FOOTBALL NEWS
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
Suspension leaves Sathianathan surprised
KELANTAN coach B.Sathianathan has been suspended for six months by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for speaking against the association's policies.
In a July 27 Timesport article headlined "'Away game' upsets Sathianathan", the coach was quoted as saying that it was unfair to allow Terengganu to play their away game" against Perlis in Kuala Terengganu.Action, however, was not taken on T-Team coach Che Ku Marzuki Che Ku Mohd Nor, who also made negative remarks on the fixture in the same article.
Perlis were supposed to host Terengganu at the Kangar Stadium but the venue was unavailable for the match.
FAM then decided to move the match to the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, the home ground of the Terengganu team.
The FAM disciplinary committee, headed by Datuk Taufik Razak, suspended Sathianathan on Friday and a letter was faxed to the Kelantan FA (KAFA) headquarters in Kota Baru, on the same day.
Sathianathan, however, was only informed by Kafa yesterday.
The former national coach will now be banned from the team bench until his suspension ends in April.
Sathianathan said he was perplexed and bemused by the suspension.
"FAM informed me, in writing, to give a detailed explanation, a few days after my comments appeared in the papers. I did what they wanted," said Sathianathan yesterday.
"I did not hear from them again until now. I was, however, not asked to defend myself at the disciplinary committee meeting."
Sathiananthan said the suspension will definitely affect his players.
"Now, I am forced to watch my team play from the stands but it will not stop me from giving instruction to my players."
It is learnt that KAFA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is also an FAM deputy president, will appeal the suspension. FAM officials could not be reached for comments yesterday.
Read more...
In a July 27 Timesport article headlined "'Away game' upsets Sathianathan", the coach was quoted as saying that it was unfair to allow Terengganu to play their away game" against Perlis in Kuala Terengganu.Action, however, was not taken on T-Team coach Che Ku Marzuki Che Ku Mohd Nor, who also made negative remarks on the fixture in the same article.
Perlis were supposed to host Terengganu at the Kangar Stadium but the venue was unavailable for the match.
FAM then decided to move the match to the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, the home ground of the Terengganu team.
The FAM disciplinary committee, headed by Datuk Taufik Razak, suspended Sathianathan on Friday and a letter was faxed to the Kelantan FA (KAFA) headquarters in Kota Baru, on the same day.
Sathianathan, however, was only informed by Kafa yesterday.
The former national coach will now be banned from the team bench until his suspension ends in April.
Sathianathan said he was perplexed and bemused by the suspension.
"FAM informed me, in writing, to give a detailed explanation, a few days after my comments appeared in the papers. I did what they wanted," said Sathianathan yesterday.
"I did not hear from them again until now. I was, however, not asked to defend myself at the disciplinary committee meeting."
Sathiananthan said the suspension will definitely affect his players.
"Now, I am forced to watch my team play from the stands but it will not stop me from giving instruction to my players."
It is learnt that KAFA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is also an FAM deputy president, will appeal the suspension. FAM officials could not be reached for comments yesterday.
Read more...
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Capello hints at retirement after Euro
England coach Fabio Capello has announced that the England post will be his last in football as he plans to retire from the dugout following Euro 2012.
The 64-year-old -- who was considered fortunate to remain in the post after England's disappointing exit in the World Cup quarter-finals -- said at a book signing by a friend in Milan on Friday that he was too old to consider another coaching job.
"At the moment I think of nothing else but Euro 2012 with England," said Capello, who is regarded as one of the greatest club coaches.
"After that I will go into retirement.
"Unfortunately I am old, I no longer have the time: this will be my last experience on the bench."
Capello, who guided AC Milan to four league titles and the 1994 Champions League final where they overwhelmed Barcelona 4-0, has been coach of England since 2008.
While he easily qualified them for the World Cup finals, he received heavy criticism for how they performed in South Africa - eventually losing 4-1 to Germany - and was perhaps saved from the sack because he had extended his contract prior to the finals.
While they are unbeaten in their three Euro 2012 qualifiers they were held 0-0 by minnows Montenegro on Tuesday at Wembley and trail the Balkan country by three points, though, they have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
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The 64-year-old -- who was considered fortunate to remain in the post after England's disappointing exit in the World Cup quarter-finals -- said at a book signing by a friend in Milan on Friday that he was too old to consider another coaching job.
"At the moment I think of nothing else but Euro 2012 with England," said Capello, who is regarded as one of the greatest club coaches.
"After that I will go into retirement.
"Unfortunately I am old, I no longer have the time: this will be my last experience on the bench."
Capello, who guided AC Milan to four league titles and the 1994 Champions League final where they overwhelmed Barcelona 4-0, has been coach of England since 2008.
While he easily qualified them for the World Cup finals, he received heavy criticism for how they performed in South Africa - eventually losing 4-1 to Germany - and was perhaps saved from the sack because he had extended his contract prior to the finals.
While they are unbeaten in their three Euro 2012 qualifiers they were held 0-0 by minnows Montenegro on Tuesday at Wembley and trail the Balkan country by three points, though, they have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
Read more...
Friday, October 8, 2010
Under-23 up against heavyweights
THE national Under-23 football team are destined for an early flight home from the Guangzhou Asian Games on Nov 12-25 after being drawn with heavyweights China and Japan yesterday.
With only the six group winners and the two best runners-up advancing to the quarter-finals, Malaysia have little chance of extending their stay in Guangzhou beyond Nov 13.
But the experience of playing hosts China, 2002 silver medalists Japan and Kyrguzstan in Group A should hold K. Rajagobal's team in good stead for December's AFF Suzuki Cup in Jakarta.
Football kicks off on Nov 7 with the final scheduled for the last day of the Games.
MEN'S DRAW -- Group A: China, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan; Group B: Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain, Turkmenistan; Group C: South Korea, Palestine, Jordan, North Korea; Group D: Qatar, Kuwait, India, Singapore; Group E: Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangladesh; Group F: Iraq, Maldives, Oman, Thailand.
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With only the six group winners and the two best runners-up advancing to the quarter-finals, Malaysia have little chance of extending their stay in Guangzhou beyond Nov 13.
But the experience of playing hosts China, 2002 silver medalists Japan and Kyrguzstan in Group A should hold K. Rajagobal's team in good stead for December's AFF Suzuki Cup in Jakarta.
Football kicks off on Nov 7 with the final scheduled for the last day of the Games.
MEN'S DRAW -- Group A: China, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan; Group B: Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain, Turkmenistan; Group C: South Korea, Palestine, Jordan, North Korea; Group D: Qatar, Kuwait, India, Singapore; Group E: Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangladesh; Group F: Iraq, Maldives, Oman, Thailand.
Read more...
Nicol a step from glory
NICOL David is just a match away from finally exorcising the demons of four years ago after she stormed into the Commonwealth Games squash women's final at the Siri Fort Sports Complex last night.
There was no stopping Nicol as she thumped Australia's Kasey Brown 11-6, 11-3, 11-3 in 45 minutes and will meet England's Jenny Duncalf in the final today. Jenny beat compatriot Alison Waters 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 in the other semi-final.
The win looked effortless but Nicol said it was harder than it looked.
“It may have seemed like an easy win but it was a match of high intensity. She played some good squash but I played really well. I was moving effortlessly and felt really good on court,” said Nicol.
She looked good too as her drop shots caught Kasey several times but despite her good form, Nicol said the gold medal is not definite for her.
“I am in the final and that is a great feeling, especially after Melbourne four years ago. I desperately want to win but so does Jenny and both of us will come charging.”
Melbourne 2006 was a really low point in Nicol's career as not only did she not win gold but also failed to return with a medal after losing the bronze playoff.
“That was a big turning point in my career. I regrouped and took my game to a higher level after that.”
After all her domination of the women's game, and if she wins gold tonight, Nicol will complete the grand slam of squash.
The men's final will also see the top seed in action after England's Nick Matthew proved his class with a quality performance against teammate Peter Barker, beating him 11-9, 11-2, 11-9.
Matthew dominated from the start, frustrating Barker with some quality drop shots and forcing errors, to claim the first game 11-9.
The second game saw tempers flare as Barker lost his cool and punched the glass frame of the court after a decision went against him. Matthew continued attacking his opponent to win the second game 11-2.
Matthew continued the dominance and put on a clinical display in the third game, winning it 11-9.
The other semi-final between Malaysia's Azlan Iskandar and England's James Willstrop was played late last night.
Read more...
There was no stopping Nicol as she thumped Australia's Kasey Brown 11-6, 11-3, 11-3 in 45 minutes and will meet England's Jenny Duncalf in the final today. Jenny beat compatriot Alison Waters 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 in the other semi-final.
The win looked effortless but Nicol said it was harder than it looked.
“It may have seemed like an easy win but it was a match of high intensity. She played some good squash but I played really well. I was moving effortlessly and felt really good on court,” said Nicol.
She looked good too as her drop shots caught Kasey several times but despite her good form, Nicol said the gold medal is not definite for her.
“I am in the final and that is a great feeling, especially after Melbourne four years ago. I desperately want to win but so does Jenny and both of us will come charging.”
Melbourne 2006 was a really low point in Nicol's career as not only did she not win gold but also failed to return with a medal after losing the bronze playoff.
“That was a big turning point in my career. I regrouped and took my game to a higher level after that.”
After all her domination of the women's game, and if she wins gold tonight, Nicol will complete the grand slam of squash.
The men's final will also see the top seed in action after England's Nick Matthew proved his class with a quality performance against teammate Peter Barker, beating him 11-9, 11-2, 11-9.
Matthew dominated from the start, frustrating Barker with some quality drop shots and forcing errors, to claim the first game 11-9.
The second game saw tempers flare as Barker lost his cool and punched the glass frame of the court after a decision went against him. Matthew continued attacking his opponent to win the second game 11-2.
Matthew continued the dominance and put on a clinical display in the third game, winning it 11-9.
The other semi-final between Malaysia's Azlan Iskandar and England's James Willstrop was played late last night.
Read more...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
England, Australia poised to dominate
CYCLING at the Commonwealth Games will be as notable for the big names missing as much as the riders gunning for glory.
A string of top stars have pulled out diminishing the quality of competition but also giving the event a fresh look.
Hosts India are competing for the first time in 32 years but are not seen as serious contenders with Australia and England expected to dominate.
England go into the road events with a team including young world class stars Lizzie Armitstead and Alex Dowsett.
They line up with experienced riders such as Jeremy Hunt, Russell Downing and Emma Pooley, who arrives fresh from winning the world time trial title in Australia.
But the International Cycling Union's decision to use November's European Championships as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics has meant some top names, including Olympic champions Victoria Pendleton and Chris Hoy, will be absent.
Olympic team pursuit gold medallist Geraint Thomas pulled out, saying he was not prepared to risk his health in New Delhi, with reports of an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue, as well as issues of sanitation in the village.
Sarah Storey, meanwhile, will be the first Paralympian to compete for England in able-bodied sport at the Commonwealth Games, as part of the track team.
"We have selected a young track team for the Commonwealth Games to give England's rising stars an opportunity to experience a large scale multi-event competition as they're preparing for their first Olympics," head coach Shane Sutton said.
Cycling, first included in the 1934 London Games, will feature 14 track events and two road events, with 30 medals up for grabs for the men and 24 for the women.
Mark Cavendish, of the Isle of Man, who brings the curtain down on his season in Delhi, took a gold in the men's track cycling scratch event in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006.
Seven world champions, led by 2004 Olympic and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Anna Meares, have been named in the Australian team.
They will look to replicate their dominant performance on both road and track at the Melbourne 2006 Games and the recent World Track Championships where they finished as the number one ranked country.
However Mark Renshaw, who was famously thrown off the Tour de France for head-butting a rival, withdrew because of health reasons.
Renshaw has been replaced by Michael Matthews who won the world under-23 road race title in Geelong last week.
New Zealand road cyclist Greg Henderson pulled out over concerns about health and security.
Cyclists were putting their final preparations together at the velodrome yesterday ahead of today's track cycling, when three gold medals will be up for grabs.
Read more...
A string of top stars have pulled out diminishing the quality of competition but also giving the event a fresh look.
Hosts India are competing for the first time in 32 years but are not seen as serious contenders with Australia and England expected to dominate.
England go into the road events with a team including young world class stars Lizzie Armitstead and Alex Dowsett.
They line up with experienced riders such as Jeremy Hunt, Russell Downing and Emma Pooley, who arrives fresh from winning the world time trial title in Australia.
But the International Cycling Union's decision to use November's European Championships as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics has meant some top names, including Olympic champions Victoria Pendleton and Chris Hoy, will be absent.
Olympic team pursuit gold medallist Geraint Thomas pulled out, saying he was not prepared to risk his health in New Delhi, with reports of an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue, as well as issues of sanitation in the village.
Sarah Storey, meanwhile, will be the first Paralympian to compete for England in able-bodied sport at the Commonwealth Games, as part of the track team.
"We have selected a young track team for the Commonwealth Games to give England's rising stars an opportunity to experience a large scale multi-event competition as they're preparing for their first Olympics," head coach Shane Sutton said.
Cycling, first included in the 1934 London Games, will feature 14 track events and two road events, with 30 medals up for grabs for the men and 24 for the women.
Mark Cavendish, of the Isle of Man, who brings the curtain down on his season in Delhi, took a gold in the men's track cycling scratch event in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006.
Seven world champions, led by 2004 Olympic and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Anna Meares, have been named in the Australian team.
They will look to replicate their dominant performance on both road and track at the Melbourne 2006 Games and the recent World Track Championships where they finished as the number one ranked country.
However Mark Renshaw, who was famously thrown off the Tour de France for head-butting a rival, withdrew because of health reasons.
Renshaw has been replaced by Michael Matthews who won the world under-23 road race title in Geelong last week.
New Zealand road cyclist Greg Henderson pulled out over concerns about health and security.
Cyclists were putting their final preparations together at the velodrome yesterday ahead of today's track cycling, when three gold medals will be up for grabs.
Read more...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Vietnam to settle old scores with Malaysia
MALAYSIA will face arch rivals Vietnam in a rematch of last year's Laos Sea Games final in the opening match of the Millennium Cup (Under-23 tournament) in Ho Chi Minh City today.
Vietnam are hungry for revenge after they were edged 1-0 by Malaysia in the Sea Games final and the hosts have the perfect opportunity to settle scores in front of their passionate fans.
National coach K. Rajagobal hopes his players will be able to hold their nerves when facing Vietnam.
"It will, no doubt, be a difficult match as Vietnam are a good team. It will be good test for my players. Of course, I want a good result," said Rajagobal, who named 20 players for the tournament.
This is the first competitive tournament for the national Asian Games squad since last December's Sea Games.
"It is a perfect opportunity for me to gauge my players in a competitive environment. Those who impress will certainly earn a place in my Asian Games squad," he said.
The coach is also hoping to use the tournament to find an able replacement for striker Zaquan Adha Radzak, who has been ruled out of the Guangzhou Asian Games with a serious knee injury.
In Zaquan's absence, Norsharul Idlan Talaha and Ahmad Fakri Saarani, who both featured in the Laos Sea Games, will lead the strike force in Vietnam.
"There are other options but we will see how they (Norsharul and Fakri) perform in Vietnam," added Rajagobal.
The national team's other matches are against Iran on Thursday and Singapore on Saturday.
Read more...
Vietnam are hungry for revenge after they were edged 1-0 by Malaysia in the Sea Games final and the hosts have the perfect opportunity to settle scores in front of their passionate fans.
National coach K. Rajagobal hopes his players will be able to hold their nerves when facing Vietnam.
"It will, no doubt, be a difficult match as Vietnam are a good team. It will be good test for my players. Of course, I want a good result," said Rajagobal, who named 20 players for the tournament.
This is the first competitive tournament for the national Asian Games squad since last December's Sea Games.
"It is a perfect opportunity for me to gauge my players in a competitive environment. Those who impress will certainly earn a place in my Asian Games squad," he said.
The coach is also hoping to use the tournament to find an able replacement for striker Zaquan Adha Radzak, who has been ruled out of the Guangzhou Asian Games with a serious knee injury.
In Zaquan's absence, Norsharul Idlan Talaha and Ahmad Fakri Saarani, who both featured in the Laos Sea Games, will lead the strike force in Vietnam.
"There are other options but we will see how they (Norsharul and Fakri) perform in Vietnam," added Rajagobal.
The national team's other matches are against Iran on Thursday and Singapore on Saturday.
Read more...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Mancini: Chelsea still title favourites
Roberto Mancini claimed Chelsea will still win the Premier League title, despite seeing his Manchester City side hand the London club their first defeat of the season.
The defending champions, winners of their five opening league games, were defeated 1-0 at Eastlands thanks to a second half goal from City's new captain and Argentina international forward Carlos Tevez.
The result came just 24 hours after City manager Mancini had claimed Chelsea would win the title "easily" although the result did nothing to alter the Italian's prediction.
"Chelsea are still the best team in the Premier League and probably they will still win the title," he said.
"It's not possible for them to score four or five goals every game and sometimes they will have days like today (Saturdaty). I know that.
"For us, it is important we stay focused and think of the next game. We are without a lot of important players at the moment because they are injured.
"We must continue to work hard every game and not think, because we have won this one game, that everything is okay.
"But this should help us work better and realise that if everyone works hard, anything is possible."
The victory by English football's wealthiest club came at the end of a frustrating week in which they had exited the League Cup at West Brom.
City have also had setbacks in the league, losing at Sunderland and dropping home points against Blackburn.
"This is football and this is why football is a fantastic sport," said Mancini.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted City do have the credentials to win the title, a seemingly reasonable assessment given that City have now beaten his team three consecutive times.
"I think so," said Ancelotti when quizzed about their title chances.
"They are growing fast and will have a chance to win the title. But I also think we have the possibility to win the title again."
Read more...
The defending champions, winners of their five opening league games, were defeated 1-0 at Eastlands thanks to a second half goal from City's new captain and Argentina international forward Carlos Tevez.
The result came just 24 hours after City manager Mancini had claimed Chelsea would win the title "easily" although the result did nothing to alter the Italian's prediction.
"Chelsea are still the best team in the Premier League and probably they will still win the title," he said.
"It's not possible for them to score four or five goals every game and sometimes they will have days like today (Saturdaty). I know that.
"For us, it is important we stay focused and think of the next game. We are without a lot of important players at the moment because they are injured.
"We must continue to work hard every game and not think, because we have won this one game, that everything is okay.
"But this should help us work better and realise that if everyone works hard, anything is possible."
The victory by English football's wealthiest club came at the end of a frustrating week in which they had exited the League Cup at West Brom.
City have also had setbacks in the league, losing at Sunderland and dropping home points against Blackburn.
"This is football and this is why football is a fantastic sport," said Mancini.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted City do have the credentials to win the title, a seemingly reasonable assessment given that City have now beaten his team three consecutive times.
"I think so," said Ancelotti when quizzed about their title chances.
"They are growing fast and will have a chance to win the title. But I also think we have the possibility to win the title again."
Read more...
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