With Fabio Capello edging ever closer to deciding on his squad for the World Cup next summer, Darren Bent is doing all he can to force his way into the Italian's plans.
The Sunderland striker might have struggled to impose himself in the friendly against Brazil but he keeps finding the net in the Premier League. Arsenal were the latest to pay the price, falling to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday thanks to Bent's 71st minute effort.
It was the former Tottenham man's ninth league goal of the campaign and the victory leaves the Black Cats hot on the heels of the top six. This kind of form is sure to keep Bent in Capello's thoughts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Soccer: One win in 10 leaves Liverpool rocking
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez watched another two points slip away against Manchester City in Saturday's early kick-off, leaving his team with just one win in their last 10 games.
Things looked promising when Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front but goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland turned the tide in City's favour before Yossi Benayoun's equaliser levelled the game at 2-2.
Time is running out for Benitez to get things right and, with Liverpool all but eliminated from the Champions League, this is turning into a nightmare season at Anfield.
Things looked promising when Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front but goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland turned the tide in City's favour before Yossi Benayoun's equaliser levelled the game at 2-2.
Time is running out for Benitez to get things right and, with Liverpool all but eliminated from the Champions League, this is turning into a nightmare season at Anfield.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cricket: Bowlers look the weak link for England
The England cricket team have strung a few wins together since arriving in South Africa. But, after commendably drawing the T20 series 1-1, the bigger challenges now lie in wait.
The batters continue to prosper, led by captain Andrew Strauss. Jonathan Trott is in the runs and Kevin Pietersen, having finally shrugged off a niggling injury, gives the middle order a more dangerous look.
But the bowling looks seriously suspect, especially with Graeme Swann's injury. With no Andrew Flintoff or Steve Harmison, much rests on Jimmy Anderson, Graham Onions and Stuart Broad, once he recovers fully from his shoulder problem. Swann and Broad, though, will miss the first two ODIs, throwing the team's plans into disarray.
If England do not get things spot on with the ball from the get go, they will find themselves chasing huge totals and spending long, long days in the field. Graeme Smith and AB De Villiers are just two of the South Africans' prolific run-scorers and how England contain the hosts' top six will ultimately decide both the ODI and Test series.
The batters continue to prosper, led by captain Andrew Strauss. Jonathan Trott is in the runs and Kevin Pietersen, having finally shrugged off a niggling injury, gives the middle order a more dangerous look.
But the bowling looks seriously suspect, especially with Graeme Swann's injury. With no Andrew Flintoff or Steve Harmison, much rests on Jimmy Anderson, Graham Onions and Stuart Broad, once he recovers fully from his shoulder problem. Swann and Broad, though, will miss the first two ODIs, throwing the team's plans into disarray.
If England do not get things spot on with the ball from the get go, they will find themselves chasing huge totals and spending long, long days in the field. Graeme Smith and AB De Villiers are just two of the South Africans' prolific run-scorers and how England contain the hosts' top six will ultimately decide both the ODI and Test series.
NFL: Weekend Preview
Week 11 of the NFL season is serving up some exciting games. Here's just a taste of what is in store for fans this weekend.
Chargers @ Broncos:
Denver QB Kyle Orton is struggling with a knee injury and the Broncos are on the slide. Contrastingly, Philip Rivers and the Chargers have won four straight. The momentum is with San Diego - expect to see them replace Denver at the top of the AFC West.
Colts @ Ravens:
The unbeaten Colts squeezed past the Patriots last week and face another fierce battle in Baltimore. The Ravens will keep things close but it will be Peyton Manning and company who pull through again.
Saints @ Bucs:
On paper, games do not get much more one-sided, even if New Orleans are without running back Reggie Bush. In reality, it should be no different. Look for Drew Brees to pick his way through the Bucs defense.
Browns @ Lions:
If there was relegation in the NFL, this would be a basement battle of real significance. Both teams go into the weekend with 1-8 records but Detroit look the likelier to bag win number two, especially if Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford are on the same page.
Chargers @ Broncos:
Denver QB Kyle Orton is struggling with a knee injury and the Broncos are on the slide. Contrastingly, Philip Rivers and the Chargers have won four straight. The momentum is with San Diego - expect to see them replace Denver at the top of the AFC West.
Colts @ Ravens:
The unbeaten Colts squeezed past the Patriots last week and face another fierce battle in Baltimore. The Ravens will keep things close but it will be Peyton Manning and company who pull through again.
Saints @ Bucs:
On paper, games do not get much more one-sided, even if New Orleans are without running back Reggie Bush. In reality, it should be no different. Look for Drew Brees to pick his way through the Bucs defense.
Browns @ Lions:
If there was relegation in the NFL, this would be a basement battle of real significance. Both teams go into the weekend with 1-8 records but Detroit look the likelier to bag win number two, especially if Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford are on the same page.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Soccer: Spare a thought for the Republic of Ireland
Losing in extra-time in a playoff second leg, with a place at the 2010 World Cup on the line, would have been heart-breaking enough.
But the agony for the Republic of Ireland players, management and supporters will be intensified today by the fact that France's winning goal should never have been awarded.
Handballs do not get much more blatant than Thierry Henry's to set up William Gallas' winner yet referee Martin Hansson, of Sweden, and his assistant failed to spot the incident.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side are asking for a rematch but such a request is unlikely to be granted, handing the French a reward they scarcely deserved on the night.
While Henry was making the headlines in Paris, another former Premier League player was preparing for his big moment. David Beckham and the LA Galaxy have reached the MLS Cup final on Sunday, where they will face Real Salt Lake in Seattle.
Beckham's time in LA has not exactly gone according to plan and, with his loan spell at AC Milan finalised, his future in the MLS is rather unclear. Therefore, this could be the England international's last chance to leave a positive impression in American soccer.
Like Henry, you can expect Beckham to take his opportunity with both hands.
But the agony for the Republic of Ireland players, management and supporters will be intensified today by the fact that France's winning goal should never have been awarded.
Handballs do not get much more blatant than Thierry Henry's to set up William Gallas' winner yet referee Martin Hansson, of Sweden, and his assistant failed to spot the incident.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side are asking for a rematch but such a request is unlikely to be granted, handing the French a reward they scarcely deserved on the night.
While Henry was making the headlines in Paris, another former Premier League player was preparing for his big moment. David Beckham and the LA Galaxy have reached the MLS Cup final on Sunday, where they will face Real Salt Lake in Seattle.
Beckham's time in LA has not exactly gone according to plan and, with his loan spell at AC Milan finalised, his future in the MLS is rather unclear. Therefore, this could be the England international's last chance to leave a positive impression in American soccer.
Like Henry, you can expect Beckham to take his opportunity with both hands.
Tennis: Nadal finally has chance to finish year strongly
For all Rafael Nadal's undoubted brilliance, his performances tend to take a turn for the worse each year once Wimbledon is over.
You cannot blame the guy. There are no more Slams left on the road ahead and he is usually coming off gruelling runs at the French Open and, more recently, at SW19. Pounding away on the Roland Garros clay and lifting the trophy four years in a row takes its toll. As does reaching three straight Wimbledon finals - in 2008 he even found time to win at Queen's too. By the time mid-July arrives, the Spaniard is physically spent and his troublesome knees desperately need a rest.
But 2009 has not been a typical year for Rafa. It began in fine style with a gutsy triumph at the Australian Open, once more having the edge over Roger Federer. But injuries have plagued Nadal more than ever this year, particularly tendonitis in his knees, and he was not 100 percent at the French Open where he suffered a shock defeat - and his first ever at Roland Garros - to Robin Soderling in the Fourth Round.
Worse was to follow as injury denied him the chance to defend his Wimbledon title. After determined work with his medical team, Nadal managed to compete at the US Open - the last Slam he needs to complete his set - but ran into on-song Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the last four and lost in straight sets. An abdominal problem did little to help his cause.
However, the one positive point for Rafa after a disappointing season is that he has arrived at the last few events of the season in decent shape. A semi-finalist at the China Open and the Paris Masters and a finalist in the Shanghai Masters, Nadal is hitting his way back into form and stringing some results together in time to end 2009 on a high.
London is the Spaniard's next stop as he joins the likes of Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic for the ATP World Tour Finals. Drawn in the marginally-easier Group B alongside Nikolay Davydenko, Soderling and Djokovic, Nadal ought to reach the semi-finals and will have set his sights on the big prize. There is £1million up for grabs for the winner, assuming he wins all his matches along the way, and that would even trump Federer's Wimbledon prize money of £850,000.
For once, Nadal is not running on empty as the season draws to a close. In fact, he should be a good deal fresher than a number of his opponents. It would be just typical of the Spaniard's spirited approach if he brought the curtain down on a furstrating 2009 by lifting the trophy in London.
You cannot blame the guy. There are no more Slams left on the road ahead and he is usually coming off gruelling runs at the French Open and, more recently, at SW19. Pounding away on the Roland Garros clay and lifting the trophy four years in a row takes its toll. As does reaching three straight Wimbledon finals - in 2008 he even found time to win at Queen's too. By the time mid-July arrives, the Spaniard is physically spent and his troublesome knees desperately need a rest.
But 2009 has not been a typical year for Rafa. It began in fine style with a gutsy triumph at the Australian Open, once more having the edge over Roger Federer. But injuries have plagued Nadal more than ever this year, particularly tendonitis in his knees, and he was not 100 percent at the French Open where he suffered a shock defeat - and his first ever at Roland Garros - to Robin Soderling in the Fourth Round.
Worse was to follow as injury denied him the chance to defend his Wimbledon title. After determined work with his medical team, Nadal managed to compete at the US Open - the last Slam he needs to complete his set - but ran into on-song Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the last four and lost in straight sets. An abdominal problem did little to help his cause.
However, the one positive point for Rafa after a disappointing season is that he has arrived at the last few events of the season in decent shape. A semi-finalist at the China Open and the Paris Masters and a finalist in the Shanghai Masters, Nadal is hitting his way back into form and stringing some results together in time to end 2009 on a high.
London is the Spaniard's next stop as he joins the likes of Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic for the ATP World Tour Finals. Drawn in the marginally-easier Group B alongside Nikolay Davydenko, Soderling and Djokovic, Nadal ought to reach the semi-finals and will have set his sights on the big prize. There is £1million up for grabs for the winner, assuming he wins all his matches along the way, and that would even trump Federer's Wimbledon prize money of £850,000.
For once, Nadal is not running on empty as the season draws to a close. In fact, he should be a good deal fresher than a number of his opponents. It would be just typical of the Spaniard's spirited approach if he brought the curtain down on a furstrating 2009 by lifting the trophy in London.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NBA: Race in the East hotting up as Milwaukee and Indiana flex muscles
Many NBA experts felt they had the East figured out this year. It was all about Boston, Cleveland and Orlando, with footnotes available for Miami, Atlanta and Washington.
Apparently, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto would then compete for the final couple of spots.
But if that was the script, nobody told Milwaukee or Indiana.
It is impossible to judge too much from the early months of the season but Brandon Jennings might just be about to shake things up in the Central Division. Tipped to be one of the worst teams in the East, Milwaukee have given an emphatic response thus far.
While LeBron James keeps the Cavs on course and Dwyane Wade fuels the Heat single-handedly at times, Jennings is running the show for the Bucks, who are emerging as surprise contenders for a playoff spot.
The rookie followed up a stellar, game-winning performance against the Denver Nuggets by dropping 55 points on the Golden State Warriors last week. Remarkably, Jennings went scoreless in the first quarter before finding his groove and setting up a 129-125 win.
And his 25 points on Monday almost saw the Dallas Mavericks added to his list of victims.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, the Pacers are putting a poor start behind them. Going 0-3 could have sent the team into freefall but instead Danny Granger and company are on a five-game winning streak and playing some great basketball.
Just ask the Celtics. Granger put up 29 points while new face Dahntay Jones added 25 in a 113-104 victory over Boston on Saturday that showed just how far this Pacers team can go. And they still have Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy to come back.
All of this leaves more questions than answers, particularly for fans of the Raptors, Pistons, Bulls and even 76ers. While the Celtics, Cavs and Magic are virtual certainties for the top three spots in the East - with the Hawks and Heat close behind - the last three playoffs berths are well and truly up for grabs.
It is a battle that will go right to the wire and the Bucks and Pacers have definitely thrown their names into contention.
Apparently, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto would then compete for the final couple of spots.
But if that was the script, nobody told Milwaukee or Indiana.
It is impossible to judge too much from the early months of the season but Brandon Jennings might just be about to shake things up in the Central Division. Tipped to be one of the worst teams in the East, Milwaukee have given an emphatic response thus far.
While LeBron James keeps the Cavs on course and Dwyane Wade fuels the Heat single-handedly at times, Jennings is running the show for the Bucks, who are emerging as surprise contenders for a playoff spot.
The rookie followed up a stellar, game-winning performance against the Denver Nuggets by dropping 55 points on the Golden State Warriors last week. Remarkably, Jennings went scoreless in the first quarter before finding his groove and setting up a 129-125 win.
And his 25 points on Monday almost saw the Dallas Mavericks added to his list of victims.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, the Pacers are putting a poor start behind them. Going 0-3 could have sent the team into freefall but instead Danny Granger and company are on a five-game winning streak and playing some great basketball.
Just ask the Celtics. Granger put up 29 points while new face Dahntay Jones added 25 in a 113-104 victory over Boston on Saturday that showed just how far this Pacers team can go. And they still have Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy to come back.
All of this leaves more questions than answers, particularly for fans of the Raptors, Pistons, Bulls and even 76ers. While the Celtics, Cavs and Magic are virtual certainties for the top three spots in the East - with the Hawks and Heat close behind - the last three playoffs berths are well and truly up for grabs.
It is a battle that will go right to the wire and the Bucks and Pacers have definitely thrown their names into contention.
Soccer: Supporting cast must step up in van Persie's absence
Arsene Wenger must have cringed as news filtered through that Robin van Persie had been stretchered off in Holland's friendly with Italy. It puts a dampener on Arsenal's fine Premier League run - and weakens the Gunners ahead of their showdown with Chelsea at the end of November.
Van Persie will be on the sidelines for four to six weeks after tearing ankle ligaments on Saturday, leaving Wenger short of experienced options for his strikeforce. He has an abundance of attacking midfielders but no other strikers in the Dutchman's league.
And so yet more pressure seemingly falls on the shoulders of captain Cesc Fabregas to keep the Arsenal title surge on track. The Spaniard has been outstanding thus far, providing not only his customary assists but weighing in with a handy goal tally too. Now, though, he needs help from the supporting cast.
With van Persie out of action, Wenger will look for the likes of Eduardo, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and, of course, Andrey Arshavin to take on greater responsibility. Young Aaron Ramsey may also see more playing time.
While it is a talented list of names to call upon, the Gunners boss will know that it is hard to replace the attributes that van Persie brings to the side and he will be crossing his fingers that the next month continues to produce enough end product to keep the Premier League title in his sights.
Van Persie will be on the sidelines for four to six weeks after tearing ankle ligaments on Saturday, leaving Wenger short of experienced options for his strikeforce. He has an abundance of attacking midfielders but no other strikers in the Dutchman's league.
And so yet more pressure seemingly falls on the shoulders of captain Cesc Fabregas to keep the Arsenal title surge on track. The Spaniard has been outstanding thus far, providing not only his customary assists but weighing in with a handy goal tally too. Now, though, he needs help from the supporting cast.
With van Persie out of action, Wenger will look for the likes of Eduardo, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and, of course, Andrey Arshavin to take on greater responsibility. Young Aaron Ramsey may also see more playing time.
While it is a talented list of names to call upon, the Gunners boss will know that it is hard to replace the attributes that van Persie brings to the side and he will be crossing his fingers that the next month continues to produce enough end product to keep the Premier League title in his sights.
NBA: Nuggets continue solid start
The new NBA season may only be three weeks old but the Denver Nuggets are already sniffing out a return to the Western Conference finals - and Carmelo Anthony is cooking up a storm.
Anthony, who made it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time last season, is looking more focused than ever and the Toronto Raptors were his latest victims, falling 130-112 on Tuesday night. Melo poured in 32 points on 12-15 shooting, despite suffering with a migraine on game day. Toronto had no answer to him.
J.R. Smith added 29 points off the bench while Chauncey Billups contributed 10 assists.
The victory takes the Nuggets to 8-3. Not bad at all, especially when you factor in a six-game road trip with three back-to-backs and Smith's enforced seven-game suspension.
But what must be most encouraging for Denver head coach George Karl is the way his team have handled their fellow Western Conference powerhouses. The Nuggets opened the season with gutsy wins over the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers, the team many tipped to top the tricky NorthWest Division.
Throw in Friday's demolition of the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and you can see why Karl, Anthony, Billups and company believe the Nuggets can go one step further this season and reach the NBA Finals.
There is a long way to go still on that particular path but, with Anthony's hunger for the big prizes, Denver will take some stopping.
Anthony, who made it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time last season, is looking more focused than ever and the Toronto Raptors were his latest victims, falling 130-112 on Tuesday night. Melo poured in 32 points on 12-15 shooting, despite suffering with a migraine on game day. Toronto had no answer to him.
J.R. Smith added 29 points off the bench while Chauncey Billups contributed 10 assists.
The victory takes the Nuggets to 8-3. Not bad at all, especially when you factor in a six-game road trip with three back-to-backs and Smith's enforced seven-game suspension.
But what must be most encouraging for Denver head coach George Karl is the way his team have handled their fellow Western Conference powerhouses. The Nuggets opened the season with gutsy wins over the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers, the team many tipped to top the tricky NorthWest Division.
Throw in Friday's demolition of the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and you can see why Karl, Anthony, Billups and company believe the Nuggets can go one step further this season and reach the NBA Finals.
There is a long way to go still on that particular path but, with Anthony's hunger for the big prizes, Denver will take some stopping.
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