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.