Logos on US Open Tennis shirts - bit confusing

Its curious.
But have you seen the US Open Tennis  Shirts that are being worn by the Ball boys and girls and also the Line Umpires ( I presume the Chair Umpires also )?
On the right hand side of the shirts you have the US Open Tennis Logo.
But on the left hand side, have you noticed the POLO Logo?
Comment if you have.
I for one cannot understand why a POLO Logo should be on an US Open Tennis shirt?
Can you?
If you can understand the link please let me know.
I am flummoxed.

 

Goal DROUGHT in Spain

What is happening in the Spanish La Liga?
The best Clubs have spent millions in buying in the best TALENT in the footballing world. So why aren't goals being scored?
Is it the style of play? Is it because opposing teams have bolstered their defences? Or is it that the "TALENT" are yet to produce results? Or.. ?
It will be interesting to do a simple math at the end of the season:-
TOTAL MONEY SPENT in buying TALENT divided by the GOALS the "TALENT" score.
We should always use this rule of thumb method to see whether the money was well spent or NOT.

Dinah Pfizenmaier - we haven't seen the last of her.

OK this is not a story of a winner.
Its a story of a loser in the Ladies draw - 1st Round of the 2013 US Open.
To make it worse she lost 6-0 and 6-0!!
Two bagels.
But she lost to the No. 2 seed - Victoria Azaranka.
For Dinah Pfizenmaier a 21 year old German, this was her first US Open. She has a certain quality that is rarely seen.
She moves well, she has a tremendous backhand and forehand and her passing shots are exquisite. If this is not enough, she has a great thundering serve. She has a game very unlike the other ladies playing in the US Open - except for the Williams' sisters. She had Azarenka on the ropes point after point and but kept handing games over to the No. 2 seed when she was fully on top.
Then why did she lose?
She lacks patience and maturity. Dinah has to be patient at this level and slowly build up her points, cut out the unforced errors and make the opponent work hard for each and every point. From what we witnessed yesterday, if Dinah had not been so eager to go for her winners, it could very easily have been Azarenka who would have exited in the first round.
We saw glimpses of great tennis from this young German and we hope that she learns from this outing and comes back roaring.

 

Victoria Duval a very young and a great prospect for US Ladies Tennis

I was really impressed by how Victoria Duval stayed with Samantha Stosur and edged out a fantastic win to enter the 2nd Round of the US Open.
It was very pleasing to see how she ( Duval ) controlled her excitement and nerves and held on and on for 4 Match points till she eventually won her match 5-7, 6-4 and 6-4. We have to keep in mind that Stosur won the US Open in 2011 and for Duval this was her 2nd US Open. It was a tremendous achievement - a little like David and Goliath - only the female version!!
Well done young lady - we are looking forward to seeing you play more exciting tennis in the years to come.
What was also very impressive was her interview after the match. She coolly said that Stosur didn't play her best tennis whilst she had to play her best. She was so modest and thankful for everything she has received and achieved. We need to congratulate her parents for guiding her through to this stage in her tennis career.
Seeing her I am positive that US Ladies Tennis is in good hands. Thank you Billie Jean King to guiding and mentoring this young girl.
Wishing that Victoria Duval progresses further and further up to atleast the Round of 16 ( if not beyond ).

Watch the interview it was really impressive. She is only 17!! 

Boring Madrid scavenge 3 points

It was a pathetic display of ineptitude.
Real Madrid does not need Bale, they need a whole new team!!
What is the forward line doing? It cannot get together a couple of passes and get inside the Granada defence? If they cannot breakdown the Granada defence, what will they do against the better teams like Barcelona and Athletico Madrid?
Ancelotti you have a lot to think about. Ronaldo is clearly out of form, Benzema should be benched even if he scored the only goal. The only two players who tried today was Di Maria and Ozil. The rest spent the 90 minutes putting us to sleep.
Albeloa does not have the ability to cross the ball into the penalty area. The number of times he back passed the ball to Pepe or another team mate was incredible. The flow of the game is savagely cut and all comes a halt. In this day and age, if a left back cannot cross the ball and feed the forwards, he has no right to be in the team. Look at Marcelo, he crosses are beautiful - if the forwards mess it up - it is not his fault.
I am really frustrated seeing this poor poor quality of football.
Are the stories of the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale so disturbing to the Madrid players?
What is the reason?
They were up against Granada for God's Sake not Bayern Munich or Dortmund.
God help us.

 

Will Old Trafford be Jose Mourinho's WATERLOO?

We will all be watching whether the "MOUTH" can stop "talk the talk" and now step up and "Walk the Walk"?
The result should shut him up for a few days - hopefully a bit longer.

 

Barcelona outclasses Malaga

Barcelona outclassed Malaga at the Rosalera tonight and won by the narrowest of margins 1-0.
The football of Barcelona has changed.
It is no longer the short, sharp passes with the lion's share of the possession of the football that we have become used to and love.
Now Barcelona seems content to play the contemporary style of football being played by most of the Clubs.
However there is a major difference between the football played by Barcelona and the rest.
Barcelona have very skilled and talented players who provide us with brilliant and entertaining football. The vision of their midfield players by creating openings for their forwards to dart in, is a delight to watch.
The way they play the beautiful game - fast flowing, attacking, linking up between themselves and the speed they can deliver the ball in an attacking move is exciting. And all this is played in a free spirit manner which entertain and thrill us.
Hope this style continues.
However there is a chink in their defence and I feel they are vulnerable on the counter. Malaga tonight managed to put together a couple of attacks in the dying minutes and could have come away with a draw if the Footballing Gods were a little bit more kind towards the Andalucians.
It was an Adriano goal which separated the two sides. Considering the distance of the shot, the Malaga Goalkeeper must have been unsighted.
Seeing Neymar play, I have one word of advice. He should try staying on his feet. As the word gets around that he goes down too easily, Referees may not be so lenient.

 

Referee awards Spurs the 3 points

Spurs were lucky that the Referee awarded them a penalty from what appears to be a dive from Townsend in the Swansea penalty area. And Roberto Soldado did the rest.
Although Spurs created a few more chances of goal than did Swansea, they never really threatened Vrom in goal for the Welsh side. The only real chance of a Spurs goal came in the first half when Paulino took a thundering shot from about 4 yards out. I don't know between Williams and Vrom Swansea managed to keep the ball out of the net.
However to be fair, Spurs were denied a penalty in the first half when the Referee gave a freekick to Spurs just outside the box when the foul was clearly committed by Shelby inside the box.
Swansea played much better in the second half and the substitutes (Spaniards and Wilfried) that Michael Laudrup brought on, played some good football but without anything to show for it.
Looking at Spurs, I think Bale is glad to be out of there.
Townsend's speed was impressive and Vrom of Swansea were my Men of the Match.
Soldado did not make any impression and had it not been for his penalty kick, we would have thought that he was on the bench!!

 

Liverpool come away from Villa Park with 3 points

It was a match of two halves.
In the first half, we saw Liverpool dominate and it seemed that Aston Villa was content defending and chasing the football around the park. Thank goodness Aston Villa began playing some good football in the second half.
Sturridge's goal in the first half was well taken and Liverpool played good football, moving the ball around, keeping control and possession but not creating too many chances.
I was very surprised to see that Villa Manager - Lambert, did not include El Ahmadi in the opening line up. Considering that he is their most creative player and a tremendous workhorse, I was flummoxed!!! 
Anyway El Ahmadi came on in the second half but it was all too late. Villa had control of the ball in the second half but could not equalize.
Aston Villa is a young side and individually they were playing quite well. But it takes time for a team to gel and play well together. They have talent and their style of play is quite refreshing to see in the Barclays Premier League.
These lads have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in 8 days!!! Maybe its all too much.
I am positive that Villa will do well in the Premier.

 

Raul you own Santiago Bernabeu

The reception that Raul got tonight at the Bernabeu was something beautiful, emotional and moving.
Even the Spanish King Juan Carlos was there to felicitate, hug and present Raul with a momento.
It was truly a moment to cherish.
A moment where a Football Club opens its heart and soul for a player who has dedicated his entire footbalistic career to his beloved Club.
This should be an example to all the young players of the Team and the future players who are yet to join the Club of what can be and what is possible with Real Madrid.
It was therefore appropriate and fitting that Raul scored the first goal. It was a brilliantly finished goal. A goal which marks a great striker of the ball. A first touch and knew exactly what he was there to do.
The rest of the first half was poor. Madrid had the lion's share of the possession but could not score. In fact it seemed that they did not have any clear ideas of how to score. It was disappointing and dreary.
The second half saw 4 more goals and therefore was much better.
But there is no room for complacency. The players have to perform and there were many today who didn't.
Isco stood out again from the rest.
It seems that this season, Isco has to do a great deal for the team, if Real Madrid is going to win any silverware.
Finally the night was for Raul Gonzalez Blanco.
And he showed us glimpses of what he was during his glory days.
Thank you Raul.

 

Wecome back Raul

I hope Madrid fans turn out in numbers to see, perhaps for the last time, one of our greatest and most friendly GALACTICO of ALL TIME play tonight.
On behalf of all the supporters I wish you - Raul, BIENVENIDO siempre.
Hope you have a great game and come back to help the Club reach greater heights and be a fantastic ambassador for the Club and Football.

 

  

Great news for us Real Madrid Fans

If today's news is to believed , it is great news.
What I have been saying for so long is finally going to come true.
Benzema is being sold to Arsenal.
Thank God.
And we are finally going to get Gareth Bale.
Maybe we have paid too much - but atleast we have a good striker.
Hope the Ronaldo and Bale combo works effectively.
 

Chelsea lucky to sneak away with 3 points

Football is a cruel game.
Its not always true that the better team wins.
This afternoon's match at Stamford Bridge proves just that.
Aston Villa were by far the better team.
But lost 2-1.
The most important weakness in Chelsea's armoury is that they do not take shots at goal.
Chelsea scored twice.
Once an own goal and the other a header from a free kick.
I cannot recollect if they attacked Aston Villa's goal on another occasion.
This Chelsea team is good at lateral passing but no venom in attack.
We saw the same lacklustre football  against Real Madrid during the pre season.
Watch Benteke's goal. It was very well taken - a goal which proves that Benteke is a very good striker and goal scorer. Aston Villa had a further two clear chances of goal and it was the goalkeeper that saved Chelsea both times.
Also it could be that the second Chelsea goal was offside.

 

Great finish by BENTEKE to ensure ASTON VILLA level at half time

Brilliant finish by BENTEKE. What a strike with 2 Chelsea defenders watching him.
Chelsea does not appear comfortable playing at HOME.
Aston Villa look the more dangerous side of the two.
VILLA are playing like where they left off with Arsenal over the weekend.

 

Xavi Alonso of Real Madrid - broke his foot training

Xavi Alonso broke his foot whilst training.
This not good news for Ancelotti.
We do not want injuries in the beginning of the season.
Recover soon Xavi.
And do not worry. Isco will fill your place.

 

Madrid's lacklustre display somehow gets them a WIN

Dear Mr. Carlo Ancelotti
This was a pathetic display from Real Madrid.
What was Ronaldo doing for the 90mins? Taking silly shots at goal and generally being ineffective. His free kicks were bad. I don't think I have a single positive word on his play tonight.
Please keep Khedira and Bezema on the bench.  In my humble opinion they just make up the 11. You don't have to play with 9. You can bring in some of the talented youngsters you have sitting around.
The number of OFFSIDES Bezema was caught in was ridiculous.
How many opportunities were lost in this manner?
Becareful of Ramos - his aggressive and very physical tackles will prove very costly for Madrid during the season.
Again I hate to tell you, but the defence is very weak. You have to strengthen the defence and tell the mid fielders that they have to fall back and defend when necessary.
The only player who was worth mentioning was ISCO - a GALACTICO in the making.
Please Mr. Ancelotti, if you want the fans to come and see Madrid - please do something dynamic.
You don't have to the same players from the Mourinho era.
CHANGE. CHANGE NOW.
Remember you played Real Betis and scrapped through. What will happen when you play the better teams?

 

Usain Bolt takes Jamaica to the 4x100M Relay Gold

The Jamaicans swept aside USA to win the relay Gold, with sheer class, grace and authority.
USA were in a slight lead right up to the last baton change .........then Usain Bolt took over and took charge of the race and thundered down the track ..... to put distance between himself and the USA.
Leaving Gatlin running for the SILVER.
Very impressive.
Have a look and enjoy

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce - THE QUEEN of 100M dash and 4x100M relay

You have to see Shelly-Ann run away with the 100M and the 4x100M GOLDs.
It is absolutely fantastic to see her run - with her orange hair swaying as she runs.
JAMAICA rules the sprints.

 

Rafa Nadal pushes into Cincinnati Final and ....... beyond

It is great to see Rafa playing such great tennis on his "least" favoured surface.
I, along with other fans, wish Rafa that his fitness continues and wins the US Open.
That will erase the first round defeat in Wimbledon and end on a high note.
The Cincinnati Final may prove tricky considering Isner's height. For your information, Rafa leads Isner 3-0 in their meetings.
Isner beat Del Porto in the semis to enter the finals and set up a date with Rafael Nadal.

 

3rd World Championship win for Usain Bolt in 200M

What an impressive victory for Usain Bolt.
As usual he was so far ahead of the field that he could ease up at the end and get the job done.
This was his 3rd World Championship win - a record in itself. No one has ever won three World Championships in the 200M.
For all of us Fans of Usain Bolt and Track and Athletic meets, lets hope Usain Bolt remains fit and healthy and continues to entertain us.

 

Womens 400M Final at the World Championships 2013

You have to see this race.
You must have heard many a time that you have to stay focused right upto the end of the race or it ain't over till the fat lady sings etc.
Well see for yourself what a NANO second loss of concentration can do.
How Christine Ohuruogu kept her focus and ran for all she was worth and incredibly managed to edge out Amantle Montsho.
It was the difference between GOLD and HEARTBREAK

 

Mo Farah - 5000m and 10000m Champion at the World Championships 2013

See Mo Farah dominate distance running at the Moscow World Championships.
Its really great to see a guy win both the 5000m and the 10000m at the same games.
It really is.
Well done Mo.

 

Dreary Liverpool win 1-0 at home against Stoke

What an uninspiring display of football.
Besides a few runs by the Liverpool forward Coutinho, the other Liverpool players had no idea of what to do.
It was all about -  kick and run and hope that somehow a chance will open up.
There was no imagination in their game.
If this continues, forget Liverpool winning anything this year or anything in the near future.
Stoke City's  goalkeeper has to be mentioned for his efforts in limiting the loss margin down to just one goal.
The only imaginative play came in the second half when Stoke's Adams saw the Liverpool Goalkeeper out of his ground and took a shot at goal from inside his own half. His effort nearly paid off.
Stoke's penalty miss was dreadful. If they can afford to throw away a point when it was being handed to them on a silver platter, they do not deserve any sympathy.
Sturridge scored for Liverpool in the first half.

 

Composition of Real Madrid 2013 - 2014

A lot is being written about the composition of Real Madrid 2013 - 2014 and I, an ardent supporter of the Club, would like to spell out the names of the players who have played well in the preseason:-
Ronaldo
Di Maria
Ozil
Isco
Jese
Casemiro
Casillas
Certain players were injured or are injured therefore their names have not been included.
But from what I have seen over the last month or so, I think the Real Madrid Team for 2013-2014 should revolve around this group of talented players.
WE NEED and HAVE to win TROPHIES.
WE WILL NOT BE SATISFIED WITH THE LIGA TITLE.
WE MUST HAVE THE DECIMA - 10th European Championship Title
Anything else will be a huge disappointment.

In the video of Ronaldo vs Inter Milan you will see one of the best passes of the preseason - Ronaldo's goal from a Casemiro's pass.
The three best passes of the preseason which have resulted in goals are all featured in the videos above. They are:-
Isco's pass to Benzema
Isco's pass to Ronaldo
Casemiro's pass to Ronaldo
 

Usain is preparing to pick up the 200m GOLD

Have a look and see the ease with which Usain Bolt cruised in the 200M Heats.
In fact it seemed he was having a little chat whilst looking around him to see where the competition was.
It was a devastating display of confidence and power.

 

Strange result : Switzerland beat Brazil 1-0

Who would have thought that Brazil could lose to Switzerland?
Even if it was an own goal ( Dani Alves ).
Brazil could have surely bounced back and took control of the game.
I mean come on.., after their dazzling win over Spain in the Confederations Cup last month - I thought and still think, that they are the 2014 World Champions.
But back to basics - I think Brazil's stars were a little out of form and fitness.
They need to focus and bring back the "samba" magic to their game.

 

Umpires won the Ashes Series or England

England are lucky to have wrapped the Ashes Series against the Old Enemy.

They got a lot of help from the field Umpires and also the Third Umpire.

In my opinion such bad umpiring decisions took the sweetness out of the victory or revenge as certain Englishmen would feel.

If the game is to survive and grow, you have to get new technology in to ensure that all decisions are legit. And players must cooperate and play the game in right spirit.

 

Manolo Sanchis has similar views on Bale. Could we get Suarez instead?

Manolo Sanchis the great Real Madrid player of the 1980s' - 1990s' also feels that whilst the price tag on Bale is a tad too high, he will have a positive impact in Real Madrid.

Read what Sanchis says. Its fascinating that Manolo has to make a public statement on such a delicate but badly handled negotiations in my opinion.

Just heard that Suarez could still be a target for Real.

goal.com

 

9.77

9.77
In the rain - its incredible.
Like I said in my Blog yesterday, the race was for the SILVER.
Usian Bolt was in a race of his own.
Thank you Usain Bolt for the anticipation, excitement and the memory.

 

Usain Bolt - how casually you won the 100m semis

Usian Bolt - I was really impressed by the way you so casually ran into the finals of the 100m.
It was such a dominating performance that the other finalists must be thinking of who is going to win the SILVER.
Thank you for giving us such excitement and wonder. Hope you continue your ways.

 

Great to see Kaka and Casemiro coming into their own

Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 3-0 closing a preseason with 6 victories and 1 draw with no losses.
The "invincibles"?
Casemiro's pass to Ronaldo for the second goal was clinical, cutting the Inter Milan defence, creating and setting up Ronaldo for a brilliant first time goal. See it for yourself.
We have not seen this Casemiro in the earlier matches. In fact I for one, was starting to have doubts about the signing. Well done Casemiro - welcome to Madrid - hope you continue to create such beautiful passes.
Kaka your effort in scoring the first goal was a treat to watch. Hope the entire team fights for Club like the way you did. You have to lead and lead this bunch of talented youngsters. You showed hunger to score and win.
My hope and prayer is that Madrid plays the game to excite and entertain us - the way we were used to. The touches, passes, flicks, backheels, one twos, lobs etc make the Blancos what they represent.
May the new season bring the Club honours it richly deserves.

 

Ronaldo, Isco, Casillas you did us proud.

Brilliant.
Satisfaction at so many levels.
Isco your waited, weighed and accurate pass to Ronaldo and Ronaldo's flying header was the highlight of the match.
Casillas your spectacular save showed the world that you are still the best.
Ronaldo your header and free kick goals shows why you are one of the two best players in the world.
The above are three very compelling reasons for Murinho to shut up and let the players do the "talking" on the field.
However Carlo Ancelotti there were certain aspects of the game that needs attention:-
: Khadera, Arbeloa and Benzema failed yet again to make an impression. They need to be "benched"
: The passing lacked accuracy.
: The defence was weak - how could Ramires get through so easily? Also Ramos's error that forced Casillas to make that wonderful save.
: Isco you need to take more control of the midfield and create more plays.
: Ozil - I think you had an day off.
: Thank God Di Maria came on and put some life down the right side of the field. Make some plays down the right side. All the plays are down the left flank.
Overall the team played well. But lets face it, Chelsea was not the Chelsea of old.
There is a lot of work to be done if Real Madrid is to win any silverware this year.

 

Bale as a replacement for Ronaldo? Really Sr. Calderon?

Sr. Calderon is it true you said that you think that Madrid is going after Bale as a possible replacement for Ronaldo?
I am flabbergasted!!!
Real Madrid, I mean Real Madrid, needs a WORLD CLASS striker upfront.
A proven class player who has played with a big club and has shown is class and skills at all level.
How can you say that Bale can even be considered as a replacement for Ronaldo in the same breadth?
As I have said earlier, consider Rooney instead of Bale.

Change of attitude by the English batsmen? 3rd Ashes Test

After the bad umpiring decisions and the fact that certain batsmen didn't "walk" when the whole world knew and saw they were out, the English batsmen seem to have a change of heart???

See the video and tell me whether Broad was out?

Stranger still, he "walked"!!

I am sure he has changed ways after "standing his ground" earlier in the series.

This shows it takes public outrage to bring the GENTLEMAN'S game back from disrepute.

 

Rooney or Bale - Sr. Perez you decide

Sr. Perez we all know Rooney is also available.
My simple question is, if you want to have a "star" striker to join forces with Ronaldo upfront and you have the financial backing, why not sign Rooney?
I am sure he will love to join his old buddy Ronaldo in Madrid.
Further it may be a quicker transaction and will put an end to all the speculation and guesswork. And more importantly it will give the Team some pre season stability and maybe practice time.

The JOY of Jairzinho

See one the greatest right wingers of all time play with such JOY.
He scored in every match in the 1970 World Cup - which is a record.
Brilliant and so difficult to separate from the ball - its a treat to watch.
Have fun
Wish Real Madrid could sign such a brilliant right winger

This second video was I think against Czechoslovakia - leaving the Czech players ( white jerseys ) biting the turf as Jairzinho tore through the Czech defence and scored.

 

Real Madrid vs Everton

It was a match of two halves.
I was impressed with the first half.
The speed of the counter attacks was good. Glad to see Ronaldo's selfless pass to Ozil for the second goal.
The defence seemed a little more organized and were back in numbers against the Everton forwards.
However the presence of the midfield was not seen.
Again Isco impressed and also from the little that I saw of Jese - he seemed eager to make an impression.
Khadira and Albiola again failed to impress. I fail to see why they continue with the Blancos.
Carvajal needs to tighten up his game otherwise Varane will be impossible to replace.
The second half was in my opinion a 45 minute period to forget. The substitutions did not improve the quality of play - on the contrary - it made it worse.
I hate to repeat but no major plays develop down the right flank. The accuracy in passing needs to be improved.

 

Bad umpiring decisions help England ....

The current Ashes Series being played in England is becoming a farce.
Stuart Broad, a fast medium English bowler, who is also an useful batsman, refused to "walk" when the whole world saw he had clearly "nicked" the ball and was caught by the first slip.
It was incredible. The umpire Aleem Dar didn't see the "nick" or "edge" and Broad took advantage of the "oversight" and decided to stand his ground.
Obviously its not a gentleman's game any more.
There no question of fairness and in my opinion, the English will do just about anything to win ( including bending the rules to suit them ) against the old enemy.
See the logo on Broad's shirt " BRIT" - doesn't do them proud - on the contrary... its shocking.
Hear the English commentator's ( David Lloyd ) reaction :-

Now lets move to third Test being played at Old Trafford, Manschester.
Here on the opening day, the young Australian batsman - Usman Khawaja didn't touch or nick or edge the ball as the replays show - in fact his bat was "miles" from the ball but was given out.
Was given out by the umpire and was upheld by the Third Umpire - who had to have seen the same footage that the whole world saw.
This is terrible.
Such bad umpiring decisions are helping England win the Ashes series - is making this series into a farce. The series will be remembered for all the wrong things.
Will someone tell the English - we are all watching...

  The above decision is being touted as the "worst" decision ever

 

Too many plays down the left side - Real Madrid

Isn't it true that Madrid prefers playing down the left side?
Probably because Ronaldo is more comfortable down that flank.
This rules out the possibility of using the "breadth" of the playing area in their play.
The use of wingers can cause havoc catching defences out of place - with long diagonal passes.
But with all or most of the plays down the left, the attacks can become predictable.
If I may venture to add, this was perhaps of the one of the reasons why Madrid couldn't get an early goal in the return leg against Dortmund.
Any views?

 

ISCO you are a GALACTICO

ISCO was the Man of the Match.
The two super sublime passes which opened up the LA Galaxy defence and put the ball in the feet of Ronaldo and Bezema were fantastic.
At last we got a play maker. A person who has a vision.
We have another David Beckam.
The problem lies in our defence. They do not close down plays and allows acres of space to the opposing forwards.
The other "small" problem seems to be the accuracy of the passing. Speed is good but the passing should be better. More ball control and possession.
Overall the youngsters played reasonably. They and the team need to mature.
Finally ISCO should be nurtured and treasured.