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text-decoration:none; } img {border:none;} The Sport Review: “Barcelona
and Real Madrid set up Copa del Rey showdown” plus 8 more- Barcelona and Real Madrid set up Copa del Rey showdown - Luis Suárez scores on his debut as Liverpool beat Stoke - Gavin Henson close to Toulon switch after leaving Saracens - Gary Neville quits football after 20 years at Manchester United - Liverpool’s signing of £35m Carroll is statement of intent - Champion Novak Djokovic targets more Grand Slams - Charlie Adam was ‘mucked about’ by Blackpool, says agent - Bath sign England centre Dan Hipkiss from Leicester Tigers - Samir Nasri ‘close to signing new Arsenal contract’ Barcelona and Real Madrid set up Copa del Rey showdown Posted: 02 Feb 2011 04:38 PM PST Real Madrid set up a cup final showdown with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final after their 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday night. Mesut Ozil’s 82nd-minute strike put the hosts ahead before substitute Emmanuel Adebayor scored on his Bernabéu debut to seal a 3-0 aggregate victory for José Mourinho’s men. Earlier, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona comfortably secured their place in the final with a 3-0 win over Almeria as the Spanish league leaders continue their hunt for a record 26th Copa del Rey crown. The two sides meet in the final for the first time since 1990 on 20 April, with Real looking to win their first domestic cup since 1993 and hoping to fare better than in their last meeting with Barca, when they lost 5-0 at Camp Nou earlier this season. Speaking after his side’s 8-0 aggregate thrashing of Almeria, Barca boss Guardiola hailed his side’s achievement. He said: “Reaching two finals in three seasons says a lot about our players. It has been the toughest month and everyone has played a part.” Barcelona have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table to 10 points when they host Atletico Madrid on Saturday night before Real Sociedad travel to the Bernabéu on Sunday. Luis Suárez scores on his debut as Liverpool beat Stoke Posted: 02 Feb 2011 03:40 PM PST BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE, 2 FEBRUARY 2011 Liverpool 2 Stoke City 0 As Anfield waited in anticipation for the debut of Luis Suárez fellow new signing Andy Carroll was paraded in front of the Liverpool faithful. It was the day after the night before, so to speak. Liverpool supporters had just recovered from the manic transfer deadline two days before and were optimistic about their future after Fenway Sports Group – the club’s owners – had sanctioned the purchase of Suárez and Carroll, both of whom represented record transfers for the club. The Stoke side that lined up at Anfield represented some of Liverpool's most recent past. Salif Diao, the Senegalese international, was one of ill-fated signings made by Gérard Houllier in his final years as manager of the Merseyside club while Jermaine Pennant failed to impress after being brought to Liverpool by Rafael Benítez from Birmingham City. It was a new formation for Liverpool, with Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson playing as wing-backs to add much-needed pace to the Reds’ attacks. Lucas and Fabio Aurelio was tasked with sitting back and pulling the strings in the middle of the park while Raul Meireles and Steven Gerrard pushed forward to support Dirk Kuyt – Liverpool's lone striker. Liverpool came close in the first half, both Johnson and Kuyt firing in dangerous headers, with the former having his well-saved by Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and the latter's effort flying just wide of the far post to ensure the sides remained level going in to the break. It didn't take the hosts long to take the lead in the second half, with Sotirios Kyrgiakos latching on to a deflected Gerrard free-kick before turning quickly in the box and laying it off to Meireles, who drilled his shot straight into the back of the net to clinch his third goal in four games. The Potters looked to try and get back into the game. Tony Pulis replaced Diao and Marc Wilson with Rory Delap and Ricardo Fuller as the visitors began to get a foothold in the game and increase the pressure on the Reds' back line. It nearly told, too, when John Carew fired just wide of Pepe Reina's goal from a tight angle. Suárez, brought on for Fabio Aurelio in the 63rd minute, was exactly the boost Liverpool needed in order to push forward for a second goal that would take the game away from Stoke. It came just 15 minutes later when Dirk Kuyt flicked a ball over the top to the former Ajax man, who rounded Begovic before firing it into the back of the net, with a deflection from Andy Wilkinson not enough to deny the new number seven a goal on his debut. Jonathan Walters nearly reduced the deficit for Stoke, firing his shot towards goal and forcing a magnificent save from Reina – the Spanish goalkeeper further sealed his place in the Reds' record books by keeping the third-highest number of clean sheets of any Liverpool goalkeeper. As Suárez and his team-mates celebrated on the pitch, Carroll celebrated in the directors’ box, applauding his new strike partner. Next to him, the man responsible with bringing the players to the club—director of football strategy Damien Comolli—offered high-fives to senior Anfield officials as a new era in the illustrious history of Liverpool Football Club began. Gavin Henson close to Toulon switch after leaving Saracens Posted: 02 Feb 2011 12:57 PM PST Wales centre Gavin Henson looks set for a move to Toulon after he was released from his Saracens contract on Wednesday. The 29-year-old asked leave the Aviva Premiership club, where he only made for appearances since making his debut against Wasps at Wembley on Boxing day, paving the way for him to join Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon. “We wish Gavin all the best for the future as he continues his return to the highest level of the game,” said Sarries chief Nigel Wray. Henson returned to the sport just six weeks ago after a 21-month absence but recent speculation has linked the Strictly Come Dancing star with a move to the French Top 14 side on a short-term deal until the end of the season. Gary Neville quits football after 20 years at Manchester United Posted: 02 Feb 2011 12:23 PM PST Manchester United right-back Gary Neville has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect. The 35-year-old defender, who made over 600 appearances for United during his 20-year career at Old Trafford, has not played since the Red Devils’ victory at West Brom in early January. “I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had,” he said. “Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it’s knowing when that time is and for me that time is now. “I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to be a part of the team’s achievements and the club’s great success. “There are so many people I want to thank and of course top of that list is Sir Alex Ferguson. He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years, he is truly one of the greatest managers and I have to thank him for that. “There have also been so many great players that I have had the privilege to train and play along side. The experiences we’ve shared will be with me for the rest of my life. “Also all the coaches I have played under from youth level right through to now, who have guided me through my playing days. And finally, the fans, who have always shown me unbelievable support, they know how special they are to me and this club. “I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life going forward however the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan.” Neville, who had signed a one-year contract with United in April 2010, won 85 caps with England and played in two World Cups. Liverpool’s signing of £35m Carroll is statement of intent Posted: 02 Feb 2011 09:52 AM PST "When we spend a dollar it has to be wisely," Liverpool owner John Henry said following Fenway Sports Group’s takeover of the Merseyside outfit in October. So quite what Henry and his partners at FSG were thinking when they sanctioned the £35m signing of Newcastle United's Andy Carroll is unclear, given their clear focus on value when taking the reigns at Anfield. Carroll is a very good player – the Newcastle supporters’ dismayed reaction to his departure is testament to that. He has scored 11 league goals so far this season despite having been sidelined for a month and only Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tévez—who both commanded similarly extravagant fees—have found the net more times this term. But his Premier League experience is limited and for such a fee supporters may have expected someone with a considerably larger amount of both games and goals under his belt at the highest level. The Gateshead native also has a reputation as somewhat of a party animal. Over the course of the last two years Carroll has graced the front pages of local newspapers nearly as often as he has featured on the back. His love for Newcastle's nightlife and his disputes with a former partner have ensured that, at the age of 22, he has been involved in as many controversies as other professionals may face in their whole career. But Carroll is only 22. At Liverpool he will have the support of Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher – all of whom will steer the striker in the right direction, putting an end to his boozy reputation and schooling him in the Liverpool way of doing things originally set out by Bill Shankly – a man who demanded professionalism. FSG has shown a statement of intent by spending so much on someone so young. But in youth they see value and should Carroll continue to improve with Premier League experience—and that’s a big if—then the £35m gamble will have paid off. It is impossible to argue that Carroll's transfer fee wasn't incredibly inflated, something not helped by Liverpool's need for a striker and the time restrictions of the transfer window. But going into the rest of the season with just Luis Suárez, who was signed for just under £23m, could affected Liverpool's bid for European football – not to mention their ability to attract quality players in the summer. By signing Carroll and Suárez John Henry and the rest of FSG have shown just how committed they are to making Liverpool Football Club successful again. And after three-and-a-half years under the debt ridden reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillett that is exactly what was required of the Boston-based businessmen. Champion Novak Djokovic targets more Grand Slams Posted: 02 Feb 2011 09:05 AM PST Novak Djokovic believes he is in “the form of life” and is eager to add to his tally of two grand slam titles. The Serb convincingly overcame Andy Murray in last weekend’s Australian Open final to claim his second Melbourne title after his triumph in 2008 – and the world No3 now wants to build on the win and add to his grand slam tally. “If the people want to call me a part of the big three, then that’s great,” said Djokovic. “I have big respect for Federer and Nadal, they are great examples of champions on and off the court in every sense. “If I want to become the best player in the world, I will have to win more grand slams,” added Djokovic. “But yes, my goal you can say is (not only) to do well on clay, but to do my best result on Roland Garros.” The 23-year-old only managed to reach two grand slam semi-finals in 2009 and 2010 before being beaten in the 2010 US Open final by Rafael Nadal. “It’s been a period of ups and downs for me the last three years,” admitted Djokovic. “I haven’t had that consistency and self-belief that I’ve needed to.Right now and the last six months, I feel that I’ve reached that stage that I believe that I can really win it. “In last two months I’m probably playing the best tennis of my life and I cannot ask for a better start to the season. To be able to win the grand slam gives you a lot of confidence.” Djokovic helped Serbia win their first Davis Cup crown in December and he claims he has drawn inspiration representing his country on the court. “We’ve been growing up through two wars,” he said. “When you turn around and analyse what you have been through, you appreciate some things more in your life and you know what your values are. “Of course everybody loves their country. I don’t love my country more than you love yours, but in my case it’s a more special feeling because we’ve been through something different. “So to be able to help those people who I know how much they’ve suffered – and they still suffer because of some problems – it’s our obligation in some way to give support and present as best we can.” Charlie Adam was ‘mucked about’ by Blackpool, says agent Posted: 02 Feb 2011 05:59 AM PST Charlie Adam’s agent has launched a scathing attack on Blackpool after the Scottish midfielder was not allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window. Liverpool headed the chase for the 25-year-old Blackpool skipper but the Seasiders refused to lower their reported £14m valuation despite the midfielder being “desperate” to seal a move to the Reds. The Merseyside club are reported to have made two further offers reaching £10m on deadline day but both were turned down by the newly-promoted side. Tottenham also failed in a last-ditch attempt to prise the former Rangers talisman away from Bloomfield Road, with Harry Redknapp claiming Spurs had met Blackpool’s valuation but ran out of time to complete the transfer. “Charlie loves Blackpool and the Blackpool fans, but he was desperate to move to Liverpool – who wouldn’t feel that way when a club like that comes calling?” his agent Kenny Moyes told The Sun. “But he was seriously mucked about. Blackpool refused to put a figure on how much they wanted for him and would not enter any meaningful negotiations. Moyes added: “It has been a major stress for Charlie, a real emotional rollercoaster. As well as being angry he feels gutted and badly let down as the only player to put in a transfer request and have it ignored.” Adam swapped the SPL for the Championship in February 2009 when he joined Blackpool on loan. After impressing during his temporary spell Ian Holloway secured his services permanently for £500,000. The former St Mirren star was instrumental in Blackpool’s run to the Play-Off final last season and he netted his 16th goal of the season against Cardiff City to seal promotion to the Premier League. Despite Adam’s disappointment in failing to secure a move to Anfield, his agent believes the player will remain committed to keeping Blackpool in the Premier League. Moyes continued: “Luckily, coming from Rangers, he is bullet-proof, and I can promise you that you won’t see any difference in his level of performance. “He will be as committed and passionate as ever. That’s just the way Charlie is – he’s the sort of guy you would always want in the trenches alongside you. “But he has personal ambitions he wants to fulfil, and I just hope the club play fair with him in the summer.” Bath sign England centre Dan Hipkiss from Leicester Tigers Posted: 02 Feb 2011 04:28 AM PST Bath have announced the signing of England centre Dan Hipkiss on a two-year deal from Leicester Tigers. Currently a member of the England Saxons squad the 28-year-old, who will move to the Recreation Ground at the end of this season, has won 13 caps. Hipkiss, who has scored 155 points in 129 appearances for Tigers, featured heavily during the 2007 World Cup and his last full England cap came against Wales in last year's RBS 6 Nations Championship. “I have always wanted to try something different, and feel that this is the right time to do that,” said Hipkiss. “I've had a great time with Tigers, but really want to try something new in my career, and feel that I will be able to do that with Bath, especially after the good reports from Lewis Moody and Sam Vesty about the Club. "I started playing for Leicester when I was 15, so will have had 14 years here by the end of this season. "When you think about moving clubs, you look at those with ambition, and you can see that there is that in abundance at Bath, especially since the take-over from Bruce Craig and the consequent developments at Farleigh House. “These tie in with my own ambitions, as I want to continue to be successful, and feel that Bath is the right place for me to succeed in these ambitions." Bath head coach Steve Meehan added: "Dan is clearly a very experienced and skilful player, both of which will make him a valuable addition to our squad. He has played a lot of international rugby, and that experience will be great in helping some of our younger players develop, as well as bringing fresh ideas.” Samir Nasri ‘close to signing new Arsenal contract’ Posted: 02 Feb 2011 03:38 AM PST Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract, according to the player’s agent. The 23-year-old France midfielder, whose current deal is set to expire in 2012, has sparkled for the gunners this season and Arsène Wenger appears ready to reward his impressive performances with an improved deal which would keep him in north London until 2016. Nasri’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes told the Daily Express: “Samir is happy at the club, the coach believes in him, the directors believe in him as well. "He said to me, 'You won't believe the great atmosphere in the changing room, I've rarely experienced anything like this'. Samir has done his three seasons with Arsenal and the wise thing to do is to stay with this club." Nasri has scored nine goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season but is a major doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Barcelona in two weeks’ time after suffering a hamstring injury during the gunners’ 2-1 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wenger has questioned Chelsea’s logic after the Blues backed Uefa’s new financial fair play rules but still spent over £70m on transfer deadline day. The European governing body’s new rules will require clubs to break even starting from the 2012-13 season. Wenger said: “Chelsea supported Uefa’s financial fair play proposals but in the morning they announced a £70m loss and in the afternoon they buy £75m worth of players. Where’s the logic in that? “It’s hard to guess. Officially they vote for financial fair play but they can explain why they have done this much better than I can. “He [Abramovich] can tell you why but that’s how you can read it from the outside. If you don’t invest for a while, it looks as if you’re not as involved in it any more. That he doesn’t like it as much. But £75m means more will come. The Arsenal boss added: “Abramovich was a bit in no man’s land where nobody could guess if he wanted to still invest or not. He has been like that for a long time but that has changed. He has decided to put big money in again and that tells you in the summer more will come. He is back to full investment.” You are subscribed to email updates from The Sport Review To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Email delivery powered by Google Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 -- Posted By Mas Item Arekjowo to The Sport Review at 2/02/2011 11:31:00 PM -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Gugukluhayat" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/gugukluhayat?hl=en.
