martes, junio 29, 2010

Dario Franchitti's exhibition laps around New Hampshire may be a sign of a brewing battle with NASCAR

Is IndyCar picking a NASCAR fight?


Oreovicz By John Oreovicz Updated: June 28, 2010, 5:43 PM ET
 
Dario Franchitti 
John Oreovicz for ESPN.com IndyCar Series star Dario Franchitti didn't do anything to "mess up" the track before Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, unless you think it's a bad thing he ran a much faster lap than a stock car could.
LOUDON, N.H. -- Dario Franchitti never led a Sprint Cup race during his brief NASCAR career. But he did Sunday -- sort of.
Immediately before the start of NASCAR's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Franchitti turned a few demonstration laps in his Target Chip Ganassi Racing Indy car to promote the fact the IZOD IndyCar Series will return to the New England market with a race on July 31, 2011. The laps weren't especially fast (in the 26-second bracket, about three seconds quicker than a stock car but more than four seconds slower than Andre Ribeiro's track record of 21.466 seconds set in 1995 in a CART-spec Indy car) but they sent a powerful message to the American racing community.
Here's why: Whether they acknowledge it or not, IndyCar and NASCAR are competitors. Again, similarly unacknowledged, NHMS owner Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) is a direct competitor to International Speedway Corp. (ISC). ISC and NASCAR are essentially one entity, owned as they are by the France family.
Connecting the dots, Sunday's announcement and demonstration run could be perceived as SMI and IndyCar teaming up to take on the France family and their ISC/NASCAR juggernaut. And even though everyone involved said all the right things, there is no doubt that NASCAR fought the day's activities tooth and nail. When the IndyCar contingent was en route to New Hampshire early Sunday morning, league officials were still in doubt whether NASCAR would allow Franchitti's demonstration run.
On the flight, IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard told a story to illustrate his concern.
"Davey Hamilton [veteran IRL driver and radio commentator] did an Indy car demonstration like this at Las Vegas Motor Speedway many years ago," Bernard said. "They told him to do a couple laps and stay below 175 mph. He didn't want to do that -- he really wanted to show the fans what the car could do, and he did.
Randy Bernard and Johnny Rutherford
AP Photo/Larry PapkeIRL CEO Randy Bernard, right, with legendary driver Johnny Rutherford at Texas Motor Speedway, has already proved to be a promoter at heart.
"He knew they were going to be mad, but Davey lived in Las Vegas. So he parked his car in a place where he knew he could get out of there in a hurry if there was trouble."
Franchitti didn't have that luxury, because he was tabbed to make the "Start your engines" call for the NASCAR race after his Indy car laps.
All in all, the demonstration went off without a hitch -- and apparently with the blessing of NASCAR president Mike Helton.
"[Helton] said, 'Tell Dario not to crash or blow an engine and mess up our racetrack,'" said NHMS president Jerry Gappens, an Indiana native who was instrumental in luring Indy car racing back to New Hampshire for the first time since 1998.
Of course the ultimate decision rested with SMI CEO Bruton Smith, who was on hand for Sunday's announcement. SMI acquired NHMS for $340 million in 2007, and therefore was not party to Indy car racing's prior history at the "Magic Mile." Four CART-sanctioned races were run at NHMS from 1992 to '95, but attendance dropped from an average of about 50,000 to less than 10,000 when the track's then-owner, Bob Bahre, switched to an Indy Racing League-sanctioned event for 1996-98.
The New Hampshire Indy car race was one of many casualties in the American open-wheel racing war, along with events at several other SMI tracks, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas.
But the open-wheel landscape has changed dramatically in the last two years, mainly thanks to the so-called unification of the sport. And one of the first things that Bernard -- who has been on the job as IRL CEO for only four months -- said he noticed was a consistent lack of success for IndyCar Series races at ISC tracks. Attendance and promotion at SMI tracks, especially Texas, has always much stronger.
Hence the rapidly growing partnership between the IRL and SMI.
"Mr. Smith is one of my heroes," Bernard said. "The way he promotes is so aggressive, and that's what the IZOD IndyCar Series wants and needs. We have to think in the best interests of the IndyCar Series, and that's why we want to be involved with Mr. Smith."
You can see why Bernard has taken a shine to "Mr. Smith" and vice versa. They're both born promoters who aren't afraid to take chances.
Bernard frequently used the word "aggressive" when talking about Smith and SMI, but there is no doubt that Bernard has been aggressive in his first 100 days on the IRL job. He's already pushed the stagnant future engine formula selection process forward, and he hopes to make an announcement about chassis by July 14.
O. Bruton Smith and Randy Bernard
HHP ImagesSMI CEO Bruton Smith, left, and IRL CEO Randy Bernard have forged a working relationship in a short period of time.
Bernard has also indicated that major changes could be coming to the IndyCar schedule, which he promised to reveal by "late summer." In addition to the New Hampshire event, IndyCar has already announced a new street race in Baltimore set for the week after NHMS in 2011.
With the schedule to be capped at 17 or 18 races, several existing events are apparently going to be dropped. And the obvious ones are the poorly attended races at ISC tracks -- Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and Watkins Glen International.
On Sunday, Bernard said that IndyCar has a positive relationship with ISC, "But they need to tell us what they can bring to the table that they're not bringing right now."
He didn't rule out one-year contracts to keep some ISC tracks in the fold. "I like one-year contracts, because it keeps everyone hungry," Bernard said. New Hampshire is a one-year deal.
From a business standpoint, a stronger IndyCar Series can only benefit SMI, and ISC for that matter. That's where those France family ties get complicated and conflicted for ISC, because the Frances most certainly do not want to see Indy car racing grow at the expense of NASCAR, but they do want successful events at their tracks.
SMI officials are convinced that despite its checkered past in New England, the New Hampshire Indy car race will be a winner this time around.
"I like Indy car racing," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to bringing Indy cars back to New Hampshire, and I hope y'all are, too. We're going to promote the dickens out of it and make it a national event."
"The difference [from 1998] is that Bruton wasn't the promoter, and it has changed a lot since then," Gappens added. "IndyCar has better drivers, better cars and good momentum. A lot of it is due to Randy."
If anything, Bernard is a man not afraid to make a decision and put it into action. That's what makes his growing relationship with Smith so intriguing. Both of them are willing to take chances and do whatever it takes to make IndyCar events successful.
The Indy car war of 1996-2008 may be over, yet open-wheel racing still has its share of problems and conflicts. But with Bernard acting aggressively as the new sheriff in town, the streets are being cleaned up.
The question to be determined in the next few weeks is whether those streets will continue to include International Speedway Corp. properties.

John Oreovicz covers open-wheel racing for ESPN.com.

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lunes, junio 28, 2010

Time for FIFA to admit it's wrong

Technology debate

June 28, 2010

 
By Martin Williamson
FIFA's steadfast refusal to contemplate using the mass of gadgetry available to broadcasters is, rightly, under more fire than ever before after the events of Sunday. While any fundamental change to the game should not be rushed through as a knee-jerk reaction following a poor weekend for officialdom, this is something that has been brushed under the carpet for too long.
Frank Lampard's shot beats Manuel Neuer
GettyImagesFrank Lampard's shot beats Manuel Neuer

The justifications of the FIFA cabal for doing nothing are out of the stone ages - Sepp Blatter's ludicrous explanation that the public likes nothing more than to debate "incidents" confirming, were it needed, he is as far out of touch with the bulk of fans as it is possible to be.
The speed and sophistication of replays and technology is now such that almost instant clarification is possible. Almost all other major sports now use technology to back up on-field officials, so why not FIFA?
The simple answer seems to be out-and-out pig-headedness. FIFA claims the cost is prohibitive; the delays would be excessive; and it would undermine the authority of the referee and linesmen. However, these are identical to the arguments put forward by opponents of the introduction of replays and referrals in cricket almost two decades ago. None of them proved accurate.
"Their use now feels completely commonplace," Andrew Miller, UK editor of ESPNcricinfo, says. "Especially for line decisions, of which there are only ever a handful in the course of a match, and certainly they are far less frequent than the sort of freak incident that took place in Bloemfontein - which was important enough to justify a delay. The time used up in getting the right verdict is clearly time well spent. It's a no-brainer in an era of instant TV replays."
Cost excuses are a smokescreen. Firstly FIFA will make almost $2 billion from this World Cup, so it is hardly cash-strapped. And there is no need for every match across the world to have such technology in place. Major tournaments would be a start and work down from there.
Delays? All other sports have come to terms with this, so why can't football, especially given replays are available in seconds? If FIFA was so bothered by stopping the flow of the game then it would act against endless play-acting, not to mention the end-of-game tedium as strings of players slowly amble off as they are substituted. It is also missing a commercial trick. Sponsoring the replays would be a big earner, although the downside for the TV audience is that broadcasters would undoubtedly go down the US route and lobby for referral delays as an excuse to slip in an ad or two.
But rugby union had the same fears before it embraced TV replays. "There were concerns they would strip the sport of one of its most attractive characteristics - continuity," explains Graham Jenkins, senior editor of ESPNscrum. "Those fears were allayed once the technology had been given a chance to provide clarity. Developments in the TV coverage of games were such that the sport could no longer allow referees to make key judgement calls when cameras told a more accurate story.
"It is now an accepted part of the sport and any break in the action is negligible and often adds to the dramatic nature of a big game."
Carlos Tevez scores his offside goal
GettyImagesCarlos Tevez scores his offside goal
Given that the bulk of replays would take place when a break in play is already taking place - often as a goal is being celebrated - then the review could be happening simultaneously. It might even help answer the question of what on earth the fourth official is there for.
And what of the authority of the referee and linesmen? Can anything undermine them more than the knowledge - shared with the entire stadium and global TV audience, as was the case on Sunday night - that a decision was wrong but there was nothing that any of them could do about it?
"The role of referee is difficult enough in today's modern game and any helping hand that technology can offer should be embraced enthusiastically," Jenkins says. "The fans in the stadium and those in their armchairs deserve that and the sport as a whole can only benefit in the long run."
Again, if FIFA was serious about backing officials it would clamp down on divers and cheats who try to con them and get fellow players sent off.
The hardest question is over the extent of any review system. Goal-line technology is a must ... but what about offsides? Clearly the winners here would be the defenders, given that an attacker could hardly appeal against a wrong call against them, but that should not be a reason to continue allowing errors. Technology is not a solution, it is an aid.
And, Miller adds, football should learn from cricket where many believe too much is referred. "The speed and fluidity of football means that it would be daft to interject for every tackle and disputed throw-in, but for the significant moments - not least red cards, when there's often a melee around the referee anyway - a second opinion would clearly cut through the controversy."
FIFA is on even shakier ground regarding the use of post-match reviews to clean up the game. It continues to be reluctant to use TV evidence to act against fakers and divers, and yet at the same time refers to the beauty of the game.
Blatter and his sidekicks have a duty to serve football. By their failure to acknowledge what everyone else can see so clearly, they are doing the opposite.

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viernes, junio 25, 2010

World Cup 2010: Ruta a la final

Octavos de final
Partido Horario Sede Juego
49 26/06/2010  9 am Puerto Elizabeth Uruguay Vs Corea del Sur
50 26/06/2010 1.30 pm Rustenburgo Estados Unidos Vs Ghana
51 27/06/2010 9 am Bloemfontein Alemania Vs Inglaterra
52 27/06/2010 1.30 pm Johannesburgo Argentina Vs México
53 28/06/2010 9 am Durban Holanda Vs Eslovaquia
54 28/06/2010 1.30 pm Johannesburgo Brasil Vs Chile
55 29/06/2010 9 am Pretoria Paraguay Vs Japón
56 29/06/2010 1.30 pm Ciudad del Cabo España Vs Portugal
Cuartos de final
57 02/07/2010 9 am Puerto Elizabeth Holanda Vs Brasil
58 02/07/2010 1.30 pm Johannesburgo Uruguay Vs Estados Unidos
59 03/07/2010 9 am Ciudad del Cabo NO ME ARRIESGO Vs NO ME ARRIESGO
60 03/07/2010 1.30 pm Johannesburgo Paraguay Vs España
Semifinales
61 06/07/2010 1.30 pm Ciudad del Cabo Uruguay Vs Brasil
62 07/07/2010 1.30 pm Durban NO ME ARRIESGO Vs España
Tercer puesto
63 10/07/2010 1.30 pm Puerto Elizabeth Uruguay Vs NO ME ARRIESGO
Final
64 11/07/2010 1.30 pm Johannesburgo Brasil Vs NO ME ARRIESGO


Ricardo, Jorge... y otras risas del Mundial

Ricardo, Jorge... y otras risas del Mundial
Fotos Cortesía | "Así es, Ricardo, Jorge" es la frase con la que siempre saluda el corresponsal, quien curiosamente no tiene nombre y se parece a Javier Hernández Bonnet.

CON EL MUNDIAL de Fútbol, también la creatividad mete goles con el corresponsal de Davivienda en Sudáfrica y los animales salvajes del Canal RCN.
Óscar Darío Montoya Gómez | Medellín | Publicado el 25 de junio de 2010
Todos los días, desde Sudáfrica, reporta un corresponsal muy de malas que hace reír a los televidentes. Se ha lesionado el tobillo, lo han expulsado de las ruedas de prensa, ha tenido encuentros poco amistosos con los hooligans, dio positivo en una prueba de dopaje y hasta se lo han tragado las arenas movedizas.


Se trata de la nueva campaña publicitaria "En el lugar equivocado" del banco Davivienda y diseñada por la agencia Leo Burnett, que por su gracia e ingenio anda por estos días en boca de todo el mundo y cuenta ya con miles de fans en por lo menos cinco páginas creadas en Facebook.


Tanto éxito no se lo esperaba ni el propio protagonista de los 24 comerciales, que en realidad no es corresponsal sino un músico con mucha suerte al que ya no paran de lloverle propuestas para actuar en televisión.


Su nombre es Julián Orrego, tiene 28 años y es el vocalista de El Sie7e, una banda de rock con siete años de trayectoria y dos nominaciones a los MTV Latinos 2009, gracias a la canción Ya no estás.

"Por ese lado yo ya venía acostumbrado al tema de las cámaras y ahorita lo de Davivienda es un impulso más a mi carrera", dice Julián, quien no puede ofrecer declaraciones sobre la campaña por lo menos hasta el 11 de julio.


Se sabe, sin embargo, que el papel del corresponsal se lo ganó en un casting y que como actor ya se venía preparando con su profesora Ana María Sánchez, actriz de Paraíso Travel e In fraganti.

La selva del Canal RCN
Además del hilarante corresponsal "en el lugar equivocado", el Mundial también ha traído al televisor la gracia de El Pipa, Leao, Suri, Monocuco y Lola, los animales de los comerciales del Canal RCN.


Estas mascotas animadas por computador se han ganado no solo la simpatía de los televidentes sino también de la Dian, que acaba de escogerlas para su próxima campaña publicitaria.


"De hecho en redes sociales de internet han creado un club de fans de El Pipa y se escuchan ring tones de este personaje", comenta José Guillermo Díaz, creativo de la Agencia de Publicidad del Canal RCN In House, la responsable de esta campaña.


Copyright © EL COLOMBIANO S.A. & CIA. S.C.A.


Giovanni Moreno es nuevo jugador de Racing Club de Avellaneda

Giovanni Moreno continuará su carrera en Argentina, actuando para  Racing.
Giovanni Moreno continuará su carrera en Argentina, actuando para Racing. Juan Diego Ortiz/FUTBOLRED

Nacional y Racing acordaron las condiciones económicas para la transferencia del volante ofensivo. Giovanni viajaría el próximo lunes para presentar los exámenes médicos y vincularse a la 'Academia'.
Y llegó el final de la historia. Tal como lo adelantó Futbolred, solo faltaba el acuerdo entre clubes para darle vía libre a la negociación que vestiría a Moreno con la camiseta 'albiceleste'.
El convenio se logró este jueves cuando Atlético Nacional aceptó el monto que le ofreció el club de Avellaneda, que según trascendió, serían US 3.500.000 por el 50 por ciento de los derechos deportivos y la totalidad de los derechos federativos.
"Acordamos el precio por el 50 por ciento de los derechos del jugador", confirmó el presidente Juan Carlos De la Cuesta que no quiso oficializar la cifra del cheque que pagará el conjunto gaucho.
"Racing quedó en mandar el convenio por escrito para que el negocio quede cerrado y Giovanni viaje, posiblemente el lunes, a Buenos Aires para presentarse a los exámenes médicos", añadió el máximo dirigente verdolaga.
Giovanni realizó este jueves su último entrenamiento con el 'verde', se despidió de sus compañeros y del cuerpo técnico y se desplazó a las oficinas del club para conocer los detalles de la negociación con el club 'albiceleste'.
"Sale un jugador muy importante para nosotros", se lamentó el técnico José Fernando Santa que se tomará un tiempo para determinar la necesidad o no, de traer otro elemento que cope la vacante que deja Moreno. "Nunca sobra que pueda llegar un jugador pero nos vamos a tomar el tiempo porque no cualquiera puede reemplazar a Giovanni", concluyó.
Nacional le había pagado cerca de US 2.500.000 a Envigado por el 90 por ciento de los derechos deportivos en junio de 2008. El restante 10 por ciento, pertenece a Envigado, club donde Moreno nació al profesionalismo.

Juan Diego Ortiz Jiménez
Corresponsal Futbolred.com
Medellín

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jueves, junio 24, 2010

World Cup 2010 shocker! Defending champion Italy eliminated after 3-2 loss to Slovakia

By Michael Lewis
Thursday, June 24th 2010, 1:07 PM
It's a stunning end for Fabio Cannavaro and Italy as the defending  World Cup champions lose to Slovakia in Johannesburg Thursday and  finish with a 0-1-2 record in South Africa.
Breloer/AP
It's a stunning end for Fabio Cannavaro and Italy as the defending World Cup champions lose to Slovakia in Johannesburg Thursday and finish with a 0-1-2 record in South Africa.
Kamil Kopunek celebrates Slovakia's third goal.
Sohn/AP
Kamil Kopunek celebrates Slovakia's third goal.

JOHANNESBURG - The defending champions were eliminated from the World Cup Thursday, but Italy did not go down without a fight.
Trying desperately to tie and clinch a spot in the second round, Italy was stunned by underdog Slovakia, 3-2, in a Group F match that seemingly had most of the action in the final 15 minutes and extra-time at Ellis Park.
Trailing 2-0 and 3-1, the Italians tried to equalize, but fell short.
The elimination meant that both finalists from Germany 2006 were bounced out in the opening round. The French exited on a disgraceful note earlier this week with infighting between the players and coach Raymond Domenech.
For the first time since 1974, the Italians were eliminated in the opening round as they finished with an 0-1-2 record.
Don't expect many Italian players to vacation in South Africa any time soon. The Italians were embarrassed twice within a 12-month span. They were ousted after going 1-2 in last year's FIFA Confederation Cup and exit this competition early, becoming only the second defending champion to be eliminated in the opening round.
After recording this unlikely victory, the Slovak team formed a circle in the center circle and danced and sang together in celebration.
Forward Robert Vittek wound up the hero for Slovakia (1-1-1, four points), which started the day in last place in the four-team group. He struck in each half.
Vittek gave Slovakia a 1-0 advantage in the 11th minute, when he beat goalkeeper Federico Marchetti with a blast from the top of the penalty area to the lower left corner.
He doubled the lead in the 73rd minute as he beat defender Giorgio Chiellini from five yards.
The Italians closed to the gap in the 81st minute as Antonio Di Natale scored from point-blank range.
Then a bizarre situation ensued when substitute Fabio Quagliarella got into a shoving match with goalkeeper Jan Mucha in the goal as he tried to get the ball to midfield for a kickoff. Slovak teammate Juraj Kucka came over and pushed aside Quagliarella in the net.
The Italians thought they had equalized in the 84th minute, but Quagliarella was called offside on a questionable call.
Slovakia, however, regained its two-goal margin in the 89th minute as Kamil Kopunek chipped the keeper from seven yards after a throw-in.
Italy came back in stoppage time, however, as Quagliarella tallied from long range as the defending champions continued to push forward.


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viernes, junio 18, 2010

LA Lakers clinch back-to-back NBA titles

Kobe Bryant scores for LA Lakers in the NBA finals
LA Lakers clinch NBA title
The Los Angeles Lakers came from behind to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in the decisive seventh game of the NBA finals and secure back-to-back titles.
Pau Gasol starred with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Kobe Bryant hit 21 points and Ron Artest added 20 points.
The hosts were behind for much of the game - at one stage by 13 points.
But a final-quarter surge put them ahead for the first time since the second quarter and two free throws from Sasha Vujacic sealed the victory.
It was only the second time in 16 years that the series has gone the full distance.
Of 18 decisive seventh games in finals history, 14 have now been won by the hosts.
Every match in this series was won by the team with the most rebounds - Los Angeles dominating that statistic 53-40 in the final game.
Lakers' Spanish forward Gasol was outstanding in that department and drew plaudits from team-mate Bryant.
Pau Gasol (left) was inspirational for the Lakers
Gasol (left) was inspirational for the Lakers
"I can't say enough about 'Spain'. That guy's unbelievable, a hell of a player - we wouldn't have won it without him," said Bryant, who collected the Bill Russell Award as finals series MVP for the second time as well as winning his fifth title.
"This is the sweetest title. We've been downplaying the rivalry with the Celtics but there's no question, this one's by far the sweetest because it's against them - and because it's the hardest."
Boston, who were without injured centre Kendrick Perkins, made the early running in the game, building up a 23-14 lead at the first interval.
The visitors took almost five minutes to score in the second period but recovered to go in at half-time 40-34.
A Rajon Rondo two-pointer saw the lead move into double figures for the first time at 47-36 and the same player then added a further two en route to 14 for the game.
But Lamar Odom was to the fore as LA cut the gap to 57-53 by the end of the third quarter and a free throw from Artest levelled the scores at 61-61.
Another 9-0 run took them 70-64 ahead but the game remained in the balance as both teams traded three-pointers.
But Vujacic held his nerve at the crucial moment and Rondo's missed three-pointer allowed Odom to hurl the ball long to Bryant and safety.

BBC © MMX


jueves, junio 17, 2010

Los premios por ganar el mundial de sudafrica 2010

Las primas exorbitantes por ganar el mundial de Sudáfrica

Conozca las selecciones que recibirán mejores premios económicos de llegar a ganar el campeonato de fútbol.

En un mes donde los trabajadores en Colombia reciben esta bonificación empresarial, las primas del mundial de fútbol de Sudáfrica también se encuentran presentes aunque en una cantidad un poco mayor.


Para esta ocasión el mejor pago por este concepto será la selección de España, quien además de los sueldos estipulados para cada jugador, negoció una cifra individual de 600.000 euros por ganar el mundial del fútbol, donde adicionalmente, La Fifa pagará 30 millones de euros a la Federación que gane el torneo.


El segundo lugar de la lista lo encabeza la selección argentina, que prometió 550.000 euros a sus jugadores de llegar a coronarse como campeón. Mientras que Inglaterra ocupa el tercer lugar con 470.000 euros. Por su parte al Anfitrión, Sudáfrica, prometió a sus jugadores una prima de 400.000 euros y un automóvil de lujo de alcanzar las instancias finales del campeonato.


Cabe destacar, que los jugadores de la selección española, han manifestado que no, cobrarán primas por disputar la fase de grupos del Mundial ni por llegar a la fase de octavos de final, y que de llegar a coronarse campeones del certamen, destinarán un porcentaje de la prima a obras sociales.


Con información de 20minutos.es


Juan Felipe Pinzón García
contenido@elempleo.com



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miércoles, junio 16, 2010

Teams prepare for tactical tinkering

june 9, 2010 By Norman Hubbard

Perhaps it is the triumph of tactics over talent. The lack of goals in the first round of fixtures in the 19th World Cup suggests organisation has prevailed and that carefree attacking has been at a minimum. It could be deemed systemic gridlock, but while there has been a general sense of caution, it is inaccurate to say that sides have simply cancelled each other out.
Ri Jun-Il and Robinho Brazil v North Korea
GettyImagesNorth Korea's performance against Brazil was one of the most tactically astute so far
Because there are some notable anomalies. The back four exerts an unhealthy dominance in managerial thinking, with fielding three centre backs a deeply unfashionable policy. North Korea may well be in a time warp, which could explain their unconventional choice. But Kim Jong-Hun's blanket defence, featuring equally disciplined full backs, proved a well-drilled quintet ruthlessly depriving the Brazilians of space.
Another underdog also opted for a trio of central defenders. For New Zealand, too, the policy had merit, not least because one of them, Winston Reid, got forward to equalise, a freedom that pairs of central defenders rarely enjoy. Whereas the Koreans' system was 5-4-1, however, Ricki Herbert's was a more progressive 3-4-3.
Otto Rehhagel may claim that is how Greece lined up against South Korea. It was, however, a statement of negative intent that the midfielder Kostas Katsouranis began behind the orthodox defenders and continued there after the concession of an early goal.
They are the three exceptions. Even Chile's Marcelo Bielsa, long an advocate of a back three, opted for a four-man rearguard in a display of progressive passing.
That said, perhaps the side with the most positive shape have been Mexico, who often only actually had a trio protecting their goalkeeper. Their 4-3-3 has been distinctly Barcelona-esque, and not just because Rafael Marquez plays his club football at Camp Nou. Both full backs, Carlos Salcido and Paul Aguilar, were sufficiently advanced they could be called wing backs with Marquez, the holding midfielder, often dropping in to make a back three; both wingers tended to cut infield rather than hugging the touchline.
It is a sign that while the back four reigns supreme, it permits greater variance further forwards. Formations such as 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3 are related, proving more fluid and flexible than a rigid 4-4-2, and offer the possibility of a two- or three-tier midfield.
Their popularity is understandable. It has been a feature of the first 16 games that the side with a numerical advantage in the centre of midfield is disproportionately successful. Ghana (4-2-3-1) overcame Serbia (4-4-2), disrupting Raddy Antic's plans to such an extent that he removed a striker, Nikola Zigic, to bolster his midfield. Argentina (4-3-1-2) defeated Nigeria (4-4-2) with a regular failing of the latter's system exposed: the trouble picking up players who operate, in one of Rafa Benitez's favourite phrases, "between the lines".
The Nigerians' difficulties were exacerbated by the identity of that elusive individual - Lionel Messi - yet with central midfielders occupied by their Argentine counterparts, it was a predictable problem. Germany's Mesut Ozil, granted a playmaking role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, found himself similarly unchecked by the Australians and, if anything, exerted a still greater influence.
The Australian approach merits further examination. It was described, understandably, on these pages as 4-6-0, for the simple fact that both supposed strikers, Tim Cahill and Richard Garcia, are midfielders by trade and tended to drift back. Yet it was also notable for the high line the back four took, reminiscent of the 1980s, in a tournament where most have defended deep; allowing such space behind the one-paced Craig Moore backfired.
Tim Cahill is dismissed
GettyImagesTim Cahill struggled to make his mark in Australia's 4-6-0 formation
Pim Verbeek may nevertheless note that Japan fielded a midfielder, Keisuke Honda, rather more successfully, serving as the spearhead of a 4-5-1 system and scoring. Denmark ended without an out-and-out forward against Holland, suggesting the striker is an endangered species in some places. There may, though, be direct correlations between the shortage of centre forwards and the lack of goals.
Where two have been fielded, it can provide problems retaining possession. England and USA both played 4-4-2; both lost the ball with regularity. Paraguay's may have been the second most efficient 4-4-2 seen thus far, albeit defensively. Marcello Lippi noted the essential defensiveness of the South Americans' midfield. Imitation nonetheless benefited the Italians; they went like for like after the introduction of Mauro Camoranesi and prospered with a direct match-up.
Switzerland, however, provided the greatest endorsement of the 4-4-2, and its sole tactical triumph for Ottmar Hitzfeld. His side showed a North Korean level of organisation in overcoming Spain; having a second striker was justified both in their goal and when they hit the post, but it required a sterling effort from the twin holding midfielders.
So, too, did the vanquished Spanish. A plan of perpetual passing worked wonderfully at Euro 2008. It has been less effective thus far. Vicente del Bosque will have a decision to make, however; when Fernando Torres is fully fit, does he switch to two strikers? If not, as Brazil, Spain, Germany, Holland and Italy favour it, there is a high chance this World Cup will be won by a team playing 4-2-3-1.

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World Cup 2010: Goals and gaffes in the opening games

June 16, 2010 By Jon Carter
Soccernet selects its best, and worst, moments from the opening round of fixtures at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Gelson Fernandes celeb v Spain
GettyImagesGelson Fernandes celebrates his shock winner against Spain

Best Team Performance: Switzerland. The biggest shock of the first round of fixtures came in the very last match, as Switzerland produced a gutsy display to frustrate Euro 2008 champions Spain. Having soaked up wave upon wave of pressure from a side littered with some of the world's biggest stars, Gelson Fernandes prodded home and despite pushing hard for an equaliser Spain couldn't find a way past a determined and impenetrable Swiss defence.
Best Player: Mesut Ozil, Germany: With Michael Ballack missing, Germany had a rather sizeable gap to fill, which they managed to do easily with the Werder Bremen star. Excellent on the ball, creative and with great vision, Ozil's versatility was one of the main reasons for their four-star performance against Australia.
Best Game: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria. After the passion of the first game and the drudgery of France v Uruguay, the football has not been of the greatest standard with few sides looking to attack. However, Argentina showed their intent with 20 shots on goal (even though they only scored one) and Nigeria had a fair few themselves. Plus, you got to watch Lionel Messi.
Gaffe: Robert Green, England v USA. Not difficult. With the ball swerving all over the place, goalkeeping errors have happened with more than usual regularity, but West Ham 'keeper Green goes in the book for his slip against USA. A simple gather, Green knelt to pick up the ball, watched it spin off his hands and then desperately tried to get back before it crossed the line, to no avail.
Best Goal: Maicon, Brazil v North Korea. It looked for a while as if North Korea would pull off a shock, but Inter defender Maicon broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from just inside the dead-ball line. Smashing it across goal, Korean 'keeper Ri Myong-Guk was caught out as it beat him at the near post and the Brazilian was reduced to tears for the celebration. It may have been meant as a cross, but it was Roberto Carlos-esque.
Highlight: For the first World Cup to be held on African soil, it was fitting that the opening goal went to an African side. Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning shot in the 55th minute for South Africa against Mexico ensured that the tournament would always be memorable for the hosts. An elaborate celebration enforced the image, although it will be hard to remove that of the giant dung beetle from the opening ceremony.
Lowlight: Protests surrounding the stewards at some of the stadiums has added to the negative PR for the tournament. While crime and security has been largely a non-issue, the decision to tell the stewards they would get R500 (just under £45) a match before actually paying them R200 (less than £20) left a bad taste in the mouth and the police had to step in to ensure the Brazil v North Korea game was safe.
South Africa
GettyImagesVuvezelas: You either love them or loathe them
Talking Point: The ball or the vuvuzela? While the ball has had its fair share of critics, so too has the vuvuzela. The African trumpet has been played at every game, meaning that even native South Africans have ended games going home with a headache. With 60,000 being blown at once is quite a racket, but it is the sound of the continent and won't be banned by FIFA.
Ref Watch: Generally excellent, even if the football hasn't been, the refs have avoided the spotlight unlike in past tournaments. The best decision goes to Julian Rodriguez Santiago from the Germany v Australia game as he booked Ozil for diving, causing him to noticeably stay on his feet when he could have gone to ground for a penalty claim later on.
Stat Attack: Miroslav Klose went up to fifth in the all-time scorers chart when he scored against Australia. He is now tied with Sandor Kocsis and Jurgen Klinsmann on 11 goals.

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viernes, junio 11, 2010

miércoles, junio 09, 2010

Atlético Nacional presentó su sede deportiva ubicada en el municipio de Guarne

Los jugadores Jhon Medina (i) y Stifan Barrientos (d) tienen la  cinta de apertura de la sede de Nacional que cortan Héctor García y  Antonio Ardila (c), directivos de la OAL.
Los jugadores Jhon Medina (i) y Stifan Barrientos (d) tienen la cinta de apertura de la sede de Nacional que cortan Héctor García y Antonio Ardila (c), directivos de la OAL.
Foto Cortesía El Mundo


En un terreno de 81.772 metros cuadrados y con una inversión cercana a los 17.000 millones de pesos, el 'verde' presentó su sede que cuenta con tres canchas, gimnasio, camerino y sala de prensa.
A 29 kilómetros de Medellín nació el nuevo sueño verdolaga. El cuadro antioqueño presentó en sociedad la primera fase de su sede deportiva dotada con todas las comodidades y la altura de las exigencias de la Fifa.

Esta primera etapa consta de tres canchas reglamentarias de fútbol -una de ellas sintética-, dos camerinos para 30 personas cada uno, un gimnasio, zona húmeda, sala de prensa y cerca de 100 parqueaderos.

En la segunda fase, que se estima esté lista para finales de 2011, se edificará un complejo de habitaciones que se utilizará como centro de concentración y se estrenará otra cancha natural de menor dimensión que será utilizada por los jugadores de las divisiones menores.

"Con este gran esfuerzo volverán las épocas de gloria para Nacional. Queremos volver a tener un equipo ganador y un equipo campeón", afirmó Antonio José Ardila, vicepresidente de la Organización Ardila Lulle.

"Ahora Nacional tiene la meta de seguir creciendo y obtener logros deportivos. Somos más grandes ahora pero este solo es el camino porque necesitamos resultados deportivos. Nuestra meta tiene que ser el campeonato en este semestre", declaró el presidente Juan Carlos De la Cuesta.

El acto de presentación de la nueva sede deportiva contó con la presencia de varios ex jugadores como 'Chicho' Serna, Víctor Aristizábal, Pedro Sarmiento, Hernán Darío Herrera, entre otros, además de distintos directivos de la Organización Ardila Lulle y de la firma Postobón.

Un acto religioso, un video institucional de la sede, un partido de fútbol amistoso entre personal administrativo del club y representantes de la prensa, la visita dirigida a cada una de las zonas del complejo y corto entrenamiento del equipo profesional, finalizaron una mañana histórica para el 'verde' que estrenó su nueva sede deportiva.

Especificaciones técnicas

Área del lote: 81.772 metros cuadrados
Costo aproximado: 17.000 millones de pesos (9.000 la primera fase y 8.000 la segunda).
Tiempo de ejecución de la primera fase: 13 meses.

Dotación en primera fase: gimnasio con capacidad para 35 personas, área para kinesiología y fisioterapia, oficina para cuerpo técnico, oficina de presidencia y mesa de reuniones, cuarto de utilería, zona de lavandería, camerino para equipo profesional dotado con tableros y equipos de multimedia, zona húmeda con jacuzzi y zona de inmersión, bodega mantenimiento y sala de prensa.

Proyecto de la segunda fase: una cancha natural con dimensiones de 110 metros de largo por 70 metros de ancho con grama bermuda 419 y un complejo de habitaciones que servirá como sitio de concentración.

Especificaciones de las canchas: en la primera fase se construyeron dos canchas naturales con medidas de 110 metros de largo por 70 metros de ancho con grama bermuda 419, además de una cancha sintética de 90 metros de largo por 60 metros de ancha. Las dos primeras cuentan dispositivos para el riego automática y un sistema de filtros que permiten la rápida evacuación del agua. 


Juan Diego Ortiz Jiménez
Corresponsal Futbolred.com
Medellín


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