Transfer Rumors: Modrid talks about the rumors of him leaving Real Madrid

Soccer News and Rumors:

Luka Modric, one of Real Madrid’s best players from last season has been surrounded by a lot of transfer rumors lately. He is among the worlds’ best at the central midfielder position and can be a great addition to every team around Europe. He has been linked with Chelsea, as the Blues will most probably try to sign him during the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, it would be quite strange for Real Madrid to let the Croatian leave the club, as he is one of the most crucial players in the team.

On Monday, 30th March, Luka Modric made it clear that he definitely doesn’t want to leave the Whites. He commented the following when answered if he wishes to part ways with Real Madrid:

“There are special emotions at every club, I’ve had friendships at each one. I think the club where I’ve been the most settled is Real Madrid.”

Furthermore, it’s very unlikely that the front office of Real Madrid will want to sell the central midfielder, as he makes everyone look better on the pitch. Modric is the key to Gareth Bale improving his form. It’s quite evident that since the Croatian went down with an injury, Bale has found it pretty hard to play on his usual level. Nevertheless, since Madrid came back in the starting eleven, both players have connected quite well, and there is a definite increase in Bale’s form.

After all this, in my opinion, it’s pretty safe to say that Luka Modric isn’t going anywhere, at least during this summer. Real Madrid is a better team thanks to him and the Croatian looks happy playing at the Santiago Bernabeu. Hence, Chelsea will have to look for somebody else to strengthen their roster. The question is, where? The summer isn’t very far away, so soon we will find out.

By ScoresPro.com

Transfer Rumors: Modrid talks about the rumors of him leaving Real Madrid

Another problems for Roma and Rudi Garcia, Gervinho will be out for the next three weeks due to injury

Italy – Seria A:

Another problems for Roma and Rudi Garcia, Gervinho will be out for the next three weeks due to injury

During the most part of the season Roma was straight behind Juventus in Seria A, but from the start of December Rudi Garcia players are having some issues with form. Since their win against Inter (4-2) in the last days of November, Roma played 15 games in Seria A and won only 4 of them. Good thing is that they lost only one game but 10 of them end in a draw. In a system where win is 3 points draw is almost same as loosing.

With such a long streak of bad results Roma has endanger their second place in Seria A, their city rival Lazio is now only one points behind them. After international break Roma has struck with another problem. Their attacking midfielder Gervinho was on international duty playing for Ivory Coast against Equatorial Guinea  when in 39′ he had to be takem out of the field due to injury.

First medical prognosis are saying that Gervinho will be out from the field for the next three weeks. If we look at the calendar that would mean Roma is without Gervinho against Napoli, Torino and Atalanta. Maybe against Atalanta they will have some easier task, but against Napoli (5^th place) and Torino (7^th place) they might have a big problems.

If we look for Lazio schedule in the next three games than Roma fans don’t have much to cheer. Lazio is playing against Cagliari (18^th), Empoli (13^th) and Juventus (1^st). Until Gervinho return back for Roma we might see a change on the top of Seria A. Gervinho arrived to Roma from Arsenal in last season for 8 million euro and in this season Gervinho played 30 games for Roma, scored 7 goals and had 5 assists.

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by NazionaleCalcio

Another problems for Roma and Rudi Garcia, Gervinho will be out for the next three weeks due to injury

Transfer Rumors: Mats Hummels is leaving Borussia Dortmund in summer transfer window

Soccer News:

Mats Hummels supposed to be one of big names in both summer and winter transfer window. Borussia Dortmund defender was heavily linked with many clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and off course two Manchester clubs United and City, but at the end Hummels stay in Borussia Dortmund.

But in recent interview Hummels give some sign that he might leave Borussia Dortmund on summer and join Manchester United. If we get move back to history only six months ago Hummels gets a lot of sympathies from Borussia Dortmund fans when he said that he earn enough in Dortmund and don’t plan to move. Six months after that statement Hummels told German newspapers that he thinks moving to another league would be good for his career and that he might consider leaving the Bundesliga eventually.

When asked why he changed his September decision Hummels replied that he is not a fan of those who claim that they will stay and that he like to consider some other options. Rumors are saying that Hummels and his agent are already agreed on transfer terms with some clubs and are waiting summer transfer window to finish the transfer.

But if we take a closely look Hummels is currently in his top years (26 years old) and there is a high chance that he will be out of European competition in next season. Borussia Dortmund finally start playing after winter break, but it’s hard to believe that they could fix awful first part in which they finish in relegation zone. For the end Hummels said:

“I will do what is best for my career and what I would like to do. Everyone knows how much I love it at Dortmund but I also want to make sure I’m part of a strong team with powerful players.”

Like we said many times before summer transfer window didn’t even start and we already have a great expectation from it.

by ScoresPro.com

Transfer Rumors: Mats Hummels is leaving Borussia Dortmund in summer transfer window

EHF acquire a new/old sponsor for Women Champions League Final Four in Budapest

Women EHF Champions League:

EHF has acquired a new sponsor for Women Champions League Final Four. Hungarian energy company MVM Magyar Vilamos Muvek Zrt has sign a contract with the EHF to be main sponsor for the upcoming Final Four of Women EHF Champions League. With the new contract Hungarian company will be main sponsor second year in a row.

Csilla Nagy deputy communications director of MVM comment on this signing, he said that last year MVM EHF Final Four was a huge success and that they were pretty happy with the event. Nagy said that their company is highly tied with handball since they are one of main sponsor for Hungarian powerhouse MKB-MVM Veszprem recent winner of SEHA League and EHF Velux Champions League quarter-finalist.

This year Final Four will take place on 9 and 10 May 2015 in Budapest and Hungarian Handball Federation as a co-hosts hopes that one more time fans all over the world will come in Budapest to watch this event.

We still don’t know four teams that will take part in this year Final Four, first games of Women EHF Champions League quarter-finals will play on 4 and 5 of April and then return games will take place eight days later. Two days later 14 April draw will take place to decide who will go face-to-face in Final Four semi-finals.  Quarter-finals pairs are:

Viborg vs. Buducnost

Thüringen vs. Larvik

HCM Baia Mare vs. Dinamo-Sinara

WHC Vardar vs. Gyori Audi

Last year in Budapest Gyori manage to beat Buducnost in front 10 000 spectators with 27-21 while Vardar took the 3^rd place beating Midtjylland 34-31. One thing is for sure Vardar or Gyori will not see this year final four.

by ScoresPro.com

EHF acquire a new/old sponsor for Women Champions League Final Four in Budapest

Manchester City transfer rumors: Kevin De Bruyne’s representatives at the Etihad

English Premier League transfer news

Being in fine form for the 2nd best team in Germany this season, Kevin de Bruyne has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs this season. While he signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2012, lack of options available at the Stamford Bridge forced the Belgian to try his luck somewhere else.

theglobalpanorama / Foter / CC BY-SA

With a move that was initially designated as a short term loan deal between the two clubs, Bruyne made his stay permanent at Wolfsburg this season and is since banging goals for fun.

Although he cost Wolfsburg a handsome 16.7million amount when he chose to make his stay permanent, that amount is now looking peanuts when the stature of clubs that have been chasing the Belgian is considered.

Although Manchester City are in pole position to land him in the summer, fellow German giants Bayern Munich and moneybag Paris Saint Germain are also keeping tabs regarding his future.

Even though Wolfsburg are ranked 2nd in the Bundesliga table – 10 points behind the Bavarians Bayern Munich, their lead over the 3rd place team is currently 7 points. Thus, while they are no match of Pep Guardiola’s men at the domestic level, they are the most feared team when it comes to Europa League this season.

Kevin De Bruyne has been responsible for 45% of goals that Wolfsburg has managed this season

Overall for Wolfsburg where they have scored 55 goals so far this season in Bundesliga, Bas Dost leads the goal scoring charts with 13 goals to his name. However, despite being behind in the goal-scoring charts, the Belgian has been leading in virtually every other aspect.

With 9 goals to his name already, De Bruyne has managed 16 assists for his team-mates already this season. Thus Kevin de Bruyne has been responsible of 45% of the goals that Wolfsburg has scored this season. He also has created a record 81 chances for the German side this season – 44 more than the player who stands next to him in the list.

Thus, while his valuation of 40million Euros at once looks huge, he has all the artillery in his ranks to justify his price tag wherever he goes in the summer.

By ScoresPro.com

Manchester City transfer rumors: Kevin De Bruyne’s representatives at the Etihad

NBA News: Patrick Beverley to miss the remainder of the season. Can the Houston Rockets win it all?

Basketball, NBA News:

Even though the Houston Rockets have flied pretty high this season, they have also been surrounded by a lot of injuries. Dwight Howard just returned from a 26-game absence, and everything in the team was looking fine until the news about Patrick Beverley arrived. It is reported that the point-guard will miss the rest of the regular season and playoffs after having surgery on his left wrist.

Even though Beverley is not among the Rockets’ stars, his defensive presence shouldn’t be underestimated. James Harden is the main guy in Houston, leading the team in their quest for a championship, but Beverley was the one bringing defensive stability on the perimeter. The Rockets have depth at the point guard position, as Jason Terry and Pablo Prigioni will most likely fill the void decently. However, they lack the intensity with which Beverley played.

Nevertheless, Daryl Morey, the Rockets general manager, has stated that he expects his team to lift the NBA championship title at the end of the season. In his opinion, Beverley’s absence will be a negative thing, but it won’t stop the Rockets from winning it all.

“We think we can win the title with or without Beverley,” Morey said. “Obviously it gets more challenging without Beverley; he’s the key to our ability to guard a lot of these very good point guards in the West.”

Furthermore, Morey stated that the Golden State Warriors are the favorites to win the title this year, thanks to the magnificent job Steve Kerr has done. He continued by saying that, even though, the Warriors are favorites, he feels the Rockets can beat anyone in a seven-game series.

Nevertheless, is it really possible for the Rockets to beat everyone and win the title? Even though they have James Harden and Dwight Howard, it’s a bit hard to say that the Rockets are a main contender for the championship. The team is currently in second place in the West, but it’s very likely that the Grizzlies will regain it, and Houston will finish the regular season on the third spot. If this happens, the chances of a first-round battle between the Rockets and the Spurs happening is very possible. When you look at this matchup, do you think that Houston can defeat the defending champions in a seven game series? In my opinion, the Spurs will find a way to defeat them and quickly end their title aspirations.

It is a bit hard to tell whether the Houston Rockets are legitimate contenders. On paper, they have what it takes to go deep in the playoffs, but in reality things are a bit different. Dwight Howard isn’t the explosive player he used to be, and now the team lost its primary perimeter defender in the face of Patrick Beverly. The way I see it, the Rockets won’t be able to compete for a title.

By ScoresPro.com

NBA News: Patrick Beverley to miss the remainder of the season. Can the Houston Rockets win it all?

Premier League Rumors: Raheem Sterling denying £180 00 per week from Liverpool?

Soccer, Premier League Rumors:

The rumors regarding Raheem Sterling haven’t stopped since the beginning of the season, but the most recent ones are looking pretty realistic. The Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers has stated that it’s very unlikely for the Reds to be able to re-sign Sterling before the season’s end. Furthermore, he has reported that Sterling has received and £180 00 per week offer, but has decided not to accept it. As a result, the speculations about the player leaving Liverpool are beginning to grow.

It’s quite shocking that the youngster has turned down this offer, as it’s one of the biggest Liverpool has ever made in its history. It’s hard to imagine how the front office of the Reds has reacted to this, as it is a huge sign that Sterling will most likely leave the club during the summer. These moves by the youngster make it clear that he wishes to pursue a career at a bigger club. However, is this the right way?

One of Liverpool’s legends, John Barnes stated recently that it is too soon for Sterling to leave the Reds.

“Raheem Sterling should absolutely sign the contract and stay at Liverpool. I would advise any young player who has just been in the game for a year or so to stay and learn his trade. Show a level of consistently over a four or five year period before you make a big move. You will then be judged as a £50 million player.

He needs another two or three years at Liverpool. Then, if he decides he wants to move on, fine. He has to be very careful though. Sometimes the bad advice is not only the most lucrative but also sounds like the best advice. He’s not been playing consistently well over a number of years though. Maybe his form has suffered because of all the speculation about his future.”

However, it seems very unlikely that Sterling will listen to the advice that he has been given. The fact that he rejected so much money makes it clear he wishes to leave Anfield. Furthermore, if Sterling really thinks of leaving the club, it will be great if he can just announce it and not give the team and its fans empty hopes. As ex-Liverpool captain, Jamie Carragher stated, it would be a good thing to do that, or the fans will turn against him.

By ScoresPro.com

Premier League Rumors: Raheem Sterling denying £180 00 per week from Liverpool?

Miami Open: Watson out, Williams moves forward

Tennis Updates:

Britain’s Heather Watson did not manage to complete an exciting comeback against the German world number 15 Angelique Kerber in their rain-delayed Miami Open match.

The Briton player, ranked 41st, recovered from 5-1 down in the final set, however, she dropped serve when going for the tie 5-5, eventually losing 7-5 3-6 6-4.

The 22-year-old Heather Watson had her hopes on building on her impressive run to the fourth round of Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago but came up just short against Kerber.

Watson had let a 5-3 lead and two set points slip by in the first set on Saturday and ended the match having earned 20 break points, but converted only seven.

After getting the better of five breaks in the second set, the Briton seemed like she has blown her chance when she secured a double break down in the decider.

Angelique Kerber, 27, appeared to be fading badly as she twice failed to serve out the match, only for Watson to let her off the hook with four errors when serving at 5-4 down.

When Watson was asked about having to play across two days in testing conditions, she told the reporters “I’m not a stranger to it; I think it gave me a good opportunity after losing that first set to regroup.

“I think I didn’t strike the right balance today in when I should be patient and when I should be aggressive.

“I’m very disappointed in today. I felt it was a good opportunity for me, but I feel like I’m definitely improving as a player on the court with my tennis and mentally.

“I know I can compete with these girls and push them and beat them.”

Monica Niculescu was defeated by top seed Serena Williams with 6-3 6-1. The American endured some disappointing moments as she overcame the unorthodox Romanian for the second Miami Open running.

Williams had been under doubt for Miami as she is suffering a knee injury, but said: “It was a little sore in practice, but it was OK today. I really didn’t feel it today, to be honest.”

Canadian Eugenie Bouchard seeded sixth suffered a surprise 6-0 7-6 (7-4) lose by Germany’s Tatjana Maria.

Heather Watson vs Angelique Kerber, 28/03/2015, 16:55 GMT, Match Center

Serena Williams vs Monica Niculescu, 28/03/2015, 19:50 GMT, Match Center

Miami Open: Watson out, Williams moves forward

Miami Open: Murray beats Santiago Giraldo, Williams trashes 15-year-old

Tennis Updates:

Andy Murray claimed his 499th career win after dismantling Colombian Santiago Giraldo’s hard-hitting game. The Scot reached round four at the Miami Open.

Murray, seeded third, won 6-3 6-4 and is scheduled to play 15th seed Kevin Anderson from South Africa in the last 16.

Quite amusing and interesting fact is that if the Briton successes in another victory, he would become the 46th man in the open era who has completed 500 match wins.

The Scot, 27, lost heavily to Giraldo in Madrid last year but managed to make amends in Miami, where he lives and trains for the greatest part of the year.

Murray pushed his opponent’s second serve from the outset, breaking in game six on his way to the first set and then powering 4-0 clear in the second. There was a late revival from the now free-swinging Giraldo, who saved two match points and broke serve at 5-2 and saw off another two at 5-4. Although it delayed Murray, it did not stop him, and the world number 4 finally secured victory at the 5th attempt with a little help from the net cord.

Looking forward to a potential landmark win on Tuesday, Murray told reporters: “Getting to 500 wins is a lot.

There’s not loads of players that have done it.

“Hopefully it happens in a couple of days, if not then hopefully later on in the year I’ll win another match and have the opportunity to win many more.

“It’s a nice milestone to reach when I get there.”

It took only 42 minutes for Serena Williams to defeat 15-year-old wildcard Cici Bellis, the junior world number one with 6-1, 6-1 in the third round at the Miami Open.

Ranked 211th by the WTA, Bellis is still an amateur in spite of the fact that managed to beat Dominika Cibulkova at the US Open the previous year, and she saw off 29th seed Zarina Diyas in her first match in Miami.

When the ball whizzed past the world number one for an ace late in Sunday’s match, the subdued crowd suddenly erupted with a roar.

What is more, Williams said she was tempted to join the applause. It goes without saying that everyone wanted to see her underage, underdog opponent do better.

“It was a good match, she plays really well and I’m just out here trying to take the title,” said Williams.

”It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I’m so happy to win this match,”’ said Williams, 33. ”It was tough. She’s young and her being an American, you want to see people like her do well.”

Williams will face during the Monday’s round of 16 against 2006 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, seeded No. 24. She eliminated No. 13 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Santiago Giraldo vs Andy Murray, 29/03/2015, 15:15 GMT, Match Center

Serena Williams vs Bellis C., 29/03/2015, 19:40 GMT, Match Center

Miami Open: Murray beats Santiago Giraldo, Williams trashes 15-year-old

Top 5 shirt sales in the Barclays Premier League this season

English Premier League News

With the arrival of new players in the Premier League last summer, shirt sales rocked once again as expected. Although some of the shirt sales were attributed to the players that were playing their 1st ever season in the League, a few were associated with those who have been trying their luck in the top tier of English football for years. Thus, while there are some expected names on the list, some shocks are also waiting.

Here are top 5 shirt sales in the Barclays Premier League this season: –

Angel Di Maria

While Angel DI Maria might be feeling a bit low after being left out of the squad that thwarted Liverpool 2-1 away from home, the Argentine should chirp up reading this. While the turn of the season hasn’t been so kind to the European Champion, fans have been turning up on his side in numbers as the sales of his shirt suggests. His shirt sales covered 9.6% of the total sales that has occurred in the Premier League this season

Alexis Sanchez

Coming up to a giant in English football is one thing, saying goodbye to FC Barcelona took it to an even higher level when the Colombian signed contract with Arsenal in the summer of 2014. While Arsenal looked like a one man team for the most part of the opening 6 months of this season, the fans of Arsenal embraced this fact and explained their support for the Colombian. Sanchez’s shirt sales covered 3.80% of the shirt sales that occurred in the English market.

Diego Costa

Just like a ticking time bomb that is waiting for the explosion, Diego Costa’s arrival at Chelsea was far renowned, even before the end of his World Cup campaign with Spain. Coming from a league like LA Liga in which he scored more goals than Lionel Messi, Costa was promised to be a prized asset for the Chelsea folklore. His shirt sales covered 2.27% of the market.

David de Gea

Known as the predecessor of Iker Casillas both in Spain and (maybe) in the latter’s domestic team, David De Gea has been a major reason of Manchester United pushing for the Champions League spot this season. Having kept the 4th most clean-sheets in the Premier League, De Gea is the only goal-keeper to make a name in this list. His shirt sales covered 2.16% of the market.

Eden Hazard

While his contribution has been overshadowed this season by the utility of Cesc Fabregas and the brutal force of Diego Costa, Chelsea fans seemed to comprehend his usefulness for their team. Eden Hazard stands 5th in our list.

By ScoresPro.com

Top 5 shirt sales in the Barclays Premier League this season

Barclays Premier League: How much does Harry Kane worth for Tottenham

English Premier League News

In the busy aftermath of the hours when Tottenham lost to Liverpool in the Premier League to mark their 1st defeat of the season in August, Tottenham looked more like a team chasing the lost dream. Starting the season with their typical low-lying wins against mid-table teams before being punched in the face by a resilient Liverpool side, many would have thought that this would be another mediocrity-chasing season for Spurs.

Having just appointed a manager from the mid-table side Southampton who brought with him players from similar sides, Tottenham fans looked set to suffer another season suffering from the ‘’Post-Gareth Bale’’ syndrome.

But as they say that the nature plans best, the rise of Harry Kane this season has been nothing less than a miracle. And while it has been a miracle for the Spurs fans, it could prove to be a catastrophe for the same Liverpool side which inflicted on them, their first defeat of the season.

With 8 games to go in the Premier League season and having had 27 goals to his name, Harry Kane has been the revelation of the season for the Premier League fans.

While English League has been enamored with the names like Luis Suarez, Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero in the preceding seasons, a home grown talent performing so well must be a sugar-coated sweet for the FA.

While they tried their best to promote home grown talent by forcing Premier League teams to do the same, a talent like Harry Kane was nowhere to be seen, at-least before this season. However, just like a ticking time bomb that is left to explode, Harry Kane has come forward to fill the void that was created by the departure of Gareth Bale.

Turning our attention to the main question, so how much does Harry Kane actually worth if Spurs cash on him in the summer. For this, we have to consult the stat-books.

Gareth Bale V/S Harry Kane

In the season after which Gareth Bale left Tottenham to join the LOS BLANCOS, the Welshman scored 25 goals in all competitions. Out of those 25 goals, 21 came in the Premier League alone as a result of which he was the 3rd top-scorer in the League behind the likes of Van Persie and Luis Suarez. After all that stuff, Madrid came and the rest, as they say, is history.

Kane has enjoyed a better goals/game ratio this season

Comparing it to the current season and although 8 matches are still remaining in the Premier League, the Englishman looks set to better the record his predecessor has set. With 19 goals already in just 26 appearances, the goals per match ratio of Harry Kane has been better than Gareth Bale. Thus, when it comes to performances, Kane is actually worth more than Bale, but wait a second here.

When it comes to splashing the cash, big teams not only go for quality but they also prefer quantity. In simple words, consistency is the tool that they look forward to when writing the checkbook.

And with all due respect to Harry Kane and his marvelous form, this is just his 1st season in limelight and while he can continue this or not is a question worth answering.

Conclusion

Thus, when you take into account all the facts and figures, Harry Kane – on current form with lack of experience combined, might be worth in the region of the 30-35million pounds. But as stated above that consistency is the key, the big boys from Europe would at-least wait for another season before entering into the picture.

By ScoresPro.com

Barclays Premier League: How much does Harry Kane worth for Tottenham

Zinedine Zidane: I am not afraid to take the Real Madrid bench if they offer a job to me

Soccer News:

After recent poor performance from Real Madrid, some newspapers already start writing that Carlo Ancelotti will get fired at the end of season. Off course that will happen if he fails to win Primera or UEFA Champions League.

One as a pretender for Real Madrid bench is their ex player Zinedine Zidane. Zidane told in his latest interview that if he receive a  job offer from Florentino Perez (Real Madrid president) he will gladly take it. Zidane is currently coaching Real Madrid Castilla or reserve team from Real Madrid.

Zidane said that if the job of Real coach is free and he got the offer he would certainly agree. But he also said that Real Madrid has a coach that is doing excellent job and he (Zidane) is still in process of learning how to become better coach. When newspapers asked him is he ready for a job as Real Madrid coach he said:

“Am I ready for the job? You are never ready, and even if you are not you still say yes! As a player, I didn’t forge my career in two years. Things happen gradually. In coaching, it will be the same.”

Zidane didn’t forget to mention that he learned a lot from Carlo and he thinks that Carlo is excellent coach for Real Madrid no matter what people say. Zidane is still waiting for his first team contract, after he went to soccer retirement in 2006 he was assistant first for Jose Mourinho in Real Madrid and then last year for Carlo Ancelotti in Real Madrid. Zidane thinks that Mourinho and Ancelotti are two different coaches, while Ancelotti is more calm and patient Mourinho never give up and he is harsh but fair.

For the end journalist ask him what the big difference between being a player is and being a coach, Zidane said that ego is the big difference. As a player you don’t need to think about the ego of other players, but as a coach you need to think about it all. Sometimes you have to hard and sometimes you need to leave player alone said Zidane for the end.

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by Walterlan Papetti

Zinedine Zidane: I am not afraid to take the Real Madrid bench if they offer a job to me

EURO 2016 Qualifications: Spectacular goal from Matic not enough for point in Portugal, Late goal by Republic of Ireland gives Germany and Scotland a chance in Group D

EURO 2015 Overview:

Last day of EURO 2016 Qualifications we saw games from teams in Group D, F and I.

Group D: Poland gift Germany and Scotland after a draw in Dublin

In Tbilisi Germany beat Georgia without any big problems. In the 90 minutes Georgia had only two shots toward German goalkeeper Neuer while Germany had 16 goal attempts. Germany solves everything just before the end of first half, first in 38’ Marco Reus scored for Germany lead and only six minutes later Thomas Muller scored 2^nd goal for Germany. Germany could score more goals but Marco Reus shots hit the crossbar two times.

In Glasgow Scotland didn’t have any big problems against worst team in the group Gibraltar. Steven Fletcher scored hat trick, Maloney scored two and Naismith scored ones. For guests Casciaro scored the only goal in this game.

Leader of the group Poland lost two points in Dublin. Peszko bring Poland in the lead in 26’ after a good shot from the inside of the box. Poland was leading until the last moments of the game when Shane Long scored after a corner kick. With this draw Poland gives a chance to Germany and Scotland to come on only 1 point behind Poland.

1. Poland 11 pts


2. Germany 10 pts


3. Scotland 10 pts


4. Republic of Ireland 8 pts


5. Georgia 3 pts


6. Gibraltar 0 pts

Group F: Greece still last team in group 

In Belfast Northern Ireland manage to win against Finland and to keep pace with Romania on the top of Group F.  Hero for Northern Ireland was Lafferty who scored two quick goals first in 33’ and then in 38’. Finland got better ball possession but they couldn’t find a way into Northern Ireland goal. In 91’ of the game Sadik finally manages to find a way and to score only goal for Finland in this game.

In Ploiesti everyone expect easy Romania win against Faroe Islands, but even Romania had better ball possession and more goal attempts at the end they manage to score only one goal. In 21’ by Keseru scored the winner from close range.

Hungary and Greece draw in Budapest. Greece was slightly better team but still not better enough to deserve a victory in this game.

1. Romania 13 pts


2. Northern Ireland 12 pts


3. Hungary 8 pts


4. Finland 4 pts


5. Faroe Islands 3 pts


6. Greece 2 pts

Group I: Portugal beat Serbia, Albania manage to get three points with late goals

Serbia has suffered another defeat in EURO 2016 qualifications. Even this defeat comes from a hand of much stronger Portugal; Serbia is currently last team in group. In a decent game Portugal manage to get slightly better ball possession but goal attempts were even. Carvalho bring Portugal in the lead in 10’ after good combination from a corner kick. In 61’ Matic scored spectacular goal for 1-1 but only two minutes later Fabio Coentrao scored second goal for Portugal.

In second game from this group Albania manage to beat Armenia with two late goals. Armenia surprises everyone at Elbasan Arena when Movsisyan scored for lead in 4’. Albania got ball control but they couldn’t make and good chances to score equalizer. Finally in 77’ Mavraj scored equalizer and then only four minutes later Gashi scored the winner for Albania.

1. Portugal 9 pts


2. Denmark 7 pts


3. Albania 7 pts


4. Armenia 1 pts


5. Serbia 1 pts

by ScoresPro.com

 

EURO 2016 Qualifications: Spectacular goal from Matic not enough for point in Portugal, Late goal by Republic of Ireland gives Germany and Scotland a chance in Group D

NBA News: Can the Los Angeles Clippers contend?

Basketball, NBA News:

It’s time to meet the Los Angeles Clippers – a team that is currently something between a contender and a pretender. Since last year, things have definitely turned around for the Clipper. Before the beginning of the 2013-14 season, everyone in the league was talking how Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Doc Rivers and company will be contending for the title in the next couple of years. However, things change. Since the start of the current campaign, there are statements that the Clippers have absolutely no chances in the postseason.

However, is it true that the Clippers have absolutely no chances of lifting the NBA championship this year? In my opinion, this statement isn’t correct. Yes, the team from Los Angeles has its problems, but I don’t think there is a perfect team in the league right now. The problem is that the Clippers have just been over-scrutinized by the public.

“I don’t think we’re well-liked. … We’re not liked by the referees at all. … Our team’s personality, we’re mercurial. Some games, the body language—all of us—it’s there. Some games it’s not there. We have the talent, so then people are saying, ‘Why aren’t they doing what the [Golden State] Warriors are doing?’ or whatever it may be. It seems like the inconsistency is part of that. Some people write us off, and some people just don’t like us.”

These words belong to J.J. Reddick, who answered a question regarding why the Clippers haven’t done better in the current season. However, his answer doesn’t really cover the full picture.

To progress in the playoffs, a team needs to have a lot of talent, a couple of superstars, good role players, a good coach and two-way balance. The strange thing is that the Clippers have all of these things. The team has two premier superstars, which are Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Last season they were the only teammates to finish among the top ten in MVP votes. This season they are the only players from the same squad that is in the top-10 player efficiency ratings. Furthermore, the Clippers have DeAndre Jordan, who is a beast on the defensive end, Reddick, who is a great three-point shooter and Jamal Crawford, who is a game-changing sixth man. Moreover, Doc Rivers is a coach that has championship experience and is one of the best in the league.

The main problem for the Clippers is that they fail to translate their regular season success in the playoffs. However, we shouldn’t count Chris Paul and company because of their previous failures. This season is one of the best for the franchise, as they are currently healthy (except Crawford) and have started to look like a complete team. Even though the Clippers are almost forgotten, it very possible that they will go deep in this year’s playoffs.

By ScoresPro.com

NBA News: Can the Los Angeles Clippers contend?

SEHA League: Veszprem demolish Meshkov in final game and took the SEHA League title

SEHA League:

Hungary powerhouse MKB-MVM Veszprem has won SEHA League title. In the final game today they beat Meshkov Brest 32-21 (14-9). In match for third place RK PPD Zagreb was better than RK Vardar 26-23 (11 – 10).

RK PPD Zagreb vs. Vardar 26 – 23 (11 – 10)

In the game for third place Croatian team PPD Zagreb was better than Macedonian RK Vardar. First lead in the game was for Vardar in 6’ they manage to have two goals lead (4-2) but they didn’t manage to keep their lead for a long time. In period from 10’ until 20’ they couldn’t score a goal while Zagreb scored 4 goals and from -2 went to +2 (7-5). Until the halftime Vardar tried to get back into the lead but the best they could make was getting a draw. In the last second of first half Mihic scored for Zagreb lead on halftime. Vardar better open the second half and with some quick goals from Karacic and Shishkarev in 35’ they again got two goals lead (14-12). But soon after Vuglac and Kovacic answer and in 41’ score was one more time a draw. Zagreb manages to win the game in the last 10 minutes, when they scored 7 goals and manage to receive only three.

For Zagreb Brozovic and Obranovic scored 5 goals each, while for Vardar Markovic only scored 5 goals.

MKB-MVM Veszprem vs. Meshkov Brest 32 – 21 (14 – 9)

In the grand finale of SEHA League home team Veszprem demolish Meshkov Brest. This is Veszprem first title and second year in a row Meshkov lost in final game. Last year Vardar beat them in finals 29-27. Meshkov successfully keep the pace until the middle of first half. Veszprem than scores 4 quick goals and in only 3 minutes Veszprem manages to get four goals lead 10-6. Meshkov tried to answer with two quick goals, but once against Veszprem score three quick goals and they went with huge 5 goals lead on halftime. In second half goal difference only grow until the final 32-21 for Veszprem.

For home side best scorers were Marguc (9 goals) and Uglade (8 goals), for Meshkov Stojkovic was best scorer with 8 goals.

by ScoresPro.com

 

SEHA League: Veszprem demolish Meshkov in final game and took the SEHA League title

Soccer Rumors: Borussia Dortmund selling Ciro Immobile, Liverpool going after the striker

Soccer News and Rumors:

Even though Ciro Immobile isn’t having one of his best seasons, he is still a desired player. The Italian international is currently a Borussia Dortmund player. However, there are reports that Liverpool and AC Milan will go after him during the summer transfer window. The price that both are ready to pay is about £13 million, but the question is whether the 25-year-old is worth it.

Immobile is having a disastrous season after joining Borussia Dortmund. He has completely failed to fill the hole that Robert Lewandowski left in the attack. Because of his weak form, rumors that he is already for sale have started surrounding him.

However, can Immobile be blamed so much on his lack of production? For comparison, in Torino he had formed a great connection with Alessio Cerci, who helped him score a lot of goals. At Dortmund, he hasn’t had this kind of player to assist him.

There are still teams that believe Immobile can be the right man for them, and two of those teams are Liverpool and AC Milan. The Reds are in great need of a quality striker after Balotelli’s disastrous season, but is the Italian International the right man to replace him? The creativeness of Liverpool isn’t on the top level and given the fact how Immobile has failed to accommodate in the Bundesliga, it’s hard to believe he will flourish in the Premier League.

Milan sounds like the better place for Immobile to continue his career, as he will be the main man in the team from Milano. The Rossoneri are finding it hard to stay on the top level in the Serie A, but they are still a name that attracts attention. It will be misleading to say that AC Milan has a talented roster. However, because of that, Immobile will quickly become the team’s leader and improve his form. In my opinion, AC Milan will be the better place for the 25-year-old, and he will join the during the summer transfer window.

By ScoresPro.com

Soccer Rumors: Borussia Dortmund selling Ciro Immobile, Liverpool going after the striker

Miami Open: Murray beats Donald Young

Tennis Updates:

Britain’s Andy Murray managed to reach the third round of Miami Open with a straight-sets win over Donald Young. The Scot, world number four, who triumphed with the title in 2009 and 2012, won 6-4 6-2 against the American.

Earlier this month Murray beat Young in the Davis Cup and now he won the first four games of the match as he dominated from start to finish in spite of the windy conditions.

The Scot is now scheduled to play world number 31 Santiago Giraldo from Columbia, who defeated him during the last year’s Madrid Open.

“The match went well but it was tricky and difficult to feel comfortable on the court because of the conditions,” said Murray, who has a home in Miami.

“It was extremely windy and also the complete opposite to what we played in in Indian Wells five or six-day ago.

“I always enjoy coming back – it’s nice to spend some time in your bed. I’ve only spent 10 or so days at home in the UK this year so it’s nice when I am travelling to spend a bit of time in my own place.”

Number two seed Rafael Nadal secured a victory against fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4 6-2.

Nadal, who has four runner-up finishes in 10 prior appearances on the hardcourts of Miami, showed no signs of the training discomfort which left him with a sore ankle and threatened to compromise his start.

“I think I did the things well when I had to do. I played with no mistakes in the important points,” said Nadal. “The wind was really high, it was very difficult to find a positive feeling on court.

“I played a solid match. I played well, I had a good movement. I had some good winners, Almagro was not an easy opponent.”

Nadal said that his ankle is not fully healed, but is tolerable.

Although it hurt when he injured it on Monday, “after two days I improved 50 percent and it stays the same. It’s not limiting my movements.”

Switzerland’s seventh seed Stan Wawrinka missed the first set before coming back in the game and defeating Carlos Berlocq, from Argentina, 6-7 (9-11), 7-5 6-2.

Eighth seed Tomas Berdych beat 18-year-old South Korean Hyeon Chung 6-3 6-4.

The Czech will now face Bernard Tomic – 25th seed after the Australian defeated Austin Krajicek from America 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.

Donald Young vs. Andy Murray, 27/03/2015, 17:30 GMT, Match Center

Miami Open: Murray beats Donald Young

EURO 2016 Qualifications: Netherland, Czech Republic and Italy saving points with late goals, Wales beat Israel in Group B derby game

EURO 2015 Overview:

Today on schedule for EURO 2016 where matches of Group A, B and H.

Group A: Netherland and Czech Republic saving points with last minutes goals, Iceland didn’t have any big problems against Kazakhstan

Leader of Group A Czech Republic surprisingly draw against Latvia in Prague. Czech was better team during entire game with huge ball possession (66%) and with almost 20 goal attempts. Latvia on other hand was mostly relay on counterattacks. Latvia take the lead in 29’ one long ball from Zjuzins in the Czech Republic penalty box result with Visnakovs scoring for Latvia lead. Czech manages to score the equalizer in the last minutes of the game when substitute Pilar manage to score from a close range.

Second team in group Iceland easily won against the Kazakhstan in Astana with 3-0. Gudjohnsen in 20’ and Bjarnason in 32’ and 91’ were enough for another three points for Iceland.

In one of most interesting games today Netherland manage to get a draw in last minutes of the game. In a good game both team have their amount of chances. Turkey manages to get into the lead in 37’ when Yilmaz scored after Netherland defense failed to clear one ball. After the goal Netherland start to pressure even more on Turkey goal but they couldn’t score an equalizer, until the last minutes of the game. After long action Sneijder take the shot just outside the box. Ball hit Huntelaar in the head and change direction and went to goal.

1. Czech Republic 13 pts


2. Iceland 12 pts


3. Netherlands 7 pts


4. Turkey 5 pts


5. Latvia 3 pts


6. Kazakhstan 1 pts

Group B: Wales beat Israel in Haifa, Belgium demolish Cyprus in Brussels, Bosnia and Herzegovina finally manage to win in qualifications

In derby game of Group B Wales manage to beat Israel in Haifa and take the first place. Ramsey gives Wales the lead in the extra time of first half. In 50’ Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale score for 2-0 from a free kick. In 77’ Bale scored third goal for Wales, this time after a good pass by Ramsey.

In battle between last two teams Bosnia and Herzegovina manage to beat Andorra 3-0. Manchester City player Edin Dzeko scored a hat trick and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina first win in these qualifications.

In Brussels Belgium demolish Cyprus with 5-0. Fellaini is playing in excellent form in both Manchester United and in Belgium national team he was double scorer in 21’ and 66’. Benteke, Hazard and Batshuayi scored one each.

1. Wales 11 pts


2. Israel (-1) 9 pts


3. Belgium (-1) 8 pts


4. Cyprus 6 pts


5. Bosnia and Herzegovina 5 pts


6. Andorra 0 pts

Group H: Bulgaria and Italy third draw in a row, Croatia beat Norway in Zagreb, First points for Azerbaijan 

In Baku Azerbaijan manage to beat Malta 2-0 taking them first win and points in these qualifications. Huseynov in 4’ and Nazarov in 92’ were scorers for home side.

In Zagreb Croatia beat Norway 5-1. But we cannot say that was a clean win or that Croatia demolishing Norway. They manage to score 2 late goals that secure their win. Croatia takes a lead in 30’ after excellent shot outside the box from Brozovic. Similar situation give them second goal in 53’ from Perisic, Olic scored the third in 65’. Norway could try to get back into the game in 69’ but Elyounoussi missed the penalty shot. Croatia close the game with two late goals from Schildenfeld in 87’ and Pranjic in 94’

In Sofia Italy was looking for another three points to keep them match with Croatia on the table. Start for Italy was excellent in 4’ Minev scored own goal, but in only fifteen minutes Bulgaria manage to turn the score. First in 11’ Popov score the equalizer and then in 17’ Micanski scored for Bulgaria led. Italy then pushed Bulgaria hard and most of the time playing on Bulgaria half. Italy manages to score equalizer in 84’, Eder score the equalizer on this début game for Italy. Until the end Italy had 2 more good chances but Bulgaria defense manage to clear all threats.

1. Croatia 13 pts


2. Italy 11 pts


3. Norway 9 pts


4. Bulgaria 5 pts


5. Azerbaijan 3 pts


6. Malta 1 pts

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by NazionaleCalcio

EURO 2016 Qualifications: Netherland, Czech Republic and Italy saving points with late goals, Wales beat Israel in Group B derby game

Antonio Conte thinking about leaving Italy national team after receiving death threats for Marchisio injury

EURO 2015 Overview:

Italy nation and soccer are under another scandal, but after “Calciopoli” scandal in 2006 that target clubs in Seria A Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Regina this time scandal is involving their national team.

Everything started when Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio suffered knee ligament damage during the warm-up for Italy training session. After injury Marchisio return back to Turin for medical treatment and first thoughts were that he is out for the rest of season. But after medical test didn’t show any tear, Marchisio could be back in couple of days. Juventus boss John Elkann was furious on Conte; he said that perhaps Conte would like to be remembered as the coach with highest numbers of injuries.

Italy is currently in Sofia preparing for their game against Bulgaria in EURO 2016 qualifications. On the news conference Conte said that he wonder why Elkann didn’t ask him that when he was in Juventus. Conte said that they (Italy national team) don’t work hard, they work well. When asked about Marchisio injury, Conte said that Marchisio injured himself while warming up and running without the ball.

But that was not enough for some Juventus fans and multiple newspapers confirmed that Conte received death threats over online media. With all that in mind shaken Conte is thinking about leaving coach position for Italy national team. President of Italian football federation (FIGC) Carlo Tavecchio told Radio Rai that he saw Conte shaken this morning after yesterday controversy and once more confirmed that Conte received death threats over the internet.

Italy is playing in Group H with Croatia, Norway, Bulgaria, Malta and Azerbaijan and after 4 rounds they are holding 2^nd place with same amount of points as first Croatia. Norway is on third place with only one point less.  Before coaching Italy national team Conte was coach in Juventus for three years and brings them three Seria A titles.

by ScoresPro.com

 

Photo by NazionaleCalcio

Antonio Conte thinking about leaving Italy national team after receiving death threats for Marchisio injury

Primera Division: Real Madrid to offer Iker Casillas financial compensation to end his contract

Soccer, Primera Division News :

As Iker Casillas isn’t performing on a top level this season, it seems that his days in Real Madrid are numbered. There have been reports that Florentino Perez and the player’s agent have begun negotiations about a deal that will end the goalkeeper’s contract after the current season. Real Madrid will be going after Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David De Gea, and Casillas won’t be needed anymore.

San Iker will be offered €22.5 million to end his current deal with Real Madrid which is until 2018. The reports state that the goalkeeper would receive €8 million for the first year, €7.5 million for the second and €7 million for the third and final year. Furthermore, if Casillas agrees to this scenario, he will receive an additional €3.5 million as a compensation for the years he has spent in Real Madrid.

It will be quite sad to see Casillas leave Real Madrid, as he has become one of the legends of the clubs. However, his recent performances are showing that his best years are behind him, and he is no longer the player he used to be. David De Gea will definitely be an upgrade over Casillas and will provide more stability on the defensive end.

Furthermore, it’s very likely that the current Manchester United goalkeeper will finally push Casillas from the starting spot in Spain’s national team. Both keepers currently share the duties in the national team. However, pretty soon things may change.

Even though it’s hard to acknowledge it, Iker Casillas’ career is coming to an end. It’s very likely that the current season will be his last in Real Madrid. There are a lot of offers from clubs all over the world, but it will be very strange to see San Iker in a different uniform.

By ScoresPro.com

Primera Division: Real Madrid to offer Iker Casillas financial compensation to end his contract

Chelsea transfer news: Emmanuel Adebayor emerges as a shock target for the blues

English Premier League transfer news

After rejecting an outrageous bid from 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar that included 1million pounds a month of wages, Emmanuel Adebayor has emerged as a shock target to Chelsea football club, if reports believed to be are true.

While this won’t be the first exchange of players happening between the London rivals, Tottenham fans wouldn’t be too furious with the idea considering the fact they have, at their helm, one of the most lethal striker in Harry Kane.

Looking at his recent history at the White Hart Lane, the Togolese International was the first choice during a brief spell of Tim Sherwood, however, since his sacking, he has been reduced to the bench by the prolific form of English International Harry Kane.

And with Roberto Soldado also waiting for his chance, the career of Adebayor at White Hart Lane looks set to be over in the coming months. While he was close to joining Sam Allardyce at West Ham in January, the tense relations between both clubs failed any such attempt by the Togolese International.

While this might seem odd, but Adebayor has played under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho before. While that move was on loan when Mourinho signed Adebayor from Manchester City during the former’s Real Madrid days, their mutual relationship would be crucial if Chelsea are to tie Adebayor down with a contract.

Looking at Chelsea and with the unlimited resources they have had at their peril, they can certainly do better than Adebayor in the summer transfer window. But with the financial fair play rule, Chelsea might not splash the cash once again in the summer transfer window.

And with Didier Drogba leaving in the summer after seeing out his 1 year contract, Adebayor – with his pace and innate ability to score goals would not be a bad option as the 2nd choice striker at Stanford Bridge.

By ScoresPro.com

Chelsea transfer news: Emmanuel Adebayor emerges as a shock target for the blues

Daniel Sturridge injured: 5 reasons why all is not doomed for Liverpool

English Premier League Analysis

Just like a ticking time bomb that is left un-attended for too long, the injury of Daniel Sturridge has come back to haunt Liverpool and like his early season injury where the Reds suffered more comparatively, his absence now can prove to haunt the Liverpool fans who are still reeling from that early season after-shocks.

Talking about common happenings in the World of football and as far as Liverpool football club is concerned, a failed title challenge for the Premier League has been as common for Liverpool in recent years as the injury to Daniel Sturridge.

Averaging an injury every 5 matches in which he features for the Reds, Daniel Sturridge has spent more time on the sidelines than on the ground during his brief Liverpool career till date.

However, as out title suggests, the injury can be cured as far as Liverpool is concerned. While they cannot use magic to get Sturridge back, Liverpool have the necessary artillery with which they can mitigate his loss.

Here are 5 reasons why all is not doomed for Liverpool: -

Liverpool not a one man team

Contrary to popular belief that has been linked with Liverpool under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, the Northern Irishman has worked his tail of to distribute the responsibilities among his players.

While last season 50% of the goals that were scored by Liverpool came from Suarez and Sturridge, the scenario has been altogether different for the Reds this season with 13 different goal-scorers already in the side

Having scored 44 goals this season in the League, it is needless to say that the Reds have been far from productive this season. However, more importantly when it comes to distribution of goals, the Reds have 13 different goal-scorers this term in the squad.

And looking at their team that plays every weekend bar Daniel Sturridge, 7 of those 13 have been a part of the recent 3-4-3 formation that has been employed recently. Thus with goals coming from all areas of the team, the injury of Daniel Sturridge might not have the same impact as it did in the early stages of this season.

Raheem Sterling would be pushed forward

kevinzim / Foter / CC BY

As they say that adversity gets the best out of people, Liverpool’s early season form had the same impact on their boss. Trying the likes of Lambert, Borini and Balotelli alone before stumbling onto Raheem Sterling, Brendan Rodgers got a solution of his problems.

Even though they say that excess of everything is bad, the excess of creativity in the Liverpool starting 11 has taken them out from a mid-table side to a side competing with the financial muscle of Manchester United.

Looking at Sterling’s performance against Lithuania in which he scored his 1st International goal for England, it was his pace of a winger catalyzed by the calmness of a poacher that helped Sterling to deflect a Rooney cross into the net.

Pace of a winger catalysed with the finish of a poacher, Sterling’s goal against Lithuania epitomized the fact that he has all the abilities to succeed further forward than his usual position at Liverpool in recent times.

And while the match was already one way traffic before that moment, Sterling’s goal epitomized the fact that he has all the abilities to succeed further forward than his usual position at Liverpool in recent times. And with the injury to his team-mate Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool are left with no choice but to play their top-scorer in the heart of their attack.

Been there – Done that

To say that the injury of Daniel Sturridge would be catastrophic is exactly equal to the fact that England will win EURO Championship under Roy Hodgson. That is due to the reason that as far as the former case is concerned, the Reds have been more used to playing without Sturridge then with him in the squad.

And while Liverpool suffered in his absence of late, putting that thing into context now cannot explain the situation. While Liverpool did suffer in his absence, it was more due to the ‘’Post-Suarez’’ syndrome and unlike the early season failures, now they have a system that is working. Thus, while Sturridge injury might cause Liverpool to stutter, they will not be down and out for sure.

Underdog tag always works for the Men in Red

From that Champions League final in 2005 to that FA Cup win in 2006, from that Carling Cup win under Kenny Dalglish and to their most recent defeat, one thing that can be counted out as common is that all the Liverpool teams work the best when they are put under pressure.

Give Liverpool an edge over paper and they will crumble – just like last season’s title race, however, try to compress them and they will act like a spring board

Thus, with all the odds going against them and history defying them to the core, the Reds have nothing to lose, pressure will be off them and more importantly, the history of Liverpool football club is littered with comebacks so one more won’t disturb the decorum.

Lazar Markovic would be back at the right wing back position

With the return of Daniel Sturridge to the squad, Brendan Rodgers had no choice but to push Sterling back and Markovic out of the squad. That, to be fair with Markovic hasn’t been fair with the Serbian because the amount of escalation that he has undergone in the absence of Sturridge was detrimental for any team that was coming against Liverpool.

Thus, now with Sturridge back to his usual position – his bed, and Sterling pushed forward, Lazar Markovic can play a much better role at the right wing-back position than Raheem Sterling.

By ScoresPro.com

Daniel Sturridge injured: 5 reasons why all is not doomed for Liverpool

NBA News: Is Kevin Durant the next Derrick Rose? From MVP to multiple injuries?

Basketball, NBA News:

It has been officially announced that Kevin Durant will miss the rest of the regular season. The statement which the OKC Thunder made on Saturday was quite expected, it still sounds very disappointing. The team is currently trying to take a firmer grip on the Western Conference’s eighth seed, but they will have to do it without the small forward.

“Several conference calls and discussions amongst the specialist team concluded that, while the majority of the soreness in Kevin’s foot was related to continued inflammation of the cuboid bone and would subside with rest, the evaluation process also determined that the Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal, which had shown significant healing previously, was now demonstrating signs of regression.”

The MVP from last season started the current campaign from the sidelines. However, on 2nd December he finally made his debut. Everything looked fine in the first couple of games, but after nine contests he had to miss time once again. Since 21st February, Durant hasn’t played even one game.

The fact that Durant has been in and out of the lineup and is now shut down for the season is quite alarming. It reminds a bit of Derrick Rose. Even though it’s not exactly the same thing, there are some similarities between the two stars.

Derrick Rose was an amazing offensive player, but once he tore his ACL, he hasn’t been the same. He missed one whole season and in the next one, he got injured again. Rose had to wear a suit for three-quarters of the season. This campaign he came back (again) and everything was looking fine until the point-guard was sidelined once more. Rose struggled throughout this year and he was just a mere shadow of his former self.

The fact that Durant hasn’t been able to return to the court this season because of a reoccurring injury is quite similar to Rose and his inability to stay healthy. The point-guard didn’t have a lot of serious problems before tearing his ACL and the same goes for Durant. The Thunder forward has missed just 16 games throughout his whole career before this season. However, during this campaign he hasn’t participated in 55 contests.

It would be a huge loss if Durant can’t return to full health next season. The championship ambitions of Oklahoma City heavily rely on him, so it would be pretty critical if he continues to have health problems. Furthermore, Durant will be a free-agent in 2016 and his current condition could heavily impact the decision of the Thunder GM, Sam Presti, about the future of the player. Nevertheless, let’s just hope that Kevin Durant recovers from his injury properly, in order for him to chase his championship dreams.

By ScoresPro.com

NBA News: Is Kevin Durant the next Derrick Rose? From MVP to multiple injuries?

Premier League Rumors: Arsenal targeting Marco Reus once again

Soccer, Premier League News:

Theo Walcott has been surrounded by a lot of rumors lately, even though he makes a lot of efforts to deny them. The English wing has been linked to Liverpool and a number of other clubs, as he continues to reject the contract that the Gunners offer him. Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal is trying to resign Walcott. However, he hasn’t been exactly satisfied by the financial conditions that the club is offering him.

The statements that Walcott made on Twitter are the following:

“I don’t normally comment on false stories about myself, but reports about contract demands & bust-ups with the boss are complete nonsense…” – the wing wrote on his profile – “There have been no contract talks as yet and my current focus is not on contracts but on doing my best for Arsenal FC.”

The fact that the player and the team are stating two absolutely different things isn’t exactly a good thing. That is why Arsenal is preparing to see Walcott leave them during the suffer transfer window. He will be a free-agent in 2016, so it’s very likely that the Gunners will deal him this summer if the both sides can’t agree on a new deal.

As this is very likely to happen, Arsenal has been thinking about a replacement of his. His name is Marco Reus.

Even though it seems high unlikely that Marco Reus will leave Borussia Dortmund, it’s not entirely impossible. If the German international decides to leave the Bundesliga and head to Arsenal, he will definitely be an upgrade over Walcott. Both wings are extremely fast, but Reus is the one that possesses more skills.

It’s a bit hard to imagine that Marco Reus will leave Dortmund in order to join Arsenal. There will be a number of other clubs that will try and lure him, so it will be extremely difficult for the Gunners to make a deal with him. However, if they do, their fans will easily forget about the departure of Theo Walcott.

By ScoresPro.com

Premier League Rumors: Arsenal targeting Marco Reus once again

SEHA League Final Four: MKB-MVM Veszprem and Meshkov Brest will battle for the SEHA League title on Sunday

SEHA Legue:

Today we found out who what two teams will clash in finals of SEHA League on Sunday. In first game of the day Vardar played against Meshkov Brest, while after them MKB-MVM Veszprem face RK PPD Zagreb. Interesting thing is that from 4 clubs in final four three of them are in EHF Velux Champions League quarter-finals Vardar, Zagreb and Veszprem.

Vardar vs. Meshkov Brest 28 – 32 (11 – 16)

In first game Meshkov beat Vardar easier than everyone expected. For the first ten minutes teams were scoring goal by goal. And then in only 2 minutes Meshkov scored three quick goals and in 15’ score was 9-6 for Meshkov. Vardar tried to come back and they almost manage but on several occasion they couldn’t go better than -1. In the last 10 minutes of first half Meshkov solved the game, they scored 6 goals and Vardar only 1 which gives Meshkov halftime 5 goals lead. Second half start with two quick goals by Shylovich (Meshkov) but Vardar quickly replays with their goals. Closest to the draw Vardar was in 49’ when Dujshebaev scored two goals and gets them to only -2. But that was not enough for them to get back into the game.

For Vardar Pribak and Toskic scored five goals each, while Dujshebaev scored 4. For Meshkov Brest Stojakovic scored 9 goals, Bozovic and Shylovich add 5 each.

MKB-MVM Veszprem vs. RK PPD Zagreb 25 – 24 (14 – 10)

Veszprem started excellent and quickly takes the lead, their strong defense and some unforced errors in Zagreb attack result that Veszprem got steady lead of 3 goals. In 20’ Zagreb finally manage to draw the score, after some quick goals, score in 21’ was 9-9. But that was all from Zagreb in first half, until the end Veszprem throw in higher gear and score 5 goals while letting Zagreb to score only once. Halftime score was 14-10 for Veszprem. Second half was going mostly goal by goal, Zagreb comeback started from 46’, in only 10 minutes they manage to go from -5 to -1. Ilic quickly scored for Veszprem and in 56’ score was 24-22 for Veszprem. But Zagreb quickly react and Stepancic scored two goals and in last minutes of the game score was 24-24. In the last minutes of the game Rodriduez scored for 25-24 for Veszprem and Zagreb got the last attack. After 2min punishment from Nagy everyone expect Zagreb to score equalizer, but Kovacevic miss 6m shot.

For Veszprem best goal scorers were Ivanscik, Ilic and Rodriduez with 5 goals each, while for Zagreb Horvat scored 4 and Brozovic, Stepancic, Obranovic and Kovacic scored 3 each.

SEHA League final four is ending on Sunday with game for third place against RK PPD Zagreb vs. Vardar and after that game final game between MKB-MVM Meshkov vs. Meshkov Brest.

by ScoresPro.com

SEHA League Final Four: MKB-MVM Veszprem and Meshkov Brest will battle for the SEHA League title on Sunday

Eden Hazard: People like Mourinho expect me to score 30 to 40 goals per season like Messi and Ronaldo but I am not like that

Soccer News:

Eden Hazard 24 year’s old Belgium midfielder is best player for Jose Mourinho “blue machine” this season. Hazard arrived in Chelsea from France club Lille for 40 million euros in season 2012/2013, since he arrived in Chelsea he made 154 appearances, scored 96 goals and add 105 assists.

This season Hazard is playing especial good, he scored 16 goals and has 13 assists. In the recent interview Hazard admit that Jose Mourinho wants him to score on same rate as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, but that will be a difficult task for him. Hazard said that he is real happy with the current season for him in Chelsea and that he continues to develop as a player and as a teammate.

“People like Mourinho expect me to score 30 to 40 goals per season like Messi and Ronaldo but I am not like that. If there’s one point I must improve on it is to be more efficient, to play more for me and score more goals, but I had a great season that can end up with two trophies and that would be great.”

Chelsea lost against Paris Saint-Germain and gets kicked out from UEFA Champions League, a lot of talks were after that game especial on behave of Chelsea player. Hazard thinks that for them it was good that they get kicked out from UEFA Champions League. Hazard thinks that if they pass Paris Saint-Germain then schedule for them would be hard to carry.

Chelsea won the League Cup and they are on the good way to secure Premiership title. After 30 rounds they got huge 6 points lead and one game less (against last Leicester). So they are on good way to win the Premiership title since season 2009/2010.

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by Ben Sutherland

Eden Hazard: People like Mourinho expect me to score 30 to 40 goals per season like Messi and Ronaldo but I am not like that

Chelsea transfer News: 4 clubs that should go for Petr Cech

English Premier League News

Getting out of Chelsea this summer and already arousing interest from a host of Premier League clubs, Petr Cech might initiate a tug of war in the summer transfer window. While his opportunities have been limited in a Chelsea shirt this season, his departure from the Stamford Bridge after winning 1 Champions League and 3 Premier League title looks imminent.

Ronnie Macdonald / Foter / CC BY

However, Chelsea’s loss can be somebody’s gain as despite being in his 30’s, Petr Cech might offer more than many of goal-keepers that are less his age.

Here are 5 Premier League clubs that should go for Petr Cech in the summer transfer window: –

Liverpool

Despite having a goal-keeper who is having a purple patch of form, Liverpool cannot afford to rely on the Belgian for another season. Sublime when at his best but liability to the team ethos when not in-form, early season’s experiences should force Liverpool to consider back-up options.

And with Petr Cech reportedly looking to seek a way out, Brendan Rodgers should use his forgone connections with the London club to land Cech. While Simon Mignolet can be a topic for discussion, the depth of the Liverpool goal-keeping options is as shallow as Everton’s defending. With the Australian goal-keeper Brad Jones running out of contract in summer, Liverpool might replace money with gold if they can land Petr Cech as his replacement.

Everton

While they aren’t in the same big league of teams in which teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester sides are classified, Everton – with their 28million pound capture of Lukaku, has shown the world their ability to attract top talent. While Tim Howard had a brilliant World Cup under his belt coming into this season, his performances have been a shadow of a goal-keeper that he was in the World Cup with USA.

And with Tim Howard having a howler of a season under his belt, Everton should turn to Chelsea in order to boast their goal-keeping options.

Tottenham

Although they currently have an un-limited pool of young and brilliant goal-keepers, things might quickly change in the summer transfer window. With another failure on the pursuit of Champions League places looming, Hugo Lloris might reconsider his options as a result.

Lloris has also attracted interest from Manchester United who, preparing for a life after David de Gea, might be tempted to go after the Frenchman in case De Gea departs for Madrid.

Southampton

Fraser Foster has been the most in-demand goal-keeper of the Premier League this season but in the light of his season ending injury that might stretch to the early stages of next season, Southampton might have to enter the transfer window against their wishes. And with a veteran in Petr Cech in the offing, Ronald Koeman should tempt his bosses to consider the coffers.

ScoresPro.com

Chelsea transfer News: 4 clubs that should go for Petr Cech

Miami Open: Azarenka advances, Williams to fight knee pain

Tennis Updates:

Victoria Azarenka – two-time Miami Open champion managed to beat the Spain Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-1, 6-3 and effortlessly advanced to the second round.

The 36th-ranked Belarusian – Azarenka and 2009 and 2011 winner, is making a return to the Miami tournament for the first time since 2012. She missed the 2013Miami Open due to right ankle injury and unfortunately was out last year with a left foot injury.

”It’s been unfortunate the last couple of years for me, but I love this tournament,” said Azarenka, the two-time Australian Open champion. ”I’m just looking forward to build my momentum here again and try to play as many matches as possible.”

Azarenka made a 4-1 advantage in the first set before Soler-Espinosa held serve in the fifth game. During the second set, the world 36th initially trailed 3-1 before securing the next five games to end the match.

”I think it was a pretty good first set,” Azarenka said. ”Second set, there were a bit too many mistakes in the beginning.”

Throughout the last season, the mentioned left foot injury plagued Azarenka which limited her to only nine tournaments. This year, in February she reached the final in Doha.

Serena Williams made her first practice Wednesday since a knee injury forced her to withdraw before her BNP Paribas Open semi-final last week but has not lowered her expectations for the Miami Open.

Williams, who earned a first-round bye, as the top seed in Miami, is planned to play Monica Niculescu from Romani on Friday and the world number one has reconciled that she will simply have to deal with some discomfort.

“I hit some balls today for the first time. I mean, it’s okay. I know I’m going to have to manage the pain. I think you just have to figure out the best way around it,” Williams, who has seven titles at Key Biscayne, told reporters.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on it before then.

“I’m here in Miami, so I’m going to go for it and see what happens. I love this tournament, I love Miami, so we will see.”

“I definitely don’t have low expectations. I definitely expect to do the best that I can,” said Williams.

“Whether that’s winning or just stepping out on the court, that’s what I’m going to have to do. I don’t feel any pressure because I’ve won this title a few times, so I feel good about being here.”

Victoria Azarenka vs Silvia Soler Espinosa, 25/03/2015, 19:20 GMT, Match Center

Miami Open: Azarenka advances, Williams to fight knee pain

NBA News: San Antonio Spurs starting to find their rhythm

Basketball, NBA News:

The San Antonio Spurs are currently the defending champions of the NBA, however until now they haven’t exactly shown championship form. Gregg Popovich and his men have struggled to find consistency throughout this season, and they haven’t been the same team as last year. Nevertheless, a lot of players from the Spurs rosters have suffered injuries since the beginning of the campaign, and this has been quite a problem.

“It’s not a lack of effort,” Popovich said. “Guys that were injured and come back want to do too much. The ball sticks. They stop moving it. It’s not who we are.”

However, recently the Spurs have started to dominate their opponents once more with accurate passes and selfless plays. The injured guys have returned to the lineup, and everyone is starting to sync. The time for this improvement has been critical, as the regular season is close to its end. San Antonio currently has great chances to reach the fourth or even the third place in the Western Conference and gain home-court advantage for the playoffs. However, even if they don’t, the Spurs have proved that they can play magnificently even in a hostile environment.

“We know that we are usually giving up an advantage in every game. We are not the biggest team or the most athletic team or the fastest team. We have to play to our strengths and play to our style. We have had injuries. We have had to use different lineups. But we are healthy now and as the playoffs get closer, I think we can compete everywhere we look.”

As the regular season comes to its end, the situation around the NBA is starting to get very interesting. This is the time when the Spurs are feeling comfortable – when it matters most.

By ScoresPro.com

NBA News: San Antonio Spurs starting to find their rhythm

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque calls for caution ahead of their game against Ukraine in EURO Qualification

Soccer News:

Friday match between Spain and Ukraine in Seville is probably one of most interesting clash on Friday in UEFA Europe Championship qualifications round. With only five rounds to go, battle for first two places are open.

Slovakia who is current leader of Group C stuns everyone when they beat both Ukraine (1-0) and Spain (2-1) in first two rounds of qualifications. With 4 wins from 4 games they are standing alone on the top of group. Spain and Ukraine are behind them with three points less. So win in this game might throw one team out of direct place for EURO 2016.

How important this game is for Spain knows very well their boss Vicente Del Bosque. Del Bosque thinks that Spain need to balance both attack and defense, since Ukraine national team is very strong in counter-attacks. Ukraine national team is usual typical mix of Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk players. Spain is currently undefeated for 29 home competitive games, so they are hoping to add one more after this round. Del Bosque will be without his first attacker Diego Costa, but Del Bosque is confident that Juventus striker Alvaro Morata can take Diego Costa place in attack.

In history these two teams meet only three times, Spain won 2 games while one end in draw. Last time these two meets was on FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006. In Group stage Spain beat Ukraine 4-0. That meeting was almost 10 years ago and in tomorrow game we might expect to see Casillas, Fabregas or Ramos for Spain and Tymoshchuk or Rotan for Ukraine who all take part in last Spain vs. Ukraine game.

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by ElHormiguero

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque calls for caution ahead of their game against Ukraine in EURO Qualification

LA Liga: Xavi Hernandez to leave Barcelona at the end of this season

LA Liga News

After winning 3 Champions League titles, 7 LA Liga titles and 1 club World Cup medals to his name in his 17 year long and illustrious career at FC Barcelona, Legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez looks set to say goodbye to the Catalan folklore at the end of this season. While his trophy cabinet might soar in the coming months, Xavi has already made his mind to bid farewell to his Barcelona team-mates according to Spanish Newspaper AS

While he would have opted for this move a year earlier, his move to the middle-east now looks set to be completed in the coming months.

Having played under 10 different managers during his time at FC Barcelona, Xavi has been the most coveted midfielder of the Spanish generation that has won the first World Cup of the history for its nation. Being the better half of the Iniesta-Xavi midfield that won Spain the World Cup, Xavi has been arguably amongst the greats of modern football.

Since making his debut for FC Barcelona senior side in the 1998 season, Xavi Hernandez has played under 10 different managers that tried their luck with the Catalan giants.

From being the holding midfielder in Louis Van Gaal’s side to being the main man in Pep Guardiola’s trickery, Xavi has always been a flag-bearer of FC Barcelona for a better part of the last 2 decades.

However, as everything comes to an end, Xavi Hernandez looks set to depart for Qatar based side Al Sadd in the summer transfer window. Home of the World Cup 2022, Qatar is a nation that has been boasting of their National wealth of late and have acquired top European players in their leagues in the recent years.

While Xavi is the latest addition to their catalogue, the former Real Madrid Captain Raul Gonzalez also played for Al Sadd. Even though he has made up his mind to be in Qatar, Xavi had offers from the MLS but the salary package offered by the Qatar-based club proved to be a major reason for his decision. He is expected to earn a salary of 10million Euros per year.

By ScoresPro.com

LA Liga: Xavi Hernandez to leave Barcelona at the end of this season

Soccer Rumors: The top 3 transfer rumors in world football

Soccer News and Rumors:

The transfer rumors have been piling up this season, and soon we will see which of them will come true. A lot of superstars are bound to change their teams, and it’s pretty interesting to think of the possible scenarios. In this article, we will comment which are the three biggest names that have surrounded by rumors all season long.

3. Paul Pogba, Juventus

The current Juventus player has been surrounded by rumors since the beginning of this year’s campaign, and the chances of him switching teams are quite big. Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Manchester City have been scouting the talent and making requests towards Juventus for the summer. Pogba is still 22-years-old, but it is evident that he has the qualities of becoming an all-time great. He is a central midfielder with vision, strength, pace and could easily beat opponents off the dribble. Pogba is currently injured, but this fact is quite unlikely to be a factor during the summer. Real Madrid and Manchester United are the favorites to sign him, but nothing is one-hundred percent sure.

2. Angel Di Maria, Manchester United

The former Real Madrid player hasn’t exactly accommodated well to life in the Premier League. He started the season pretty well, but since December his form has been steadily decreasing. Currently, the 27-year-old Argentinian has fallen out of starting eleven, a fact that is pretty alarming given the amount that United paid for him last summer. Even though, the wing has been inconsistent during this campaign, I doubt that the Red Devils will sell him. There are a lot of teams waiting to make a bid, but in my opinion they will be quite disappointed when the summer comes.

1. Kevin De Bruyne, Wolfsburg

The attacking midfielder of Wolfsburg and ex-Chelsea player has been in stunning form this season. Because of his amazing stats, transfer rumors have surrounded the Belgian player lately. He leads the Bundesliga in assists, as sixteen of his passes have turned into goals. His current value is something close to €50 million – a lot more than the time when Wolfsburg signed him from Chelsea. Nevertheless, it’s quite unlikely that De Bruyne will leave his current club, as he has stated that he is happy with his current team.

By ScoresPro.com

Soccer Rumors: The top 3 transfer rumors in world football

Luis Suarez: At first, I did not want to be seen as a selfish player so I thought, what will the other guys say to me? So I ended up passing the ball instead of shooting.

Soccer News:

Many people speculated that Barcelona didn’t need to buy Luis Suarez from Liverpool last year in summer transfer window. After excellent season in Liverpool where Suarez scored 31 goals and had 24 assistants Barcelona bought him for 88 million euros. After World Cup incident with Giorgio Chiellini, Suarez gets 4 months month ban from football. First game for Barcelona Suarez played on 25 October against Real Madrid; they lost 3-1 and Suarez assist Neymar for only Barcelona goal in that game. In the latest El Clasico played four days ago, Barcelona take revenge on Real Madrid and win 2-1. Luis Suarez scored second goal for Barcelona in that game.

In the latest interview Suarez told the newspapers that he was aware of his poor performance once he started playing for Barcelona. Suarez biggest problem once he arrived in Barcelona was not poor form but Barcelona play style. Suarez said that most teams against Barcelona play hard defense and that was the main problem for him and he need to get used to that. Suarez said that his striker instincts were fine from the start but he did not know how to act on the pitch.

“At first, I did not want to be seen as a selfish player so I thought, what will the other guys say to me? So I ended up passing the ball instead of shooting. Over the course of time I dare to shoot again.”

Suarez thinks that there is still plenty of room for him to improve in Barcelona, but he is happy with the team and city. This season, or maybe it’s better to say since October, Luis Suarez scored 14 goals and have 15 assists from 29 appearances. For Uruguay national team Luis Suarez made 79 appearances and scored 44 goals in total.

by ScoresPro.com

Photo by L. F. Salas

Photo by theglobalpanorama

Luis Suarez: At first, I did not want to be seen as a selfish player so I thought, what will the other guys say to me? So I ended up passing the ball instead of shooting.