Cricket-India break under pressure, says Australia's Haddin

The Indian cricketers are the most vulnerable in the international game and wilt when subjected to sustained pressure, Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said on Tuesday ahead of the third test between the two countries.


In a fresh salvo at the visitors, who are already facing flak back home for their meek capitulation in the first two tests against Australia, Haddin said the tourists were "as fragile as any team in the world".


India, ranked number one in the test rankings until August last year, were whitewashed in England 4-0 in their last away series and trail 2-0 in the current one against Australia after heavy losses at Melbourne and Sydney.


"We spoke about a bit of that when we were batting," the Australia vice captain told Sky Sports Radio Australia on Tuesday.


"The longer we could keep them out on the field the bigger chance we had of breaking them.


"We know this side can be as fragile as any team in the world if things aren't going their way and they can turn on each other and the media turns on them pretty quick.


"We knew if we could keep them out there and put the numbers like we did on the board we knew we'd get the rewards because they break quicker than anyone in the world."


Haddin was referring to Australia's mammoth first innings total of 659 for four declared in the Sydney test, which India lost by an innings and 68 runs for their sixth successive overseas defeat.


India's Sachin Tendulkar, who has been chasing his 100th international century, has looked most accomplished at the crease for the visitors but Haddin said the Australians have identified a chink in the master batsman's defense.


"What we have found is if we can build enough pressure on him he wants to score and he wants to feel bat on ball and he wants to get into a rhythm," Haddin said.


"We find if we can push him a little wider, make him feel for the ball a bit we can build enough pressure to get a chance and it's worked in the last two tests."


The penultimate match in the four-test series starts in Perth on Friday with the last and final test in Adelaide from Jan. 24. 

Barcelona the best by far, says Sir Alex Ferguson

SIR Alex Ferguson has praised Barcelona as "by far" the world's best club team who should win the Champions League again this season.

"I can't see anyone taking the trophy from them," said Ferguson, whose Manchester United team lost 3-1 to Barcelona in a memorable final last May.

Ferguson's comments ahead of FIFA's annual awards ceremony suggest he expected the Spanish giants to triumph even if his own team had remained in the competition.

"Sometimes in football you have to hold your hand up and say, yeah, they're better than us," said the veteran United boss.

Ferguson's tribute to the Spanish, European and Club World Cup champions was made while sitting alongside Barca coach Pep Guardiola at a pre-event news conference.

Guardiola went on to beat Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Ferguson to be named the world's best coach in 2011.Ferguson, whose team failed to advance from the Champions League group stage last month, said Madrid were now "probably the nearest" to Barcelona.

Barcelona resumes the title defence away to Germany's Bayer Leverkusen in a Round-of-16, first-leg match on February 14. Real go to Russia one week later to face CSKA Moscow.

In Ferguson's 25-year reign at Old Trafford, he has guided Man United to two Champions League titles before meeting Barcelona in two finals in three seasons.

Lionel Messi scored both times and inspired the Catalan side to victory - 2-0 in Rome in 2009 and 3-1 at London's Wembley Stadium last season.

"We have experienced two years of it," Ferguson said of Barcelona's excellence. "It's not a crime and it's not a weakness in my belief in my own team.

"It's just plain facts that the Barcelona team just now, particularly with Lionel in their side, are just an extraordinary team."

Ferguson smiled at the suggestion that Guardiola would be a worthy successor when he steps down as planned in three years' time.

"Why would Pep want to leave Barcelona first of all?" he said. "If I was in his position, I would firmly stay where I was."

 

Bayern Munich gears up for India

European soccer giant FC Bayern Munich has expressed confidence that they would outplay the Indian team in their friendly match today. This match would mark the farewell for India's favourite soccer hero and skipper Bhaichung Bhutia. Reiterating his coach's words, club captain and German national team member Philipp Lahm added that Bayern would be showcasing attractive football skills in the match A dominant force in the German Bundesliga, winning six of the past 10 league titles and four time UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern Munich would definitely post the biggest challenge the Indian soccer team has faced in recent years

AC Milan & Inter hit form at perfect time to set up mouthwatering derby

The two giants have awoken from early slumbers, and all of a sudden this coming weekend's clash at San Siro has become one of the most eagerly-awaited in recent years.It was beginning to feel a lot like the biggest clash between AC Milan and Inter in January might be in the transfer market. With the champions playing catch-up behind Juventus and the Nerazzurri going through a real meltdown, the early season form of the two suggested that this month’s most interesting saga would be played out over Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. But with the derby now just six days away, both teams are in the top five, in top form, and are geared up for what should be a magnificent clash at San Siro.While Claudio Ranieri’s side have recorded the more notable upturn, chalking up five straight wins and seven in eight since the home defeat to Juve which saw them finish October in 17th position, so too have Milan put together an excellent run of form. Having started the same month in 15th following their own reverse against the Bianconeri, the Scudetto holders have since won 10 and drawn two in 12 to return to the top of Serie A.

And individually there have been significant improvements made on either side of the divide, too. Diego Milito’s brace in the 5-0 spanking of Parma on Saturday backed up his goal against Lecce before the break to well and truly banish a spell which had seem him record just one strike in 11 games. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri’s own talisman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, became the club’s first player since Andriy Shevchenko to score in five successive matches when netting against Atalanta on Sunday.

But the recent form of the two sides goes beyond more than mere numbers. While three months ago Massimiliano Allegri’s team looked devoid of any real creativity, they have since scored 32 goals in a dozen games off the back of a more settled line-up’s ability to make incisions from every angle. At times recently, they have looked as good as at any stage in their title-winning campaign of last term.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic: If Manchester City's Carlos Tevez arrives we'll score plenty of goals between us

The attacker has stressed that he doesn't mind who scores as long as the Rossoneri win, and added that the Argentine will find the net regularly at San Siro as well if he joins

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has no doubts that Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez will score plenty of goals for the Rossoneri if he moves to the Serie A champions in the winter transfer window.The Argentina international is desperate to leave City in January and has already agreed personal terms with Milan.

Although both clubs are still in talks about a potential transfer, Ibrahimovic is already looking ahead to eventually playing alongside the 27-year-old.

"If Tevez arrives, we'll score plenty of goals between us. I just want to win every game. I don't mind who scores the goals," the Sweden international told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Tevez fell out with City manager Roberto Mancini when he refused to come off the bench in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich earlier this season, and hasn't featured since.

Santos chief slams Ronaldo

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has pointed the finger at Brazil legend Ronaldo for trying to engineer a move to Real Madrid for starlet Neymar.Neymar, 19, committed his future to the club by signing a contract until 2014 amid speculation that he was on the verge of signing for the Spanish giants.

However, Ribeiro is angry that Ronaldo apparently used his influence at the Bernabeu in his new role with football agency 9ine - which he founded after hanging up his boots - to try to move the talks along.

"Ronaldo was the first to speak with Real Madrid and then after that people from the club arrived from Spain," Ribeiro told Folha de Sao Paulo. "He came to me with an offer, but it was well below the buy-out clause [believed to be around €45 million]."

Ribeiro also accused the former striker of trying to pocket a fee out of selling Neymar and claims that he does not have the player's best interests at heart.

"He has stopped being a footballer and he quickly turned into a businessman," the Santos chief added. "I think he wanted to earn money, it's his right. I don't want to earn money. He does.

"We do not act in the same area as the agents. Our job is to ensure Neymar enjoys a successful career."

Henry makes hero's return

Thierry Henry came off the bench to enhance his Arsenal legend as the veteran French striker fired the Gunners into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal's record goalscorer had rejoined the club he left for Barcelona in 2007 on a short-term loan deal from New York Red Bulls and did not disappoint when he slotted home on 78 minutes to finally break the resistance of the npower Championship club.

Henry, 34, is available for a six-week spell which will take in matches against Manchester United, AC Milan in the Champions League and possibly even the showdown with arch-rivals Tottenham on February 26.

And given tonight's 20-minute cameo masterclass, that could just be the spark Arsenal need to push on towards a successful end to a season which started so badly.

The Gunners, who rested current captain Robin van Persie, started strongly.

Andrey Arshavin was set up by Marouane Chamakh, who was set to leave for the African Nations Cup with Morocco after tonight's game, but the Russian blasted over from edge of box.

Arsenal pressed for long spells as Leeds were pushed deeper and deeper, but they lacked any real spark in the final third.

Sebastien Squillaci headed wide at the far post when Mikel Arteta, captain for the evening, whipped over a free-kick from the right.

At least on-loan Tottenham winger Andros Townsend was showing some endeavour for the visitors as he made some progress down the left flank, but he lacked support in the middle.

On 15 minutes, Aaron Ramsey bolted to the edge of the Leeds penalty area and drove a rising shot just over the angle.

The Wales captain then saw his 12-yard effort deflected over following another mazy run by Arshavin.

Leeds were shouting for handball when Luciano Becchio's shot came off Laurent Koscielny, but replays showed the ball hit the defender's back rather than arm.

There was some concern for Arsenal - already stretched in defence by a string of injuries - when Francis Coquelin pulled up clutching the top of his hamstring.

Nico Yennaris, an 18-year-old England youth international, came on after 33 minutes to fill in at right-back.

The start of the second half brought more of the same as Arsenal probed the Leeds defence without making any real progress around the edge of the area.

When Arshavin was picked out in space on the right by a lovely cross-field pass by Ignasi Miquel, the Russian's attempted half-volley flew horribly wide.

Arsenal then worked the ball well down the left, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cutting back to Chamakh, whose lay-off picked out Arteta, but goalkeeper Andy Lonergan made a fine one-handed save.

Oxlade-Chamberlain stung Lonergan's hands with a fierce drive as Arsenal remained camped in the Leeds half.

With 22 minutes left, Wenger signalled for his talisman as both Henry and Theo Walcott were introduced, replacing Chamakh and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The French World Cup winner wiped away a tear as he ran out to rapturous applause, with his first touch coming as he drifted offside.

However, his next intervention completed the fairytale comeback on 78 minutes as he collected Alex Song's pass into the left-hand side of the area before dispatching a trademark finish inside the far post to send the Emirates Stadium into a frenzy.

It was an historic moment indeed as the whole Arsenal team ran to celebrate Henry's 227th goal for the club, as he headed for the bench to embrace Wenger.

There was still life left in the tie as Leeds substitute Ross McCormack headed straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

Arshavin drilled another good chance into the side netting before Szczesny made a good reaction save at the other end to keep out a near-post shot from substitute Mikael Forssell.

The night, though, was always only ever about one man and Henry stood arms aloft at the final whistle, basking in glory of his own making once more.

FAIR PLAY AWARD

It has been a monumental year for Japanese football. AFC Asian Cup success, representation in four of FIFA’s five tournaments, the hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup last month, and the calendar year crowned by ground-breaking victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Germany. 

The list of accomplishments are quite simply outstanding, made all the more timely with 2011 being the 90th anniversary year of the Japan Football Association. 

Most remarkable was that the feats were achieved against the backdrop of an unimaginable natural disaster. On 11 March Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami that wreaked an overwhelming toll. 

The loss of life and damage to property was barely conceivable, however the nation was able to find some level of solace through football. 

The results were exceptional but so too was the dignity and equanimity showed by the nation’s various international teams. Japan’s representatives displayed significant mental fortitude following the disaster to achieve success against a harrowing and all-consuming backdrop. 

The hearts and minds of football fans all over the world were duly captured by the mental strength and courage displayed by Japan.Never was that better displayed than in Germany during June and July as Japan achieved the unthinkable by overcoming women’s football heavyweights Germany, Sweden and USA en route to a stunning maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup crown. 

The Nadeshiko showed remarkable resilience to end the eight-year reign of host nation Germany, before twice coming from behind to edge world No1 USA on penalties in a memorable finale. 

Japan thus became the first male or female world champions at senior level, and in doing so, received widespread plaudits from media and opponents alike, as well as becoming firm fan favourites. 

The Nadeshiko exhibited a banner thanking football fans for their support during their time in Germany. The banner previously displayed proudly by the Japan team in Mexico at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. 

It was, as Nadeshiko captain and star midfielder Homare Sawa said during Germany 2011, a chance to provide the ailing nation with support. “I hope we can give strength and encouragement to the Japanese people back home,” said the tournament's adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner. “I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream.” 

The victory proved to be a massive boost with the Nadeshiko lifted to an unprecedented high of three in the world. Unmatched interest in the domestic league also ensued while Japan maintained their momentum with a stylish qualification for the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament London 2012. 

The youth teams matched that success qualifying for both of their respective FIFA World Cups asJapan’s women’s representatives concluded the year with just one defeat in 21 competition matches. 

It was not just the women who flew the flag with the Japan U-17 and Beach teams participating with distinction at the respective FIFA tournaments held in Mexico and Italy, following the March disaster. 

2011 began with outstanding success for Japan on the field with the senior team crowned champions of Asia when Samurai Blue lifted a record fourth AFC Asian Cup. 

The year concluded with a triumph off the field as Japan hosted an impeccably organised FIFA Club World Cup in the cities of Yokohama and Toyota. Local heroes Kashiwa Reysol impressed global viewers with their performances, as did Spanish giants Barcelona with their stylish title claim, but the tournament’s organisation amid the hardship of 2011 was in many ways the crowning achievement. 

Following the March disaster FIFA provided significant financial assistance to Japan for football infrastructure with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter visiting the devastated Sendai area in December saying it was also important to provide solidarity telling local youngsters that “football is hope.” 

The benchmark set by Japan’s football fraternity has indeed been both inspirational and unprecedented. Truly 2011 will be long remembered as Japan’s year in football.

Neymar picks up Puskas gong

Santos star Neymar has been awarded the FIFA Puskas Award 2011 for his sensational solo strike against Flamengo, beating Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney to the prize for greatest goal of the year.

The winner was decided by FIFA.com users, with more than 1.3million votes registered in the last month since the Brazilian, Argentinian and Englishman were named as the remaining contenders.

After a shortlist of ten was announced last November, also featuring the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Heather O’Reilly and Giovani dos Santos, the final three were confirmed in December.

Neymar’s goal, scored during a nine-goal thriller in the Brazilian league in July last year, saw the highly-rated 19-year-old dribble past three defenders and complete a one-two with his team-mate before poking the ball past the goalkeeper.

Despite his phenomenal effort, Neymar could not prevent his team from losing the match 5-4, but he will be consoled by claiming an award which was won by Turkish midfielder Hamit Altintop 12 months ago.

Ferguson handed Presidential Award

Its bestowal of a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, a Hollywood Actress of the Year and a pioneering queen illustrate that the FIFA Presidential Award is open to esteeming off-field achievements. Sometimes, though, accomplishments inside stadium gates are simply too resounding to ignore.

That’s why, four years ago, to mark the 50th anniversary of his professional debut, Pele received the honour for the extraordinary contribution he made to a sport in which he will infinitely reside as one of its greatest-ever players. And that’s why tonight, ten years after the FIFA Presidential Award was incepted at the behest of then Joseph S. Blatter, it has finally recognised the extraordinary contribution of a man who will forever remain one of football’s finest all-time managers.

And just as 2007 was a landmark year for Pele, 2011 was for Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of both sentiment and success. It was one in which the insatiable Glaswegian celebrated turning 70 and, inconceivably, 25 years in the Manchester United hot-seat, while fellow successful colossuses Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have meantime had 24, 18 and 14 coaching tenures respectively. And it was one in which Ferguson commemorated by winning his 12th Premier League title – a haul that has taken the Red Devils past Aston Villa, Everton, Arsenal and Liverpool, whom they finally outranked last May, to become the outright record 19-time English champions. Ferguson’s metamorphosis of the quivering wreck he inherited in 1986 has also been highlighted by two UEFA Champions League crowns, as many world titles and five FA Cups.Sir Bobby Charlton enthused: “We are all really lucky at Manchester United – really lucky – to have had 25 years of absolute paradise. Every season we are expecting to win something, and we usually do. And it’s because of the manager, nobody else.

“The success we have had has just been phenomenal. He has been so successful that he must certainly go down as the greatest manager in the history of the game. I would say more than that. In sport, in any sport, nobody has done more than he has done.”

Ferguson made a managerial name for himself at East Stirlingshire and St Mirren, before assuming the controls of Aberdeen in 1978. The Dons had won just one Scottish top-flight title since their 1903 inception. Ferguson guided them to three within a paradisiacal eight-year reign in which they also clinched four Scottish Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

A prolific forward for clubs including Rangers during his playing days, Ferguson had a brief period as Scotland manager following the death of his mentor Jock Stein in 1985, but quit the role following the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ and took over at Old Trafford. And although he endured a difficult start, Ferguson and Manchester United have monopolised the Premier League era, winning 12 of a possible 19 titles and amassing 204 points more than nearest challengers Arsenal.

“I don't know anybody who has done 25 years at the top level with the same club,” said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. “It is exceptional. Certainly nobody will do it again.”

The tributes also flooded in from overseas during 2011. Jose Mourinho said: “Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of Manchester United. Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of English football. And Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of European football.”

And uniquely, Sir Alex Ferguson is now the only man to receive the FIFA Presidential Award for his output as a manager.

Barça become Club with most Ballon D’Or winners with nine

With Leo Messi’s third successive win this evening, Barça are now the club with the most Ballon D’Or awards – with a total of nine 

Barça pull ahead of Milan and Juventus with eight winners each 

Over the last ten years the Club have provided four of the winners –including Messi’s historic last three.Since Luis Suárez won the award in 1960, Barça have continued to provide winners for the Ballon D'Or and with Messi's third successive win this evening, they have now overtaken Milan and Juventus to become the Club with most winners –nine. Suárez, Cruyff, with two as a Barça player, Stoichkov, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Messi with three are the players who have won the award at the Club.

Most winners over the last 10 years

Over the last 10 years, two Barça players have won four Ballon D'Or awards –Ronaldinho (2005) and Messi (2009, 2010 and 2011) to pull ahead of the two Italian clubs as the leading provider of winners.

Messi overtakes Cruyff

With his third Ballon D'Or, Leo Messi has equalled Platini as the only player to win the award three years on the run and also become the first Barça player to take the award on three occasions- Johan Cruyff won twice whilst at the Camp Nou, in 1973 and 1974, and once at Ajax in 1971.

Leo Messi wins his third Ballon d'Or

At the age of 24, Leo Messi equals the record set by the Frenchman Michel Platini after winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or titles (2009, 2010 and 2011). Ronaldo handed the Argentinean the FIFA Ballon d’Or this afternoon in Zurich. Messi won the title thanks to votes placed by captains and managers of all the national sides and journalists from France Football. 

The youngest player to ever win three Ballon d’Or titles 

Besides equalling Platini as the second player in the history of the Ballon d’Or to win the title three times in a row, Messi also equals Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten, who have also won three Ballon d’Or titles, albeit not consecutively. In 2009, Messi won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player, awarded by France Football and FIFA respectively. The following year, 2010, both entities decided to combine the award and call it the FIFA Ballon d’Or. Leo Messi was the first winner of the new award, Iniesta and Xavi finished behind the Argentinean.