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Van Persie suffers injury scare

 

 

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has played down a thigh injury picked up by striker Robin van Persie in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday.

 

Van Persie was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at half-time during the 4-1 win, after taking two knees to the thigh in a clash with Hungary defender Roland Juhasz.
After the match, Van Gaal moved to ease fears the injury may prevent Van Persie from playing for Manchester United against Wigan as the Premier League resumes this Saturday following the international break.
"We took off Robin for precautionary measures. It doesn't seem to be too serious, but you never know. We didn't want to take any risks," Van Gaal told SBS6.
After joining United in the summer, Van Persie has netted four goals in three apearances and extended his club form to his country last Friday by scoring in the Netherlands' 2-0 win over Turkey.

 

We are out for revenge, says Barcelona star Lionel Messi

The 25-year-old Argentine has warned that the Catalan giants are looking for a clean sweep of trophies this season

 

 Barca appeared on course to retain both trophies as the previous campaign drew to a close, before being knocked out of Europe's premier club competition by Chelsea in the semi-finals and losing their domestic crown to Real Madrid.
"Obviously I would have liked to win the Champions League and as always win everything," said Messi.
"Not beating Chelsea and reaching the final was painful for us, and for me especially having missed a penalty. But this year we will go for it all again, we are prepared."
The Argentine went on to say that although new coach Tito Vilanova has a different personality than Guardiola, his approach to football is the same.
"They are different personalities, but the philosophy is identical. The same people are working with Tito. Everyone has their own way of seeing things, to transmit. And yes they are different," he concluded.

 Manchester United prepared to sell Brazilian midfielder Anderson

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has lost patience with the 24-year-old's injury record and lack of improvement, with talks held over selling the former Porto man last month

 

 

Anderson has frustrated United with his lack of improvement since joining the club in 2007 and conversations were held over the summer about selling the 24-year-old, with Benfica and Tottenham linked with the 24-year-old.

United would want to recoup as much of the £18m (€22.5m) they paid to sign the all-action midfielder as possible in order to re-invest in the squad, with Ferguson understood to be keen to upgrade his central midfield options.

Anderson made just 10 Premier League appearances last season and has been blighted by injuries since arriving at Old Trafford, prompting Ferguson to raise concerns about his future.

“He hasn't really realised his potential, which is there for all to see,” said Ferguson in April. “He is a fantastic footballer. I just hope he doesn't have the bad luck that Michael Owen has had throughout his career.”

United are in no rush to sell Anderson in January, with the player under contract until 2015, but a departure next summer appears likely unless he can turn around his career this term.

United were interested in signing Mousa Dembele from Fulham before he joined Tottenham for £15m (€18.8m) last month, with Old Trafford sources citing the Belgian was considered as a potential replacement for Anderson.

“Fergie has been waiting for Anderson to burst into life but it just doesn’t look like it’s going to happen because he's not got back on track since his cruciate knee ligament injury in 2010,” a United source told Goal.com. “He’s definitely considered available for the right offer, but a young player on a long contract won’t be sold on the cheap."

Ferguson has scouted a number of midfield targets as he looks for a long-term replacement for 37-year-old Paul Scholes and has been told he will be allowed to re-invest proceeds from player sales.

Portuguese winger Nani could also be sold as he continues to haggle over a new contract, with two years remaining on his existing deal.

United made their mark in the transfer market in the summer as they look to claim back the Premier League title, signing Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa, Nick Powell and Alexander Buttner.

 

 

 

Lewis Hamilton Q&A: Now it’s really getting interesting

 

Lewis Hamilton was visibly overwhelmed at adding the famous Italian track of Monza to his list of winning circuits on Sunday. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh had said earlier in the weekend that victory was the best way for Hamilton to establish his brand - and he took that victory in style…

Q: Lewis, it was a fantastic win from lights to flag. You must be very happy having won in Monza in such a style….
Lewis Hamilton: Yes, this is a race that I’ve always wanted to win. I have to give big thanks for the team - they did an incredible job. The car has been fantastic all weekend. It was very unfortunate for Jenson (Button) as we could have had a one-two victory, so hopefully we can execute this in Singapore. (laughs)

Q: Was it kind of boring for you, so far in the front?
LH: I could get used to this kind of boredom! But yes, it was really nice cruising. When I heard that Fernando (Alonso) got into second I asked myself, ‘How the hell did he get second?’ To be honest, it is nice to have a relaxed Grand Prix with no troubles so I am very grateful for that opportunity. It was more or less managing the gap to the guys behind me.

Q: Was that the kind of race a driver dreams about?
LH: Yes, once in a while. And it came at a good time.

Q: When Jenson retired did it come to your mind that the same might also happen to you?
LH: I was aware that Jenson retired due to a car issue, so I said to myself, ‘Please, I have 15 laps more to go - not me again.’ So I was not using any kerbs and just trying to nurse the car home -driving with love and
care. (laughs)

Q: This win also means a huge leap forward for you in the championship standing - as both Red Bulls didn’t score…
LH: …yes. Now it is getting really interesting. But still the championship is very unpredictable, very wide open. When many said that Silverstone would be the place to get an idea of who are the top candidates… wrong. We don’t know even now. I am so happy that we have a great car and that we are very fast - probably not the fastest, but I would say we are as fast as the fastest. (laughs)

Q: What does that win mean in terms of your future beyond 2012?
LH: I don’t focus on next year - I fully concentrate on 2012. I am taking it one race at a time and I want to take this team to the top and try to help them - as they are trying to help me - win both championships. This is an incredible team and I have a fantastic relationship with them.

Q: Did you expect such a result?
LH: Well, with Jenson’s win in Spa one week ago it was obvious that we have a great car and with that knowledge I thought that I’m doing it here! (laughs) Hey, this is Monza - one of the great historic circuits. To win here, that truly is another stepping stone in my career.

Q: Sailing on the tailwind of this win, what do you expect to happen in Singapore?
LH: That is difficult to say. Fernando (Alonso) just let the cat out of the bag and said that they’ve got lots of upgrades coming to the next race, so I am going back to the factory and hoping that the guys are doing the same - and I am sure it will be.

ANDREW FLINTOFF TO TAKE PART IN HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING

LONDON: Nearly two years after retiring from cricket, former England captain Andrew Flintoff is set to return to professional sport in the boxing ring.
The 34-year-old Flintoff is planning to enter his new sport as a heavyweight and compete in his first fight in Manchester in November, with his preparations documented in a three-episode TV series called "The Gloves Are Off."

‘It is an enormous undertaking to have a professional fight having no experience whatsoever. It is even more demanding when you're a legend in another sport,’ said McGuigan.





‘The pressure for Freddie, myself and my son is phenomenal given the little time we have. But I'm convinced Freddie will make a successful pro debut as a boxer
.’

Flintoff has yet to apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for a licence, and the process could take a few weeks according to the general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, Robert Smith.




"Andrew Flintoff has not applied, nor has he been interviewed by anyone from the British Boxing Board of Control," said Smith.

"An application can take three to four weeks or longer depending on the circumstances. He will have to pass medicals and there are measures in place to see whether an applicant can actually box."

Smith added: "It is quite unusual. We haven't had many people apply with no experience at all, but there is a history of footballers and rugby league players taking up boxing, and (footballer) Curtis Woodhouse has done so very well." 

 

 JONTY RHODES - flying human

Once pakistan vs. south Africa match was going on in the television, i was just 9 year old, A player from south Africa team jumped directly on to the stumps and made a run out, the scene was almost like a man flying in air, I asked my dad his name. Then I realised it was the GREAT JONTY RHODES, Even after 12 years while having a discussion over fielding with any one. The first word which pops out from everyone’s mouth is JONTY RHODES

 

Now let me share some of his amazing videos with you, 

 “He is fast, has a strong arm, is accurate and doesn't drop them. What more do you need?”

                                                                                                      -Fan 

MOST FAMOUS CRICKET MOMENTS

 

BRIAN LARA'S EPIC 400

SEHWAG'S DOUBLE CENTURY

KUMBLE'S 10 WICKETS

YUVI'S 6 SIXES

SACHIN'S 200

AFRIDI'S FASTEST 100

JONTY RHODES CATCHES

SOUTH AFRICA'S 400 RUN CHASE

JAYASURIYA'S FASTEST 50

DONALD'S RUN OUT IN FINAL

WARNE'S BALL OF CENTURY

MORE TO BE UPDATED IN FUTURE