Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has played down any fallout with manager Arsene Wenger despite his apparent show of dissent during his side's 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.
Dutch striker Van Persie, who scored Arsenal's equaliser, appeared to voice his disapproval when Wenger substituted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Andrei Arshavin - a decision that also prompted a chorus of boos from the crowd.
"The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good," van Persie, whose 19 league goals have been the silver lining in a poor season for Arsenal so far, told The Sun.
"There is no problem. There is no conflict, and no controversy. I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal.
"I was not questioning Wenger's judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does. He is the boss, he makes the decisions and that's it...end of story."
Van Persie said he did not realise teenager Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose pass set up the goal, had been carrying a calf injury prior to Wenger switching him.
"We did not know but the boss did and brought Andrei Arshavin on."
Despite losing their eighth game of the season and trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by five points, Van Persie said it was not all doom and gloom at Arsenal and that they can still secure a top-four finish.
"Losing to Manchester United was a setback, but it was not a knockout blow," he said.
"Anybody writing us off is making a mistake. This could still be a good season for us. We have the FA Cup to look forward to and the Champions League."
Arsenal face AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Balotelli feels persecuted and could quit
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli feels persecuted and could quit English soccer if what he sees as unfair treatment continues, his agent said on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Italian, facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA after an incident in Sunday's Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur, has hit the headlines for a series of controversies since joining City in 2010.
"I think he feels persecuted; he cannot go on like that," agent Mino Raiola told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We had a very clear image of his career at the beginning and I have told the press openly Mario will have to stay at Manchester City for at least three or four years, helping the club on this important project and grow as a man and a player.
"Obviously if he's being banned every three or four games for one reason or another we cannot go on like that and there needs to be an end to that.
"So if that's the case and English referees and the English FA would like Mario to go out of England then we would take that seriously in consideration, even if that's not and was not our intention."
Balotelli scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot in the 3-2 victory over Spurs but later found himself in hot water after video replays showed he had appeared to stamp on the head of Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.
Referee Howard Webb took no action at the time.
Balotelli, who has been sent off three times in barely 18 months with the club, has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to appeal but assistant coach David Platt suggested on Tuesday that such appeals were sometimes futile.
The club lost their appeal against centre back Vincent Kompany's red card earlier this month and he serves the final of a four-game ban in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool, where City will seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
The 21-year-old Italian, facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA after an incident in Sunday's Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur, has hit the headlines for a series of controversies since joining City in 2010.
"I think he feels persecuted; he cannot go on like that," agent Mino Raiola told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We had a very clear image of his career at the beginning and I have told the press openly Mario will have to stay at Manchester City for at least three or four years, helping the club on this important project and grow as a man and a player.
"Obviously if he's being banned every three or four games for one reason or another we cannot go on like that and there needs to be an end to that.
"So if that's the case and English referees and the English FA would like Mario to go out of England then we would take that seriously in consideration, even if that's not and was not our intention."
Balotelli scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot in the 3-2 victory over Spurs but later found himself in hot water after video replays showed he had appeared to stamp on the head of Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.
Referee Howard Webb took no action at the time.
Balotelli, who has been sent off three times in barely 18 months with the club, has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to appeal but assistant coach David Platt suggested on Tuesday that such appeals were sometimes futile.
The club lost their appeal against centre back Vincent Kompany's red card earlier this month and he serves the final of a four-game ban in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool, where City will seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Eusebio toasts 70th birthday with glass of wine
Former Portugal and Benfica striker Eusebio, considered one of the best players of all time, turned 70 on Wednesday and said he could celebrate with a glass of wine after recovering from a recent health scare.
"I never thought I would make it to 70, but thank God here I am and I hope to spend many more years in shape," Eusebio, who has recovered from a bout of pneumonia that required a stay in hospital at the end of last year, told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias.
Nicknamed the 'black panther' for his speed and the fear he instilled in his opponents, Mozambique-born Eusebio helped Benfica reach four European Cup finals, the last in 1968 when they lost in extra-time to Manchester United. Benfica won the showpiece in 1961 and 1962.
His international fame peaked during the 1966 England World Cup, when Portugal finished third and Eusebio was top scorer.
He said he had recovered well from pneumonia.
"My health is impeccable now. I am happy because I did some exams two weeks ago and my doctor told me that I could even have a glass of wine now and then, as long as I don't abuse it," he said in an interview with TVI television.
Eusebio retired in 1975, wrapping up a career that included 64 caps and 41 international goals and an emotional Wembley appearance against England in the semi-finals of the 1966 World Cup when Portugal lost despite Eusebio's lone goal. "That tournament was my best moment ever," he said on Wednesday.
The athletic Eusebio crafted explosive runs down the flanks and was clever in finding space to shoot from outside the box, fusing power with tremendous pace.
"I wish that Benfica were crowned champion this year, I am proud to reach this age and that would be the best gift I could have," Eusebio said of Portuguese Premier League leaders Benfica.
"I never thought I would make it to 70, but thank God here I am and I hope to spend many more years in shape," Eusebio, who has recovered from a bout of pneumonia that required a stay in hospital at the end of last year, told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias.
Nicknamed the 'black panther' for his speed and the fear he instilled in his opponents, Mozambique-born Eusebio helped Benfica reach four European Cup finals, the last in 1968 when they lost in extra-time to Manchester United. Benfica won the showpiece in 1961 and 1962.
His international fame peaked during the 1966 England World Cup, when Portugal finished third and Eusebio was top scorer.
He said he had recovered well from pneumonia.
"My health is impeccable now. I am happy because I did some exams two weeks ago and my doctor told me that I could even have a glass of wine now and then, as long as I don't abuse it," he said in an interview with TVI television.
Eusebio retired in 1975, wrapping up a career that included 64 caps and 41 international goals and an emotional Wembley appearance against England in the semi-finals of the 1966 World Cup when Portugal lost despite Eusebio's lone goal. "That tournament was my best moment ever," he said on Wednesday.
The athletic Eusebio crafted explosive runs down the flanks and was clever in finding space to shoot from outside the box, fusing power with tremendous pace.
"I wish that Benfica were crowned champion this year, I am proud to reach this age and that would be the best gift I could have," Eusebio said of Portuguese Premier League leaders Benfica.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Pepe will face Barca if fit: Mourinho
Real Madrid defender Pepe will play in Wednesday's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at Barcelona if he is fit despite the controversy over his alleged stamp on Lionel Messi's hand in last week's first game, coach Jose Mourinho said on Tuesday.
Pepe denied intentionally treading on Messi in the 2-1 defeat and the incident, caught on television cameras, was apparently missed by the referee, who had earlier booked the Portuguese for a late tackle on Sergio Busquets.
The 28-year-old Pepe, who was left out of Sunday's La Liga win at home to Athletic Bilbao, is available for the game at the Nou Camp after the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) decided on Monday to take no action against him.
At a news conference where his often difficult relationship with the media hit a new low, a tetchy Mourinho said Pepe and midfielders Lassana Diarra and Esteban Granero had minor injuries and a decision on their availability would be taken on Wednesday.
"There are three players with problems, including Lass and Granero," Mourinho, who gave curt responses to most of the questions he was asked, told reporters.
"If he is physically fit he'll play," he said of his compatriot Pepe.
Barca decided not to report Pepe over the incident and said it was up to the soccer authorities to take the initiative.
President Sandro Rosell, responding to the federation's decision to stand pat, said Spain could learn from countries like England.
The English FA on Monday charged Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli with violent conduct following an incident in Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur when he appeared to stamp on the head of Spurs midfielder Scott Parker.
The referee took no action but Italian Balotelli was subject to a so-called retrospective action and could be banned for four matches.
"It would be good if with Pepe one took the example of what happens in countries like England," Rosell said.
"When someone jumps a red light the police should punish them even if the pedestrian who gets run over does not report it."
INACCURATE MOLES
The Pepe incident has added extra spice to the Cup second leg but Mourinho batted away several questions about what tactics he plans to employ to try to reverse Real's woeful run of results against their arch rivals.
Last week's defeat at the Bernabeu was Mourinho's fifth against Barca in nine games since he joined Real and he has only managed one win in a 'clasico', a 1-0 success after extra time in last year's Cup final.
"I won't answer," he said when probed about his plans.
"I am the coach and the decision is mine and I don't have to announce it publically."
Asked about an unsourced report in the Spanish media that he plans to leave Real in June, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager added: "Did I say that? Ask your colleague."
Another reporter asked him if he was happy at Real and Mourinho answered with a vague murmur that appeared to indicate he was.
Responding to an enquiry about why he thought some Real fans had whistled him in Sunday's win over Bilbao, he said curtly: "I don't know. You'll have to ask them."
Spanish media have also reported an alleged training ground row between Mourinho and Real's Spain defender Sergio Ramos and suggested there was a rift in the squad between the Spanish internationals and the Portuguese.
Ramos used his Twitter account to reject the reports on Tuesday, saying he wanted the issue closed and that he and Mourinho were fighting for the same goals.
"I think that enough is enough and the mole, or moles, should be accurate with their information," he wrote.
"I have never in my career shown disrespect for any coach," he added.
"With that, I deny some things they said about me and that I never said."
Pepe denied intentionally treading on Messi in the 2-1 defeat and the incident, caught on television cameras, was apparently missed by the referee, who had earlier booked the Portuguese for a late tackle on Sergio Busquets.
The 28-year-old Pepe, who was left out of Sunday's La Liga win at home to Athletic Bilbao, is available for the game at the Nou Camp after the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) decided on Monday to take no action against him.
At a news conference where his often difficult relationship with the media hit a new low, a tetchy Mourinho said Pepe and midfielders Lassana Diarra and Esteban Granero had minor injuries and a decision on their availability would be taken on Wednesday.
"There are three players with problems, including Lass and Granero," Mourinho, who gave curt responses to most of the questions he was asked, told reporters.
"If he is physically fit he'll play," he said of his compatriot Pepe.
Barca decided not to report Pepe over the incident and said it was up to the soccer authorities to take the initiative.
President Sandro Rosell, responding to the federation's decision to stand pat, said Spain could learn from countries like England.
The English FA on Monday charged Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli with violent conduct following an incident in Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur when he appeared to stamp on the head of Spurs midfielder Scott Parker.
The referee took no action but Italian Balotelli was subject to a so-called retrospective action and could be banned for four matches.
"It would be good if with Pepe one took the example of what happens in countries like England," Rosell said.
"When someone jumps a red light the police should punish them even if the pedestrian who gets run over does not report it."
INACCURATE MOLES
The Pepe incident has added extra spice to the Cup second leg but Mourinho batted away several questions about what tactics he plans to employ to try to reverse Real's woeful run of results against their arch rivals.
Last week's defeat at the Bernabeu was Mourinho's fifth against Barca in nine games since he joined Real and he has only managed one win in a 'clasico', a 1-0 success after extra time in last year's Cup final.
"I won't answer," he said when probed about his plans.
"I am the coach and the decision is mine and I don't have to announce it publically."
Asked about an unsourced report in the Spanish media that he plans to leave Real in June, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager added: "Did I say that? Ask your colleague."
Another reporter asked him if he was happy at Real and Mourinho answered with a vague murmur that appeared to indicate he was.
Responding to an enquiry about why he thought some Real fans had whistled him in Sunday's win over Bilbao, he said curtly: "I don't know. You'll have to ask them."
Spanish media have also reported an alleged training ground row between Mourinho and Real's Spain defender Sergio Ramos and suggested there was a rift in the squad between the Spanish internationals and the Portuguese.
Ramos used his Twitter account to reject the reports on Tuesday, saying he wanted the issue closed and that he and Mourinho were fighting for the same goals.
"I think that enough is enough and the mole, or moles, should be accurate with their information," he wrote.
"I have never in my career shown disrespect for any coach," he added.
"With that, I deny some things they said about me and that I never said."
Bangladeshi sets world record
Guinness World Records on Tuesday recognised a feat by a Bangladeshi, Abdul Halim, for walking 15.2 kilometres with a ball on his head.
Magura man Halim is the second Bangladeshi to set a world record after Table Tennis star Zobera Rahman Linu, who had entered the records by becoming national champion 16 times.
Halim performed his record breaking exploit on Oct 28 last at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The Guinness authorities inspected the video of Halim's walk, read newspaper reports in English and Bangla published the next day, obtained the venue's international standing and recorded five witnesses' accounts.
The old Guinness record for longest walk with a ball on their head was by E Ming Lu of Malaysia, who had walked 11.12 kilometres at the Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya stadium on Aug 21, 2009.
Halim is exhilarated with his extraordinary achievement. "I always believed one day I would get recognition for my achievements. I am delighted to see my name on the Guinness book. I do not have wrds to express my happiness.
"I am very grateful to the Guinness authorities," he said on telephone.
Magura man Halim is the second Bangladeshi to set a world record after Table Tennis star Zobera Rahman Linu, who had entered the records by becoming national champion 16 times.
Halim performed his record breaking exploit on Oct 28 last at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The Guinness authorities inspected the video of Halim's walk, read newspaper reports in English and Bangla published the next day, obtained the venue's international standing and recorded five witnesses' accounts.
The old Guinness record for longest walk with a ball on their head was by E Ming Lu of Malaysia, who had walked 11.12 kilometres at the Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya stadium on Aug 21, 2009.
Halim is exhilarated with his extraordinary achievement. "I always believed one day I would get recognition for my achievements. I am delighted to see my name on the Guinness book. I do not have wrds to express my happiness.
"I am very grateful to the Guinness authorities," he said on telephone.
Magic Messi fires Barca
Lionel Messi netted two typically brilliant goals and a rare header as Barcelona closed to within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, at least for a few hours, with a 4-1 win at Malaga on Sunday.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
Airtel ties up with Man United
Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, announced on Tuesday that it has tied up with Manchester United to bring a variety of benefits for Airtel's soccer loving customers in Bangladesh.
These exciting benefits will provide Airtel mobile customers in the country with access to exciting benefits like exclusive mobile content, Manchester United Soccer Schools programme, 'money-can't-buy' match experiences & more.
The announcement was made by Chris Tobit, CEO and Managing Director, Airtel Bangladesh Ltd, in the presence of Manchester United legends Bryan Robson and Dwight Yorke at a press conference held in Dhaka.
"Manchester United is a powerful global brand that enjoys a cult following across the world - and we are today excited to announce our association with the club for our football loving customers in Bangladesh.
"Football is seeing an increasing interest amongst youth population across Asia and the same fervour and excitement towards this contemporary sport can be seen in Bangladesh as well. Through our tie up with Manchester United in this market, we look forward to bringing millions of soccer fans in Bangladesh closer to the action packed world of football", said Tobit, CEO and Managing Director, Airtel Bangladesh Ltd.
Commenting on the occasion, Ricky Thussu, Associate Relationship Director, Manchester United, said, "We at Manchester United are delighted to be here and kick off this exciting association with Airtel. This partnership between Manchester United and Airtel is symbolic of collaboration two global brands � both known to be among the best in their respective fields � coming together for their common passion for soccer. We are delighted to announce the foray of this association with Airtel in Bangladesh and look forward to connecting with fans across the country"
As part of this association, Airtel customers across Bangladesh will get exclusive access to exciting and rich Manchester United football content on their Airtel mobile phones. In addition, Airtel customers will also get an opportunity to participate in the Manchester United Soccer Schools programme (currently operated by Manchester United Merchandising Limited). Airtel customers will also get an opportunity to watch matches at Old Trafford and travel to Europe to watch Manchester United play in the Uefa Champions League.
Kick starting this partnership's initiatives, Airtel showcased the English Premier League (EPL) trophy for football fans from 23 January 2012 to 24 January 2012 at different popular socialising places. A special Value Added Services (VAS) pack comprising of exciting Manchester United mobile content will also be launched for customers in Bangladesh in days to come.
These exciting benefits will provide Airtel mobile customers in the country with access to exciting benefits like exclusive mobile content, Manchester United Soccer Schools programme, 'money-can't-buy' match experiences & more.
The announcement was made by Chris Tobit, CEO and Managing Director, Airtel Bangladesh Ltd, in the presence of Manchester United legends Bryan Robson and Dwight Yorke at a press conference held in Dhaka.
"Manchester United is a powerful global brand that enjoys a cult following across the world - and we are today excited to announce our association with the club for our football loving customers in Bangladesh.
"Football is seeing an increasing interest amongst youth population across Asia and the same fervour and excitement towards this contemporary sport can be seen in Bangladesh as well. Through our tie up with Manchester United in this market, we look forward to bringing millions of soccer fans in Bangladesh closer to the action packed world of football", said Tobit, CEO and Managing Director, Airtel Bangladesh Ltd.
Commenting on the occasion, Ricky Thussu, Associate Relationship Director, Manchester United, said, "We at Manchester United are delighted to be here and kick off this exciting association with Airtel. This partnership between Manchester United and Airtel is symbolic of collaboration two global brands � both known to be among the best in their respective fields � coming together for their common passion for soccer. We are delighted to announce the foray of this association with Airtel in Bangladesh and look forward to connecting with fans across the country"
As part of this association, Airtel customers across Bangladesh will get exclusive access to exciting and rich Manchester United football content on their Airtel mobile phones. In addition, Airtel customers will also get an opportunity to participate in the Manchester United Soccer Schools programme (currently operated by Manchester United Merchandising Limited). Airtel customers will also get an opportunity to watch matches at Old Trafford and travel to Europe to watch Manchester United play in the Uefa Champions League.
Kick starting this partnership's initiatives, Airtel showcased the English Premier League (EPL) trophy for football fans from 23 January 2012 to 24 January 2012 at different popular socialising places. A special Value Added Services (VAS) pack comprising of exciting Manchester United mobile content will also be launched for customers in Bangladesh in days to come.
Berdych booed after winning 4th round match
After winning a grueling, tightly contested match that lasted nearly four hours, Tomas Berdych didn’t expect to be met by a stadium full of booing and hisses.
Berdych, the seventh seed from Czech Republic, was jeered by the crowd for refusing to shake hands with his opponent, No. 10 seed Nicolas Almagro, because he believed the Spaniard had deliberately struck him with a ball during a point at the end of the fourth set.
Berdych was initially cheered by the spectators at Hisense Arena following his 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) win in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday, but the crowd turned on him in an instant when he refused to shake Almagro’s hand at the net.
The booing drowned out his post-match, on-court interview and continued until he walked off.
“I think when you have a point and someone wants to hit you straight to your face, I don’t see this as a nice moment,” Berdych said during the interview, struggling to be heard over the noise from the crowd.
Berdych was angered by what happened in the 11th game of the fourth set, with the score level at 5-all. The Czech player approached the net and hit a volley and Almagro chased it down and hit a forehand that struck Berdych in the arm.
As Berdych flopped to the ground, the ball bounced back over the net and Almagro put it away to win the point. He then approached the net to apologize to Berdych, but Berdych didn’t look at him.
Berdych said during his post-match news conference he didn’t believe Almagro acted in a sporting manner.
“Probably whoever played the tennis knows that the court is pretty big, and you always have some space to put the ball in,” he said. “This is not the way how tennis is. Even if you have this point, you always have enough space to where to put the ball and not actually try to hit the other guy.”
Almagro said he did what he needed to do to win the point.
“When I win the point, I say sorry to him three or four times,” he said. He added through a translator, “I could leave the court with my head held high and I would like to thank the crowd for their support.”
When Berdych was asked whether he thought Almagro’s on-court apology was enough, he replied: “You think is this enough to apologize? He should play the ball differently. That’s it.”
The Australians in the crowd weren’t the only ones on Almagro’s side. Former player Brad Gilbert, who is working as a TV analyst at the tournament, tweeted: “Really poor of the Birdman not to shake hands with Nico … I am stunned with Tomas.”
Berdych tried his best to play down the incident in his news conference, saying it was already in the past.
“We don’t have any problems at all together,” he said of his relationship with Almagro. “That’s how it is, you know. It was pretty tight match, and I think it’s more about the game than just this story.”
Clijsters beats Wozniacki in Australian Open QF
Defending champion Kim Clijsters has defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the Australian Open quarterfinals, ensuring Wozniacki will lose the No. 1 ranking.
In a replay of the 2009 U.S. Open final won by Clijsters in straight sets, the Belgian player had an early service break in the second set before breaking Wozniacki’s serve again to lead 4-2.
Clijsters, who sprained her left ankle in a fourth-round win over Li Na, did not appear to be affected Tuesday by the injury.
Wozniacki, criticized for holding the No. 1 spot without winning a major, needed to advance to at least the semifinals to have any hope of keeping the top ranking.
Sangakkara ton drives SL
Kumar Sangakkara compiled a well-paced century to help Sri Lanka to a two-wicket win over South Africa off the penultimate ball in the fifth one-day international at the Wanderers on Sunday.
Sangakkara scored 102 from 97 balls as Sri Lanka, chasing South Africa's 312 for four, reached 307 for five with only six runs needed off seven balls.
But they contrived to lose three wickets in the space of four deliveries before Sachithra Senanayake struck left-arm spinner Robin Peterson high over mid-wicket for six.
South Africa, who won the series 3-2, owed their total to captain Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers who each scored 125.
Sangakkara anchored Sri Lanka's run chase, reaching his fifty off 54 balls before posting his 12th one-day international.
After striking 10 fours, he fell to the first ball following the completion of his hundred when he hoisted a delivery from off-spinner JP Duminy to Pietersen at long-off.
Play was delayed for an hour before Sangakkara and fellow left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne added 100 runs for the fourth wicket on a good batting pitch.
Sangakkara departed with the score on 275 for four with the tourists needing just 38 runs off 34 balls and 22-year-old Thirimanne brought up his maiden ODI fifty on his way to 69 at better than a run a ball to set up the tense finish.
The result would have been particularly hard on Smith and De Villiers who had batted superbly during their team's innings.
The pair combined for a South African record third-wicket partnership against Sri Lanka of 186 from 28 overs.
Smith, who had not scored an ODI century since September 2009, reached his ninth one-day century off 129 deliveries to the raucous applause of the home crowd.
He struck nine fours and four sixes during his 143-ball innings before he was caught at mid-wicket off a delivery from paceman Lasith Malinga.
De Villiers has been in sublime touch during the series, scoring 329 runs in five matches, and he continued his good form with an innings full of innovative strokeplay which took only 98 deliveries.
The South Africa skipper brought up his 12th ODI century off 88 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes.
Sangakkara scored 102 from 97 balls as Sri Lanka, chasing South Africa's 312 for four, reached 307 for five with only six runs needed off seven balls.
But they contrived to lose three wickets in the space of four deliveries before Sachithra Senanayake struck left-arm spinner Robin Peterson high over mid-wicket for six.
South Africa, who won the series 3-2, owed their total to captain Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers who each scored 125.
Sangakkara anchored Sri Lanka's run chase, reaching his fifty off 54 balls before posting his 12th one-day international.
After striking 10 fours, he fell to the first ball following the completion of his hundred when he hoisted a delivery from off-spinner JP Duminy to Pietersen at long-off.
Play was delayed for an hour before Sangakkara and fellow left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne added 100 runs for the fourth wicket on a good batting pitch.
Sangakkara departed with the score on 275 for four with the tourists needing just 38 runs off 34 balls and 22-year-old Thirimanne brought up his maiden ODI fifty on his way to 69 at better than a run a ball to set up the tense finish.
The result would have been particularly hard on Smith and De Villiers who had batted superbly during their team's innings.
The pair combined for a South African record third-wicket partnership against Sri Lanka of 186 from 28 overs.
Smith, who had not scored an ODI century since September 2009, reached his ninth one-day century off 129 deliveries to the raucous applause of the home crowd.
He struck nine fours and four sixes during his 143-ball innings before he was caught at mid-wicket off a delivery from paceman Lasith Malinga.
De Villiers has been in sublime touch during the series, scoring 329 runs in five matches, and he continued his good form with an innings full of innovative strokeplay which took only 98 deliveries.
The South Africa skipper brought up his 12th ODI century off 88 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes.
Courageous Clijsters through, Fed thumps Tomic
'Built Belgian tough' might become a badge of honor for future tennis generations after courageous Kim Clijsters' win over Li Na Sunday, while Roger Federer dashed the dreams of home fans by crushing young gun Bernard Tomic.
On a day when the clouds cleared, the mercury bubbled and temperatures soared, Rafa Nadal won a battle of Spanish lefties against Davis Cup team-mate Feliciano Lopez, and Tomas Berdych was booed mercilessly for a petulant show of bad sportsmanship.
Defending champion Clijsters crumpled to the court at 3-3 in the first set after her left ankle rolled sickeningly over.
The Belgian, bidding farewell to the Australian Open in the final year of her career, had her ankle heavily strapped and Li took advantage to win the first set.
The 28-year-old Belgian clawed her way back into the match to win the second set in a tiebreak as the crowd began to believe she could pull off the win. Clijsters closed out the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to keep her hopes alive of a fifth Grand Slam title.
However, she conceded the injury had made her think about quitting against Li, whom she beat in the 2011 final.
"It definitely crossed my mind at some point, but I knew if I could just try to let the medication sink in ... the pain would go away a little bit and maybe with the adrenaline I could just fly through it," she said.
TOMIC THUMPED
Clijsters was joined in the quarter-finals by number three seed Victoria Azarenka, who endured her traditional late-game hiccup before beating Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki endured a nervy second set against Jelena Jankovic before clinching a 6-0, 7-5 win.
Still giddy from Lleyton Hewitt's heroics against Milos Raonic, Australian fans could barely believe they had two players in the men's fourth round, but hopes that 19-year-old Tomic could depose four-times champion Federer proved wide of the mark.
Teen Tomic had already come through two five-setters to reach the fourth round while 30-year-old Federer looked as fresh as a daisy in securing a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win.
The Swiss, bidding to match Roy Emerson's record of five Australian Open titles, will face former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals.
Federer agreed Tomic had the potential to win silverware.
"I think he has had a wonderful tournament and there's much more that's going to come the Australian way," he said.
"It's going to be tough against Del Potro. I don't look beyond that because he's coming up strong. He has had a good year, played all the top guys again and pushed us all."
BERDYCH BOOED
World number two Nadal, with heavy strapping on knee, ankle and foot, huffed and puffed his way past Lopez with little Spanish sparkle but was happy to go no more than three sets.
Memories of his last eight withdrawal against Andy Murray two years ago, and defeat at the hands of David Ferrer last year, still haunt him.
"Hopefully it won't happen this time," said Nadal after his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win.
"Every year is different. I had a bad experience for the last two years here. It's tough to have to go out of a tournament like Australia in quarter-finals."
In the day's only real note of controversy, Czech Berdych was booed off Hisense Arena after a bad tempered 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 win over Nicolas Almagro.
Berdych refused to shake hands with the Spaniard after he sealed the win because he felt the 10th-seeded Almagro had deliberately blasted a return at his head during the fourth set.
"The court is pretty big and you always have some space to put the ball in," number seven Berdych complained.
"And not even if you are standing three or four metres from the guy (does he need) to hit it straight to your face.
"This is not the way how tennis is."
Berdych's courtside interview was drowned out by the crowd booing and hissing, while tennis coach and commentator Brad Gilbert said he was appalled at the Czech's decision.
On a day when the clouds cleared, the mercury bubbled and temperatures soared, Rafa Nadal won a battle of Spanish lefties against Davis Cup team-mate Feliciano Lopez, and Tomas Berdych was booed mercilessly for a petulant show of bad sportsmanship.
Defending champion Clijsters crumpled to the court at 3-3 in the first set after her left ankle rolled sickeningly over.
The Belgian, bidding farewell to the Australian Open in the final year of her career, had her ankle heavily strapped and Li took advantage to win the first set.
The 28-year-old Belgian clawed her way back into the match to win the second set in a tiebreak as the crowd began to believe she could pull off the win. Clijsters closed out the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to keep her hopes alive of a fifth Grand Slam title.
However, she conceded the injury had made her think about quitting against Li, whom she beat in the 2011 final.
"It definitely crossed my mind at some point, but I knew if I could just try to let the medication sink in ... the pain would go away a little bit and maybe with the adrenaline I could just fly through it," she said.
TOMIC THUMPED
Clijsters was joined in the quarter-finals by number three seed Victoria Azarenka, who endured her traditional late-game hiccup before beating Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki endured a nervy second set against Jelena Jankovic before clinching a 6-0, 7-5 win.
Still giddy from Lleyton Hewitt's heroics against Milos Raonic, Australian fans could barely believe they had two players in the men's fourth round, but hopes that 19-year-old Tomic could depose four-times champion Federer proved wide of the mark.
Teen Tomic had already come through two five-setters to reach the fourth round while 30-year-old Federer looked as fresh as a daisy in securing a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win.
The Swiss, bidding to match Roy Emerson's record of five Australian Open titles, will face former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals.
Federer agreed Tomic had the potential to win silverware.
"I think he has had a wonderful tournament and there's much more that's going to come the Australian way," he said.
"It's going to be tough against Del Potro. I don't look beyond that because he's coming up strong. He has had a good year, played all the top guys again and pushed us all."
BERDYCH BOOED
World number two Nadal, with heavy strapping on knee, ankle and foot, huffed and puffed his way past Lopez with little Spanish sparkle but was happy to go no more than three sets.
Memories of his last eight withdrawal against Andy Murray two years ago, and defeat at the hands of David Ferrer last year, still haunt him.
"Hopefully it won't happen this time," said Nadal after his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win.
"Every year is different. I had a bad experience for the last two years here. It's tough to have to go out of a tournament like Australia in quarter-finals."
In the day's only real note of controversy, Czech Berdych was booed off Hisense Arena after a bad tempered 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 win over Nicolas Almagro.
Berdych refused to shake hands with the Spaniard after he sealed the win because he felt the 10th-seeded Almagro had deliberately blasted a return at his head during the fourth set.
"The court is pretty big and you always have some space to put the ball in," number seven Berdych complained.
"And not even if you are standing three or four metres from the guy (does he need) to hit it straight to your face.
"This is not the way how tennis is."
Berdych's courtside interview was drowned out by the crowd booing and hissing, while tennis coach and commentator Brad Gilbert said he was appalled at the Czech's decision.
Monday, January 23, 2012
PCB wants to host Bangladesh Test series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the ICC that it intends to host Bangladesh for a Test series in April in a bid to revive international cricket at home.
A PCB official said that the board was confident of the Bangladesh tour going ahead since the government had also given its assurance of top level security arrangements for the touring side.
"The reason we have kept the ICC in the loop is that even their security experts are aware of the arrangements being made for the Bangladesh team. But primarily this is a bilateral series that has to be finalized between two boards," a PCB official said on Sunday, reports NDTV sports.
"Our main aim is to break the ice of Test teams not coming to Pakistan. If Bangladesh come we will have better chances of convincing other Boards that they also now need to support us," he said.
The PCB sent its chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad recently to Dhaka to personally offer condolences on the sad demise of the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Manzur Ahmed.
The official said Subhan had not officially discussed the invitation to Bangladesh Board to send its team to Pakistan but the BCB officials had indicated that they were in the process of getting clearance from their government to send a high level delegation to Pakistan to inspect the security arrangements for their team.
The official, who declined to be named, admitted that the chances of Bangladesh touring Pakistan would depend entirely on the briefing given to their security delegation.
"If their security delegation is satisfied than the tour is on and it will be a big breakthrough for Pakistan cricket," the official said.
No foreign Test team has toured Pakistan since the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
The official also said that the PCB was not concerned with reports emanating from Bangladesh that some of their players and team officials were not keen on playing in Pakistan because of security concerns.
"That is an internal matter between the Bangladesh board and their team. Our primary concern is that the BCB first clears the tour," he added.
He said that the PCB was also ready to welcome visits by any security experts of the ICC or the Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC) cricket committee.
"We would welcome such visits because the ICC special task force team on Pakistan did not send a team to Pakistan but if the ICC and MCC decide to send their security delegations even before the Bangladesh tour we would be very happy," he said.
A PCB official said that the board was confident of the Bangladesh tour going ahead since the government had also given its assurance of top level security arrangements for the touring side.
"The reason we have kept the ICC in the loop is that even their security experts are aware of the arrangements being made for the Bangladesh team. But primarily this is a bilateral series that has to be finalized between two boards," a PCB official said on Sunday, reports NDTV sports.
"Our main aim is to break the ice of Test teams not coming to Pakistan. If Bangladesh come we will have better chances of convincing other Boards that they also now need to support us," he said.
The PCB sent its chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad recently to Dhaka to personally offer condolences on the sad demise of the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Manzur Ahmed.
The official said Subhan had not officially discussed the invitation to Bangladesh Board to send its team to Pakistan but the BCB officials had indicated that they were in the process of getting clearance from their government to send a high level delegation to Pakistan to inspect the security arrangements for their team.
The official, who declined to be named, admitted that the chances of Bangladesh touring Pakistan would depend entirely on the briefing given to their security delegation.
"If their security delegation is satisfied than the tour is on and it will be a big breakthrough for Pakistan cricket," the official said.
No foreign Test team has toured Pakistan since the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
The official also said that the PCB was not concerned with reports emanating from Bangladesh that some of their players and team officials were not keen on playing in Pakistan because of security concerns.
"That is an internal matter between the Bangladesh board and their team. Our primary concern is that the BCB first clears the tour," he added.
He said that the PCB was also ready to welcome visits by any security experts of the ICC or the Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC) cricket committee.
"We would welcome such visits because the ICC special task force team on Pakistan did not send a team to Pakistan but if the ICC and MCC decide to send their security delegations even before the Bangladesh tour we would be very happy," he said.
Juve go four points clear, Totti breaks record
Second-half goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Emanuele Giaccherini sent Juventus four points clear in Serie A after they defeated Atalanta 2-0 in Bergamo on Saturday to finish the first half of the season unbeaten.
In the day's other match, Francesco Totti struck twice to set a league scoring record as resurgent AS Roma climbed to sixth by crushing Cesena 5-1.
"I will play until I'm physically unable to do what I want," the 35-year-old Totti told the Mediaset Premium TV channel.
"If we continue to play like this we'll go far. We're enjoying our football and pleasing fans too," he added after claiming his 211th goal for Roma, a league record for a single club.
In Bergamo, Swiss defender Lichtsteiner nodded in Andrea Pirlo's brilliant pass after 55 minutes to give Juve a deserved lead before substitute Giaccherini's volley made the game safe eight minutes from time.
Atalanta remained sixth from bottom while the win gave Juve 41 points from 19 games, four ahead of AC Milan who visit bottom club Novara on Sunday.
Juve had early chances to open the scoring with Alessandro Matri blasting Simone Pepe's inviting centre over the bar and Pepe screwing a right-foot effort wide five minutes later.
Defender Andrea Barzagli then struck the post in the 11th minute and Mirko Vucinic's half-volley forced Andrea Consigli into a near-post save.
The home side threatened on the break but Juve continued to carve out chances with left back Paolo De Ceglie twice going close and Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal crashing a 25-metre shot against the crossbar three minutes before the break.
NEAR POST
The visitors finally broke through when right back Lichtsteiner sneaked a header inside the near post after being picked out by Pirlo.
Substitute Luca Marrone fired straight at Consigli after a fine one-two with Matri before setting up Giaccherini to wrap up the points.
Juve coach Antonio Conte said the tag of 'winter champions', handed out by the media after the first half of the season, had no value.
"That title means nothing to me ... but my boys are overcoming all obstacles. It's been an incredible first half," he told Sky Sports.
"We're top and unbeaten after playing against some teams that started our matches as favourites."
At the Stadio Olimpico, captain Totti struck after 34 seconds before volleying his second from an Erik Lamela pass.
Striker Fabio Borini grabbed the third in the ninth minute as Roma went on the rampage.
Third from bottom Cesena pulled a goal back through Brazilian Eder after 59 minutes but defender Juan (62) and Miralem Pjanic (70) clinched Roma's fourth straight league win as they chalked up 30 points from 18 games.
Roma, who had their previous match against Catania abandoned because of a waterlogged pitch, went 1-0 up when Totti ran on to a cheeky back-flick from Lamela and his fierce shot took a deflection to beat keeper Francesco Antonioli at the near post.
The home team poured forward and quickly doubled the lead with Argentine striker Lamela again finding his skipper and Totti overtaking Swedish striker Gunnar Nordahl who hit 210 goals for AC Milan between 1949-56.
Borini, preferred to Bojan Krkic in attack, then swept home Leandro Greco's left-wing centre as Cesena's defence was once more cut to ribbons.
Pjanic had a shot blocked on the goalline after 11 minutes but the score stayed the same until Eder raced through before lifting the ball over keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and slotting in for the visitors.
Totti went agonisingly close to a hat-trick with a rasping drive on the hour but Juan made it 4-1 by sidefooting home the rebound after Borini's header struck the woodwork.
Bosnia midfielder Pjanic netted the fifth, slamming the ball past Antonioli with his left foot after the keeper had failed to hold his initial effort.
In the day's other match, Francesco Totti struck twice to set a league scoring record as resurgent AS Roma climbed to sixth by crushing Cesena 5-1.
"I will play until I'm physically unable to do what I want," the 35-year-old Totti told the Mediaset Premium TV channel.
"If we continue to play like this we'll go far. We're enjoying our football and pleasing fans too," he added after claiming his 211th goal for Roma, a league record for a single club.
In Bergamo, Swiss defender Lichtsteiner nodded in Andrea Pirlo's brilliant pass after 55 minutes to give Juve a deserved lead before substitute Giaccherini's volley made the game safe eight minutes from time.
Atalanta remained sixth from bottom while the win gave Juve 41 points from 19 games, four ahead of AC Milan who visit bottom club Novara on Sunday.
Juve had early chances to open the scoring with Alessandro Matri blasting Simone Pepe's inviting centre over the bar and Pepe screwing a right-foot effort wide five minutes later.
Defender Andrea Barzagli then struck the post in the 11th minute and Mirko Vucinic's half-volley forced Andrea Consigli into a near-post save.
The home side threatened on the break but Juve continued to carve out chances with left back Paolo De Ceglie twice going close and Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal crashing a 25-metre shot against the crossbar three minutes before the break.
NEAR POST
The visitors finally broke through when right back Lichtsteiner sneaked a header inside the near post after being picked out by Pirlo.
Substitute Luca Marrone fired straight at Consigli after a fine one-two with Matri before setting up Giaccherini to wrap up the points.
Juve coach Antonio Conte said the tag of 'winter champions', handed out by the media after the first half of the season, had no value.
"That title means nothing to me ... but my boys are overcoming all obstacles. It's been an incredible first half," he told Sky Sports.
"We're top and unbeaten after playing against some teams that started our matches as favourites."
At the Stadio Olimpico, captain Totti struck after 34 seconds before volleying his second from an Erik Lamela pass.
Striker Fabio Borini grabbed the third in the ninth minute as Roma went on the rampage.
Third from bottom Cesena pulled a goal back through Brazilian Eder after 59 minutes but defender Juan (62) and Miralem Pjanic (70) clinched Roma's fourth straight league win as they chalked up 30 points from 18 games.
Roma, who had their previous match against Catania abandoned because of a waterlogged pitch, went 1-0 up when Totti ran on to a cheeky back-flick from Lamela and his fierce shot took a deflection to beat keeper Francesco Antonioli at the near post.
The home team poured forward and quickly doubled the lead with Argentine striker Lamela again finding his skipper and Totti overtaking Swedish striker Gunnar Nordahl who hit 210 goals for AC Milan between 1949-56.
Borini, preferred to Bojan Krkic in attack, then swept home Leandro Greco's left-wing centre as Cesena's defence was once more cut to ribbons.
Pjanic had a shot blocked on the goalline after 11 minutes but the score stayed the same until Eder raced through before lifting the ball over keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and slotting in for the visitors.
Totti went agonisingly close to a hat-trick with a rasping drive on the hour but Juan made it 4-1 by sidefooting home the rebound after Borini's header struck the woodwork.
Bosnia midfielder Pjanic netted the fifth, slamming the ball past Antonioli with his left foot after the keeper had failed to hold his initial effort.
Away days problematic for Test best contenders
With Pakistan shedding their notorious unpredictability and Australia coming to terms with a tricky transition, Test cricket hierarchy in the next couple of months might look more like a banana republic... ripe for a coup.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) dangles an annual $175,000 carrot for whichever team tops Test rankings on the April 1 cut-off date and table-toppers England were justified in believing they could be cashing the cheque in a few months.
They still lead the race by a healthy margin but being thumped by an ambitious Pakistan team inside three days of their first Test this year, skipper Andrew Strauss and his team-mates can no longer take it for granted.
If England may be lined up for an April Fool's Day surprise, the situation is even worse for the team they inherited the number one ranking from.
India, beaten 4-0 by England last year, are staring at their second successive overseas whitewash against an Australian team determined to claw their way back to the top.
The inconsistencies at the top is good news for South Africa, who now sniff a slim chance to gatecrash England's party.
At present, England top the official rankings with 125 points, followed by India (118), South Africa (117), Australia (103), Pakistan (99) and Sri Lanka (98).
England's rise to the top was a reward for a blemish-free 2011 when Strauss's men did not lose a single Test.
But the side were given a rude awakening in Dubai earlier this week where Pakistan, one of the most improved teams last year with just one loss and six wins, spanked them in three days to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
"This England team have not won in the subcontinent. They even played badly in the World Cup last year, which was held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," former England opener Geoffrey Boycott wrote in a column in the Telegraph newspaper.
"Until they start playing well in the subcontinent they can't call themselves the best team in the world and definitely can't be judged against some of the other great England sides," Boycott added.
Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad was also quick to pour scorn over the ICC system.
"I don't believe much in rankings because it doesn't give a clear picture of the team's overall performance in the world," Miandad was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
"England are now the number one team because they had the home advantage and never lost in their backyard."
There was similar disputing of India's rise to the top despite their woeful record outside the subcontinent.
However, England can still guarantee themselves the hefty ICC cheque by winning at least one of the remaining two Tests against Pakistan or drawing both.
But if Pakistan beat England by a 2-0 margin or more, South Africa could pocket the cheque, provided they can blank New Zealand in the away test series in March.
England now have two Tests to redeem themselves or it would be more instability at the top, which maybe good for the game but certainly not for Strauss and his men.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) dangles an annual $175,000 carrot for whichever team tops Test rankings on the April 1 cut-off date and table-toppers England were justified in believing they could be cashing the cheque in a few months.
They still lead the race by a healthy margin but being thumped by an ambitious Pakistan team inside three days of their first Test this year, skipper Andrew Strauss and his team-mates can no longer take it for granted.
If England may be lined up for an April Fool's Day surprise, the situation is even worse for the team they inherited the number one ranking from.
India, beaten 4-0 by England last year, are staring at their second successive overseas whitewash against an Australian team determined to claw their way back to the top.
The inconsistencies at the top is good news for South Africa, who now sniff a slim chance to gatecrash England's party.
At present, England top the official rankings with 125 points, followed by India (118), South Africa (117), Australia (103), Pakistan (99) and Sri Lanka (98).
England's rise to the top was a reward for a blemish-free 2011 when Strauss's men did not lose a single Test.
But the side were given a rude awakening in Dubai earlier this week where Pakistan, one of the most improved teams last year with just one loss and six wins, spanked them in three days to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
"This England team have not won in the subcontinent. They even played badly in the World Cup last year, which was held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," former England opener Geoffrey Boycott wrote in a column in the Telegraph newspaper.
"Until they start playing well in the subcontinent they can't call themselves the best team in the world and definitely can't be judged against some of the other great England sides," Boycott added.
Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad was also quick to pour scorn over the ICC system.
"I don't believe much in rankings because it doesn't give a clear picture of the team's overall performance in the world," Miandad was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
"England are now the number one team because they had the home advantage and never lost in their backyard."
There was similar disputing of India's rise to the top despite their woeful record outside the subcontinent.
However, England can still guarantee themselves the hefty ICC cheque by winning at least one of the remaining two Tests against Pakistan or drawing both.
But if Pakistan beat England by a 2-0 margin or more, South Africa could pocket the cheque, provided they can blank New Zealand in the away test series in March.
England now have two Tests to redeem themselves or it would be more instability at the top, which maybe good for the game but certainly not for Strauss and his men.
Chelsea thwarted, Newcastle and Liverpool slump
Chelsea were held and Newcastle United and Liverpool humbled on a day of surprises in the Premier League on Saturday when the lesser lights enjoyed some unexpected success against the more established teams.
Chelsea drew 0-0 at Norwich City, Newcastle crashed 5-2 at Fulham and Liverpool, who had beaten Bolton Wanderers in their last 10 league meetings over the past five years, lost 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium as the home side climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-September.
There was also a notable win for Queens Park Rangers, who moved out of the relegation zone after beating bottom side Wigan Athletic 3-1 to record their first league win in 10 games and their first three points under new coach Mark Hughes.
With four of the top five not playing until Sunday - when leaders Manchester City host third-placed Tottenham Hotspur and second-placed Manchester United visit fifth-placed Arsenal - Chelsea had a chance to close the gap but missed out at Norwich.
The West London side remain fourth, five points behind Harry Redknapp's high-flying Tottenham team.
DISAPPOINTING DAY
Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas said his side did not do well enough at Norwich despite dominating much of the game as they were thwarted by a fine goalkeeping display by John Ruddy.
Chelsea's Spain striker Fernando Torres, their 50 million pounds signing from Liverpool a year ago, failed to find the net for the 17th successive match for club and country.
Chelsea also lost England midfielder Frank Lampard with a suspected torn calf muscle in the first half.
Villas-Boas, who delayed giving a debut to England defender Gary Cahill, the club's new signing from Bolton, said Chelsea should have done better and a point was not enough.
"It was a frustrating day because we were dominant, particularly in the second half, but we just couldn't find the net," he told Sky Sports.
"I thought John Ruddy was magnificent for them and for the coordination of his defence, but for our progress in the league a point is not enough."
Regarding another goalless Torres appearance, he added: "He had good chances and to have good chances you have to position yourself well, and with a bit more luck he will find the back of the net.
FULHAM FAVOUR
In some respects Chelsea's West London neighbours Fulham did them a favour by crushing Newcastle who stayed in sixth place on 36 points, five behind Chelsea.
Danny Guthrie put Newcastle ahead just before half-time with a superb strike, before Fulham netted four quick goals with Clint Dempsey scoring twice before adding a third later on for his second hat-trick in three games.
Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora also converted penalties for Fulham who climbed to 12th.
Dempsey told the BBC: "We never found our rhythm in the first half but we began to get into their penalty area in the second half.
"Danny Murphy scored the first goal and then we kept going and going. Luckily the ball kept going in. We never took our foot off the gas and we took our chances."
LIVERPOOL DEFEAT
Liverpool also had a day to forget at Bolton, who scored three goals against them in a league match for the first time since 1950 and won at home in the league for only the second time in 11 games this season.
Bolton, in the bottom three for four months, ended the day in 17th place after goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker and a rare second half strike from Gretar Steinsson.
Craig Bellamy had pulled one back for Liverpool when they were 2-0 down following a nod-on from his much criticised goal-shy partner Andy Carroll.
The loss left Liverpool adrift in seventh place, six points behind a Champions League spot.
"We are out of the bottom three and we have to move on from that. I thought we deserved it today," Bolton manager Owen Coyle told ESPN.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said of his players: "If they think they can just turn up and get a result, not be as competitive and not match the opposition for effort and commitment then they've got a lesson today."
It was a good day for Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, on loan at Aston Villa from Los Angeles Galaxy, who scored twice on his full debut to help earn a 3-2 win at 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers where he started his career 15 years ago.
Tim Cahill scored for Everton for the first time in 34 matches after a blatant handball by team-mate Marouane Fellaini was missed by the referee as Everton drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers, who equalised through David Goodwillie.
That briefly lifted Blackburn out of the bottom three but they ended the day back in it with just Wolves and Wigan beneath them.
Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 at Stoke City with a stoppage time winner from a free kick by Graham Dorrans after Jon Walters missed a penalty for the home side, and Sunderland continued their revival under new boss Martin O'Neill with a 2-0 win over Swansea City.
Chelsea drew 0-0 at Norwich City, Newcastle crashed 5-2 at Fulham and Liverpool, who had beaten Bolton Wanderers in their last 10 league meetings over the past five years, lost 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium as the home side climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-September.
There was also a notable win for Queens Park Rangers, who moved out of the relegation zone after beating bottom side Wigan Athletic 3-1 to record their first league win in 10 games and their first three points under new coach Mark Hughes.
With four of the top five not playing until Sunday - when leaders Manchester City host third-placed Tottenham Hotspur and second-placed Manchester United visit fifth-placed Arsenal - Chelsea had a chance to close the gap but missed out at Norwich.
The West London side remain fourth, five points behind Harry Redknapp's high-flying Tottenham team.
DISAPPOINTING DAY
Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas said his side did not do well enough at Norwich despite dominating much of the game as they were thwarted by a fine goalkeeping display by John Ruddy.
Chelsea's Spain striker Fernando Torres, their 50 million pounds signing from Liverpool a year ago, failed to find the net for the 17th successive match for club and country.
Chelsea also lost England midfielder Frank Lampard with a suspected torn calf muscle in the first half.
Villas-Boas, who delayed giving a debut to England defender Gary Cahill, the club's new signing from Bolton, said Chelsea should have done better and a point was not enough.
"It was a frustrating day because we were dominant, particularly in the second half, but we just couldn't find the net," he told Sky Sports.
"I thought John Ruddy was magnificent for them and for the coordination of his defence, but for our progress in the league a point is not enough."
Regarding another goalless Torres appearance, he added: "He had good chances and to have good chances you have to position yourself well, and with a bit more luck he will find the back of the net.
FULHAM FAVOUR
In some respects Chelsea's West London neighbours Fulham did them a favour by crushing Newcastle who stayed in sixth place on 36 points, five behind Chelsea.
Danny Guthrie put Newcastle ahead just before half-time with a superb strike, before Fulham netted four quick goals with Clint Dempsey scoring twice before adding a third later on for his second hat-trick in three games.
Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora also converted penalties for Fulham who climbed to 12th.
Dempsey told the BBC: "We never found our rhythm in the first half but we began to get into their penalty area in the second half.
"Danny Murphy scored the first goal and then we kept going and going. Luckily the ball kept going in. We never took our foot off the gas and we took our chances."
LIVERPOOL DEFEAT
Liverpool also had a day to forget at Bolton, who scored three goals against them in a league match for the first time since 1950 and won at home in the league for only the second time in 11 games this season.
Bolton, in the bottom three for four months, ended the day in 17th place after goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker and a rare second half strike from Gretar Steinsson.
Craig Bellamy had pulled one back for Liverpool when they were 2-0 down following a nod-on from his much criticised goal-shy partner Andy Carroll.
The loss left Liverpool adrift in seventh place, six points behind a Champions League spot.
"We are out of the bottom three and we have to move on from that. I thought we deserved it today," Bolton manager Owen Coyle told ESPN.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said of his players: "If they think they can just turn up and get a result, not be as competitive and not match the opposition for effort and commitment then they've got a lesson today."
It was a good day for Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, on loan at Aston Villa from Los Angeles Galaxy, who scored twice on his full debut to help earn a 3-2 win at 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers where he started his career 15 years ago.
Tim Cahill scored for Everton for the first time in 34 matches after a blatant handball by team-mate Marouane Fellaini was missed by the referee as Everton drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers, who equalised through David Goodwillie.
That briefly lifted Blackburn out of the bottom three but they ended the day back in it with just Wolves and Wigan beneath them.
Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 at Stoke City with a stoppage time winner from a free kick by Graham Dorrans after Jon Walters missed a penalty for the home side, and Sunderland continued their revival under new boss Martin O'Neill with a 2-0 win over Swansea City.
Indian pride, Sachin quest add spice
India have five days at the Adelaide Oval to show some fighting spirit, restore a modicum of pride and avoid a whitewash in the fourth and final Test against Australia this week.
The tourists arrived Down Under ranked second in the world Test rankings with confidence high that their record of having never won a series on Australian soil might finally be banished.
Three humbling routs later and, starting on Tuesday, a squad containing some of the finest batsmen the game has seen will be reduced to scrapping for a face-saving victory against the fourth-ranked Australians.
They will have to do it without captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was banned for the Test because of his team's slow over rate in the third test in Perth, which the hosts won by an innings and 37 runs in two and a half days.
"Whatever backlash is happening in India, we have to accept it," opener Gautam Gambhir said this week.
"There was a lot of expectations from us that we should have done well with the kind of batting we have. We have let the entire nation down."
Sachin Tendulkar's continuing quest for his century of international centuries at least offers Indian fans the prospect of something to celebrate in the series.
The Adelaide Oval, one of Test cricket's most picturesque venues, would be a suitable setting for the milestone and is also likely to offer a suitably batting-friendly track.
"I'll be looking at a traditional Adelaide Oval pitch," head groundsman Damian Hough said this week.
"A little bit in it on day one for the quicks, then settling down on days two and three, and then offering a bit for the spinners on days four and five."
GREAT CHALLENGE
Australia are almost certain to drop one of the quartet of quicks who bowled them to victory in Perth to allow the recall of spinner Nathan Lyon.
Mitchell Starc, by his own admission, is most likely to carry the drinks leaving Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris to once again get stuck in to the Indian batsmen.
Lyon is looking forward to bowling against Tendulkar at a venue where a year ago he was cutting the grass as a member of the ground staff as Australia crashed to innings defeat in the Ashes series against England.
"India's a great side to play against. Even though we're up three-nil, we're expecting India to come out and hit us hard," he told reporters in Adelaide this week.
"They have just been a great challenge for myself, being a young spinner and bowling against the best batters against spin.
"Their hands are unbelievable and they're really confident against spin."
Lyon is possibly alone in his appreciation of the Indian batting in this series as the much vaunted line-up has failed to hit a single century between them.
Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag will captain the side in Dhoni's absence, while Wriddhiman Saha is almost certain to play his second Test match as replacement wicketkeeper.
"Pressure is there but it's a positive," Saha said.
"There is no negative in it. There is only good positive pressure."
The tourists arrived Down Under ranked second in the world Test rankings with confidence high that their record of having never won a series on Australian soil might finally be banished.
Three humbling routs later and, starting on Tuesday, a squad containing some of the finest batsmen the game has seen will be reduced to scrapping for a face-saving victory against the fourth-ranked Australians.
They will have to do it without captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was banned for the Test because of his team's slow over rate in the third test in Perth, which the hosts won by an innings and 37 runs in two and a half days.
"Whatever backlash is happening in India, we have to accept it," opener Gautam Gambhir said this week.
"There was a lot of expectations from us that we should have done well with the kind of batting we have. We have let the entire nation down."
Sachin Tendulkar's continuing quest for his century of international centuries at least offers Indian fans the prospect of something to celebrate in the series.
The Adelaide Oval, one of Test cricket's most picturesque venues, would be a suitable setting for the milestone and is also likely to offer a suitably batting-friendly track.
"I'll be looking at a traditional Adelaide Oval pitch," head groundsman Damian Hough said this week.
"A little bit in it on day one for the quicks, then settling down on days two and three, and then offering a bit for the spinners on days four and five."
GREAT CHALLENGE
Australia are almost certain to drop one of the quartet of quicks who bowled them to victory in Perth to allow the recall of spinner Nathan Lyon.
Mitchell Starc, by his own admission, is most likely to carry the drinks leaving Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris to once again get stuck in to the Indian batsmen.
Lyon is looking forward to bowling against Tendulkar at a venue where a year ago he was cutting the grass as a member of the ground staff as Australia crashed to innings defeat in the Ashes series against England.
"India's a great side to play against. Even though we're up three-nil, we're expecting India to come out and hit us hard," he told reporters in Adelaide this week.
"They have just been a great challenge for myself, being a young spinner and bowling against the best batters against spin.
"Their hands are unbelievable and they're really confident against spin."
Lyon is possibly alone in his appreciation of the Indian batting in this series as the much vaunted line-up has failed to hit a single century between them.
Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag will captain the side in Dhoni's absence, while Wriddhiman Saha is almost certain to play his second Test match as replacement wicketkeeper.
"Pressure is there but it's a positive," Saha said.
"There is no negative in it. There is only good positive pressure."
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Fergie and I will not retire: Wenger
Arsene Wenger believes Sir Alex Ferguson could be stuck with him for a long time to come as he reveals his retirement plan - or a lack of.
The two managers will face off against each other for the umpteenth time on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Their rivalry throughout their mangerial careers in England has been one of the attractions of the Premier League.
And Wenger does not expect that to end anytime soon.
"I can't imagine [me retiring] but it will happen. I will never retire completely. I will maybe do a different job, not every day out there with the football team. But I will work, that's for sure," the Frenchman told the club's official website, reports ESPNstar.
"I don't stay sane!" he added. "It is a life where you need to take a certain distance from the immediate emotional aspect of the game and you learn that with experience. You have to be involved emotionally because it is part of your job.
"He [Ferguson] will manage until he dies and I think he will be 100," "I only said that [I have the same hunger] because I'm very polite!
Wenger, who celebrates his 15th-year anniversary with the Gunners this season, admits it would be hard to surpass Ferguson, who is in his 25th year at Old Trafford.
But his eyes are only fixed on Sunday's showdown.
"My motivation is to beat him. To last the longest is not a record. Of course I will never beat his record. But to win the game on Sunday is my motivation.
"We have to consider that we are in a job where we need our physical strength and health. That weakens, I've heard, the older you get."
The two managers will face off against each other for the umpteenth time on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Their rivalry throughout their mangerial careers in England has been one of the attractions of the Premier League.
And Wenger does not expect that to end anytime soon.
"I can't imagine [me retiring] but it will happen. I will never retire completely. I will maybe do a different job, not every day out there with the football team. But I will work, that's for sure," the Frenchman told the club's official website, reports ESPNstar.
"I don't stay sane!" he added. "It is a life where you need to take a certain distance from the immediate emotional aspect of the game and you learn that with experience. You have to be involved emotionally because it is part of your job.
"He [Ferguson] will manage until he dies and I think he will be 100," "I only said that [I have the same hunger] because I'm very polite!
Wenger, who celebrates his 15th-year anniversary with the Gunners this season, admits it would be hard to surpass Ferguson, who is in his 25th year at Old Trafford.
But his eyes are only fixed on Sunday's showdown.
"My motivation is to beat him. To last the longest is not a record. Of course I will never beat his record. But to win the game on Sunday is my motivation.
"We have to consider that we are in a job where we need our physical strength and health. That weakens, I've heard, the older you get."
Schalke in dreamland
Schalke 04 joined Bayern Munich at the top of the table after easing past VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on Saturday to collect their fourth straight Bundesliga win.
Hosts Schalke took a third-minute lead through Joel Matip's close-range effort and Kyriakos Papadopoulos rose above two defenders at the near post to drill home a header in the 57th.
Teenager Julian Draxler finished off a quick passing move involving Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul to grab the third goal 10 minutes from time before lacklustre Stuttgart notched a late consolation through Shinji Okazaki.
Bayern are top on goal difference despite slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, the first game since the league's winter break.
Gladbach are third on 36 points, one off the pace and two ahead of fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund who visit Hamburg SV on Sunday.
"I was surprised by how strongly we started," Schalke coach Huub Stevens told reporters.
"Tactically we played a very strong game. We now have as many points as Bayern and it is nice to dream."
HEAD INJURY
The only sour note for Schalke was the head injury sustained by captain Benedikt Hoewedes.
He could be out for some time after colliding with team mate Marko Hoeger just before the break and being taken to hospital.
VfL Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath fielded four of his eight new signings in the 1-0 victory over Cologne but it was youth academy product Sebastian Polter who headed in the only goal from a Christian Traesch cross.
Werder Bremen missed the chance to close in on the top spots, drawing 0-0 at lowly Kaiserslautern to remain in fifth place on 30 points after 18 games.
Nuremberg kicked off their year in style, beating fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin 2-0 to move above their opponents into 12th spot with 21 points.
In another relegation battle Freiburg struck two minutes from time through Matthias Ginter to snatch a 1-0 win over bottom club Augsburg while Hoffenheim and Hanover 96 shared a 0-0 draw.
Hosts Schalke took a third-minute lead through Joel Matip's close-range effort and Kyriakos Papadopoulos rose above two defenders at the near post to drill home a header in the 57th.
Teenager Julian Draxler finished off a quick passing move involving Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul to grab the third goal 10 minutes from time before lacklustre Stuttgart notched a late consolation through Shinji Okazaki.
Bayern are top on goal difference despite slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, the first game since the league's winter break.
Gladbach are third on 36 points, one off the pace and two ahead of fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund who visit Hamburg SV on Sunday.
"I was surprised by how strongly we started," Schalke coach Huub Stevens told reporters.
"Tactically we played a very strong game. We now have as many points as Bayern and it is nice to dream."
HEAD INJURY
The only sour note for Schalke was the head injury sustained by captain Benedikt Hoewedes.
He could be out for some time after colliding with team mate Marko Hoeger just before the break and being taken to hospital.
VfL Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath fielded four of his eight new signings in the 1-0 victory over Cologne but it was youth academy product Sebastian Polter who headed in the only goal from a Christian Traesch cross.
Werder Bremen missed the chance to close in on the top spots, drawing 0-0 at lowly Kaiserslautern to remain in fifth place on 30 points after 18 games.
Nuremberg kicked off their year in style, beating fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin 2-0 to move above their opponents into 12th spot with 21 points.
In another relegation battle Freiburg struck two minutes from time through Matthias Ginter to snatch a 1-0 win over bottom club Augsburg while Hoffenheim and Hanover 96 shared a 0-0 draw.
Late Balotelli penalty sinks Spurs
Mario Balotelli scored the winner with a stoppage-time penalty as Manchester City beat title rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 on Sunday to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The game had been heading for a draw, with City having squandered a two-goal lead after four goals in a mad nine-minute spell midway through the second half.
The hosts had gone ahead in the 56th minute through Samir Nasri and doubled their lead three minutes later courtesy of Joleon Lescott's bundled effort.
Spurs got themselves right back in it with a Jermain Defoe goal on 60 minutes after a blunder by City defender Stefan Savic followed five minutes later by an exquisite Gareth Bale strike.
The visitors could have grabbed all the points in stoppage time when Defoe went agonisingly wide with a golden opportunity but City made the most of their chance at the other end when Ledley King brought down Balotelli.
The Italian converted calmly to send the packed stadium into raptures as City moved to 54 points from 22 games, with second-placed Manchester United on 48 before their game at Arsenal later in the day. Spurs stay third with 46.
The game had been heading for a draw, with City having squandered a two-goal lead after four goals in a mad nine-minute spell midway through the second half.
The hosts had gone ahead in the 56th minute through Samir Nasri and doubled their lead three minutes later courtesy of Joleon Lescott's bundled effort.
Spurs got themselves right back in it with a Jermain Defoe goal on 60 minutes after a blunder by City defender Stefan Savic followed five minutes later by an exquisite Gareth Bale strike.
The visitors could have grabbed all the points in stoppage time when Defoe went agonisingly wide with a golden opportunity but City made the most of their chance at the other end when Ledley King brought down Balotelli.
The Italian converted calmly to send the packed stadium into raptures as City moved to 54 points from 22 games, with second-placed Manchester United on 48 before their game at Arsenal later in the day. Spurs stay third with 46.
Magic Messi fires Barca
Lionel Messi netted two typically brilliant goals and a rare header as Barcelona closed to within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, at least for a few hours, with a 4-1 win at Malaga on Sunday.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)