Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool- The first big match between 2 of the so called "big 4" clubs played each other at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool started this match the better with the wingers of Downing and Kuyt really using the width of over that Arsenal were giving. Henderson had a early shot well saved. Nasri who seemed to be close to moving to Manchester City gave Arsenal that energy that they lacked last game. He was making runs through the middle and causing the problems for the Liverpool defenders. He had a couple of shots which went just wide. Reina also had to save a well drilled shot from Van Persie.In the second half Liverpool controlled the ball better and were creating chances. Frimpong seemed to be having a good match but seemed to just causing the odd foul and he was already on a yellow card from the first half. This came to bite Frimpong the youth overtook sense and went in lunging into a tackle he should not have and he was sent off. Liverpool responded by putting on Suarez and Meireles and this did the trick as Liverpool finally broke Arsenal down when a shot from Suarez hit Miquel and bounced off Ramsey for a own goal. Liverpool now in control got the second in injury time where Meireles set up Suarez to give Liverpool there first win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Again a sending off the key moment in Arsenal down-full and for Liverpool very solid in all areas and strength in all areas bring Suarez and Meireles off the bench is quality they have not had for a long time.
Sunderland 0 - 1 Newcastle- The first big derby as Sunderland looked to take revenge for there 6-1 dubbing last time round. There were early penalty when Barton header seemed to be going to the top corner but Larsson seem handle it to save the ball. Ameobi had another chance to put Newcastle ahead but missed. After that Sunderland did get into the match with Gyan and Larsson but no break through in the first half. The second half started like the first fast and furious. Many challenges flying in everywhere. Cabaye lucky to get away with a stud showing tackle with only a yellow. Sessegnon made Krul save his shot Gyan hit the top of the bar in his attempted chip but in the 62nd minute Gutierrez was brought down and Ryan Taylor did his trademark free-kick which curled in. The competitive edge in the match never went and it did boil over certain times with Cattermole and Barton getting booked. A late chance for Gyan. If he crossed to Wickham who came on he had a open goal to aim at. Not surprisingly a late red card was shown to Phil Bardsley getting a second bookable offence doing a bad tackle on Coloccini. Newcastle held on to win the big derby.
Chelsea 2 - 1 West Brom- A real scare for Chelsea as they struggled past West Brom. It was West Brom who started the stronger and quicker as Shane Long pounced on a defensive mistake from Alex as he scored a good goal. West Brom had more chances to increase the lead Brunt shot had a shot saved and Scharner also. But eventually Chelsea did get into the match in the final 10 minutes of the half when he made a tactical change putting Malouda on for Kalou. Molouda had a shot saved and so did Ashley Cole. The second half Chelsea came out strong. Foster had to be at his very best. He saved from Alex fierce free-kick and another shot from Molouda. The pressure did toll on West Brom as a break by Chelsea lead to Anelka having a shot which went in via a deflection off Olsson. After that it was all Chelsea Anelka having another shot well saved and Bosingwa long range shot had Foster at full stretch. But Bosingwa was involved in the goal as he went gave a fast run down the right beating 2 players and gave a inch perfect cross for Malouda to pass it into the net. Late on Odemwingie had a volley to level it but it went straight into Hilario's hand.
Man Utd 3 - 0 Tottenham- Manchester United sent a strong signal out to the rest of the premier league that they mean business this year as they easily passed Tottenham. Tottenham missing Modric really were unable to create anything magic. On the other hand Manchester United's young new fresh team seemed fast really good flowing and settled. Spurs had a couple of chances in the first half first Van Der Vart making De Gea make a good save from a curling shot. Lennon also had a shot but was wide when he really should have done better. A couple of good crosses by Bale but thats about it from Spurs. Man U on the other hand there young team were cutting Spurs apart. First chance went to Cleverley making Friedel have a good save. Then Ashley Young had a shot well saved. Welbeck also created a save. Even though they survived till half time it was more a matter of when than if. The goal came in the 61st minute where Cleverley crossed in for Welbeck to make it 1-0. It was then Welbeck turn to become provider as he flicked a ball for Anderson to slot in the second. More chances came and went for Manchester United but they had to wait till the 87th minute when the old guy Ryan Giggs crossed in for Rooney to make it 3-0. A host of first team players were ruled out but the youngsters of united showed they are more than capable to step up if needed and play in any match. They will be a tough team to beat this season.
Bolton 2 - 3 Man City- Man City really turned on the screw as they won a impressive away victory at Bolton. Man City looked like a team chasing the title this season in how fluid the team looked. They were playing the ball around Bolton like a training ground moves. The first 25 minutes Bolton were unable to get into the match as players like Aguero and Silva and Ya Ya were running rings around Bolton as they tried to provide Dzeko. Dzeko had a couple of early chances to put Man City in front but one was well saved and the other wide of the target. But it was Silva who broke the deadlock as his shot from the edge of the area gave Man City the lead. 12 minutes later that was doubled the lead as Barry smashed the ball from the corner into the top left hand corner as Man City went 0-2 up. Bolton did respond straight away as Klasnic hit in a Petrov cross to give Bolton hope in the second half. But any hopes of coming back were dashed when Dzeko smashed in a goal from long range as he gave Man City that 2 goal lead again. Despite Bolton hitting back in the 67th minute with Davies heading in a cross Man City dominated in the rest of the match able to bring on players of the calibre Tevez and Adam Johnson. Both having chances to increase the lead. Mark Davies did come on and inject a bit of energy from midfield hitting a couple of shots wide but Man City won quite comfortably in the end. Title push definitely on this season.
Everton 0 - 1 QPR- A super day for QPR as they were able to win there first win in the premier league but did ride there luck. Everton did start off the better with Baines hitting the bar from a free-kick and Cahill missed a guilt-edge chance from 3 yards out. But QPR did grow into the match with Taarabt having a shot well saved by Howard. But the real celebrations happened when Tommy Smith curled a shot into the bottom left hand corner to give QPR the lead. Agyemang had a chance to make it 0-2 when his shot was saved. The second half Everton came out fighting Osman and Beckford. But were unable to get through. 17 year old Ross Barkley making his debut didnt look out of shape in the position he was playing and was very impressive. Needing something to happen they brought on Arteta and Fellaini. Fellaini seemed to be making a difference having 2 of his shots really well saved and he set up Cahill for another save. QPR were able to hung to the delight of Neil Warnock and take a lot of believe going forward. For Everton with the finance's as they are and the felling in the club down he needs to lift the club soon.
Aston Villa 3 - 1 Blackburn- All eyes were on the manager Alex McLeish and seeing what the reaction would be as he was manager of bitter rivals Birmingham last year. The reaction was mostly good. Any bad felling soon went away as Villa started off the quicker of the 2 teams as Agbonlahor had a shot well saved. He wasnt disappointed for long as the next chance he scored in a wonderful style as he curled the ball in. It got even better for Villa as 13 minutes later Heskey by hitting a low 20 yard shot. They could have made it more during the half but Villa didnt have there scoring boots on as chances for N'Zogbia, Bent and Heskey went begging. The wingers of N'Zogbia and Agbonlahor were untouchable as Blackburn gave very little in attacking threats. Blackburn did have shots from Pedersen which forced a good save and Roberts but in the first half that was about it. In the second Blackburn played a bit better. They were moving the ball better they were creating more set pieces and Pedersen was just giving that little bit of quality that Blackburn needed. A Hoilett cross which let Pedersen leap the highest to offer a way back into the game but as hopes of maybe a comeback Bent put the game to bed by running the ball into the penalty area and hitting a left footed drive past Robinson. Villa had more chances to increase the lead but were unable to but would take a satisfying 3-1 win against Blackburn and a good start for Alex being his first match at home. For Blackburn its a worrying sign as they were tipped to go down and the way they played the first 2 matches they seem to be proven right.
Wolves 2 - 0 Fulham- Another impressive victory for Wolves as they make it 2 from 2 matches in victories. It was a very tight first half as Fulham had contained Wolves. O'Hara had a shot well saved and so did Andy Johnson but the half turned at the end of the half when Doyle's fine goal set Wolves going. He had to turn very sharply and finish well. A really strikers mind he had on then. 3 minutes later Hunt had a cross which Roger Johnson headed on the post and Jarvis was there to tap in the second. A double killer for Fulham just before half time. In the second half Jamie O'Hara was really controlling things from the middle of the park. He looked lively and seemed to start off attacks with him being at the centre of things. Fulham did create a few chances in the second half with Duff having the best wasting it by hitting straight at the goalkeeper. Riise had a volley well saved and Andy Johnson had a shot which fizzed by. Wolves though were able hold on to win. This is the best start to the season for Wolves in 13 years as Wolves deserved there second victory of the season.
Norwich 1 - 1 Stoke- Norwich was bouncing as its a first match at home. Stoke started the better as chances for Etherington and Jones which forced Ruddy into good smart save. The Canaries started slowly but they did get into the match and Elliott Bennett was causing a lot of problems for Stoke. Grant Holt then forced another goo save from Begovic. The deadlock was finally broken when Norwich won a free-kick where Bradley Johnson crossed in in and De Laet headed in to give them the lead. The second half Stoke came back strongly with Jones and Walters looking more involved and creating chances. Ruddy was putting in a inspirational performance but as it was looking rosy a harsh red card was given to Barnett as he fouled Jon Walters for a professional foul and given as a penalty. Walters missed the resulting penalty. Stoke kept the pressure on as Norwich become more and more defensive as Ayala was brought on. The ploy was working right up to the final minute of injury time when Whelan crossed in the ball in the centre of the pitch and Jones leaped ahead of Ayala and headed in to break Norwich's fans hearts. A really exciting match though and a lot of positives for both as they both look to survive in the premier league.
Swansea 0 - 0 Wigan- Bouncing Swansea as its the first match outside England. A lot of promise in the first match after Man City came over Swansea and Swansea really took the positives from the first match and really were all over Wigan. Dyer and Sinclair really caused Wigan problems down the wings as they gave Graham great service. Al Habsi was really earning his money as he had shot after shot he had to save. Wigan were unable to get into the match at all with Antolin Alcatraz having the only chance with his header easily saved. Second half Wigan started out much better as Watson and Moses forced good save from Vorm. Moses had another chance which he rattled the bar But the turning point of the match was in the 71st minute when Swansea's captain Williams did a terrible challenge in the penalty area. Watson fresh from scoring a penalty last week hit another penalty but this time Vorm saved it brilliantly. No one could score in the end. This was one of the best 0-0 draws there would have been.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Rugby World Cup Warm Up Matches
The major teams of the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
South Africa have had a terrible Tri Nations as they look to defend there trophy in the 2011 world cup in New Zealand. There results go like this:
39-20 defeat to Australia in Sydney
40-7 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington
9-14 defeat to Australia in Durban
18-5 victory against New Zealand
They had only 1 victory and that was a weakened New Zealand side as they had reached the final of the competition. On this form South Africa will not be retaining the trophy.
New Zealand have had a mixed time of it recently in the tri nations. There results pan out like this
40-7 victory against South Africa in Wellington
30-14 victory against Australia in Auckland
18-5 loss against South Africa in Port Elizabeth
25-20 loss to Australia in Brisbane
As the hosts the most pressure is on New Zealand to win. Seen as the best team to have only won 1 World Cup is seen as a disappointment in a Rugby mad country. The key is how they deal with the pressure of being at home and knowing that the country expects to win. Even though these results have been a good work out the key is if they hit top form they will be hard for any nation to beat.
Australia have had a good work out in this tri nations even though not all results went there way. There results:
39-20 victory against South Africa in Sydney
30-14 loss to New Zealand in Auckland
9-14 victory against South Africa in Durban
25-20 victory against New Zealand in Brisbane
They also had a match before the the tri nations against Samoa losing surprisingly 32-23 in Sydney. Many people tip them as second favourites. If New Zealand chock under the pressure its well thought that Australia could take the title. They will have great support as being the neighbour country and also a lot of pressure on them to preform.
England had a solid world cup warm up matches. There results were
23-19 victory against Wales in Twickenham
19-9 loss against Wales in the Millennium Stadium
9-20 victory against Ireland in Dublin
Though they won 2 matches the win against Wales at Twickenham was expected to be a bit bigger than 4 points. They were good in patches and in other times they were poor. The loss to Wales at the Millennium was a much more scrappy loss where both teams made a number of mistakes. The win in Dublin was a good victory but Ireland with a huge loss of confidence coming into this match. For many people England are a team on the up however they feel this is a young team and it has come a 1 year-2 years to early for them. But saying that they have had great success in the last 2 world cups getting to the final so with England you cannot ever rule them out.
France probably the best nation to never have won the Rugby world cup had a good preparation. There results go as follows:
19-12 victory against Ireland in Paris
22-26 victory against Ireland in Dublin
They had 2 good moral boosting wins. But winning the world cup has never happened. They have been to 2 world cups but winning this one will be tough as they have not had the best of years. The 6 nations they were poor but good victories against Ireland.
Ireland have had the worst preparation they could have before the world cup
10-6 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield
19-12 loss to France in Paris
22-26 loss to France in Dublin
9-20 loss to England in Dublin
This is the last chance for many of these Irish legends in the team. They have had the same team for many years which has been successful all around the world playing in the 6 nations or the internationals in home or away but in the world cup they have under achieved to there standards. But on this form they might not get too far.
Scotland preparation has been very good and solid. Results of Scotland are
10-6 victory against Ireland at Murrayfield
23-12 victory against Italy at Murrayfield
Scotland have done very well in the last few world cups. The hope is to at least get past the group stages and get to the quarter finals. If they play there best then maybe a semi-final could be up for grabs. Winning will probably be a step too far and as they are in England's group there is extra incentive to try and knock them out.
Wales have had a ok warm up period. But some of there players are not quite in the right shape. There results are
23-19 loss to England at Twickenham
19-9 victory to Wales at Millennium Stadium
18-13 victory to Wales at Millennium Stadium
Teams to look out for who can do a shock or 2 and might make a surprise run. Argentina who were the surprise package of last world cup when they finished 3rd. They beat the hosts in the first game and the hosts again in the 3rd place play off. For them its a ageing team so this might be there last shot.
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. 3 very physical sides who love to run with the ball. On there day they can beat the best as Samoa showed when they played Australia in Australia. They are whole hearted Rugby lovers and while exploit any weakness a nation would have.
The other team to look out for is Italy. Over the last 4 years they have made significant improvements against the major nations. They have beaten Wales, Scotland, Ireland and there biggest victory last years six nations against France. In there warm ups they have beaten teams like Samoa and given Scotland a good go for there money so a shock or two from them could be on the cards. The competition starts on the 9th of September and goes right through to the 23rd of October when the final will take place in Auckland at Eden Park with Capacity for this world cup of 60 thousands in the ground.
South Africa have had a terrible Tri Nations as they look to defend there trophy in the 2011 world cup in New Zealand. There results go like this:
39-20 defeat to Australia in Sydney
40-7 defeat to New Zealand in Wellington
9-14 defeat to Australia in Durban
18-5 victory against New Zealand
They had only 1 victory and that was a weakened New Zealand side as they had reached the final of the competition. On this form South Africa will not be retaining the trophy.
New Zealand have had a mixed time of it recently in the tri nations. There results pan out like this
40-7 victory against South Africa in Wellington
30-14 victory against Australia in Auckland
18-5 loss against South Africa in Port Elizabeth
25-20 loss to Australia in Brisbane
As the hosts the most pressure is on New Zealand to win. Seen as the best team to have only won 1 World Cup is seen as a disappointment in a Rugby mad country. The key is how they deal with the pressure of being at home and knowing that the country expects to win. Even though these results have been a good work out the key is if they hit top form they will be hard for any nation to beat.
Australia have had a good work out in this tri nations even though not all results went there way. There results:
39-20 victory against South Africa in Sydney
30-14 loss to New Zealand in Auckland
9-14 victory against South Africa in Durban
25-20 victory against New Zealand in Brisbane
They also had a match before the the tri nations against Samoa losing surprisingly 32-23 in Sydney. Many people tip them as second favourites. If New Zealand chock under the pressure its well thought that Australia could take the title. They will have great support as being the neighbour country and also a lot of pressure on them to preform.
England had a solid world cup warm up matches. There results were
23-19 victory against Wales in Twickenham
19-9 loss against Wales in the Millennium Stadium
9-20 victory against Ireland in Dublin
Though they won 2 matches the win against Wales at Twickenham was expected to be a bit bigger than 4 points. They were good in patches and in other times they were poor. The loss to Wales at the Millennium was a much more scrappy loss where both teams made a number of mistakes. The win in Dublin was a good victory but Ireland with a huge loss of confidence coming into this match. For many people England are a team on the up however they feel this is a young team and it has come a 1 year-2 years to early for them. But saying that they have had great success in the last 2 world cups getting to the final so with England you cannot ever rule them out.
France probably the best nation to never have won the Rugby world cup had a good preparation. There results go as follows:
19-12 victory against Ireland in Paris
22-26 victory against Ireland in Dublin
They had 2 good moral boosting wins. But winning the world cup has never happened. They have been to 2 world cups but winning this one will be tough as they have not had the best of years. The 6 nations they were poor but good victories against Ireland.
Ireland have had the worst preparation they could have before the world cup
10-6 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield
19-12 loss to France in Paris
22-26 loss to France in Dublin
9-20 loss to England in Dublin
This is the last chance for many of these Irish legends in the team. They have had the same team for many years which has been successful all around the world playing in the 6 nations or the internationals in home or away but in the world cup they have under achieved to there standards. But on this form they might not get too far.
Scotland preparation has been very good and solid. Results of Scotland are
10-6 victory against Ireland at Murrayfield
23-12 victory against Italy at Murrayfield
Scotland have done very well in the last few world cups. The hope is to at least get past the group stages and get to the quarter finals. If they play there best then maybe a semi-final could be up for grabs. Winning will probably be a step too far and as they are in England's group there is extra incentive to try and knock them out.
Wales have had a ok warm up period. But some of there players are not quite in the right shape. There results are
23-19 loss to England at Twickenham
19-9 victory to Wales at Millennium Stadium
18-13 victory to Wales at Millennium Stadium
Teams to look out for who can do a shock or 2 and might make a surprise run. Argentina who were the surprise package of last world cup when they finished 3rd. They beat the hosts in the first game and the hosts again in the 3rd place play off. For them its a ageing team so this might be there last shot.
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. 3 very physical sides who love to run with the ball. On there day they can beat the best as Samoa showed when they played Australia in Australia. They are whole hearted Rugby lovers and while exploit any weakness a nation would have.
The other team to look out for is Italy. Over the last 4 years they have made significant improvements against the major nations. They have beaten Wales, Scotland, Ireland and there biggest victory last years six nations against France. In there warm ups they have beaten teams like Samoa and given Scotland a good go for there money so a shock or two from them could be on the cards. The competition starts on the 9th of September and goes right through to the 23rd of October when the final will take place in Auckland at Eden Park with Capacity for this world cup of 60 thousands in the ground.
Premier League Game 1
West Brom 1 - 2 Man Utd- Last Years Premier League Champions started there campaign off to a solid start. A much younger fresher team for Manchester United seemed to have got dominate West Brom in the first 20 minutes with Rooney drilling a ball from a pass from Fabio to give them the lead. West Brom got back with Long on his debut hitting a ball from the edge of the penalty box which crept past De Gea legs. Both teams had chances to go ahead but De Gea and former Man U goalkeeper Foster played well to keep them out until Young deflected cross went off Reid and flew past the goalkeeper for a 1-2 lead. Man U were able to hold on to get there campaign off to a good start.
Stoke 0-0 Chelsea- Last year's runner up had to settle for a draw at Stoke. In a scrappy first half Torres had the best chance to put Chelsea in front but Begovic saved smartly. Etherington had a couple of long range shots but were saved easily. The second half Chelsea came out fast and created more opportunities. Mikel had a shot smartly saved Anelka shot was also saved which went onto the bar Bosingwa had a long range shot which went close. Stoke were strong defensively. Stoke had a couple of appeals for penalties when Wilson was brought down and Pennant also brought down but a fair result came out of it.
Man City 4 - 0 Swansea- The scoreline may seen large however Swansea gave Man City a good go and only a piece of magic by there new super signing Aguero changed all that. Swansea started the better with Graham having a couple of good shots. First one was long range the second was a good save from Hart. The pace of there wingers did trouble Clichy and Richards. For Man City Barry had the best chance smashing the bar from a corner. Second half Man City did finally break down the Swansea defence as Silva shot hit the bar which left Dzeko to score a simple tap in. But the match went up a gear when Aguero came on. His movement was super for the first goal as he anticipated Adam Johnson shot which was parried for a easy tap in for Aguero. But his true magic was there for everyone to see for the third goal as the ball seem to be going out but Aguero was able to sprint after the ball able to keep the ball in play do a cheeky back-heal and let Silva have a easy tap in. He rounded things off with a great long range effort in injury time to beat Vorm who had a good game in goal looked a decent goalkeeper already for Swansea.
Newcastle 0 - 0 Arsenal- A game which will be remembered more for the incidents than how good the match was. A game with few chances Robin van Persie had the best in the first half with a deflected shot which went just wide. Gervinho making his debut looked lively and had a couple of shots from long range one which forced a good save another going wide. Coloccini had the best chance for Newcastle scuffing a shot after making a good run. Danny Simpson was involved in both sides first heading a ball off the line after the goalkeeper made a hash of a corner and then on the other side crossing a ball going wrong and nearly going into the net. However the game will be more remembered for the incident with Gervinho and Barton where they faced up to each other and grabbed each other. Gervinho got sent off for his part and Barton only a yellow. The discipline was poor throughout the match with no fewer than 8 yellow cards in the match and 1 red card. The game ending 0-0 another draw but not as exciting or will be remembered in the same light to last year where Arsenal were 4-1 up when it ended 4-4. Arsenal lacked creativity with Nasri and Fabregas left out of the team.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Sunderland- A new look Liverpool team drew against a new look Sunderland team. In the first half Liverpool were the clearly the better fitter and stronger team as they over-hauled Sunderland. Liverpool had a early penalty Richardson brought down Suarez. Suarez took the penalty himself and it was well saved. But he wasnt disappointed for long as a free-kick from Adam Suarez headed it in for the lead. Liverpool were brilliant at times of the first half. Adam's ball playing was joyful to watch Henderson looked lively and some good saves Mignolet kept Sunderland in the game. There were a couple of chances for Larsson from set-pieces but apart from one good save Reina was surplus in the first half. The second Sunderland were much better in slowly the game down playing at there own pace. This frustrated Liverpool but it was a piece of magic for Larsson to grab the goal. A cross from the right which was going away from Larsson which he slide in and volleyed from a tight angle to score a really good goal to make it 1-1. From then on Sunderland looked the more likely to score created more chances. Sessegnon had a couple of shots saved. Carroll who was ineffective in the first half was started to be more of a threat from set pieces. Got a couple of saves out of the goalkeeper but Sunderland held on for a really good draw.
QPR 0 - 4 Bolton- Bolton gave a harsh lesson to QPR in there return to top flight football. QPR started the game off really brightly as DJ Campbell scored a disallowed goal. It was rightly ruled out. QPR continued to play with Campbell leading the line causing a lot of trouble for the Bolton defence. Taraabt had a chance which went just wide and Bothroyd had a header well saved. Bolton had not created much in the first half Eagles going closest until the last minute of injury time when Gary Cahill superb 25 yard shot which went on the roof of the net. This clearly deflated QPR and gave Bolton the confidence to stamp there authority. The possession was significantly in Bolton's favour they were able to play that attractive football. The second goal eventually came from a Chris Eagles free-kick which was deflected and Gabbidon had scored a own goal. Any hopes of QPR fighting back were dashed when Klasnic shot inside the box went in 3 minutes later. Bolton finished the second half route with Muamba scoring his first goal from Klasnic cross to side-foot a satisfying first day victory for Bolton.
Wigan 1 - 1 Norwich- Norwich seen as the best placed out of the 3 promoted clubs to stay up started off with a well fought 1-1 at Wigan. Norwich started the more nervous and were making lots of basic mistakes. One of the mistakes led to the first goal as Ritchie de Laet the man on loan from Manchester United brought down di Santo in the box. There were no complaints and Ben Watson does what he does best blasting Wigan in the lead. Di Santo seemed to have a new life as he looked very lively through-out the first half. He went close with one header and another header he made Ruddy save low to his left. Watson had a shot shack the bar as he let one rip. But slowly Norwich were getting into the match with Fox going close from a free-kick. Hoolahan and Holt had shots which were well parried away by the goalkeeper but just on half time the pressure worked as a cross from Lopez was badly handled by Al Habsi he let go of the ball and Hoolahan had a easy tap in. The fans went into dream world as this was there first goal back in the big time. In the second half there were chances for both teams. Holt was lively throughout the match and Victor Moses had shots well saved by the goalkeeper. But there it stayed 1-1 and both teams go home happy.
Blackburn 1 - 2 Wolverhampton- A super victory for Wolves on the opening day as this was there first victory away from home in 2011 and they had to do it from behind. Wolves started the brighter with Fletcher and Doyle causing problems to the makeshift Blackburn defence. They were getting good service from Jarvis and Hunt on the wings as they played a good old fashioned 4-4-2. But playing this formation meant spaces would be there in the defence Pedersen and Hoilett were exploiting them. The first goal happened when Jason Roberts set up Formica on debut to give Blackburn the lead. But as soon as they were in the lead Wolves hit back with Jarvis crossing in from the right for Fletcher to head in the equaliser. Chances went for each side as both goalkeepers were kept busy. But the Wolves defence looked stronger with Roger Johnson making it harder for Blackburn to score. O'Hara and Henry had shots saved while Roberts had a couple wasted. The important break-through happened at the start of the second half when Salgado fouled Jarvis in the penalty box. Doyle stepped up his penalty was saved the re-bound was won by Wolves. Jarvis crossed the ball in and Ward scored to give Wolves a 1-2 lead. Blackburn missing that spark up-front looked a man short. They did get Goodwillie on and he had a shot going wide late on though Wolves were comfortable and held on to win 1-2 and there first away win in 2011.
Fulham 0 - 0 Aston Villa- A 0-0 but how it was a 0-0 only Given will know as he saved 2 close range shots from Zamora. Villa started off the match better though having a couple of early chances from Heskey and Collins having headers which just went wide. Fulham in the first half were got into Villa in creating passing getting the crowd behind and making it a really hard place to play football. Riise came close to breaking the deadlock with a fierce typical Riise shot well saved by Given. Dempsey and Duff had a shot each going just wide. But in the second half the real heroics of Given came to light when Zamora had 2 shots close range within 5 minutes and Given did brilliantly to get down low to save them both. N'Zogbia looked lively but just could not find that perfect pass but because of those saves by Given Villa didnt deserve to loss and Fulham will be satisfied to go with a point as Given looked unstoppable.
Tottenham vs Everton was postponed because of the recent riots in Tottenham. It was seen as the best decision to make sure that part of the capital is secure before football matches are played there.
Stoke 0-0 Chelsea- Last year's runner up had to settle for a draw at Stoke. In a scrappy first half Torres had the best chance to put Chelsea in front but Begovic saved smartly. Etherington had a couple of long range shots but were saved easily. The second half Chelsea came out fast and created more opportunities. Mikel had a shot smartly saved Anelka shot was also saved which went onto the bar Bosingwa had a long range shot which went close. Stoke were strong defensively. Stoke had a couple of appeals for penalties when Wilson was brought down and Pennant also brought down but a fair result came out of it.
Man City 4 - 0 Swansea- The scoreline may seen large however Swansea gave Man City a good go and only a piece of magic by there new super signing Aguero changed all that. Swansea started the better with Graham having a couple of good shots. First one was long range the second was a good save from Hart. The pace of there wingers did trouble Clichy and Richards. For Man City Barry had the best chance smashing the bar from a corner. Second half Man City did finally break down the Swansea defence as Silva shot hit the bar which left Dzeko to score a simple tap in. But the match went up a gear when Aguero came on. His movement was super for the first goal as he anticipated Adam Johnson shot which was parried for a easy tap in for Aguero. But his true magic was there for everyone to see for the third goal as the ball seem to be going out but Aguero was able to sprint after the ball able to keep the ball in play do a cheeky back-heal and let Silva have a easy tap in. He rounded things off with a great long range effort in injury time to beat Vorm who had a good game in goal looked a decent goalkeeper already for Swansea.
Newcastle 0 - 0 Arsenal- A game which will be remembered more for the incidents than how good the match was. A game with few chances Robin van Persie had the best in the first half with a deflected shot which went just wide. Gervinho making his debut looked lively and had a couple of shots from long range one which forced a good save another going wide. Coloccini had the best chance for Newcastle scuffing a shot after making a good run. Danny Simpson was involved in both sides first heading a ball off the line after the goalkeeper made a hash of a corner and then on the other side crossing a ball going wrong and nearly going into the net. However the game will be more remembered for the incident with Gervinho and Barton where they faced up to each other and grabbed each other. Gervinho got sent off for his part and Barton only a yellow. The discipline was poor throughout the match with no fewer than 8 yellow cards in the match and 1 red card. The game ending 0-0 another draw but not as exciting or will be remembered in the same light to last year where Arsenal were 4-1 up when it ended 4-4. Arsenal lacked creativity with Nasri and Fabregas left out of the team.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Sunderland- A new look Liverpool team drew against a new look Sunderland team. In the first half Liverpool were the clearly the better fitter and stronger team as they over-hauled Sunderland. Liverpool had a early penalty Richardson brought down Suarez. Suarez took the penalty himself and it was well saved. But he wasnt disappointed for long as a free-kick from Adam Suarez headed it in for the lead. Liverpool were brilliant at times of the first half. Adam's ball playing was joyful to watch Henderson looked lively and some good saves Mignolet kept Sunderland in the game. There were a couple of chances for Larsson from set-pieces but apart from one good save Reina was surplus in the first half. The second Sunderland were much better in slowly the game down playing at there own pace. This frustrated Liverpool but it was a piece of magic for Larsson to grab the goal. A cross from the right which was going away from Larsson which he slide in and volleyed from a tight angle to score a really good goal to make it 1-1. From then on Sunderland looked the more likely to score created more chances. Sessegnon had a couple of shots saved. Carroll who was ineffective in the first half was started to be more of a threat from set pieces. Got a couple of saves out of the goalkeeper but Sunderland held on for a really good draw.
QPR 0 - 4 Bolton- Bolton gave a harsh lesson to QPR in there return to top flight football. QPR started the game off really brightly as DJ Campbell scored a disallowed goal. It was rightly ruled out. QPR continued to play with Campbell leading the line causing a lot of trouble for the Bolton defence. Taraabt had a chance which went just wide and Bothroyd had a header well saved. Bolton had not created much in the first half Eagles going closest until the last minute of injury time when Gary Cahill superb 25 yard shot which went on the roof of the net. This clearly deflated QPR and gave Bolton the confidence to stamp there authority. The possession was significantly in Bolton's favour they were able to play that attractive football. The second goal eventually came from a Chris Eagles free-kick which was deflected and Gabbidon had scored a own goal. Any hopes of QPR fighting back were dashed when Klasnic shot inside the box went in 3 minutes later. Bolton finished the second half route with Muamba scoring his first goal from Klasnic cross to side-foot a satisfying first day victory for Bolton.
Wigan 1 - 1 Norwich- Norwich seen as the best placed out of the 3 promoted clubs to stay up started off with a well fought 1-1 at Wigan. Norwich started the more nervous and were making lots of basic mistakes. One of the mistakes led to the first goal as Ritchie de Laet the man on loan from Manchester United brought down di Santo in the box. There were no complaints and Ben Watson does what he does best blasting Wigan in the lead. Di Santo seemed to have a new life as he looked very lively through-out the first half. He went close with one header and another header he made Ruddy save low to his left. Watson had a shot shack the bar as he let one rip. But slowly Norwich were getting into the match with Fox going close from a free-kick. Hoolahan and Holt had shots which were well parried away by the goalkeeper but just on half time the pressure worked as a cross from Lopez was badly handled by Al Habsi he let go of the ball and Hoolahan had a easy tap in. The fans went into dream world as this was there first goal back in the big time. In the second half there were chances for both teams. Holt was lively throughout the match and Victor Moses had shots well saved by the goalkeeper. But there it stayed 1-1 and both teams go home happy.
Blackburn 1 - 2 Wolverhampton- A super victory for Wolves on the opening day as this was there first victory away from home in 2011 and they had to do it from behind. Wolves started the brighter with Fletcher and Doyle causing problems to the makeshift Blackburn defence. They were getting good service from Jarvis and Hunt on the wings as they played a good old fashioned 4-4-2. But playing this formation meant spaces would be there in the defence Pedersen and Hoilett were exploiting them. The first goal happened when Jason Roberts set up Formica on debut to give Blackburn the lead. But as soon as they were in the lead Wolves hit back with Jarvis crossing in from the right for Fletcher to head in the equaliser. Chances went for each side as both goalkeepers were kept busy. But the Wolves defence looked stronger with Roger Johnson making it harder for Blackburn to score. O'Hara and Henry had shots saved while Roberts had a couple wasted. The important break-through happened at the start of the second half when Salgado fouled Jarvis in the penalty box. Doyle stepped up his penalty was saved the re-bound was won by Wolves. Jarvis crossed the ball in and Ward scored to give Wolves a 1-2 lead. Blackburn missing that spark up-front looked a man short. They did get Goodwillie on and he had a shot going wide late on though Wolves were comfortable and held on to win 1-2 and there first away win in 2011.
Fulham 0 - 0 Aston Villa- A 0-0 but how it was a 0-0 only Given will know as he saved 2 close range shots from Zamora. Villa started off the match better though having a couple of early chances from Heskey and Collins having headers which just went wide. Fulham in the first half were got into Villa in creating passing getting the crowd behind and making it a really hard place to play football. Riise came close to breaking the deadlock with a fierce typical Riise shot well saved by Given. Dempsey and Duff had a shot each going just wide. But in the second half the real heroics of Given came to light when Zamora had 2 shots close range within 5 minutes and Given did brilliantly to get down low to save them both. N'Zogbia looked lively but just could not find that perfect pass but because of those saves by Given Villa didnt deserve to loss and Fulham will be satisfied to go with a point as Given looked unstoppable.
Tottenham vs Everton was postponed because of the recent riots in Tottenham. It was seen as the best decision to make sure that part of the capital is secure before football matches are played there.
England humiliate India as England go Number 1
England once again trounced India as England won by a massive a innings and 242 runs. This was the much anticipated of Sehwag and Gambhir back to together seen as the hope for India as they looked to hold onto there world number 1. He got his chance to shine straight away as England won the toss and elected to ball on a overcast morning.
1st Innings India: The dream for the first innings only lasted 1 over as the first ball to Sehwag he nicked to the wicket-keeper and he was gone for a golden duck. This brought out the man known as The Wall Dravid. Him and Gambhir seemed to be confortably getting through the overs against the England bowling attack until Bresnan came on to get Gambhir driving at a full straight ball which he edged onto his own stumps and India going to 58-2. The applause for Tendulkar was big but the innings was not as a few overs later Broad got a ball full and straight which just had late swing and Tendulkar not seeing the swing had a go went straight to the slips for Anderson to take a sharp catch. It went to bad to worse for India as the over before lunch as Bresnan bowled the Dravid as he bowled a perfect in swinging ball to take the 4th wicket before at the stroke of lunch. That also justified Strauss's decision to ball first as it looked at one stage 30 minutes before lunch India might go in with 1 wicket down.
Straight after lunch England continued to put pressure of the batsman determined not to let any runs go or bowl any bad balls to release some pressure on the batsman. This ploy worked as the hopelessly out of form Raina fell under the pressure as Anderson bowled for just 4 runs. As so many times in this series when one Indian wicket falls that soon becomes 2 or 3 wickets falling as Laxman followed soon afterwards pulling a ball straight to Broad a horrible shot. He was followed quickly by Mishra who didnt use any foot movement and edged a ball from Broad and Prior had a easy catch as he went out for 4. Being 111-7 and Dhoni being the last known batsman he decided to go on a counter attacking innings. Blocking and nudging hadnt worked for him through-out the series and him and Kumar put on a fun and exciting partnership. It had that felling of a Broad and Swann innings at Trent Bridge. Dhoni got to 50 and for the first time he looked comfortable and looked like enjoying his innings. Kumar also seemed to feed off this energy as both men were rattling the score along. Frustrating the England bowlers and the partnership had gone on to 84 when Bresnan got a horrible bouncer delivery that touched flicked the bat along the way. At first umpire Davis didnt give it but on review it was over-turned and Kumar out or 26.
Dhoni continued his entertaining innings as he got the score over 200 and seemed to be looking at a score of around 250 which would be a achievement from where they were but he just went for one too many hits and edged a ball from Broad which went to the only slip Strauss and he took it safely. The next over England finished off the innings as Sharma got a bouncer that he could only glove and Cook diving to take a good low catch to finish the innings off. Broad and Bresnan taking 4 wickets a piece and Anderson taking 2 while Swann was ineffective as he conceded 4 overs for 22 runs with no wickets and no maidens. But a near perfect bowling performance by England with Dhoni and Kumar putting up the only resistance.
England's first Innings: The England response was brutal and this was lead by the openers. The openers hadnt performed yet in this England team until this test match. There first job was to bat out the rest of day 1 and they did with ease as rattled to 89-0 at the close of day 1. Strauss looking the better of the 2 as Cook's confident seemed to have taken a battering after the first 2 test failures. The bowling didnt get much better day 2 as England score eased up quickly. Even the delay of 30 minutes at the start didnt slow England down. Some glorious shots were as both men went past 50 by lunch as England were in a extremely strong position 157-0 at lunch with Strauss on 84 NO and Cook making 51 NO. It wasnt a fluent innings by Cook but it was a battling innings by him and this gave him confidence as after lunch he was able to score much more freer. While Cook got quicker Strauss got slower as he looked to be closing in on a well deserved century. But as he started to not play his natural game he was starting to struggle getting any sort of runs on the board and this built pressure and he gave his wicket away on 87 as Mishra bowled him around the legs as England lost there first wicket at 186.
Bell in at number 3 and he got to work straight away on the back of a score of 150 plus he was able to start the innings at a rate of nots. With runs coming easily Cook raced into the lead becoming the new top scorer as he went into the nervy 90s. What helped him put pressure off himself was Bell aggressive play so the runs were being scored at a good rate so he could wait for the bad ball to come his way. Also Bell's scoring help Cook in that bad balls were being bowled quite regularly and he got a ball on his legs to clip away to get his century off 213 balls with 14 fours. But soon afterwards Bell played one too many shots on the front foot and he missed a pitched up ball and he was out for 34 being 252-2 being already 28 runs ahead. This brought out Kevin Pietersen and he wasnt in the mood to be sympathetic as he went after the bowling from bowl one. He was clipping the ball to the boundary he was stepping down the pitch the fast bowlers and he was dismissing the leg spinner just going after ever bowl he was bowling. With Kevin Pietersen playing how he did it allowed Cook to continue to bat on how he was playing and this combination seemed to be working a treat as the bowling got more tired and the score was quickly going away from India. Pietersen got to his 50 in just 53 balls. It was quickly followed by Cook's 150 as he looked unstoppable in getting it in 268 balls 23 fours and 380 minutes reminiscent of the innings he did at the Ashes against Australia. The fun was shortly dampened as Kumar trapped Kevin Pietersen in front for 63 however England were 150 in the lead as he went.
This was a perfect position for Morgan to come into play his natural game and he hit a quick 44 before the close but that was helped by 2 dropped catches by India as Sreesanth dropped a easy catch at point and the ever reliable Dravid on the final over of the day dropped a catch at slip a easy catch and he went off frustrated 456-3 England ended on. With Cook on 182 NO making that "daddy hundred" that the batting coach demands. Day 3 and the bowlers already looking tired and jaded Morgan and Cook seemed to turn the screw even a bit of rain coming on and off didnt stop England. First Morgan moved to 50 before the first quick shower. After they came back out another 100 partnership was sorted out and then Cook got to another incredible double century by Cook as he got there in 378 balls with 27 fours and 521 minutes. This painful partnership just went on and on and no rain break or bad light stopped this pair the more they went off the quicker they came out. The score went to 450-500-550 and still no sign of a wicket to fall at any time. Morgan now getting close to a century got to 99 and Dhoni gave Morgan the best birthday present of all to get to a well worked century by bowling Raina and he reached a solid century by giving Morgan a long-hop. Though it was Raina who did break the partnership in his next over as Morgan edged a ball to Sehwag as the partnership of 222 was broken.
Poor Bopara having to wait that long to try and prove himself and when he came in he had nothing to gain and waiting all that long to have a go he only made 7 before Mishra trapped him LBW. That was quickly followed by another wicket as Prior looking to get the scoring on quickly top edged a Mishra bowl and Tendulkar took a good catch on the deep. In between all that Cook got to another milestone as he got to 250. Now it was a matter of when will they declare and the mood was that they will wait till he reaches 300 before calling it a day. While tried to get that Bresnan joined in the party with him smashing the ball miles everywhere. The runs piling in as Bresnan was having his fun Cook edging slowing to 300 England got to another milestone in style as they made 700 by hitting a 6 by Bresnan getting to his half century off 73 balls 6 fours and that massive 6. With him on 294 Cook tried a expansive way to get to 300 by going for a massive 6 he didnt get it right and Raina took a good catch as he went out for 294 and England declaring at 710-7 with a lead of 486 to make England bat again.
India's second innings: With a tricky 12 over period left in the days play the openers knew they had to fight in there till the end. Well one of them knew as a incredibly Sehwag played another awful shot from a poor ball and edged it straight to the slips and once again he was out for a golden duck and making it a king pair first ball in both innings. It let Dravid come out once again early in. Him and Gambhir had to fight to stay in for the rest of the day with Gambhir getting a little luck as he was given not out with a LBW decision and at the end of the days play 35-1 as bad light stopped them bowling the last over. England full of confidence as they started day 3 like a rocket. First over ball 2 Anderson he got Gambhir to got for a little push at a ball went flying to second slip and took a really good catch. Another standing observation for Tendulkar and nearly another quick exit as he got a beauty first up. Tendulkar might have survived but next over Anderson got a beauty which seemed to just click the bat and nothing Dravid could do and seemed to have gone to the keeper. He was given and Dravid walked off however replays showed he hit his shoelace and if reviewed would have stayed in. Not even a hour gone another wicket fell as Anderson got a ball to lift on Laxman which did find the edge and India were 56-4 looking at a heavy defeat.
If England were a bit sharper on the field they would have had another wicket soon after drinks break as they dropped Raina on 0 from Swann's bowling. Strauss missing a hard catch. Swann was causing Raina a lot of trouble as he enjoys bowling to left handers he tormented Raina throughout and as soon as hot to double figures Swann trapped Raina for just 10. The only one who seemed to be playing with ease was Tendulkar. He seemed to be more positive in his approach and was scoring runs freely but just as hopes were rising of a special 100 100s at the score of 40 he was out in the worst way. Dhoni hit a ball from Swann straight down the ground Swann got a hand to the ball it rolled onto the other stumps with Tendulkar outside his ground and he had to given run out on review. This was the best he looked all series and India were down and out at 89-6. Dhoni and Mishra were able to get to lunch with even having a big over before lunch hitting Pietersen for 11 runs off the final over.
Mishra cameo was soon over after lunch as Broad pitched a ball up that Mishra hit up in the air and Swann took a good catch running backwards as England closed in on that world number 1. Dhoni and Kumar again were left together and did the same thing they did in the first innings swinging and playing counter attack cricket. This provided a lot of entertaining cricket for the crowd who wanted to see a contest. They dragged the score over 150 went to 175 to getting the score to over 200. Kumar was playing a really entertaining innings with Dhoni even taking the main roll and was on for a good 50 but Broad brought back into the bowling attack gave a short ball which Kumar went for went straight to the deep point and the plan worked but Kumar scoting 40 off 18 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. It still gave enough time for Dhoni to get to another 50 in this innings playing another entertaining innings. Though getting to the 50 left Sharma exposed the next over as Broad bowled a full Yorker which trapped Sharma and after another few more shots by Dhoni at just past 3 PM in the afternoon Bresnan got Sreesanth to bowl India out for 244. England win by an innings and 242 runs Dhoni providing the only really resistance again.
This had a lot of implications as England become the number 1 team in the world by winning the series by at least 2 or more games. The man of the match went to Cook for that brilliant 294 and still this much talked about bating line-up have not made a score of 300 plus yet in the series. Still a lot to play for as England look to do there 3rd ever whitewash and India look to provide some pride that has been taken away from them throughout there series and show why they were world number 1. South Africa move to number 2 and India number 3 as they move on to the final venue the Oval.
1st Innings India: The dream for the first innings only lasted 1 over as the first ball to Sehwag he nicked to the wicket-keeper and he was gone for a golden duck. This brought out the man known as The Wall Dravid. Him and Gambhir seemed to be confortably getting through the overs against the England bowling attack until Bresnan came on to get Gambhir driving at a full straight ball which he edged onto his own stumps and India going to 58-2. The applause for Tendulkar was big but the innings was not as a few overs later Broad got a ball full and straight which just had late swing and Tendulkar not seeing the swing had a go went straight to the slips for Anderson to take a sharp catch. It went to bad to worse for India as the over before lunch as Bresnan bowled the Dravid as he bowled a perfect in swinging ball to take the 4th wicket before at the stroke of lunch. That also justified Strauss's decision to ball first as it looked at one stage 30 minutes before lunch India might go in with 1 wicket down.
Straight after lunch England continued to put pressure of the batsman determined not to let any runs go or bowl any bad balls to release some pressure on the batsman. This ploy worked as the hopelessly out of form Raina fell under the pressure as Anderson bowled for just 4 runs. As so many times in this series when one Indian wicket falls that soon becomes 2 or 3 wickets falling as Laxman followed soon afterwards pulling a ball straight to Broad a horrible shot. He was followed quickly by Mishra who didnt use any foot movement and edged a ball from Broad and Prior had a easy catch as he went out for 4. Being 111-7 and Dhoni being the last known batsman he decided to go on a counter attacking innings. Blocking and nudging hadnt worked for him through-out the series and him and Kumar put on a fun and exciting partnership. It had that felling of a Broad and Swann innings at Trent Bridge. Dhoni got to 50 and for the first time he looked comfortable and looked like enjoying his innings. Kumar also seemed to feed off this energy as both men were rattling the score along. Frustrating the England bowlers and the partnership had gone on to 84 when Bresnan got a horrible bouncer delivery that touched flicked the bat along the way. At first umpire Davis didnt give it but on review it was over-turned and Kumar out or 26.
Dhoni continued his entertaining innings as he got the score over 200 and seemed to be looking at a score of around 250 which would be a achievement from where they were but he just went for one too many hits and edged a ball from Broad which went to the only slip Strauss and he took it safely. The next over England finished off the innings as Sharma got a bouncer that he could only glove and Cook diving to take a good low catch to finish the innings off. Broad and Bresnan taking 4 wickets a piece and Anderson taking 2 while Swann was ineffective as he conceded 4 overs for 22 runs with no wickets and no maidens. But a near perfect bowling performance by England with Dhoni and Kumar putting up the only resistance.
England's first Innings: The England response was brutal and this was lead by the openers. The openers hadnt performed yet in this England team until this test match. There first job was to bat out the rest of day 1 and they did with ease as rattled to 89-0 at the close of day 1. Strauss looking the better of the 2 as Cook's confident seemed to have taken a battering after the first 2 test failures. The bowling didnt get much better day 2 as England score eased up quickly. Even the delay of 30 minutes at the start didnt slow England down. Some glorious shots were as both men went past 50 by lunch as England were in a extremely strong position 157-0 at lunch with Strauss on 84 NO and Cook making 51 NO. It wasnt a fluent innings by Cook but it was a battling innings by him and this gave him confidence as after lunch he was able to score much more freer. While Cook got quicker Strauss got slower as he looked to be closing in on a well deserved century. But as he started to not play his natural game he was starting to struggle getting any sort of runs on the board and this built pressure and he gave his wicket away on 87 as Mishra bowled him around the legs as England lost there first wicket at 186.
Bell in at number 3 and he got to work straight away on the back of a score of 150 plus he was able to start the innings at a rate of nots. With runs coming easily Cook raced into the lead becoming the new top scorer as he went into the nervy 90s. What helped him put pressure off himself was Bell aggressive play so the runs were being scored at a good rate so he could wait for the bad ball to come his way. Also Bell's scoring help Cook in that bad balls were being bowled quite regularly and he got a ball on his legs to clip away to get his century off 213 balls with 14 fours. But soon afterwards Bell played one too many shots on the front foot and he missed a pitched up ball and he was out for 34 being 252-2 being already 28 runs ahead. This brought out Kevin Pietersen and he wasnt in the mood to be sympathetic as he went after the bowling from bowl one. He was clipping the ball to the boundary he was stepping down the pitch the fast bowlers and he was dismissing the leg spinner just going after ever bowl he was bowling. With Kevin Pietersen playing how he did it allowed Cook to continue to bat on how he was playing and this combination seemed to be working a treat as the bowling got more tired and the score was quickly going away from India. Pietersen got to his 50 in just 53 balls. It was quickly followed by Cook's 150 as he looked unstoppable in getting it in 268 balls 23 fours and 380 minutes reminiscent of the innings he did at the Ashes against Australia. The fun was shortly dampened as Kumar trapped Kevin Pietersen in front for 63 however England were 150 in the lead as he went.
This was a perfect position for Morgan to come into play his natural game and he hit a quick 44 before the close but that was helped by 2 dropped catches by India as Sreesanth dropped a easy catch at point and the ever reliable Dravid on the final over of the day dropped a catch at slip a easy catch and he went off frustrated 456-3 England ended on. With Cook on 182 NO making that "daddy hundred" that the batting coach demands. Day 3 and the bowlers already looking tired and jaded Morgan and Cook seemed to turn the screw even a bit of rain coming on and off didnt stop England. First Morgan moved to 50 before the first quick shower. After they came back out another 100 partnership was sorted out and then Cook got to another incredible double century by Cook as he got there in 378 balls with 27 fours and 521 minutes. This painful partnership just went on and on and no rain break or bad light stopped this pair the more they went off the quicker they came out. The score went to 450-500-550 and still no sign of a wicket to fall at any time. Morgan now getting close to a century got to 99 and Dhoni gave Morgan the best birthday present of all to get to a well worked century by bowling Raina and he reached a solid century by giving Morgan a long-hop. Though it was Raina who did break the partnership in his next over as Morgan edged a ball to Sehwag as the partnership of 222 was broken.
Poor Bopara having to wait that long to try and prove himself and when he came in he had nothing to gain and waiting all that long to have a go he only made 7 before Mishra trapped him LBW. That was quickly followed by another wicket as Prior looking to get the scoring on quickly top edged a Mishra bowl and Tendulkar took a good catch on the deep. In between all that Cook got to another milestone as he got to 250. Now it was a matter of when will they declare and the mood was that they will wait till he reaches 300 before calling it a day. While tried to get that Bresnan joined in the party with him smashing the ball miles everywhere. The runs piling in as Bresnan was having his fun Cook edging slowing to 300 England got to another milestone in style as they made 700 by hitting a 6 by Bresnan getting to his half century off 73 balls 6 fours and that massive 6. With him on 294 Cook tried a expansive way to get to 300 by going for a massive 6 he didnt get it right and Raina took a good catch as he went out for 294 and England declaring at 710-7 with a lead of 486 to make England bat again.
India's second innings: With a tricky 12 over period left in the days play the openers knew they had to fight in there till the end. Well one of them knew as a incredibly Sehwag played another awful shot from a poor ball and edged it straight to the slips and once again he was out for a golden duck and making it a king pair first ball in both innings. It let Dravid come out once again early in. Him and Gambhir had to fight to stay in for the rest of the day with Gambhir getting a little luck as he was given not out with a LBW decision and at the end of the days play 35-1 as bad light stopped them bowling the last over. England full of confidence as they started day 3 like a rocket. First over ball 2 Anderson he got Gambhir to got for a little push at a ball went flying to second slip and took a really good catch. Another standing observation for Tendulkar and nearly another quick exit as he got a beauty first up. Tendulkar might have survived but next over Anderson got a beauty which seemed to just click the bat and nothing Dravid could do and seemed to have gone to the keeper. He was given and Dravid walked off however replays showed he hit his shoelace and if reviewed would have stayed in. Not even a hour gone another wicket fell as Anderson got a ball to lift on Laxman which did find the edge and India were 56-4 looking at a heavy defeat.
If England were a bit sharper on the field they would have had another wicket soon after drinks break as they dropped Raina on 0 from Swann's bowling. Strauss missing a hard catch. Swann was causing Raina a lot of trouble as he enjoys bowling to left handers he tormented Raina throughout and as soon as hot to double figures Swann trapped Raina for just 10. The only one who seemed to be playing with ease was Tendulkar. He seemed to be more positive in his approach and was scoring runs freely but just as hopes were rising of a special 100 100s at the score of 40 he was out in the worst way. Dhoni hit a ball from Swann straight down the ground Swann got a hand to the ball it rolled onto the other stumps with Tendulkar outside his ground and he had to given run out on review. This was the best he looked all series and India were down and out at 89-6. Dhoni and Mishra were able to get to lunch with even having a big over before lunch hitting Pietersen for 11 runs off the final over.
Mishra cameo was soon over after lunch as Broad pitched a ball up that Mishra hit up in the air and Swann took a good catch running backwards as England closed in on that world number 1. Dhoni and Kumar again were left together and did the same thing they did in the first innings swinging and playing counter attack cricket. This provided a lot of entertaining cricket for the crowd who wanted to see a contest. They dragged the score over 150 went to 175 to getting the score to over 200. Kumar was playing a really entertaining innings with Dhoni even taking the main roll and was on for a good 50 but Broad brought back into the bowling attack gave a short ball which Kumar went for went straight to the deep point and the plan worked but Kumar scoting 40 off 18 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. It still gave enough time for Dhoni to get to another 50 in this innings playing another entertaining innings. Though getting to the 50 left Sharma exposed the next over as Broad bowled a full Yorker which trapped Sharma and after another few more shots by Dhoni at just past 3 PM in the afternoon Bresnan got Sreesanth to bowl India out for 244. England win by an innings and 242 runs Dhoni providing the only really resistance again.
This had a lot of implications as England become the number 1 team in the world by winning the series by at least 2 or more games. The man of the match went to Cook for that brilliant 294 and still this much talked about bating line-up have not made a score of 300 plus yet in the series. Still a lot to play for as England look to do there 3rd ever whitewash and India look to provide some pride that has been taken away from them throughout there series and show why they were world number 1. South Africa move to number 2 and India number 3 as they move on to the final venue the Oval.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Olympics 1 year to go
The excitement of the Olympics cannot be more real now as the 1 year countdown has already began. A big party where the president of the IOC Jacques Rogge invited the world to London. He was joined by the Prime Minister David Cameron the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Sports Minister Jeremy Hunt and the man who has organised this from the word go Lord Coe. The ambassadors of past Olympics and future Olympics were there.
The Medals were also shown in what competitors will win if they finish in the top 3 in the final of each competition and the Aquatics Centre is the latest arena to be opened. It was the last permanent site to be built which will stay after the Olympics. In the last report it said that works is 88% finished and all are on time and on budget.
The ticketing has had some problems but the demand for tickets has been very high. It is on track to be the first games to be sold out in every event. Next batch of tickets will go on sale in September. The security has come under question after all the hacking problems where the chiefs of the police have resigned but the British Government has assured that security will not be compromised or any fears should lay with that.
Legacy has been an issue that the British government has trying to keep. The issue of the main stadium it will be made into an football and athletics ground after the Olympics. West Ham will play there football there during the season and during the summer it will be used for Athletics. Also the government is in talks of selling the Olympic village. In there bid they had to promise that they will turn it into affordable homes. The plan is to have 2800 affordable homes as they make an new neighbourhood new education and healthcare facilities and new parkland and public areas for people to see. It is expose to transform that part of East London.
The Medals were also shown in what competitors will win if they finish in the top 3 in the final of each competition and the Aquatics Centre is the latest arena to be opened. It was the last permanent site to be built which will stay after the Olympics. In the last report it said that works is 88% finished and all are on time and on budget.
The ticketing has had some problems but the demand for tickets has been very high. It is on track to be the first games to be sold out in every event. Next batch of tickets will go on sale in September. The security has come under question after all the hacking problems where the chiefs of the police have resigned but the British Government has assured that security will not be compromised or any fears should lay with that.
Legacy has been an issue that the British government has trying to keep. The issue of the main stadium it will be made into an football and athletics ground after the Olympics. West Ham will play there football there during the season and during the summer it will be used for Athletics. Also the government is in talks of selling the Olympic village. In there bid they had to promise that they will turn it into affordable homes. The plan is to have 2800 affordable homes as they make an new neighbourhood new education and healthcare facilities and new parkland and public areas for people to see. It is expose to transform that part of East London.
Tour De France
Cycling- Cadel Evans won the Tour De France. This was an historic victory for him and his country as he is the first Australian. In the final stage in Paris he had to just finish in the top 150 he had that big a lead over the chasing pack. He comfortably managed that finishing 56th. He is the oldest post war winner of the competition and he dominated the field from start to finish.
For the Green jersey competition Britain's Mark Cavendish won the sprinters jersey. He won the last leg to Paris to clinch the title. It was not as easy for him to win the jersey as Rojas in second place was breathing down his him all the way but the Paris part was his best ride. He is the first British Ryder to win the green jersey with Cavendish finishing on 334 points Jose Joaquin Rojas 272 points Philippe Gilbert 232. In Cycling terms Cavendish is seen as one of the best sprinters of all time not just in the world now. He is 12 stage wins away from breaking the all time record as he lies on 20 stage wins in his life.
Awards were also given to Spain's Samuel Sanchez for his for best climber and Frenchman Pierre Rolland won the best young rider and was given the white jersey for winning that. For the tour organisers the competition went mostly trouble free. One rider out for doping and an bizarre accident with an cameraman ended an riders tour were the only problems which occurred but everything else went well. Attendances were at a record high and viewing figures were up in many parts of the world which is good for the sport and this premier competition in the cycling calendar.
For the Green jersey competition Britain's Mark Cavendish won the sprinters jersey. He won the last leg to Paris to clinch the title. It was not as easy for him to win the jersey as Rojas in second place was breathing down his him all the way but the Paris part was his best ride. He is the first British Ryder to win the green jersey with Cavendish finishing on 334 points Jose Joaquin Rojas 272 points Philippe Gilbert 232. In Cycling terms Cavendish is seen as one of the best sprinters of all time not just in the world now. He is 12 stage wins away from breaking the all time record as he lies on 20 stage wins in his life.
Awards were also given to Spain's Samuel Sanchez for his for best climber and Frenchman Pierre Rolland won the best young rider and was given the white jersey for winning that. For the tour organisers the competition went mostly trouble free. One rider out for doping and an bizarre accident with an cameraman ended an riders tour were the only problems which occurred but everything else went well. Attendances were at a record high and viewing figures were up in many parts of the world which is good for the sport and this premier competition in the cycling calendar.
World Cup Draw 2014
The world cup draw has been made for the 2014 competition in Brazil. This is how it panned out
Europe Draw
Group A: Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, FYR Macedonia, Wales
Group B: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta
Group C: Germany, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan
Group D: Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra
Group E: Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland
Group F: Portugal, Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg
Group G: Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein
Group H: England, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, San Marino
Group I: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland
Group I has only 5 teams because of there isnt an even number of teams in Europe Group. Top place goes through to automatically while 2nd play goes into a play-off and the winner of play-off will go to the world cup.
South American group
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Top 4 will go through to the world cup while 5th place goes to a play-off against the team in play-off at the Asia group. No Brazil in the competition as they are hosts and will go through automatically.
Asia group
Group A: China, Jordan,Iraq, Singapore
Group B: Korea Republic, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon
Group C: Japan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Korea DPR
Group D: Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Thailand
Group E: Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia
The top two teams from each group will advance to the fourth round. The fourth round will see the group winners and runners-up from the third round play in two groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, while the two third-placed teams advance to the fifth round.
North, Central America and Caribbean
Group A: El Salvador, Suriname, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic
Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Bermuda
Group C: Panama, Dominica, Nicaragua, Bahamas
Group D: Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia,
Group E: Grenada, Guatemala, St. Vincent / Grenadines, Belize
Group F: Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, US Virgin Islands
Same rules to the Asia group.
Africa group
Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Central African Republic and Somalia or Ethiopia
Group B: Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea or Madagascar
Group C: Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Gambia and Chad or Tanzania
Group D: Ghana, Zambia, Sudan and Lesotho or Burundi
Group E: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, and Sao Tome e Principe or Congo
Group F: Nigeria, Malawi and Seychelles or Kenya, and Djibouti or Namibia
Group G: Egypt, Guinea, Zimbabwe and Comoros or Mozambique
Group H: Algeria, Mali, Benin and Eritrea or Rwanda
Group I: Cameroon, Libya and Guinea-Bissau or Togo and Swaziland or Congo
Group J: Senegal, Uganda, Angola and Mauritius or Liberia
Teams who have a or by there nations are going to yet to face each other. Who ever wins those matches will join these groups announced. Top place of these groups will go to the world cup.
Europe Draw
Group A: Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, FYR Macedonia, Wales
Group B: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta
Group C: Germany, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan
Group D: Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra
Group E: Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland
Group F: Portugal, Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg
Group G: Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein
Group H: England, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, San Marino
Group I: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland
Group I has only 5 teams because of there isnt an even number of teams in Europe Group. Top place goes through to automatically while 2nd play goes into a play-off and the winner of play-off will go to the world cup.
South American group
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Top 4 will go through to the world cup while 5th place goes to a play-off against the team in play-off at the Asia group. No Brazil in the competition as they are hosts and will go through automatically.
Asia group
Group A: China, Jordan,Iraq, Singapore
Group B: Korea Republic, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon
Group C: Japan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Korea DPR
Group D: Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Thailand
Group E: Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia
The top two teams from each group will advance to the fourth round. The fourth round will see the group winners and runners-up from the third round play in two groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, while the two third-placed teams advance to the fifth round.
North, Central America and Caribbean
Group A: El Salvador, Suriname, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic
Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Bermuda
Group C: Panama, Dominica, Nicaragua, Bahamas
Group D: Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia,
Group E: Grenada, Guatemala, St. Vincent / Grenadines, Belize
Group F: Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, US Virgin Islands
Same rules to the Asia group.
Africa group
Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Central African Republic and Somalia or Ethiopia
Group B: Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea or Madagascar
Group C: Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Gambia and Chad or Tanzania
Group D: Ghana, Zambia, Sudan and Lesotho or Burundi
Group E: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, and Sao Tome e Principe or Congo
Group F: Nigeria, Malawi and Seychelles or Kenya, and Djibouti or Namibia
Group G: Egypt, Guinea, Zimbabwe and Comoros or Mozambique
Group H: Algeria, Mali, Benin and Eritrea or Rwanda
Group I: Cameroon, Libya and Guinea-Bissau or Togo and Swaziland or Congo
Group J: Senegal, Uganda, Angola and Mauritius or Liberia
Teams who have a or by there nations are going to yet to face each other. Who ever wins those matches will join these groups announced. Top place of these groups will go to the world cup.
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