Sports Zest

Euro 2012 schedule

admin — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:38:03 +0000

The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as Euro 2012 will be started from 8th June in Poland and Ukraine. It is the first time that either nation has hosted the tournament.It will be the 14th European Championship for national football teams organised by UEFA.The final of the tornement will be played on 1st july at Olympic Stadium in Kiev,Ukraine.

Sixteen nations will participate in Euro 2012 after UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying competition.In which 51 teams compete for the 14 remaining places in the final tornament(Euro 2012 ), alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine.

The sixteen finalists who will participate in the final tournament are:
Group A
Czech Rep,Greece,Poland and Russia
Group B
Denmark,Germany,Netherlands and Portugal
Group C
Croatia,Italy,R. of Ireland and Spain
Group D
England,France,Sweden and Ukraine

European Championship Fixtures

Poland vs Greece Friday 8th June National Stadium, Warsaw

Russia vs Czech Rep Friday 8th June Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Netherlands vs Denmark Saturday 9th June Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv
Germany vs Portugal Saturday 9th June Arena Lviv, Lviv
Spain vs Italy Sunday 10th June PGE Arena, Gdansk
Rep. Ireland vs Croatia Sunday 10th June Municipal Stadium, Poznan
France vs England Monday 11th June Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Ukraine vs Sweden Monday 11th June Olympic Stadium, Kiev
Greece vs Czech Rep Tuesday 12th June Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Poland vs Russia Tuesday 12th June National Stadium, Warsaw
Denmark vs Portugal Wednesday 13th June Arena Lviv, Lviv
Netherlands vs Germany Wednesday 13th June Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv
Italy vs Croatia Thursday 14th June Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Spain vs Rep. Ireland Thursday 14th June PGE Arena, Gdansk
Sweden vs England Friday 15th June Olympic Stadium, Kiev
Ukraine vs France Friday 15th June Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Czech Rep vs Poland Saturday 16th June Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Greece vs Russia Saturday 16th June National Stadium, Warsaw
Portugal vs Netherlands Sunday 17th June Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv
Denmark vs Germany Sunday 17th June Arena Lviv, Lviv
Croatia vs Spain Monday 18th June PGE Arena, Gdansk
Italy vs Rep. Ireland Monday 18th June Municipal Stadium, Poznan
England vs Ukraine Tuesday 19th June Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Sweden vs France Tuesday 19th June Olympic Stadium, Kiev

Quarter-Finals

Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B Thursday 21st June National Stadium, Warsaw
Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A Friday 22nd June PGE Arena, Gdansk
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D Saturday 23rd June Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C Sunday 24th June Olympic Stadium, Kiev

The Semi-Finals

Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2 Wednesday 27th June Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 Thursday 28th June National Stadium, Warsaw

The Final

Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 Sunday 1st July Olympic Stadium, Kiev

Worst Signings Of English Premier League

admin — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:19:11 +0000

5. Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City for £17.5M (2009)

Roque Santa Cruz is a Paraguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester City. On 21 June 2009, Santa Cruz joined Manchester City with transfer fee of £17.5 million on a four-year deal.Santa Cruz grabbed his first league goals for City against Sunderland. But his appearances in have been limited due to a succession of injuries coupled with a lack of form. Roberto Mancini (Who replaced Mark Hughes as a manger during the season) continued to leave out Santa Cruz during the 2010–11 season. Santa Cruz made it clear he wanted to leave, on 14 January 2011, he returned to Blackburn Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2010–11 football season.

4. Alberto Aquilani to Liverpool for £20M (2009)

Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C. as a central midfielder. On 5 August 2009, Liverpool got Aquilani from Roma after agree a fee of £ 20M in total (£17 million plus sporting bonus). Aquilani was signed as Xabi Alonso’s replacement, yet he lacks the physical presence and the mental fortitude of Alonso.The Italian made 18 appearances for Liverpool and score twice. He failed to adopt the English way of play due to that Liverpool send him on season long loan to Juventus On 21 August 2010.

3. Sebastián Verón to Manchester United for £28.1M (2001)

Juan Sebastián Verón is an Argentine player who currently plays as midfielder for Estudiantes de La Plata in the Argentine Primera División.Veron join Manchester united from Lazio with a transfer fee of £28.1M in 2001. He had trouble adapting to the faster pace of the Premiership. He made 51 appearances for united and mange to score only once. His signing is still considered as an expensive flop of all time.

2. Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea for £30.8M (2006)

Andriy Shevchenko is a Ukrainian footballer who plays for Dynamo Kyiv as a striker. On 28 May 2006, Shevchenko left Milan for Chelsea with £30.8 million transfer fee, breaking the record for a player signed by an English club.But Shev didn’t perform according to the Roman Abramovich and José Mourinho expectations.He made 47 appearances for Chelsea and only managed to score 9 times. Shevchenko was not used very often in the starting lineup at Chelsea because of injuries and his lack of form. Due to which he was was loaned back to his old club Milan for the 2008–09 season. Andriy Shevchenko is among the list of biggest transfer flop ever.

1. Robinho to Manchester City for £32.5M (2008)

Robinho is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan. On 1 September 2008 Robinho completed a move to Manchester City with a transfer fee of £32.5m.After agreeing personal terms of £160,000 per week wages on a four-year deal. Robinho finished the season as City’s top goal scorer with 14. But his second season at City he missed 3 months of the season due to injury, and only played 12 games in total and scored only one goal. Due to his injures and lack of form Man City sent him on loan to his home club Santos on 28 January 2010. On 31 August 2010, Robinho moved to Milan from Manchester City for a fee of €18 million.Robinho is top the list in term of all time flop expensive transfers in English Premier League.

Top 5 Premier League Players to Watch this season

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:13:24 +0000

5.Ashley Young (Manchester United)

Ashley Simon Young is an English footballer who plays as a winger for Manchester United. On 23 June 2011, Young signed for Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has impressed for both Aston Villa and England. With a impressive pre-season fixtures. Young made his competitive debut for United in a 3–2 derby win over Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield, playing the full 90 minutes and making an assist. Young can go about proving himself as one of the Premier League’s elite.

4.Luka Modric (Tottenham)

Luka Modri? is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur as an attacking midfielder. Modric show his desire to leave the Spurs and join their arch rivals Chelsea who already bid twice but Spurs are not in mode to sell their top player. Due to the abilities of the Croatian playmaker he will play a major role for the club which he will represent in the English Primer League 2011-12.

3.Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Luis Suarez is a Uruguayan international footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool as a striker. Suarez moved to Liverpool for €26.5 million in January 2011 as a replacement of Fernando Torres. Suarez made a direct impact in Premier league after scoring in his debut for Liverpool against Stoke City at Anfield. Uruguayan striker looks in sublime form after scoring four goals for Uruguay in winning the 2011 Copa America, and was named player of the tournament. Suarez is kind of player who can bring back Liverpool glory and can provide their champions League spot.

2.Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Sergio Aguero is an Argentine footballer who will play as a striker for Manchester City in English Premier League after a £35 transfer move from Atletico Madrid.Aguero is one of the most coveted talents in Europe for several years and having scoring record of almost a goal every two games.

1.Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

Fernando Torres is a Spanish footballer who plays for Chelsea as a striker. After £50m January move from Liverpool to Chelsea, Torres did not end the season well for the Blues. And only score once in 18 appearances. But under the tutorship of Andre Villas-Boas the Spain international expect to flourish again.

Fabregas on verge of Barcelona move with Nasri next to leave Arsenal

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:16 +0000

Cesc Fabregas is closing of sealing his dream move to Barcelona which will cost him £4.5million from his own pocket.

Barcelona is close to being reached for their long pursuit of Cesc Fabregas with a package worth around £31million plus over £5m of additional performance-related payments.

Spanish midfielder will discuss personal terms to bring to an end a three-year saga.

Now Samir Nasri is expected to follow him out to join Manchester City.After Arsenal have decided to accept bids of £22m for Nasri.

Juan Mata is expected to join from Valencia and could be ready to snap up Birmingham centre-half Scott Dann.

Fabregas is Barcelona’s second major signing of the summer following their £23m purchase of Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez.

Manchester United beat arch rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:06:27 +0000

Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat arch rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.

United dominated the first half but fell behind when Joleon Lescott scores in 39^th mint through David Silva’s free-kick.

Edin Dzeko doubled Manchester City’s lead just before half-time by taking advantage of David de Gea’s hesitancy.

But United responded in the second half, When Chris Smalling reduced the deficit when he turned in Ashley Young’s free-kick in 52^nd min and Nani goal level the score in the 55^th mint.

But it was Portugal playmaker, Nani who completed 94th-minute winner as a superb comeback by Manchester United as they overcame derby rivals Manchester City to clinch the Community Shield.

Nani said that: “This is united, we all believe until the last minute and the attitude of the lads in the second half was that everyone thought we could score.

“It is good to play against Man City and win like that. I think our fans today will be so proud of us, it is a beautiful day to enjoy.”

Match Summary

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov (Clichy 73), De Jong, Yaya Toure, Silva, Milner (Adam Johnson 67), Balotelli (Barry 59), Dzeko. Subs not used: Taylor, Wright-Phillips, Savic, Aguero. Booked: Dzeko, Richards,Yaya Toure, Milner, Kolarov.

Goals: Lescott 38, Dzeko 45.

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand (Jones 46), Vidic (Evans 46), Evra (Rafael 71), Nani, Carrick (Cleverley 46), Anderson, Young, Rooney, Welbeck (Berbatov 89). Subs not used: Lindegaard, Park. Booked: Anderson, Evra.

Goals: Smalling 52, Nani 58, 90.

Blues agree deal with Anderlecht for Romelu Lukaku

admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:28:51 +0000

Chelsea have finalized an agreement with Anderlecht for the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku.

The 18-year-old,who has been linked with the Blues throughout the summer and also been a target for Arsenal, is set for a medical at Stamford Bridge and agreeing personal terms.

Anderlecht published statement that: “RSC Anderlecht and Chelsea have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Romelu Lukaku.

‘Subject to the results of medical tests and the conclusion of negotiations between the player and the English club, Romelu Lukaku will therefore move into the colours of the London club. ‘We wish him every success for the rest of his career.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas said after friendly against Rangers that : “He is a very interesting young prospect and the situation is now that we have to position ourselves to maybe get this kind of talent.”

Chelsea sign Oriol Romeu from Barcelona

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:01:30 +0000

Chelsea has completed the signing of Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu on a four-year deal for £4.35m.

The deal also includes a buy-back clause of £8.7m after one year and £13m after two years.

The 19-year-old made two first-team appearances as holding midfielder for Barca last season. Oriol Romeu is the replacement for Michael Essien,who is out for six months due to the knee injury.

Romeu said that: ‘Chelsea is a great option for me. Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances.’

Top 10 Most Expensive Football Transfers

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:25:35 +0000

10.David Villa

David Villa Sánchez is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national football team. In 2010 he moved to FC Barcelona for €40 million from La Liga club Valencia CF due to the Valencia’s financial crisis despite his desire to remain at the Mestalla. Villa made his La Liga début with Barcelona against Racing de Santander. Villa made 34 appearances for Barcelona in which he scored 18 goals.

9.Andy Carroll

Andrew Thomas Carroll is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the England national team.18 times Premier League champion Liverpool paid £35 million for Caroll’s transfer from Newcastle United on 31 January 2011 after the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50 million.Andy Carroll made his debut for Liverpool as a substitute in the 3-1 win against Manchester United on 6 March 2011.

8. Hernan Crespo

Hernán Jorge Crespo is an Argentine footballer who plays for Parma in the Italian Serie A. In 2000, Lazio paid £35 million (paying 16 million and exchanging Matías Almeyda and Sérgio Conceição) in total for the transfer of Crespo to his current club Parma.Crespo was Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals at the debut season for Lazio in 2001.

7. Luis Figo

Luís Figo is a Portuguese former international footballer. He played as a midfielder for Sporting CP,FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Internazionale (Inter Milan). In 2000 Figo move from Barcelona to their bitter rivals Real Madrid with transfer fee of £37m.Which is no doubt one of the most controversial transfers. Figo spent six years in Real Madrid with 165 appearances.

6.Sergio Agüero

Sergio Leonel “Kun” Agüero del Castillo plays as a striker for Manchester City in England’s Premier League and the Argentine national team. On 28 July 2011 Manchester City completed the move of Agüero from Atlético Madrid with a fee of £38m. Agüero had signed a five-year contract with Manchester City with a 220,000 per week salary. Aguero is expected to make his debut for Manchester City in the Community Shield clash against Manchester United.

5.Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is a retired French footballer.Who also played for Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid. In 2001, Zidane joined Real Madrid for a world record fee of £45.62m and signed a four-year contract. Zidane helped Real Madrid to win the 2002–03 La Liga and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year for the third time. Zidane made 155 appearances for Real Madrid.

4. Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres also known as El Niño is a Spanish footballer who plays for Chelsea and the Spain national team as a striker. Torres move from Liverpool to Chelsea on a five-and-a-half year contract on 31 January for an undisclosed fee reported to be £50 million. This made him the fourth most expensive footballer in history. Fernando arrived at Anfield from Athletico Madrid in 2007. Torres scored his first goal for Chelsea against West Ham United, which is the only goal he scored in English Primer League for Chelsea in 18 appearances.

3. Kaka

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite commonly known Kaká, is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. On 8th June 2009 Real Madrid paid world record fee of £56 million to AC Milan. Which was later broken by Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka was also wanted by Manchester City. Who were willing to pay 100 million Euros fee but the move was rejected by Kaka himself.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic plays as a striker for Serie A club AC Milan and the Swedish national team. Ibrahimovi? holds the record for the second highest transfer fee in football history, with a total of deal of €69 million (exchange of Samuel E’to and a fee) for his transfer from Internazionale to Barcelona. Ibrahimovic was loaned out to AC Milan for the 2010–11 season after seeing his bad relationship with Barcelona manager, Josep Guardiola.

1.Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo is currently holding the world record for the most expensive player in football history after moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a transfer deal worth £80 million. Ronaldo join Real Madrid on 1st July 2009 from Manchester United. Ronaldo made his Madrid debut on 21 July in a 1–0 win over Shamrock Rovers. Ronaldo scored 66 times for real Madrid in 63 appearances. He also broke the record of most goals ever scored in a season in La Liga with 40 goals last season (2010–11).

Zaheer Khan ruled out of second Test due to hamstring injury

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:40:46 +0000

India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of Friday’s second Test against England because of a hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old left-arm bowler picked up the injury during the first Test at Lord’s last week, which was won by England.

MS Dhoni said: “It’s always good to have Zaheer in the side because he is our most experienced bowler, especially when it comes to England, but I think he is ruled out of this game.”

India will replace Zaheer Khan with seamer Sreesanth or Munaf Patel.

India’s other injury concern is Gautam Gambhir who injured his left elbow during the Lord’s Test. England fast bowler Chris Tremlett is also doubtful to participate in second test after back and hamstring trouble on Thursday.

The second Test will start in Nottingham on Friday. India is 1-0 down in the four-match series.

Fernando Alonso storms to British Grand Prix victory with a stunning drive.

admin — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:57:48 +0000

Fernando Alonso win British Grand Prix 2011 with a stunning drive.

Fernando Alonso gave Ferrari their first win in 11 races after taking advantage of pit-stop blunder from Red Bull.Pit-stop problem cost another victory to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel team-mate Mark Webber finished third, Lewis Hamilton at fourth and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa ended the race with a fifth spot.

Alonso said that “I saw the problem in the pit stop with Sebastian and we were in the lead at that moment, but who knows what might have happened after that, I knew it was a race to be calm, make no mistakes, to not be off the track, and with that I knew the car had enough for victory and it came.”

According to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel

“We had a brilliant start and I was able to pull away, but we weren’t that aggressive on the intermediates, and then there was the pit stop, so little mistakes here and there, You can’t get it right all the time, but credit to Ferrari they have been getting stronger and improving their car, so it shows we need to keep pushing hard.”

The British Grand Prix win come at the perfect timing for Ferrari as they marked the anniversary of their maiden success in Formula One, coming 60 years ago at Silverstone.