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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to meet in Dubai final

Roger Federer will meet world number Novak Djokovic in his 126th Tour final in Dubai on Saturday after cruising to a 6-2 6-1 victory over Borna Coric. Teenager Coric, world ranked 84, never reached the heights of his 6-1 6-3 shock win over Andy Murray in the previous round.

“I never thought I would play that many finals,” said 33-year-old Federer.

Serbian Novak Djokovic beat the Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych 6-0 5-7 6-4 in the other semi.

Federer, who has reached his seventh Dubai final, stormed into a 2-0 lead in the opening set only to lose his own serve with a double fault and netted forehand. Normal service was resumed as the 17-time Grand Slam winner pounced on the Croatian’s brittle serve to break twice more to take the set. Federer surged 5-1 up in the second set as a half volley pulled Coric out wide and the 18-year-old could only scuff his effort into the net. He wrapped it up with ease, charging the net yet again as Coric thumped a forehand long.

“I felt like after five games I knew more or less what to expect and I realised what had worked until that point and what had not,” the Swiss added.

“I remember like yesterday … how it was coming into the tour, being able to play the players I had seen on TV,” Federer, 33, said in a courtside interview.

Djokovic looked set for an equally comfortable win over Berdych when he raced through the opening set 6-0, only to lose the second, despite breaking Berdych when the fourth seed initially served for the set at 5-3. The Serbian called the trainer after slipping and cutting his fingers at the end of the 11th game and he was then broken for a third time, conceding the set with a netted backhand. The final set went with serve until Berdych scuttled a backhand long to slip 3-2 behind and a dogged Djokovic served out the match.

“Even after the first set went perfectly and when I was break up I knew the match was not over,” Djokovic told reporters.

“I started making some unforced errors, backed up a little bit, less first serves in. Then he stepped in. From that moment on it was an even match, a lot of unforced errors from my side.”

Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Berdych, 27/02/2015, 15:15, Match Center

Coric B. vs Roger Federer, 27/02/2015, 13:10, Match Center

Liverpool Vs Manchester City: Preview, Probable Lineups, Stats, Team news

English Premier League Match Preview:

Coming into this match with one eye on the last fixture when both these sides met at Anfield, nothing has changed for Manchester City as far as anything is concerned.

Like last season when they vowed to defeat the hosts, Manchester City are still playing the chasing game that has been attributed to all of their title winning campaigns.

However, as far as Liverpool are concerned, everything has changed for them in a matter of a year. From playing for the title last season to chasing a place in the vicinity of Champions this time out, the Reds’ fortunes have seen you-turn this time out.

However, like last season when they were the team to beat, Liverpool are slowly but gradually getting their reputation back.

Team news

Here are the team news for both sides: –

Liverpool

As the Reds landed in England at 4:00 am in Friday morning after their trip to Istanbul, fatigue might play an important part in this fixture. However, if you look at the current un-beaten streak of the Reds in the Premier League, its 3 important members were missing in their trip to Besiktas.

Thus, when other players will be fighting their fatigue, the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson would provide the Reds with some relief.

One player, not Luis Suarez of-course, which will definitely be missing the match is Steven Gerrard as the outgoing player is still lingering with injury.

With Jon Flanagan, Brad Jones and Lucas Leiva still out for long, the Reds will go against Manchester City as the most scathed team in the land.

Manchester City

Although the Citizens got some footballing lessons from Barcelona in the mid-week, their comeback which was epitomized by the Joe Hart penalty save would keep them uplift for this match.

Talking about the injury factor and astonishingly for the reigning Premier League Champions, Manchester City are amongst 1 of the 2 teams in England that will have zero injuries coming into this week.

Thus, in addition to the fatigue factor of Liverpool, their own form, one more thing that will be keeping Manchester City as favorites would be the depth of their squad.

And since Yaya Toure wasn’t a part of them in mid-week, the Ivorian would come into this match as a new-born, much to the amusement of Manchester City fans. While Martin DeMichellis started in mid-week, Eliaquim Mangala is expected to get his position back in the Manchester City 11 on Saturday.

Stats

• Manchester City have not beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League since 2003.

• In last 5 fixtures between these sides, Liverpool have won just once with 2 victories for Manchester City in the mean-time.

Probable Lineups

Liverpool

Mignolet – Can – Skrtel – Sakho – Moreno – Allen – Henderson – Markovic – Coutinho – Sterling – Sturridge

Manchester City

Hart – Mangala – Kompany – Zabaleta – Kolarov – Silva – Fernandinho – Toure – Nasri – Aguero – Dzeko

Liverpool Vs Manchester City will take place at Anfield Stadium, on Sunday 1st March

[Match Center]

Liverpool Vs Manchester City: Preview, Probable Lineups, Stats, Team news

Soccer News: Main reasons why Premier League teams are having problems in Europe

Almost every club from the Barclay’s Premier League has been having a lot of trouble when playing in Europe in the last couple of years. This season it’s the same old story – seven teams started 2014/15 with European football in their schedules, but except Chelsea and Everton, all of the others have encountered various problems. Arsenal lost almost all chances to eliminate Monaco, Manchester City will need something special against Barcelona in the second leg of the Round of 16 matches, Tottenham were eliminated by Fiorentina, Besiktas knocked out Liverpool in the Europa League, while Hull City couldn’t even qualify for the group stage of the Europa League. On the other hand, Everton advanced past Young Boys in the Europa League, while Chelsea finished 1:1 as a guest to Paris Saint-Germain and they have the advantage over the French club, thanks to their away goal.

It’s a bit of a shame that the teams that play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world are in so much trouble. Logic says that if a league is strong, the clubs that play in it are also strong and therefore would be able to compete in Europe. However, the theory that the teams gain experience from the hard and competitive league is a bit false – Bayern Munich is having a walk in the park almost all the time when playing in the Bundesliga, but they’re the biggest favorite to win the UEFA Champions League aren’t they? Real Madrid and Barcelona are kings of La Liga and only Atletico Madrid comes somewhere close. The situation in those leagues is very different than the one in the Premier League, but somehow the clubs from them are a lot more successful in the last couple of years.

The fact that the Barclay’s Premier League is so competitive certainly doesn’t help the teams to be better in the European tournaments, but it’s not the only problem. The most troubling things is the way that the squads from England have been outplayed – Manchester City was just dominated by Barcelona and Arsenal couldn’t find a way to fight back against Monaco. These defeats weren’t the result of a competitive league – they are a result of poor coaching. The Citizens tried to press Barcelona, which is just far more than a strange tactic when you play Messi and company – the players from Barcelona are just waiting for their opponents to misplace a pass so they can work their offensive tactics. Arsenal were thought to be the favorites against Monaco, but again a wrong strategy from Wenger was the reason they were defeated – poor positioning, static play and misplaced passes. The Gunners tried to be aggressive after Chamberlain scored, but their aggression was badly constructed and backfired – Monaco was able to score a third goal. Only Jose Mourinho was able to choose tactics that would actually help his club have advantage over their opponents – the 1:1 result in Paris isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough.

The conclusion from all of this is not that the competitiveness of the Barclay’s Premier League is such a big problem for the clubs that play in it (it’s still a factor), but the way those clubs play in Europe just isn’t good enough. Most teams from England don’t have their own identity and therefore try to overpower opponents by playing their style of game. Almost everybody knows that if a club doesn’t have an identity and good management it won’t go very far – Chelsea and their front office know that and that’s why they have hired Jose Mourinho.

Soccer News: Main reasons why Premier League teams are having problems in Europe

NBA Rumors: Ray Allen definitely won't sign with Cavaliers, uncertain whether he will play at all

Basketball, NBA News¨

One of the best, if not the best, three-point shooters in the history of the NBA, Ray Allen has hinted that his days in the league may finally be over. This would be a sad day for every fan around the world, as we all know what Allen brings every night and what joy it is to watch him play. These news are coming after a long line of rumors in which it was said that the three-point specialist has made his mind and is going to Cleveland. However, a new set of reports is stating that if Allen decides to play a little bit more, it surely won’t be with the Cavaliers.

“Among numerous NBA executives with an interest in signing free-agent guard Ray Allen, there’s a growing belief that Allen will not play in the league this season. Allen still hasn’t delivered word through his agent Jim Tanner that he wants to play – never mind begin the process of choosing a team. Allen has been working out, but nothing to the level that would indicate an imminent return to get into NBA playing shape. Still, there’s time for Allen to make a decision, but as one general manager said Friday, “It’s getting late in the game for this to happen.”

Truly, it was thought that Allen would sign with a team before, or at the All-Star break, but no such thing has happened. The fact that there haven’t been any clear signs from the former Heat player that he will make some kind of a move makes us think that the NBA career of Ray Allen may actually be over. Nevertheless, the regular season is still not over and if a team wishes to have Ray on their roster, it would be mainly for the playoffs. In my opinion it would be a mistake to say with certainty that the guard has already retired – it won’t be that big of a surprise if he decides that he wishes to play only in the postseason.

NBA Rumors: Ray Allen definitely won't sign with Cavaliers, uncertain whether he will play at all

Croatian Handball Association appointed Zeljko Babic as new National Team coach

Handball News:

Croatian Handball Association finally releases a press statement about new national team coach. After poor performance in IHF World Handball Championship in Qatar this year Croatian coach Slavko Goluza resign from that place. And now his place will take Zeljko Babic.

There was a lot of talk who will be new Croatian NT coach, one of the names that were mostly used as the future coach was the name of Zvonimir Serdarusic or even Lino Cervar. But one of the richest handball clubs in the world Paris Saint-Germain quickly said that they want Serdarusic to be coach of their dream team and Cervar said that he is not interested Croatia Handball Association need to find a new name.

After consulting with chief coördinator for men’s handball in Croatia the only logical choice was to appoint current Meshkov Brest coach Zeljko Babic as new national team coach. Tradition of assistants taking main coach position continues, Babic was assistant to Goluza in national team and RK Zagreb and Goluza was assistant to Lino Cervar when he was Croatian national coach. First assistant for Zeljko Babic will be ex Croatian player Petar Metlici. According to some Croatian newspaper Zeljko Babic got a chance in front Ivica Obrvan and Goran Perkovac. Also according to them Babic agree on his new position several days earlier but Croatian Handball Association was waiting for the approval of Babic current club Meshkov Brest, once they got it the release the press statement.

Babic first task is EHF European Champioship. Croatia is playing qualification for EHF European Championship in Poland. They are in Group 1 with Norway, Turkey and Netherland. Croatia already beat Netherland and Turkey and in April they will face Norway.

Croatian Handball Association appointed Zeljko Babic as new National Team coach

Friday, February 27, 2015

LA Liga: How will FC Barcelona lineup against Granada CF

LA Liga News:

After that defeat at the hands of Malaga where many would have thought that the bubble has burst, FC Barcelona responded in grand fashion in-front of the English crowd in mid-week.

Running a team riot in the Champions League is one thing, doing the same thing to Premier League Champions takes it to an even higher level.

Being their star performer that night, Luis Suarez would hope to carry his Champions League form into LA Liga. While there were questions over his goal-scoring before that trip to the Etihad stadium, the Uruguayan raised all the doubts with his magnificent performance in the mid-week

Playing in the center of Neymar and Messi with the latter shifted to a wide role, Luis Suarez fortified the trust that was enshrined in him when FC Barcelona paid 75 million pounds to Liverpool.

Talking about Barcelona in general, the Catalan giants have been itching for a La Liga title this season. However, looking at their slip-ups at various times during this season, the 22 time LA Liga Champions have been

looking below their best already.

And with a 4 point gap arising between them and reigning European Champions Real Madrid, Barcelona can ill afford any more slipups in the coming months of this season.

Here is how they are expected to lineup against Granada on the weekend: –

Possible Barcelona lineup

Claudio Bravo – Dani Alves – Gerard Pique – Javier Mascherano – Jordi Alba – Andres Iniesta – Sergio Busquets – Ivan Rakitic – Neymar – Luis Suarez – Lionel Messi

Granada CF Vs FC Barcelona will take place at Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes on Saturday 28th February at 16:00 GMT Match Center

LA Liga: How will FC Barcelona lineup against Granada CF

Barclays Premier League: How will Southampton lineup against West Bromwich Albion

English Premier League News:

Although Southampton have been undergoing a blue patch in terms of their recent form, a visit to the Hawthorns serves them with a perfect opportunity to regain their confidence. Being pegged back by Liverpool despite being the better team for most of the match, the Saints were feeling undone by.

However, in addition to Liverpool who took their chances well last weekend in an otherwise close fixture, the Saints were left to ponder on the decisions that were made by the referee Kevin Friend that day.

Since the mass exodus of players from the Saint Mary last summer, everybody predicted the fall of Southampton. However, looking at their position in the Premier League table, the Saints have defied the odds up-till now.

Sitting on 5th place with just 2 points differentiating them from the 3rd place Arsenal, a win in this fixture might get them into the top 4 depending upon results from elsewhere.

While their recent form isn’t upto the mark, the form of their top-scorer Graziano Pelle is a huge source of concern amongst the Saints’ faithful. Starting this season with a bang with 6 goals in his first 10 appearances for the club, the Italian has scored just 2 in the next 16 fixtures, much to the bemusement of Saints’ faithful.

Thus, even though the likes of Tadic and Mane have stepped up their game in recent weeks, the lack of form shown by the Italian could well cost Southampton their first ever top 4 finish in the Premier League history.

Here is how they are expected to lineup against West Brom on Saturday: –

Southampton lineup

Fraser Foster – Clyne – Fonte – Yoshida – Targett – Wanyama – Schneiderlin – Elia – Pelle – Tadic – Mane

West Bromwich Albion Vs Southampton will take place on The Hawthorns at Saturday 28th February
Match Center

Barclays Premier League: How will Southampton lineup against West Bromwich Albion

Europa League Round of 16 draw: Villarreal vs. Sevilla and Fiorentina vs. Roma most interesting games in round of 16

Europa Leuague – Round of 16 Draw:

After yesterday 2^nd game we got 16 clubs that went into Europa League round of 16. Today in Nyon Switzerland those 16 clubs drawn to see who will face who in the battle for quarter-finals.

After the draw these are the matches:

Everton (ENG) vs. Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)

Dnipro (UKR) vs. Ajax (NED)

Zenit (RUS) vs. Torino (ITA)

Wolfsburg (GER) vs. Inter (ITA)

Villarreal (ESP) vs. Sevilla (ESP)

Napoli (ITA) vs. Dinamo Moskva (RUS)

Club Brugge (BEL) vs. Besiktas (TUR)

Fiorentina (ITA) vs. Roma (ITA).

After the draw emotions were mixed, some clubs were happy to and some clubs just shake their head when they saw their opponents.

The strongest pairs are the one that are coming from same county. Villarreal and Sevilla will be the most interesting game to watch in round of 16. Not only will these two team fight for enter quarter-finals they also fight in Primera Division. Sevilla is holding 5^th place and Villarreal is only 1 point behind them. Both of this team is chasing Valencia on 4^th place to get a chance to play in UEFA Champions League next season.

Match between Fiorentina and Roma is also one of interesting matches in round of 16. Similar to game between Villarreal and Sevilla these two team are also fighting in Seria A. Roma is on 2^nd place in Seria A and Fiorentina is holding 5^th place 9 points behind Roma.

We can say that Italian clubs had a difficult draw Inter will go against 2^nd team in Bundesliga Wolfsburg and Napoli will go against third team from Russian Premier League Dynamo Moskva. The only England representative Everton wasn’t luck favorite since they will face Dynamo Kyiv. Zenit and Besiktas were the luck favorites in this draw since they got probably one of the weakest opponents in the pot.

Europa League Round of 16 draw: Villarreal vs. Sevilla and Fiorentina vs. Roma most interesting games in round of 16

Barclays Premier League: How will Manchester United lineup against Sunderland

English Premier League News:

After that dismal performance against Swansea City in which the Red devils were victim to a late comeback, the injury to striker Robin Van Persie has poured salt over their wounds. With Radamel Falcao out of form and Wayne Rooney playing in the deep midfield role, the injury to the Flying Dutchman is the last thing Louis Van Gaal would have hoped for.

Having scored 10 goals for the Red devils already this season in the Premier League, Robin Van Persie has been the main reason of their resurgence under Louis Van Gaal.

While Manchester United epitomized their striking options in the summer after acquiring the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria, Van Persie is still the most useful player in the Manchester United outfit.

However, with his recent injury coming just at the wrong time, the Dutchman is expected to see a crucial period of matches from the sidelines. Starting from this weekend when the 20 time Premier League Champions will become hosts to the Black cats Sunderland, Manchester United will travel to Newcastle in the mid-week action of the Premier League.

And being the only chance for any silverware for them this season, a fixture in FA Cup against arch rivals Arsenal will be played at the Old Trafford next weekend.

Thus, with Robin Van Persie out and Radamel Falcao seemingly out of form, Louis Van Gaal will be forced to play Wayne Rooney in the striking department for the next 3 matches’ at-least.

Looking at their position in the Premier League table which is a major improvement from last season, the fact that only 4 points separate 4 sides that are aspiring for Champions League spot, is far from being comfortable for the Red devils.

Here is how they are expected to lineup against Sunderland on the weekend: –

Manchester United Lineup:

David de Gea – Rafael – Marcos Rojo – Phil Jones – Luke Shaw – Daley Blind – Ander Herrera – Juan Mata – Angel Di Maria – Wayne Rooney – Radamel Falcao

Manchester United Vs Sunderland will be played at the Old Trafford on Saturday, 28th February. [Match Center]

Barclays Premier League: How will Manchester United lineup against Sunderland

Top Games in Europe This Weekend: Primera and Premiership against with most interesting games

This week we got some interesting games, especial in England Premiership and German Bundesliga. On Saturday we don’t have much interesting games. In Premier League we got a clash between Manchester United and Sunderland. Louis van Gaal team is playing, well strange is a good word. When you expect them to have easy win they struggle and when you expect them to struggle they have a good game. Sunderland is not doing great this season; they are on 16^th place with 25 points. Why is this match so interested is because United didn’t beat Sunderland for 2 years now. From last six games Sunderland won 3, one game end in draw and United won two both in 2013.

Another interesting game is coming us from Bundesliga where recently waken Borussia Dortmund will go against Schalke 04. If you don’t follow Bundesliga and look at the table you probably wonder why would this be interesting game? Borussia is on the three win streak, after pretty strange last year this they started this one pretty good. The only question remains to see will defeat in Torino against Juventus in UEFA Champions League 2-1 have any impact on team morale. For Schalke this game is simple they need to win or they facing possibility to drop below 4^th place that leads into UEFA Champions League qualifications next season.

Sunday will probably be reserved for England and Spain leagues. We will start with game between Liverpool and Manchester City. Liverpool suffered stunning defeat and exit from Europa league from Besiktas in the midweek and Manchester City lost against Barcelona 2-1 in knockout phase of UEFA Champions League. In Premier league after last round draw from Chelsea, City again gets on -5 and their hopes for winning title alive again. Liverpool is doing well they are on 2 win streak and they didn’t lost for last 10 games. Both of these teams need win so we can expect interesting game.

Arsenal and Everton will go head-to-head on Emirates. Arsenal and Everton always give us some good games with plenty of goals to watch. Arsenal suffered stunning defeat from Monaco in knockout phase of UEFA Champions League in midweek. In a strange game they were better team but Monaco defense was just too strong. But let’s get back to Premier league Arsenal is on 3^rd place, but behind them is 4 clubs that are only 4 points behind so Arsenal needs to win to keep their Champion League spot for next season.

Also on Sunday we will got a Capitol Cup final game between Chelsea and Tottenham. Chelsea comes to finals over Liverpool and Tottenham kick out Sheffield United. Capitol Cup is not “famous” as FA Cup but still we expect both teams to fight for the first trophies this season.

Spain Primera Division also brings us two interesting games. First will be a derby game between Sevilla and Atletico Madrid. Two clubs that are on the top of Primera Division and that have slightly different matches in midweek. Sevilla manage to beat Borussia Monchengladbach and to go ahead in round of 16 of Europa League and Atletico Madrid lost against Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League. Atletico Madrid needs to win to keep the pace with leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid and Sevilla need points to keep their dream about Champions League in next season alive.

Leader Real Madrid will go against “yellow submarine” Villarreal. Villarreal is a good team but it remains to see can they surprise Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. Real is better playing as guests then as home team so that gives a small chance for “yellow submarine” to try to take one point.

As a bonus game we got one of the biggest derbies in Netherland soccer in front of us, clash between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax. PSV is now first team in Eredivisie with 14 points difference from 2^nd Ajax but no matter that games between these two teams are always interesting to watch. In the midweek PSV lost their rematch game against Zenit St. Petersburg and get kicked out from Europa League while Ajax beat Poland Legia Warszawa and get them into round of 16 of same competition.

Saturday, 28.02.2015:

14:30 GMT Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04

15:00 GMT Manchester United vs. Sunderland

Sunday, 01.03.2015:

12:00 GMT Liverpool vs. Manchester City

14:05 GMT Arsenal vs. Everton

15:45 GMT PSV Eindhoven vs. Ajax

18:00 GMT Sevilla vs. Atletico Madrid

20:00 GMT Real Madrid vs. Villarreal

Top Games in Europe This Weekend: Primera and Premiership against with most interesting games

Dubai Championships: Murray beaten by Croatian teenager Borna Coric

Dubai Championships: Murray beaten by Croatian teenager Borna Coric

Britain’s Andy Murray was beaten 6-1 6-3 by Croatian teenager Borna Coric in the Dubai Championships quarter-finals. Murray, ranked three in the world, was dominated by the world number 84. The two-time Grand Slam champion made 55 unforced errors during his match against Coris, who will next face world number two Roger Federer in the semi-final. Coric, 18, broke the 27-year-old three times in the first set to lead the dual major winner and followed up in the second by breaking in the sixth game. Coric is the first teenager to reach the Dubai semi-finals since Rafael Nadal clinched the title as a 19-year-old in 2006.

Murray lost three successive service games to concede the first set 6-1. Coric, who made the main draw as a lucky loser, broke for a decisive 4-2 lead in the second set before serving out for the match. Murray failed to earn a single break point against Coric, the Croat winning 88 and 84 percent of points on his first and second serves respectively, while the Zagreb native also broke Murray four times. The Scot won only five points on Coric’s serve in the entire match.

“[It’s] one of the biggest wins, for sure,” said Coric. “I was just trying to maintain my level, stay in the rallies as long as I can, which I was doing really well. I was also running very well.

“I’m still a little bit struggling with the best players when they are playing really good obviously. I always need to be on 100 per cent, and when I’m on 100 per cent, mentally [and] also tennis wise, then I think I can play with them.”

Murray paid tribute to his opponent, who is aged 18 years and three months.

“He didn’t make many errors,” said Murray. “He played very solid and he moved well. I made way too many mistakes from the beginning of the match right through to the end, early in rallies, rushing points.”

The Scot thrashed Coric in a Davis Cup singles tie in September 2013 in their only previous meeting, but was second best throughout Thursday’s encounter and was beaten in one hour and 19 minutes.

Coric, who won 66 points to his rival’s 38, will face Roger Federer in the semi-finals after the Swiss world number two progressed when Richard Gasquet retired injured at 6-1 down in their quarter-final.

The Croatian is the youngest player in the men’s top 100 and sealed victory in the quarter-finals when Murray skewed a regulation forehand return wide of the mark.

Coric B. vs Andy Murray, 26/02/2015, 11:15 GMT, Match Center

Handball Transfer News: KIF Kolding Kobenhavn hoping to keep Kim Andersson and another player leave RK Metalurg

Handball News:

After there was a rumor that Kim Andersson could sign a contract with Paris Saint-Germain we got an official statement from Kim Andersson current club KIF Kolding Kobenhavn. Kobenhavn official Jens Boesen said that they would like to keep right back in the club even after his contract ends in June. Boesen said that Kolding Kobenhavn offer him (Andersson) a contract before the Christmas and now is up to Kim to answer. Boesen knows that they cannot compete with the financial might of Paris Saint-Germain and he (Boesen) knows that in Paris Saint-Germain Andersson could get double pay that he is getting now in Kolding Kobenhavn. Boesen said that they are ok if Andersson chose a better financial contract since they know that it might be his last in career. KIF Kolding Kobenhavn is currently playing in EHF Velux Champions League; they proceeded to round 16 and will face HC Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo Zagreb for quarter-finals.

Macedonia domestic handball is in big troubles, we already write about big financial problems for RK Metalurg and yesterday exodus of Macedonian players continues. Macedonia and RK Metalurg defensive specialist Ace Jonovski will leave RK Metalurg due to big financial problems. Jonovski join Spain team Naturhouse La Rioja, he sign a contract until the end of season with possibility to extend on 2 more years. Another Macedonian team HC Vardar lost a player. Vardar surprises everyone last week when they beat German powerhouse Rhein-Neckar and took the second spot in Group C. But yesterday we got information that their playmaker Nemanja Pribak is leaving the club at the end of the season. Pribak new team will be Turkish champions Besiktas Mogaz who are ambitious to become “somebody” on handball map.

Handball Transfer News: KIF Kolding Kobenhavn hoping to keep Kim Andersson and another player leave RK Metalurg

NBA Rumors: Will Rondo leave the Mavericks in the summer?

Basketball, NBA News:

When the Dallas Mavericks pursued Rajon Rondo and finally got him, they knew they were risking a lot, as the former Celtics guard will be a free agent in the summer. Rondo is an elite point-guard that has exceptional vision of the court, defensive presence and winning attitude, but isn’t the most coachable player that is the league right now. Rajon’s temper carried from Boston to Dallas and the fact that he and head-coach Rick Carlislie had a fight between each other isn’t a very positive sign for the franchise.

The fact that Rondo was suspended for one game due to “conduct detrimental to the team” and situation a lot of questions arise – was it right that the Mavericks traded for Rondo, can he be re-signed in the summer and if he is to be re-signed, can the guard and Carlislie continue to coexist? All those questions are very serious and won’t be really answered until the offseason. However, it’s a pretty bad sign that Rondo and Carlislie had an argument and can really hurt the Mavericks chances for re-signing the player.

Since Rondo’s arrival in Dallas there have been rumors that he and the team’s head-coach weren’t getting alone well, but there were no signs on or off the court. However, with this fight that occurred when the Mavericks won against the Raptors on Tuesday, it’s absolutely clear that there is a big communication problem between the two. This is what the Mavericks feared the most when they traded for him, as Rondo had a reputation for being a very emotional player.

It will be very interesting to see what will happen until the end of the regular season and playoffs, because it could be critical for the decision Rondo will make in the summer. A lot of other teams will try and sign, so it will be very hard for the Mavericks to keep him. The bigger question is – will they want to keep him after what happened?

NBA Rumors: Will Rondo leave the Mavericks in the summer?

Friday’s transfer Rumors: Paul Pogba urges Manchester United prodigy to follow his example

Manchester United transfer news:

While Manchester United are famous for producing world-class player at the helm, Paul Pogba has been an exception in this case. Leaving the Old Trafford in the summer of 2012 for the Italian club Juventus, Pogba has been a source of commiseration for the Manchester United faithful.

And if reports coming out from the Juventus training ground are believed to be true, then the Frenchman has urged another Manchester United outcast to join him at Turin in the summer transfer window.

Like Paul Pogba who wasn’t given a chance by Sir Alex to prove his credential, Andreas Pereira is the teenage prodigy whose first team chances have been few and far between, due to the lack of trust shown in him by Louis Van Gaal.

And just days after Pereira rejected a contract offer by Manchester United, Paul Pogba has come out in his desire to urge the Brazilian to follow the same path, which Pogba chose in the summer of 2012.

Currently at 19 years of age, Pereira has been furious for the lack of chances he has been provided with at Old Trafford since moving to the Theatre of dreams 3 and a half years before.

Looking at the midfield options that are currently available at Manchester United, the chances of Pereira getting first team football are pretty slim. With the veteran midfielders like Fellaini, Blind and Carrick ahead of him in the queue, the Brazilian might have to sit on the Manchester United bench with a pinch of salt.

Similar to Paul Pogba who left Manchester United after refusing to sign a new contract, Pereira might do the same to his parent club in the summer. With his contract expiring at the end of this season after a 3 and a half years at the club, the Brazilian has been chased by several of big European clubs over the last 6 months.

Adding the salt to the wounds of Manchester United faithful, Pereira revealed that Paul Pogba has advised him to leave Manchester United for Juventus as early as this summer.

I have spoken with Pogba many times, he is a good friend and he told me that I would be well served in moving to Turin, both personally and professionally, two important things for me

Thus, even though Manchester United have 4 months at their peril to tie Pereira into a new contract, the intentions of the Brazilian aren’t looking too bright for the Red devils’ faithful.

by ScoresPro.com

Friday’s transfer Rumors: Paul Pogba urges Manchester United prodigy to follow his example

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Barclays Premier League: Can a top 4 finish rival Liverpool’s comeback of Istanbul 05’?

English Premier League News:

Talking about comebacks and sharing that issue with a Liverpool fan, it is 100% possible that he will drag that Istanbul retaliation into the debate. Going against a Milan side that has more star studded players in it that day than the Liverpool sides of the last 5 years, only a Miracle would have kept Liverpool in contention.

Thus, after that Night in the Capital of Turkey, the word ISTANBUL 05’ became synonymous to its English counterpart: Comeback. But, for a team that has given its fans more headaches than Premier League trophies in the last 2 decades, Liverpool epitomized the concept of a Miracle that day in Istanbul.

Talking about comebacks in general, most set of fans would refer to the performance of their teams over the course of 45 minutes. Because, in order to make a comeback, there is an essential thing: you have to go down first.

However, for Liverpool, they, first of all switched off for 45 minutes, conceded 3, switched on in the 2nd half for 10 minutes during which they scored 3, and then switched off again, until the time that Steven Gerrard lifted the trophy

Although football has been associated with fame, money and brands of late, the only thing which keeps the fan in-connection is neither of these three. In-fact, a football fan would be least concerned with the wages of his favorite team players as long as they’re performing on the pitch.

Thus, if they don’t perform, a meager 5 million pounds for Rickie Lambert looks like a mountain, however, for the other way round, Real Madrid paying Tottenham 83 million pounds looks as peanuts.

Dissecting our attention back to the Istanbul final, than on that fateful day of the history for Liverpool football club, although they were the underdogs, but they weren’t written of: a situation which evoked at Anfield after Liverpool were stunned 3-0 by Manchester United.

Even though they were facing an AC Milan side much greater in grandeur, fame and recent history, Liverpool, in the last 10 months of the competition, had shown the world what they’re capable of. Having beaten the likes of Juventus and Chelsea in the buildup of that final, Liverpool weren’t naïve in that final

Thus, unlike the comeback which they produced that day in-front of the 70 thousand fans, a win for Liverpool before the final, wasn’t a bewildering idea for either set of fans given the performances the Reds have produced in their way towards the Champions League final.

Now coming back to the question which has evoked response, would it be a bigger comeback for the Reds to achieve qualification of Champions League? The answer, as you might predict, has its own pros and cons and isn’t a simple YES or NO.

Grandeur factor

First of all, taking into effect the grandeur factor, the factor of bewilderment and that of ecstasy, the feelings which Liverpool fans felt on that fateful day in Istanbul can only be equaled, when and if, either Liverpool win the Champions League again, or, if Manchester United gets relegated from the Premier League.

Otherwise, that feeling cannot be equaled in the foreseeable future.

Necessity

As they say that necessity is the mother of invention, this proverb gets support from the tactics that have been employed by the Liverpool manager of late. Getting smashed by Manchester United 3-0 away from home, just 8 months after they walked of with a similar victory at the same turf, Rodgers, to his credit, decided to stick with the 3-5-2 formation and looking now at the Premier League table, the Reds have reaped benefits of it.

After finishing runners up, Liverpool have failed to be in the top 4 in the Premier League era next season.

Success breeds success, and failure breeds failure. Again, Liverpool have examples of the truthfulness of this proverb. Every-time the Reds have finished Runners up in the Premier League, they were out of the top 4 next

season.

Unlike Rafael Benetiz who had all boxes ticked, Brendan Rodgers have to get a top 4 spot in order to earn praise from Liverpool.

Thus, with history, finances of rival clubs, and bemusement of his own fans against him after the departure of Luis Suarez, Brendan Rodgers had to tackle a task that had drowned certain Liverpool managers in the past.

However, call it naivety at the big level, Brendan Rodgers indicated that a certain Mario Balotelli would be a proper replacement of Luis Suarez. Apart from this statement, and a couple more which the Northern Irishman lavished in the ‘’praise’’ of Southampton after mass exodus of players, Brendan Rodgers has learnt his lessons this season.

Although Rodgers isn’t under pressure now, there were times around this season when the Liverpool boss was feeling the heat. With results going against him, not 1 of the new players performing, fans and analysts barbequing his tactics, it wasn’t important rather it was necessary for the Liverpool manager to succeed.

Comparing his situation at Liverpool with that of Rafael Benetiz in the latter’s 1st season at Anfield, Rafa was enamored by the signings he had made earlier.

Unlike Brendan Rodgers who is yet to prove his credentials at Liverpool, Rafael Benetiz came to Liverpool with a LA Liga trophy in his resume

Apart from winning the hearts of Liverpool fans in his 1st season by winning the UEFA Champions League medal, Rafa had already acquired players of the caliber of Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Morientes, all of whom, at one stage or another, went to play for Spanish National team.

Thus, even if he resigned to the task, Rafael Benetiz would still have been a Liverpool manager in the next season, although with much less grandeur. On the other hand for Brendan Rodgers, a defeat in his cause, might still raise questions over his future as a Liverpool manager

Britannia Stadium might serve as to be Ataturk Stadium in May

Although this comparison seems comical, the former is the last fixture of their 2004/05 season, while the latter, under normal circumstances, would be their last one of the 2014/15. While they will reach the later scenario even if they won’t flinch a muscle, the former took its toll from the Reds.

Like that fateful night in Istanbul where Liverpool have to win to ensure next seasons’ Qualification, a similar scenario might arise at the Britannia Stadium in May.

However, these two can be compared as both of them can have the same impact on Liverpool: qualification in the Champions League.

Just like in 2005 when Liverpool had to win the final to ensure qualification in next season’s competition, a similar scenario can arise at the Britannia Stadium providing, Liverpool experience the same form which they have acquired from the last 2 and a half months.

Conclusion

Taking into effect all the facts that have been mentioned above, if Liverpool can ensure next season’s qualification in Europe’s elite competition, than if not better, it will equal the comeback which the Reds produced in 05’.

Barclays Premier League: Can a top 4 finish rival Liverpool’s comeback of Istanbul 05’?

Andy Murray makes Dubai Championships quarter-finals

Andy Murray makes Dubai Championships quarter-finals

Britain’s Andy Murray cruised into the Dubai Championships quarter-finals, taking just 57 minutes to beat Portugal’s Joao Sousa 6-0 6-2. Sousa, who has never won a set in five matches against the world number three, made 38 unforced errors. Murray took the first set in 21 minutes against his Portuguese opponent, who then dropped his opening service game in the second set and never recovered. The 27-year-old Scot plays Croatia’s Borna Coric in the last eight. Coric beat Marcos Baghdatis in unusual circumstances, as the Cypriot retired during the final set tie-break with the score at 4-4. Coric had won the first set 6-4 and lost the second 3-6.

Murray, who reached the final on his last appearance in Dubai three years ago, was a third-round victor in straight sets against Sousa, 25, at the Australian Open last month. He won just as comfortably this time, as Sousa made 19 unforced errors in the opening set, which Murray secured with an ace. The world number 50 did manage to get off the mark by winning the third game of the second set. But Murray forced another break of serve to go 5-2 in front, before he served out the victory with the minimum of fuss.

“Today I thought I just picked the right shots and played the right way when he was struggling,” Murray said.

“I didn’t give him any free points. I didn’t make, you know, just sort of needless errors.

“You know, I wasn’t just going for shots just because I was up 4-0. I thought I made good decisions and didn’t give him anything for free, and he was getting more frustrated because he couldn’t get any free points and then was going for more and more shots and obviously making more errors because of it.”

“It’s funny how, when you win matches, it’s okay to say you’re trying something out, and when you lose matches, you’re not allowed to say that,” Murray replied with an edge to his voice, explaining that “I am a wee bit careful when I say about trying out things, because of when I was here a few years ago.”

Joao Sousa vs Andy Murray, 25/02/2015, 10:15 GMT, Match Center

UEFA Champions League: Monaco shocks Arsenal at Emirates!

Arsenal has played yet another very disappointing match from an UEFA Champions League elimination phase – they were defeated by Monaco with a 1:3 score at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal entered the Round of 16 game as the main favorite to win, but the players from Monaco had slightly different plans. Even though the French club was missing a lot of their key player, the ones that were on the field showed a lot more discipline and creativity than the men led by Arsene Wenger.

None of the clubs dominated at the beginning of the game, but after about 25 minutes of play, Monaco started to show that they were a bit more prepared for this match. The Arsenal player didn’t show any chemistry on the pitch and this was their biggest problem from the first to the final whistle. The team led by Wenger looked like it was playing its first match together and was just static compared to the French club. That’s why in the 38th minute, Geoffrey Kondogbia was able to score a beautiful goal from long range and after that in the 53rd minute, former Manchester United striker finished a brilliant counter-attack. In the meantime, Arsenal missed a couple of very good opportunities to score a goal, mainly because Olivier Giroud was totally unconcentrated. The Gunners were finally able to fight back in stoppage time, as the substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain lowered the score. However, just a minute later Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco added a third goal for Monaco, again from a beautiful counter-attack.

The 1:3 defeat that Arsenal suffered is pretty bad, however it’s not impossible to get over it in the next leg. Nevertheless, if the team from England wishes to have any chances of advancing to the quarter-finals, they will have to make significant changes to the way they play. If Wenger isn’t able to do that, this would mean that in the fifth consecutive season, the Gunners will exit the Champions League after the Round of 16.

For Monaco the match was a great success, as they showed some very disciplined, confident and tidy football, making very few mistakes and defending brilliantly. The most impressive thing is that they did all of this without arguably their best four players. After the match, Monaco striker Dimitar Berbatov gave an interview:

“We are confident in our ability so honestly we deserved to win. We scored our chances and in the end it’s a great win for us. It’s not over, we have one more game in Monaco and Arsenal are a great team. We are good. Arsenal is a good team but today probably we wanted the win more than them. We fought all over the pitch, won our challenges and scored the goals. In a team like Arsenal I don’t think they can allow themselves to underestimate our team today but if they did then it’s up to them.”

It will be very interesting what will happen in the next game between the two teams, which is going to be played in Monaco. For the French team it will be vital not to concede early goals and if they find a way to defend like in the first leg, they shouldn’t have any problems. For Arsenal on the other hand, it will be a very tough match.

UEFA Champions League: Monaco shocks Arsenal at Emirates!

NBA News: Derrick Rose injured, title hopes for Bulls fade away

Basketball, NBA News:

It happened two years ago, it happened last season, it happened once more this season – Derrick Rose injured a knee again. This injury is a critical problem for the Chicago Bulls, as one of the most important things for them was to keep their point-guard healthy until the playoffs come. However, now the team will need to find a way of competing with Rose on the bench.

Derrick Rose certainly wasn’t on an MVP level this season. As a matter of fact, he was very far away from reaching it – he barely shot above 40 percent from the field, his three-point percentage was 28.7%, he didn’t make his teammates better and his defensive presence wasn’t exactly positive. Nevertheless, it was still expected that at some point this season, or maybe the playoffs, Rose would find a way to be effective once again, that he would himself.

Those hopes, however, have just disappeared. The meniscus in Rose’s right knee, the same that was repaired last season, is now torn and it’s a bit foolish to expect that he will return for the postseason. Almost all hopes that the Bulls had for winning a championship are just gone – they are a totally different team, even with a Rose that wasn’t 100%.

Aside from the fact that the Bulls have endured a big loss yet another season, the most troubling fact is that Rose’s career will now be categorized along those of Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Penny Hardaway, all players who were just broken down by injuries and couldn’t fulfill their potential. It’s just sad to see a player go down like this, especially a guy like Rose. The fact that he will be watching his team battle in the playoffs from the sidelines for the third year in a row makes us wonder how it will affect his confidence when he returns. We saw how careful he was this season, not to hurt himself – I just can’t imagine how he will play when he returns.

NBA News: Derrick Rose injured, title hopes for Bulls fade away

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Greece goverment suspended national soccer leagues and Fabio Cannavarao is going to jail

Recently we read about the player transfer, how clubs have big income, winning Champions League etc… But today we got two news about soccer that aren’t such a good news.

First news is about ex-Italian player Fabio Cannavaro who get sentenced for 10 months in jail. Cannavaro who was the best player in the world in 2006, sentenced because violating police orders. Last year Cannavaro was under suspicion that he didn’t pay his tax and gets all his property seized. Cannavaro disobey on police orders and now he is facing 10 months in jail. In 2006 Cannavaro as the Italy captain lead Italy national team toward World Cup title.

We read a lot about recent Greece political situation and we know how Greece fans cheer for their teams. After recent events Greece government suspend Greece national soccer championship for unknown time period. The situation for this radical move was probably the big fans riot over the weekend. On Sunday one of the greatest Greece (and probably World) soccer derbies was playing game between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. At the end Panathinaikos manage to beat Olympiakos 2-1 and to come on -3 on the table, but the biggest anti stars were the fans. First before the start of the game Panathinaikos fans enter the field and wanted to have a physical confrontation with the Olympiakos bench. Because of that game where delayed for 15 minutes. Before the second goal one torch hit Pajtim Kasami (Olympiakos) in shoulder and Olympiakos coach Victor Pereira almost get a seat in his head. At the end Olympiakos players and bench required special Police unit to safely move them out of the field. Because of that Greece government suspend their national championship, this suspension is on all games in first and second league. Also Greece government requires that from the next season all Greece stadiums equipped with cameras and ticket readers.

Greece goverment suspended national soccer leagues and Fabio Cannavarao is going to jail

IHF Best Handballs of the year award: Nikola Karabatic and Eduarda Amorim best players in the world

Handball News:

France won gold medal on last IHF World Handball Championship, their goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer was MVP of the tournament and now France best player Nikola Karabatic is IHF Player of the Year.

For Nikola Karabatic this is second time that he gets this title, first time was in 2007. Interesting thing is that Nikola Karabatic is only third player in history that manages to win IHF player of the year award two times. Before him two times winner was Croatian star Ivano Balic in 2003 and 2006 and Talant Dujshebaev in 1994 and 1996. Interesting is that Dujshebaev won this title in 1994 as member of Russia national team and in 1996 as member of Spain national team. Karabatic is “only” 30 years old and he still have enough time to won this award one more time and to be alone on the top.

In this decision IFH involved journalist, handball experts and visitors of IFH web page after they count all votes there was around 55 000 votes. Karabatic gets 33.7%, Denmark star Mikkel Hansen got 21% and another France player Thierry Omeyer got “only” 19.5%.

We also got the best women player and that was Brazilian player Eduarda Amorim. Amorim was the MVP of the last World Handball Championship for women that held in Hungary and Croatia last year. Amorim manage to get 35.2% of the votes, behind her was Romania player Cristine Neagu 25.8% who won this award back in 2010. Another ex-winner Norway player Heidi Loke was on third place with 16.8%. This is Eduarda Amorim first award the only player that manage to won this award two times was Hungary player Bojana Radulovic. She won this awards in 2000 and then again in 2003.

IHF Best Handballs of the year award: Nikola Karabatic and Eduarda Amorim best players in the world

UEFA Europa League: How will Liverpool lineup against Besiktas

UEFA Europa League Match Preview:

Coming into this match on the back of a win against Southampton which has epitomized the chances for Liverpool to play UEFA Champions League next season, Liverpool were hoping that their squad will be fully fit against Besiktas. However, looking at the reports that are coming out from various media outlets, the Reds will be without Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho against the Turkish side on Thursday.

Here is how Liverpool are expected to lineup against Besiktas on Thursday: –

Simon Mignolet

Coming back from a clean-sheet against Southampton which was his 9th of the season in the Premier League, Simon Mignolet would be hoping to bring his domestic form in Europe. Although Liverpool won that match with a 2 goal lead, Mignolet was the visible difference between both of these sides.

Emre Can

Having started his Liverpool career on the defensive midfield role, than moving back to the right full back role to help his team-mates in hour of need, Emre Can spent the whole 90 minutes against Southampton playing on the left center back role. Thus, with such versatility at showcase, Can will be expected to lead the Liverpool defense on Thursday.

Martin Skrtel

Although Liverpool have kept back to back clean-sheets in the last 2 matches, the form of the Slovakian has gone down a bit. However, with the ever-problem creating Demba Ba out of this match, Skrtel might have a field day against the Turkish side on Thursday.

Dejan Lovren

Like his goal-keeper Simon Mignolet, Dejan Lovren is eyeing to revive his Liverpool career. And with the sort of form Liverpool are enjoying at the moment, the former Southampton player can get the better out of himself under much-less scrutiny now from fans and media alike.

Alberto Moreno

Although he hasn’t been a product of Liverpool academy, Alberto Moreno, after joining Liverpool, has excelled at the same rate as Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe. Although Liverpool have tried and tested 7 formations this season, the Spaniard has been a vital part of all of them alike. He will start on the left wing role.

Lazar Markovic

Starting his 1st game for Liverpool after some-time, Lazar Markovic had a bad day as Nathaniel Clyne ran him riot. Judging that his winger wasn’t up to the task, Rodgers opted to substitute him out in favor of a much balanced Alberto Moreno. However, with Besiktas not having the same pace on their wings, the Serbian should get his confidence back.

Adam Lallana

Unlike his colleagues Lovren and Lambert both of whom are still finding their feet at Anfield, the Englishman is now looking more like a player for which Liverpool paid 25million pounds. He will start in the center.

Joe Allen

When Lucas Leiva was in full swing earlier this year, it was thought that this might be the end of road for the Welshman. But with injuries to both Lucas and Steven Gerrard coming off late, Allen has been doing very well to fortify the trust which Brendan Rodgers enshrined in him.

Raheem Sterling

When Brendan Rodgers opted to go with the 20 year old ahead of Daniel Sturridge against Southampton, many questioned the tactics of the Irishman ahead of the most-important match of the season for the Reds. However, 90 minutes later with a goal under his belt, Raheem Sterling had done enough to silence the bandwagon. He is expected to play on the right striker role.

Daniel Sturridge

Since coming back from injury which kept him out for 8 months, Daniel Sturridge has looked like the same player like he was with Luis Suarez last season. With 1 goal and 1 assist under his belt already since making a comeback, the Englishman might prove to be a potent threat for the Turkish side on Thursday.

Mario Balotelli

Although the Italian hasn’t started a game for the Reds of late, an away fixture seems to be a perfect test for the out-of-form Italian. He is expected to make his first start for Liverpool in over a month when the Reds will become hosts to Besiktas.

Besiktas Vs Liverpool FC will be played on 26th February, at 19:00 GMT

[Match Center]

UEFA Europa League: How will Liverpool lineup against Besiktas

Gary Neville tips Luke Shaw to be ‘’One hell of a Player’’ for England and Manchester United in the future

Manchester United news

At a time when the defense of the 20time Premier League Champions has been under severe criticism, Manchester United legend Gary Neville has come out in defense of the full back Luke Shaw. Signed from Southampton in the summer of 2014 for a hefty price tag of 31 million pounds, Luke Shaw was 1 of the many players that left the South coast in the summer.

While his move to Manchester United was termed as the turning point of his career, Luke Shaw has failed to back the interest which the Red devils enshrined in him last season. For a player who had the knowledge of Premier League football, the culture of Manchester United and most importantly, who had the age factor on his side, Luke Shaw has failed to impress the large fractions of Red devils’ fans this season.

Gary Neville, who was himself a full back at Manchester United, and earned 8 Premier League titles during his tenure, has come out in full defense of the Englishman whom he described as a player which have ‘’enormous potential at his peril’’

Currently on contract with Sky Sports, the footballer turned pundit has been spot on in his predictions this season and has earned praise from all corners of England. However, with Manchester United still in the base of his heart, Neville refused to be blown away by the enormous price tag which Manchester United paid for the 19 year old.

”People in the summer said it was a big price for Luke but I had no problem with the price tag on him because of the potential he has, His potential is absolutely enormous.

Staying fit, settling down in Manchester and getting used to the expectations of a new club [are important].

He could be there for ten to fifteen years and if he performs to his capabilities and realizes his potential he will be one hell of a player.

When you watch him in training, and i’ve seen him with England, you just think it’s incredible to watch somebody run like he does.

Thus, even though Neville has lavished Luke Shaw with praise, the remaining months of the Premier League will testify the potential of the Englishman more clearly. And with the race for Champions League spot heating up at the end, Manchester United will need their most-expensive defender to turn up his game.

by ScoresPro.com

Gary Neville tips Luke Shaw to be ‘’One hell of a Player’’ for England and Manchester United in the future

GB Davis Cup: Andy & Jamie Murray named in team to face US

Andy Murray could team up with his brother Jamie in the doubles after both were named in Great Britain’s Davis Cup team to face the United States. The tie takes place in Glasgow from 6-8 March and will be Britain’s first World Group contest at home since 1999. The doubles could see the Murrays face another set of brothers in Bob and Mike Bryan, the world number one pairing. James Ward is in line to take the second singles spot behind Andy Murray, with Dom Inglot making up the team. British number three Kyle Edmund will travel to Glasgow as the reserve player. The US will led by captain Jim Courier, with world number 20 John Isner in the number one singles spot and 45th-ranked Donald Young taking the second.

Jamie Murray has earned his place having reviving his career in the last two years after it had slipped into the doldrums. He is now ranked the world’s 31st doubles player following victory in the ATP Brisbane Open and reaching the final in Rotterdam earlier this month with Australian foil John Peers.

The presence of him and Andy in the team promises to make it an emotional three days, as this will be the first time they have played in Scotland since his younger brother won the Wimbledon title. The world number three is likely to have to take on the responsibility of playing three days in a row, although that could depend on the outcome of the first two singles matches.

Jamie Murray returns to the British team for the first time since 2011 after a strong start to 2015 that has seen him win the doubles title in Brisbane and reach the final in Rotterdam alongside Australian partner John Peers.

“I’m happy and proud to be back in the Davis Cup team,” said Murray, a year older than brother Andy at 29.

“It’s been seven years since I last played a World Group match so to be playing at home in Glasgow will make it extra special.”

Ward, 28, has firmly established himself as the number two singles player in Britain at 108 in the world, and the Londoner enjoyed a memorable win over Querrey when GB beat the US in San Diego last year.

“We’ve been able to choose our strongest possible team, which is of course spearheaded by Andy Murray who is significantly ahead of where he was 12 months ago,” said GB captain Leon Smith.

“The tie will be a huge deal for him personally as he returns to play in Scotland for the first time since winning Wimbledon in 2013.

“In James Ward we have somebody who has already proven himself against the US Davis Cup team, and I’d back him again to put in another excellent performance after some consistent recent form has seen him on the verge of cracking the top 100 for the first time.

“I’ve selected our top two doubles players in Jamie and Dom, and again they’ve shown real consistency this year to earn their place in the team.”

GB Davis Cup: Andy & Jamie Murray named in team to face US

Soccer Rumors: Porto agrees to sell Jackson Martinez, Arsenal offering £29 million

The news that a lot of Arsenal fans have waited for has finally arrived – Porto has announced that they are prepared to part way with their Colombian star, Jackson Martinez. The news has been announced by the Portuguese club president, Pinto da Costa, as he revealed that the team has agreed with Martinez to let him go in the summer transfer window.

“Jackson [Martinez] almost left last summer but we agreed he’d stay one more year,” Da Costa stated. “If somebody pays [his value] he will go.”

The latest rumors are that Arsenal are ready to pay the value and sign Martinez. It has been reported that the Gunners are planning to offer £29.5 million for the attacker in the summer transfer window. It will be huge success for the club from England if they find a way to sign him, as the 28-year-old player has been in magnificent form for Porto this season, scoring 21 times in 27 appearances.

All this talent that Martinez possesses means that next season he will surely end up playing in either the Barclay’s Premier League or in the Primera Division. However, as we have mentioned, it’s more likely that he will be heading to England, as Arsenal are ready to make the huge bid for him.

“He could play in the Premier League, Jackson Martinez, because he has the body to make the difference,” Arsene Wenger, Arsenal head-coach said. “He uses in a very intelligent way his body, very short back-lift and is a very good finisher.”

Furthermore, Martinez has also stated numerous times that he wishes to be traded and some of his latest comments let us see it even more – “In the summer I’ll leave Porto for a new team. Players develop well in Portugal, and I thank the club for making me the player I am today. However, it’s time for a new adventure, to grow from a professional point of view.”

It will be very interesting to see whether Arsenal could really make things happen and therefore sign the striker. Martinez will be the perfect fit in Wenger’s tactics, because of his elite goal-scoring abilities. Arsenal has the players with vision, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, but still lacks one attacker that can capitalize on created chances. Martinez could be that player, but the summer is still far away, so we can speculate whether the Gunners will be able to sign him.

Soccer Rumors: Porto agrees to sell Jackson Martinez, Arsenal offering £29 million

NBA News: Top 5 MVP Candidates at the moment

Basketball, NBA News:

The NBA trade deadline and the All-Star break are finally over and now it’s time to start discussing the league’s next big topic – the MVP race! About 75% of the season is gone, but it’s still too early to say which player will the MVP award. There is a group that consists of about five-six players that have proved themselves to be worthy candidates, however it is just too hard to say which one of them deserves it the most.

5. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol isn’t your typical MVP award candidate – he is humble, his stats aren’t overwhelming and he is a bit of a quiet leader. Even though, he isn’t a freak on the stats sheet – averaging 18.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game – Gasol is still the Grizzlies most important player on the roster. He has quietly led Memphis to the league’s third best record and they are looking like a very strong title candidate. However, the fact that the Spaniard’s stats aren’t very impressive is the thing that will most likely hurt him, when the time comes for the award to be given.

4. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

James joins the MVP race a bit late, but it’s all thanks to Cleveland’s explosion in midseason. The Cavaliers have been looking like a real contender lately and that mainly because LeBron James has started playing like LeBron James. In the beginning of the season the King looked rather tired and slow, but after he was given rest due to his knee injury, he’s been like a new guy. Even though James is the main reason why the Cavaliers are in such good form, it will be a bit of a surprise if the wins the MVP award. The four-time winner’s MVP case isn’t as strong a Curry and Harden’s this year, plus James is in this discussion so often that people get used to how great he is.

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

What? Westbrook over Durant for MVP? Well, actually, yes. The electrifying point-guard has been in playing out of his mind this season and he is the main reason why the Thunder are currently sitting on the 8th place in the Western Conference. He’s been terrific in Durant’s injury absences, carrying Oklahoma City in almost every game. Westbrook is averaging 26.1 points, 8.0 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game – quite impressive if you ask me. However, Durant isn’t the only person from the Thunder that has missed time – Russ has too. The fact that Westbrook was also injured for a huge part of the beginning of the season will definitely hurt his chances of winning the MVP award.

2. James Harden, Houston Rockets

When you look at Harden’s stats the only thing that comes to mind is just a sound like “wow”. He is averaging 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game – he is just the third player in NBA history to average at least 27.0 pts, 5.5 rbs, 6.5 asts and 2.0 stls per game, the other two guys are Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Harden has been amazing all season long, but the most impressive thing is how he has led Houston in Dwight Howard’s absence. The Rockets are still in title contention mainly because of the efforts James has put in. The chances that the MVP award will go to Harden are quite big, but there is just one tiny problem – Stephen Curry is also in the race.

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

The case for Curry finishing the regular season as MVP is almost invincible. Steph and the Warriors have been on fire in the current campaign, owning the best record in the entire NBA. “Already a top player, Curry has displayed an all-around brilliance this year that makes him a legitimate candidate to become the first Warrior to win the award since 1960, when Wilt Chamberlain played for the franchise in Philadelphia. That the Warriors have a league-leading 42-9 record helps Curry’s MVP chances. No player has won the award without his team winning a division or conference title since Michael Jordan in 1988.” The fact that makes Curry’s MVP case even stronger is how bad the Warriors are without him on the floor. The net rating difference for Golden State with Curry on and off the floor is 19.2 – the biggest for any player around the league. Because of this, we can safely say that Stephen Curry is the favorite to win the MVP award at the end of the regular season.

NBA News: Top 5 MVP Candidates at the moment

FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 will play from the end of November till the mid of December?

FIFA formed a special group whose task it to suggest different time period when World Cup in Qatar 2022 would be played. FIFA suggest that instead of their traditional World Cup period from June to July, World Cup in Qatar 2022 play from 26 November till 23 December. Off course we didn’t have to wait for long for first reaction from soccer world.

President of European Club Association (ECA) Karl Heinz Rummenigge thinks that this change will make a huge impact on soccer. He said that if the World Cup is play over the winter period then a lot of domestic competition will need to fix their schedule and if they do that then FIFA cannot expect that clubs would compensate financial difficulties because of that. Rummenigge said that they (ECA) expect financial compensation from FIFA because of that change. ECA suggest to FIFA that World Cup play from the end of April until the mid of May but FIFA refuse that proposition.

International Soccer Association (FIFPro) publishes a statement that any calendar change of World Cup or domestic competition means extra stress for players. They first need to analysis this proposition and then they will say their opinion about it.

Wolfgang Niersbach chairman of German Football Association (DFB) said that because of high summer temperatures there are no other choices then to play World Cup in the winter. Andreas Rettig director of German Football League (DFL) thinks that World Cup in November and December would be extra organization and financial burden for clubs. England Premiership only publishes small statement saying that Winter World Cup is not desirable for European Clubs.

FIFA already tried to push World Cup term from January to February but International Olympic Comity (IOC) was against that proposition since it would be played in same period like Winter Olympics games.

Final decision about World Cup in Qatar we will know on 19 March after the meeting in Zürich.

FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 will play from the end of November till the mid of December?

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

EHF Velux Champions League draw, chance for Kiel to revenge for last year loss in finals against Flensburg-Handewitt.

EHF Velux Champions League:

Today in Vienna draw for EHF Velux Champions League take place, 16 teams spread in 4 pots. We already talk about last year champion Bundesliga giant Flensburg-Handewitt having a heavy task in front of them because they lost in last round against Vardar. Well their nightmare come true, since they drawn to play against their Bundesliga opponent THW Kiel.

In last 16 we will have re-match from last year EHF Velux Champions League final game between Flensburg-Handewitt and THW Kiel. Chairman of the EHF Competition Commission Leopold Kalin and EHF Secretary General Michael Wiederer carried the draw today. From the first and fourth pots first draw was Veszprem (Hungary) vs. Naturhouse La Rioja (Spain), after that Montpellier (France) drawn to play against Tauron Kielce (Poland) and then it was clear that we will watch re-match of last year final game. Since the only rule that teams cannot play against each other if they were in the same group, that move Denmark team Aalborg to face Barcelona and leave two German clubs to go head-to-head, Flensburg-Handewitt and THW Kiel.

From second and third pot first pair that get drawn was France LNH duel between Dunkerque and Paris Saint-Germain. Behind them we saw a draw from two teams that manage to beat Bundesliga teams in last round, HC Vardar (Macedonia) and Orlen Wisla Plock (Poland). In “third round” German Rhein-Neckar Lowen drawn to play against MOL-Pick Szeged (Hungary) and as last pair we got RK Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo Zagreb (Croatia) and KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (Denmark).

Since German duel is the most interesting game of round 16 we got statements from Flensburg-Handewitt and THW Kiel. Manager of Flensburg-Handewitt Dierk Schmaschke said that nobody wants to have this match this early, but he already had the feeling that this would happen. He knows that THW Kiel is probably one of strongest team in the world but they will fight for their fans and keep hope alive. Sabine Holdorf-Schaust director of THW Kiel said that it is always unlucky draw if two teams from same country face each other in international competition and that they hope for last year re-match to happen in later stage of the Champions League.

First games will play between 11-15 March and return games 18-22 March, final draw looks like this:

Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP) vs. MKB-MVM Veszprem (HUN)

Montpellier HB (FRA) vs. Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)

Aalborg Handball (DEN) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP)

SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) vs. THW Kiel (GER)

Dunkerque (FRA) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs. HC Vardar (MKD)

RK Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo Zagreb (CRO) vs. KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)

Rhein-Neckar Lowen (GER) vs. MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)

EHF Velux Champions League draw, chance for Kiel to revenge for last year loss in finals against Flensburg-Handewitt.

UEFA Champions League: How will Arsenal lineup against AS Monaco

UEFA Champions League Match Preview:

Arsenal will take on AS Monaco on Wednesday in their first leg of the Champions League pre-quarter finals on Tuesday. With many of his first team players out injured, the news that the midfielder Jack Wilshere won’t be making his much-awaited comeback against the French side has subdued the enthusiasm of Arsenal fans. However, with David Ospina returning to full match fitness after that knock which he sustained against Crystal Palace on the weekend, there is a trace of good news for the Gunners’ faithful as well.

Here is how Arsenal are expected to lineup against AS Monaco: –

David Ospina

When Arsenal signed Ospina from Nice in the summer transfer window, it was thought that the Colombian, even though he had a brilliant World Cup campaign, would spend more time on the bench than in the starting lineup. However, since that lack of respect shown by Szczesny, Ospina has grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

Calum Chambers

For a defender who has started just 1 of the last 6 games for Arsenal of late, the inclusion of Calum Chambers in the Arsenal squad would seem strange to many. However, since Bellerin has less experience at top level, Arsene Wenger might prefer the Englishman for the full back role.

Laurent Koscielny

Although Mertesacker has been more type of a commanding figure at the Emirates this season, the Frenchman Koscielny has been doing his work silently. In last 10 matches in which he has started for Arsenal, the Gunners have kept 5 clean sheets.

Per Mertesacker

Although the German was heavily criticized for his effort at Anfield last year, this season has served him as a perfect tonic to regain his form. With his towering figure in the Arsenal defense, Arsenal have won 7 of the last 10 matches. He will be a figure to avoid for Monaco if they want to cause an upset at the English soil.

Nacho Monreal

If you have asked any Arsenal fan about their first choice full back on the left side last summer, their preferred choice would be Kieran Gibbs. However, with Gibbs suffering an untimely injury, the form of the Spaniard has soared in his absence.

Santiago Cazorla

Although Alexis Sanchez have swept the headlines for the Gunners’ for the most part of this season, Cazorla has been a continuous match winner for the Gunners’ of late. Being the 3rd top goal-scorer for Arsenal and the 2nd highest assist maker, Cazorla has the ability to win the match single handedly on Wednesday.

Francis Coquelin

At a time when the defensive midfield zone of Arsenal was under severe criticism, the rise of Francis Coquelin has provided Arsene Wenger with a perfect face-saving. With the in-ability of the French coach to hire a defensive midfielder in both summer and January, it has been the rise of Coquelin that can be described as the turning point of Arsenal’s season.

Tomas Rosicky

For a player who has been sidelined time and again during his career, Tomas Rosicky shares an attribute which a few others manage. Whenever he was sidelined from the squad due to some ill-fated injury, the Serbian has always come back with a bang. Despite only starting just 4 games for Arsenal this season, Rosicky has been turning out to be a dispensable figure for the Gunners’ this season.

Mesut Ozil

If the arrival of Alexis Sanchez has helped the most to one Arsenal player in particular, it has to be the German as his rise in form suggests. With limelight now on the Chilean, Ozil can now maneuver his game and showcase his abilities in a much better way.

Olivier Giroud

Tagged as the player that can only score at home, Olivier Giroud has done pretty well to ratify himself in the eyes of Gunners’ fans of late. With 3 goals in the last 5 matches, Giroud is turning out to be a force for the Gunners’ of late.

Alexis Sanchez

Although the Chilean has been the top-scorer for Arsenal this season, his form in the last 2 matches has taken a dip. Coming back from injury which sidelined him for 2 Premier League games, Sanchez is looking like a player who is coming under the burden of expectations now.

Arsenal Vs AS Monaco will be played at Wednesday 25th February, on 20:45 GMT. [Match Center]

UEFA Champions League: How will Arsenal lineup against AS Monaco

Andy Murray beats Gilles Muller in Dubai first round

Andy Murray beats Gilles Muller in Dubai first round

Britain’s Andy Murray began his Dubai Championships campaign with a 6-4 7-5 win over Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller. The Scot, 27, came through in one hour and 45 minutes and will play Joao Sousa in round two, three weeks after beating the Portuguese at the Australian Open.

Muller, coached by Briton Jamie Delgado, held on gamely in the face of four break points during a 19-minute third game but Murray made the breakthrough swiftly at the next opportunity. One break proved enough to give the world number three the set, although he only narrowly came through an unconvincing service game to seal it after 62 minutes. An early break in the second put Murray in complete control, the quality of his returns constantly troubling the Muller serve, and a straightforward win looked on the cards until he stumbled at the finish line. Muller got the benefit of a net cord to level at 5-5 but Murray upped his game to break for a third time and made no mistake as he closed it out at the second attempt.

“I think the end of both sets I didn’t serve so well,” said Murray.

“But apart from that, I didn’t give him any opportunities really. I feel like I got a little bit unlucky at the end of the second set.

“He got a couple of net cords in that last game, the 5-4 game where I got broken, and did very well to respond straightaway and get the break right back. I thought I played a fairly high quality match.”

“I made him work very hard on his service games,” said Murray. “That was something I wanted to try to do from early on.

“The end of both sets I didn’t serve so well but apart from that, I didn’t give him any opportunities really

Ward, 28, was playing on the nearby Court One and pushed hard in the first set against Lopez, but he failed to convert any of six break points and the Spaniard grabbed his solitary chance.

Lopez moved 2-0 clear in the second and despite saving four match points on serve in game nine, Ward could not get the break back required and went down in straight sets.

Tomas Berdych also made it through, battling to a 7-6(2) 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy.

“I made it complicated a bit more than usual,” admitted Berdych. “But it’s important that I won the last point of the match and got through it.

“Not every day is going to be perfect. It was a solid day to make.”

Gilles Muller vs Andy Murray, 24/02/2015, 12:15 GMT, Match Center

English Premier League: 4 reasons why Arsenal will finish in the top 3 this season

English Premier League News:

Like Romeo and Juliet, Alexander and greatness, Arsenal football club shares the same relationship with a top 4 berth in the Premier League. Before their FA Cup triumph last season, there were many dark days for the club, however, like a bond that keeps things together, a berth in the top 4 was the only reason which kept the belief of Arsenal fans in Arsene Wenger intact.

Although this season’s race for the top 4 is hotter than ever, Arsenal fans have every reason to believe that it will be their team that will be in the Champions League next season.

However, going 1 further, here we provide 4 reasons that will support the cause of Arsenal finishing in the top 3 this season: –

3rd place up for grabs

For the better part of last 5 years when Arsenal were inclined to finish 4th every May, the teams that were 1 place ahead them in the table were miles apart, both in terms of points and class. While last season it was Chelsea, before which there were the likes of Manchester City sharing the same spot, the downfall of Manchester United has suddenly opened up last 2 Champions League places this time around.

And looking at their form this season which has been more consistent than any of the Champions League aspirants, the Gunners have every reason to believe that they will break the jinx of 4th place this season.

Players coming back from injury

Till the end of December of 2013 Arsenal were comfortably challenging for the title. Sitting on the 1st spot last season in mid-December, many Gunners thought that this would be their season.

However, with injuries to key players like Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott, Arsenal’s chances of winning their 1st League trophy in more than a decade was thrown to turmoil.

However, looking at their position at exactly the same spot this season, the Gunners have welcomed players like Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott in the time period which had proved to be crucial for Arsenal in the recent seasons.

While the Englishman Walcott has taken some time to gain his form back, it is Rosicky who has hit the ground running since taking excuse from the injury that kept him out for a major part of last season.

Thus, even though they have key players like Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey out of action, Arsenal have enough depth in their squad to cope with the multiple injuries this time around.

Form of Olivier Giroud

If you take a look at the players that performed in recent years for Arsenal, a majority of them epitomized their game in the first 6 months of the season.

Mesut Ozil is a recent example as the German, after reaching the epitome of his career in the first 6 months of his career, subsided to mediocrity in the later stages.

But like a bolt from the blue, Olivier Giroud has been the most unlikely of match winners for Arsenal of late. With 3 goals in his last 5 matches for the North London side, Giroud has eased pressure from Alexis Sanchez who was carrying Arsenal for the 1st part of this season.

Thus, if Olivier Giroud can continue with same form till next month, top 3 is the least Arsenal can achieve this season.

Late Season Surge of Form

As they say that football is a game of two halves, same can be said about the Premier League. While the Premier League, like any other league, consists of two halves, the 2nd half is known as the ‘’business end’’ of the Premier League. Liverpool is the recent example as the Reds, after performing poorly till the end of December, have taken the Premier League by storm by their form in the business end.

Taking a look at Arsenal and considering their form in both halves of this season, the Gunners have performed much better in the 2nd half of this season.

In the first 19 matches of this season, the Gunners managed 33 points, which when put into perspective, amounts to 1.74 points per match. While that figure can be good for any mid-table team, it wasn’t impressive for a team that boasted for a run towards the top 4.

However, since the dawn of 2015, the Gunners have gone nowhere but up. In the subsequent 7 matches that Arsenal have played till date, the Gunners have claimed 15 points, which points to a little more than 2 points per game.

In terms of goals scored, Arsenal managed 1.74 goals per season before the turn of Year.

However, like their fortunes, the tally of number of goals scored have roared impressively for the North London side as they currently manage 2.14 goals per match. A huge improvement from their mid-season form.

Thus looking at their form now, Arsenal, barring any catastrophe, have every chance to be ranked amongst the top 3 of England come the end of May.