Everybody can see that John Terry did not deserve a red card in Chelsea's win at Manchester City, however it was definitely a booking - everyone can also acknowledge that.
Chelsea appealed. Chelsea won. Terry can face Manchester United this weekend. No change there then.
After Mark Halsey dismissed Terry on Sunday afternoon it emerged that Chelsea would have to show the England captain did not deserve to receive a yellow card for the challenge. Which he clearly did. Let's be honest, it was a bit of a rugby tackle and clearly a cynical offence committed to deny City a chance to create a goal.
It always has been a cautionable offence, so surely the FA would have to uphold the ban - however unjust it may be.
It seems everyone neglected to remember that the FA are utterly useless and totally incompetent - once again they proved it. The Football Association have promoted the RESPECT campaign this season, in an attempt to increase the authority of the match official, yet they consistently undermine them.
Halsey got the decision wrong on Sunday. Referees get decisions wrong all the time, it's part of the game. The FA got the decision wrong today. They do it more often than officials. Remember what they say about two wrong's not making a right. The FA don't.
There is no doubt John Terry should have been booked and NOT sent off on Sunday. However, in overturning the decision, all the FA have managed to do is add fuel to the flames of the belief among opposing fans that the England captain, not just Terry but all of them, are given preferential treatment by the FA.
We can only hope this is not the case, but the more it happens the more people will believe.
p.s. Five Chelsea players surrounded referee Halsey after the red card was shown. The FA have not mentioned this. So much for RESPECT. One rule for one, a different one for the rest. If Newcastle had surrounded the official after Danny Guthrie's red card on Saturday there is a good chance they would have been punished for it.
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Saturday, 13 September 2008
TIME TO USHER IN THE FUTURE
"You can't beat experience", or so they say. Just ask Liverpool after Manchester United's two most experienced players gifted them a Premier League victory at Anfield this lunchtime.
Rafael Benitez' side fully deserved the three points they took in front of their home fans, after a 2-1 victory over their biggest of rivals from Old Trafford, but they could, and probably should, have lost.
Manchester United flew out of the traps and £30million signing Dimitar Berbatov cut the ball back for an unmarked Carlos Tevez to fire Sir Alex Ferguson's team in front on just three minutes.
However, 37-year-old United stopper Edwin Van Der Sar seemed intent on looking as frail and brittle as possible. By the time he slapped the ball into the legs of a helpless Wes Brown to gift Liverpool an equaliser, he had already dropped a simple cross only for Dirk Kuyt to waste the present.
Up to that point it had been the visitors that were in control, but as the infamous 'Kop' became more involved, the more the Liverpool players asserted themselves.
Benitez's men were overrunning and overpowering their opponents, so Ferguson called for United's record appearance holder, Ryan Giggs. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, it was Giggs who 'dallied' in possession when under pressure in the penalty area before being robbed by Mascherano who then set up Babel for the winner.
Scouring the club's message boards' there is a split opinion on both Giggs and Van Der Sar with regard to whether they merit their places.
Ben Foster is rumoured to be back to full fitness and it will be interesting to see whether he is able to displace the newly internationally retired Van Der Sar between the sticks at Old Trafford.
While the position of Giggs looks increasingly insecure, especially when you consider that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected back in midweek. With Anderson already ahead of the Welshman in the pecking order, alongside the likes of Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves, possibly even a fully fit Park Ji-Sung and Nani too. Could it be that Giggs' United days are over?
Whatever the ramifications for United after this defeat you can be sure the manager will not bow to sentiment and if he feels they are no longer up to the job they will find themselves out of the squad as quickly as they entered it.
Rafael Benitez' side fully deserved the three points they took in front of their home fans, after a 2-1 victory over their biggest of rivals from Old Trafford, but they could, and probably should, have lost.
Manchester United flew out of the traps and £30million signing Dimitar Berbatov cut the ball back for an unmarked Carlos Tevez to fire Sir Alex Ferguson's team in front on just three minutes.
However, 37-year-old United stopper Edwin Van Der Sar seemed intent on looking as frail and brittle as possible. By the time he slapped the ball into the legs of a helpless Wes Brown to gift Liverpool an equaliser, he had already dropped a simple cross only for Dirk Kuyt to waste the present.
Up to that point it had been the visitors that were in control, but as the infamous 'Kop' became more involved, the more the Liverpool players asserted themselves.
Benitez's men were overrunning and overpowering their opponents, so Ferguson called for United's record appearance holder, Ryan Giggs. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, it was Giggs who 'dallied' in possession when under pressure in the penalty area before being robbed by Mascherano who then set up Babel for the winner.
Scouring the club's message boards' there is a split opinion on both Giggs and Van Der Sar with regard to whether they merit their places.
Ben Foster is rumoured to be back to full fitness and it will be interesting to see whether he is able to displace the newly internationally retired Van Der Sar between the sticks at Old Trafford.
While the position of Giggs looks increasingly insecure, especially when you consider that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected back in midweek. With Anderson already ahead of the Welshman in the pecking order, alongside the likes of Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves, possibly even a fully fit Park Ji-Sung and Nani too. Could it be that Giggs' United days are over?
Whatever the ramifications for United after this defeat you can be sure the manager will not bow to sentiment and if he feels they are no longer up to the job they will find themselves out of the squad as quickly as they entered it.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
GREAT RESULT BUT HIDDEN PROBLEMS EMERGE
Last night England produced the type of dominating performance the nation has been waiting for since the 5-1 in Munich. However, in beating Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb there were worrying signs that Fabio Capello must be aware of.
So you will have to excuse me for having a moan, it is something I have become used to after England international fixtures, because I am delighted as anybody.
Anyway, that's enough praise for the players who only a day ago we were all criticising like there was no tomorrow....let's get underway.
Firstly, John Terry. Captain Marvel. An inspiration. Hard-working. Brave. Give me strength! I have never been a big fan of the Chelsea and England skipper, I believe him to be slow and clumsy, although I was willing to give him brave - until last night anyway.
Terry was at fault when Croatia grabbed a late consolation. With a loose ball bouncing around on the halfway line 'Mr. Chelsea' went with his head but the Croatian player's boot beat him to the ball. Admittedly, it should have been a free-kick for a dangerously high-foot, but that does not excuse the England captain rolling around on the floor like Drogba and Ronaldo while Rio Ferdinand and David James were left to deal with the onrushing Luka Modric.
He should have been chasing back but he preferred to feign injury by clutching his untouched forehead. If it had been a Croation player we would be up in arms at the play-acting but because it was 'our' Captain - which I maintain he should not be - we don't bat an eyelid. John Terry is not brave, all his fans just like to think he is.
The second cause for concern was the predictability of, what is affectionately known as, the David James moment. At 1-0, James flapped at a corner, the ball dropped straight to a Croatian attacker and the Portsmouth keeper was relieved to see it rebound off one of five England defenders in his six-yard box.
Then, with the game over as a contest (I did not think I would be saying that when I turned Setanta on last night), James raced from his penalty area only to bundle into Mladen Petric and was again relieved as Ivan Rakitic looped over the bar.
On another night these incidents could have been costly, but Capello knows you take the rough with the smooth with James and he is just as likely to make five or six world class saves.
Finally, there are still concerns about the midfield and while Frank Lampard delivered a professional performance (his best for England for some time) his partner, Gareth Barry, always concerns me. I have never seen a player so one-footed. Barry certainly does a job but there are better-equipped players, and although neither was available last night, hopefully Capello will allow them to show it as England move forward.
On numerous occasions last night Barry tried to turn onto his left foot and found himself losing possession as the opposition knew exactly what was happening. Unlike Barry, Manchester United duo Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick have the ability to turn both ways and both are more positionally and tactically aware in the defensive midfield role than the Aston Villa man.
Personally I would like to see Hargreaves or Carrick alongside Lampard or Gerrard in the middle by the time Kasakhstan visit Wembley next month, however I cannot see this happening. Barry seems to be the man of the moment. I'm not sure why, but he is.
On a night when England emerged from the shadows to give the nation a team they can be proud of there were stand-out performers such as hat-trick hero Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney - who finally showed what he is capable of. Also, it was the first time I have seen Wes Brown perform in an England shirt.
However, we must not be blinkered by the result, we must move on and build on this result. Croatia are good, not great just good, and that was exposed last night but against the creme-de-la-creme of world football the mistakes of Zagreb might well be punished.
But that should not dampen our spirits, finally England played like everyone knows they can and finally there are reasons for optimism, yet another thing I cannot believe I have the opportunity to write...
So you will have to excuse me for having a moan, it is something I have become used to after England international fixtures, because I am delighted as anybody.
Anyway, that's enough praise for the players who only a day ago we were all criticising like there was no tomorrow....let's get underway.
Firstly, John Terry. Captain Marvel. An inspiration. Hard-working. Brave. Give me strength! I have never been a big fan of the Chelsea and England skipper, I believe him to be slow and clumsy, although I was willing to give him brave - until last night anyway.
Terry was at fault when Croatia grabbed a late consolation. With a loose ball bouncing around on the halfway line 'Mr. Chelsea' went with his head but the Croatian player's boot beat him to the ball. Admittedly, it should have been a free-kick for a dangerously high-foot, but that does not excuse the England captain rolling around on the floor like Drogba and Ronaldo while Rio Ferdinand and David James were left to deal with the onrushing Luka Modric.
He should have been chasing back but he preferred to feign injury by clutching his untouched forehead. If it had been a Croation player we would be up in arms at the play-acting but because it was 'our' Captain - which I maintain he should not be - we don't bat an eyelid. John Terry is not brave, all his fans just like to think he is.
The second cause for concern was the predictability of, what is affectionately known as, the David James moment. At 1-0, James flapped at a corner, the ball dropped straight to a Croatian attacker and the Portsmouth keeper was relieved to see it rebound off one of five England defenders in his six-yard box.
Then, with the game over as a contest (I did not think I would be saying that when I turned Setanta on last night), James raced from his penalty area only to bundle into Mladen Petric and was again relieved as Ivan Rakitic looped over the bar.
On another night these incidents could have been costly, but Capello knows you take the rough with the smooth with James and he is just as likely to make five or six world class saves.
Finally, there are still concerns about the midfield and while Frank Lampard delivered a professional performance (his best for England for some time) his partner, Gareth Barry, always concerns me. I have never seen a player so one-footed. Barry certainly does a job but there are better-equipped players, and although neither was available last night, hopefully Capello will allow them to show it as England move forward.
On numerous occasions last night Barry tried to turn onto his left foot and found himself losing possession as the opposition knew exactly what was happening. Unlike Barry, Manchester United duo Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick have the ability to turn both ways and both are more positionally and tactically aware in the defensive midfield role than the Aston Villa man.
Personally I would like to see Hargreaves or Carrick alongside Lampard or Gerrard in the middle by the time Kasakhstan visit Wembley next month, however I cannot see this happening. Barry seems to be the man of the moment. I'm not sure why, but he is.
On a night when England emerged from the shadows to give the nation a team they can be proud of there were stand-out performers such as hat-trick hero Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney - who finally showed what he is capable of. Also, it was the first time I have seen Wes Brown perform in an England shirt.
However, we must not be blinkered by the result, we must move on and build on this result. Croatia are good, not great just good, and that was exposed last night but against the creme-de-la-creme of world football the mistakes of Zagreb might well be punished.
But that should not dampen our spirits, finally England played like everyone knows they can and finally there are reasons for optimism, yet another thing I cannot believe I have the opportunity to write...
Thursday, 21 August 2008
BMX IS THE NEW BLACK
Have you caught any of the BMX racing at the Olympics over the last few days? If not, then you have definitely been missing out. It may not be a typical Olympic sport but it is certainly one of the most unpredictable, exciting and addictive.
Every race is jam=packed full of thrills, spills, flying bikes and crashing falls as the eight riders attempt to find the optimum line around the burms - corners to you and me.
At the semi-final stage the entire event becomes somewhat of a free-for-all as each rider battles for every place to ensure themselves a spot in the final. In how many sports could you fall twice and still reach the final? Well that is what has happened to Shanaze Reade of Great Britain who fell in her opening time trial and then collided with another rider at the first turn of her opening semi-final run to finish seventh out of eight.
However, she showed true character to finish runner-up to Laetitia le Corguille before then beating her French rival in the third and final semi-final run to reach the Olympic final - and in the fastest time of the competition as a whole making her first seed for the final. Which she again fell in trying to actually 'take out' Anne Caroline Chausson of France at the final bend - that is what it looked like anyway - as the world champion failed to medal.
It is simply amazing that none of the riders have been on the receiving end of a serious injury at some point in the event - in fact Kyle Bennett of the United States suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Men's Quarter Final runs, but the doctor popped it back into it's socket and he made the semi-final regardless.
Simply the best sport I have seen at the Olympics this year for sheer entertainment value and what more could you want possibly want?
Every race is jam=packed full of thrills, spills, flying bikes and crashing falls as the eight riders attempt to find the optimum line around the burms - corners to you and me.
At the semi-final stage the entire event becomes somewhat of a free-for-all as each rider battles for every place to ensure themselves a spot in the final. In how many sports could you fall twice and still reach the final? Well that is what has happened to Shanaze Reade of Great Britain who fell in her opening time trial and then collided with another rider at the first turn of her opening semi-final run to finish seventh out of eight.
However, she showed true character to finish runner-up to Laetitia le Corguille before then beating her French rival in the third and final semi-final run to reach the Olympic final - and in the fastest time of the competition as a whole making her first seed for the final. Which she again fell in trying to actually 'take out' Anne Caroline Chausson of France at the final bend - that is what it looked like anyway - as the world champion failed to medal.
It is simply amazing that none of the riders have been on the receiving end of a serious injury at some point in the event - in fact Kyle Bennett of the United States suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Men's Quarter Final runs, but the doctor popped it back into it's socket and he made the semi-final regardless.
Simply the best sport I have seen at the Olympics this year for sheer entertainment value and what more could you want possibly want?
Monday, 18 August 2008
THE UNITED STATES OF PHELPS
Something has just dawned on me about Michael Phelps’ unbelievable achievements in the Water Cube at the Beijing Olympics. The ‘Baltimore Bullet’ – by himself – would be lying tied sixth position in the Medals Table. To be honest, that is for want of a better word…insane!
The 23-year-old swimmer all but confirmed his status as the ‘Greatest Olympian of All Time’ with his record haul of eight gold medals in one Olympic games – beating Mark Spitz’s seven gold medals from Munich in 1972.
Agonising. Dramatic. Intense. Exciting. Breathless. Exhilarating. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the feelings during Phelps’ quest.
France had the 4x200m freestyle relay all wrapped up when 100m freestyle Olympic Champion Alain Bernard left the blocks on the final leg. In fact, it was there race until Jason Lezak of the USA began pulling himself over the water faster than he has ever done so before or will ever manage again. Lezak reeled in and overtook Bernard with metres to go and the first obstacle to Phelps’ dream had been overcome – in breathtaking fashion.
The remainder of the first six gold medals – matching his own record from the 2004 Athens Olympics – were achieved with consummate ease. Phelps simply – to put it bluntly – battered his opponents without even a cursory glance. He was ‘in the zone’ and the rest knew they had no hope of living with ‘The Man’.
However, gold number seven was the one Phelps himself was – and this is an assumption - dreading. The 100m butterfly. The only event he does not hold the world record in. The event he was beatable in…possibly.
Mirolad Cavic of Serbia, the world record holder, knew as he walked out for the final that he was the man with the chance to end Phelps’ pursuit of greatness. Better yet, he knew he could do it.
For the first time all week, Phelps’ usually flawless start failed him and he turned at the 50m mark in sixth place. Not only was the dream dying, it was falling apart at the seams. Would he even medal? Now was the time for the champion inside Phelps’ mind to pull his tired body into gear.
Fortunately for him, his second major weapon was firing on all cylinders. Throughout the week, anybody near Phelps approaching the turn found themselves – to all intents and purposes – a country mile behind. As the swimmers re-surfaced Phelps appeared alongside fellow American Ian Crocker in second position, but Cavic was clear, a long way clear at that.
Now he needed his biggest weapon. His heart. His desire. His champion’s spirit, whatever you want to call it, he has it in abundance.
In trademark style, arguably the greatest athlete of all time, laid siege to the Serbian and began to claw back the gap stroke by stroke. However, Cavic countered the threat and appeared to have fought ‘The Great Michael Phelps’ and emerged victorious.
Any other chasing swimmer, at any other time, in any other place and Cavic would have cruised to victory. Not here, not now, not with Michael Phelps on the hunt. As Cavic completed his final stroke he was still half a body length clear and it still seemed over, he had done it. But he hadn’t. As Cavic glided towards the wall, Phelps threw his arms furiously over one last time. Was it enough?
Why did anyone even wonder? The boy from Baltimore won, by a whole 0.01 seconds - in terms of distance, he won by less than 5mm. It is quite possibly the only time during whole meet that a swimmer touched the wall with their arms above the water…now they will wonder why they ever glide towards it. Phelps said afterwards that he did not care if he hit the wall, he would go through it for the gold medal.
In case you can’t tell, I was a little excited throughout this race. There is something about seeing sporting history unfold in front of your eyes that makes you want it to happen. Perhaps it’s because Phelps comes across as a likeable person – with the reputation held by many of his countrymen, it is perhaps surprising that a person labelled ‘The Greatest of All Time’ is so modest and understated.
The moment Phelps clinched the seventh gold, to match Spitz’s record, is something I will never forget and in years to come will become like Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, Solskjaer’s injury time winner, Tiger Woods winning the US Open on one leg and Federer versus Nadal. Where were you when Phelps won when he had lost?
Of course, the 4x100m medley relay was the last of the eight but after the 100m butterfly was there any doubt that the Americans would win this one. Fittingly it was Phelps – and his new ‘best mate’ Lezak – that brought it home for the USA after Aaron Piersol and Brendan Hansen had allowed the dangerous Australians a halfway lead. Cue Phelps’ destruction on the butterfly leg. Cue Lezak holding off the 100m freestyle world record holder Eamon Sullivan. Cue mass hysteria in the packed stands of the Water Cube. Cue the eighth gold medal.
There is no doubt Michael Phelps has left a telling mark on these Olympics in a fashion that no other, not even the frighteningly quick Usain Bolt, can match. Beijing 2008 will be remembered for Michael Phelps relentless pursuit of eight gold medals and little else.
Some still claim that ‘although eight is a great achievement, it was only swimming’…to them I inform you: “Michael Phelps – on his own – won as many gold medals as Russia.”
The 23-year-old swimmer all but confirmed his status as the ‘Greatest Olympian of All Time’ with his record haul of eight gold medals in one Olympic games – beating Mark Spitz’s seven gold medals from Munich in 1972.
Agonising. Dramatic. Intense. Exciting. Breathless. Exhilarating. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the feelings during Phelps’ quest.
France had the 4x200m freestyle relay all wrapped up when 100m freestyle Olympic Champion Alain Bernard left the blocks on the final leg. In fact, it was there race until Jason Lezak of the USA began pulling himself over the water faster than he has ever done so before or will ever manage again. Lezak reeled in and overtook Bernard with metres to go and the first obstacle to Phelps’ dream had been overcome – in breathtaking fashion.
The remainder of the first six gold medals – matching his own record from the 2004 Athens Olympics – were achieved with consummate ease. Phelps simply – to put it bluntly – battered his opponents without even a cursory glance. He was ‘in the zone’ and the rest knew they had no hope of living with ‘The Man’.
However, gold number seven was the one Phelps himself was – and this is an assumption - dreading. The 100m butterfly. The only event he does not hold the world record in. The event he was beatable in…possibly.
Mirolad Cavic of Serbia, the world record holder, knew as he walked out for the final that he was the man with the chance to end Phelps’ pursuit of greatness. Better yet, he knew he could do it.
For the first time all week, Phelps’ usually flawless start failed him and he turned at the 50m mark in sixth place. Not only was the dream dying, it was falling apart at the seams. Would he even medal? Now was the time for the champion inside Phelps’ mind to pull his tired body into gear.
Fortunately for him, his second major weapon was firing on all cylinders. Throughout the week, anybody near Phelps approaching the turn found themselves – to all intents and purposes – a country mile behind. As the swimmers re-surfaced Phelps appeared alongside fellow American Ian Crocker in second position, but Cavic was clear, a long way clear at that.
Now he needed his biggest weapon. His heart. His desire. His champion’s spirit, whatever you want to call it, he has it in abundance.
In trademark style, arguably the greatest athlete of all time, laid siege to the Serbian and began to claw back the gap stroke by stroke. However, Cavic countered the threat and appeared to have fought ‘The Great Michael Phelps’ and emerged victorious.
Any other chasing swimmer, at any other time, in any other place and Cavic would have cruised to victory. Not here, not now, not with Michael Phelps on the hunt. As Cavic completed his final stroke he was still half a body length clear and it still seemed over, he had done it. But he hadn’t. As Cavic glided towards the wall, Phelps threw his arms furiously over one last time. Was it enough?
Why did anyone even wonder? The boy from Baltimore won, by a whole 0.01 seconds - in terms of distance, he won by less than 5mm. It is quite possibly the only time during whole meet that a swimmer touched the wall with their arms above the water…now they will wonder why they ever glide towards it. Phelps said afterwards that he did not care if he hit the wall, he would go through it for the gold medal.
In case you can’t tell, I was a little excited throughout this race. There is something about seeing sporting history unfold in front of your eyes that makes you want it to happen. Perhaps it’s because Phelps comes across as a likeable person – with the reputation held by many of his countrymen, it is perhaps surprising that a person labelled ‘The Greatest of All Time’ is so modest and understated.
The moment Phelps clinched the seventh gold, to match Spitz’s record, is something I will never forget and in years to come will become like Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, Solskjaer’s injury time winner, Tiger Woods winning the US Open on one leg and Federer versus Nadal. Where were you when Phelps won when he had lost?
Of course, the 4x100m medley relay was the last of the eight but after the 100m butterfly was there any doubt that the Americans would win this one. Fittingly it was Phelps – and his new ‘best mate’ Lezak – that brought it home for the USA after Aaron Piersol and Brendan Hansen had allowed the dangerous Australians a halfway lead. Cue Phelps’ destruction on the butterfly leg. Cue Lezak holding off the 100m freestyle world record holder Eamon Sullivan. Cue mass hysteria in the packed stands of the Water Cube. Cue the eighth gold medal.
There is no doubt Michael Phelps has left a telling mark on these Olympics in a fashion that no other, not even the frighteningly quick Usain Bolt, can match. Beijing 2008 will be remembered for Michael Phelps relentless pursuit of eight gold medals and little else.
Some still claim that ‘although eight is a great achievement, it was only swimming’…to them I inform you: “Michael Phelps – on his own – won as many gold medals as Russia.”
TEAM GB SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF?
Who would have thought it? As we enter the closing stages of the Beijing Olympics, Great Britain occupy third spot in the medal table. That is not a misprint, the battling Brits are in front of everyone except for the richest nation in the world - The United States of America - and the most highly populated nation on earth - the hosts China.
The 29th Olympiad have gone so well for Team GB thus far that the British public even have a new hero to aspire to and, believe it or not, she is a swimmer. Rebecca Adlington - aged just 19 - arrived in Beijing without fanfare, in fact the majority would have to admit to not even knowing who she was beforehand.
However, Adlington soon made a name for herself as she claimed the 400m freestyle gold medal having trailed for all but the final few centimetres. With that came the promise of further glory as her favoured event is actually the 800m freestyle...and so it proved as Adlington demolished the field to take her second gold medal and smash the oldest world record in the sport by more than two seconds.
The blue touch paper had been lit for Team GB and the cyclists began to confirm there place as the leading team on two wheels the world has to offer. Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Rebecca Romero and the rest of their talented team-mates have delivered world record after world record, gold medal after gold medal.
After the obligatory gold medal from the brilliant Ben Ainslie in the Sailing Finn class and the 'Three Blondes in a Boat' - Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson - took gold in the Yngling class Britain had enjoyed its finest, and most gold-filled, 48 hours in modern Olympic history.
It appears, that after years and years and years of waiting, the British public have a team of Olympians to be proud of - not just a selection of individuals who touch our hearts such as Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis, but a collection of them.
Unbelievable as it may sound, their could be more gold on the way for Team GB as the sailing regatta continues to offer hope while the men's triathlon is often anybody's race. As well as this, Shanaze Reade is expected to be challenging for top spot on her BMX - I still can't believe that is an Olympic event, nobody should be able to have that much fun in the Olympics (Bolt and Phelps excluded).
Regrettably, the Bird's Nest stadium is unlikely to prove a happy hunting ground as the track and field events take over, an area where there is precious little gold medal promise. With the notable exceptions of triple jumper Phillips Idowu and 400m world champion Christine Ohuruogu, the best Britian can hope for is that the likes of Ohuruogu's fellow 400m runner Nicole Sanders can find a place on the podium.
As Australian comedian Adam Hills said last week: "Why are the British only good at events that involve sitting down?"
Okay, okay it was meant as a joke and everyone had a good laugh about it...but he has a point.
Of Britain's twelve gold medals so far, only the two from Adlington have been won without the assitance of a sailing boat, rowing oars or a bike.
However, the performances of our seated athletes have set the foundations in place for the likes of Idowu and Ohuruogu to fulfil their potential and bring home gold medals from the track.
On the whole it has already been a superb Olympics for Team GB and whatever happens over the closing days, it will be remembered for all the right reasons...but wouldn't it just top it off to rub the Aussies noses in it.
The 29th Olympiad have gone so well for Team GB thus far that the British public even have a new hero to aspire to and, believe it or not, she is a swimmer. Rebecca Adlington - aged just 19 - arrived in Beijing without fanfare, in fact the majority would have to admit to not even knowing who she was beforehand.
However, Adlington soon made a name for herself as she claimed the 400m freestyle gold medal having trailed for all but the final few centimetres. With that came the promise of further glory as her favoured event is actually the 800m freestyle...and so it proved as Adlington demolished the field to take her second gold medal and smash the oldest world record in the sport by more than two seconds.
The blue touch paper had been lit for Team GB and the cyclists began to confirm there place as the leading team on two wheels the world has to offer. Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Rebecca Romero and the rest of their talented team-mates have delivered world record after world record, gold medal after gold medal.
After the obligatory gold medal from the brilliant Ben Ainslie in the Sailing Finn class and the 'Three Blondes in a Boat' - Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson - took gold in the Yngling class Britain had enjoyed its finest, and most gold-filled, 48 hours in modern Olympic history.
It appears, that after years and years and years of waiting, the British public have a team of Olympians to be proud of - not just a selection of individuals who touch our hearts such as Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis, but a collection of them.
Unbelievable as it may sound, their could be more gold on the way for Team GB as the sailing regatta continues to offer hope while the men's triathlon is often anybody's race. As well as this, Shanaze Reade is expected to be challenging for top spot on her BMX - I still can't believe that is an Olympic event, nobody should be able to have that much fun in the Olympics (Bolt and Phelps excluded).
Regrettably, the Bird's Nest stadium is unlikely to prove a happy hunting ground as the track and field events take over, an area where there is precious little gold medal promise. With the notable exceptions of triple jumper Phillips Idowu and 400m world champion Christine Ohuruogu, the best Britian can hope for is that the likes of Ohuruogu's fellow 400m runner Nicole Sanders can find a place on the podium.
As Australian comedian Adam Hills said last week: "Why are the British only good at events that involve sitting down?"
Okay, okay it was meant as a joke and everyone had a good laugh about it...but he has a point.
Of Britain's twelve gold medals so far, only the two from Adlington have been won without the assitance of a sailing boat, rowing oars or a bike.
However, the performances of our seated athletes have set the foundations in place for the likes of Idowu and Ohuruogu to fulfil their potential and bring home gold medals from the track.
On the whole it has already been a superb Olympics for Team GB and whatever happens over the closing days, it will be remembered for all the right reasons...but wouldn't it just top it off to rub the Aussies noses in it.
Friday, 1 August 2008
TENNIS' BULLY BOY AT IT AGAIN
A month on from the breathless Wimbledon final the world is 'treated' to a typically boring and tiresome display from Ivo Karlovic - that guy with the big serve.
The 6ft 10in Croatian sends down rocket serve after rocket serve at his opponent and the majority are left flailing aimlessly as the ball flashes past their racket.
The latest big name to suffer at the hands of 'Ivo the Giant' was current world number one Roger Federer as Karlovic triumphed in trademark fashion - a bucket load of aces and relying solely on tie-breaks.If Karlovic's serve is firing on all cylinders then even the best have trouble against a player possessing a very low level of technical ability overall.
In the third, and decisive, set between Karlovic and Federer in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters the big Croation took just two points - that is not a misprint - off the five-time Wimbledon Champion. However, frankly ridiculously, he also won the setas it finished in a tie-break - a part of the game that Karlovic was born to revel in.
Therefore Karlovic advanced to meet Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the fourth round. Have a guess how that match finished!
Yes, well done, congratulations you guessed correctly...Karlovic emerged victorious in a torturously tedious match in straight sets 7-6 7-6.
Well done Ivo, another opponent bullied into submission. Next, next, next...
For once I will find myself cheering for the impetuous Andy Murray in the semi-final with the hope that he can restore faith in 'traditional tennis'.
COME ON ANDY!!!!
The 6ft 10in Croatian sends down rocket serve after rocket serve at his opponent and the majority are left flailing aimlessly as the ball flashes past their racket.
The latest big name to suffer at the hands of 'Ivo the Giant' was current world number one Roger Federer as Karlovic triumphed in trademark fashion - a bucket load of aces and relying solely on tie-breaks.If Karlovic's serve is firing on all cylinders then even the best have trouble against a player possessing a very low level of technical ability overall.
In the third, and decisive, set between Karlovic and Federer in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters the big Croation took just two points - that is not a misprint - off the five-time Wimbledon Champion. However, frankly ridiculously, he also won the setas it finished in a tie-break - a part of the game that Karlovic was born to revel in.
Therefore Karlovic advanced to meet Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the fourth round. Have a guess how that match finished!
Yes, well done, congratulations you guessed correctly...Karlovic emerged victorious in a torturously tedious match in straight sets 7-6 7-6.
Well done Ivo, another opponent bullied into submission. Next, next, next...
For once I will find myself cheering for the impetuous Andy Murray in the semi-final with the hope that he can restore faith in 'traditional tennis'.
COME ON ANDY!!!!
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
GRIPPING SPORT AT IT'S BREATHTAKING BEST
In modern sport events struggle to live up to the hype - the FA Cup Final between Man Utd and Chelsea at the New Wembley comes to mind - but on Sunday afternoon there was no need to worry.
Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal. The two best players of their generation taking each other on in the final of the greatest tennis tournament anywhere in the world. It had the makings of a classic, but we always say that, thankfully this one exceeded all expectations.
The ingredients:
Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal. The two best players of their generation taking each other on in the final of the greatest tennis tournament anywhere in the world. It had the makings of a classic, but we always say that, thankfully this one exceeded all expectations.
The ingredients:
- Rafa's Revenge - Federer had triumphed over Nadal in the last two Wimbledon finals
- Fed's Fury - Nadal lost just four games to Federer in a spectacular French Open final win a month earlier
- Nadal's forehand - Arguably the finest shot in the game today, the Spaniard can do anything with it, from anywhere
- Roger's Record - Going into the match Federer was an unbelievable 66 grass court matches unbeaten
- Iberian Improvement - Nadal's ability on grass has increased dramatically in the last two years
Centre Court was packed to the Pat Rafter's (excuse the pun) as the players entered the cauldron. The fans' took no sides and cheered every winner, by either player, as if Tim Henman was taking on Andy Murray for the title at SW19.
Nadal was out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt - 100m world record holder - and cruised through the opening set 6-4 with a series of trademark forehand cross-court winners. Five-time champion Federer was struggling to find his form against the barrage of ground strokes coming from the other end and the world number one made unforced error after unforced error as he lost the second set by the same score.
Nadal was, almost literally, on fire by this point and Federer will be eternally grateful for the showers that haulted the Spaniard's march to the crown.
Upon the resumption of play Federer found renewed fight and vigour and, like the true champion he is, battled though the third set tie-break to ensure some respectability in the scoreline.
All of a sudden the man from Switzerland was quicker to pounce on the short ball and punish it. However, Nadal remained unbreakable and the fourth set headed for a tie-break.
The world number two was back to his destructive best at the start of the breaker and found himself with two championship points, on his own serves. Thankfully for all of us who wanted the match to go on and on and on and on the first chinks appeared in Nadal's armour as he tightened up and double faulted away his second chance.
Undeterred the Spaniard came back for more and hit the forehand of the tournament to give himself another point for the title. Federer struck a penetrating forehand onto the baseline but as he advanced to the net awaiting a comfortbale volley, Nadal somehow stretched to whip the ball around his rival from a virtually impossible position. Cue the trademark Nadal fist-pump...cue Federer's riposte.
This time Nadal didn't freeze, this time he looked odds on to win as he clipped a forehand deep into the corner and advanced to the net, only to see Federer smash a delightful backhand beyond his reach...the second best winner of the competition.
Minutes later, the fourth set was Federer's and Nadal looked a little shellshocked - could the greatest comeback of recent times be on the cards?
The world's best players played out a dramatic final set throwing punch after punch, counter-punch after counter-punch matching each other blow for blow, step for step.
As soon as one took the initiative the other stepped up their game to a new level and fought back.
As darkness fell over South-West London the two giants of the modern game continued to fight it out for the title of 'King of Grass'.
Finally, after more than four hours of playing time Nadal found himself with a fifth match point and this time Federer could not deny him. The Swiss sent a forehand long and Nadal dropped to his knees, then his back and raw emotion took over. Bursting into tears of joy he clambers to his feet before climbing the scoreboard to reach his family in the player's box. With flashbulbs and cheers coming from everywhere inside the arena the Spaniard too a treacherous walk over the scoreboard to reach the Royal Box before eventually jumping back to the relative safety of the court.
To cap it all both players showed extraordinary levels of sportsmanship throughout the presentation ceremony. If this match does not go down as the Elite Sporting Event of 2008 then whatever does will have to be something truly spectacular.
What do you think? Was Nadal v Federer the match of the year?
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Lady Laura! The next Queen?
by guest blogger Callum Sparrowhawk of footymad.net
Yesterday, English tennis finally had something to cheer about as Laura Robson, 14, clinched the Wimbledon Girls’ Title on Court One. What a day for young Laura, who seems to have the world at her feet…
Taking the first set 6-3, Robson seemed in complete control when a break up in the second but the pressure showed for the first time as she lost it 6-3 and the Briton’s challenge was again in the balance. However, an uncharacteristically un-British ability not to cave in when the going got tough shone through in the end. Robson overpowered the third seed Lertcheewakarn with a display of superb baseline winners to take the final set 6-1 and seal the Championship.
So, finally things could be on the up for British tennis and in the post-match press conference Robson said: "It was so good today as all the crowd were behind me and it was an overwhelming experience."
Unfortunately for Robson, she now has the pressure of performing again, and with all the media attention and we just all have to hope that it doesn’t affect her game. Do we have the new Virginia Wade at last, some 31 years since the last time a Brit won a women’s singles title at SW19 in 1977.
Good Luck Laura, we’re all behind you!
Yesterday, English tennis finally had something to cheer about as Laura Robson, 14, clinched the Wimbledon Girls’ Title on Court One. What a day for young Laura, who seems to have the world at her feet…
Taking the first set 6-3, Robson seemed in complete control when a break up in the second but the pressure showed for the first time as she lost it 6-3 and the Briton’s challenge was again in the balance. However, an uncharacteristically un-British ability not to cave in when the going got tough shone through in the end. Robson overpowered the third seed Lertcheewakarn with a display of superb baseline winners to take the final set 6-1 and seal the Championship.
So, finally things could be on the up for British tennis and in the post-match press conference Robson said: "It was so good today as all the crowd were behind me and it was an overwhelming experience."
Unfortunately for Robson, she now has the pressure of performing again, and with all the media attention and we just all have to hope that it doesn’t affect her game. Do we have the new Virginia Wade at last, some 31 years since the last time a Brit won a women’s singles title at SW19 in 1977.
Good Luck Laura, we’re all behind you!
Saturday, 21 June 2008
BIG MISTAKE RETIEF
Why do people do it? Why question Tiger Woods? All you do is give him even more motivation to come out and beat you next time. So what was Retief Goosen thinking on Tuesday morning?!
In the aftermath of Tiger Woods' dramatic US Open play-off win the usually friendly and sensible South African announced that he thought Tiger was, to all intents and purposes, 'faking it'. That his knee was not as bad as he was making out and that the world number one was searching for sympathy and excuses.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, how wrong could he be? Well, actually, an absolute mile off!
Just a matter of hours later Tiger Woods tells his website that he is having to go under the knife again to repair a badly damaged knee ligament and also that he had not only won the US Open with a dodgy knee, but he had a double stress fracture of his left leg too.
How's that for 'milking it' Retief?
It is sad that a talented and clever man such as Goosen should fall into such a trap of criticising and questioning Woods.
The bad news for the rest of the golfing world, apart from the lack of interest that will now ensue as a result of Woods' absence, is that Goosen has provided Tiger with all the ammunition he needs to add to his major tally upon his return.
In the aftermath of Tiger Woods' dramatic US Open play-off win the usually friendly and sensible South African announced that he thought Tiger was, to all intents and purposes, 'faking it'. That his knee was not as bad as he was making out and that the world number one was searching for sympathy and excuses.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, how wrong could he be? Well, actually, an absolute mile off!
Just a matter of hours later Tiger Woods tells his website that he is having to go under the knife again to repair a badly damaged knee ligament and also that he had not only won the US Open with a dodgy knee, but he had a double stress fracture of his left leg too.
How's that for 'milking it' Retief?
It is sad that a talented and clever man such as Goosen should fall into such a trap of criticising and questioning Woods.
The bad news for the rest of the golfing world, apart from the lack of interest that will now ensue as a result of Woods' absence, is that Goosen has provided Tiger with all the ammunition he needs to add to his major tally upon his return.
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