Remember that painful defeat in last year’s Western Conference. That foul that was not call in Game 4. Since then it look like Kobe BRYANT has always got the better of Manu GINOBILI (semi-final at the Olympics).
But not this time! Manu was major force coming from the bench as he posted a team high 27 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists & 3 steals. Fabricio OBERTO did not featured for the game. Check out this block by Manu on the reigning MVP
Another good news came from Toronto, as the Chicago Bulls notch a rare away 102-98 win against the Raptors. Andres NOCIONI was alive in this game posting 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists & 1 block shot.
Football - Cup Game Highlights
With Diego watching from the stands, it was a real chance for the Albiceleste Army at Inter to impress him for a place in next month’s friendly against France. Esteban CAMBIASSO could do no wrong as he scored against Genoa with Nicolas BURDISSO, Walter SAMUEL, Javier ZANETTI and Hernan CRESPO were all in the starting line up. Sadly Diego MILITO was injured for the game.
I may not be a big Inter supporters though they have a soft spot for me in Italian football. I guess Diego’s presence there could do no wrong for Jose and his boys.
In Spain, youngster Pablo PIATTI gave Almeria some hope of a comeback against Real Mallorca in the 3rd minute but the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Mallorca will progress with 4-2 aggregate win. I’m sure we will hear more about him during the 'Juventudes de América' in Venezuela.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The MESSI-ah to the Rescue
The Atomic Flea does it again! Just as when you thought that hope is lost, the wonder boy delivers. With 10 minutes left to play, Barcelona was already2-1 down against Osasuna.
Barca already looks self shocked, as the home side was on a verge of celebration but it did not took that all that turned into frustration. First the equalizer from XAVI, a low sliding shot goal which was set up by Dani ALVEZ in the 80th minute.
Then in the 85th minute, the magical moment arrives. Lionel MESSI lashed a powerful left-footed drive past a despairing Osasuna keeper and into his right-hand corner from outside the area. The results means that Barca will move 12 points clear of bitter rival at the top of the table.
If Lionel was the saviour Barca today, the other half Catalunya had Nicolas PAREJA to be thankful. In their match against Almeria, PAREJA’s stunning 95th minute free-kick saved Espanyol's blushes in a game that they could ill afford to lose. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
In Serie A, Lecce came away with a 2-1 win over at Fiorentina with Jose Ignacio CASTILLO scoring the winner.
While in France, Fernando CAVENAGHI scored in Bordeaux impressive 4-0 win over Paris St. Germain.
Last but not least, way to go to the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles in their stunning upsets in the NFL playoffs.
Barca already looks self shocked, as the home side was on a verge of celebration but it did not took that all that turned into frustration. First the equalizer from XAVI, a low sliding shot goal which was set up by Dani ALVEZ in the 80th minute.
Then in the 85th minute, the magical moment arrives. Lionel MESSI lashed a powerful left-footed drive past a despairing Osasuna keeper and into his right-hand corner from outside the area. The results means that Barca will move 12 points clear of bitter rival at the top of the table.
If Lionel was the saviour Barca today, the other half Catalunya had Nicolas PAREJA to be thankful. In their match against Almeria, PAREJA’s stunning 95th minute free-kick saved Espanyol's blushes in a game that they could ill afford to lose. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
In Serie A, Lecce came away with a 2-1 win over at Fiorentina with Jose Ignacio CASTILLO scoring the winner.
While in France, Fernando CAVENAGHI scored in Bordeaux impressive 4-0 win over Paris St. Germain.
Last but not least, way to go to the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles in their stunning upsets in the NFL playoffs.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mestalla Delight, Double-D for Scola
Villarreal came from behind twice to snatch a point against local rivals Valencia in a pulsating draw at the Mestalla tonight. Going 2-0 just after ten minutes, Fabricio FUENTES scored just before the interval to revive some hopes for the visiting team. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.
In Greece, Sergio PONCE scored to give Panthrakikos the lead in the 5 minutes, before going down 1-3 to Panathinaikos.
Still in Greece, Luciano GALLETTI was on target for Olympiakos in their 2-1 win over FC Xanthi.
NBA - Gracias Scola, Injured Rockets Still Hot
Despite playing without their big names (Tracy McGRADY and Ron ARTEST) because of injury, the Houston Rockets were still almost unmatched by the New York Knicks. With four starters and one bench player in double digit, the Rockets hammered the Knicks 96-76.
Among them was Luis SCOLA notching up another double-double performance. SCOLA was hot on the offense, posting a game high 18 points. He was equally hot on the defense with 11 rebounds. The Rockets could still prove to be a championship contender team even when they are under manned.
Times are very critical for the Chicago Bulls and they need to know that now even they wish to be involved in the post season. The Bulls went down to the Oklahoma City Thunders 109-98, with Andres NOCIONI posting 11 points, 2 rebounds & a steal.
In Greece, Sergio PONCE scored to give Panthrakikos the lead in the 5 minutes, before going down 1-3 to Panathinaikos.
Still in Greece, Luciano GALLETTI was on target for Olympiakos in their 2-1 win over FC Xanthi.
NBA - Gracias Scola, Injured Rockets Still Hot
Despite playing without their big names (Tracy McGRADY and Ron ARTEST) because of injury, the Houston Rockets were still almost unmatched by the New York Knicks. With four starters and one bench player in double digit, the Rockets hammered the Knicks 96-76.
Among them was Luis SCOLA notching up another double-double performance. SCOLA was hot on the offense, posting a game high 18 points. He was equally hot on the defense with 11 rebounds. The Rockets could still prove to be a championship contender team even when they are under manned.
Times are very critical for the Chicago Bulls and they need to know that now even they wish to be involved in the post season. The Bulls went down to the Oklahoma City Thunders 109-98, with Andres NOCIONI posting 11 points, 2 rebounds & a steal.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Rumour, News & Many More
Little Witch Going Back To Rome?
There has plenty of news surrounding the blue of half of Rome during these last few days. Juan Sebastian VERON is pushing for a move back to his old hunting ground.
La Brujita spent some of the best years of his career playing for Lazio, winning a number of major honours including the Scudetto in 2000. Reports in the Italian press have linked the player with a return, and it could happen as VERON issued a come-and-get-me plea to Lazio president Claudio LOTITO.
VERON is not the only one that could be heading there. Roberto AYALA could also be making a return to Italy after spending eight years in Spain. His agent, Claudio ANELUCCI, said the Real Zaragoza defender left a door open on the possibility of joining Lazio, as has been rumoured in the Italian media over the past few days.
Meanwhile according to Goal.com, there were plenty of reports on Diego BUONANOTTE receiving offers from a number of clubs, from Italy to as far as Qatar! Thank God he turned the latter offer down. Apparently Inter Milan has been rumored to be the Italian side that are keen to for his service.
Gremio of Brazil are hoping to sign Maxi LOPEZ, who currently plays for FC Moscow of Russia. According to reports, LOPEZ will be willing to make sacrifices, because his wife is pregnant, and the couple prefer to be closer to Argentina.
Angel DI MARIA could be leaving Benfica for England during the summer. Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe SCOLARI has identified him as a top transfer target once the current season concludes.
NBA News - Decent Night from the Tall Albiceleste
The Houston Rockets came away with a 98-96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder with Luis SCOLA posting 14 points, 6 rebounds & 1 steal.
Chicago Bulls notched an important 98-86 win over their Eastern Conference rival the Washington Wizards. Andres NOCIONI posted 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal & 1 block shot.
Walter HERRMANN posted 4 points & 1 assist in the Detroit Pistons 93-90 win over the Denver Nuggets.
There has plenty of news surrounding the blue of half of Rome during these last few days. Juan Sebastian VERON is pushing for a move back to his old hunting ground.
La Brujita spent some of the best years of his career playing for Lazio, winning a number of major honours including the Scudetto in 2000. Reports in the Italian press have linked the player with a return, and it could happen as VERON issued a come-and-get-me plea to Lazio president Claudio LOTITO.
VERON is not the only one that could be heading there. Roberto AYALA could also be making a return to Italy after spending eight years in Spain. His agent, Claudio ANELUCCI, said the Real Zaragoza defender left a door open on the possibility of joining Lazio, as has been rumoured in the Italian media over the past few days.
Meanwhile according to Goal.com, there were plenty of reports on Diego BUONANOTTE receiving offers from a number of clubs, from Italy to as far as Qatar! Thank God he turned the latter offer down. Apparently Inter Milan has been rumored to be the Italian side that are keen to for his service.
Gremio of Brazil are hoping to sign Maxi LOPEZ, who currently plays for FC Moscow of Russia. According to reports, LOPEZ will be willing to make sacrifices, because his wife is pregnant, and the couple prefer to be closer to Argentina.
Angel DI MARIA could be leaving Benfica for England during the summer. Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe SCOLARI has identified him as a top transfer target once the current season concludes.
NBA News - Decent Night from the Tall Albiceleste
The Houston Rockets came away with a 98-96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder with Luis SCOLA posting 14 points, 6 rebounds & 1 steal.
Chicago Bulls notched an important 98-86 win over their Eastern Conference rival the Washington Wizards. Andres NOCIONI posted 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal & 1 block shot.
Walter HERRMANN posted 4 points & 1 assist in the Detroit Pistons 93-90 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
MESSI Says Hola 2009 with a Hat Trick
Lionel MESSI kick start his campaign for the new year in the most spectacular way, scoring a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Barcelona will now take a 3-1 lead to the Nou Camp for the second leg.
Perhaps it was his way of thanking Barca (they have agreed to let him play against France in February) and telling Diego “don’t forget to bring me too!!!” or maybe he was making his case as the World’s best player.
His first, started with a beautiful one-two involving him and Daniel ALVEZ from which he coolly slid the ball past Gregory COUPET. His second came from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Johnny HEITINGA.
Atletico did manage to pull one back through Tomas UJFALUSI. But Lionel ensured that Atletico will not spoil his night as he dribbles past COUPET to secure his hat trick.
One thing is for sure, Atletico will not be thinking about the prospect of playing Barca in the Nou Camp. Remember what Lionel did to them last time?
Perhaps it was his way of thanking Barca (they have agreed to let him play against France in February) and telling Diego “don’t forget to bring me too!!!” or maybe he was making his case as the World’s best player.
His first, started with a beautiful one-two involving him and Daniel ALVEZ from which he coolly slid the ball past Gregory COUPET. His second came from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Johnny HEITINGA.
Atletico did manage to pull one back through Tomas UJFALUSI. But Lionel ensured that Atletico will not spoil his night as he dribbles past COUPET to secure his hat trick.
One thing is for sure, Atletico will not be thinking about the prospect of playing Barca in the Nou Camp. Remember what Lionel did to them last time?
Monday, January 05, 2009
NBA News - Manu Clutch Block On D-Wade
The San Antonio Spurs continued their usual dominance with a 91-84 win over the Miami Heat. Manu GINOBILI, whom started from the bench, was pretty much below par from his usual standard of his offensive.
He only manages 10 points and was 0-5 from the three point line. But it was his one and only block shot that caught most people’s attention. Manu sealed it with, well, a circus play with 1:33 remaining.
Miami trailed 84-81 when Dwayne WADE drove to the rim from the right wing, with Tony PARKER getting in front to deter his progress a bit. Wade leaped for a lay-up—but Manu, who isn’t exactly known for high-flying exploits—swatted it away, setting up a game-clinching jumper by Roger MASON at the other end.
“Play of the game,” Heat coach, Erik SPOELSTRA said.
“He’s an athletic guy and it was a great block,” WADE said.
He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals as well.
Fabricio OBERTO (foot) sat out again, his ninth missed game out of San Antonio’s last 10.More than a few fans wore Argentina’s national football team’s jersey and even waved the flag, a nod to Manu. Not surprising at all.
He only manages 10 points and was 0-5 from the three point line. But it was his one and only block shot that caught most people’s attention. Manu sealed it with, well, a circus play with 1:33 remaining.
Miami trailed 84-81 when Dwayne WADE drove to the rim from the right wing, with Tony PARKER getting in front to deter his progress a bit. Wade leaped for a lay-up—but Manu, who isn’t exactly known for high-flying exploits—swatted it away, setting up a game-clinching jumper by Roger MASON at the other end.
“Play of the game,” Heat coach, Erik SPOELSTRA said.
“He’s an athletic guy and it was a great block,” WADE said.
He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals as well.
Fabricio OBERTO (foot) sat out again, his ninth missed game out of San Antonio’s last 10.More than a few fans wore Argentina’s national football team’s jersey and even waved the flag, a nod to Manu. Not surprising at all.
Carlitos Unhappy with Fergie’s Comment
When would this saga come to an end? It’s already more than one year and a half. A few days ago there were reports suggesting that Carlos TEVEZ has rejected a new offer from Manchester United, according to his manager Sir Alex FERGUSON.
However like the warrior from Fort Apache, Carlitos is one person that will speak his mind when it matters, even he is risking the wrath of Fergie. He has revealed his disappointment at all those speculations and reiterated his desire for his future to be sorted.
“I didn't like him (FERGUSON) saying I didn't like the offer I was made because neither my agent nor me were given one,” whose deal runs out in the summer, told Radio del Plata.
“I don't know anything on my future. United know what they must pay if they want me to stay. I want to stay but the club has not made any offer. I've been waiting for them for a year and a half”.
With all this ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford, TEVEZ has also became a target of several other clubs most notably Real Madrid. But he has also made it clear, that whatever happens, he wants it to be done in the right manner.
“If I have to quit the club, I want to quit on good terms. Now all clubs are on an equal footing. If a club comes to me and offers me a five-year deal, I will accept it for peace of mind. I will sign my last contract, and then I figure that I'll go back to Boca (Juniors.) That could be in four or five years. I want everybody to know no offer has been made. I don't like that they are playing with our fans, who show their love to me in each match.”
It’s strange to see despite all the success he has achieved in Europe since his arrival at West Ham in 2006, the big Q is just when will Carlitos be given a well deserve contract?
However like the warrior from Fort Apache, Carlitos is one person that will speak his mind when it matters, even he is risking the wrath of Fergie. He has revealed his disappointment at all those speculations and reiterated his desire for his future to be sorted.
“I didn't like him (FERGUSON) saying I didn't like the offer I was made because neither my agent nor me were given one,” whose deal runs out in the summer, told Radio del Plata.
“I don't know anything on my future. United know what they must pay if they want me to stay. I want to stay but the club has not made any offer. I've been waiting for them for a year and a half”.
With all this ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford, TEVEZ has also became a target of several other clubs most notably Real Madrid. But he has also made it clear, that whatever happens, he wants it to be done in the right manner.
“If I have to quit the club, I want to quit on good terms. Now all clubs are on an equal footing. If a club comes to me and offers me a five-year deal, I will accept it for peace of mind. I will sign my last contract, and then I figure that I'll go back to Boca (Juniors.) That could be in four or five years. I want everybody to know no offer has been made. I don't like that they are playing with our fans, who show their love to me in each match.”
It’s strange to see despite all the success he has achieved in Europe since his arrival at West Ham in 2006, the big Q is just when will Carlitos be given a well deserve contract?
Saturday, January 03, 2009
NBA News - GINOBILI Sparks Win Over Sixers
The Houston Rockets lost their second straight game after going down against the Atlanta Hawks 100-103 despite a double-double from both Luis SCOLA and YAO Ming. They had huge hole to dig with Tracy McGRADY and Ron ARTEST being inactive. SCOLA posted 16 points, 11 rebounds and 1 assist.
Meanwhile the Chicago Bulls lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-103, their third successive loss. Andres NOCIONI posted 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block shot. Among the highlights from Chapu was hitting the back-to-back 3s to give Chicago a 73-72 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Coach Vinny DEL NEGRO played down the on court spat incident between Joakim NOAH and NOCIONI during the blow out loss to the Cavaliers saying “I like when guys get on each other and show some intensity and show some will to win and kind of get after it a little bit. I like that,”
Tony PARKER shot at the buzzer may have given the San Antonio Spurs 108-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers but they needed a big steal from Manu GINOBILI. PARKER missed an 18-footer, but the Spurs got the ball back and set up the winning shot without using as timeout when Manu stole Andre MILLER’s pass with 15 seconds left.
Manu produced another powering performance from the bench to post 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, a game high 3 steals and 1 block shot. Fabricio OBERTO who had return from injury with a sore left foot was left on the bench and did not play.
Meanwhile the Chicago Bulls lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-103, their third successive loss. Andres NOCIONI posted 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block shot. Among the highlights from Chapu was hitting the back-to-back 3s to give Chicago a 73-72 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Coach Vinny DEL NEGRO played down the on court spat incident between Joakim NOAH and NOCIONI during the blow out loss to the Cavaliers saying “I like when guys get on each other and show some intensity and show some will to win and kind of get after it a little bit. I like that,”
Tony PARKER shot at the buzzer may have given the San Antonio Spurs 108-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers but they needed a big steal from Manu GINOBILI. PARKER missed an 18-footer, but the Spurs got the ball back and set up the winning shot without using as timeout when Manu stole Andre MILLER’s pass with 15 seconds left.
Manu produced another powering performance from the bench to post 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, a game high 3 steals and 1 block shot. Fabricio OBERTO who had return from injury with a sore left foot was left on the bench and did not play.
Some Transfer Speculations
With the New Year that has just arrived , a couple of breaking news is taking place during the transfer window in January.
Despite losing to Valencia, Kun AGUERO was not left of the hook as apparently Barcelona president Joan LAPORTA wants to bring him to the Camp Nou, during the summer that is. He convened a brief meeting on the last day of 2008 with the intention to stun and impress his fellow board members, by confidently outlining his pet project for 2009.
Incase if you’re starting to look at the prospect on watching Kun and Lionel MESSI linking together in both a Barca and Argentina shirt. Think again, please. Juventus are keen to bring the Atomic Flea to Italy and to do that they are willing to sell Gianlugi BUFFON to allow the cash flow for MESSI.
MESSI is considered to be worth around €75 million by the Spanish side, but he has a €150m buy-out clause on his contract. However Juventus could get some helping hand from Manchester City’s mega rich Arab owners, whom are willing to offer €100 million for the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian BATTAGLIA could possible be joining Juan Pablo CARIZZO, Mauro ZARATE and Cristian LADESMA at Lazio. BATTAGLIA was in extraordinary form as Boca Juniors clinched the Argentine Apertura Championship, after a decisive three-way playoff with San Lorenzo and Tigre.
The former Villarreal player has become hot property in recent months, and it was reported that he is being observed by none other than European champions Manchester United. Italian giants AC Milan are also in the race to secure his signature.
Despite losing to Valencia, Kun AGUERO was not left of the hook as apparently Barcelona president Joan LAPORTA wants to bring him to the Camp Nou, during the summer that is. He convened a brief meeting on the last day of 2008 with the intention to stun and impress his fellow board members, by confidently outlining his pet project for 2009.
Incase if you’re starting to look at the prospect on watching Kun and Lionel MESSI linking together in both a Barca and Argentina shirt. Think again, please. Juventus are keen to bring the Atomic Flea to Italy and to do that they are willing to sell Gianlugi BUFFON to allow the cash flow for MESSI.
MESSI is considered to be worth around €75 million by the Spanish side, but he has a €150m buy-out clause on his contract. However Juventus could get some helping hand from Manchester City’s mega rich Arab owners, whom are willing to offer €100 million for the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian BATTAGLIA could possible be joining Juan Pablo CARIZZO, Mauro ZARATE and Cristian LADESMA at Lazio. BATTAGLIA was in extraordinary form as Boca Juniors clinched the Argentine Apertura Championship, after a decisive three-way playoff with San Lorenzo and Tigre.
The former Villarreal player has become hot property in recent months, and it was reported that he is being observed by none other than European champions Manchester United. Italian giants AC Milan are also in the race to secure his signature.
Friday, January 02, 2009
NBA News - Manu, the Only Bright Spot
The Houston Rockets didn’t look like they have turned up for the game against the Toronto Raptors. Luis SCOLA had a game high if 13 rebounds but only manage 8 points and 2 assist. The Raptors won the game 94-73.
Losing a game can be bad but an unwanted a situation in times like this is another matter all together. The Chicago Bulls were defeated by the Cleveland Caveliers 92-117 but much part of it was robbed during a heated timeout in the third quarter, Joakim NOAH and Andres NOCIONI exchanged words on the bench.
“When you’re losing by 20 points, you’re frustrated,” NOAH said. “It’s the heat of the moment, things are said. But I don’t have any problems with Noce. Losing is frustrating.” NOCIONI came from the bench to post 11 points and 2 rebounds.
Walter HERRMANN only had two rebounds and no points in the Detroit Pistons 98-92 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The only bright spot of the night came from the San Antonio Spurs against Memphis Grizzlies game. Not one of his best, but still a strong contribution from Manu GINOBILI and the return of Fabricio OBERTO.
Manu posted 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and a game high 5 steals as the Spurs won the game 91-80. OBERTO was back in action from injury and played for about two minutes plus posting just one rebound. I’m sure we will see more of him as he regains back his form.
Losing a game can be bad but an unwanted a situation in times like this is another matter all together. The Chicago Bulls were defeated by the Cleveland Caveliers 92-117 but much part of it was robbed during a heated timeout in the third quarter, Joakim NOAH and Andres NOCIONI exchanged words on the bench.
“When you’re losing by 20 points, you’re frustrated,” NOAH said. “It’s the heat of the moment, things are said. But I don’t have any problems with Noce. Losing is frustrating.” NOCIONI came from the bench to post 11 points and 2 rebounds.
Walter HERRMANN only had two rebounds and no points in the Detroit Pistons 98-92 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The only bright spot of the night came from the San Antonio Spurs against Memphis Grizzlies game. Not one of his best, but still a strong contribution from Manu GINOBILI and the return of Fabricio OBERTO.
Manu posted 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and a game high 5 steals as the Spurs won the game 91-80. OBERTO was back in action from injury and played for about two minutes plus posting just one rebound. I’m sure we will see more of him as he regains back his form.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
