Intense Like the US Election: Chelsea Level with Liverpool in Premier League Match

THE LATEST ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS – Chelsea’s hopes to regain first place in the table diminished once more after failing to break their 1-1 deadlock against visitors Liverpool.

John Terry’s powerful header in the first half showed that Chelsea could win w1th ease in the match. Yet, a knee injury marred the captain’s return from his four-match ban, which affected his side’s winning chances.

Failed opportunities from Oscar and Juan Mata proved fatal to Chelsea as they failed to salvage a win from Luis Suarez’ equalizer 17 minutes from time.

Photo credits: 

Chelsea – Liverpool [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 12 November 2012, from < http://www.sport.ro/anglia/livetext-ora-18-00-chelsea-liverpool-torres-viseaza-la-golul-de-50-000-000-vezi-echipele-de-start.html> 

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UEFA Champions League News: Ajax Win Put Manchester City Qualification Bid in Tight Struggle

Stay tuned for more UEFA Champions League updates and bet at 12BET.com now!

THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – A devastating 3-1 away loss to Ajax has placed Manchester City’s Champions League football campaign this season to a compromise.

Samir Nasri have played past through rival Ajax by scoring first for City. Siem de Jong provided an equalizer and by then, the English champions have found difficulties bouncing back.

Niklas Moisander evaded Joleon Lescott’s defence as he slotted Christian Eriksen’s corner. Eriksen went on to deflect Gael Clichy, going past Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart to score the Dutch side’s winning goal of the match.

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Juventus have completed the permanent signing of promising defender Alberto Masi and also struck a deal for James Troisi.

Juventus have completed the permanent signing of promising defender Alberto Masi and also struck a deal for James Troisi.

Masi, 19, moved to the Serie A champions on a co-ownership deal with Pro Vercelli earlier in the summer.

But, after impressing Massimo Carrera throughout pre-season, La Vecchia have opted to secure the Italy Under 21 international's services outright.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Alberto Masi is 100 per cent a Juventus player.

"An agreement has been reached for Pro Vercelli to concede their half of his registration."

Complex deal

Juve have also clinched the signing of Troisi but the Australian will be loaned out to Atalanta in a complex deal involving Manolo Gabbiadini.

The talented winger recently agreed to a four-year contract with the Serie A champions but will spend at least the next season on loan at Atalanta.

As part of an agreement with the Bergamo club, Juve will also pay €3.5million (£2.8m) to take co-ownership of Italy's rising star Gabbiadini, who will then be loaned out to Bologna for one year.

Troisi, who was born to an Italian father, had been expected to join the Old Lady since leaving Turkish outfit Kayserispor in April.

The 24 year-old turned down a lucrative deal to play in Qatar to follow his dream of playing in Italy's top flight.

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Juventus beat nine-man Napoli in Supercoppa

Juventus claimed the Italian Super Cup with a 4-2 win over nine-man Napoli after extra-time at the National Stadium in Beijing.

The match between the holders of Serie A and the Coppa Italia saw Napoli twice lead only for the Italian champions to recover strongly to claim victory in the season curtain-raiser.

Edinson Cavani gave Napoli the lead on 28 minutes at the Bird's Nest stadium - scene of the 2008 Olympic Games - only for Kwadwo Asamoah to drag his side level with a blistering shot from distance nine minutes later.

Goran Pandev lifted the ball over Gianluigi Buffon to hand Napoli a 2-1 lead four minutes before the break, but Juventus equalised courtesy of Arturo Vidal's 73rd minute penalty after Mirko Vucinic had taken a tumble under pressure from Federico Fernandez.

Napoli went down to ten men when Pandev saw red on 85 minutes for appearing to say something to a linesman. That became nine when Juan Camilo Zuniga encountered a second yellow three minutes into stoppage time after mistiming a tackle on Giovinco.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri was also red carded for dissent before Juventus put the match to bed with Christian Maggio somehow nodding an Andrea Pirlo free-kick into his own net on 97 minutes.

Vucinic put a gloss on the scoreline when he nudged the ball over the line from Claudio Marchisio's long ball on 101 minutes.

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Vidic returns to Man Utd action

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic returned to action after eight months out injured as he played an hour of the 0-0 friendly draw with Valerenga.

Vidic, 30, missed most of last season after

he suffered knee ligament damage against Basel

in December.

“I felt well,” the defender told MUTV. “My knee felt well and hopefully the next game will be better.”

Assistant Mike Phelan took charge in Norway as manager Sir Alex Ferguson attended to “other club business”.

Left-back Patrice Evra also missed the game after he travelled back to Manchester to be at the birth of his child.

Both men are expected to return for Wednesday’s friendly against Barcelona in Gothenburg, Sweden.

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Juventus GM Marotta admits drawing blanks for Van Persie, Jovetic

Juventus GM Beppe Marotta says they're working hard to find a new striker signing.

Marotta was asked about their interest in signing Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie or Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic.

“The top player we are looking for is not only a name with an important price-tag attached. What we mean by top player is someone who can improve our quality level.

“Van Persie is an excellent player and Arsenal have no intention of losing him. It is not possible to negotiate for a player if the club is not open to talks.

“As for Jovetic, it’s only right that Fiorentina ruled he is off the market. We never even tried to get close to him.”

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Italy's Cassano fined for gay slur at Euro 2012

Antonio Cassano (photo: Александр Осипов)

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -- Italian soccer star Antonio Cassano has been fined for his comments about gay players at the European Championship.

European soccer's governing body says Friday it fined him $18,250 for his "discriminatory press statement" at an official media event in Poland last month.




Cassano said at the time he hoped there were no homosexual players on the Italian national team. He then used a derogatory word to describe gays.

When a reporter suggested there were gays on the team, Cassano appeared at a loss for words before saying, "That's their problem, but I hope not."

Cassano can appeal the decision by UEFA.

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Boxing ring to Olympic rings

Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco, pictured in the Regina Boxing Club before he left for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, is part of the Boxing Canada delegation.

Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post , Leader-Post

Leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, the Leader-Post is doing a series of profiles on participants with ties to Regina.

The series begins today with two stories - on Regina mayor Pat Fiacco (boxing) and Regina-born soccer player Kelly Parker.

In the days ahead, we will profile track and field coach Carla Nicholls (Tuesday's paper), United States sailing meteorologist Doug Charko (Wednesday), rower Rachelle Viinberg (Thursday) and diver Reuben Ross (Friday).
. . . .
In 1974, Pat Fiacco first climbed the stairs at the Regina Boxing Club - never imagining the ascent that awaited him.
Fiacco eventually became a national boxing champion. When he threw his hat into a ring of a different sort, he was elected as the mayor of Regina for the first of four terms. And now, boxing is his ticket to the Olympics for the second time.

"As soon as I walked up those stairs at the Regina Boxing Club at the Laird Gym, I fell in love with the place, and everything changed,'' reflects Fiacco, who is in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

"When I walked into the gym in March of 1974, I had no idea that this is where this sport would take me and that this would be the life path as a result of it. There's no doubt that if it wasn't for this sport, there's no way I'd be who I am today. That is a guarantee.''

Fiacco was introduced to boxing by a schoolmate, Glen Pelletier, who casually said: "I'm going to the boxing club. Want to come with me?'' Fiacco promptly sought and received permission from his parents. The boxing club soon became a second home.

As an amateur boxer, Fiacco was among Canada's best in the 54-kilogram division. He was on the precipice of making the Olympic team - the major impediment being Dale Walters. In the 54kg class, Walters nosed out Fiacco for a spot on the 1980 Olympic team, only to have Canada join the boycott of the Moscow-based Games.

Four years later, when the Olympics were held in Los Angeles, Walters finally wore Canada's colours in the ring at the world's premier sporting event. Walters also won a bronze medal, becoming the first Canadian to reach the podium in Olympic boxing in 52 years. Fiacco had retired as an amateur athlete the previous year, opting instead to get married while remaining involved in his favourite sport as a referee.

It was in that capacity that Fiacco finally made the Olympics. He was a referee and judge at the 2004 Games in Athens and has now returned to the five-ring circus in an administrative capacity.

In April, the International Boxing Association appointed Fiacco as the deputy technical delegate for the London Games.

He is assisting the technical delegate, Franco Falcinelli of Italy, in overseeing every aspect of the boxing competition.

Fiacco, who is the president of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, is the first Canadian to serve as the deputy technical delegate at an Olympic Games.

"It was incredible going there as a referee and judge back in 2004, but to go in there as one of the two guys who are in charge of the whole thing is big,'' says Fiacco, 50. "We have to pay attention to everything that's happening in the field of play. We have to make sure that there's no outside interference. It's pretty incredible.''

Fiacco has also been appointed the technical delegate for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He already has experience at events such as the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games and world championships, not to mention the Olympics, in officiating or administrative roles.

"I've been very fortunate,'' Fiacco says. "It wasn't meant for me to be the centre of attention in a boxing ring. That wasn't what the plan was for me. There was another role for me. You need to know when to understand that, and when to recognize it.

"We all have different skill sets. It's no different than hockey. The best hockey player on the ice doesn't exactly make the best coach. We all have different roles. We have a passion for the sport and we understand it, but there's different positions for us.

"My calling in the sport of boxing was obviously to start off as a competitor. I had the fortune of winning a national championship, but there was another role for me, and that was as an administrator, as an official, and now in this role as a technical delegate, ensuring that we have everything ready for this Olympic Games.''

By the time the Games conclude, Fiacco will have been in London for a month. Upon returning to Regina, he will complete his final term as the mayor - he is not running for re-election on Oct. 24 - and marvel at a landmark summer.

Fiacco was front and centre when it was announced that a $278-million football stadium is to be constructed at Evraz Place. Three days after the July 14 announcement, Fiacco flew to London. The Olympics' opening ceremonies are to be held Friday.

"It is pretty remarkable,'' Fiacco says when asked about an eventful few weeks in his life. "There's no question that July of 2012 will be remembered for a long time.''
So will March of 1974.

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/Boxing+ring+Olympic+rings/6973520/story.html#ixzz21QQ6DUH2

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England, Italy, Portugal climb up FIFA rankings, Brazil drop outside top 10, Socceroos ranked 23rd

Spain's successful defence of the European Championship finals extended the World Cup winner's lead on top of the FIFA world soccer rankings on Wednesday, and beaten finalists Italy climbed six places to No.6.

The surge in points for European teams pushed Brazil down six places to No.11 - their worst position since the rankings began in 1993. The 2014 World Cup hosts are hurt by not playing any competitive matches recently.

Germany, who lost a semi-final to Italy, climbed one to second place, edging South American champions Uruguay into third.

FIFA Rankings For July

1. Spain (1)

2. Germany (3)

3. Uruguay (2)

4. England (6)

5. Portugal (10)

6. Italy (12)

7. Argentina (7)

8. Netherlands (4)

9. Croatia (8)

10. Denmark (9)

11. Brazil (5)

12. Greece (15)

13. Russia (13)

14. France (14)

15. Chile (11)

16. Ivory Coast (16)

17. Sweden (17)

18. Czech Republic (27)

19. Mexico (19)

20. Japan (23)

England rose two places to No.4 despite failing to reach the semi-finals of every major tournament since 1996. The rankings weigh all results, including friendlies, over a four-year cycle.

Portugal's run to the Euro 2012 semi-finals lifted them five places to No.5.

Argentina held at No.7, and the Netherlands dropped four to No.8, after the World Cup runners-up lost all three matches at Euro 2012

Croatia and Denmark completed the top 10.

The Socceroos rose one place to No.23.

Ivory Coast held its place at No.16 to be the highest-ranked African team.

Mexico stayed at No.19 to lead CONCACAF team.

Japan are the best Asian confederation member, rising one to No.20.

New Zealand climbed five to No.95 as the best Oceania team, though new Oceania Nations Cup champions Tahiti surged 41 places to No.138.

A total of 133 matches counted for ranking points in the past month, including 31 at Euro 2012, 60 World Cup qualifiers and 15 qualifiers for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

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Spain Looks Forward to Advance versus Republic of Ireland

SPAIN	Tournament Statistics (as of June 14, 2012)		REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
1	Goals Scored		1
9	Attempts On Target		5
9	Attempts Off Target		8
7	Corners		1
12	Fouls Committed		12
3	Yellow Cards		1
0	Red Cards		0
PREDICTED STARTING LINEUPS
Spain (4-2-3-1)		Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Alonso, Busquets; Xavi, Iniesta, Silva; Torres
Ireland (4-4-2)		Given; Ward, Dunne, St Ledger, O’Shea; McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff; Walters, Keane

Spain (N) vs. Ireland Match Preview 

Date: June 15, 2012

Time: 2:45 AM (GMT +8:00)

GDANSK: The prospects of Group C teams have become more unpredictable after Republic of Ireland suffered a disappointing loss versus Croatia at 3-1. Spain and Italy stalled one another in a draw at 1-1, citing signals of stronger winning determination from both teams.

Spain’s duty as defending champion is to strengthen their defense in order to thwart any scoring attempt of Republic of Ireland – a feat which can determine La Roja’s defense of their championship title. Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, has to recoup from their fatal mistakes against Croatia which caused the Croat’s currently wide gap from the rest of Group C.

Previous Matches

The most recent match between Spain and Republic of Ireland was during the 2002 World Cup. The match was a closely-fought one at 1-1, only to be won by Spain via a penalty shootout.

Spain won all of their last 15 competitive games, including their 2010 World Cup championship title. They are also the champions of EURO 2008.

Republic of Ireland was unbeaten in 14 matches (both competitive and friendly). Their 3-1 loss to Croatia was their heaviest major tournament loss.

Pre-Match Developments

It is unsure whether Vicente Del Bosque will pit in Fernando Torres in Spain’s starting lineup after the striker failed to show competence during their match against Italy. Their six-man midfield against the Azzurri might be altered, although changes have yet to be announced.

Giovanni Trapattoni, on the other hand, is persistent with his current starting lineup. Despite his team’s poor performance versus Croatia, no changes have been announced on Republic of Ireland’s starters.

Spain-Republic of Ireland Predictions

Sports Statistics Information Centre

(as of June 14, 2012)

v  Disclaimer: All information above is provided free for members as a 12BET service. The prediction statistics are purely a view point and there is no guarantee on the returns. Hence all members or visitors are requested to apply their prudence before acting on any of the recommendations. Neither 12BET nor any of its promoters, members, or employees holds any responsibility of any losses incurred (if any) by acting on the recommendations.

Republic of Ireland is placed at a difficult time after their focus on strengthening their defensive and counterattacking techniques have been shattered by a solid Croatia. The Irish squad lacked strikers in their roster, thus they are faced with the challenge of how to shoot the ball inside the net.

Spain, on the other hand, has to return to playing formidable possession football, which helped them gain their 2008 EURO and 2010 World Cup championship titles. Their recent match against Italy was far from resembling their usual possessiveness of the ball, which became apparent when the Azzurri treaded comfortably on La Roja’s midfield.

Overall, Spain can expect a convenient win against the Republic of Ireland, especially if they choose to become more firm in their possessive playing approach. Spain can be countered with frustrations if Republic of Ireland strengthens their defensive play for this match. 

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EURO 2012 MATCH 1 | POLAND VS. GREECE

In the build-up to the first activity of this season's European Championships, the betting for the Greece vs. Poland has thrown on a variety of events. When the draw was declared and the accessories were set for each team, Greece were the possibilities on favorites to choose up a win in this fascinating first experience of the tournament. 


According to some predictions of sports magazines, the statistics for Poland and Greece are this,

If  you will be noticing the statistics, Poland has a 50% chance in winning the game, and just 16% for Greece,and the draw is 16%.

• Poland is co-hosting this summer's Euros along with Ukraine - the first time either nation has hosted a major soccer tournament.

• Poland has faced Greece on 15 occasions and has dominated its European rival, winning 10, drawing two and losing just three times.

• Greece qualified for Euro 2012 by topping Group F, finishing on 24 points and remaining undefeated ahead of Croatia and Israel.

• Greece has yet to avoid defeat in Poland, and in eight visits it has suffered eight losses, scoring four goals and conceding 22.

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