As expected the Tennis Albiceleste took a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands with both Juan Ignacio CHELA and Juan MONACO winning their respective rubber. However the Oranje never made it look easy for our players.
CHELA was first to go when he took on an inexperience Jesse Huta GALUNG pushing the tie all the way to the fifth set. In the end despite having some momentum CHELA was just a bit too much for GALUNG on clay. He went on to win in four hours, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, 6-7 & 6-2.
Interview with Juan Ignacio CHELA
Juan MONACO did not see much trouble from his opponent Thiemo DE BEKKER. The young Dutchman could never match MONACO pace and skill until the third set. Pico won his match in straight set, 6-1, 6-2 & 7-6.
Interview with Juan Monaco
If both teams keep their declared doubles teams, Lucas Arnold-KER and Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO will face Huta GALUNG and Rogier WASSEN on Day 2.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
MARADONA speaks
I just had a party for my eyes after seeing and hearing Diego MARADONA during a roughly 2-hour long interview in TyC Sports.
He's just in the best state I've ever seen from him.
He got three shirts with his grandson's name and the number 10. One from Independiente, one from Boca and the other one as a present from the hosts of the show of Argentina.
He confessed that he played an international cup match (against Denmark in 1993 -in what was one of the tournaments that gave birth to the current Confederations Cup. Argentina played Denmark in Mar del Plata as Copa America holders facing the champions of Europe). Diego said: "I played that match without sleeping the night before. I keep saying to myself 'what a player I would have been if I didn't have problems with drugs'".
He said he'll talk to RIQUELME privately and he'll tell him where he wants him and how he wants him. He said he needs RIQUELME to be able to dribble past a rival and then link up with the forwards. He said this season he is not seeing RIQUELME is being able to do it.
Then he said he'll give the number 10 shirt for the next World Cup to a player that can pass the ball, be a star, take the full weight of the team on his shoulders.
Joking with the journalists at the studio he said that his daughter Gianinna told him her son will be a ballet dancer or something like that. Diego said: "I swear I'll burn down every dance academy in the country! I'm serious" and he laughed.
He also joked and said: "I'll put a plaster boot in Benjamin's right leg because I want him to be a lefty like his grandfather!"
Back to football matters, Diego confessed how happy he is for having MASCHERANO and GAGO playing together in midfield and he didn't rule out a possible 3-3-1-3 formation to face Venezuela on 28 March for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Diego hinted that he could play with three forwards: MESSI on the right, AGUERO in the middle and TEVEZ on the left, but insisted he would never reveal his formation or lineup before communicating it to the players first.
He's just in the best state I've ever seen from him.
He got three shirts with his grandson's name and the number 10. One from Independiente, one from Boca and the other one as a present from the hosts of the show of Argentina.
He confessed that he played an international cup match (against Denmark in 1993 -in what was one of the tournaments that gave birth to the current Confederations Cup. Argentina played Denmark in Mar del Plata as Copa America holders facing the champions of Europe). Diego said: "I played that match without sleeping the night before. I keep saying to myself 'what a player I would have been if I didn't have problems with drugs'".
He said he'll talk to RIQUELME privately and he'll tell him where he wants him and how he wants him. He said he needs RIQUELME to be able to dribble past a rival and then link up with the forwards. He said this season he is not seeing RIQUELME is being able to do it.
Then he said he'll give the number 10 shirt for the next World Cup to a player that can pass the ball, be a star, take the full weight of the team on his shoulders.
Joking with the journalists at the studio he said that his daughter Gianinna told him her son will be a ballet dancer or something like that. Diego said: "I swear I'll burn down every dance academy in the country! I'm serious" and he laughed.
He also joked and said: "I'll put a plaster boot in Benjamin's right leg because I want him to be a lefty like his grandfather!"
Back to football matters, Diego confessed how happy he is for having MASCHERANO and GAGO playing together in midfield and he didn't rule out a possible 3-3-1-3 formation to face Venezuela on 28 March for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Diego hinted that he could play with three forwards: MESSI on the right, AGUERO in the middle and TEVEZ on the left, but insisted he would never reveal his formation or lineup before communicating it to the players first.
Davis Cup – Tennis Albiceleste Prepares For Dutch Arrival
Well it looks like it’s another year and another brand new start for our Davis Cup team as they prepare to take on the Netherlands in their first round tie. Many changes have taken place in this team since last year’s heroic run to the final.
Tito VASQUEZ is the new captain, taking over the helm from Alberto MANCINI. Furthermore it is also a brand new line up with seasoned players like David NALBANDIAN and Juan Martin DEL POTRO are not present for this round.
This time they will be lead by Juan MONACO and Juan Ignacio CHELA. Alongside them are Lucas Arnold-KER and Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO and together they are the symbol of a revamped home team. CHELA returns to the team after a two years absence.
“I am happy to be in the team again” CHELA said. “Playing in Buenos Aires is very special, I am very excited. I did not expect to be so quickly back in the team, but some things happened, the chance was there, and I am happy to play”.
On paper I don’t really see any trouble from the Oranje Tennis team considering the level of experience from both sides (they best player Jesse Huta GALUNG is ranked No.188 in the World). Then again, this is the Davis Cup where nothing is certain.
The full draw is as follows:
Friday
Juan Ignacio CHELA v Jesse Huta GALUNG
Juan MONACO v Thiemo De BAKKER
Saturday
Lucas Arnold-KER/Martin Vasallo ARGUELLO v Jesse Huta GALUNG/Rogier WASSEN
Sunday
Juan MONACO v Jesse Huta GALUNG
Juan Ignacio CHELA v Thiemo De BAKKER
Tito VASQUEZ is the new captain, taking over the helm from Alberto MANCINI. Furthermore it is also a brand new line up with seasoned players like David NALBANDIAN and Juan Martin DEL POTRO are not present for this round.
This time they will be lead by Juan MONACO and Juan Ignacio CHELA. Alongside them are Lucas Arnold-KER and Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO and together they are the symbol of a revamped home team. CHELA returns to the team after a two years absence.
“I am happy to be in the team again” CHELA said. “Playing in Buenos Aires is very special, I am very excited. I did not expect to be so quickly back in the team, but some things happened, the chance was there, and I am happy to play”.On paper I don’t really see any trouble from the Oranje Tennis team considering the level of experience from both sides (they best player Jesse Huta GALUNG is ranked No.188 in the World). Then again, this is the Davis Cup where nothing is certain.
The full draw is as follows:
Friday
Juan Ignacio CHELA v Jesse Huta GALUNG
Juan MONACO v Thiemo De BAKKER
Saturday
Lucas Arnold-KER/Martin Vasallo ARGUELLO v Jesse Huta GALUNG/Rogier WASSEN
Sunday
Juan MONACO v Jesse Huta GALUNG
Juan Ignacio CHELA v Thiemo De BAKKER
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
MESSI Sends Barcelona Through Copa Del Rey Final
Barcelona will play in the Copa Del Rey final after drawing with Real Mallorca 1-1 and winning 3-1 on aggregate. They did not look too good without Lionel MESSI who started the match from the bench.
The islander side took the lead just before half time courtesy of a powerful left footed strike from Chori CASTRO. They could have doubled the lead when Josep Lluis MARTI missed his penalty in the 51st minute.
Lionel was brought in place of Bojan KRKIC in the 59th minute and certainly had lifted Barca’s game. The equalizer finally came in the 81st minute MESSI latched on to the ball after some woeful defending left him one on one with the keeper and he clipped the ball over fellow Albiceleste German LUX.
Barcelona will play Athletic Bilbao in the final and are on course for remarkable treble in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The islander side took the lead just before half time courtesy of a powerful left footed strike from Chori CASTRO. They could have doubled the lead when Josep Lluis MARTI missed his penalty in the 51st minute.
Lionel was brought in place of Bojan KRKIC in the 59th minute and certainly had lifted Barca’s game. The equalizer finally came in the 81st minute MESSI latched on to the ball after some woeful defending left him one on one with the keeper and he clipped the ball over fellow Albiceleste German LUX.
Barcelona will play Athletic Bilbao in the final and are on course for remarkable treble in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
NBA News – Scola Raps Another D-Double
With Tracy McGRADY out, the Houston Rockets know they can’t always rely on YAO Ming, and they’ve learned how to win when opponents focus on stopping their All-Star center.
When YAO despite having a big night, was struggling to cope with Chris BOSH and Andrea BARGNANI. It was that moment which others needed to step up their tempo for the Rockets.
Luis SCOLA added 20 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot and the Rockets extended their home-court winning streak to 10 games with a 107-97 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
“Everybody is going to be thinking about YAO,” SCOLA said. “We need to punish them for that. So, hopefully, they’ll stop thinking about him. That’s what we’ve got to do.”
Andres NOCIONI’s Sacramento Kings fell against the Indiana Pacers 109-117 from which he posted 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. While Walter HERRMANN had no points in Detroit Pistons 100-95 win over the Denver Nuggets.
When YAO despite having a big night, was struggling to cope with Chris BOSH and Andrea BARGNANI. It was that moment which others needed to step up their tempo for the Rockets.
Luis SCOLA added 20 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot and the Rockets extended their home-court winning streak to 10 games with a 107-97 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
“Everybody is going to be thinking about YAO,” SCOLA said. “We need to punish them for that. So, hopefully, they’ll stop thinking about him. That’s what we’ve got to do.”
Andres NOCIONI’s Sacramento Kings fell against the Indiana Pacers 109-117 from which he posted 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. While Walter HERRMANN had no points in Detroit Pistons 100-95 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Monday, March 02, 2009
NBA News - HERRMANN Provides Scoring Spark Against Celtics
The Detroit Pistons coach Michael CURRY turned to his bench for some help, and he got what he wanted. Walter HERRMANN scoring in the first half was critical in Detroit's 105-95 win against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. He scored all 11 of his points in the first half on 4-for-5 shooting from the field.
"I feel so comfortable now," HERRMANN said. "When you make your shots, you want the ball."
After the win, CURRY explained why he has played HERRMANN more lately.
"When you're trying to search and get some things going team wise, I thought that if we played Walter HERRMANN and Tayshaun PRINCE together, we'd be able to post two guards," CURRY said. "That's sort of our goal, playing those two together."
It worked well against the Celtics, who on a number of possessions, had 6-foot-9 HERRMANN defended by Stephon MARBURY, who is only 6-2.
"Walt is a capable scorer on the block, we just have to continue to get him reps and get him some time. I think he can be a big contributor for us."
It appears HERRMANN will get an opportunity to play consistently, which has not been the case most of this season. He relishes any opportunity to play.
"You need to be ready every time," Walter said. "We are professionals. You don't know what will happen, so I try to be there."
Luis SCOLA on other hand earned another double-double as the bigger size Houston Rockets overcomes the smaller Minnesota Timberwolves 105-94. He posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and even had four crucial assists to help the Rockets course.
Fabricio OBERTO had 4 points, 6 rebounds & 1 assist, as a helpless San Antonio Spurs were trounced by the Portland Trail Blazers 84-102.
"I feel so comfortable now," HERRMANN said. "When you make your shots, you want the ball."
After the win, CURRY explained why he has played HERRMANN more lately.
"When you're trying to search and get some things going team wise, I thought that if we played Walter HERRMANN and Tayshaun PRINCE together, we'd be able to post two guards," CURRY said. "That's sort of our goal, playing those two together."
It worked well against the Celtics, who on a number of possessions, had 6-foot-9 HERRMANN defended by Stephon MARBURY, who is only 6-2."Walt is a capable scorer on the block, we just have to continue to get him reps and get him some time. I think he can be a big contributor for us."
It appears HERRMANN will get an opportunity to play consistently, which has not been the case most of this season. He relishes any opportunity to play.
"You need to be ready every time," Walter said. "We are professionals. You don't know what will happen, so I try to be there."
Luis SCOLA on other hand earned another double-double as the bigger size Houston Rockets overcomes the smaller Minnesota Timberwolves 105-94. He posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and even had four crucial assists to help the Rockets course.
Fabricio OBERTO had 4 points, 6 rebounds & 1 assist, as a helpless San Antonio Spurs were trounced by the Portland Trail Blazers 84-102.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Kun Helps Atlético Win Over Barca
Sergio Kun AGUERO finally delivered the dagger into Barcelona’s heart after Atlético Madrid brilliant comeback win. Throughout this season, it has always been a one sided affair between these two sides.
It was Lionel MESSI who got the better of his national team colleague, when he was dancing through the home defense and coolly sliding the ball home in the 12th minute.
Kun made it 2-2 after he took advantage from a Barca mismatch in the 55th minute. With the score line at 3-3 and heading into the last minutes, Kun took advantage of another Barca mistake. Carles PUYOL failed to clear the danger and Kun pounced to drill home a low shot, sparking wild scenes at both the Vicente Calderon and no doubt at the Bernabeu as well.
Inter Milan came from behind to clinch a hard-earned point in a dramatic draw with Roma tonight. Substitute Hernan CRESPO scored a 79th-minute equalizer to save the Nerazzurri from what would have been a costly defeat after Juventus won yesterday.
Catania hammered Palermo 4-0 win away with Pablo Martin LEDESMA scoring their first goal of the match.
In the Swiss Super League, Emiliano DUDAR was on target in AC Bellinzona 2-0 win over Neuchatel Xamax.
It was Lionel MESSI who got the better of his national team colleague, when he was dancing through the home defense and coolly sliding the ball home in the 12th minute.
Kun made it 2-2 after he took advantage from a Barca mismatch in the 55th minute. With the score line at 3-3 and heading into the last minutes, Kun took advantage of another Barca mistake. Carles PUYOL failed to clear the danger and Kun pounced to drill home a low shot, sparking wild scenes at both the Vicente Calderon and no doubt at the Bernabeu as well.
Inter Milan came from behind to clinch a hard-earned point in a dramatic draw with Roma tonight. Substitute Hernan CRESPO scored a 79th-minute equalizer to save the Nerazzurri from what would have been a costly defeat after Juventus won yesterday.
Catania hammered Palermo 4-0 win away with Pablo Martin LEDESMA scoring their first goal of the match.
In the Swiss Super League, Emiliano DUDAR was on target in AC Bellinzona 2-0 win over Neuchatel Xamax.
TEVEZ, Now A Carling Cup Winner
Carlos TEVEZ has done it again! The little fellow’s habit of collecting a winners medal continues as Manchester United have defeated Tottenham Hotspurs in the Carling Cup Final 4-1 on penalty shoot out after the match ended in goalless draw.
Carlitos has been an important figure for United throughout this competition. He finishes as the joint top scorer with six goals (including a four goal haul over Blackburn Rover in the quarter final).
Today against Spurs, he was named in the starting line up and played for the full 120 minutes. His first real chance came in the 42nd minute, when John O’SHEA cuts the ball inside to him but his shot from inside the Spurs area was blocked.
His next chance came in the 60th minute, as he tries to back heel Evans' shot past GOMES, but it went wide. He also had another chance in extra time but his header was wide out.
Just like what happened in Moscow, it was down to the penalty shoot out. TEVEZ was United’s second penalty taker and he coolly slotted his into bottom corner. When Jamie O’HARA and David Bentley missed their shots, it looks to be a big mountain to climb for Spurs. ANDERSON did no wrong with his shot as United won the match.
Now back to the million dollar question, will TEVEZ be a United player come next season? Well we will leave that aside for now and celebrate this moment in what could be another glorious chapter in Carlitos career.
Carlitos has been an important figure for United throughout this competition. He finishes as the joint top scorer with six goals (including a four goal haul over Blackburn Rover in the quarter final).
Today against Spurs, he was named in the starting line up and played for the full 120 minutes. His first real chance came in the 42nd minute, when John O’SHEA cuts the ball inside to him but his shot from inside the Spurs area was blocked.
His next chance came in the 60th minute, as he tries to back heel Evans' shot past GOMES, but it went wide. He also had another chance in extra time but his header was wide out.
Just like what happened in Moscow, it was down to the penalty shoot out. TEVEZ was United’s second penalty taker and he coolly slotted his into bottom corner. When Jamie O’HARA and David Bentley missed their shots, it looks to be a big mountain to climb for Spurs. ANDERSON did no wrong with his shot as United won the match.
Now back to the million dollar question, will TEVEZ be a United player come next season? Well we will leave that aside for now and celebrate this moment in what could be another glorious chapter in Carlitos career.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Zarate Double Helps Lazio Beat Bologna
Mauro ZARATE scored a brace for Lazio in their 2-0 win over Bologna. The results was crucial for the Bianconeslesti as they kept their hopes of European football for next season alive.
ZARATE has seen his goal scoring form dried out November and needed something special to break his dull spell. Lazio were awarded a free kick after Goran PANDEV was foul in the 35th minute. ZARATE curled the ball in past a static Francesco ANTONIOLI to put his side in the lead.
After missing plenty of other opportunity to double up Lazio’s lead his was finally rewarded with another goal. ZARATEe got his second nine minutes from time, finishing off a perfect pass from Tommaso ROCCHI, who had come off the bench for PANDEV minutes earlier with a delightfully clever touch.
In Spain, former Albiceleste captain Roberto AYALA scored for Real Zaragoza in their 4-1 win over Murcia in the Segunda Division.
In Greece, Ismael BLANCO was on target for AEK Athens in their 2-1 win over FC Xanthi. Mauro POY scored for the visitor. Javier CAMPORA scored from the spot for Aris Salonika in their 2-1 win over Thrasivoulos.
ZARATE has seen his goal scoring form dried out November and needed something special to break his dull spell. Lazio were awarded a free kick after Goran PANDEV was foul in the 35th minute. ZARATE curled the ball in past a static Francesco ANTONIOLI to put his side in the lead.
After missing plenty of other opportunity to double up Lazio’s lead his was finally rewarded with another goal. ZARATEe got his second nine minutes from time, finishing off a perfect pass from Tommaso ROCCHI, who had come off the bench for PANDEV minutes earlier with a delightfully clever touch.
In Spain, former Albiceleste captain Roberto AYALA scored for Real Zaragoza in their 4-1 win over Murcia in the Segunda Division.
In Greece, Ismael BLANCO was on target for AEK Athens in their 2-1 win over FC Xanthi. Mauro POY scored for the visitor. Javier CAMPORA scored from the spot for Aris Salonika in their 2-1 win over Thrasivoulos.
Friday, February 27, 2009
NBA News - Chapu the Killer King Against the Clippers
Sacramento Kings brought Andres NOCIONOI from the bench and the rest is history. At least now they are giving their fans a glimpse of what they can expect from the mighty warrior from Argentina.
Against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Kings jumped on them from the beginning to finish the game with a 98-86 win. The result ended their three match losing streak, and 17 from the last 19.
Much of the energy source, came from their newly acquired star. Chapu was on target in his first four shot and had nine points in the opening half. He went on to hammer the Clippers with a 17 points plus 2 rebounds, an assists, a block shot and a steal.
Fabricio OBERTO had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist as the San Antonio Spurs (still without Tim DUNCAN and Manu GINOBILI) fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 86-97.
The Detroit Pistons got back to winning way with a 93-85 win over Eastern Conference high flyers Orlando Magic. Walter HERRMANN got 2 points and a rebound from the bench.
Against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Kings jumped on them from the beginning to finish the game with a 98-86 win. The result ended their three match losing streak, and 17 from the last 19.
Much of the energy source, came from their newly acquired star. Chapu was on target in his first four shot and had nine points in the opening half. He went on to hammer the Clippers with a 17 points plus 2 rebounds, an assists, a block shot and a steal.
Fabricio OBERTO had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist as the San Antonio Spurs (still without Tim DUNCAN and Manu GINOBILI) fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 86-97.
The Detroit Pistons got back to winning way with a 93-85 win over Eastern Conference high flyers Orlando Magic. Walter HERRMANN got 2 points and a rebound from the bench.
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