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/
Thursday, March 5, 2015
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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