NRL, Tennis, Soccer - In sport. In here - by LuckyWill

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NRL, Tennis, Soccer - In sport. In here - August 2006

World Cup 2010 Goes Down Under?

August 31st 2006 05:20

Ready and Waitiing

The history of Australian soccer is riddled with memories of close calls, near-misses and always a little bit of luck.

The Socceroos had a slim chance of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup Finals when they lost their opening match 1-0 to Uruguay in 2005. However, Australia lifted in the second and final match to edge out their opposition in a thrilling penalty shootout to decide the match. Some brilliant saves by goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, and goals by Vidmar, Kewell, Neil and finally Aloisi, ensured that Australia made it through.

Like all the finalists, Australia was placed into a group with 3 other teams in order for a round robin to take place. The Socceroos met some tough opponents, but managed to edge out Croatia and Japan to steal second place and a ticket to round 2 of the competition. They did so in fine form, managing a 3-1 win over Japan, a close loss to Brazil, and a 2-2 draw with Croatia. This saw them face up against Italy in round 2, falling short (1-0) in the final seconds when a dubious penalty shot was awarded against them.

After all the drama and excitement, Australia has decided that it wants to host the next World Cup in 2010. The current system in place for selecting host candidates is one of a rotation format. Through this system, FIFA has decided that South Africa will host the cup in 2010, South America in 2014, and Oceania (us) in 2018. However there are growing concerns surrounding the African nation that it may not be ready in time. If this is the case and they are stripped of hosting rights, responsibility would fall to Brazil, South America since they are next in line. Brazil is not ready for such an undertaking just yet as their stadiums wont be ready until their own deadline of 2014. That only leaves Australia.

The Football Federation Australia (FFA) would be well within rights to suggest it. Due to the success of Rugby League, AFL and now the A-League, we already have a few stadiums capable of meeting requirements. There are five so far; Melbourne X2, Sydney X2, and Brisbane, with a sixth due for construction in Perth. However Australia doesn’t have enough to do it alone and would require the assistance of New Zealands 3 Rugby Union stadiums to make up the numbers.

Realising the danger of losing the tournament, the South African government has devoted a huge portion of its resources to the project, spending almost AU$1 billion on construction and restoration of new stadiums, as well as a further AU$1.6 billion on public transport and airports. This of course is considered merely as an investment if you take into account the statistics from Germany. Just over 3.3 million tourists packed the stadiums in Germany to attend the various games. Throughout the cities were millions more, watching on the many big screens, seeing the sites, and some just there to soak up the atmosphere of an event, larger in attendance and prestige than the Olympic Games Itself. Based on the influx of tourism, billions of dollars were poured back into the country’s economy. Television rights also saw considerable profit as well over a billion tuned in to watch the each game live.

They will work hard for it and so will we. It’s a long shot but long shots have paid off before

Ciao

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Posted By: LuckyWill - Category: Todays Sporting Mega Moments

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The Parramatta Chronicles - Eels Edge Closer

August 30th 2006 03:02

So...Can They Do It?

Hello All

Welcome to the weekly update on the Eels progress toward a hopeful Grand Final victory. Like most teams in the competition this year, the Eels have endured many hardships on their journey to the top eight. Through injuries, suspensions and club departures it’s amazing that the squad was able to hold together long enough to get this far.

Their problems began early; starting off the year with only two wins from eleven starts. The power and enthusiasm which got them to the minor premiership in 2005, seemed to have disappeared as they sank ever lower into a lengthy form slump.

Supporters wanted blood and, unfortunately, it was their coach, Brian Smith, offered up as the sacrifice. Players attempted to defend their coach, claiming that it was their own fault for the poor performances. However this only fuelled the fire, laying new claims that there was air of self-doubt circling the Parramatta camp and poor Smith was at the very centre of it. Parramatta chief executive, Denis Fitzgerald defended him early in May, claiming “he’s here, for the season” but within a fortnight, Smith revealed he was leaving the club effective immediately.

Replacement coach, Jason Taylor, as his first act of business dropped halfback, Tim Smith, and Hooker, Mark Riddell, for their drunken off field antics. Cayless and Hindmarsh nearly followed suit after causing trouble at a local casino. Luckily for the Eels, they escaped the judiciary unscathed.

In round 12 the Eels lost prop Paul Stringer to a back injury but found some form to beat the Roosters in a thriller. Tim Smith re-entered the side after his replacement, Jeremy Smith, was suspended for pushing a referee.

Round 15 and the Eels kick off a nine match winning streak with a victory over the Bunnies. They are still placed 14th (2nd last) on the ladder but things would get better.

For their round 19 clash with the Warriors, the Eels had some good news with the return of injury ravaged Ben Smith, and the suspended Jeremy Smith. However the good news was soured by the loss of their half back, Tim Smith, to a broken collarbone. Their injuries were beginning to pile up with their winger, Timana Tahu, out until the finals; props Michael Vella, Justin Tsoulos and Aaron Cannings were out with season ending ankle and shoulder injuries. Front-rower Adam Peek also saw his season end prematurely with a damaged cheek bone.

Fuifui Moimoi made an abrupt departure from the team when his arm nearly decapitated a surging Brent Kite in their round 21 clash with the Eagles. Had he fought the charge, he could have been gone for as long as 10 weeks, however an early guilty plea meant he would be back for the second week of the finals if his team could make it that far, with a downgrade to just seven weeks. Wade McKinnon was also absent with a damaged shoulder.

Finally, in round 22, the Eels cracked the top eight. Just two months after battling to avoid the wooden spoon, they were now considered as one of the front-runners to take the premiership trophy.

Now as the Eels prepare for their all-important clash with the Cowboys on Friday night, their situation is this:
Their Captain, Nathan Cayless, has been added to the casualty list with a fractured eye socket. Jeremy Smith is also ruled out with a broken hand. With any luck, Tim Smith and Michael Vella will make surprise comebacks from apparently season ending injuries. They have also just received news that Timana Tahu is set for a shock return if the Eels can make the 3rd week of the finals.

The Eels may have lost their last match but they still have everything to play for. They currently stand 7th on the ladder with 28 points. Above them is the Dragons(6th), Knights(5th), and Broncos(4th) all on 30 points. The Knights are out of reach with a bye in the final round. Best case scenario, for the Eels, would be fifth spot but it will require some luck. Should the Eels win on Friday and the Roosters manage an upset over the Dragons; Parramatta will finish ahead of them with a superior points differential. They would then need the Warriors to beat Brisbane by a significant margin to have any chance of sneaking their way into fifth. All teams will be desperate for a win this weekend to avoid playing Melbourne or the Dogs in the first week of the finals.

If Parra have it in them, now’s the time to show it.

The Parramatta Chronicles Will return next Monday (September 4) Until then, please enjoy my other article ‘Andre Agassi, the legend lives on.’

Ciao

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Posted By: LuckyWill - Category: The Parramatta Chronicles

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Andrei Agassi - The Legend Lives On

August 30th 2006 03:02

Lives to Fight Another Day

Like No Other

Andre Agassi is one of the most well known people in the history of tennis and has certainly worked hard to achieve that honour. He began his professional career in 1986, 20 long years ago and has consistently threatened the top players in the game the whole time. Now his retirement looms at the end of this tournament and the hopes and expectations of the world are on his shoulders. He took the court with a tear in his eye for his 21st US Open appearance and he planned on going out a winner, rather than forced out by a loss. His opponent would be the 75th ranked Andrei Pavel. The crowd was on edge and rightly so as a thriller unfolded before their eyes.

Andrei Agassi won his first title in Itaparica in 1987 and since then, with the exception of 97, he has added at least one more title every year until now. His current portfolio stands at 60 singles titles and a further 30 runner-up performances. He has managed to win the Australian Open four times, US Open twice and Wimbledon once. In 1999, Agassi became only the 5th person in history to win each of the Grand Slams, by taking the French in Roland Garos. Agassi is the only player in the open era to have won every Grand Slam singles title, the Masters, the Davis Cup, and an Olympic Gold medal. Agassi now stands on the verge of becoming the oldest winner of a Grand Slam if he can win the US Open, a fitting end to his illustrious career. Unfortunately many hopefuls stand in his way.

He has certainly proved his worth over the years, maintaining an 868-273 win/loss record. In 1995 his efforts were rewarded, edging past Sampras to become the world number one; not a simple task considering the latter is a 14-time Grand Slam winner who held the top spot for several years before and after Agassi. He regained the title for brief periods during 96, 99, 2000, and 2003. In fact, since Agassi entered the top 10 in 1988, he has only spent a total of 5 years outside it. That is a phenomenal achievement considering just how long he has been playing.

During his career he has amassed over US$31million in prize money, which he donated to various charities including the Agassi Foundation for underprivileged children.

But back to the game.

The crowd was excited before the first ball was even hit and it was clear who they wanted to win. The first set opened with Agassi storming to a 2-0 lead only to be broken straight back as both players felt around for that elusive “zone.” Soon they were trading baseline blows; running one another ragged across the court. The remainder of the set went on serve and it was Pavel who prevailed 7-4 in the tiebreaker. The second set was no easier. Agassi fought off a relentless attack on his serve to hold at 4-4 before it too ended in a tiebreaker. This time it was Agassi who held on to win it 10-8. With the sets level and the crowd against him, Pavel went for broke; smashing winners and running Agassi off the court. There were growing concerns that his lower back problem may start up again or his fitness may give out, especially as the match wore on.

“When I was in Wimbledon, it was an hour fifteen, an hour thirty and I was having a hard time standing. To be out there for that long gives me hope for what I can push myself through right now” (said Agassi at a press conference)

Pavel cruised to a four love lead and the set looked all but over. Suddenly Agassi made the call to change his racket. The new one would have a higher string tension giving greater power but less control. His altered game plan obviously worked, as Agassi took the next five games with relative ease. Once again they headed into a tiebreaker which Agassi took with a devastating forehand winner. The fourth set was almost a no contest as the former champ raced away to take the match 6-7(7-4), 7-6(10-8), 7-6(8-6), 6-2.

He was overwhelmed by the support and took a long time soaking it in. “you know how special it is, it feels very special to be out there”

After a 3.5 hour match, he seemed fit and well, but he’ll need to be for his next opponent; the wild Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis. So will he win it?

“Stick around to see if I can do that. I mean, you know, miracles can happen, for sure.”

Stay tuned, Ciao

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