equalised in the 65th before the Belgians were floored by three quickfire goals from Sanel Jahic (74), Zlatan Bajramovic (80) and Zvjezdan Misimovic (86).
Striker Wesley Sonck pulled a late consolation goal back for the hosts with an 89th-minute penalty.
Pique Spain's unlikely hero
Defender Gerard Pique scored his first goal for Spain to give the European champions a 1-0 win over Turkey in their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying Group 5 match.
The 22-year-old, playing only his second match for the national side, turned the ball in from close range on the hour after Xavi's floated free-kick from the right had ricocheted back across goal off Sergio Ramos. The win cemented Spain's lead at the top of the group with a maximum 15 points from five matches, ahead of Bosnia on nine and Turkey on eight.
The Turks, who reached the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008, did well to cramp the Spanish midfield in a tight first half and threatened Iker Casillas's goal on several occasions. A low shot from captain Nihat Kahveci flashed just wide of the post in the sixth minute and Nihat's strike partner Semih Senturk also went close shortly after.
Fernando Torres had Spain's best opening of the first period just before the break. The Liverpool striker controlled a pass from Xavi on the edge of the area and his powerful shot was palmed away by Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.
Burley rallies Scots for Iceland test
Scotland manager George Burley has insisted his squad can pick themselves up from a chastening 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands and claim the win they desperately need against Iceland on Wednesday.
Although there were positive elements to the Scots' display in the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday, morale will have been hit by the poor defending that helped Holland kill the World Cup qualifier with first-half headers from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie. However, Burley had always emphasised that anything Scotland could pick up in Amsterdam would be a bonus.
"The home games are all must-win games," he added. "That has not changed and it is a massive game against Iceland on Wednesday."
Although stand-in centre-half Christophe Berra acquitted himself well on his first start for his country, Burley will hope that Celtic captain Stephen McManus recovers from an ankle injury to start against the Icelanders. Right-back Graham Alexander, who was given a torrid time by Arjen Robben, will make way for Alan Hutton, who looked far sharper in a brief second-half appearance. "I wish Alan had another game under his belt but he showed he is raring to go," Burley said.
Although there were positive elements to the Scots' display in the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday, morale will have been hit by the poor defending that helped Holland kill the World Cup qualifier with first-half headers from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie. However, Burley had always emphasised that anything Scotland could pick up in Amsterdam would be a bonus.
"The home games are all must-win games," he added. "That has not changed and it is a massive game against Iceland on Wednesday."
Although stand-in centre-half Christophe Berra acquitted himself well on his first start for his country, Burley will hope that Celtic captain Stephen McManus recovers from an ankle injury to start against the Icelanders. Right-back Graham Alexander, who was given a torrid time by Arjen Robben, will make way for Alan Hutton, who looked far sharper in a brief second-half appearance. "I wish Alan had another game under his belt but he showed he is raring to go," Burley said.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
2nd Test Indi vs New Zealand Watch Streaming From Napier
The troubles start with a young top order, where Martin Guptill, Tim McIntosh and Daniel Flynn (if he passes the fitness test tomorrow) have 14 Tests between them and seem to offer India an easy target. Vettori, though, wants to repose trust in them and not fiddle with the batting order. He feels it is not a question of quality but of application. Vettori wants the batsmen to work on the longevity of their innings, play out at least 120 overs.
A change in the batting order, which would see him, Brendon McCullum or Jesse Ryder move up, is not being considered for now. An unconventional school of thought might suggest picking six batsmen, four bowlers, a wicketkeeper, and then deciding the batting order - no matter if a bowler or a wicketkeeper is better placed than a specialist batsman.
"The onus is on the top six to do the job," Vettori said. "If they do the job then Brendon and I can complement to that. We can mix and match sometimes, but the onus is always on top six to score the runs."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Live streaming cricket india vs new zealand 1st
Patel removed Brendon McCullum for three as New Zealand limped to lunch in complete disarray at 61-6 with five wickets falling to catches behind.
"There was just enough in the wicket to suggest it was difficult and they swung the ball as well," Vettori said.
"If we look through the dismissals there weren't too many we were disappointed with. A couple of things didn't quite go our way."
Vettori and Ryder held Indian bowlers at bay for three hours.
Vettori, the more aggressive of the two, raced to his hundred off 139 balls and smacked 14 fours and two sixes before he departed after tea, also edging behind.
Ryder, who had been more circumspect, was on 77 when Vettori was dismissed and raised the tempo as he closed in on a first test ton.
"There was just enough in the wicket to suggest it was difficult and they swung the ball as well," Vettori said.
"If we look through the dismissals there weren't too many we were disappointed with. A couple of things didn't quite go our way."
Vettori and Ryder held Indian bowlers at bay for three hours.
Vettori, the more aggressive of the two, raced to his hundred off 139 balls and smacked 14 fours and two sixes before he departed after tea, also edging behind.
Ryder, who had been more circumspect, was on 77 when Vettori was dismissed and raised the tempo as he closed in on a first test ton.
Live Streaming West Indies vs England 1st Odi
West Indies have far fewer issues to worry about and are hoping to be boosted by the return of Chris Gayle after his hamstring injury. During their struggles in recent years the 50-over variety has provided the occasional moment of success as their deficiencies weren't exposed in the shorter format. Their top order can match any for destructive qualities, while Dwayne Bravo's availability boosts all departments. The collection of useful spinners and medium pacers are ideally suited to the slow surfaces that are now common and the fielding continues to show marked improvement. It hasn't been said very often of late, but West Indies start as clear favourites.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Live streaming india vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 3
The expected run barrage never came, with Virender Sehwag run out early in the day, but half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid and an unbeaten 70 from Sachin Tendulkar allowed India to establish a measure of control at Seddon Park. New Zealand were disciplined with the ball and sprightly in the field, but despite a lot of moisture in the air after overnight rain, there was no real menace from the bowlers. By the time the players went off for bad light, India were just a run behind, though there would have been some disappointment at the fact that well-set batsmen didn't go on to make bigger scores.
Daniel Vettori is their highest-ranked player, at 11, and if the wickets are as predicted then he will be crucial, but really, who do you give the edge to - Vettori versus the Indian batsmen or Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra versus the New Zealand batsmen? Vettori is a wonderful bowler but performances over time against the better Test nations have shown him to be consistent but not destructive.
Without doubt the major hurdle will be New Zealand's ability to take 20 wickets. In fact, if the tracks are flat then bowling India out once could be a major issue too.
Daniel Vettori is their highest-ranked player, at 11, and if the wickets are as predicted then he will be crucial, but really, who do you give the edge to - Vettori versus the Indian batsmen or Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra versus the New Zealand batsmen? Vettori is a wonderful bowler but performances over time against the better Test nations have shown him to be consistent but not destructive.
Without doubt the major hurdle will be New Zealand's ability to take 20 wickets. In fact, if the tracks are flat then bowling India out once could be a major issue too.
278 for 4 in India vs New Zealand 1st test match day2
India vs New Zealand 1st test match day2 end of the score in inia 278 for 4 wickets in ist innings dravid sachin tendulkar gambhir fifty in the match
To say the forthcoming Test series between India and New Zealand will be challenging for the home side would be a huge understatement. If everything plays out as suspected, it could be 15 long days of leather-chasing for the New Zealand players.
278 for 4 in day2
Gambhir 72
Dravid 66,
Tendulkar 70 trail New Zealand 279 by 1 run
To say the forthcoming Test series between India and New Zealand will be challenging for the home side would be a huge understatement. If everything plays out as suspected, it could be 15 long days of leather-chasing for the New Zealand players.
278 for 4 in day2
Gambhir 72
Dravid 66,
Tendulkar 70 trail New Zealand 279 by 1 run
India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day2 Live From Hamilton
Daniel Vettori and Jesse Ryder dragged New Zealand from the depths of 60 for 6 to a relatively respectable 279 on a well-grassed but true pitch at Seddon Park. By stumps, India had knocked off 29 with Virender Sehwag looking in ominously good touch. India dominated the first session and the final hour, but the defiant 186-run stand for the seventh wicket, a record for New Zealand against India, could still be pivotal in the outcome of the match. The rest of the batsmen contributed next to nothing, while India's three seamers took all but one of the wickets to fall.
What was especially eye-catching was the positivity with which New Zealand scripted the revival. Ryder was fortunate to survive a leg-before shout from Zaheer Khan when he had made 37 while Dravid put down a difficult chance at slip when Vettori had 77, but those apart, India struggled to create wicket-taking opportunities. Far too many edges went through gaps in the slip cordon, and a couple of run-out chances were fluffed as Vettori and Ryder ran the visitors ragged
What was especially eye-catching was the positivity with which New Zealand scripted the revival. Ryder was fortunate to survive a leg-before shout from Zaheer Khan when he had made 37 while Dravid put down a difficult chance at slip when Vettori had 77, but those apart, India struggled to create wicket-taking opportunities. Far too many edges went through gaps in the slip cordon, and a couple of run-out chances were fluffed as Vettori and Ryder ran the visitors ragged
South Africa v Australia, 3rd Test, Cape Town
happened to the Waugh brothers and now it looks like the same fate will befall the Morkels: one sibling making way for the other to make his Test debut. Albie Morkel is an almost certain starter for Thursday's third Test in Cape Town after his brother Morne was axed and the South Africans would love it if he burst onto the Test scene as successfully as Mark Waugh, who made a century on debut when he was given a game at the expense of his brother Steve.
The coach Mickey Arthur is the man who generally picks South Africa's starting XI from the squad he has been given, and he said on Tuesday that Morkel was set to get the nod ahead of the other uncapped fast bowler, Wayne Parnell. But after Arthur and the convenor of selectors Mike Procter clashed on the JP Duminy-Ashwell Prince selection issue last month, the coach was hesitant to give any firm guarantees.
"I've got to discuss that with Proccy [Procter] first but I do think that in all likelihood Albie will start," Arthur said. "It gives us a bit more batting depth, but we have to get 20 wickets. His pace in Australia was decent. He seems to be getting his pace up and he's found that nip again. But what he's also done is he's bowled the length that we haven't been able to do against the Australians.
The coach Mickey Arthur is the man who generally picks South Africa's starting XI from the squad he has been given, and he said on Tuesday that Morkel was set to get the nod ahead of the other uncapped fast bowler, Wayne Parnell. But after Arthur and the convenor of selectors Mike Procter clashed on the JP Duminy-Ashwell Prince selection issue last month, the coach was hesitant to give any firm guarantees.
"I've got to discuss that with Proccy [Procter] first but I do think that in all likelihood Albie will start," Arthur said. "It gives us a bit more batting depth, but we have to get 20 wickets. His pace in Australia was decent. He seems to be getting his pace up and he's found that nip again. But what he's also done is he's bowled the length that we haven't been able to do against the Australians.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
India vs New Zealand 4th Odi Watch Streaming
New Zealand will welcome the return of Daniel Vettori, their captain and best bowler
If Brendon McCullum is to be believed Seddon Park, the venue for Wednesday's match, should present the bowlers with a similar test. The boundaries are not as absurdly short as those at Christchurch's AMI Stadium but they are still not big enough to give batsmen headaches.
"We've seen plenty of runs on this surface in one-day cricket over the last two years," McCullum said. "I think tomorrow will be no different, and no doubt another high-scoring game. That's something the bowlers will have to get their heads around."
The sparse crowds in New Zealand have been treated to all kinds of good batting: Virender Sehwag's aggressive fifties at the top, Sachin Tendulkar's masterful 163, Jesse Ryder's maiden century in a losing cause, and McCullum's ability to score despite him not being at his best. The bowlers, however, seem to have gone missing, with the exception of Daniel Vettori and, to a certain extent, Harbhajan Singh.
Well Vettori did go missing in the third game, physically, to be with his wife who gave birth to their first child. For India, Praveen Kumar has been canny in patches, but ordinary at other times. Zaheer Khan and Kyle Mills, the men with big reputations, haven't been effective.
If Brendon McCullum is to be believed Seddon Park, the venue for Wednesday's match, should present the bowlers with a similar test. The boundaries are not as absurdly short as those at Christchurch's AMI Stadium but they are still not big enough to give batsmen headaches.
"We've seen plenty of runs on this surface in one-day cricket over the last two years," McCullum said. "I think tomorrow will be no different, and no doubt another high-scoring game. That's something the bowlers will have to get their heads around."
The sparse crowds in New Zealand have been treated to all kinds of good batting: Virender Sehwag's aggressive fifties at the top, Sachin Tendulkar's masterful 163, Jesse Ryder's maiden century in a losing cause, and McCullum's ability to score despite him not being at his best. The bowlers, however, seem to have gone missing, with the exception of Daniel Vettori and, to a certain extent, Harbhajan Singh.
Well Vettori did go missing in the third game, physically, to be with his wife who gave birth to their first child. For India, Praveen Kumar has been canny in patches, but ordinary at other times. Zaheer Khan and Kyle Mills, the men with big reputations, haven't been effective.
Sachin Tendulkar will miss the fourth one-day international
Sachin Tendulkar will miss the fourth one-day international against New Zealand in Hamilton on Wednesday because of an abdomen injury. The Indian team management will monitor Tendulkar's fitness and he has not been ruled out of the final ODI on March 14 as yet.
Tendulkar sustained the injury when he was hit on the stomach by Iain O'Brien during the second match in Wellington. He played the third game but aggravated the injury during his innings of 163 off 133 balls; he had to retire hurt at the end of the 45th over. Scans have revealed that Tendulkar has suffered swelling and bruising.
The news is a blow to India since Tendulkar has been solid at the top of the order with scores of 20, 61 and 163 in the series. With him missing, Gautam Gambhir will open with Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma is likely to make a comeback.
Tendulkar sustained the injury when he was hit on the stomach by Iain O'Brien during the second match in Wellington. He played the third game but aggravated the injury during his innings of 163 off 133 balls; he had to retire hurt at the end of the 45th over. Scans have revealed that Tendulkar has suffered swelling and bruising.
The news is a blow to India since Tendulkar has been solid at the top of the order with scores of 20, 61 and 163 in the series. With him missing, Gautam Gambhir will open with Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma is likely to make a comeback.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Premier League - Liverpool back with Sunderland win
The visitors almost took a shock lead in the fourth minute as the sides fought out a goalless first half, but David N'Gog's shot on 52 minutes broke the deadlock, while Yossi Benayoun's 65th-minute strike put the match beyond doubt.
The result gets Livepool back to within four points of Premier League leaders Manchester United, albeit having played two more games than their rivals.
Yet for a side relatively starved of good results in recent weeks, the result - and the impressive manner in which it came - was an enormous relief.
Liverpool's desperation to get themselves back on track was written all over the face of manager Rafael Benitez as the match kicked off, but just four minutes in to the game the home side should have been a goal down.
A long through-ball found Kenwyne Jones - who had sprinted up from within his own half - out in the open, unmarked and clean through on Pepe Reina. The striker took his time lining up the shot - but incredibly, when it finally came, the shot was a dreadfully poor effort to Reina's right that was saved simply.
The result gets Livepool back to within four points of Premier League leaders Manchester United, albeit having played two more games than their rivals.
Yet for a side relatively starved of good results in recent weeks, the result - and the impressive manner in which it came - was an enormous relief.
Liverpool's desperation to get themselves back on track was written all over the face of manager Rafael Benitez as the match kicked off, but just four minutes in to the game the home side should have been a goal down.
A long through-ball found Kenwyne Jones - who had sprinted up from within his own half - out in the open, unmarked and clean through on Pepe Reina. The striker took his time lining up the shot - but incredibly, when it finally came, the shot was a dreadfully poor effort to Reina's right that was saved simply.
Live Streaming Premier League
Ricky Sbragia insists Sunderland remain locked in a battle for Premier League survival, but believes nine more points will secure their status.The Black Cats head for Liverpool on Tuesday night defending a four-game unbeaten run in the league which has helped them to climb into 12th place in the table.
However, their inactivity at the weekend - they were due to play Tottenham, who were instead in the Carling Cup final - saw Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Stoke all make up ground on the sides above them to leave the Wearsiders five points clear of the drop zone, but still far from safe.
Sbragia was there to witness Boro's shock win over Rafael Benitez's side, and admitted it had given several clubs food for thought.
He said: "Yes, I think there are a lot of teams still involved - and Manchester City could be drawn into that as well. It's amazing what three points can do.
"I was hoping maybe Middlesbrough didn't win, and I was hoping maybe that Blackburn didn't win, which would have made it slightly better.
"But we have got to focus on us. I am aware of where we are in the table, and if we get another, probably, nine points, we might be safe.
"That's what I am looking at, I am looking at around 40. But you are always aware of the teams below you.
However, their inactivity at the weekend - they were due to play Tottenham, who were instead in the Carling Cup final - saw Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Stoke all make up ground on the sides above them to leave the Wearsiders five points clear of the drop zone, but still far from safe.
Sbragia was there to witness Boro's shock win over Rafael Benitez's side, and admitted it had given several clubs food for thought.
He said: "Yes, I think there are a lot of teams still involved - and Manchester City could be drawn into that as well. It's amazing what three points can do.
"I was hoping maybe Middlesbrough didn't win, and I was hoping maybe that Blackburn didn't win, which would have made it slightly better.
"But we have got to focus on us. I am aware of where we are in the table, and if we get another, probably, nine points, we might be safe.
"That's what I am looking at, I am looking at around 40. But you are always aware of the teams below you.
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