Page 336 - Sports
Pep Guardiola lends support to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that he understands Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer position, as the latter is facing a lot of criticism for his club's recent defeats."I understand his position perfectly. We are alone, I am alone and that's why I understand completely his position. It happened to me, it happened to all the managers around the world. We can sustain it if we win, if we don't we are in danger," Goal.com quoted Guardiola, as saying."That is the reality, we have to accept it. It is what it is. I understand perfectly and I am with him, I support him, honestly," he added.Solskjaer's side, recently, faced an embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Everton. Moreover, they were ousted from the Champions League after Barcelona handed them a 4-0 (aggregate) defeat in the quarter-finals.Solskjaer, who was brought in initially as an interim replacement for Jose Mourinho in December last year, was appointed as Manchester United's full-time manager last month on a ..
Harrison Barnes to visit India to promote NBA India Games
NBA champion Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings will visit India from April 28 to promote the upcoming NBA India Games 2019 and continued growth of basketball in the country. Barnes, a 68 forward who won the NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, will come to Delhi on April 28 and visit Mumbai on April 30, the National Basketball Association said in a statement on Wednesday. He will again go to Delhi on May 3 to attend the national finals of the fourth ACG-NBA Jump, India's national basketball talent search programme. "The trip to India will be a great opportunity for me to get a sneak peak into the local culture before the upcoming pre-season games in Mumbai this October," Barnes said. "I look forward to being a part of this historic event, and I'm excited to help support the NBA's various basketball development initiatives in India," he added.
Victory against India, Pak has boosted our confidence ahead of World Cup: Australian all-rounder Stoinis
Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has said that his team's confidence has boosted significantly after their recent ODI victories against India and Pakistan."I think everyone is really confident. To win eight games in a row away from home was very important for us. We needed it. We had lost a lot of games over the last year or so," ICC quoted Stoinis, as saying."It's good timing. Everyone started to believe in each other and we started to play well as a team," ICC further quoted Stoinis, as saying.This confidence displayed by the 29-year old should not come as a surprise as his side has won eight straight one-day international matches and that too away from home.They vanquished India after coming back from 2-0 down in a five-match ODI series and then registered a clean sweep over Pakistan in the UAE.Stoinis, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore, stated that cricket is all about minor details and they learnt from their defeats as
Twitter flooded with wishes as Tendulkar turns 46
Termed by many as the 'God of Cricket', Sachin Tendulkar turned 46 on Wednesday as fans and people from different sports fields wished him on the occasion. Social media, specially Twitter, is overflowing with wishes for the Master Blaster with hashtags like -- 'Happy Birthday Sachin' and 'God of Cricket'.
Point to prove for Karthik as KKR take on Royals (Preview)
Under the pump for the first time as Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) skipper, Dinesh Karthik's leadership skills and own form will be keenly observed when his team takes on Rajasthan Royals in a must-win Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter for both outfits, here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Atletico Madrid bring football to cricket-mad Pakistan
The sight of Pakistani children playing football is a rarity in a country in which the vast majority of sports fans follow cricket, and only cricket.
On top of Asia: Indian boxers aim to continue marauding run in semis
The men have already equalled their best ever medal haul, while the women have maintained their consistent domination to put India on top of the standings ahead of the semifinals of the Asian Boxing Championships here on Thursday. Thirteen of the country's boxers -- seven men and six women -- are assured of at least bronze medals after advancing to the last-four stage of the marquee continental championship. The performance has placed India ahead of powerhouses Kazakhstan (seven men and four women) and China (two men and eight women). The men in medal rounds are Deepak Singh (49kg), Amit Panghal (52kg), Kavinder Singh Bisht (56kg), Shiva Thapa (60kg), Ashish (69kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg). Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Manisha (54kg), Sonia Chahal (57kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Simranjit Kaur (64kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) make up India's representation in the women's semifinals. Wednesday is rest day in the tournament, being held simultaneously for men and women for the ...
Recalling Sachin's 5 best innings in the World Cup as 'Master Blaster' turns 46
Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar turns 46 on today, April 24. Famously known as 'Little Master,' Sachin was born this day in 1973 in Maharashtra.Legendary cricketer stepped on the field of cricket on November 15, 1989, while made his one day international (ODI) debut on December 18, 1989.Only 16 when he debuted, Sachin played sublime cricket throughout his cricketing career, which lasted for 24 years.Tendulkar amassed 18,426 runs in ODI and is 4,192 runs ahead of the second positioned batsman Kumar Sangakkara.Moreover, he is atop the list of 'most runs' in the longest-format, accumulating 15,921 runs.Tendulkar featured in six World Cups and here is a list of some great knocks played by Tendulkar in the premier tournament:Master blaster, at the age of 22, played an impeccable inning of 90 runs at his home ground in Mumbai.India was chasing a target of 259 runs against the best bowlers in the game, at the time, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.But Tendulkar did not show any ...
Struggling KKR seek turnaround against Rajasthan Royals
His job safe for now, skipper Dinesh Karthik will be praying for a turnaround in the fortunes of a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders, as they meet Rajasthan Royals in the IPL here Thursday. KKR have suffered five defeats on the trot, exposing their over-reliance on Andre Russell, and Karthik has copped criticism for not promoting the big-hitting West Indian up the order. Chosen ahead of the young Rishabh Pant in the World Cup squad in a debatable decision, the Tamil Nadu veteran, who was KKR's leading run-getter last season, is struggling for runs with an average of 16.71 from nine outings. Facing a must-win situation ahead of the remaining four matches, head coach Jacques Kallis has backed the under-fire skipper to script a 2014-like turnaround when they won their second title with nine wins in a row. The frustration in the team management was palpable when Karthik, along with other under-performing India players, including Kuldeep Yadav, were given a couple of days break following ...
Malinga is Sri Lanka's key bowler for upcoming World Cup: Chaminda Vaas
Former Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas has said that Lasith Malinga will be the key bowler for the team in the upcoming Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30."He has given 100 per cent to the team. We have seen him playing in Mumbai in IPL on one day and playing in Sri Lanka in a domestic tournament the next day. It shows the commitment he has and the commitment he has to the team and the country," the International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Vaas as saying on Wednesday."He will be the key for Sri Lanka cricket in the upcoming World Cup," he said."There is no doubt that Malinga is one of the best in the world and the best in Sri Lanka. We depend on him as a bowler, and he showed his leadership qualities," he added.Sri Lanka announced the 15-member team for the World Cup last week and Vaas believes that the selectors have done the right thing in selecting the players they have despite the team's poor performance in the ODI format over the past year."For the last few months, Sri Lanka ..
Old Trafford 'not scary' for City any more: Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday (local time) claimed that Old Trafford, the home ground for Manchester United, is not scary any more for his team.Guardiola's comments came before the match between Manchester City and Manchester United."The reason why is the fact this club in the last decade grew a lot and it's not scary to go there. Before it was maybe more difficult. But the players Manchester City have had in the last decade have made this game a little bit more equal," goal.com quoted Guardiola, as saying.United are going through a blip in form and they suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat against Everton. Guardiola, however, is expecting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer side to bring their 'A' game in a heated derby match."I expect the best United, I'm sure. Football players try to do their best, and that's going to happen. We prepare for their strong points and weak points," Guardiola said."It's a derby and all the times we play against United, the derbies are always special ...
Would've been dropped by now in other teams: Watson
After helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) return to winning ways by smashing a brilliant 96-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), opener Shane Watson admitted that he was due for runs and added that he was grateful to skipper M.S. Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming for the faith they showed in him.
Liverpool reveal pre-season tour to United States
Premier League title contenders Liverpool will head to the United States for their pre-season tour ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, the club announced on Tuesday. Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League by two points, have announced three friendlies in the US to fine-tune their preparations for next season. The Reds will take on manager Jurgen Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund in the first competitive soccer match in the University of Notre Dame's 77,000-capacity stadium in Indiana, on July 19. Liverpool then fly to Boston where they will play Sevilla on July 21 at Fenway Park -- home of the Boston Red Sox, the other prized asset in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group's portfolio. Their final match of the tour is against Sporting Lisbon on July 24 at Yankee Stadium in New York. "We're heading to three incredible locations this year," said Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer. "Each of the stadiums has their own deep-rooted heritage similar to our own .
Guardiola hits backs at Solskjaer's 'tactical' fouling jibe
Pep Guardiola has slammed suggestions from Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that Manchester City are guilty of "tactical" fouling in an attempt to stop rivals from counter-attacking. Solskjaer, talking before the crucial Manchester derby between the sides at Old Trafford on Wednesday, made reference to City's supposed habit of fouling high up the field to stop opponents hitting them on the break if Guardiola's players are out of position. But City boss Guardiola did not take kindly to that analysis and appeared to accuse Solskjaer of trying to influence referee Andre Marriner, who will take charge of the derby. "That's the reason why, of course," said Guardiola when asked if he was concerned Solskjaer's comments might be intended to influence the referee. "I know exactly what I said to my players from day one to the last day. "So when a player wants to attack, we have to be honest and, of course, there is contact, there are fouls. "But when it happens and you arrive ...
Solskjaer warns United will have to wait for next Premier League title
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on Tuesday that Manchester United will not be capable of competing for the Premier League title next season in a stark assessment of the current gulf between his side and Wednesday's opponents Manchester City. United take on City at Old Trafford on Wednesday 22 points behind the reigning champions and 24 adrift of leaders Liverpool, despite coach Solskjaer initially going a dozen league games unbeaten after succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho. The weekend's 4-0 hammering at Everton was their third defeat in their five matches since and the 46-year-old called for patience when asked if he thought his squad was capable of competing for the title next season. "I don't think we've got the consistency to do that," said the former United striker. "Over the last 18 games, we're not far away from them but it's doing it over the course of a season. "We've done it for half a season now. Let's see. You can never say never." - 'Realistic' - =============== United ...
At times you must wipe off failure to move on: Stokes
Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes took the Indian Premier League by storm in 2017 as he finished his debut season in the cash-rich league with 316 runs and 12 wickets from 12 games. However, post the high of that opening season, the Englishman struggled in 2018. And even this year, he has managed to score just 112 runs and picked six wickets from 8 games. But for the all-rounder, it is more important to move on, be the past bright or gloomy.
Long breaks fastest goal record as Gray snatches late point for Watford
Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history on Tuesday after netting just 7.69 seconds into his side's 1-1 draw at Watford, who snatched a point thanks to Andre Gray's late equaliser. Long's record-breaking goal came immediately after the kick-off when he blocked a clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart, allowing the Republic of Ireland international to dink a cool finish over Ben Foster. The 32-year-old's effort surpassed the previous fastest Premier League goal, scored by Tottenham defender Ledley King in 9.9 seconds against Bradford in December 2000. "It's a record, is it?" Long told Sky Sports News with a grin after the game. "Straight from the kick-off we wanted to put them under pressure. 99 times out of a hundred you block it and it doesn't work but this time it did." Long's historic goal, just his fourth this season, didn't prove to be the winner at Vicarage Road after Gray's 90th minute equaliser for the FA Cup finalists but ...
Messi rested as win over Alaves edges Barca closer to the title
Barcelona will win La Liga on Wednesday if Atletico Madrid lose to Valencia after a 2-0 victory over Alaves gave them a 12-point lead at the top of the table. Lionel Messi started on the bench at Mendizorrotza on Tuesday in a move that made clear just how comfortable Barca are in this title race, its conclusion surely now only a matter of when rather than if. Should Atletico avoid defeat to Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano, the Catalans will still be crowned champions on Saturday at the Camp Nou with a victory over Levante. They could even have it wrapped up before kick-off on Saturday if Atletico fail to take at least four points from Valencia and Real Valladolid, the latter whom they face a few hours earlier on Saturday. "It's an incredibly valuable win," coach Ernesto Valverde said. "In the end however much as people say the league is won, it has to be achieved on the field. "We are at the gates now, needing three points more with four games ahead. It is an immense joy to be in .
Iniesta named captain at Vissel Kobe
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has been handed the captain's armband at J-League outfit Vissel Kobe, the club announced, part of a shake-up following the sacking of their manager last week. The club tweeted a picture of Iniesta holding the armband announcing him as the new captain, with Japan international defender Daigo Nishi and midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi named as co-captains. World Cup-winning Iniesta, who lifted 32 major trophies with Barcelona, signed for Kobe last May in a historic J-League deal worth a reported $30 million a year. The 34-year-old plays alongside fellow veterans former Germany striker Lukas Podolski and former Barca and Spain team mate David-Villa. Vissel were expected to mount a serious challenge for the J-League title with the 34-year-old's arrival but are languishing in mid-table with just 10 points from eight games so far. The mediocre start to the season cost manager Juan Manuel Lillo his job, the club announcing his departure by mutual agreement last ...
We couldn't do much because of Watson: Bhuvneshwar
After facing two consecutive losses, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returned to winning ways in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by convincingly defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, here.