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Roberto Mancini Exit

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:33:17 -0500

Finally, Roberto Mancini and his scarf have left Etihad. He delivered his valedictory speech on 14^th may. It was long desired outcome for a group of dressing room, but equally true is the fact that a large section of the fans wants him in the camp. It is much like love of Roberto di Mattio at Stamford Bridge, another Italian, who gave West Londoners first touch of the elite European cup.

He arrived at Manchester City basking in the glory days of Serie A titles with Inter. The level of desire, specially after pumping of more than 1 billion petrodollars in the club by Sheikh Mansoor, was high among the fans. He fulfilled it the previous year by giving EPL to this side to Manchester after 44 years and beating rival city side 6-1.

3 trophies in 4 seasons at the top of affairs was a fair enough result but this year proved to be the worst. First call for his head rose, when Man C failed to win even a single game in Champions League at group stage. Christiano Ronaldo’s late winner started the script at Bernebau in a 3-2 win which initiated the pace of the slide. But the real insult to injury came when they finished last in that group of winners. It crashed their claim of a chair among European elites. More over, domestically, he surrendered title when good 4 games were left in the title race to their bête noire. In EPL, the loss to Southampton, Everton and City rivals were very troubling for title contenders. The only silver ware for which they were left chasing was FA cup that they have won 2 seasons before. Well, they loose it to relegation candidate Wigan in last moments. After the match, Mancini was virtually a dead man walking, fully aware that last nail in the coffin has been punched.

The real worry was his relationship with the players. He openly criticized Joe Hart, Nasri, Lescott and shut his mouth after Management’s intervention. His tiff images with Bellotelli caught press headlines world wide and finally the Italian sticker left to perform better at ACM, even for lesser wage. Tevez never looked eye to eye with him. He ruffled wings in public by questioning club’s transfer policies and asking for Van Persie in the public forum.

Since the inception of Tixki Begiristain as sporting director at Manchester City, every one started to smell change in the kitchen, from Italian Pizza to Catalan Pa amb tomaquet. Manual Pellegrini, the talisman Chilean is the serious most contenders to fill the space. Here comes the caution, to perform and deliver in the best league in the world, you have to be the best. AVB and JM, both Portuguese, know it better. Another chapter of the story goes that the retirement of 2 most famous managers of the same city is a study in contrast.

I LEAGUE- PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:24:13 -0500

I LEAGUE- PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

With Churchill Brothers winning I league for season 2012-13, it completed half a dozen uninterrupted grips of Goan clubs. The power centre of Indian football has clearly moved from Bay of Bengal to shining Goan beaches of Arabian Sea. Previously known as NFL, premium domestic competition of football in India has sailed smoothly on Goan Armada in new Avatar. With the test of time, the competition has faced a lot of challenges and happy endings. It has IMG group to fill pockets and Arrows has produced good youngsters and stood acid test of relegation successfully purely on merits. But thin crowd in stadiums, fewer viewership (European league is much ahead), sweating players in scorching heat, low revenue, representation by a few pockets of India are few of the many problems, looming large. AIFF must have to deal them.

One of the many things that could be done can be classified in 2 major heads, long term and short term plans. In short terms, matches can be shifted to evening timings to increase viewers on and off the game. Especially in summer, it will release more adrenaline in the players. More sponsors with lucrative offers can be searched and joined in by the league at both club level and AIFF level. Pouring more money at all levels will invite more talents to run on the ground and help in extracting most out of them. Some pockets, where soccer is popular and some where soccer has to be popular, has to be spotted and represented in format for gaining new grounds. At present, it lacks pan Indian look and looks more like an East-West war. A leaf can be plucked from J league or MLS. In the long term, new talents have to be built to produce more heroes for the public. Infrastructure, coaching facilities, technical assistance, and viewership are some of the many demanding tasks that have to be achieved.

The popularity of football can easily be seen in any city where spotting common people wearing European Soccer clubs jersey is not a rare site. Viewership of Soccer is consistency on the up and it’s bête noire cricket has reached a saturation point. More and more leagues and cups are joining the television channels each year. All AIFF is to do is to shift this global Amor to local Pyaar.

Sher-i- Kashmir T-20 Tournament inaugurated by Omar

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:30:45 -0500

Ganderbal/ Srinagar, May 9 (Scoop News) –JK Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today inaugurated Sher-i- Kashmir T-20 cricket Tournament here by filliping the coin for the two teams participating in the inaugural match. He also did some batting on the pitch.

The team members were introduced to the Chief Minister who interacted with them and wished them good luck and success. He told them to uphold sportsmen spirit under all circumstances and exhibit highest degree of discipline. “Losing or winning of a game is immaterial but participating as worthy sports persons, performing to once best capacity and maintaining quality of conduct while plying is counted a lot at the end of the day”, he told the players.

The Tournament which is being organized by Youth National Conference is participated by 140 cricket teams from all across the State. Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Loan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Legislator and Provincial President NC, Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani were present on the occasion.

scoopnews.in/det.aspx

SLIPPING SERIE A

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:50:22 -0500

SLIPPING SERIE A

Recently, in a candid interview, Paulo Maldini expressed his views that Serie A is sliding in terms of value in Europe to rival Leagues. It has to do something fast to catch them.

It's officially declared that English Premier Leagues tops figures of viewership and money spent-earned with 4 clubs enjoying the seat in top 10 money holders of the world. Bundesliga has maximum attendance per match and is the most profitable league of the world. Ruhr and Baverian clubs, producing the first all German final (totally unexpected) speaks louder for their strength and a new ‘Avatar’ of German clubs. Spanish League has always produced best talents, as can be seen in the names of FIFA 2012 team list where whole bunch of 11 were from La liga!! Forget about Real Madrid and Barcelona, even Atletico Madrid carries a tradition of producing fiercest of strikers. Even at this stage, 6 clubs are walking slippery alley of relegation there.

But Serie A is fast loosing the charm it has once enjoyed. In truth, their peak was in the days of Maradona and as soon as Nepoli retires his jersey no. 10, slowly but gradually, the slide begins. They were represented by only 2 clubs in this year's (Udinese lost the playoff) Ch League. In UEFA cup also, they were nowhere even in Semi final stage. Naturally, they have lost significant UEFA coefficient and in the next year they will be represented by fewer clubs than England, Spain and Germany. Half or less filled stadiums (even in Milan and Rome derby, which was unimaginable before), low viewership, decreasing loyalty and travelers with clubs on away grounds, depleting revenue, more clubs going bankrupt are few of many problems troubling Italian League, much like their ailing Economy. Last FIFA world player of the year winner, selected from Serie A was KAKA in Red-Black strips in 2007. No nomination in the category since then is only adding insult to injury. More humiliation could happen as this year's golden boy, Edilson Cavani has been offered handsome deals from greener pastures and he may follow Ibra's road.

Serie A is in touching distance to other leagues of the world. Last year, in a FIFA release, it was declared that among Europeans, Turkey and Russia are pumping large amount of money into their Leagues. Clubs are throwing money there to pick best talent of players and coaches to fulfill their European dream. Though Italians have featured in maximum Champions League finals, 26, yet since 2010, they are searching for even a semi final berth.

A winner talks about the future whereas a loser hangs in past. The weekly Serie A magazine on television showcases highlights of past matches; it can be guessed what I mean. The world soccer wants Italian Gladiators to come out of Colosseum and reestablish Roman Empire, which they definitely can.

Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich Live Stream Semi Final Champions League 2013 - 1 May 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:34:06 -0500

Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich Semi Final Champions League 2013 - 1 May 2013

The Wow game will play on this Wednesday when the team of the Bayern Munich will travel to the Camp Nou as they have a strong holding lead they are still looking to put an impressive sot in the match if Barcelona opens the defence and start attacking they can make it happen .

Barcelona always did well against the German but this time it looks like that the ear they have started is going to end soon because they are losing the matches with goals difference.

The Barcelona fans are expecting allot from them and they know what their team can do once they stand for them . Well its not that easy match but hopefully a good competition to see.

Well how many more goals we do have to see from the team of the Bayern munich or Barcelona will make a come back found on this weekend .

Watch : Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Live Stream Online

Amir Khan vs Diaz Live Stream 2013 Boxing 27 April

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:11:28 -0500

There is a big match of Boxing coming ahead where Amir Khan will face the Julio Diaz allots of talking for this match will take place that will Amir can make come back to winning form its difficult to say at the moment because he has lost 2 matches from one Boxer in a row.

Danny Garcia knocked out Amir Khan in the match but there are allot of contribution that there is miss judgement in the points but when these two come face to face once again then once again its Amir Khan who lost the match and leave the ring as a losing boxer.

Is he ready for the Julio Diaz pretty match able thing to think because we can not say how he will performed against him . Julio Diaz is good boxer and currently in good form lets see will he knocked out Khan. Amir Khan Vs Julio Diaz the match of April Boxing events.

Its a Fight to watch where the best boxer will let the winning series to his name what more to expect from Khan this time just win but Diaz will not give him a chance to predict him self.

Amir Khan needs to concentrate on his game he is saying too much before the match but when it comes to fight he lost some times but lets how Julio Diaz prepared for the match and how he will fight against the opponent on this Saturday at the Sheffield Boxing arena.

It comes a to tough match where Prediction may be get wrong you can see the match live online on this Saturday.Amir Khan has to prepared him self he dropped from 2 major fights and lost them this time he must becarefull about his gameplan and tactics . Julio Diaz chose a wrong opponent but ready to rumble the ring with Punches to the Amir Khan. Watch the match live here .

Match : Boxing

Place : England , at Sheffield

Boxers : Amir Khan and Julio Diaz

Watch Highlights : Amir Khan and Julio Diaz Replay Videos

A Punches game on this Saturday a good gameplan will ead one player bottom to the top lets will Amir Makes any difference , here in this post you can find a link and also get the best of the results from this match all the highlights and match previews will be updated here right after the game .

Stay tuned for the match on this hopefull a good and strong fighting match will be waiting for us lets see who rules this time.

Watch Live Stream : on Android App

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wWatchSportsLiveStreamOnline

Brazil: Falling from Grace

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:23:46 -0500

FIFA ranking was released recently and there is no prize for guessing who is at the top and at second place. The real shock came from the Brazil’s position. Currently they are at their lowest ever FIFA ranking, 19. Argentina (3), Colombia (6), Ecuador (10), Uruguay (17) from their CONMEBOL Zone are ahead of them. Even Mexico is sitting pretty at 14. This has never happened before, the huge gap between them and their neighbors (rivals)! With Danes fast catching them, there is every bit of chance that they could be pushed further low.

Although, FIFA ranking has largely been criticized for controversial point system, but the problem with which the 5 time champion of FIFA are going through demands tough answers and step by step scrutiny is necessary.

Their Goalkeeper Diago Cavalieri of Fluminense and Julio Cesar of QPR in their present form are no way near Taffarel- Dida. Defense raises some hope with Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante, Marcelo, Felipe Luiz all are in their good form and always a first choice to secure the net in their respective different European nations champion clubs.

Ronaldinho anchores the midfield, playing with Athletico Mineiro and is currently running in 33. His looping free kick days, above David Seamen are long gone by; in fact he has missed a penalty against the same opposition at Wembley in a friendly. Kaka (has also touched 30) and Ramires are in fact not regulars in their respective clubs. Harnanes (Lazio) and Luiz Gustavo (Bayren Munich) do not encourage hope. Oscar and Fernando are mere 21 and the kids are yet to blossom.

Now comes the biggest worry, the stickers. It is a fact that at the end of match, it’s only the score line that matters and scoring goals is the only option to win match, in fact attack is the best defense. Brazilian forwards are way below their neighbours- Messi, Higuain, Vidal, Falcao, Cavani, Suarez to name a few. Fred, Neymar, Alexandre Pato, Osvaldo are playing in Brazilian league. Hulk is not fearsome and Diego Costa is second fiddle to Falcao in Athleico Madrid. Just look at the top 10 scorers in any top League of Europe and you will find no Brazilian flag attached to any name. Only Wanderson is looking for Golden boot in Russia, but he is not part of national squad.

Brazilian team is the darling of most soccer lovers around the world. World football requires samba dance to hit the football floor. They are considered a formidable force but that reputation is slowly but consistently declining. In 2006, their exit in QF by France raised shock waves but in 2010, their squad was no way near to be called a WC winning squad. The problem has carried along since then and nothing has changed. The good news recently has come that in the previous year; Brazil has exported around 1500 footballers around the world (600 in Europe), most by any other nation. But to pick and groom 23 among them is the real challenge. Luiz Felipe Scolari is an experienced and successful WC winning coach, but this time around, he has to swallow the bitter pill that current squad is no way near Japan-Korea 2002. Though he has a year to shape the squad, but he should thank that Brazil is the host of WC and getting automatic qualification.

Messi will play the first leg of the semifinals against Bayern Munich

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:27:48 -0500

When missing only a week for the first leg clash in the semifinals of theChampions League against Bayern Munich , it seems that the Argentine star Lionel Messi is ready to face the German team.

Messi and forget the injury a hamstring suffered in the first leg of the quarterfinals against PSG. A Lio is you have had a past practices which have been positive, suggesting that the Argentine striker has green light to join the team in such a crucial match FC Barcelona.

The recovery and physiotherapy sessions plus the appropriate rest that had last weekend, after not playing in the match against Zaragoza, Messi has allowed complete recovery and be ready for the match against Bayern.

Now the question is whether it will play some minutes on Saturday, when Barcelona faces Levante.

Here is the full fixtures of UCL 2013 Semi Final

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich

Dortmund vs. Real Madrid

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

To watch all champions league semi final and final match live streaming and more details for UCL 2013 updates

visit: http://learnaboutfootball.blogspot.com

Bayren V Barca, Clash of Big Bs

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:04:04 -0500

The semi final clashes of UEFA Champions League have been drawn and are now open for discussion. It is certainly Spain 2, Germany 2. Most of the fans around the globe are waiting for a El Classico final, for the first time in the History of UEFA champions League and a 2^nd all Spanish final. But the biggest block on their route to Wembley is Bayern Munich. It’s not only the history of the Bayern that is frightening, but the present form that is giving a chill in the bone for Barca lovers. Record wise speaking, both has lifted the trophy on 4 occasions each with Germans have been second best on two more occasions to Catalan’s 3. Presently, Barcelona, no doubt, have made the squad, which is not the best, but among the best in the soccer history. They have conquered every possible cup of the planet, some even more than once. Their loss, each time, hit the headline on each possible media network around the world and triggers the hottest debate.

Bayren are emerging as a European power house in new avatar for 3 years, having played 2 of the last three finals. Their last stand at the top came in 2001 and since then they have been quite ignored for a chair among the European elites, a place, they truly deserves.

Now, coming to the present form. They have recently won Bundesliga title before round 30, in fact as early as by round 28!! This is the quickest catch of the top flight in the history. The team is in ruthless form, showing no mercy for opponents. They have scored staggering 83 goals in Bundesliga by far. It proves them the lethal predator. Even recently, they are showing no signs of fatigue, beating Hamburger by 9-2 on 30^th of previous month, then conquered Old lady of Italy by 4-0 in two legs and won by a 4-0 margin against Nurnberg this Saturday. But the most troubling and least debated figure is the goals conceded. Their net has been holed on only 13 unlucky occasions. Everyone talks about Mandzukic, Muller, (Super) Mario in the front, Ribery, talisman Robben in the midfield and experienced Lahm-Van Buyten in the defence, along with longest ball thrower Nueur as the custodian.

It must have raised the eyebrows of the killing striking line up of Barcelona. We have seen that Messi is not fully fit and the difference that he can make by his absence and his presence on the ground against PSG. He acted like glucose for a dehydrated patient and with his dancing feet, suddenly the subdued dance floor come to lightening. This is the worry that Tite Villlenova must consider. Another problem is their often visible cracks in Tiki taka tactics, which has been revealed by a few clubs in the recent months successfully. If Bavarians deciphered the code then there will be huge trouble for the Catalans. The mid field of Germans is superior to Catalans and can produce quicker counter attacks. Barcelona is master of the legs whereas Munich army is the maestro by their heads. The man who has anchored the whole show is Joseph Heynckes. He is with them since 2011 and shared every jump, be it by his boys after winning Bundesliga title in the field. At the age of 67, he is quite inspiring for a team looking to beat the European best.

Interestingly, both have tested each other on only 6 occasions yet and Barca has an upper hand. Their last meeting took place at Munich, ended in a stalemate of a goal each in 2008-2009 QF of Champions League (Barcelona were eventual winners then on aggregate). Bitter memory of losing 4- nil to Catalans must be fresh in their minds and in a week’s time, bomb is about to explode at Allianz arena of big Bs of Europe.

Chitral Scouts Cadet Tournament

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:45:12 -0500

Chitral Scouts Cadet Cricket tournemnt kicked at Major Ali Shaheed Stadium.

By: Gul Hamaad Farooqi

CHITRAL: Chitral Scouts Cadet cricket tournament started at Major Ali Shaheed ground of Chitral Scouts. Commandant Chitral Scouts Col Nasir Khan Jadoon was chief guest on the occasion while the tournament is supervising by Major Kazmi Deputy Quarter Master of CS. Some 32 teams participating in the tournament. Talking to this scribe a young boy from Kalash community said that there is no play ground at Kalash valley and that is why players from Kalash community playing at Chitral scouts ground. An other player said that youth of Chitral are very fond of matches and games but there is no public stadium at Chitral as a result young generation can not participate in national level team. He appeal to provincial government for establishing a public stadium at Chitral so as to provide opportunity to young generation to enhance their skill and join national and international teams. First match was played between SRSP and Kalash cricket team in which SRSP defeated its rival team with 6 wickets.

G.H. Farooqi C/O Manager bank Islami Main branch Chitral phone No 0943-320737, 0943-316052, 0943-414418 , 03025989602, 03337069572, 03159698446, 03469002167

email: gulhamad@gmail.com