Monday, September 8, 2014

Cricket: PCB has announced national squad for Srilanka tour

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squad for imminent tour against Srilanka leaving Misbah-ul-Haq as a captain of the team.

Muhammad Hafeez will not play in Test while Wahab Riaz makes his resugence.

Test Squad:
1. Ahmed Shehzad
2. Khurram Manzoor
3. Shan Masood
4. Azhar Ali
5. Younis Khan
6. Misbah-ul-Haq - Captain
7. Asad Shafiq
8. Umar Akmal
9. Sarfraz Ahmed - WK
10. Saeed Ajmal
11. Abdur Rehman
12. Mohammad Talha
13. Junaid Khan
14. Rahat Ali
15. Wahab Riaz

ODI Squad:
1. Ahmed Shehzad
2. Sharjeel Khan
3. Mohammad Hafeez
4. Misbah-ul-Haq - (Captain)
5. Younis Khan
6. Umar Akmal
7. Fawad Alam
8. Sohaib Maqsood
9. Shahid Afridi
10. Anwar Ali
11. Saeed Ajmal (read more....)

Football World Cup 2014: Germany's klose eclipsed Ronaldo of Brazil with his 16th goal in World Cup

BELO HORIZONTE: Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the World Cup's all-time record scorer with his 16th goal during their semi-final against Brazil, transcending Brazil's striker Ronaldo's record with his 23rd minute strike

Klose made level records of 15 in their first round match against Ghana, the goal was his first in a World Cup semi-final and chiefly most important for Germany.

"I don't think I can really measure what it all means just yet," said Klose, who said that he is playing his game just "I'm a striker and strikers want to score goals. And naturally I want to stay on top of the scorers list as long as possible."

Klose was asked " why he didn't do the mid-air flip on Tuesday?", he replied (read more....)

Football World Cup 2014: Host Brazil hand over match to Germany by getting worse defeat

BELO HORIZONTE: Germany obliterated host Brazil with 7-1, at Belo Horizonte Tuesday to become finalist in the World Cup final.

Brazil, completely disappointed with defense giving five goals in the first 29 minutes and unbelievable thing happened to them was no score in 90th minute. Brazilian captain Thiago Silva was been outside because of yellow card suspension, but that wasn't the reason for most exhaustive defeat of whole team.

If taking records in the story, Brazil have never got such big defeat in any International tournament since 1935 and never put on such a shambolic defensive performance as during an 18 minute first half period when Germany got four goals, three of them in just 179 seconds.

Thomas Mueller scored in the 11th minute, Klose after 23 to take his World Cup total to 16, Toni Kroos in the 24th and 26th minutes, Sami Khedira after 29 and substitute Andre Schuerrle in the 69th and 79th minutes but after all disappointments Brazil (read more...)

Football World Cup 2014: "Argentina vs Nether land" crucial match for nations

SAO PAULO: After the stunning victory of Germany over hosts Brazil with 7-1, Argentina is going to meet 2010's runner-up in second semi-final in Sao Paulo at Wednesday's night for the first time since 1990.

Netherlands front line of Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben can be critical for Argentina while Robben has been on fire so far in the tournament.

But Argentina is not behind others, having a great forward with Lionel Messi and Auegero, both can score at any time so match will be unpredictable.

Netherlands has bewildered many of their fans by reaching the last four with a squad of which
very little was expected. Whereas the team depends on a large number of Eredivisie-based players was thought to be a weakness, the brunt of many of the lesser names has been a real strength in the run to the semifinals.

The dutch has been wonderful since start of their tournament as they defeated Spain with great score of 5-1 and Dutch side will expecting much from (read more.....)

Cricket: Bngladesh's former captain banned for six month by BCB

Dhaka: Bangladesh former captain and allrounder Shakib-ul-Hassan has been banned for six months from all cricket activities due to his ''severe attitude problem''.

Reports tell that he has been banned from all cricket for six months and will not be granted an NOC to play in overseas competitions until the end of 2015. The accord was taken at a board of directors meeting in Dhaka on Monday.

BCB president Nazmul Hassan said the sanction, which was dropped down at a board of directors meeting, emanated from Shakib's recent behavioral issues.

Hassan said Shakib has a ''severe attitude problem,'' worse than any of attitude seen before in the team.
''If he was a player who played just once and nobody knew him, that would (read more....)

Football World Cup 2014: Argentina vs Netherland, Di Maria out of the Argentina's squad

BELO HORIZONTE: Argentina's midfielder Angel Di Maria will miss his semi-final match against Dutch but his place has been recovered by Sergio Aguero, who has revived from muscle strain, and will play in forward position.

Di Maria was hobbled off the field in first half of quarter-final against Belgium getting his right thigh back muscle strained, while Argentina also claimed victory in that match.

It was "first deal" strain said team doctor Daniel Martinez on Sunday — the mildest kind but added that Di Maria wouldn't be fit to play in Wednesday's semifinal.

Martinez also informed of the Aguero, who had also suffered from similar problem 10 days ago, he has recovered and is able to play on Wednesday.

Di Maria abscent could have more effect on the result for Argentina in their semis match against Netherland , and he was going to play his first semi-final match since 1990. Besides Lionel Messi, he's been the team's most persuasive player in Brazil.

But the squad has been seen relaxed, laughing and joking with their coach Alejandro Sabella in practise

"The group as a whole is very happy, except for (read more.....)

Cricket: Hosts Srilankan team made to face defeat

COLOMBO: Hashim Amla, once again, inspired with his clinical batting and scored century to make Southafrica taking 75 runs victory over Srilanka in first One-day International , Sunday.

Amla struck eight fours and a six in his 130-ball knock of 109 to guide South Africa to a total of 304 for five wickets after they won the toss and opted to bat first in Colombo.

The opening batsman and skipper AB de Villiers (75) put on 151 off 140 balls after Sri Lanka had struck twice in four balls to dismiss Quinton de Kock for 27 and Jacques Kallis for a two-ball duck.
Sri Lanka began their reply well, making 122-2 in the 23rd over, but with bad light set to become a factor, they lost wickets cheaply making to keep up with the Duckworth-Lewis method run rate and were dismissed for 229 in 40.3 overs.
Kumar Sangakkara also responded with a fine 88 off just 84 balls and (read more....)

Wimbledon 2014: Djokovic wins to take revenge

LONDON: Novak Djokovic achieved Wimbledon title for the second time bu beating seven times champion Federer conquering 6-7(7) 6-4 7-6(4) 5-7 6-4 in a engrossing encounter, on Sunday.

The Serb, 27, won 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-4 after missing a thriller championship point and letting a 5-2 lead slip in the fourth set.

By triumphing the fifth set, Djokovic finished a run of three straight sensational defeats – and five out of six – in major finals.
“It’s the most special Grand Slam final I’ve played,” he said.

“At this time of my career for this Grand Slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially after losing several Grand Slam finals in a row.

Djokovic seemed to take revenge in the tournament since he lost final to Murray in Wimbledon, as he hoped for a first British to become champion in 77 years but he could not, as he went on to lose to Rafael Nadal at last year’s United States Open and this spring’s French Open (read more.....)

Wimbledon 2014: Tournament comes to its end with suspense of Federer vs Djokovic

Roger Federer and Djokovic going to meet in clash for Wimbledon 2014 title

That U.S. Open match back in 2007 turned out to be one to remember for Federer. The living legend took care of the up-and-coming Serbian in straight sets to earn his 12th career Grand Slam title and fourth straight U.S. Open.

Also after defeatin Raonic he said he has "a lot of energy left in the tank" to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

2011 champion, Djokovic , overcame a arthritic test to fire Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (9-7).

Djokovic has seen his career go nowhere but up since that 2007 confrontation with Federer. Since then, he's gone on to win six Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon in 2011. And now it's Djokovic who apparently has a ticket perforated to every final of every major tournament.

In 34 meetings with Djokovic, dating back to 2006, Federer leads the head-to-heads 18-16, including a win before two years over Djokovic winning his seventh title.
"It's really important for me to stay aggressive against him, and especially here at Wimbledon," said Federer.
"Novak can hurt you down the line or cross-court on both sides.
"His forehand, his serve, his movement clearly is what stands out the most at the moment. He's really been able to improve that and make it rock solid."

Djokovic, the six-time Grand Slam winner, has lost five of his past six Grand Slam finals.
"There is plenty of motivation from my side to win this final - it would mean a lot mentally for me," he said.

"I've been going through some tough matches in this tournament, but I'm going to try to use that experience in a positive way."

Football World Cup 2014: Neymar's injury sent him out of the tournament

FORTALEZA: Brazil will miss his forward Neymar due to his broken vertebrae in rest of their matches.

Football World Cup 2014, Brazil forward and Barcelona's hero broke his back bone in the match vs Colombia ( won by 2-1)

"It´s not serious in the sense that it doesn´t need surgery, but he´ll need to immobilize it to recover," team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the player had been taken to hospital.
"Unfortunately, he´s not going to be able to play," he said, adding he expected the recovery period to take at least a few weeks.

Neymar, 22, was in tears when he was carried off on a stretcher before being taken to hospital in Fortaleza.

Coach Scolari said: "Neymar was going to be hunted. For three matches that has been happening."

Neymar fell hard to the field just a few minutes before match ended after a challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga. He also said that he had to play his game and was like “defending my shirt"
“It was a normal move” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player.”

Brazil's Luiz Felipe"We lost Neymar on that play, and based on what I´ve seen, I think it´s going to be tough for him to play,"

Neymar was later transferred to a private clinic in Fortaleza and huge amount of audience were gathered there shouting "Forca Neymar" (be strong Neymar)

Football World Cup 2014: Brazil oust Colombia to face Germany in semi-final

Fortaleza: Brazil stunned Colombia to book Germany in Semi-final with 2-1 victory.

Victory over Colombia sustained Brazilian nation's dream and reached semi-final of Football World Cup 2014.

Colombia and its hero James Rodriguez, wading through sea, reached quarter-final with form but Thiago Silva and David Luiz deny their hopes.

James Rodriguez raised hopes for Colombia 11 minutes before finish by taking Penalty and set up a fabulous match, but Brazil held on for the win.

Colombia could not take an early chance to show their game, and they fell behind on seven minutes.
It was an atrocious goal for Colombia to give away, as a corner from Neymar went all the way through to the back post and Silva bundled home from two yards.

Match's first card was finally given to Thiago Silva for stopping Ospina from shooting and dropping him, in 64 minutes of match.

That moment was outrageous when Colombia went on searching for a leveler to take semi-final place but it was David Luiz whose header deny hopes, he hit the ball with his instep to the top corner by taking a free-kick.

Brazil will now take of Germany in semi final with home advantage with many people’s favourites, but Germany have a superb World Cup record and will be no cinch.

Wimbledon 2014: Kvitova claimed her semi-final victory

Wimbledon2014: sixth seeded Kvitova defeated 23 seeded Lucie Safarova, 7-6(6), 6-1 in all-czeh's women semi-final to book her final at all England club.

When Petra Kvitova won the title here three years ago, her fellow Czech Martina Navratilova went on record to say it was the first of many. The assuring years have seen much highs and lows but her 7-6, 6-1 win over yet another Czech, Lucie Safarova, cruised her into the final and she goes on look every inch the likely champion once more.

The power of Kvitova was there for all to see on Centre Court as the left-hander shred into her returns to collect a break in the opening game. Safarova, seeded No23, broke back in the fourth game and held her own as the two punched a series of winners.

"It was a tough match mentally because Lucie is a great friend of mine," Kvitova said.

"I tried to be focused from the start of the second set. I managed to break her service in the first game and just kept it going and served well.

"I am just emotional from this match. I have two days before the final to focus but I know how it feels to lift that trophy so I will try my best to do it again."

Now she is likely to play against Eugenie Bouchard or Romania's Simona Halep in Final.

"We are not afraid of Argentina" said Jan Vertonghen

World Cup 2014: Jan Vertonghen, Belgium defender, said that his side is not afraid of Argentina.

Argentina has done nothing that can threat Belgium's side so they are not scared from Argentin, Jan Vertonghen.

Argentina's side owns their hero Messi, who has scored four goals in four matches.

"We are a team that is difficult for an opponent to play against. We are certainly not scared," said Vertonghen.

"We have been confident all tournament. We believe in ourselves. We are feeling strong physically and mentally. Belgium don't have to fear anyone," the Tottenham defender said at the pre-match press conference.

But Belgium will have to admit Argentina's captain and Brcelona hero Messi.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard, 23, has taken part in his side four times win by scoring two winning goals but has shown only peek of his quality.
"We've got Eden," said Kevin Mirallas, also a team mate. "You can't compare him with Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but he is still something special."

Red Devils had a sensational last 16 match, which took extra time to force USA out of the tournament.

"Against the Americans there was much more room and I expect Argentina to look to dictate the play.
Vertonghen proclaimed to his nation : "If we go out but put in a great performance and show what we're worth, we will still go home with a feeling of satisfaction."

Football World Cup 2014 Brasil : Germany took first place in the semis

World Cup 2014: Germany defeated France in the first quarter-final of Friday to become the first nation reaching semi-final four times consecutive, at Rio de Janiero

The victory with 12 minute header by Mats Hummels assured that Germany will play either Brazil or Colombia in the semi-final of the huge event at Brasil.

Germany will play in semis for the 13th time in 20 appearances in World cup and four time consecutive progress since 1998.

It was also reported that seven of the German's squad was suffering to mild flu as Hummels returned to take Per Mertesacker´s place at centre-back.

Miroslav Klose, the joint top-scorer at World Cup finals with 15 goals, was chosen up front with Thomas Mueller switching to the right wing.

Instead not only Germany gripped the game, but the first real chance feel to Benzema, who hit wide after seven minutes.

On 33 minute France got real chance when Mathieu Valbuena´s shot was saved by Manuel Neuer and Benzema failed to control the follow-up, pressing the ball just wide the bar.

Germany looked far more balanced than against Algeria in their last match and a period of constant force told when Hummels held off Varane to guide home a Toni Kroos free-kick.

Now, Brasil vs Colombia will tell that who is going to meet Germany in the semi-final .

Tennis: Djokovic and Federer cruised to semi-finals

Wimbledon: Djokiv and Federer advances in the tournament contests, as both will meet their opponents on Friday.

Croatia’s Marin Cilic beaten by Djokovic for the 10th time in his 10 games against him giving 6-1 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-2 coup on Court One.

Djokovic will meet Dimitrove in the semi final, who is appearing in semi-final for the first time.While Djokovic will be appearing in his 23rd and 16th in his last 17 majors.

On the other side seven-time champion Federer reached his ninth All England Club semi-final with a 3-6 7-6 (7 — 5) 6-4 6-4 victory over fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, his 14th win in 16 meetings against the Australian Open champion.

Federer will now play eighth-seeded Milos Raonic, the first Canadian man in the semi-finals in 106 years, for a place in the final
Raonic reached semi-final by ending hopes of world No144 Kyrgios’s with a ferocious 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win.
Murray, defeated by Dimitrov, had hoped to become the first British man to successfully defend the Wimbledon title since Fred Perry in 1936 but the 27-year-old’s defeat grabbed a 17-match winning streak at the All England Club.

Federer, snapping victory over Wawrinka, achieved place in the semi-final.

“Stan played great in the first two sets but maybe he struggled with his fitness a little,” said Federer who admitted he has been especially motivated at Wimbledon this year following his surprise second round loss to Sergiy Stakhovsky 12 months ago.
“Last year was a disappointment as Wimbledon is always a highlight of the year for me. I didn’t come close and I was very deflated.”
Federer owns a 4-0 career progress over the Canadian going into the semi-finals.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Tennis: Murray's reign as champon ended as Dimitrov made spot in semis

Wimbledon; Defending champion Andy Murray beatten by Dimitrove in the quarter-final, on Wednesday

Bulgaria's 11 seeded Dimitrov, played a fabulous game to win 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in two hours and one minute and reach in semi-final of grand slam for the first time.

Murray had been on 17th consecutive winning smear and was trying to reach his consecutive Wimbledon semi-final.

Dimitrov said he was gratified to get the job done in straight sets. "I am excited and happy to win through in straight sets. It´s never easy against Andy in front of his home crowd but today I was fortunate," He added. "I sensed in the warm up that his game was not at the highest level but I was already confident I could play at a high level and play good tennis."

While the skipper, Murray, said "My start to the match was poor," "I started the match badly and I think that gave him confidence.

"I should have done a better job at the beginning of the match of making it tougher for him, and I didn't manage to do that.
"Also, when I got back into the second set, that was my opportunity there."

Murray reign as champion was over as he could not find his next victory against Dimitrov, who is likely to play against Djokovic in Friday's semi-final.

Football World Cup 2014: Brazil oust Colombia to face Germany in semi-final

Fortaleza: Brazil stunned Colombia to book Germany in Semi-final with 2-1 victory.

Victory over Colombia sustained Brazilian nation's dream and reached semi-final of Football World Cup 2014.

Wimbledon 2014: Kvitova claimed her semi-final victory

"We are not afraid of Argentina" said Jan Vertonghen

World Cup 2014: Jan Vertonghen, Belgium defender, said that his side is not afraid of Argentina.

Tennis: Djokovic and Federer cruised to semi-finals

Tennis: Serena ended her doubles hope due to virus

Wimbledon: Illness caused top seeded Serena to end double hopes

Five times Wimbledon champion and the No.1 seed for The Championships 2014, Williams, was in considerable afflict afterleaving her second doubles match with her sister Venus at 0-3 down against the Swiss-German Stefanie Voegele and Kristina Barrois.

Serena was 3-0 down to Swiss-American opponents when she left. early in Wimbledon, Serena was beaten in the singles by Alize Cornet.

Serena, facing the vision problem, was trying to bounce the ball under control but couldn't.

Afterwards her coach Patrick Mouratoglou said “I don’t think it is anything to do with age or anything physical. I just think it’s a moment she’s at in her career. She doesn’t have her usual mindset for different reasons. It has happened to other champions in the past but I definitely think she can bounce back. She is fit, she is working hard, her tennis is there, just her competitiveness is not as high as it usually is.”

"I am heartbroken I'm not able to continue in the tournament," said Serena later. "I thought I could rally this morning, because I really wanted to compete, but this bug just got the best of me.

This was second time she faced this problem,she had also suffered an hazarding problem, notably enduring life-threatening blood clots in 2011.

Tennis: Sharapova sent off in fourth round of Wimbledon

Maria Sharapova beaten by German ninth seed Angelique Kerber in the fourth round of Wimbledon, joining other eliminators.

Kerber looked striving for victory in her fourth round's match aginst Sharapova, therefore won a 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-4 set on Centre Court, now her next opponent will be Canada's Eugenie Bouchard in the quarter-final.

Sharapova at the age of 17, incredibly won Wimbledon in 2004, but she has managed to qualify for quarter-finals only once in her last eight appearances to the All England Club.

In erratic performance she made 43 unexpected errors to 11 from Kerber, whose fighting ability kept making the Russian play one more ball.

"I always consider myself one of the favourites because I've won Grand Slams before, been number one in the world," said Sharapova.

"It's absolutely normal for people to have high expectations of me doing well in Grand Slam stages. I certainly do, as well. Today could have gone either way, and it didn't go my way."

After winning the game the fourth round match Keber is now determined for her next matches and want to make tem " disparate". "It was great match. I think the people enjoyed it out there," she added.
"Right now I will focus on my next round. Against Eugenie it´s a tough match. I will play aggressive, play my game and enjoy the match and enjoy every single moment here."

Kerber continue to tenacious, however, breaking straight away and struggling off two break points at 4-2 as the Russian's fighter caused another incursion.

Kerber was failed to benefit Sharapovaher her first match point, and she became resolute when she had the chance to serve it out.
Kerber said:
"It was such a tough match, playing to a high level, and it was so close.

Football World Cup 2014, One day to be left for Quarter-finals

The group stage has long since finished, the round of 16 reached its conclusion on Tuesday. All of a sudden the 2014 FIFA World Cup has gone from 32 teams to eight, quarter-final starts with Friday and by Saturday night the sides will have ebbed to four.

Friday Matches :

France Vs Germany, Rio De Janeiro

Brazil Vs Colombia, Fortaleza

Saturday Matches :

Argentina Vs Belgium, Brasilia

Netherland Vs Costa Rica, Arena Fonte Nova
(read more>>>>)

Football became the second most popular sports in America

NEW YORK: Interests for soccer increased for US rather than 1994, when they hosted football World Cup.

American team left their country with some promises which they really tried to fulfill and same strategy they used when they played against Belgium, with hope that they will reach quarter-final even more than that, leaving good response.

Their performance in Brazil was really admirable especially when they drew match against Portugal, which attracts interest of great numbers of American public.

American supporters bought 196,838 tickets for the World Cup, trailing only fans from Brazil, which really shows that watching football of their team has been boost and especially love for their team.

"In 2010 we had 25 official chapters (groups across America) and 10,000 members. Currently we're up to 143 chapters and 25,000 members ... and 7,000 members joined in the last two weeks," member Daniel Wiersema told CNN.

"Only around 50 people came to South Africa with us, it was basically one coach-load. This year we arranged travel packages and accommodation for 530 members ... despite the large distances that need to be covered in Brazil, so it's changing." (read more>>>>)

Tennis: Kyrgios stunned Nadal in fourth round

LONDON: Australia´s teenager ranked 144, Nick Kyrgios induced one of the greatest Wimbledon passion, when he expelled world number one Nadal out of the tournament, on Tuesday.

Wildcard Kyrgios, 19, won 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 on his Centre Court debut and will play Milos Raonic in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Former champion John McEnroe said Kyrgios could win the title this year and has high hopes for his future.

Being ranked outside 100, he became the first player to defeat world number one since Andrei Olhovskiy shocked Jim Courier in the Wimbledon quarter-final in 1992.

"I want to be the number one player in the world," said the Australian. "That's my motivation. I've never had anything like this happen in my life."

Ranked 144, Kyrgios is the first man outside the top 100 to beat a world number one at a Grand Slam since Jim Courier lost to Andrei Olhovskiy in 1992.

"It's just extraordinary," said Kyrgios. "I'd never think after that match I'd be in the quarters of Wimbledon three weeks later." He added

2008 and 2010 champion, Nadal, faced his third time failure, including fourth round loss 2014 , first round loss last year and second round in 2012.(read more>>>>)

Football World Cup Brasil 2014: Begium to become last member of super eight

SALVADOR: Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku's critical header in extra time made Belgium to reach Quarter-final of World Cup 2014, on Tuesday

This was an sensational and thriller occasion, when players were seemed to be in great spirit to reach next round meanwhile Belgium players scored goal to take their deserving victory over USA.

Belgium is last team to be included in the last eight to be meet in Quarter-final clash, as they will face Argentina on Saturday at Brasilia.

As the deadlock was broken in the second minute of extra time by successor Kevin de Bruynetime at Arena Fonte Nova. After a few seconds the Wolfsburg midfielder surged onto Lukaku´s assist to fire low into the corner. Lukaku doubled up after 11 minutes of first goal.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said "We had a lot of opportunities, and we dominated the game, and in the end it was well deserved even if it was scary with the US goal.

"Lukaku had been much criticized, and I told him, 'do not worry - the second round might be your day', and that's what happened.
"Tom Howard had a fantastic match but we need to forget about this match and focus on Argentina.
"
There shouldn't be any more worries from the media about us not playing football."

Belgium got the nervous moment when American side scored goal, according to the records their best ever performance was reaching semi-final in 1986.

Tennis: Roger federer into the Quarter-finals for the 16th time

LONDON: Seven-time champion Roger Federer cruised to the last eight of the men's singles at Wimbledon for 12th time in his career with a compelling straight-sets win over Tommy Robredo, on Tuesday

The Swiss, tendering for a record eighth title at the grassscourt slam, required just one hour 34 minutes of abstract tennis to win 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 and vindicate a mortifying defeat at the hands of Robredo at last year´s U.S. Open.

Everyone is expecting much for defending champion Andy Murray´s imposing success through the draw so far this year but Federer again expressed a reminder that, when his game is flowing there are few better sights in world sport.
Now Federer will meet Wawrinka in the quarter-final clash to continue their progressing records.

Wawrinka, has reached first time in quarter-final in Wimbledon. He confess that playing a fully fit and confident Federer at Wimbledon is "one of the biggest challenge in tennis", although he defeated the former world number one the last time they met, in the Monte Carlo final in April.

"It's like playing Rafa in the French Open," he said. "When you go on court, you need to trust yourself, you need to go for it."

Cricket: NZ former Batsman banned from cricket for whole life

WELLINGTON:"My name is Lou Vincent and i am cheat" Embarrassing former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent on Tuesday said, who is now banned for whole life.

The former New Zealand batsman, Lou Vincent, has been banned for life by the ECB after he revealed disrupting the ECB's anti-corruption rules and regulations. Hours before the penalty was declared, Vincent released a statement saying that he was a cheat and that he had accepted money to under-perform.

That statement include "My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat. I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing," he said this by confirming the ban.

It is likely to be formally announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board later Tuesday.
NZC chief executive David White said the management was, "appalled" by Vincent's actions, "and supported the penalty handed down."

The anti-corruption case around Vincent relating to county cricket had, ECB CEO David Collier said, "crossed different cricketing jurisdictions and needed close collaboration and intelligence-sharing between both our own anti-corruption unit, other domestic boards and the ICC's ACSU." He told Vincent as "an individual who repeatedly sought to involve others in corrupt activity for his own personal gain has accepted that his conduct warrants a lifetime ban from cricket." The ECB said that ban still "required the approval of the ECB's independent Cricket Discipline Commission".(read more.>>>>)

ICC declared names for hosting mega events

DUBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) declared the names of hosts of event taking place from 2016 to 2023.

It has been reported that "Big Three" has taken the hosting of all event among themselves.

India will host Twenty20 international in 2016 while Australia will host Champions trophy in 2017.

And according to sources, One Day International World Cup would be seem to play in England in 2019 and T20 in Austalia in 2020. Later on, India will host two mega events – Champions Trophy in 2021 and World Cup in 2023 (read more>>>>)

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Tennis: Andy Murray beat Kevin Anderson to meet Grigor in Quarter-final

LONDON: Defending champion Andy Murray reached quarter final after beating South African Anderson.
British Murray was tested by the big-serving South African, on a career-high ranking of 18, but yet prevailed 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in a match on Centre Court concluded under the roof.

He next faces Bulgarian 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals. "I knew I was going to get tested at some stage," Murray said. "I was pushed, especially in the middle part of that second set, then obviously later on in the third there were some tight moments. But I handled them fairly well. It was a good match. When it was outdoors, I played very well and was in a good position. When we came back indoors, he started to strike the ball a bit better, he started serving better. It´s good to get through in straight sets."

Grigor has won only 23 but he has been progressing from a really young age The Bulgarian has taken his time to develop his game and his physique, he actually aided him; it’s not been too much, too soon, and he ads steady success in his career.

Grigor played some of the best tournament in his career, especially on Monday when he did wonderfully in a rain-interrupted, straight-sets win over Argentinian Leonardo Mayer. And he is 11th seed with good reason, after winning at Queens on the verge of Wimbledon and, earlier this year, reaching his first quarters at a major in Australia.

Andy will be very confident in his match, and satisfies with his present performance so far.

Tennis: Dijokovic made Tsonga to find exit in Wimbledon

LONDON: Top seed Novak Dijokovic made his spot in final eight for sixth successive year after beating French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Monday

Novak Djokovic made his victory for his sixth straight Wimbledon quarter final after a sensational 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

2011 champion, Dijokovic, will be playing in his 21st successive Grand Slam quarter-final when he meets Croatia´s Marin Cilic for semi-final place.

Dijokovic leads Cilic 9-0 in his records, Monday's victory was his 13th in 18 meetings against two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsonga and 11th in a row. "In the third set he started to serve very well, very dynamic, very strong. It was important to hang in there, get into the tie-break," said Djokovic who dismissed 44 winners. I am feeling good, I had two days off, I could recover a little bit. In the first week I had a couple of tough matches."

Earlier, Djokovic had lost a set against Radek Stepanek in the second round and dismissed spectacularly against Simon in the tournamnet. But he immediately entered the zone playing under the Centre Court’s closed roof and a spell of constant hitting earned him a single break before he took the first set in just 25 minutes

On facing Cilic, the Serb added: "He knows how to play on grass and definitely he has nothing to lose so I look forward to a tough one."

Football World Cup 2014 Brasil : Argentina swept to Quarter-final after beating Switzerland

SAO PAULO: Tuesday first match ended after a much taken time, giving result in the favour of Argentina with help of header in extra time

After 118th minute, Argentina's Angel di Maria scored classical goal to take Argentina to quarter-finals in the Football World Cup 2014.

The two-time champions dominated possession in a bloated last-16 tie, but were unable to break through until Di Maria swept in Lionel Messi's pass.

Switzerland defender Blerim Dzemali headed against the Argentina post then pressed wide after Di Maria's winner.

Tonight's action will be finished when Belgium and USA will meet, and now Argentina will face Belgium or the USA in the last eight on Saturday.

Football World Cup 2014 Brasil : Action continues with tonight matches

Football World Cup 2014, knockout show continues to Argentina vs Switzerland in Sao Paolo and Belgium vs United States in Salvador.

Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said his side know how to stop Argentina's star Messi, they have plaaned much for that.

The former Bayern Munich Boss said he would demonstrate how to Neutralise the Argentine genius, who has pillaged four goals in three games so far in brazil, in the last 16.

four-time FIFA Ballon D'or winner, aged 27, has hit four of Argentina's six goals en route to today's round of 16 knockout game against Switzerland in Sao Paulo.

Cricket : Black caps captured series against West Indies with their skilled bowlers

BRIDGETOWN: Boult and Southee gave New Zealand a 53-run victory over the West Indies in the last hour of the third and final Test match at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Monday, taking the series with 2-1

Despite being held up by a 77-run eighth-wicket partnership between Jason Holder and Shane Shillingford, playing their first test, the Black Caps destroyed their innings with Trent Boult, who did the early damage in the morning, impressing with the second new ball to restrict last man Jerome Taylor leg-before and dismiss the home side for 254.

Boult's skill in swinging the ball both ways left the batsmen noticeably skeptical . Kraigg Brathwaite shouldered arms to a enthusiastic in-dipper that slid off his pad to howitzer into off stump. Kirk Edwards followed the same method but had supervised to secure his stumps with his pads

Boult, fellow-seamer Tim Southee and off-spinner Mark Craig took three wickets each to lead the New Zealand great work which gave them the match and the series 2-1, only their second Test win at Kensington Oval and second Test series triumph in the Caribbean. "We´re really thrilled with pulling off this series win," said New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum at the end of the match. "It was tough cricket all the way through so we´ll enjoy this moment."

Kane Williamson, was the successful player for New Zealand in their second innings who scored 161 not out, took the honors as "Man of the Match" and "Man of the Series".

In the first innings, the successful bowler was Neil Wagner. This time though Southee was the enjoying bowler. He trapped West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin, who got to 29 before edging a catch to Ross Taylor at first slip. "One of the major problems for us in this match was the inability to knock over the New Zealand lower-order," said Ramdin. "In the batting department, those who got begins for us could have forced on, but it didn´t happen."

Chris Gayle, who has been suffering by a back injury and tried hard to search his best form in the series, was next to go, bowled for 11 off the inside-edge as he wanted to stroke a big drive at Southee to diminished the West Indies to 31 for three.

football World Cup 2014 Brasil: Germany reached second round of Knock-out phase by ousting Algeria

PORTO ALEGRE: Germany beat Algeria by scoring in extra time with Andre Schuerrle and Mesut Ozil, taking 2-1 victory to take their place in quarter final on Monday.

Chelsea forward Schuerrle scored header in 92nd minute breaking the deadlock, with Arsenal´s Ozil adding a second in the 120th minute.

Abdelmoumene Djabou battered in the first minute of stoppage time to give Algeria a encouraging goal.

The result looked imminent once once superb Algeria side began to tire, but Joachim Low's men will have to improve dramatically if they are to insure a first World Cup since 1990.

Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half while Germany´s best early chance came as the break entice, when only the lightning remification of Algeria keeper Rais Mbolhi refuted first Toni Kroos´ and then Mario Goetze from the rebound.

Germany coach Joachim Loew made change to bring Schuerrle for Goetze after the half time and he almost impressed immideately, his 48th minute drive only narrowly deflected.

With the sides deadlocked, extra time was required, and Schuerrle finally was the man to find a way past Mbolhi, snapping the ball with the inside of his heel at close range after Mueller´s cross from the left in the 92nd minute.

Mesut Ozil drilled in to double their lead and, although Abdelmoumene Djabou volleyed home to grantee a delirious end, a satisfied Germany held on and will take on the French in Rio on Friday.

Algeria could not go through in their first ever knockout stage , meaning Africa's representation in Brazil is over, but they depart with colossal credit for a superb campaign.

Germany are into the last eight for the 17th time in 18 World Cup appearances, but they lacked the eloquence and cutting edge that has seen them installed among the tournament favorites.

Football World Cup 2014 Brasil: France beat Nigeria by 2-0, to accompany qualified teams for quarter-final

BRASILIA: France scored twice in the final 11 minutes in Brasilia to beat Nigeria and progressed to the third round, including Paul Pogba's header and own goal from Joseph Yobo in the injury time.

The Juventus midfielder rose highest at the back post to give Didier Deschamps' side the lead with twelve minutes to go.

Nigeria's goalkeeper Enyeama preserved many ball blocking the France hopes, he saved most than any goalkeeper in the group phase and had to be alert again to keep out Pogba's fierce close-range volley as the play swept from end to end in a first half that saw both sides look exposed defensively.

Former Everton defender Joseph Yobo put the ball in his own net during finishing moment, giving France lead.

In the beginning, first half went goalless and both team could find their goal

France, the 2006 runners-up, did not make it past the group stage in South Africa four years ago but they looked much more united as a squad in this tournament.

So far, five teams have qualified for the quarter-final stage.

Suarez apologises over biting Italian player

MONTEVIDEO: Humiliated Uurugay striker Luis Suarez apologised on Monday to Italy's Giorgio defender Chiellini for the bite that saw him dislodged from the World Cup.

The Uruguay forward, 27, was suspended from all football activities for biting Italy's Chiellini in a World Cup match group matches

“I apologies to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family”, said a statement on Suarez’s official Twitter account which admitted that the Italian had suffered the physical result of a bite, But Suarez has previously said he lost his balance and did not bite Chiellini.

“I vow to the public there will never again be another incident like it”, he added.

It is his third career ban for biting after event with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic while at Liverpool in April 2013, and PSV's Otman Bakkal while at Ajax in 2010.

"I am truly very sorry about the incident with Branislav Ivanovic," he said at the time.

The latest ban was the enormous in World Cup history, exceeding the eight games given to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for elbowing Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994.

Cricket : Chris Gayle excluded from T20 squad against New Zealand

WI vs NZ : Dominica, West Indies opener Chris Gayle has been given rest for the T20 international against New Zealand, while all rounder Dwayne bravo will still sit outside because of its hamstring shoulder injury.

All rounder Kieron Pollard, is set to be play his international T20 after July 2013, he was suffering from Knee injury but he played domestic matches.

Bowling allrounder Christopher Barnwell, and batsman Darren Bravo are also involved in the 13 squad. The three missing from the group that travelled to Bangladesh for the 2014 World T20 are allrounder Marlon Samuels, fast bowler Ravi Rampaul and opener Johnson Charles.

Samuels had scored only 86 runs in five innings during the World T20 and was also dropped from West Indies' Test squad after making a pair in the first match against New Zealand in Jamaica. Neither Rampaul nor Charles played a game during the tournament in Bangladesh. Dwayne Bravo has been discarded ever since he hurt his shoulder during the IPL in April.

The T20 matches will be played at Windsor Park on July 5 and 6.

Squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Christopher Barnwell, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith

Football World Cup Brazil 2014 : Four team will be fighting for their spot tonight

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil World Cup huge event, Germany and France will meet Nigeria and Algeria by blocking their quarter final chances.

African teams had never reached last 16 and tonight if they win their games they will meet in quarter finals and will assure the first ever place in the final eight.

French coach Didier Deschamps and Germany´s Joachim Loew know however that if they win, they will meet in super eight at Rio De Janerio.

France will face off Nigeria in Brasilia at 9pm PST while Germany play Algeria, with the North Africans also playing for revenge, in Porto Alegre at 1 am PST (Tuesday).

Several french players were given rest for Ecuador, when France were held to a 0-0 draw. So Mathieu Valbuena should return and Laurent Koscielny could line up in central defence alongside Raphael Varane as Mamadou Sakho is dubious due to a thigh injury. Yohan Cabaye will come back after missing the Ecuador game due to suspension, but Paul Pogba´s place is under hazard from Moussa Sissoko.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi urges that his side´s strife over bonuses is history now that their cash has been paid, and they will be trying hard to get spot in the quarter final.

Ahmed Musa, who scored twice in the 3-2 defeat by Argentina, said: "We need to defend well, take our chances up front and learn from the Argentina game."

Germany have played Algeria twice -- at the World Cup in 1982 and in a 1964 friendly -- and lost both games, but it is Vahid Halilhodzic´s Algeria who have retribution on their mind.

German captain Philipp Lahm has said Germany will have to play fairly to maintain their reputation of being Europe´s best hope at the World Cup. "We have had great teams in the past and this squad has great potential, but we have to take it a round at a time and play aggressively," he said. "I think we are the better team, but we have to prove that on the pitch."

Winner will meet in super eight (quarter final) of big event at Rio de Janierio