David Beckham got his wish as AC Milan drew Manchester United on Friday in the Champions League second round.
Beckham, who is set to join the Italian giants on loan in January, had pleaded for a chance to return to Old Trafford and face United, with whom he made his name. And the balls fell in his favour.
The two clubs met at the same stage in 2005, with Milan winning the two-legged tie 2-0. Paolo Maldini and company also eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the 2007 semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho will return to former club Chelsea in another mouth-watering clash. Mourinho won two league titles in England and turned the Blues into a powerhouse but Inter will enter the tie as underdogs.
And Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is, of course, no stranger to Inter after spending a successful stint as AC Milan boss.
United and Chelsea will have been eager to avoid the Italian giants, who represented two of the toughest challenges among the group runners-up. The news from Nyon poses early tests for England's top two contenders.
There was better news for Arsenal who will face FC Porto and will be favourites to progress.
Other ties will see Real Madrid play Lyon, Olympiakos take on Bordeaux and Bayern Munich square off against Fiorentina.
Barcelona against Stuttgart and CSKA Moscow facing Sevilla completes the draw.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
NBA: Nuggets left to sweat on Billups injury
A Carmelo Anthony-inspired Denver Nuggets battled to a 111-101 victory over the Houston Rockets but an injury to point guard Chauncey Billups put a dampener on the celebrations.
Billups, who had 15 first half points, limped from the court early in the third quarter after failing to shake off a groin injury and is now questionable for the Nuggets' trip to New Orleans on Friday.
In his absense, Anthony tormented the Rockets, finishing with 38 points and pushing the team to an impressive 19-7 record.
Chances are George Karl will take no chances with Billups' health. The Denver head coach hinted that his veteran leader might need to sit out for a couple of games and, with the Nuggets sitting pretty at the top of the Northwest Division, the former Finals MVP can afford to fully recover before returning to the action.
Nonetheless, the anxious faces in Denver as Billups headed to the locker room were a reminder of his huge importance to the Nuggets' Finals quest.
Billups, who had 15 first half points, limped from the court early in the third quarter after failing to shake off a groin injury and is now questionable for the Nuggets' trip to New Orleans on Friday.
In his absense, Anthony tormented the Rockets, finishing with 38 points and pushing the team to an impressive 19-7 record.
Chances are George Karl will take no chances with Billups' health. The Denver head coach hinted that his veteran leader might need to sit out for a couple of games and, with the Nuggets sitting pretty at the top of the Northwest Division, the former Finals MVP can afford to fully recover before returning to the action.
Nonetheless, the anxious faces in Denver as Billups headed to the locker room were a reminder of his huge importance to the Nuggets' Finals quest.
NFL: Weekend preview
A lookahead to Week 15:
Dallas @ New Orleans: Can the Cowboys end the Saints' streak? Much will depend on the Dallas defense and how effectively they can limit Drew Brees and the balanced New Orleans offense. The Cowboys have lost two straight and now trail the Eagles in the NFC East, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Saints, already confirmed as division winners, have shown a few flaws in recent escapes against the Redskins and Falcons but home support should be enough to continue Dallas' December woes. Expect the streak to hit 14.
Miami @ Tennessee: Both teams remain in the playoff hunt, making this a critical clash. If the playoffs began today neither side would make the cut but the Titans are bringing a lot of momentum to the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins bagged a big win over the Patriots and are within striking distance at 7-6. The running back battle could decide this one, though. Ricky Williams has shown he can still do a job for Miami at age 32 but Tennessee's Chris Johnson has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last eight games and his explosive speed should give the Titans the edge.
Cincinnati @ San Diego: The Bengals have been rocked by the tragic death of receiver Chris Henry and could be forgiven for not being at their best in this one. The Chargers are rolling towards the playoffs with an eight-game winning run and Philip Rivers has been untouchable in recent weeks. It is hard to believe that San Diego were ever 2-3. Cincinnati have weapons of their own but are faltering at the worst possible time and the Chargers should be too strong, even if Chad Ochocinco has a big game.
Dallas @ New Orleans: Can the Cowboys end the Saints' streak? Much will depend on the Dallas defense and how effectively they can limit Drew Brees and the balanced New Orleans offense. The Cowboys have lost two straight and now trail the Eagles in the NFC East, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Saints, already confirmed as division winners, have shown a few flaws in recent escapes against the Redskins and Falcons but home support should be enough to continue Dallas' December woes. Expect the streak to hit 14.
Miami @ Tennessee: Both teams remain in the playoff hunt, making this a critical clash. If the playoffs began today neither side would make the cut but the Titans are bringing a lot of momentum to the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins bagged a big win over the Patriots and are within striking distance at 7-6. The running back battle could decide this one, though. Ricky Williams has shown he can still do a job for Miami at age 32 but Tennessee's Chris Johnson has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last eight games and his explosive speed should give the Titans the edge.
Cincinnati @ San Diego: The Bengals have been rocked by the tragic death of receiver Chris Henry and could be forgiven for not being at their best in this one. The Chargers are rolling towards the playoffs with an eight-game winning run and Philip Rivers has been untouchable in recent weeks. It is hard to believe that San Diego were ever 2-3. Cincinnati have weapons of their own but are faltering at the worst possible time and the Chargers should be too strong, even if Chad Ochocinco has a big game.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NBA: The team tracker #4
The latest rankings:
1) Boston Celtics: With 11 straight wins, the Celtics are looking dominant and ready to represent the East come June. Contributions are coming from all over, as shown by the 110-105 victory over Memphis on Monday. Six players scored in double figures yet no one had more than 19 (Paul Pierce). This kind of teamwork makes Boston extremely tough to beat and Rajon Rondo is hitting top form. There is nothing much to worry about now on the road to a Christmas Day clash with the Magic.
2) LA Lakers: Kobe's Lakers finally dropped a game - in Utah - but there is little to fault when they have won nine of their last ten and have a two-game lead in the West. Bryant continues to lead the way, saving the Lakers in Chicago with a 42-point explosion and defying a broken finger in the process. With that kind of play, what is not to like? Trips to New Jersey and Detroit await them this week.
3) Orlando Magic: Dropping two straight for the first time this season has not knocked the Magic too much. After all, trips to Utah and Phoenix are hardly easy. Vince Carter continues to look a tidy bit of business and the bench is as good as anything in the league. Games with Miami and Portland will challenge Orlando this week.
4) Denver Nuggets: Things have not quite clicked but it is hard to grumble about a 18-7 start. Defensively, George Karl wants improvement but a gutsy win at home to Phoenix and a more comfortable one over the Thunder made it a decent week for Denver. The trip to New Orleans on Friday will test the Nuggets' rocky road form.
5) Atlanta Hawks: They have recovered well from a mini slump and have clawed back to level pegging with the Magic. A four-game winning streak and some inspired play from Joe Johnson has the Hawks soaring again. And they believe they can make it a 'big four' in the East. The visit of Utah will test the Hawks' defense before a trip to the struggling Bulls.
6) Dallas Mavericks: The win over the Hornets shows they can still win when Dirk Nowitzki has an off night and that is a great sign for Rick Carlisle. They have won their last four and have the luxury of easing Josh Howard back into the rotation. A December 27 clash with the Nuggets is an eye-catching fixture but first the Mavs must take care of the Thunder, Rockets and Cavs this week, which will be no easy feat.
7) Cleveland Cavaliers: They have won their last three but there are still areas for improvement - not that you would know it from the way LeBron James is playing. An 8-5 road record is the problem, especially when the Celtics have gone 12-1 on their travels this season. They could close in on the East's top three this week with games against the Sixers, Bucks and Mavs.
8) Utah Jazz: Two losses to Minnesota? Really? Deron Williams' 38-point effort was in vain as the Jazz dropped a shocker at home. And it is that inconsistency that must worry Jerry Sloan. At 14-10 they are in the thick of the playoff race but a road record of 3-6 is not good enough. They can make amends this week with trips to New Jersey, Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando.
9) Phoenix Suns: Big wins over Orlando and San Antonio have got the Suns believing again - and they could have had another in Denver on Friday. The Nash-Stoudemire combination is wreaking havoc and they are hot on the heels of the Nuggets and Mavs. There is no let up, though, with the Blazers, Wizards and Cavs on the schedule this week.
10) Houston Rockets: Their solid progress is one of the great stories so far this season. Written off after injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and the exit of Ron Artest, the Rockets have a 14-10 record and are in the playoff mix. Aaron Brooks is developing into a classy point guard and Carl Landry is on a roll off the bench but most of all it is teamwork that is carrying Houston. They will be tested in Denver and Dallas this week.
1) Boston Celtics: With 11 straight wins, the Celtics are looking dominant and ready to represent the East come June. Contributions are coming from all over, as shown by the 110-105 victory over Memphis on Monday. Six players scored in double figures yet no one had more than 19 (Paul Pierce). This kind of teamwork makes Boston extremely tough to beat and Rajon Rondo is hitting top form. There is nothing much to worry about now on the road to a Christmas Day clash with the Magic.
2) LA Lakers: Kobe's Lakers finally dropped a game - in Utah - but there is little to fault when they have won nine of their last ten and have a two-game lead in the West. Bryant continues to lead the way, saving the Lakers in Chicago with a 42-point explosion and defying a broken finger in the process. With that kind of play, what is not to like? Trips to New Jersey and Detroit await them this week.
3) Orlando Magic: Dropping two straight for the first time this season has not knocked the Magic too much. After all, trips to Utah and Phoenix are hardly easy. Vince Carter continues to look a tidy bit of business and the bench is as good as anything in the league. Games with Miami and Portland will challenge Orlando this week.
4) Denver Nuggets: Things have not quite clicked but it is hard to grumble about a 18-7 start. Defensively, George Karl wants improvement but a gutsy win at home to Phoenix and a more comfortable one over the Thunder made it a decent week for Denver. The trip to New Orleans on Friday will test the Nuggets' rocky road form.
5) Atlanta Hawks: They have recovered well from a mini slump and have clawed back to level pegging with the Magic. A four-game winning streak and some inspired play from Joe Johnson has the Hawks soaring again. And they believe they can make it a 'big four' in the East. The visit of Utah will test the Hawks' defense before a trip to the struggling Bulls.
6) Dallas Mavericks: The win over the Hornets shows they can still win when Dirk Nowitzki has an off night and that is a great sign for Rick Carlisle. They have won their last four and have the luxury of easing Josh Howard back into the rotation. A December 27 clash with the Nuggets is an eye-catching fixture but first the Mavs must take care of the Thunder, Rockets and Cavs this week, which will be no easy feat.
7) Cleveland Cavaliers: They have won their last three but there are still areas for improvement - not that you would know it from the way LeBron James is playing. An 8-5 road record is the problem, especially when the Celtics have gone 12-1 on their travels this season. They could close in on the East's top three this week with games against the Sixers, Bucks and Mavs.
8) Utah Jazz: Two losses to Minnesota? Really? Deron Williams' 38-point effort was in vain as the Jazz dropped a shocker at home. And it is that inconsistency that must worry Jerry Sloan. At 14-10 they are in the thick of the playoff race but a road record of 3-6 is not good enough. They can make amends this week with trips to New Jersey, Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando.
9) Phoenix Suns: Big wins over Orlando and San Antonio have got the Suns believing again - and they could have had another in Denver on Friday. The Nash-Stoudemire combination is wreaking havoc and they are hot on the heels of the Nuggets and Mavs. There is no let up, though, with the Blazers, Wizards and Cavs on the schedule this week.
10) Houston Rockets: Their solid progress is one of the great stories so far this season. Written off after injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and the exit of Ron Artest, the Rockets have a 14-10 record and are in the playoff mix. Aaron Brooks is developing into a classy point guard and Carl Landry is on a roll off the bench but most of all it is teamwork that is carrying Houston. They will be tested in Denver and Dallas this week.
Cricket: Kallis ton keeps England on back foot
Jacques Kallis scored a masterful unbeaten century as South Africa closed on 262-4 against England on day one of the First Test at Centurion.
Andrew Strauss' decision to field first looked promising when Stuart Broad removed South African captain Graeme Smith for a duck and the hosts were still stuttering at 93-3, despite Ashwell Prince's 45.
But Kallis pulled South Africa back into the game, ably supported by AB de Villiers (32) and then JP Duminy (38*). He finished on 112 not out - his sixth hundred against England - and his unbroken 103-run partnership with Duminy leaves the tourists in need of early wickets on day two.
Graeme Swann bowled manfully to take 2-61 from 24 overs but England will need more from Broad and Jimmy Anderson if they are to hit back and get into the South African tail.
Andrew Strauss' decision to field first looked promising when Stuart Broad removed South African captain Graeme Smith for a duck and the hosts were still stuttering at 93-3, despite Ashwell Prince's 45.
But Kallis pulled South Africa back into the game, ably supported by AB de Villiers (32) and then JP Duminy (38*). He finished on 112 not out - his sixth hundred against England - and his unbroken 103-run partnership with Duminy leaves the tourists in need of early wickets on day two.
Graeme Swann bowled manfully to take 2-61 from 24 overs but England will need more from Broad and Jimmy Anderson if they are to hit back and get into the South African tail.
Soccer: Birmingham continue fine run
Birmingham were tipped as relegation candidates by some pundits this season while others predicted a mid-table finish for Alex McLeish's side. But few expected the Blues to be knocking on the door of European places.
And that just goes to show how far hard graft can take you. Five straight Premier League wins - the latest a 2-1 victory at home to Blackburn with Cameron Jerome scoring twice - have moved Birmingham into the top six and they are muscling their way ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.
After the Blackburn game, McLeish told the media: "I am proud of the players and the fans should be too. They have shown a fantastic appetite and from where we started this season, we have proved a lot of people wrong."
Birmingham have shown they are no pushovers. If Liverpool and City do not correct their inconsistency soon, McLeish's upstarts might just leave them trailing.
And that just goes to show how far hard graft can take you. Five straight Premier League wins - the latest a 2-1 victory at home to Blackburn with Cameron Jerome scoring twice - have moved Birmingham into the top six and they are muscling their way ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.
After the Blackburn game, McLeish told the media: "I am proud of the players and the fans should be too. They have shown a fantastic appetite and from where we started this season, we have proved a lot of people wrong."
Birmingham have shown they are no pushovers. If Liverpool and City do not correct their inconsistency soon, McLeish's upstarts might just leave them trailing.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
NBA: Nuggets and Mavs roll on, Jazz stutter again against Timberwolves
Denver and Dallas continue to slug it out in the battle to be the West's second best team and both earned solid wins on Monday night.
Carmelo Anthony outdueled Oklahoma Thunder's Kevin Durant as the Nuggets moved to 18-7 with a 103-92 victory. Anthony had 31 points on 12-22 shooting while Durant managed 32, going 9-20 from the floor. Denver blew the game wide open in the second quarter, took a 15-point advantage to the locker room at half-time and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Mavs had to scrap to hold off the New Orleans Hornets to win 94-90 in Dallas. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 20 points and 16 assists but a big night from JJ Barea, who had 23 points on 10-13 shooting, helped the Mavs overcome a quiet night from Dirk Nowitzki. The big German had just 10 points.
But things did not go so swimmingly in Utah where the Jazz wasted a monster night from Deron Williams, falling to a 110-108 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams poured in 38 points to go with 13 helpers but it was T'Wolves rookie point guard Jonny Flynn who had the final say, scoring the game-winning layup to cap a 28-point career night. It was the Jazz's second loss to Minnesota this season.
Carmelo Anthony outdueled Oklahoma Thunder's Kevin Durant as the Nuggets moved to 18-7 with a 103-92 victory. Anthony had 31 points on 12-22 shooting while Durant managed 32, going 9-20 from the floor. Denver blew the game wide open in the second quarter, took a 15-point advantage to the locker room at half-time and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Mavs had to scrap to hold off the New Orleans Hornets to win 94-90 in Dallas. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 20 points and 16 assists but a big night from JJ Barea, who had 23 points on 10-13 shooting, helped the Mavs overcome a quiet night from Dirk Nowitzki. The big German had just 10 points.
But things did not go so swimmingly in Utah where the Jazz wasted a monster night from Deron Williams, falling to a 110-108 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams poured in 38 points to go with 13 helpers but it was T'Wolves rookie point guard Jonny Flynn who had the final say, scoring the game-winning layup to cap a 28-point career night. It was the Jazz's second loss to Minnesota this season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
