Melbourne: England's Ian Gould and Pakistan's Aleem Dar will be the on-field umpires for the India-Bangladesh cricket World Cup quarterfinal to be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Thursday.
Australians Steve Davis and Paul Reiffel will officiate as the third and fourth umpires while Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka will be the match referee, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.
The ICC also announced officials for the other three quarterfinals.
The first one between Sri Lanka and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday will be officiated by Rod Tucker and Nigel Llong (on-field), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Bruce Oxenford (fourth umpire) and David Boon (match referee).
Friday's Australia vs Pakistan last eight match at the Adelaide Oval will be umpired by Marais Erasmus and Kumar Dharmasena (on-field), Richard Illingworth (third umpire), Billy Bowden (fourth umpire) and Ranjan Madugalle (match referee).
The only quarterfinal in New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday between the Black Caps and West Indies will be officiated by Richard Kettleborough and Bruce Oxenford (on-field), Rod Tucker (third umpire), Nigel Llong (fourth umpire) and Chris Broad (match referee).
Source: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/icc-world-cup-2015-ian-gould-aleem-dar-to-officiate-india-bangladesh-quarterfinal_1562433.html
Monday, March 16, 2015
Cricket World Cup 2015: Sri Lanka's Herath likely to be fit to face Proteas
Sri Lanka's front-line spinner Rangana Herath is recovering well and looks likely to face South Africa in Wednesday's World Cup quarter-final at the SCG , chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said on Monday.
Herath, 36, split the webbing between two fingers on his bowling hand trying to take a return chance off Jos Buttler in a thumping defeat of England on March 1.
The left-armer missed the last two pool matches against Australia and Scotland but the stitches have been removed from the wound and he will be given until training on Tuesday to prove his fitness.
"Rangana is recovering fast and I hope he will be alright," Jayasuriya told reporters beside the nets at the SCG.
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"The stitches have been taken off and he'll be ready for the match. That's what I'm thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow."
The Sri Lankans have been bedevilled by injury problems at this World Cup but all-rounder Angelo Matthews has recovered from an Achilles issue and will lead the side on Wednesday.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Seekkuge Prasanna was brought into the squad, effectively as a stand-in for Rangana, and took 1-77 in the loss to Australia last week at the SCG, a ground which has a tradition of providing some turn for spinners.
Rangana has taken three wickets at a cost of 49 runs in his previous two ODI matches at the SCG but Jayasuriya said spin bowling would not necessarily be crucial to Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup.
"We have fast bowlers, we have spinners, we don't have any concrete plans, we'll just stick to the basics," he said.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2015-sri-lankas-herath-likely-to-be-fit-to-face-proteas-20150316-1m05x8.html
Herath, 36, split the webbing between two fingers on his bowling hand trying to take a return chance off Jos Buttler in a thumping defeat of England on March 1.
The left-armer missed the last two pool matches against Australia and Scotland but the stitches have been removed from the wound and he will be given until training on Tuesday to prove his fitness.
"Rangana is recovering fast and I hope he will be alright," Jayasuriya told reporters beside the nets at the SCG.
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"The stitches have been taken off and he'll be ready for the match. That's what I'm thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow."
The Sri Lankans have been bedevilled by injury problems at this World Cup but all-rounder Angelo Matthews has recovered from an Achilles issue and will lead the side on Wednesday.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Seekkuge Prasanna was brought into the squad, effectively as a stand-in for Rangana, and took 1-77 in the loss to Australia last week at the SCG, a ground which has a tradition of providing some turn for spinners.
Rangana has taken three wickets at a cost of 49 runs in his previous two ODI matches at the SCG but Jayasuriya said spin bowling would not necessarily be crucial to Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup.
"We have fast bowlers, we have spinners, we don't have any concrete plans, we'll just stick to the basics," he said.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2015-sri-lankas-herath-likely-to-be-fit-to-face-proteas-20150316-1m05x8.html
Uefa Champions League: Goal-shy Atletico Madrid seek home comfort
Madrid: Atletico Madrid will once again have to rely on their formidable home form as they look to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit against Bayer Leverkusen to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Last season’s beaten finalists have failed to win a game since falling to Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning strike at the Bay Arena three weeks ago.
However, they have won 20 of their last 22 European games at the Vicente Calderon, including wins in all three of their group games earlier this season without conceding a goal.
Another clean sheet is likely to be in order if Diego Simeone’s men are to progress to the last eight, with goals of their own in short supply in recent weeks.
Since thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 last month, Los Rojiblancos have found the net just once in their last four games.
“In football, there are moments in a season where sometimes you are more deadly in front of goal than others. Sometimes the goal comes easily and other times you have loads of good chances and it doesn’t go in,” Simeone said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Espanyol.
“We need to keep going, roll up our sleeves and work hard because that is the only way we know how to improve.”
Simeone will also be without two of his most experienced campaigners in Diego Godin and Tiago through suspension.
However, top scorer Mario Mandzukic is expected to return to the starting line-up for the first time since defeat in Leverkusen in place of Fernando Torres.
In contrast to Atletico’s slump in form, Leverkusen come into the game full of confidence having won their last five games without conceding a goal.
The Germans could even have put the tie to bed at home with a series of promising counter-attacks that lacked the final finish.
Captain Simon Rolfes, though, is backing his side to get the away goal that would go a long way to sealing their place in the last eight for the first time since they reached the final in 2002.
“We need to tick off the last few games and concentrate on Atletico. If we stand up for each other, then we also have a good chance in Madrid.
“We are always good for a goal away from home, but it’s just as important that we don’t concede one.”
The first meeting between the two was a feisty affair with 10 yellow cards, a red for Tiago and a bust up between the two coaching staffs.
And Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt believes his side will need to keep a cool head in the cauldron like atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
“We need a super game, but we’ll head down there with a lot of self confidence for the second leg,” he said.
“We’re still the underdogs, but we’ve shown that we have a good chance.
“There will be a lot of emotions in the stadium, so we know we’ll have to keep cool heads in order to make the right decisions.”
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-goal-shy-atletico-madrid-seek-home-comfort-1.1472485
Last season’s beaten finalists have failed to win a game since falling to Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning strike at the Bay Arena three weeks ago.
However, they have won 20 of their last 22 European games at the Vicente Calderon, including wins in all three of their group games earlier this season without conceding a goal.
Another clean sheet is likely to be in order if Diego Simeone’s men are to progress to the last eight, with goals of their own in short supply in recent weeks.
Since thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 last month, Los Rojiblancos have found the net just once in their last four games.
“In football, there are moments in a season where sometimes you are more deadly in front of goal than others. Sometimes the goal comes easily and other times you have loads of good chances and it doesn’t go in,” Simeone said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Espanyol.
“We need to keep going, roll up our sleeves and work hard because that is the only way we know how to improve.”
Simeone will also be without two of his most experienced campaigners in Diego Godin and Tiago through suspension.
However, top scorer Mario Mandzukic is expected to return to the starting line-up for the first time since defeat in Leverkusen in place of Fernando Torres.
In contrast to Atletico’s slump in form, Leverkusen come into the game full of confidence having won their last five games without conceding a goal.
The Germans could even have put the tie to bed at home with a series of promising counter-attacks that lacked the final finish.
Captain Simon Rolfes, though, is backing his side to get the away goal that would go a long way to sealing their place in the last eight for the first time since they reached the final in 2002.
“We need to tick off the last few games and concentrate on Atletico. If we stand up for each other, then we also have a good chance in Madrid.
“We are always good for a goal away from home, but it’s just as important that we don’t concede one.”
The first meeting between the two was a feisty affair with 10 yellow cards, a red for Tiago and a bust up between the two coaching staffs.
And Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt believes his side will need to keep a cool head in the cauldron like atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
“We need a super game, but we’ll head down there with a lot of self confidence for the second leg,” he said.
“We’re still the underdogs, but we’ve shown that we have a good chance.
“There will be a lot of emotions in the stadium, so we know we’ll have to keep cool heads in order to make the right decisions.”
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-goal-shy-atletico-madrid-seek-home-comfort-1.1472485
Uefa Champions League: Arsenal confident of beating Monaco — Olivier Giroud
London: Olivier Giroud described football as “an everlasting new beginning” over the weekend but, if there was ever one ending that he must yearn to script, it is surely Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Monaco on Tuesday night.
“We can go there and create something special,” claimed Arsene Wenger after a 3-0 win against West Ham United on Saturday that mirrors the scoreline his team now need on the Cote d’Azur following their 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates.
History suggests that Arsenal will need something of a fairytale as no club has overcome an equivalent first leg deficit in Champions League history, but there are reasons for hope.
Arsenal have now won 19 of their past 24 matches and, after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, have ended the week within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League.
For Giroud, it is now 11 goals in 16 games. But Wenger says he was never concerned for the resilience of a player who was playing in the lower divisions of the French league just five years ago.
“There are always tough moments,” said Giroud. “You have to question yourself every week and bounce back. Football is a sport where you need to have a strong mentality. I know when I play well or not. I think we learned from our mistakes and we will go to Monaco with a lot of confidence.”
Wenger has since sat down and analysed those mistakes with the players. He believes that kamikaze attacking was Arsenal’s problem rather than complacency.
“We knew that we were impatient and threw ourselves forward too much,” said Wenger. “I think we wanted it too much. We forgot our basics. What you want in life is the chance to put it right. Sometimes you make a big mistake and there’s no comeback. We have the opportunity.”
It might sound like straw clutching but, from their recent experience in the Champions League of almost overturning big first leg deficits, Arsenal know that Monaco will be unsure how to approach Tuesday’s game.
Wenger sought to underline that psychological dilemma when asked if the pressure would be on his old club. “They’ve already won it, they can still lose it,” he said.
Team selection will clearly be vital and, after Aaron Ramsey scored for the first time in 2015, Wenger must decide whether to recall Santi Cazorla. Theo Walcott must also be struggling to retain his place after missing a series of first-half chances against West Ham.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-arsenal-confident-of-beating-monaco-olivier-giroud-1.1472549
“We can go there and create something special,” claimed Arsene Wenger after a 3-0 win against West Ham United on Saturday that mirrors the scoreline his team now need on the Cote d’Azur following their 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates.
History suggests that Arsenal will need something of a fairytale as no club has overcome an equivalent first leg deficit in Champions League history, but there are reasons for hope.
Arsenal have now won 19 of their past 24 matches and, after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, have ended the week within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League.
For Giroud, it is now 11 goals in 16 games. But Wenger says he was never concerned for the resilience of a player who was playing in the lower divisions of the French league just five years ago.
“There are always tough moments,” said Giroud. “You have to question yourself every week and bounce back. Football is a sport where you need to have a strong mentality. I know when I play well or not. I think we learned from our mistakes and we will go to Monaco with a lot of confidence.”
Wenger has since sat down and analysed those mistakes with the players. He believes that kamikaze attacking was Arsenal’s problem rather than complacency.
“We knew that we were impatient and threw ourselves forward too much,” said Wenger. “I think we wanted it too much. We forgot our basics. What you want in life is the chance to put it right. Sometimes you make a big mistake and there’s no comeback. We have the opportunity.”
It might sound like straw clutching but, from their recent experience in the Champions League of almost overturning big first leg deficits, Arsenal know that Monaco will be unsure how to approach Tuesday’s game.
Wenger sought to underline that psychological dilemma when asked if the pressure would be on his old club. “They’ve already won it, they can still lose it,” he said.
Team selection will clearly be vital and, after Aaron Ramsey scored for the first time in 2015, Wenger must decide whether to recall Santi Cazorla. Theo Walcott must also be struggling to retain his place after missing a series of first-half chances against West Ham.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-arsenal-confident-of-beating-monaco-olivier-giroud-1.1472549
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain preview
José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
We will try to win. When you are losing 3-1 from the first leg you are on the limit of risk. If you concede one goal you are in big trouble. You know you have to score a minimum of three. Tomorrow is different. The result has a complete balance, but we are trying to win.
[Our experience] helps us to sleep well tonight. You feel comfortable to play if it's something you do a lot of times. It's one more game, in spite of being a knockout game and the second leg, so you're calm. But during the game the players play. You are speaking about teams with very good players, some of them very comfortable playing at this level. I think it's more about them.
Champions League, in the knockouts, you need a bit of luck in the details in specific moments. To score a goal in the last minute, even if you do a lot to try to be lucky, it's a lucky detail. Last season we had that. If somebody tomorrow has to be a little bit magic, it's the crowd. We played a semi-final here against Liverpool a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. The crowd was extra. So, the same way in Paris we had a fantastic stadium supporting the home team – hopefully tomorrow we can have that in our favour.
©Getty Images
Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
[Victory] would change our perception in France, but also across Europe and maybe with you guys, the press. But we still need to do that. It's easy to talk about, but harder to go out and do it. We're halfway through a two-legged tie. Chelsea have a slight advantage with the away goal, so our aim is to do what Chelsea did in Paris and get through. We'll prepare well. We know what we will be going to do. Chelsea have to work out a balance between attacking and defending. That's their problem. But we know we have to score at least one goal to qualify.
We just prepare normally. Maybe you go into greater detail than for other games, but these are opponents we know better than last year. Nothing will change in terms of the way we train. But there is plenty that is said behind closed doors. To progress, you need experence. Paris have more experience [ than last year] but we're still off what Chelsea have. They took a while to get where they are – and invested heavily. It takes time to become one of the top five or six sides in Europe. That is the process Paris have embarked upon.
We don't have a choice. The first-leg result is what it is. As things stand, once this match starts, we're going out because Chelsea have the away goal. We have to come out and look to qualify. There were some encouraging signs in the first leg. We know we played better than them in that first leg. I have been frank about that. But we know Chelsea can play better tomorrow.
We have to attack and score, regardless of whether Chelsea score, and to be clever and try to play our game. One of Chelsea's main weapons is that they are good on the counterattack, so we can't go gung-ho. We have to be solid and take our chances. I hope we do better than Chelsea did in the first leg, where Chelsea created only one chance and scored from that.
Chelsea start with a slight advantage and we have to take some risks but not too many. We've only had the first act of this tie. Now we need to stand up and be counted, but also stay in the game. We need to stay solid as well as attack and create chances.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014413/prematch/preview/
We will try to win. When you are losing 3-1 from the first leg you are on the limit of risk. If you concede one goal you are in big trouble. You know you have to score a minimum of three. Tomorrow is different. The result has a complete balance, but we are trying to win.
[Our experience] helps us to sleep well tonight. You feel comfortable to play if it's something you do a lot of times. It's one more game, in spite of being a knockout game and the second leg, so you're calm. But during the game the players play. You are speaking about teams with very good players, some of them very comfortable playing at this level. I think it's more about them.
Champions League, in the knockouts, you need a bit of luck in the details in specific moments. To score a goal in the last minute, even if you do a lot to try to be lucky, it's a lucky detail. Last season we had that. If somebody tomorrow has to be a little bit magic, it's the crowd. We played a semi-final here against Liverpool a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. The crowd was extra. So, the same way in Paris we had a fantastic stadium supporting the home team – hopefully tomorrow we can have that in our favour.
©Getty Images
Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
[Victory] would change our perception in France, but also across Europe and maybe with you guys, the press. But we still need to do that. It's easy to talk about, but harder to go out and do it. We're halfway through a two-legged tie. Chelsea have a slight advantage with the away goal, so our aim is to do what Chelsea did in Paris and get through. We'll prepare well. We know what we will be going to do. Chelsea have to work out a balance between attacking and defending. That's their problem. But we know we have to score at least one goal to qualify.
We just prepare normally. Maybe you go into greater detail than for other games, but these are opponents we know better than last year. Nothing will change in terms of the way we train. But there is plenty that is said behind closed doors. To progress, you need experence. Paris have more experience [ than last year] but we're still off what Chelsea have. They took a while to get where they are – and invested heavily. It takes time to become one of the top five or six sides in Europe. That is the process Paris have embarked upon.
We don't have a choice. The first-leg result is what it is. As things stand, once this match starts, we're going out because Chelsea have the away goal. We have to come out and look to qualify. There were some encouraging signs in the first leg. We know we played better than them in that first leg. I have been frank about that. But we know Chelsea can play better tomorrow.
We have to attack and score, regardless of whether Chelsea score, and to be clever and try to play our game. One of Chelsea's main weapons is that they are good on the counterattack, so we can't go gung-ho. We have to be solid and take our chances. I hope we do better than Chelsea did in the first leg, where Chelsea created only one chance and scored from that.
Chelsea start with a slight advantage and we have to take some risks but not too many. We've only had the first act of this tie. Now we need to stand up and be counted, but also stay in the game. We need to stay solid as well as attack and create chances.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014413/prematch/preview/
Thursday, March 5, 2015
UEFA to sell 46,000 Champions League final tickets to public
Around one third of the 70,500 tickets for this year's Champions League final in Berlin will be reserved for football officials, sponsors and corporate hospitality, UEFA said on Tuesday.
European football's governing body said 20,000 tickets would be allocated to supporters of each of the two finalists, with another 6,000 going on sale to neutral fans via UEFA's website.
The UEFA Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League trophy
"As usual, fans and the general public are being allocated the majority of the tickets for the final," UEFA said in a statement.
"The remaining tickets are allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme."
UEFA said prices for the match at the Olympiastadion on June 6 would range from 70 euros (50 pounds) for category four tickets to 390 euros for category one.
Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/uefa-sell-46000-champions-league-final-tickets-public-2137711.html
European football's governing body said 20,000 tickets would be allocated to supporters of each of the two finalists, with another 6,000 going on sale to neutral fans via UEFA's website.
The UEFA Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League trophy
"As usual, fans and the general public are being allocated the majority of the tickets for the final," UEFA said in a statement.
"The remaining tickets are allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme."
UEFA said prices for the match at the Olympiastadion on June 6 would range from 70 euros (50 pounds) for category four tickets to 390 euros for category one.
Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/uefa-sell-46000-champions-league-final-tickets-public-2137711.html
Kroos on Real Madrid, Ancelotti and new role
After eight years with FC Bayern München, German international Toni Kroos switched to Real Madrid CF in the summer and is enjoying his new environs.
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Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid
Toni Kroos
”
Arriving as a FIFA World Cup winner at the reigning European champions, Kroos was moved into a more defensive midfield role by coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 25-year-old has responded with a series of flawless displays, including in the 2-0 victory at FC Schalke 04 that leaves Madrid in an enviable position for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg.
Kroos sat down with UEFA.com to discuss life at Madrid, working alongside Ancelotti and his aim for another European club title in Berlin in June.
UEFA.com: How would you sum up your start at Real Madrid?
Toni Kroos: It has been a good start for me. I have been here a while now, so [my start] is in the past. It's gone well from the off. For the time being, we are first in our league and still in the race for the Champions League, and I hope we will be successful. As far as I am concerned, I hope to contribute to that success.
UEFA.com: One quality that is impossible to overlook with you is confidence. It comes across in your play and in the way you handle the media. What do you put that down to?
Kroos: We all have a different temperament. I just draw my confidence from my own qualities. I know what I'm capable of – that's where most of my confidence comes from.
UEFA.com: Carlo Ancelotti has put a lot of faith in you – he made it a priority to sign you. And since you've joined he's described you as 'a professor'. Tell us about your relationship with him.
Kroos enjoys working with Carlo Ancelotti
Kroos: He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn't played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield. I enjoy playing in this position. Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game. We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we're facing. I still don't know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.
He's also one of the reasons I came here – I think it's normal to talk with the coach before taking that step. He gave me a positive impression and told me Madrid would be even stronger with me in their ranks. It was obviously a good conversation.
UEFA.com: How would you define your role as a midfielder? You show great instinct, decisiveness, finesse and vision. How are those different attributes balanced in your game?
Kroos: Playing in midfield is difficult nowadays – you have to be versatile, be good on and off the ball. You have to defend well, build up the attack and be good at winning individual battles. These positions are hard to master, and I'm trying to integrate all that into my game, I'm trying to get rid of my weaknesses. I know I can make further progress. I think I am on the right track.
Kroos (left) celebrates Madrid's second goal at Schalke
UEFA.com: Tell us about the part the UEFA Champions League has played in your career? Since making your debut as an 18 year-old for Bayern against Fiorentina, you've really grown as a player in the competition.
Kroos: Yes, this competition is always brilliant, especially when you reach the knockout stages. At this point, the games are tight and you meet the best teams in Europe. The greatest challenge is to show what you can do season in, season out in the competition."Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid".
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014415/prematch/focus/
Related Items
Real Madrid v Schalke facts
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Madrid win at Schalke
Madrid in for Kroos
Download our podcast
Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid
Toni Kroos
”
Arriving as a FIFA World Cup winner at the reigning European champions, Kroos was moved into a more defensive midfield role by coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 25-year-old has responded with a series of flawless displays, including in the 2-0 victory at FC Schalke 04 that leaves Madrid in an enviable position for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg.
Kroos sat down with UEFA.com to discuss life at Madrid, working alongside Ancelotti and his aim for another European club title in Berlin in June.
UEFA.com: How would you sum up your start at Real Madrid?
Toni Kroos: It has been a good start for me. I have been here a while now, so [my start] is in the past. It's gone well from the off. For the time being, we are first in our league and still in the race for the Champions League, and I hope we will be successful. As far as I am concerned, I hope to contribute to that success.
UEFA.com: One quality that is impossible to overlook with you is confidence. It comes across in your play and in the way you handle the media. What do you put that down to?
Kroos: We all have a different temperament. I just draw my confidence from my own qualities. I know what I'm capable of – that's where most of my confidence comes from.
UEFA.com: Carlo Ancelotti has put a lot of faith in you – he made it a priority to sign you. And since you've joined he's described you as 'a professor'. Tell us about your relationship with him.
Kroos enjoys working with Carlo Ancelotti
Kroos: He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn't played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield. I enjoy playing in this position. Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game. We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we're facing. I still don't know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.
He's also one of the reasons I came here – I think it's normal to talk with the coach before taking that step. He gave me a positive impression and told me Madrid would be even stronger with me in their ranks. It was obviously a good conversation.
UEFA.com: How would you define your role as a midfielder? You show great instinct, decisiveness, finesse and vision. How are those different attributes balanced in your game?
Kroos: Playing in midfield is difficult nowadays – you have to be versatile, be good on and off the ball. You have to defend well, build up the attack and be good at winning individual battles. These positions are hard to master, and I'm trying to integrate all that into my game, I'm trying to get rid of my weaknesses. I know I can make further progress. I think I am on the right track.
Kroos (left) celebrates Madrid's second goal at Schalke
UEFA.com: Tell us about the part the UEFA Champions League has played in your career? Since making your debut as an 18 year-old for Bayern against Fiorentina, you've really grown as a player in the competition.
Kroos: Yes, this competition is always brilliant, especially when you reach the knockout stages. At this point, the games are tight and you meet the best teams in Europe. The greatest challenge is to show what you can do season in, season out in the competition."Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid".
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014415/prematch/focus/
South Africa Vs. Pakistan Cricket Streaming Live Online: Watch The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Match
As the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup rolls on, Pakistan and South Africa prepare to do battle on the pitch in Match 29. South Africa is in good positioning right now in Pool B with three victories in four matches. Pakistan isn’t doing too bad either as they are 2-2. Now, they will face off and you can watch it streaming live online.
Pakistan lost their opener against India by 76 runs and their second match to West Indies by 150 runs. They rebounded to defeat Zimbabwe by 20 runs in Match 23 and then three days later, beat UAE by 129 runs.
On the other hand, South Africa won their opening match over Sri Lanka by 62 runs before losing to India (by 130 runs) in their second match. They bounced back nicely with a 257-run demolition of West Indies and a 201-run thrashing of Ireland.
Right now, both teams and fans are hoping the match will take place at all. Sport 24 reported that weather could be bad and some heavy rain showers may happen in the afternoon. As well as South Africa has been playing, Pakistan may not mind taking the point in a washout.
On the other hand, NDTV Sports is reporting that Pakistan really needs the victory over South Africa. Coach Waqar Younis knows that a win would prove a lot to many teams in the Cricket World Cup.
“Look it (win) definitely changed the body language of the players because a win always make you feel comfortable and confident, but I still feel that we need to win against a bigger team like South Africa to tell the world that we are around.”
The match between South Africa vs. Pakistan is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Friday, March 6, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
ESPN will begin online streaming at 7:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 4, but that is just one option to watch South Africa vs. Pakistan live. ESPN does charge a fee to watch all of the matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, so be aware of that.
Some of the other options include CricHD, PTV Sports, Sky Sports 2, or Star Sports, and these will be good to check out South Africa vs. Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. You will be able to enjoy any of these streaming options to watch the match live and not miss a moment of the action.
Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/1898886/south-africa-vs-pakistan-cricket-streaming-live-online-watch-the-2015-icc-cricket-world-cup-match/
Pakistan lost their opener against India by 76 runs and their second match to West Indies by 150 runs. They rebounded to defeat Zimbabwe by 20 runs in Match 23 and then three days later, beat UAE by 129 runs.
On the other hand, South Africa won their opening match over Sri Lanka by 62 runs before losing to India (by 130 runs) in their second match. They bounced back nicely with a 257-run demolition of West Indies and a 201-run thrashing of Ireland.
Right now, both teams and fans are hoping the match will take place at all. Sport 24 reported that weather could be bad and some heavy rain showers may happen in the afternoon. As well as South Africa has been playing, Pakistan may not mind taking the point in a washout.
On the other hand, NDTV Sports is reporting that Pakistan really needs the victory over South Africa. Coach Waqar Younis knows that a win would prove a lot to many teams in the Cricket World Cup.
“Look it (win) definitely changed the body language of the players because a win always make you feel comfortable and confident, but I still feel that we need to win against a bigger team like South Africa to tell the world that we are around.”
The match between South Africa vs. Pakistan is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Friday, March 6, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
ESPN will begin online streaming at 7:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 4, but that is just one option to watch South Africa vs. Pakistan live. ESPN does charge a fee to watch all of the matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, so be aware of that.
Some of the other options include CricHD, PTV Sports, Sky Sports 2, or Star Sports, and these will be good to check out South Africa vs. Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. You will be able to enjoy any of these streaming options to watch the match live and not miss a moment of the action.
Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/1898886/south-africa-vs-pakistan-cricket-streaming-live-online-watch-the-2015-icc-cricket-world-cup-match/
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Action In Week 2
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has been a complete package of entertainment so far. Nail biting finishes, double centuries and 400 plus totals have been interspersed with excellent bowling performances and top class fielding displays, ever since the tournament began the previous month. In this article, we take a look at how things shaped up in the 2nd week of this mega event of cricket.
ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015
New Zealand’s 1 wicket victory over Australia, at Auckland, was the highlight of the 2nd week of action in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Pool A
Proceedings for the 2nd week, in Pool A, began with Afghanistan giving a real scare to Sri Lanka when they almost managed to defend a target of 232 against the might of Sangakkara and Co, at Dunedin. A nail biting finish, however, failed to produce positive results for the Afghans as Thisara Perera managed to secure a tense victory for the Lankans.
England registered their first victory in the tournament, beating Scotland by 119 runs at Christchurch. Moeen Ali appeared to have brought his team back on track, with a skillfully constructed century.
Excitement levels in the World Cup reached a crescendo at Dunedin, once again, when minnows Afghanistan and Scotland locked horns in what appeared to be an inconsequential game. The match ultimately went down to the wire and Afghanistan somehow managed to chase down a total of 210, with 3 balls and a solitary wicket to spare!
Sri Lanka reinforced their claims on a Quarter Finals spot, with a confident 92 run victory against Bangladesh at Melbourne.
The most talked about match of this World Cup came on the last day of February, when arch rivals Australia and New Zealand took on each other at Auckland. The match looked well and truly over for the Aussies when they were bowled out for just 151, courtesy some unplayable deliveries from the Kiwi bowlers led by Trent Boult. Brendon McCullum’s 23 ball half century took New Zealand halfway past the target in just 7 overs, before the Aussies hit back with full force. A flurry of wickets ruffled the Kiwi feathers badly, and Mitchell Starc terrorized them with a 6 wicket haul that brought Australia within striking distance of a magical win. However, even with just 1 wicket, Kane Williamson’s nerves of steel prevailed. Requiring six runs to win, the gritty Kiwi batsman’s lofted shot managed to clear the long on fence and secure New Zealand a slender win.
Pool B
It was the high profile India vs South Africa encounter at Melbourne that set things in motion in Pool B, in the 2nd week. In an astonishing display of superiority in all three departments of the game, India humbled the mighty title favorites South Africa by 130 runs. The Indian pacers brilliantly complemented the good work done by Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli with the bat.
Chris Gayle decided to turn on the heat against Zimbabwe, at Canberra, with the fastest double hundred in ODI history. Gayle’s 147 ball 215 was enough to stifle the Zimbabwean challenge, as West Indies kept their momentum going with a 73 run victory.
Ireland and UAE produced an entertaining finish to their match at Brisbane. Kevin O’Brien’s heroics with the bat took Ireland to a tense win in the last over, in a chase of 279.
The game between West Indies and South Africa had ‘AB de Villiers’ written all over it! The innovative South African skipper registered the fastest 150 in ODI history, en route to a 66 ball 162, which was decorated with 17 fours and 8 sixes. An all round performance from the Proteas first took them to 408/5 and then dismissed the West Indians for 151 in 33.1 overs!
India ran through UAE in their third game of the tournament, at Perth. Ravichandran Ashwin produced figures of 10-1-25-4, and the other Indian bowlers chipped in with disciplined performances to send UAE packing for a paltry 102. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 75 run stand ensured that India were home in just 18.5 overs.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – The road ahead
There appears to be no denying the fact that this World Cup may be rated the best ever in history, in terms of popular participation and on-the-field performances by teams and individuals. The Quarter Finals are knocking at the door, and ardent cricket fans better fasten their seat belts now – it’s going to be one memorable ride for all!
Source: http://sportsrediscovered.com/12206/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-action-week-2
ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015
New Zealand’s 1 wicket victory over Australia, at Auckland, was the highlight of the 2nd week of action in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Pool A
Proceedings for the 2nd week, in Pool A, began with Afghanistan giving a real scare to Sri Lanka when they almost managed to defend a target of 232 against the might of Sangakkara and Co, at Dunedin. A nail biting finish, however, failed to produce positive results for the Afghans as Thisara Perera managed to secure a tense victory for the Lankans.
England registered their first victory in the tournament, beating Scotland by 119 runs at Christchurch. Moeen Ali appeared to have brought his team back on track, with a skillfully constructed century.
Excitement levels in the World Cup reached a crescendo at Dunedin, once again, when minnows Afghanistan and Scotland locked horns in what appeared to be an inconsequential game. The match ultimately went down to the wire and Afghanistan somehow managed to chase down a total of 210, with 3 balls and a solitary wicket to spare!
Sri Lanka reinforced their claims on a Quarter Finals spot, with a confident 92 run victory against Bangladesh at Melbourne.
The most talked about match of this World Cup came on the last day of February, when arch rivals Australia and New Zealand took on each other at Auckland. The match looked well and truly over for the Aussies when they were bowled out for just 151, courtesy some unplayable deliveries from the Kiwi bowlers led by Trent Boult. Brendon McCullum’s 23 ball half century took New Zealand halfway past the target in just 7 overs, before the Aussies hit back with full force. A flurry of wickets ruffled the Kiwi feathers badly, and Mitchell Starc terrorized them with a 6 wicket haul that brought Australia within striking distance of a magical win. However, even with just 1 wicket, Kane Williamson’s nerves of steel prevailed. Requiring six runs to win, the gritty Kiwi batsman’s lofted shot managed to clear the long on fence and secure New Zealand a slender win.
Pool B
It was the high profile India vs South Africa encounter at Melbourne that set things in motion in Pool B, in the 2nd week. In an astonishing display of superiority in all three departments of the game, India humbled the mighty title favorites South Africa by 130 runs. The Indian pacers brilliantly complemented the good work done by Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli with the bat.
Chris Gayle decided to turn on the heat against Zimbabwe, at Canberra, with the fastest double hundred in ODI history. Gayle’s 147 ball 215 was enough to stifle the Zimbabwean challenge, as West Indies kept their momentum going with a 73 run victory.
Ireland and UAE produced an entertaining finish to their match at Brisbane. Kevin O’Brien’s heroics with the bat took Ireland to a tense win in the last over, in a chase of 279.
The game between West Indies and South Africa had ‘AB de Villiers’ written all over it! The innovative South African skipper registered the fastest 150 in ODI history, en route to a 66 ball 162, which was decorated with 17 fours and 8 sixes. An all round performance from the Proteas first took them to 408/5 and then dismissed the West Indians for 151 in 33.1 overs!
India ran through UAE in their third game of the tournament, at Perth. Ravichandran Ashwin produced figures of 10-1-25-4, and the other Indian bowlers chipped in with disciplined performances to send UAE packing for a paltry 102. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 75 run stand ensured that India were home in just 18.5 overs.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – The road ahead
There appears to be no denying the fact that this World Cup may be rated the best ever in history, in terms of popular participation and on-the-field performances by teams and individuals. The Quarter Finals are knocking at the door, and ardent cricket fans better fasten their seat belts now – it’s going to be one memorable ride for all!
Source: http://sportsrediscovered.com/12206/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-action-week-2
Bangladesh vs Scotland, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Match 27 Preview: BAN face SCO, aim for win to boost quarterfinal chances
Bangladesh would eye victory against a struggling Scotland to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 when the two teams clash in a Pool A match at Saxton Oval, Nelson. If Bangladesh defeat Scotland, who have lost all three matches so far, then the Asian minnows would be a win away from the quarterfinals. Check Out- Updated Points Table of 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh need to win two of their last three matches and their next opponents are England, who are languishing at number six having lost three matches out of four. While Bangladesh have everything to play for, Scotland are looking to get their first win of the tournament. Their pace battery, led by Iain Wardlaw, is their biggest asset. They lost a thriller against Afghanistan and against Bangladesh is probably their best chance to register a win as they next play former champions Sri Lanka and Australia.
Scotland know what Bangladesh are dreaming of but they have vowed to make life tough for the Asian side. ”They are expected to win this game. They want to get two points out of this game. But at the same time it’s brilliant opportunity for Scotland as an associate team to play against a full member and have the opportunity to beat a full member. We are right up for this game,” Scotland captain Preston Mommsen said. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches.
Mommsen’s is expecting that Bangladesh will rely on their spin attack but said they have take inspiration from Ireland’s upset win over the West Indies at this very ground. ”Ireland attacked the West Indies bowlers on this ground and we will try and represent the Associates tomorrow as best as we can,” he said.
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said tomorrow’s match is a chance for them to regain some confidence, which was bashed by the 92-run defeat against Sri Lanka. ”We expect to win. When we lost (to Sri Lanka), we also lost some confidence. So this is an opportunity to win this match and go with some confidence into the game against England,” Mortaza said. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
Squads
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Al-Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque, Arafat Sunny, Mahmudullah, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.
Scotland: Preston Mommsen (C), Kyle Coetzer, Richie Berrington, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.
Source: http://www.india.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/bangladesh-vs-scotland-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-match-27-preview-ban-face-sco-aim-for-win-to-boost-quarterfinal-chances-304676/
Bangladesh need to win two of their last three matches and their next opponents are England, who are languishing at number six having lost three matches out of four. While Bangladesh have everything to play for, Scotland are looking to get their first win of the tournament. Their pace battery, led by Iain Wardlaw, is their biggest asset. They lost a thriller against Afghanistan and against Bangladesh is probably their best chance to register a win as they next play former champions Sri Lanka and Australia.
Scotland know what Bangladesh are dreaming of but they have vowed to make life tough for the Asian side. ”They are expected to win this game. They want to get two points out of this game. But at the same time it’s brilliant opportunity for Scotland as an associate team to play against a full member and have the opportunity to beat a full member. We are right up for this game,” Scotland captain Preston Mommsen said. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches.
Mommsen’s is expecting that Bangladesh will rely on their spin attack but said they have take inspiration from Ireland’s upset win over the West Indies at this very ground. ”Ireland attacked the West Indies bowlers on this ground and we will try and represent the Associates tomorrow as best as we can,” he said.
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said tomorrow’s match is a chance for them to regain some confidence, which was bashed by the 92-run defeat against Sri Lanka. ”We expect to win. When we lost (to Sri Lanka), we also lost some confidence. So this is an opportunity to win this match and go with some confidence into the game against England,” Mortaza said. Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
Squads
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Al-Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque, Arafat Sunny, Mahmudullah, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.
Scotland: Preston Mommsen (C), Kyle Coetzer, Richie Berrington, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.
Source: http://www.india.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/bangladesh-vs-scotland-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-match-27-preview-ban-face-sco-aim-for-win-to-boost-quarterfinal-chances-304676/
Monday, March 2, 2015
Fantasy: Andrew's defensive dilemmas
• Kurt Zouma was described as "our new Marcel Desailly" by José Mourinho after his role in Chelsea FC's defeat of Tottenham Hotspur FC in the English League Cup final. The 20-year-old defender has played in three UEFA Champions League matches this season and missed the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain but, at just €3.5m, he could be worth a gamble for the return.
• Mesut Özil provided two assists as Arsenal FC saw off Everton FC in north London. The English side have it all to do to turn round their tie against AS Monaco FC but, if they are to have any chance, they will need the German international to be on song – and priced at €8.5m, you could benefit as well.
• Arjen Robben is capturing most of the headlines at FC Bayern München but Franck Ribéry (€10.5m) and Robert Lewandowski (€12.0m) have both scored in their last three Bundesliga games. With a home second leg against FC Shakhtar Donetsk to come, both could carry that form into Europe.
• Another weekend and another clean sheet for AS Monaco FC, this time against Paris Saint-Germain. The French side's defenders are all solid options but should you still not be aware, Layvin Kurzawa, Fabinho, Aymen Abdennour (all €4.0m) and Wallace (€3.0m) are all bargain choices.
• FC Porto have kept a clean sheet in their last two Portuguese Liga fixtures – scoring five times themselves – and will be aiming for another when FC Basel 1893 visit in the second leg. Danilo and Maicon are both reasonably-priced selections at €5.0m, while Iván Marcano has established himself in the side in recent weeks and is a cheaper choice at just €4.0m.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/blogs/blog=ucl_blog_talkingpoint/postid=2217114.html
• Mesut Özil provided two assists as Arsenal FC saw off Everton FC in north London. The English side have it all to do to turn round their tie against AS Monaco FC but, if they are to have any chance, they will need the German international to be on song – and priced at €8.5m, you could benefit as well.
• Arjen Robben is capturing most of the headlines at FC Bayern München but Franck Ribéry (€10.5m) and Robert Lewandowski (€12.0m) have both scored in their last three Bundesliga games. With a home second leg against FC Shakhtar Donetsk to come, both could carry that form into Europe.
• Another weekend and another clean sheet for AS Monaco FC, this time against Paris Saint-Germain. The French side's defenders are all solid options but should you still not be aware, Layvin Kurzawa, Fabinho, Aymen Abdennour (all €4.0m) and Wallace (€3.0m) are all bargain choices.
• FC Porto have kept a clean sheet in their last two Portuguese Liga fixtures – scoring five times themselves – and will be aiming for another when FC Basel 1893 visit in the second leg. Danilo and Maicon are both reasonably-priced selections at €5.0m, while Iván Marcano has established himself in the side in recent weeks and is a cheaper choice at just €4.0m.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/blogs/blog=ucl_blog_talkingpoint/postid=2217114.html
South Africa vs Ireland, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: AB de Villiers, Ed Joyce in 3 Key Battles
This match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 might be lopsided on paper and South Africa are masters of brushing aside Associate Nations with utter disdain. After galloping another win against West Indies in their tournament opener and getting their second win after defeating United Arab Emirates (U.A.E), the Irish are now staring at the possibility of heading to the quarter-finals. There are some important battles that will be won and lost and but there are some who are expected to make inroads with the sheer force of their ability and talent. Here are some of them. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches.
1. Morne Morkel vs Ed Joyce Expected to fire on cylinders in the World Cup, Morne Morkel has not looked in his element in the tournament so far, but this where the lanky pacer can be at his lethal best — when people write him off. Veteran batsman Ed Joyce has the know-how of international cricket and will has a task on his hands. But Joyce can wear bowlers down and pick the gaps too and it is not a contest that will be won easily by Morkel. There will be bounce too, which Morkel is a great exponent of but more importantly the ICC World Cup 2015 needs the real Morne Morkel to stand up!
2. Dale Steyn vs Paul Stirling This battle between the South African pace spearhead, Dale Steyn and Ireland‘s swashbuckling buccaneer, Paul Stirling is expected to be the pick of the battles of the match. The peerless Steyn though will be watchful as he has quite battle on his hands as Stirling cares very little for reputation and is cut from the same cloth as a Virender Sehwag or a David Warner. In the past, there have been instances of Steyn cutting a frustrated figure if the batsman gets on top of him. After setting up the win against West Indies, Stirling is the man in form and can end up winning the battle as Steyn continues to be a little rusty. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – Full Points Table.
ABD
3. AB de Villiers vs George Dockrell After breaking all kinds of records in Sydney, Indians have woken up a hungry lion and AB de Villiers may have kicked off a run spree with his spellbinding 66 ball 162 against the West Indians. Young George Dockrell offers almost no pace on the ball and is one of Ireland’s leading stars with the ball. Dockrell has a terrific future ahead of him but he faces the sternest test of his career with that bat of AB even reading to come from underground and smash a bowler for six. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
Source: http://www.india.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/south-africa-vs-ireland-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-ab-de-villiers-ed-joyce-in-3-key-battles-302355/
1. Morne Morkel vs Ed Joyce Expected to fire on cylinders in the World Cup, Morne Morkel has not looked in his element in the tournament so far, but this where the lanky pacer can be at his lethal best — when people write him off. Veteran batsman Ed Joyce has the know-how of international cricket and will has a task on his hands. But Joyce can wear bowlers down and pick the gaps too and it is not a contest that will be won easily by Morkel. There will be bounce too, which Morkel is a great exponent of but more importantly the ICC World Cup 2015 needs the real Morne Morkel to stand up!
2. Dale Steyn vs Paul Stirling This battle between the South African pace spearhead, Dale Steyn and Ireland‘s swashbuckling buccaneer, Paul Stirling is expected to be the pick of the battles of the match. The peerless Steyn though will be watchful as he has quite battle on his hands as Stirling cares very little for reputation and is cut from the same cloth as a Virender Sehwag or a David Warner. In the past, there have been instances of Steyn cutting a frustrated figure if the batsman gets on top of him. After setting up the win against West Indies, Stirling is the man in form and can end up winning the battle as Steyn continues to be a little rusty. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – Full Points Table.
ABD
3. AB de Villiers vs George Dockrell After breaking all kinds of records in Sydney, Indians have woken up a hungry lion and AB de Villiers may have kicked off a run spree with his spellbinding 66 ball 162 against the West Indians. Young George Dockrell offers almost no pace on the ball and is one of Ireland’s leading stars with the ball. Dockrell has a terrific future ahead of him but he faces the sternest test of his career with that bat of AB even reading to come from underground and smash a bowler for six. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
Source: http://www.india.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/south-africa-vs-ireland-icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-ab-de-villiers-ed-joyce-in-3-key-battles-302355/
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Chelsea’s record without Nemanja Matic should worry them ahead of Capital One Cup final v Tottenham
Nemanja Matic has become this season’s most acclaimed ‘unsung hero’, dominating midfields and destroying attacks at the heart of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
The Serbian’s importance to the Blues is underlined by the fact that he has missed just three games in all competitions this campaign – with only one of those coming in either the Premier League or the Champions League.
But after receiving a two-match ban for shoving Burnley’s Ashley Barnes to the ground, Matic is set to miss games four and five for Chelsea – including the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham.
Chelsea did beat Watford 3-0 without Matic in the FA Cup 3rd round – but also crashed out of the same competition to Bradford in his absence, and the 26-year-old didn’t feature when the Blues lost their unbeaten Premier League record to Newcastle back in December.
Statistically, then, Chelsea concede 1.2 more goals a game when Matic doesn’t feature, and have won just 33.3% of the matches they’ve played without him – compared to their 70.3% win ratio with him.
While there will have been other factors in those shock losses to Newcastle and Bradford, these stats will no doubt have Chelsea fans worried that the likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen will make their record without Matic even worse on Sunday afternoon.
Source: http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/01/chelseas-record-without-nemanja-matic-should-worry-them-ahead-of-capital-one-cup-final-v-tottenham-5084003/
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