NBA News - High-Fi Performance From MANU & DELFINO

Minnesota Timberwolves 91 San Antonio Spurs 106

San Antonio has learned to maximize Manu GINOBILI's impact by making him a substitute after having started for much of his career.


This is the very definition of the Spurs, who have dominated the league with four titles in the last eight years by finding the right role for every player.

GINOBILI scored a season-high 31 points with 7-for-9 shooting from 3-point range, and the Spurs stormed past the fledgling Minnesota Timberwolves for a 106-91 victory on Friday night, closing the game with a staggering 40-11 run. GINOBILI was also 11-for-16 from the field. Apart from that he also posted 3 rebounds, 4 assists & 3 steals.
"Today, I was really good with that shot,'' said GINOBILI, who is the only player in the NBA averaging more than 18 points and less than 30 minutes per game. "They made a decision to double Tim, and so that's where I had open shots. I've always been working on my 3-point shot, especially to make them come hard and then use my penetration.''

Fabricio OBERTO also had a good game as he posted 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists & 1 steal.


Cleveland Cavaliers 82 Toronto Raptors 91

The ever improving Carlos DELFINO set a career high 24 points plus 8 rebounds & 1 assist, as the Toronto Raptors won their third straight with a 91-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
DELFINO and the Raptors manage to fill in star void that left by Le Bron JAMES and Daniel GIBSON, both were out because of injury. He made his first six field goals and didn't miss until he was blocked by Drew GOODEN at 1:04 of the second quarter.

Another night that Carlitos has proven that he is made for the NBA.

NBA News - Inspiration From The Bench

Toronto Raptors 103 Memphis Grizzlies 91

Another inspiring performance from Carlos DELFINO, as the Raptors overcome Pau GASOL & Co. From the beginning the Tennessee side look out of reach to chase the Canadians.

DELFINO finished off the game by posting 14 points, 7 rebounds & 1 block shot.

San Antonio Spurs 109 Washington Wizards 94

Another inspirer from the bench only this time it is proven quality at its very best. That is what Manu GINOBILI all about. Again and again he does it and makes look so easy.

Tonight against the Wizards whom are still without their ace Gilbert “Agent Zero” ARENAS, he posted 19 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists & 2 steals.

Fabricio OBERTO too had pretty active night posting 5 points, 7 rebounds & 4 assists.

Phoenix Suns 94 Houston Rockets 100

Though the Rockets continued their winning streak to three games, the points were still low for Luis SCOLA.

Judging from the stats he is definitely going neck and neck battle with Chuck HAYES for the starting power forward position.

Eventually he finished off the game with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

ROMAN Set For Boca's Return

The path finally looks set for Juan Roman RIQUELME to leave Villarreal and return to beloved boyhood club Boca Juniors.
Villarreal have announced that they have reached an agreement with the Argentinean playmaker, who has been frozen out by manager Manuel PELLEGRINI all season.

Club directors Jose Manuel LLANEZA and Miguel PEREZ are due to meet with the Boca representatives in Buenos Aires on Wednesday in order to complete the deal.

ROMAN, 29, was initially loaned back to his former club midway through last season after falling out with PELLEGRINI, with Boca Juniors won the Copa Libertadores with him in the side.

However, on his return to Spain he saw a move to Atletico Madrid fall through and has not played for Villarreal, currently second in La Liga, since.

Despite of all this, he has still featured consistently for his national team during this period, and has scored four goals so far in Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Certainly for me, its all good to know that finally our midfield lynchpin will get to play regular football to maintain his good form but there are things that I keep asking myself over and over again.
Is it because other were simply blind to notice the great talent and gift that ROMAN possess or is it because he just doesn’t have what it takes to play in Europe?

After all this is the same player who I remember watching when I was only 17 dazzling everyone with his sorcery on the ball right here in my own backyard in Malaysia. I knew from that on this is going to be something special in the years to come.


Anyway I guess you just can’t complain too much that’s all. Good luck ROMAN to the future and take us all the way to glory in 2010.

NBA News - Fantastic Night For SCOLA & HERRMANN

San Antonio Spurs 101 Memphis Grizzlies 88

By his own standard Manu GINOBILI was not a happy man with his performance tonight. But for everyone knows about his modesty and humbleness that he will not complain just as long his team wins.

Eventually he finished off the game in perhaps one of the lowest he had this season with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists & 1 steal.

Fabricio OBERTO could happy with his contribution after scoring 8 points, 5 rebounds plus an assist and a steal.

But for once the good news of the night in the NBA did not come from the defending champions.

Miami Heat 98 Houston Rockets 91

The 2006 champions are struggling to win at home, while the Rockets have been losing for the past five games.

But for me the most important aspect of this game was Luis SCOLA ability to play alongside YAO Ming and Tracy McGRADY together. Many observer felt that SCOLA's role will be limited once T-Mac returns from injury. But how the wrong they were.

For the third time this season, SCOLA equal his NBA career high performance by posting 20 points, a game high 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal & 1 block shot.

He is giving coach Rick ADELMAN some headache for the power forward position between him and Chuck HAYES. But hey Rick!!! the figures don't lie, don't they.

Orlando Magic 105 Charlotte Bobcats 92

The Warrior as we all know him was simply sensational but like SCOLA his team suffered a lost. Not a good way to end great night, certainly.

But I'm not going to take away all the credit that Walter HERRMANN for putting the type performance that he does on his best. Well just check this out, he finished off the game as the Bobcats to performer with 16 points, 6 rebounds and a steal.

All this coming from the reserves.

News Round Up

Golf – 2007 Mission Hill World Cup.

Andres ROMERO and Ricardo GONZALEZ improved Argentina’s position at the leader board after Day 2 of the competition. Argentina are now currently now in Tied 10 position, with 5 shots behind leader, USA.

Day 3 of the competition will resume tomorrow, 24th of November

Volleyball – 2007 Men’s World Cup

Argentina manages recovered from their defeat against Japan with another win today. The volley boys held off Australia 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-14 & 25-23) in an entertaining second match of the day at the Green Arena on Friday. As of now, with this result will now climbed into 5th place in the standings but much of that may changed once two more remaining fixtures of the day completes.

Further More…

Now it’s back to the weekend round of European football we plenty action to look of forward too.

Already there is has been news that Carlos TEVEZ might be rested for the weekend after enduring long hours flight from South America back to Manchester.

Anyway we will catch up with the rest later.

NBA News - Magical Manu Fires 27 For Spurs

Houston Rockets 100 Dallas Mavericks 94

The Rockets must have felt about their chances to turns thing around in the Texas derby.

First is of course is the return of Tracy McGRADY from injury and the second has to be Luis SCOLA back to back 20 points performance from the two previous game.

In the end, good old Rick has decided to his usual game plan on which SCOLA was given limited time play as result he posted no point except for 2 rebounds.

When would they ever learn? This is the Rockets third straight defeat.

Charlotte Bobcats 111 Washington Wizards 114

Not exciting night for another Tall Albiceleste. Walter HERRMANN was only in action for less then 13 minutes but still contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds & a assist.

Memphis Grizzlies 89 Toronto Raptors 95

The Raptors ended their two game losing streaks with a win over Pau GASOL’s Grizzlies.

Carlos DELFINO continues to improve his game since he made the move to Toronto as he receives more time play and gets more opportunity than he was in Detroit.

Coming from the bench, he finished off the game with 13 points, 4 rebounds & 1 assist.

San Antonio Spurs 128 Orlando Magic 110

The good news in the NBA never stops there, as it was another fantastic performance from Manu GINOBILI.

Coming from the bench, he had plenty to cheer about. MANU has already been touted as the leading candidate to win this season 6th Man Award.
Once again he could do no wrong in strengthening that statement as he posted 27 points plus 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

OBERTO too had a pretty god night for himself as posted 6 points, 8 rebounds plus 3 assists.

Messi's latest gem

Colombia 2-1 Argentina (0-1 Messi)
Video sent by MoreGoals

Despite losing the match, we've got a new gem to look at. What a goal from Lionel!

So long perfect record

We've lost. That's the quick analysis. The undeniable fact.

Behind that defeat there were many stories. Many moments that have changed and conditioned the match. The first that comes to my mind is TEVEZ seeing the red card with only 25 minutes gone.

He showed his usual movement and he had a couple of efforts before making that rookie mistake (one stopped by the keeper, the other one went wide).

But before we had time to suffer that impact, RIQUELME played a quick ball to MESSI and Lionel did the rest. Four players in the way and a shot to the far post to put Argentina 1-0 up in Bogota.

It could have been two in the final minutes with a couple of moves from IBARRA and then RIQUELME but none of them were able to take a shot.

I was surprised to see Argentina coming back to play the second half without making substitutions. The plan was to hold on to the 1-0 result and it started working.

GAGO sent a beautiful long pass to MESSI who got to the box with only one defender and the keeper to beat. He started moving to the left, trying to get a good angle and when he took the shot, I thought it was in. That near miss could have changed the game. But it didn't.

Soon after that, DEMICHELIS had no option but to foul Wason "What kind of name is that?" RENTERIA after RIQUELME was fouled but the referee ignored it.

Ruben Dario BUSTOS, a free-kick specialist, gave us a taste of our own medicine and had no problems to curled the ball over the wall and out of the reach of Pato ABBONDANZIERI. 1-1 and the home crowd started singing again.

Only after Colombia equalised, Coco pointed to the bench and called Maxi to take CAMBIASSO's place. That didn't change a whole lot. We were harmless up-front because when MESSI received the ball, he was always on his own and he was sometimes stopped with fouls. He needed someone to join him and make his life easier. Roman did OK, but both of them needed support from the moment TEVEZ saw the red card.

The worst came near the end. MORENO ran from a very dubious position and after a combination with RENTERIA he put Colombia 2-1 up.

Seven minutes to go and yet no substitutions made by Coco. I was hoping CRESPO could come in and replace IBARRA (for example), so we could have a shot at scoring an equalizer.

It wasn't to be. Ironically, in my opinion, this was our best performance in the World Cup Qualifiers so far. We will shake this off and build for the future.

Argentina looking to get fourth straight win

I'm writing this with less than three hours to kick-off in Bogota and I still have no idea on how will our starting lineup look like.

The weather could change a little bit, but right now, a heavy rain is falling on Bogota and despite the pitch being covered with plastic protection, we could be facing the prospect of playing on a really wet surface.

The important thing is that Argentina will be looking to close 2007 in style. A year in which we played tremendously well sometimes, yet we fell short when we had to jump our highest hurdle: Brazil in the Copa America final.

Because after tonight's match in Colombia, there will be no more official fixtures in the remainder of the year and the next World Cup Qualifying match will be in mid-june 2008, when we'll host Ecuador, three days before travelling to Brazil.

Now I think a win tonight is crucial. The best thing that could happen to Argentina is to get to Brazil with a good cushion and put the pressure on them.

Honestly, I don't think Brazil or Argentina will ever be under pressure playing the Qualifiers with this format (home and away fixtures against every rival in South America). There is no way these two giants could ever be placed under the fourth place in the standings. And if they do, they still have a shot by finishing fifth and facing a play-off with a team from CONCACAF.

It's always a good thing to be on top of your rivals in ANY standings, but we are a long way from that match against Brazil and we need to focus on today's game in Bogota.

Who will start?

From what I've seen in the first couple of fixtures (Chile at home and Venezuela away) Coco didn't use the same starting XI. One obvious reason is that he doesn't want to burn them out.

So I expect some changes tonight.

Pato will be the keeper and the back line could remain unchanged: IBARRA-DEMICHELIS-Gabriel MILITO-ZANETTI.

MASCHERANO, RIQUELME and MESSI are guaranteed but there is no way we will use the three-strikers formation that we used against Bolivia. AGÜERO looks to be the one that's going to be replaced, with Maxi RODRIGUEZ being the favourite to take his place in the starting lineup.

CAMBIASSO and CRESPO were doubts with injuries, but they both responded well in training and Cuchu looks on his way to play from the start. If he is not ready, then Fernando GAGO will take his place.

The other doubt lies on who will join MESSI upfront. TEVEZ and CRESPO will fight for that position.

Not long till we find the answers to all these questions.

But who's your pick as striker?

Are you happy with the rest of the team so far?

Any forecast on what will be the score? Remember...both teams are still to allow a goal in the World Cup Qualifiers...hope we don't share that priviledge with nobody after tonight!

VAMOS ARGENTINA!

Some News Round Up

Golf – 2007 Mission Hills World Cup

Also known as the 2007 World Cup of Golf, which will take place at the Mission Hills Golf Club in China from the 22nd –25th of November.

For the record, Argentina has not won the World Cup of Golf since winning the inaugural tournament held in Canada in 1953, when the legendary Roberto DE VICENZO teamed up with Antonio CERDA.

In last year’s tourney held in Barbados, Angel CABRERA together with Andres ROMERO finished off the competition tied in 5th place after a strong start in the first two day of the competition.

Much to my surprise for this year campaign is that CABRERA; this years US Open winner is not in the team to partner with ROMERO, who finished third in the British Open this year. Instead ROMERO will partner with Ricardo GONZALEZ, who has played with PATO on three previous occasions (1996,1998 & 2005).

PATO withdrawal must have left a huge gap in the team as both he and ROMERO were having a fantastic year. Furthermore some big name such as Colin MONTGOMERIE (Scotland), Retief GOOSEN & Trevor IMMELMAN (both South Africa), Miguel Angel JIMENEZ (Spain) and other whom will be lining up for their respective nations.

Nevertheless, let’s hope that both ROMERO and GONZALEZ will rise to the occasions and end Argentina’s 54 years of waiting for another glory at the World Cup. Good luck to both of them.

Volleyball – 2007 FIVB Men’s World Cup

The volleyball’s world Cup, held in Japan, will also serve as a qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, with the top 3 three getting direct entry to the games.

Argentina’s campaign suffered a defeat on the opening day (18t of November) against Russia, going down 0-3 (16-25, 22-25 & 17-25). However the team recovered to defeat Tunisia 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 23-25 & 25-23).

Later on today, they will take on South Korea.

Classy Roman leads Argentina to third win in a row

We knew we had great chances of winning it before it even started. How big a result we could get was the big question. Granted it was 3-0. But I also like to have in consideration how we played as a team and how we got that result. And I'm not that happy about the way we played.

The first thing I'd like to say is that you have to consider Argentina didn't try all that hard for the full 90 minutes because they knew they have a long trip to Bogota to face Colombia on Tuesday. Same as the first match against Chile, the Albicelestes got a 2-goal cushion and the last half-an-hour was a surplus. Totally unnecessary because nothing important was really going to happen.

Coco knew Bolivia was not going to give his team a real battle in midfield and so he choose to field just two men that had the ball recovery as their main task (MASCHERANO and CAMBIASSO).

MESSI was deployed on the right (just as he does for Barcelona) and for much that I wanted him to, he couldn't quite shine in Buenos Aires (something he has declared he is desperate to do). It's very evident that he is putting some extra pressure on his shoulders because he tries to do too much everytime he is on the ball. The pitch was horrible. A massive Argentine rock/pop band (Soda Stereo) made its comeback after a decade or so and they played 6 concerts at River leaving tragical consecuences to the grass. That didn't help Lionel, a player that always keep the ball on the surface and depends on a good soil to really step up his game. Not a 100% valid excuse to explain his performance. That run before Argentina's third goal was a classic though.

Defensively, we were not really tested. These are tricky games, however, as the opposition may only get to scoring position once or twice in the whole match and you can never rule surprises out. Are back like is yet to be really pushed to the limit, but so far, so good: 3 matches, no goals allowed. It can't be a bad sign.

MASCHERANO and CAMBIASSO (here's hoping his ankle injury is not that bad. He is doubtful for the match in Colombia) played well in midfield. I could say the same I said when talking about the defence. I guess that when they go unnoticed it means we really controlled the match and that was what happened.

I didn't really like the way the team played upfront. The combination of the "midgets' army" is not something that we'll see everyday, and if that was going to be the case, then they really need to work in a lot of aspects.

I don't think they link up well very naturally. A couple of arguments between TEVEZ and MESSI were proof to that and I've seen AGÜERO fighting for a ball all by himself way too often. The reason is that the three of them play a similar type of game and seeing them trying to cross the ball in more than one ocassion to feed one of the other two was an indication that something was wrong. How will you try and cross the ball for one of them to head it in the box? They are midgets! They should play with the ball at their feet, dribbling opponents, playing one-twos.

Unhappy at Villarreal where he is not playing, RIQUELME really thrives in Albiceleste. BASILE really put himself under a lot of pressure when he decided to call up an inactive player (the only one in his team without regular first team football) and Roman is really paying dividends to the boss. Two goals in each qualifying match played in Buenos Aires. Three from free-kicks. Top-scorer in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. And the real owner of the ball. He is like a corrupt customs officer: Everything goes through him! Good to know he is delivering the goods for Argentina and here's hoping he keeps on smiling when he plays for us.

A couple of milestones

Javier ZANETTI, who played left-back, became the all-time leader in matches played for Argentina. He was tied with former captain Roberto Fabián AYALA but now Pupi owns the record all for himself. You have to feel good for him as he is an example of professionalism, dedication and durability. Not losing a single drop of talent in the process. Congratulations to him for playing his 116th match for Argentina.

A special day for Sergio Kun AGÜERO as he scored his first ever international goal (of course we are not considering the U20 national team). He had an easy header after DEMICHELIS sent the ball his way before the end of first half.

Up next is Colombia away. A win there will mean we head to a very easy qualification to South Africa 2010. It's not very easy to most of the teams in our group to get 12 points in a blink of an eye. I would love to see Argentina opening a huge gap at the top of the table so we can use the second half of the qualifying round as a fine-tune period, playing without pressures and trying to develop a solid style to bring it to the next World Cup.

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (3-0 Riquelme)

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (3-0 Riquelme)
Video sent by MoreGoals

http://www.golestv.com

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (2-0 Riquelme)

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (2-0 Riquelme)
Video sent by MoreGoals

http://www.golestv.com

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (1-0 Aguero)

Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (1-0 Aguero)
Video sent by MoreGoals

http://www.golestv.com

All set for Argentina - Bolivia

Ladies and gentlemen...hello again!

Did you miss me? I did miss you and this blog, but I decided to get away for a while. I needed some rest after working and relocating a number of times in the last few months.

I've been reading and I have to congratulate John one more time because he did a great job and I enjoyed his articles and updates.

Today we won't be at the stadium with Johnny (like we did against Chile -I still owe you the pictures from that day-) , but I'll be watching and following the match here with those of you with a computer handy.

Argentina look set to field their "army of midgets" today as Juan Roman RIQUELME will be the play-maker sitting behind an unprecedent striking force formed by Carlos TEVEZ, Lionel MESSI and Sergio AGÜERO.

Hernán CRESPO was called up again, but a slight injury will keep him out of today's match. However, those who love Hernán, might see him back in the starting line-up as soon as this Tuesday, when Argentina travel to Bogotá to face Colombia.

Just as we've seen in the first two matches, Coco made changes in between the game against Chile and the away contest v Venezuela. Maxi RODRIGUEZ later confessed that Coco told him when he called him up for the first two qualifying matches, that he was only going to use him against Chile and preserve him versus Venezuela.

Now I'm thinking Coco might do the same and use AGÜERO and TEVEZ tonight and maybe keep CRESPO fresh to play with two forwards (MESSI will be the other one) ahead of the enganche RIQUELME.

But enough with this futurology. The present is Bolivia and we have to take this game very seriously. Play accordingly to our history and our potential and make it 9 points out of 9 possible.

Here's our very offensive starting lineup for today:

ABBONDANZIERI

IBARRA, DEMICHELIS, Gabriel MILITO, ZANETTI

MASCHERANO, CAMBIASSO

RIQUELME

MESSI, TEVEZ, AGÜERO

National anthems are being played and we are using a new model of shirt. The Monumental is packed and I'm all fired up for this match!

VAMOS ARGENTINA!

NBA News - SCOLA On Fire But Spurs Win

San Antonio Spurs 90 Houston Rockets 84

The Rockets were pretty much in an uncertain situation before this game as they were without their ace Tracy McGRADY who was out injured. Much depends on how YAO Ming is going to cope all by himself.

This is where somebody needs to step up be counted and that someone is non other than Luis SCOLA.

From the beginning this was a game not to be missed in which SCOLA had some company in the other end, Manu GINOBILI and Fabricio OBERTO.

Before this game, SCOLA has been averaging 3.9 points, but tonight he was perfect in the first half making all six shots for 12 points. In the end he was the Rockets best performer of the night with 20 points and 4 rebounds.

However Spurs manage to contain the T-MACless Rockets with another brilliant performance from Manu, as he posted 19 points, 9 rebounds, a game high 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block shot.

OBERTO's responsibility was reduced to defensive as he was at YAO and SCOLA's face for most of the occasion, forcing them to commit fouls and only managing 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

Now I'm wondering is Rockets coach Rick ADELMAN finally believes that SCOLA does deserve a spot in the starting 5.

Toronto Raptors 110 Indiana Pacers 101

Carlos DELFINO saw action for the Raptors, as Toronto improve to a 5-4 record in the league. DELFINO posted 11 points plus an assist, steal and block shot.

Coco's World Cup Qualifier Squad

Coco BASILE has named his full squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier. Just quick reminder, that Argentina will host Bolivia on the 17th of November and will travel to Colombia on the 20th of November.

Before we go into further discussion, here is the list of names that has been picked by Coco.

Goalkeepers

Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (Getafe)
Mariano ANDUJAR (Estudiantes)
Agustin ORION (San Lorenzo)

Defenders

Javier ZANETTI (Inter Milan)
Nicolas BURDISSO (Inter Milan)
Martin DEMICHELIS (Bayern Munich)
Gabriel MILITO (Barcelona)
Gabriel HEINZE (Real Madrid)
Fabricio COLOCCINI (Deportivo La Coruna)
Hugo IBARRA (Boca Juniors)

Midfielders

Esteban CAMBIASSO (Inter Milan)
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid)
Maxi RODRIGUEZ (Atletico de Madrid)
Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool)
Juan Roman RIQUELME (Villarreal)
Federico INSUA (Club America)
Sebastian BATTAGLIA (Boca Juniors)

Strikers

Lionel MESSI (Barcelona)
Carlos TEVEZ (Manchester United)
Hernan CRESPO (Inter Milan)
Sergio AGUERO (Atletico de Madrid)
German DENIS (Independiente)

Certainly the big news in the team has to be the returned of Hernan CRESPO to bolster our attacks. Some of you out there may want to disagree with me on this, but I would still have preferred Julio CRUZ who I believe has been more consistent for Inter in recent weeks.

So right now the big question is, should CRESPO starts, which is the most likely player to partner alongside him up front? This is going to be tough considering the fact that Carlos TEVEZ is hitting form at Man Utd, while both MESSI and KUN are among the leading goal scorers in La Liga. And what about German DENIS, top scorer in the Apertura championship with 17 goals from 16 games? From the looks of it, there’s no doubt the Atomic Flea could the most preferred choice for Coco but what do you think?

Based on this list, I don’t think that Coco is going to change his starting line up and would stick to his usual formula. So it looks like PATO is going to be in goal, while the back four will consists of ZANETTI on the right, HEINZE on the left and DEMICHELIS and MILITO in the center.

MAXI will take on the right wing with RIQUELME and MASCHERANO playing in central midfield. Which leaves us on the left with Esteban CAMBIASSO the most likely choice.

So now, what is your thought about this list?

Super MANU Leads The Way

What a weekend it was for the Tall Albiceleste in the NBA, in which three of them scored a game high performance for their respective teams.

Chicago Bulls 71 Toronto Raptors 101

Ever since he relocated to Canada, Carlos DELFINO is enjoying more time play than he ever had during his three years spell in Detroit.
On Saturday, despite starting from the bench, DELFINO posted in what could be his best performance in the NBA, with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist & 1 steal.
On the opposite end, Andres NOCIONI was the leading scorer for the Bulls, with 20 points, 5 rebounds & 1assist.

Charlotte Bobcats 82 Houston Rockets 85

Things are not looking for Walter HERRMANN these days, as he was completely out of the picture during the visiting of YAO Ming and Co.

Despite of his big move, things are looking pretty quite for Luis SCOLA. He was having foul trouble throughout the game, which limits his time play to just 16 minutes.

Still he had some contribution in 6 points & 3 rebounds.

San Antonio Spurs 113 Milwaukee Bucks 88

Already averaging a team high 19.7 points heading into Sunday’s game against the Bucks, it was Manu GINOBILI again that gave Spurs a commanding victory.
At some point I would say, he played like he was from a different planet. Tonight coming off from the bench, he posted a game high 21 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 steal.

Fabricio OBERTO also had some contribution with 6 points, 4 rebounds & 1 assist.

UEFA Champions League – Judgment Night & Much More

For the next two days, the UEFA Champions League match day 4 will kick off which promises more drama, more excitement and certainly lets hope some great performance from the Albiceleste camp especially.

6th of November 2007

Liverpool FC vs. Besiktas Istanbul

It is a do or die situation of Javier MASCHERANO and Liverpool as it recent weeks the Mighty Reds have struggling to get back to their winning form. The latest setback was the goalless draw against Blackburn Rover over the weekend.

On the opposite end, things don’t look that different for the Turkish side, as they will be backing on the service of playmaker Matias DELGADO and Federico HIGUAIN, brother of Gonzalo.

FC Porto vs. Olympique de Marseille

Porto will rely on the inspiration of their captain Lucho GONZALEZ to spearhead their attack against Marseille. His movement and passes will be crucial to ensure that Lisandro LOPEZ will be able to deliver the goals. Mariano GONZALEZ, Ernesto FARIAS and Mario BOLATTI could some action along the way.

Olympiacos vs. Real Madrid

Luciano GALLETTI, being a former Atletico Madrid player, will play a crucial part when the Greek side entertains Real in Pireaus. Joining him will be Leonel NUNEZ, Christian Raul LADESMA and Rodrigo ARCHUBI.

Based on recent team selection, Gabriel HEINZE and Gonzalo HIGUAIN are most likely to be in the starting line up, while SAVIOLA and GAGO could come in as substitutes.

SS Lazio vs. Werder Bremen

The Rome side will be keen to get themselves out of the foot of the table against this unpredictable German side. We could be seeing Lionel SCALONI in action but not sure whether Christian Daniel LADESMA will some time on the field.

SL Benfica vs. Glasgow Celtic

Another crucial encounter on which both teams will certainly want to take the three points to stand a chance of progressing further. Will be keen to see Angel DI MARIA pulling some string in midfield along side Rui COSTA. Angel DIAZ and Gonzalo BERGESSIO are others to watch, should they see some action.

7th of November 2007

Barcelona vs. Glasgow Rangers

Barca are back in the groove after their 3-0 win over Real Betis. Here I am hoping for another sensational performance from Lionel MESSI to inspire Barca to another famous European night. Gabriel MILITO should start in defence.

Manchester United vs. Dynamo Kiev

The Red Devils must have been devastated for not getting a win over Arsenal during the weekend. Once again Carlos TEVEZ will most likely linked with Wayne ROONEY and Christiano RONALDO and lets hope this time, there will be a better outcome from him. Could possibly be goal festive match.

Sporting Lisbon vs. AS Roma

Leandro ROMAGNOLI will need to be at his best as he will be the midfield lynchpin for the Lions when they take on TOTTI’s Roma.

Internazionale vs. CSKA Moscow

Despite of his recent re-call to the National Team; Hernan CRESPO is likely to take a back seat for the on-form Julio CRUZ (based on MANCINI’s recent team selection and little does of my own opinion that is). Javier ZANETTI is still an ever present on the flanks. Esteban CAMBIASSO could start in midfield and Walter SAMUEL will be at center of defense. Nicolas BURDISSO might play at right back or maybe even at center. Santiago SOLARI, if lucky, could see some action as a substitute.

FC Steaua Bucharest vs. FC Sevilla

A new renaissance has arrived in Seville after the departure of Juande RAMOS. World Youth Cup winner Federico FAZIO will take on, either the left back or center back role.

For those of you who will be watching some of the games here (all these matches will played at around 3.30am!!! in Malaysia, so I’m not so sure yet), any latest news, comments, updates, results or even match threads for that matter, keep em coming in. Pleasant day everyone!!!

Beach Boys Keeps Hope Alive

Argentina defeated the UAE 4-2 to keeps their hopes alive at the 2008 Beach Soccer World Cup.

Although a win was essential for both teams, it was Argentina who pressed harder from the kick-off and it came as no surprise when Federico HILAIRE headed them into the lead. The Middle Eastern side quickly drew level when Marcelo SALGUEIRO was powerless to prevent Rami Al MESAABI's long-range free kick from flying in.

The South Americans continued to dominate but could find no way past Mohamed Al MAZAM until a spectacular Facundo MINICI overhead kick put them back in the lead, Gustavo CASADO then adding another with a smart free kick. Marcelo MENDES’s men were not done yet, though, with Qambar SADEQI lashing home another free kick to cut the deficit.

Federico HILAIRE's struck with his second goal early in the third period to put the game out of reach, and although UAE caused the odd flutter in the dying stages, the points were Argentina's.

It was very tight at the start but we stayed calm. Unlike the game with Nigeria, we didn't get anxious about scoring early goals this time. I'm very happy with how the team performed and I hope we can play just as well against France. Francisco PETRASSO, Argentina coach

It was an extremely hard game, but the things that didn't work for us against Nigeria went our way today. We were tighter at the back and kept our concentration up. Federico HILAIRE, Argentina player

2008 Beach Soccer World Cup

Argentina can justifiably claim to being one of beach soccer's pioneers. In 1993 the Albiceleste were one of four teams, the others being the USA, Brazil and Italy, that took part in the sport's first professional competition in Miami. And just like many other nations in those formative years, Argentina bolstered their ranks with former international stars. Lining up in Miami were none other than Sergio GOYCPCHEA and Julio OLARTICOECHEA, members of the squad that reached the Final at the 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy.

The South Americans were also involved in all the unofficial Beach Soccer World Championships from 1995. Their best finish was third place in 2001 at Costa do Sauipe in Brazil, where they even had the temerity to beat the host nation in their final game. The Auriverde would have their revenge at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2005, eliminating their fierce rivals at the quarter-final stage.

Argentina returned to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in 2006, now with coach Francisco Petrasso at the helm, though the last eight again proved too big a hurdle. Having beaten Nigeria, Bahrain and Italy in the group stage, Argentina fell 2-1 to near-neighbours Uruguay in a bad-tempered quarter-final clash. The Albiceleste will feel the 2007 showpiece is their chance to break that glass ceiling, and reach the last four or beyond.

Qualification

Fielding a much-changed team, with seven players hit by suspension, coach Petrasso put his faith in a new group of players to secure a place at Rio de Janeiro 2007. In the event, a comfortable 4-1 win over Venezuela in Acapulco, Mexico, was enough to secure their ticket to Brazil, after Uruguay had beaten the same opponents in the second round of matches.

Their involvement on the sands of Copacabana in November now assured, Argentina said goodbye to their title aspirations in Acapulco after losing a seven-goal thriller to the Charrúas. Nevertheless, it was still mission accomplished for coach Petrasso and his on-field lieutenants Santiago and Ezequiel Hilaire.

Coach

Now 37, Hector Francisco PETROSSO has accumulated a wealth of beach soccer experience. The Argentinian strategist, now in his second year in charge, knows exactly how it feels to compete on the Copacabana, having represented the Albiceleste at Rio de Janeiro 2005. Twelve months later, this time as coach, he came mightily close to leading his team into the semi-finals.

That feat has been targeted by Petrasso for this year's event, who has at his disposal a number of his former team-mates. "We know these lads very well and some of them were team-mates of mine. We understand each other and respect each others' roles. The most important thing is that we all want what's best for the team," he explains.

The Squad List

1. Marcelo SALGUEIRO
2. Santiago HILAIRE
3. Gustavo CASADO
4. Luciano FRANCESCHINI
5. Rodrigo LOPEZ
6. Leandro PARADISI
7. Federico HILAIRE
8. Federico ANDRADE
9. Facundo MINICI
10. Ezequiel HILAIRE
11. Augstin DALLERA
12. Cesar MENDOZA

Star player

The years and tournaments come and go but the backbone of the Argentina team remains intact. Brothers Santiago and Ezequiel HILAIRE, the two eldest of a trio of beach-soccer playing siblings, remain key figures in a national team determined to improve their standing in the sport.

No.10 Ezequiel, who will be 28 at the time of this year's competition, is the squad's most experienced player. Santiago, who wears No.2, combines typical South American defensive grit with an opportunistic eye for goal. Both were invited to represent a "Rest of the World" team in an exhibition match against Brazil back in January 2007.

What they said...

"We've worked hard since the last World Cup and we've got through the tricky period caused by so many suspended players. Fortunately, the suspensions are drawing to a close and we'll have more players available ahead of this year's tournament. We're very very good defensively, and in Rio de Janeiro I'll think we'll also have plenty of attacking potential." Francisco PETRASSO, Argentina coach.

The First Game

Disaster strike as Argentina crashed to 3-5 defeat to Nigeria in their opening game. Now the beach boys have no choice but to beat the UAE in their next match if they were to stand a chance of progressing further.

Courtesy of http://fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup/index.html

More Great News - From Singapore To Paris

Golf - Barclay Singapore Open

Angel CABRERA held of Vijay SINGH from Fiji and Australian Adam SCOTT to win the $4 million Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club by one stroke. CABRERA fired three birdies and two bogeys to finish with three–day total of 9 under 204

"I had to work my way around, it was tough, the winds were picking up and the greens are getting very hard," said Cabrera, who made a 25-foot birdie putt at No. 17.

"I'm feeling comfortable. I'm hitting the ball well. I've got a four-shot lead, so that's a bit of a cushion for tomorrow."

But the good news did not just stop there.

Tennis - 2007 PNB Paris Masters

David NALBANDIAN continues his late season surge by upsetting Rafael NADAL, 6-4 & 6-0 to win the Paris Masters final.

With his second Masters Series shield in the last two weeks, NALBANDIAN halted NADAL's mastery in Paris.

NALBANDIAN became the first player since Marat SAFIN in 2004 to win the Madrid and Paris Masters titles back-to-back.

Ranked sixth in the world following the 2005 season, NALBANDIAN had dropped to as low as 26th in the last week of July before his late-season surge.

NALBANDIAN pocketed $489,500 in improving to 31-18 on the season.

Despite the late charge, NALBANDIAN was unable to qualify for the year-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. He had competed in the event - limited to the top eight players in the world - the previous three years, winning it in 2005 by beating FEDERER.

NALBANDIAN can make the trip to China to serve as the standby for the year-ending event, which starts on November 12. He said he would make a decision about it on Monday.

Congratulations to both them

VAMOS PATO!!! VAMOS DAVID!!!

European Football - Albicelestes In Action

A thrilling encounter between Atletico Madrid and Villareal, which saw Leo FRANCO, Maxi RODRIGUEZ (missed a penalty!!!) and Sergio AGUERO (who scored the third goal) were in the starting line up. The RIQUELME-less Yellow Submarine came away with 4-3 win.

http://www.footytube.com/2007/11/04/atletico-madrid-3-4-villarreal/

Another Albiceleste player who missed a penalty was Ezequiel GARAY for Racing Santander against Espanyol, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Aldo DUSCHER (Racing Santander) and Clemente RODRIGUEZ (Espanyol) were both starters.

Though no goal from Lionel MESSI for Barca, one player seems to have found his goal scoring instinct is Diego MILITO. For the third match in a row he scored for Real Zaragoza, this time against Real Valladolid. With Roberto AYALA, Pablo AIMAR and Andres D’ALESANDRO (both 2nd half substitute), Zaragoza went down 2-3.

Julio CRUZ scored again, this time in the most anticipated match of the weekend against Juventus. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Walter SAMUEL, Javier ZANETTI, Esteban CAMBIASSO and Nicolas BURDISSO (2nd half substitute) was also involved for Inter.

http://www.footytube.com/2007/11/04/atletico-madrid-3-4-villarreal/

A cool strike by Ezequiel LEVAZZI in the last minute help Napoli secure a 1-1 draw with Reggina.

http://www.footytube.com/2007/11/04/napoli-vs-reggina/

More News Over The Weekend

Football News

English Premiership


Not bad but certainly not up to his standard, Carlos TEVEZ played for 76 minutes in the top of the table clashed against Arsenal, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Javier MASCHERANO and Liverpool also got away with a draw against Blackburn Rovers


French Ligue 1

Fernando CAVENAGHI came in as a 2nd half substitute in Girondins Bordeaux 1-0 defeat to AS Nancy.


Germany Bundesliga

Martin DEMICHELIS played to a full 90 minutes as Bayern drew with Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0


Italian Serie A

Not so lucky night for Lazio's Lionel SCALONI and Christian LEDESMA, as they loss 1-0 to Fiorentina


Spanish La Liga

Mallorca with German LUX, Jonas GUTIERREZ and Ariel IBAGAZA in the 1st eleven, suffered 2-0 loss to Valencia.


Real Madrid with Fernando GAGO making a rare start, also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Seville

Basketball - NBA News


Andres NOCIONI posted 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist & steals, but the Chicago Bulls suffered another loss to Milwaukee Bucks 72-78.

Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 89-80 with Luis SCOLA posting 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 steal.


Tennis - PNB Paris Masters

David NALBANDIAN will play Rafael NADAL in the final after defeating Richard GASQUET from France, 6-2 & 6-4.


Golf- Singapore Open

Not so far from I live, Angel CABRERA is dominating the $4 million competition with a 1-under 70 to double his lead to four strokes after the third round on Saturday.


That's all for now, good luck to all the Albiceleste Army in their respective challenges over the weekend.

David Does It Again

Less than two weeks after winning the Madrid Masters, David NALBANDIAN has done it again. This time he defeated World No.1 Roger FEDERER in the Paris Masters 6-4 & 7-6 in the third round.

The result evened the series between the two 8-8 and ended FEDERER's streak of reaching the final in eight straight tournaments -- going back to May.

"Well, it's different," NALBANDIAN said. "Over there (in Madrid) it's a little faster. FEDERER's the No. 1 in the world," NALBANDIAN said. "You always have to be at 100 percent. I was, just like in Madrid."

NALBANDIAN wasted five set points by shanking balls long or into the net.

After beating Federer in Madrid, NALANDIAN was eliminated in the first round of last week's event in Basel, Switzerland. The week before Madrid, he was eliminated in the second round in Vienna.

He next plays fifth-seeded David FERRER of Spain.