Topics

16

Football / Messi, Neuer heralded as Brazil 2014’s best

« on: July 14, 2014, 11:21:36 AM »

adidas Golden Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
A true captain and a true matchwinner. There can be no finer compliment to Argentina skipper Lionel Messi, who was so influential in his team’s path to the Final. With some questioning just how influential he would be in Brazil after a demanding season for Barcelona and concerns over a troublesome hamstring, he silenced the doubters by simply being his usual inspirational self. He mesmerised at the Maracana by scoring and setting up another in the 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He scored late on against Iran to send the team through to the Round of 16 and then added two in the 3-2 win over Nigeria. But he didn’t stop there. He played the ball to Angel Di Maria, who scored in the 118th minute of the match against Switzerland to send them through to the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals he stroked home a penalty to help his side defeat the Dutch. And while the personal accolade may be scant reward for a runners-up medal, he can be justifiably proud of his performances at this FIFA World Cup.

adidas Golden Boot: James Rodriguez (Colombia) - 6 goals, 2 assists
Colombia’s No10 made an instant impact at Brazil 2014, scoring in the last minute in their 3-0 win over Greece, earning the Budweiser Man of the Match Award in the process. He picked up the same accolade in the next match, a 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire, finding the target once more. The Monaco man was at it again in the final group game against Japan, entering the fray as a second-half substitute, yet making time to create two goals for Jackson Martinez and score himself. Rodriguez then made history when he scored twice in the 2-0 win over Uruguay, ensuring Colombia qualified for the quarter-finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time. There he tasted defeat for the first time against Brazil, but converted a consolatory penalty and earned a standing ovation from the crowd in Fortaleza for his efforts.

adidas Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer (Germany) :
Source
After winning the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern Munich, the 28-year-old now has the adidas Golden Glove to add to his growing collection. The Germany No1 was in fine form for the Nationalmannschaft during Brazil 2014, conceding just four goals in seven games and impressing FIFA’s Technical Study Group with his shot-stopping ability, his commanding presence and his ability to start attacks from his own penalty area. Indeed, he has been dubbed a ‘sweeper-keeper’ by sections of the media for his performances at this World Cup, featuring plenty of evidence of his desire to come off his line and play accurate passes when under pressure.

Source: fifa.com

17

Football / Hero Romero hails Argentina triumph

« on: July 10, 2014, 11:48:22 AM »

Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero said he had luck on his side when he blocked two Dutch penalties on Wednesday to take his country into the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.
"Penalties are all about luck, that is the reality. I had confidence and thanks to God it turned out well," he said after the 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph over the Netherlands that decided the semi-final.
The 27-year-old Romero blocked shots by Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to Argentina to victory after a goalless 120 minutes at the Corinthians Arena. Argentina now clash with Germany in Sunday's Final in Rio de Janeiro. "We go away happy and now we will prepare for the Final from tomorrow. The moment should be enjoyed and we are going step by step."
Romero's place in the team was the subject of debate going into the tournament after he spent almost all of the last season on the substitutes' bench at French Ligue 1 club Monaco.
However, he has proved his critics wrong throughout the tournament. Argentina have won every match played in Brazil. "Let's enjoy it. I am immensely happy. I dedicate this to my Mum and my wife," said Romero.
"We have hoped for this since the first day. These lads never give away anything."

FIFA.com

18

Football / Messi: World Cup win would top everything

« on: July 09, 2014, 01:49:13 PM »

Lionel Messi has said that winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina would be the greatest achievement of his glittering career. Argentina will make it through to their first World Cup final in 24 years if they beat the Netherlands at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Wednesday. Four years ago, many of Messi's Barcelona team-mates returned to Catalonia with a World Cup winners' medals and now he wants one of his own.
"As a player winning a World Cup is the best there is," the Argentina captain said in an adidas interview published on AS. "It's something you dream about when you are a kid and it never disappears.
"I have asked my Barcelona team-mates Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta and (Gerard) Pique what it is like to lift the trophy, and they couldn't explain. We will do everything to make this dream a reality. To play a World Cup final with the great atmosphere of the Maracana is something what every player dreams of, but first we have to make sure we get there."
Argentina will, of course, be banking on their talisman to deliver that bit of magic to beat Louis van Gaal's Netherlands, who have been one of the toughest teams to beat at the World Cup. Alejandro Sabella poetically summed up what Messi means to his side after the narrow quarter-final win over Belgium. "He was our water in the desert," Sabella said, reflecting on a first half in which Messi shone while others around him struggled.
Messi, who has scored four of Argentina's eight goals, could still end the tournament as top scorer, but he is not concerned about individual accolades. This is a team game, he insists. "I'd prefer the World Cup than the golden boot. Always," he said.
"I am only concentrating on the team. If we concentrate on our own game and we prepare ourselves tactically then our football will do the talking. If I keep scoring goals and that helps the team then that is the most important thing."
If Messi was feeling any nerves on the eve of the semi-final in Sao Paulo then he was not showing it. "I am feeling positive pressure," Messi said. "It's a great honour to be captain of Argentina. I want to pay back the trust given in me leading Argentina to the World Cup."
Sabella has been boosted by the return of Sergio Aguero from a muscle injury for the semi-final. Angel Di Maria may be out, but impressive full-back Marcos Rojo returns from suspension.

Source, fifa.com

19

Football / 2014 FIFA World Cup disciplinary record

« on: July 08, 2014, 03:15:24 PM »

Disciplinary statistics:

•   Total number of yellow cards: 174
•   Average yellow cards per match: 2.95
•   Total number of red cards: 10
•   Average red cards per match: 0.17
•   First yellow card of the tournament: Neymar – Brazil against Croatia
•   First red card of the tournament: Maxi Pereira – Uruguay against Costa Rica
•   Fastest yellow card from kick off: 6 minutes – Haris Medunjanin – Bosnia and Herzegovina against Nigeria
•   Fastest yellow card after coming on as a substitute: 3 minutes – José Miguel Cubero – Costa Rica against Italy (introduced in the 68th minute)
•   Latest yellow card in a match without extra time: 90+4 minutes – João Moutinho – Portugal against Ghana
•   Latest yellow card in a match with extra time: 120+4 minutes – Ezequiel Garay – Argentina against Switzerland
•   Fastest dismissal from kick off: 37 minutes – Pepe – Portugal against Germany
•   Fastest dismissal of a substitute: 20 minutes – Ante Rebić – Croatia against Mexico
•   Latest dismissal in a match without extra time: 90+4 minutes – Maxi Pereira – Uruguay against Costa Rica
•   Least time difference between two yellow cards given to the same player: 11 minutes – Kostas Katsouranis – Greece against Japan (booked in the 27th minute)
•   Most yellow cards (team): 12 – Costa Rica
•   Most red cards (team): 1 – Belgium, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Greece, Honduras, Italy, Portugal, Uruguay
•   Fewest yellow cards (team): 2 – Portugal
•   Most yellow cards (player): 2 – Toby Alderweireld, Paul Aguilar, Mario Balotelli, Yohan Cabaye, Tim Cahill, Óscar Duarte, Giancarlo González, Luiz Gustavo, Mile Jedinak, Kostas Katsouranis, Diego Lugano, Rafael Márquez, Eugenio Mena, Sulley Muntari, Wilson Palacios, Robin van Persie, Marcos Rojo, Francisco Silva, Thiago Silva, José Juan Vázquez, Didier Zokora
•   Most red cards (player): 1 – Steven Defour, Óscar Duarte, Kostas Katsouranis, Claudio Marchisio, Wilson Palacios, Pepe, Maxi Pereira, Ante Rebić, Alex Song, Antonio Valencia
•   Most yellow cards (match): 8 – Costa Rica vs Greece
•   Most red cards (match): 1 – Uruguay vs Costa Rica, France vs Honduras, Germany vs Portugal, Cameroon vs Croatia, Japan vs Greece, Croatia vs Mexico, Italy vs Uruguay, Ecuador vs France, South Korea vs Belgium, Costa Rica vs Greece
•   Fewest yellow cards (match): 1 – England vs Italy, Iran vs Nigeria, Switzerland vs France, Germany vs Ghana, United States vs Portugal, Honduras vs Switzerland, Ecuador vs France, France vs Nigeria
•   Most cards in one match: 1 red card, 8 yellow cards – Costa Rica vs Greece

20

Football / Blatter: This is stadium number 13

« on: July 08, 2014, 02:49:03 PM »

The Football For Hope Festival 2014 formally began today in Caju, Rio de Janeiro with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter opening the carnival of football. FIFA President Blatter talked exclusively with FIFA.com at the ceremony where he spoke of his admiration for those taking part, the legacy of the FIFA World Cup™ and the next step for FIFA’s social projects.

How does it feel to be in Caju at the opening of the Football For Hope Festival 2014?

It is the third time that we organise such an event and I think it is great. Speaking now here in Caju, this is stadium number 13. This is a World Cup stadium and today we have the inauguration of venue number 13. We have people from all around the world playing football, a special type of football. It is played in the spirit of fair play with no referees so it means there are no discussions. What is also special is that we are in a favela. This is great to introduce this type of event and to have a nice stadium that will remain. It’s a legacy for the people of Caju.

What can footballers from around the world and people watching learn from these children taking part?

What people in the world can learn is their Fair Play and that they play in mixed teams. Women’s football is one thing, men’s football is the other, but let them play together because it is their approach with the street football and whatever they do.
There are social problems all over the world, not just in Brazil. How do you feel knowing that Football For Hope is creating the conditions for social change for people from all around the world?
Football has no limits, no levels in society. Everybody can play and everybody can watch. In the stadia at the World Cup, you have a head of state and I can tell you when they are in football, they lose their identity and they are identical to all of the fans. Football brings people together, football connects people. To have the different countries of the world here, for this Football For Hope Festival, it’s great.

How can FIFA move forward with projects like Football For Hope?

In my opinion we should integrate all of these foundations. We should try to put them in the football pyramid. They should not remain alone and only invited for the World Cup. During the year we should make a step forward and invite all of these people to play in the 209 Member Associations. This would then be the legacy of football. Take them in and don’t isolate them. We should take them into the football community. That is the next step and I will do it, or at least I will give the incentive to do it.

Source, FIFA.com

21

Football / মনোবিদের শরণাপন্ন ব্রাজিল

« on: July 03, 2014, 04:11:18 PM »

হঠাৎ করেই স্কলারির আবার মনোবিদের শরণাপন্ন হওয়ার কারণ আছে। চিলির বিপক্ষে টাইব্রেকারে জয়ের পর ব্রাজিলের অনেক খেলোয়াড়ই আবেগে কেঁদে ফেলেন। এদের মধ্যে ছিলেন নেইমারও, তবে নেইমার জানান, দলে কারোরই আবেগজনিত বা মানসিক সমস্যা নেই।  ব্রাজিলের কোটি কোটি মানুষের বিশ্বকাপে ষষ্ঠ শিরোপা জয়ের স্বপ্ন বয়ে বেড়ানো চিয়াগো সিলভা-নেইমারদের মানসিকভাবে চাঙ্গা করে তুলতেই স্কলারির এই উদ্যোগ। তবে নেইমার জানান কলম্বিয়ার বিপক্ষে ম্যাচের আগে মানসিকভাবেও তারা প্রস্তুত।
"চিলির বিপক্ষে ম্যাচটি সবার জন্য রোমাঞ্চকর ছিল। কিন্তু দলে আবেগজনিত কোনো সমস্যা নেই।"
দলের সবচেয়ে বড় তারকা বলে চাপটা নেইমারের ওপরই বেশি। ব্রাজিলের শিরোপা জয়ের স্বপ্ন ২২ বছর বয়সী এই বার্সেলোনা তারকাকে কেন্দ্র করেই আবর্তিত। চারদিকে প্রশ্ন-এটা তার জন্য বোঝা হয়ে যাচ্ছে কিনা। নেইমার বরাবরের মতোই বললেন, তার ওপর কোনো চাপ নেই।
"আমি কোনো বোঝা অনুভব করছি না...আমার সতীর্থরা আমাকে সাহায্য করে। কেউ বল কেড়ে নেয়, কেউ পাস দেয়, কেউ গোল করে। সবাই মিলে আমরা একটি দল।"
এই দলটি বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের লক্ষ্যে আরো একধাপ এগিয়ে যেতে ফরতালেজায় শুক্রবার বাংলাদেশ সময় রাত ২টায় শেষ আটের লড়াইয়ে কলম্বিয়ার মুখোমুখি হবে।

Source, bdnews24.com

22

Football / Dashing Di Maria steps up a level

« on: July 02, 2014, 12:19:27 PM »

Even when Argentina’s Round-of-16 tie with Switzerland went into extra-time, Angel Di Maria kept on running and running, right till the end. That came with Nati keeper Diego Benaglio coming up in desperation for a corner and Di Maria scampering towards the halfway line when the ball was cleared to him. The tireless wide man took one look at the vacant Swiss goal and tried his luck from the middle of the pitch, looking on in disappointment as the ball went just wide. The remarkable thing about that final effort on goal was that it was Di Maria’s 12th of the game and only the second that was not on target. Ultimately, the miss did not matter, for just a few moments earlier the insatiable Di Maria had scored the goal that gave La Albiceleste victory in yet another dramatic encounter and took them into the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazi. One man to appreciate his lung-busting efforts at the end of an energy-sapping afternoon was Javier Mascherano, who was understandably relieved to be on the same side as the No7 and not facing him, as is usually the case during the Spanish league season. Speaking to FIFA.com,

Mascherano said: “He’s a fantastic player and he covers every blade of grass. He’s fantastic not just because of his fitness, but for his technique too. Playing against him is tough, really tough. At least we’re on the same side right now.”

Source, fifa.com

23

Cricket / টি-টোয়েন্টির স্ট্যাটাস পেলো নেপাল-নেদারল্যান্ড

« on: June 30, 2014, 02:33:54 PM »

আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট সংস্থার (আইসিসি) নজর পড়েছে নেপাল ও নেদারল্যান্ডের উপর। খারাপ নজর না, নেক নজর। টি-টোয়েন্টি মর্যাদা পেলো নেপাল-নেদারল্যান্ড। আইসিসির মেগা ইভেন্ট ২০১৪ টি-টোয়েন্টি বিশ্বকাপে ভালো পারফর্ম করায় আইসিসির নজরে পড়ে নেপাল ও নেদারল্যান্ড। তাই মেলবোর্নে অনুষ্ঠেয় আইসিসির বার্ষিক সভায় এই দু’দেশকে টি-টোয়েন্টির মর্যাদা দেয়া হয়।
নেপাল ও নেদারল্যান্ডা ছাড়া অন্য ছয় দেশ আফগানিস্তান, হংকং, আয়ারল্যান্ড, স্কটল্যান্ড পাপুয়া নিউ গিনি ও সংযুক্ত আবর আমিরাতকে খুব দ্রুতই ওয়ানডে স্ট্যাটাস দেয়া হবে।
বার্ষিক এই সভায় আরো বলা হয়, টেস্ট ক্রিকেট একজন বোলারকে মাঠের বাইরে সময় কাটিয়ে আসলেও তাকে আবার বল কারা সুযোগ দেয়া হবে। ত্রিশ ওভার পর্যন্ত একজন বোলার সময় ব্যয় করতে পারবে। টি-টোয়েন্টিতে প্রতিটি ইনিংস ৮০ মিনিটের পরিবর্তে ৮৫ মিনিট করা হয়েছে।
২০২০ সালের পরিবর্তে ২০২৩ সাল পর্যন্ত ফিউচার ট্যুর প্রোগ্রাম (এফটিপি) করা হয়েছে। দীর্ঘ মেয়াদি খেলার সূচির সঙ্গে আরো নতুন যুক্ত হতে পারে। হোম সিরিজ ও বাইরে সিরিজে মিল রেখে তিন ফরমেটের খেলায় নির্ধারন করা

Source: banglanews24.com

24

Cricket / আগামী বছর থেকে দিবা-রাত্রির টেস্ট ম্যাচ

« on: June 30, 2014, 02:26:31 PM »

ওয়ানডে বা টি-টোয়েন্টিতে হরহামেশাই দিবা-রাত্রির ম্যাচ অনুষ্ঠিত হচ্ছে। কিন্তু টেস্টের মতো লং ফরম্যাটের খেলা দিবা-রাত্রির হবে, এ খবর ক্রিকেটপ্রেমীদের কাছে অনেকদিনের।
তবে সব হিসাব-নিকাশ অবসান ঘটিয়ে বাস্তবায়নের পথে দিবা-রাত্রির টেস্ট ম্যাচ। অস্ট্রেলিয়া ও নিউজিল্যান্ডের মধ্যে আলোচনা হয়েছে গত সপ্তাহে। আরও আগামী বছর শুরুর দিকে গোলাপি বলে ডে-নাইট টেস্ট ক্রিকেট অনুষ্ঠিত সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে।
অস্ট্রেলিয়ার এডিলেড ও হোবার্ট- এই দুই ভেন্যুতে ২০১৫ সালের নভেম্বরে গোলাপি বলে খেলা হবে একটু ভিন্ন ধরনের টেস্ট ক্রিকেট। এ নিয়মে খেলতে নিউজিল্যান্ড একবার পরীক্ষামূলক চেষ্টা চালিয়েছে।
এ প্রসঙ্গে ক্রিকেট অস্ট্রেলিয়ার প্রধান নির্বাহী জেমস সুদারল্যান্ড বলেন, দিবা-রাত্রির খেলার জন্যে অনেকে উৎসাহ দিয়েছেন। কিন্তু গোলাপি বল কখনো লাল বলের মতো হতে পারে না। আমরা চেষ্টা চলিয়ে যাবো দিবা-রাত্রির টেস্ট ম্যাচ খেলানোর জন্য। এ বিষয়ে আমাদের যথেষ্ট আগ্রহ রয়েছে। গোলাপি বল সাদা বলের মত, তবে লাল বলের মত নয়।

source: bsnglanews24.com

25

Cricket / ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজ সফরে মুশফিকদের দল ঘোষণা

« on: June 29, 2014, 10:28:26 AM »

ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজ সফর উপলক্ষ্যে মুশফিকদের প্রাথমিক দল ঘোষণা করেছে বাংলাদেশ ক্রিকেট বোর্ড (বিসিবি)। এ বছর আগস্ট-সেপ্টেম্বরে ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজ যাবে লাল-সবুজরা। আগামী ১লা জুলাই সকাল সাড়ে আটটায় মিরপুর শের-ই বাংলা ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়ামে স্ট্রেংথ ও কন্ডিশনিং কোচ মারিও ভিল্লাভারায়েনের কাছে রিপোর্ট করবে ন্যাশনাল টিমের খেলোয়াড়রা।

২৫ সদস্যের দলে রয়েছেন:
মুশফিকুর রহিম, মাহমুদউল্লাহ, তামিম ইকবাল খান, সোহাগ গাজী, এনামুল হক বিজয়, সাকিব আল-হাসান, নাসির হোসেন, মাশরাফি বিন মুর্তজা, শফিউল ইসলাম, আব্দুর রাজ্জাক, ইমরুল কায়েস, আল-আমিন হোসেন, রবিউল ইসলাম, মুমিনুল হক, শামসুর রহমান, মুক্তার আলী, রুবেল হোসেন, সাব্বির রহমান, তাসকিন আহমেদ, আরাফাত সানি, মিথুন, তাইজুল ইসলাম, মার্শাল আইয়ুব, জুবায়ের লিখন ও শুভাগত হোম।

Source-banglanews24.com

26

Cricket / আইসিসির দায়িত্ব পেয়ে গর্বিত কামাল

« on: June 28, 2014, 01:30:43 PM »

ইন্টারন্যাশনাল ক্রিকেট কাউন্সিলের(আইসিসি) বার্ষিক সভায় ক্রিকেট বিশ্বের নিয়ন্ত্রক এই সংস্থার ১১তম সভাপতি হিসেবে দায়িত্ব নিলেন বাংলাদেশ ক্রিকেট বোর্ডের (বিসিবি) সাবেক সভাপতি ও পরিকল্পনা মন্ত্রী আ হ ম মোস্তফা কামাল।
এর আগে ২০১২-২০১৪ মেয়াদে আইসিসির সহ-সভাপতির দায়িত্ব পালন করেন কামাল।
বৃহস্পতিবার মেলবোর্নে অনুষ্ঠিত আইসিসির সভায় মোস্তফা কামালকে সভাপতির দায়িত্ব দেয়া হয়।
একই দিন ভারতীয় ক্রিকেট বোর্ডের সাবেক সভাপতি নিরঞ্জনস্বামী শ্রীনিবাসন আইসিসির চেয়ারম্যান হিসেবে দায়িত্ব গ্রহণ করেন।
 চলতি বছরের ১লা জুলাই থেকে ২০১৫ সালের জুন পর্যন্ত আইসিসির সভাপতির দায়িত্ব পালন করবেন মোস্তফা কামাল। প্রথম কোন বাংলাদেশি হিসেবে এই দায়িত্ব পেলেন তিনি।
নিয়োগ চূড়ান্ত হওয়ার পর সংবাদমাধ্যমকে মোস্তফা কামাল বলেন,‘এটা বাংলাদেশ ক্রিকেটের জন্যে অনেক বড় স্মরণীয় ও ঐতিহাসিক দিন। আমি গর্বিত এই দায়িত্ব পেয়ে। ১৪ বছর আগে বাংলাদেশ ১০ নম্বর টেস্ট র্যাংকিংয়ের দেশ হিসেবে আইসিসির তালিকায় উঠে আসে। আজ একজন বাংলাদেশি আইসিসির ১১তম সভাপতি হয়েছে। সবাইকে ধন্যবাদ জানাচ্ছি, আমাকে ও বাংলাদেশকে এই সম্মান দেয়ার করার জন্যে।’
মোস্তফা কামালের আগে ২০১২ সাল থেকে ২০১৪ সালের জুন পর্যন্ত আইসিসির সভাপতির দায়িত্ব পালন করেন নিউজিল্যান্ডের অ্যালান আইজাক।
পেশায় চর্টার্ড একাউন্ট্যান্ট মোস্তফা কামাল বাংলাদেশ ক্রিকেট বোর্ডের (বিসিবি) সভাপতি ছিলেন ২০০৯ সালের সেপ্টেম্বর থেকে ২০১৩ সালের অক্টোবর পর্যন্ত।
আইসিসির সহ-সভাপতির দায়িত্ব পালন করেন ২০১২ থেকে ২০১৪ সাল পর্যন্ত। এশিয়ান ক্রিকেট কাউন্সিলের (এসিসি)সভাপতি হিসেবে দায়িত্ব পালন করেন ২০১০ থেকে ২০১২ সাল পর্যন্ত। এছাড়া আইসিসির অডিটিং কমিটির চেয়ারম্যান হিসেবেও দায়িত্ব পালন করেন।
তবে বাংলাদেশের ক্রীড়া জগতে তিনি মূলত খ্যাতি পান বাংলাদেশের অন্যতম জনপ্রিয় ক্রীড়া সংগঠন আবাহনী লিমিটেডের অন্যতম সংগঠক হিসেবে।
আবাহনীর ডিরেক্টর ও ক্লাব কমিটির চেয়ারম্যান হিসেবে ১৯৯১ থেকে ২০০৬ সাল পর্যন্ত দায়িত্ব পালন করেন তিনি।

Source, banglanews24.com

27

Football / Messi shares the spotlight as fates are decided

« on: June 26, 2014, 11:10:22 AM »

The smallest incidents sometimes produce the broadest smiles in football. Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi was receiving instructions from Alejandro Sabella on the touchline when, without being prompted by the coach, he decided to help the boss freshen up by spraying his head with water from a drinks bottle. It was not the only refreshing moment in the penultimate round of group stage matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ as a hot, tense and turbulent Wednesday ran its exciting course. La Albiceleste marched into the Round of 16 on the back of an unblemished group stage record, with Nigeria also progressing as Group F runners-up despite losing to Sabella’s side. Over in Group E, France and Switzerland took the total of European nations through to the first knockout round up to four (and they will definitely be joined by Belgium who cannot finish lower than second in Group H with a game to play). The top three memorable moments on the day were impressive double strikes by an established star and a young hopeful, and a sensational hat-trick by a player previously burdened by the weight of pre-tournament expectation. Elsewhere, World Cup newcomers Bosnia and Herzegovina bowed out of the tournament with their heads held high and a win to their name. The eastern Europeans posted a maiden victory at the finals over Iran and made no secret of their pride afterwards. "We'll never forget this for the rest of our lives," Captain Emir Spahic told.

28

Football / Disciplinary proceedings opened against Luis Suarez

« on: June 25, 2014, 12:50:34 PM »

FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the player Luis Suarez of Uruguay following an apparent breach of art. 48 and/or art. 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ match Italy-Uruguay played on 24 June 2014. The player and/or the Uruguayan FA are invited to provide with their position and any documentary evidence they deem relevant until 25 June 2014, 5pm, Brasilia time.
According to art. 77 lit. a of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention. Furthermore, according to art. 96 of the FDC, any type of proof may be produced (par. 1), in particular are admissible, reports from referees, declarations from the parties and witnesses, material evidence, audio or video recordings (par. 3).

Sources, FIFA.com

29

Football / Messi magic takes Argentina through

« on: June 22, 2014, 03:57:14 PM »

A stunning injury-time goal by Lionel Messi has taken Argentina through to the Round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran in Belo Horizonte's Estadio Mineirao. The Barcelona star's late, late winner keeps La Albiceleste top of Group F on six points and leaves the Iranians stuck on one, with Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina set to meet in the section's late kick-off.
Prior to Messi's timely intervention, the match had been a tale of domination and frustration for Alejandro Sabella's side, with a goal remaining elusive due to Iran's determined defending. Gonzalo Higuain had been promoted to starting line-up and he started the game well, setting up first Angel Di Maria and then Sergio Aguero for efforts on goal, the second of which forced an acrobatic save from Alireza Haghighi.
Messi again looked subdued during the opening 45, with his only attempt coming on 33 minutes when he curled a free-kick just over the top right-hand corner. The Argentina captain then set up his team's best chance of the half four minutes later, crossing for Ezequiel Garay, who headed wastefully over from inside the six-yard box.
Iran, meanwhile, spent much of the match with all 11 players behind the ball, although they did offer a threat at set-pieces. They could, in fact, have gone into the interval 1-0 up only for Jalal Hosseini to head inches over after rising highest to meet Ashkan Dejagah's outswinging corner.
Carlos Queiroz's side also carved out a golden opportunity at the start of the second half, when Reza Ghoochannejad's header forced an excellent reflex stop from Sergio Romero after tremendous build-up play by Masoud Shojaei. Romero was again called into action midway through the half, pulling off a magnificent one-handed tip-over after Dejagah had beaten Pablo Zabaleta to bullet a header towards goal. Argentina remained the game's dominant force, though, and came close to breaking the deadlock on the hour-mark when Messi surged forward from midfield and curled a left-foot shot just wide of Haghighi's left-hand post.
However, their efforts became increasingly desperate as Iran's defence held firm, with Marcos Rojo's wayward long-range effort typical of their speculative late attempts. Indeed, Iran could have snatched a win at the death, with Ghoochannejad racing through and firing in a left-foot shot that was heading for the corner before Romero got across to tip wide.
Then, however, Messi provided yet another reminder of his genius. Picking up the ball in a seemingly unthreatening position wide on the right, he cut inside and, from 25 yards, curled an unstoppable left-foot shot into the far corner of the net. With 91 minutes showing on the clock, Argentina - thanks again to their incomparable captain - had won.

Sources by FIFA.com

30

Football / LUIS Suarez had vowed to be brutal against England

« on: June 21, 2014, 11:30:04 AM »

And a double from the Uruguayan striker brutalised England’s chances of progressing from Group ‘D’ of the World Cup at the Arena Corinthians here on Thursday. Uruguay’s 2-1 win revitalised their chances of reaching the last 16 following their 3-1 loss to Costa Rica in their opening group game but it left England’s hopes hanging by a slim thread. Roy Hodgson’s men were left hoping that Italy, whom they lost 2-1 to in their opening game, win their remaining two games against the Costa Rica and Uruguay. England, however, would know their fate as soon as 0100hrs local time on Friday when Italy play Costa Rica. Any thing other than an Italian victory would put England out as they play Costa Rica in their final group match on June 24 when the Uruguayans would square off against the Azzurri. Hodgson admitted in his post-match press-conference his side needed a minor miracle to prolong their stay in Brazil.“Our chances are unbelievably slim after the defeat,” Hodgson said. “We need Italy to win their last two games by a good number of goals to have any chance.“We needed a win or a draw here but we didn’t get it.”England were quite close to getting a draw with Wayne Rooney’s 75th minute goal, incidentally his first strike at the World Cup in 10 games, cancelling out Suarez’s header in the 39th.But the Liverpool striker’s crucial intervention three minutes from time sealed England’s fate. And the winner seemed to be made in Liverpool. England captain Steven Gerrard inadvertently flicked a header from Fernando Muslera’s goal-kick straight into the path of his Liverpool team-mate and he made no mistake in firing it past a despairing Joe Hart. Gerrard had said he wouldn’t speak to Suarez in the build-up to Thursday’s match but the Uruguayan, who has suffered bans for biting and racism from the English Football Association (FA), tormented both his club captain and England.“I dreamt this,’’ Suarez, who missed the first match against Costa Rica as he was recovering from a knee surgery he had 22 days before the World Cup, said after the match.“I’m enjoying this moment, because of all I suffered, the criticism I received. So, there you go.”His coach Oscar Tabarez also hailed his impact. Suarez is a wonderful person and he’s loved by his team-mates,” he said. “I’m very happy that he proved t be the difference and showed his class.”In a frenetic opening, the first chance fell to Rooney on the 10th minute but although his curling free-kick left Muslera rooted to the spot, it flew inches wide of his left post. Rooney then headed against the bar from Gerrard’s swinging free-kick. After team-mate Cristian Rodiguez had almost grazed the bar with a fierce shot from the outside of the box, Suarez put Uruguay ahead.Diego Godin’s long ball was deflected by the England defence into the path of Edinson Cavani on the left and he crossed for his strike partner on the right and Suarez’s header arrowed back into the net in the direction from where the cross came from. The second-half started with England desperately searching for an equaliser but their relentless attacking left Suarez and Cavani with good chances to double Uruguay’s lead.But the equaliser England had been looking for did arrive with Liverpool players again involved. Daniel Sturridge freed Glen Johnson on the right and his low cross was tapped in from close range by Rooney. It sent Hodgson jumping with joy. England had the impetus they needed but it was Suarez who had the final say and it he, rather than Hodgson, who was jumping with joy at the final whistle.

Sources by Dawn