DAY 10: US Open Results 2012

Tomas Berdych b. Roger Federer 7-6 (1) 6-4 3-6 6-3

The other side of Federer works in fits and starts, in fact, does not work. And without his shot prince Swiss creaks against Berdych which, in turn, does not seem to ever go wrong. For the first time since 2003, the number 1 ranking ATP lacks access to the semifinals of the U.S. Open, yielding for the fourth time in the last seven head to head in a Berdych never gotten this far at Flushing Meadows and back from a couple of deletions frustrating at Wimbledon and the London Games. "I managed to embarrass - says the Czech -. Is there something in my game that Federer can not fully counteract. Something that gets him out a little 'speed, which makes things less comfortable than expected. And I managed to make my little strength at the maximum. " Surely the service has played an important role: Berdych ended the match with 14 aces, 30 winners and only 21 unforced errors (against 40 opponents, 24 of them with the wrong side), often forcing Federer on the defensive. Berdych in the semifinals will Andy Murray.

Andy Murray b. Marin Cilic 3-6 7-6 (4) 6-2 6-0

Andy Murray if he sees ugly, very ugly, but just when the horizon looms one of the worst defeats of his career, here responds with class, going to claw a great comeback victory that allows the semi-finals of the U.S. Open for the third time. The background against Marin Cilic smiling at Scottish winner 6 of the last 7 Matches against each, including a victory in straight sets at Wimbledon, but the only success of the Croatian had arrived right on cement NY, three years ago, against a bruised Murray one wrist. This time Cilic part in the great, winning 6-3 the first set and taking on 5-1 in the second, but there suffers the great recovery of Scots, who returns to play the same, great tennis already seen in the previous round against Milos Raonic. Murray force the tie-break, makes her the second set, and then curls 11 consecutive games, not giving anything to the opponent in the last part. "Cilic has started well - says Murray - while I struggled a lot. Then I could breakkarlo a couple of times in the second set and this brought me back a bit 'of peace. Beginning I was able to put pressure on the comeback and I went on a high . In the last two sets I played very well. "

With a huge ovation from the entire Arthur Ashe and excitement was palpable in the New Yorker and environment in the face of the player's own girlfriend, who wept with emotion at all games and points that could be the last of the career your boy, were dismissed as a myth of professional tennis Andy Roddick. World number one, who won the U.S. Open in 2003 and other Grand Slam finalist has made him one of the best and most consistent players late models. He was losing to Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round crossing the U.S. Open, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4. It is thirty years old, 825 games played with 612 wins and 213 losses, 13 weeks at number one and 32 titles. The victory allowed Del Potro get the pass to the quarterfinals, where he will rival Novak Djokovic, seeded second, who had earlier won 6-4, 6-1, 3-1 and Swiss Stanislas withdrawal Wawrinka, seeded eighteenth, without knowing exactly what was the cause of its abandonment. Del Potro, who lost the first set suspended the previous day when rain was tied at 6-6 and 0-1 in the tie-down ", he lost to restart the match (6-7 (1). As expected both players held serve and the same happened in the second set which also defined for sudden death, but this time in favor of the Argentine player, who won 7-6 (4) with many decisive in the tie. " Match the duel was a moral rise to Del Potro in the third game and it started breaking his serve twice to win easily 6-2 in the fourth but gave Roddick the last show of its kind and delivery, ultimately had that give the best Argentine player game, which was fair winner. Del Potro, who won the Open in 2009, returns for the third time to the quarter-finals, after participating in six editions.

Farewell to Roddick

Roddick, 30, who last Thursday announced his retirement at the end of the tournament, while still be able to compete with the best, but who recognized that it can not win or have the motivation I had when he became the World number one. Roddick could not hold back tears at the end of the match, while Del Potro greeted him as the rest of the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium track cheered one of the most charismatic and beloved players in the history of American tennis. The rest of the tenth round in the men also left the triumph of Serbian Janko Tipsarevic, eighth seed, who won 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-2 to German Philipp Kohlschreiber in just party that of Djokovic and Del Potro were suspended Tuesday by rain. Tipsarevic will rival in the quarterfinals of the Spanish David Ferrer, the fifth in the world, who on Tuesday won 7-5, 7-6 (2), 6-4 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

The Spanish David Ferrer became the second Spanish along with Rafael Nadal who managed to reach the quarter-finals of all Grand Slam tournaments in a season. Ferrer won 7-5, 7-6 (7-2) and 6 Frenchman Richard Gasquet -4 , thirteenth favorite, and got a spot in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. The Valencia player, for the tenth time contesting the Open, this season and made it to the quarterfinals in the Australia Open, the semifinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon quarters. After two interruptions by the presence of rain, Ferrer, fourth seed, won another important victory to secure a place in the last eight of the U.S. Open. His opponent in the quarterfinals will be the Serbian Janko Tipsarevic, seeded eighth, who beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber, Nineteenth favorite, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.

Always concentrate

Ferrer, who started his game at two in the afternoon after having already delayed a couple of hours by the weather and then had to interrupt twice, never lost focus and was again executioner for Gasquet, who has won eight of the nine games they have played in the professional circuit. The first time they met was in 2004 and this year have already been three parties that has beaten Gasquet when they played in the Australia Open and the Rome Masters. Gasquet Ferrer could only win the Toronto Masters in 2008, 6-3, 6-3.

Serena Williams has reached the semifinals at the U.S. Open. Williams won against Serbian Ana Ivanovic in only 58 minutes with 6:1, 6:3. In the battle to qualify for the finals at the last Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, the 30-year-old American will now face the Italian Sara Errani. "I'm getting more focused, serious and play" Tennis-Serena "- which I will gladly show twice," said the Olympic champion in the port.Errani continued in Italian duel with 6:2, 6:4 against by Roberta Vinci. "A quarter-final against the best girlfriend difficult," she admitted afterwards, "we know each other so well - it was strange to see them on the other side of the net." In the second semi-final will be on Friday in New York against the world ranked first Asarenka Victoria from Belarus and Russia's French Open champion Maria Sharapova. 

Wednesday's session, in which the rain made an appearance as happened yesterday, let Errani continue to get his career winning the semi-finals for the first time in the last Grand Slam tournament.Errani, who is having his best pro season, he joined the favorites for the title after winning 6-2 6-4 to Vinci. The Italian tennis player for the second time so far this season, makes it to the semifinals of a Grand Slam, after I got first Roland Garros, where he played the final. Errani, seeded tenth, said at the conclusion of the match with compatriot now is beyond his dream and fight to be in another final of a Grand Slam. "I have trust and confidence in my game," Errani said. "It is not the opponent to touch me, but as I do things on the field," he said. To compatriot Vinci, the executioner of the Polish Agnieszka Radwansks, seeded second, had a performance round and always had control of the match, which lasted only one hour and 12 minutes. Errani also took advantage of the large number of unforced errors from Vinci (he's 37) and five of the six times he had to break the serve.

Sara ERRANI b. Roberta Vinci 6-2, 6-4

After 82 years, the U.S. Open finds a blue in the semifinals of the slam, but the most anticipated game by the Italians in this U.S. Open 2012 does not give a great show. It will be the setting of the public - hopelessly absent because of bad weather that delayed the start twice - it will be a climate is not particularly favorable to both, will - above all - the tension of two athletes-friendly, but the first challenge all blue in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament will not be remembered in the annals of tennis.

VINCI unrecognizable - the favorite wins in the end, Sara Errani, confirming that this 2012 will be a year to frame regardless of what happens in the likely semi-final against Serena Williams (committed his fourth against Ivanovic), but probably plays Roberta Vinci his worst game in the last two weeks at Flushing Meadows. Contracted, never really in the game, the Taranto is unfortunately faded copy of the player can "snipe" the number 2 in the world Radwanska and before that the broadsides of Cibulkova. Against her friend Sara, in fact, betray several times is a blow to her well-known - the back side - together naturally low percentages at the service and a general index fallosità too high to worry a fighter like Errani.

ERRANI FOR HISTORY - Yes, because having won fairly easily the first set, the Vinci, just below even at the start of the second set, trying to raise a little 'pace - until then very low - to switch attempts Lowering network and try to create a little 'confusion to Errani. The Taranto fails for a couple of games in order, is shown below, but in the ninth game of the second set was again beaten with 3 bad service approaches in back. For Errani is a no-brainer present at the service and close "to zero" giving you access to a semi-final for the color blue is historical. No joy though. Not between friends. True.

DAY 9: US Open Results 2012

Errani and Vinci comes after Novak Djokovic

THE ORDER OF PLAY OF THE 9TH DAY, DISRUPTED BY THE RAIN AS THE PREVIOUS ONE: DJOKOVIC AWAITS THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATCH BETWEEN SHARAPOVA AND BARTOLI, WHILE FEDERER SHOULD CLOSE WEATHER PERMITTING PROGRAM ...

Terminus for Kohlschreiber

Philipp Kohlschreiber had in his second round match against Janko Tipsarevic while always the chance for "big points" had, in the end, but still Augsburg 3:6, beaten 6:7 (5:7) and 2:6. Kohlschreiber was the last German professional in each of the U.S. Open. Kohlschreiber went with a 2-5 down, he had caught the day before the rain interruption in the match. Tipsarevic settled this lead and did not take the first set safely in the bag. Then there developed a close fight. Kohlschreiber had to give up but his serve in the seventh game, but a little later countered with the re-break. With a 5-4 lead in the tiebreak of the Augsburg sniffed already set on ball, but Tipsarevic kept his cool and won the second round with three points in the series. 

David Ferrer seeks the quarter-finals

After defeating Lleyton Hewitt in four sets (7-6 (11-9), 4-6, 6-3, 6-0) faces David Ferrer tonight Frenchman Richard Gasquet for a place in the quarter- final. Gasquet and Ferrer will meet around 18:00 in Louis Armstrong and the track will kick off a day in which he also will compete, among others, tennis players like Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro.

Victoria AZARENKA b. Samantha STOSUR 6-1, 4-6, 7-6

Vika Azarenka confirms the favorable tradition against Sam Stosur and reach the semi-finals by eliminating the defending champion of last year. A game definitely intense, beautiful (sometimes) and characterized with a thousand blows down: especially in the third and decisive in September Ready away and the first three games, before unleashing a storm that interrupted the game for over an hour, the Belarusian show at all because in the previous six Stosur has failed to bring home even a set, two breaks and a 3-0 that stunned the Australian contracted. It even helps him break Stosur: to return to the field, in fact, takes Azarenka the path started in the previous game and ended with a net 6-1. Stosur, however, at the start of the second is found and when he can control the exchange with straight, hurts after a series of break and controbreak immediate, the Australian is the stretch in the seventh game and no longer tremble at the service debunks a curse lasted 13 set; 6-4 and third set everything to play for.

THIRD September fluctuating - The deciding game is played, however, the output voltage and the actual shots and series of 4 games played controbreak break and it is a clear demonstration: Azarenka the shakes more than usual the service also putting two double faults for game while Stosur, whenever he can not control the exchange with the forehand, ends up losing field (and often the point). The last real chance before the arrival natural tie-break, but it is precisely because of that the defending champion 5-5 and Azarenka service is canceled sees a break point in the first ace of the match in Belarus. The tie-break is pure tension: the seeded first in the tournament runs immediately 4-0 (missing the 5-0 as a matter of centimenti), then shakes and allows to return to Stosur 5-5, there the 'Azarenka finds a new minibreak and focusing sharply on the reverse of the Australian is the decisive mistake that delivers the seventh victory in as many previous access in the semifinals.

Sara ERRANI b. Angelique Kerber 7-6 (5), 6-3

Another company of Sara Errani and again against Angelique Kerber, because with Germany three months ago it all started at Roland Garros: the 6-3, 7-6 in the Philippe Chatrier for the first victory against a top-ten in seven -6, 6-3 this evening on Louis Armstrong for the first time in the quarter-final at Flushing Meadows.

ERRANI FANTASISTA VS KERBER FATICATRICE - do not change the dynamics, because Sara with its innumerable variations has become the worst nightmare for the most athletic player in the WTA circuit: another intense and balanced match with Kerber, number 6 seed, to avoid prolonged exchanges to evade the defensive network of Errani (Sara will be 20 points out of 23 runs!), two breaks for the five balls of profits in the first set tie-break and a perfect Errani of which ends with the straight win in the third (and last) set-point. Sara goes ahead 3-0 in the second set by bending the service of Kerber on the sixth break point of the game, but as in the first set, with the Italian twice ahead in the score, the Kerber up the pace, find the depth even with reverse and recover the gap. End here, because Sara begins with the usual beautiful collection of damped and volley ball and make concrete the twelfth meeting to break the serving for the match . Errani also lucky, because the third "blue ribbon" closes the game after the first to deliver the tie-break and the second to save a dangerous break-point in the middle of the second game. After Kerber in the quarterfinals in Paris we had only bowed to Sharapova in the final, raise your hand, except for the tireless Sara, would not sign for the same result on the concrete of New York ...

Roberta VINCI b. Agnieszka RADWANSKA 6-1, 6-4

The dream becomes reality: Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, companions of double holders of Roland Garros, will contest the semi-finals of the U.S. Open after eliminating Kerber and Agnieszka Radwanska, respectively the number 2:06 world. For Errani, a finalist in Paris also in the singular, is the best result at Flushing Meadows, for the first time in the quarter-Win a Grand Slam. Missing an Italian in the semifinals in New York since 1930 was an American import, Maud Rosenbaum, to represent us.

DOES NOT STOP THE WIN MORE '- The Louis Armstrong fades to blue and the net 6-1 in the first set does not ring true: we admit that Radwanska, a finalist at Wimbledon, is weakened from the start of the tournament for a nagging problem right shoulder, and this allows four double faults and many grimaces of pain on the over-head . However, the Vinci played tennis a beautiful and high technical coefficient for the entire second and most fought sets where the fourth game, one of the first break, is a masterpiece backbeat attack with volleys in extension, and loop tape favorable of straight, but you're at the relaxing tarantna for debreak point. The second wonder before the curtain (5-4 Win), but to tell the truth this time is (almost) all the Radwanska with three unforced errors before passing to close the match. And after the Dallas Vinci does not stop ...

American Serena Williams walked to the Czech Andrea Hlavackova, which won in 57 minutes 6-0, 6-0, and reached the quarterfinals, where he spent the Serbian Ana Ivanovic (12) and Italy's Sara Erani (10), which confirmed his great form. Radwanska suffered an unexpected defeat against Vinci, who deserved to win, because the cement Louis Armstrong Stadium track was always better and beat in every facet of the game. The Polish player, who was fighting to reach number one in the WTA world rankings, had never come into play option because Vinci always imposed his pace and left without resources to finish the first round with a crushing 6-1. The injury that creeps on the right shoulder has affected his game. Radwanska and was wrong in the Olympics and now intended to give fight to the finish in the U.S. Open, where he still overcome the barrier of the second round, classification also reached in 2007 and 2008. Vinci's rival in the quarter-finals will be your friend and partner stunt routine, Sara Errani, also half surprised with his 7-6 (7) 6-3 to Germany's Angelique Kerber, sixth-seeded. Errani had never passed the third round in a Grand Slam in January and reached the quarterfinals at the Australia Open. Then made history with its end in Paris and then fell in the third round at Wimbledon. If parties Errani and Vinci had some fighting and emotion, he played the younger of the Williams sisters just simply was a ride that was to award pass the quarterfinals after placing 31 winners and only seven unforced errors. The victim of Serena Williams, fourth seed, was Hlavackova, who won 29 points in the entire match and only made nine points when the London 2012 Olympic champion had the serve. Williams will rival quartered Ana Ivanovic, seeded twelfth, who won 6-0, 6-4 to Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova in one hour and 11 minutes.

Usain Bolt Ready For The Devils Swoop, Ashley ready to Quit Chelsea

Usain Bolt Ready For Man Utd Bound:

Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Olympic champion Usain Bolt the chance to play for Manchester United in their annual charity match against Real Madrid legends.A lifelong Manchester United fan, Bolt has already been to Old Trafford since his triple gold medal-winning exploits, telling the crowd ahead of last month's 3-2 win over Fulham that they needed to persuade Ferguson to sign him.That is clearly not going to happen.However, Ferguson has raised the possibility of Bolt fulfilling his dream in a rather different way."He's been to Carrington a couple of times and he did help Ronaldo with his sprinting," Ferguson told Inside United."He's a bit of a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he would like to play in a charity game."It could be brilliant, and next year, when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him in and see how he does."Ferguson certainly owes Bolt a favour after he took a rather personal interest in the Jamaican's stellar performances at London 2012."I must thank him because that was my biggest bet," he said. "Bolt was 4/5 to win each of them, the 100m and 200m, a week before the tournament started."It was a brilliant bet. I couldn't believe it."He's the fastest man in the world and the others would have to have taken half a second off their running to beat him. He is phenomenal."

Ashley Cole Ready To Quit Chelsea:

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season after contract talks broke down, according to a report.English tabloid The Sun claims the 31-year-old is upset that the club have only offered him a new one-year extension on his current deal which expires next summer.The publication quoted a club insider as saying: "[Chelsea owner Roman] Abramovich has a rule that anyone over 30 can only be given a one-year extension but it's madness in Ashley's case.""Everyone knows he's the best left-back in the world."He trains hard, really looks after himself and can play at this level for many more years to come.here isn't a club in the world who wouldn't want Ashley on a free."One of the clubs reported by The Sun as a potential suitor for Cole is Real Madrid. The current La Liga champions are managed by Jose Mourinho who enjoyed a good working relationship with the England left-back during their spell together at Stamford Bridge.Adding more fuel to the speculation on Cole's future with the UEFA Champions League holders is the news that young full-back Ryan Bertrand has signed a new five-year contract with the Blues.The 23-year-old Bertrand, who is Cole's understudy, was only a year into a four-year deal agreed last summer but has been rewarded for his remarkable progress in recent months which has included starting two of Chelsea's three Barclays Premier League games this season. 

Pakistan Wins 1st T20 Against Mighty Aussies

The Bowling Attack was the main Factor for Pakistan As they defeated Australia In 1ST T20.Australia's captain George Bailey has admitted his side stands no chance of winning the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka if their performances mirror a shattering first-up loss to Pakistan in the series in Dubai.The seven-wicket hiding was Australia's heaviest in terms of balls to spare for the chasing team, after Bailey's men were shot out for a measly 89, their lowest total since England rolled Ricky Ponting's team for 79 in only their second T20I, at the Rose Bowl in 2005.What's more, the Australians can now slip to 10th in the ICC's T20 rankings before the global event begins. Should Pakistan sweep the series a possibility given the lopsidedness of the opening match - then Bailey's team will line-up for their tournament opener ranked below their opponents Ireland."I'm very disappointed and there's plenty to go away and work on," Bailey said. "You don't ever want to be setting those sorts of records. But in terms of the group we've got together and what we're capable of, it certainly hasn't altered my thoughts that we can still be a very good team."I still think we can win it. Definitely. Absolutely. I certainly don't think we'd win if we played like we did today. It's hopefully just a bad performance and one that you won't see again. Even if we gained a tiny bit of momentum, we gave it back by losing a wicket."The poverty of Australia's batting was stark, unable to hit a six in the innings and striking only three boundaries. Bailey agreed that the top five had to do far, far better in future and put the match down as an experience that had to be learned from, particularly given the sorts of slow, spinning pitches also likely to be seen in the World T20 in Sri Lanka."Twenty20, all the stats we look at, you want your top four or five batsmen batting most of the innings," Bailey said. "So to be four down at the seven or eight over mark, we were certainly behind the game. We learned a lot about the wicket, but we already knew that Pakistan were going to be very competitive in this format, and that played very well."Despite all players having taken part in the pre-season camp in Darwin where spin was a major consideration, and most then having the benefit of the ODI series against Pakistan in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, Australia's efforts against the spinners were particularly poor. Bailey admitted improvements had to be made to what he described as a "real key" to the team's chances."The spinners are outstanding, and on the back of the one-day tournament the spinners were certainly the key to their bowling and our quicks were probably the key to ours," he said. "So it's a work in progress, it's going to be a real key the way we play spin and the way we play spin heading into the World Cup too, so we're working on it."In terms of the World Cup there's no better practice than playing against the world class spinners that Pakistan have in these three games."

Australia Score: 89 All Out

Pakistan Score: 90-3 

Man Of The Match: Mohammed Hafeez

Malouda Threatened as Left of Chelsea Squad,Bertrand Signs New 5 years Deal With Blues,Del Piero Deal to A League Team,Man Utd Sign Chile U23 Player

Malouda Left out From Chelsea Squad:

Florent Malouda today revealed he had been banished from training with the Chelsea first team for what remained of his Stamford Bridge career.Winger Malouda took to Twitter to announce he was to keep fit with the club's youth side, posting a picture of the headquarters of their under-21 squad, along with the message:It is claimed the 32 year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, was segregated from the first team after failing to secure a move away this summer.His banishment evoked memories of those of Nicolas Anelka and Alex by former boss Andre Villas-Boas last season, a move which reportedly did not go down well with their team-mates Malouda's circumstances are slightly different and it is understood Chelsea were willing to sell or loan him out during the transfer window - he was even linked with a return to former club Lyon ahead of last night's midnight transfer deadline in France.The midfielder has not featured at all in any of the Blues' matchday squads this term and was yesterday left off the roster for their Champions League group-stage campaign - although he was named in their selection for the first half of the Barclays Premier League season.A transfer to Brazilian giants Santos reportedly collapsed earlier this summer due to the wage demands of the France winger, who has been with Chelsea for five years but has become increasingly peripheral.He will doubtless be on good money and may have been reluctant to join a club where he would earn less, preferring to see out his current deal and move as a free agent at the end of the season.It remained to be seen today whether Malouda would be punished for revealing his banishment on Twitter, with team-mate David Luiz rebuked two weeks ago after posting that he would miss Chelsea's match with Reading through injury.Malouda's news ironically co-incided with that of the man who has effectively replaced him in the Blues squad, Ryan Bertrand.Chelsea confirmed this morning that Bertrand had penned a new five-year contract - barely a year after agreeing a four-year deal following his remarkable progress in recent months.The 23-year-old became the first man ever to make his Champions League debut in the final itself in May when he was selected ahead of Malouda.He also made his England debut in last month's friendly win over Italy and kept his place in the squad for Friday's opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova.Reacting to the news today, Chelsea and England team-mate Gary Cahill said: "I think people are just starting to sit up and realise how good a player he is from the couple of spells he had at the end of last year and to be thrown into the Champions League final and start."He has got a great reputation, especially at our club, and is going to have a massive future, that's for sure."Prior to Roberto Di Matteo's appointment as Blues boss in March, Bertrand barely figured for his parent club since making a controversial move from Gillingham seven years ago and spent most of the time out on loan.He did not make his Chelsea debut until April last year and there had been speculation he may be forced to leave in search of regular first-team football.But he is now very much seen as the heir apparent to left-back Ashley Cole, whose own contract expires next summer.He could also succeed Cole in the England set-up but will probably play second fiddle to Leighton Baines in Friday's opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova Cole has been ruled out of that match through injury.Bertrand's performances for Great Britain at the Olympics impressed England boss Roy Hodgson and Cahill added: "It only benefits him coming here with England and seeing the likes of Bainsey and obviously training with Ashley."Reports suggest Bertrand, who has been deployed in midfield much of the time by Di Matteo, has earned a pay rise to £35,000 a week.

Ryan Bertrand Pens 5 Years Deal With Chelsea:

Full-back Bertrand was only a year into a four-year deal agreed last summer but has been rewarded for his remarkable progress in recent months.The 23 year-old became the first man ever to make his Champions League debut in the final itself in May and made his England debut in last month's friendly win over Italy.He has also started two of Chelsea's three Premier League games this season.Prior to Roberto Di Matteo's appointment as manager in March, he barely figured for his parent club since making a controversial move from Gillingham seven years ago.Ashley Cole's arrival as Chelsea's undisputed first-choice left-back saw Bertrand spend much of his early Stamford Bridge career out on loan.He did not make his debut until April last year and there had been speculation he may be forced to leave in search of regular first-team football.But he is now very much seen as the heir apparent to Cole, whose own contract expires next summer.He could also succeed Cole in the England set-up but will probably play second fiddle to Leighton Baines in Friday's opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova Cole has been ruled out of that match through injury.Former England Under-21 star Bertrand's elevation to the senior squad by manager Roy Hodgson is a reward both for his Chelsea displays and those for Great Britain at the Olympics.Reports suggest Bertrand, who has been deployed in midfield much of the time by Di Matteo, has earned a pay rise to £35,000 a week.

Del Piero Signs For Sydney FC:

Living legend Alessandro Del Piero had been linked with several clubs throughout the summer, including Major League Soccer sides New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy. The loudest and most recent rumors regarding the player were proven to be true on Wednesday, and Del Piero will now be spending his time in a league that is largely ignored by fans in the United States.The official A-League website has confirmed that Del Piero has inked a two-year deal with Sydney FC. According to reports, Del Piero will make $2 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in the history of Australian football. The contract also includes an option for a third season.Del Piero offered the following comments regarding his A-League switch: "This is a very big moment for me because I want to continue my career in a new part of the world where I can make a major contribution and help grow the game I love. The most important thing for me has always been the football and I want to help Sydney FC be successful. This is an exciting journey for me and I look forward to joining my new teammates in Sydney shortly."Serie A, Champions League and World Cup; the 37-year old Del Piero has done it all. He struggled to find playing time during the first half of the 2011-12 Serie A campaign while with Juve, but he then played second-half savior multiple times during the 2012 portion of the season. Del Piero netted his last goal while wearing a Juve shirt in the team's final game of the season, a victory over Atalanta.Multiple stories surfaced early last spring that Del Piero wanted to end his professional career playing in MLS. According to those reports, Del Piero only wanted to play for either the defending league champs LA Galaxy or the New York Red Bulls. The problem was that neither team were in for Del Piero, and the Red Bulls ultimately went a different route when they acquired Tim Cahill in late July. Several European teams, including Liverpool, Southampton and Celtic, were reportedly interested in snatching Del Piero ahead of Sydney in the final hour. In the end, however, Del Piero decided that Australia would be his new home.Sydney could certainly use the boost. They finished the 2011-12 regular season fifth in the league table, and they were eliminated from the Finals Series, the A-League's playoff format, in the first round. It's also worth noting that both Sydney and the A-League need the positive press as the league is seeking to secure a new TV deal ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, which is set to begin next month.Whenever a veteran star at the twilight of his career joins the A-League, MLS or other such league, fans can't help but wonder if that player is simply looking to earn one final payday before he calls it a career. That shouldn't be a concern with Del Piero. The former Juve forward, like current RBNY captain Thierry Henry, is a true competitor, one who won't be satisfied with merely jogging about the pitch on A-League weekends. Max Bretos of ESPN had the following to say about the signing on Wednesday morning ET: "A League missed out on Tim Cahill, made up for it, & then some by adding Alessandro Del Piero. That is a Beckham like signing for Sydney FC.

Manchester United Signs Chile U23 striker Angelo Henriquez:

Manchester United have completed the signing of Angelo Henriquez and the Chile Under-23 striker has now joined from Universidad de Chile for an undisclosed fee.The 18 year-old underwent a medical with United last month and was granted a work permit."Angelo has made a tremendous impact on the game in his short career so far," manager Sir Alex Ferguson told manutd.com."His pace is a great asset and he reads the game really well for someone of such a young age."We have a proud record of developing young talent and Angelo fits the profile of a United player - skilful, attacking and someone who plays the game with real flair."The player admits he is honoured to be moving to Old Trafford."I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. Manchester United is a great team and has a great manager," he said."To be able to be part of that is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started."I hope I can be part of many successful years with United."

OFFICIAL: Michael Owen Signs For Stoke City

It Has Been Officially Announced That Michael Owen Has Moved To The Potters Stoke City On One Year Deal. The former England forward became a free agent after three seasons at Manchester United and has officially become Tony Pulis's seventh signing of the summer following confirmation of his registration by the Premier League Board. A Premier League statement said: "The Premier League Board has confirmed to Stoke City the registration of Michael Owen. Consequently he can be included in their 25-man playing squad."Owen joins Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam and Steven N'Zonzi in joining the Potters.The 32-year-old, who helped United claim the Barclays Premier League title during the 2010/11 season, expressed his delight at being included within Stoke's 25-man Premier League squad that was released yesterday."Delighted to have signed for Stoke," said Owen on his Twitter account. "We have been in talks for a while and it was a club I was always keen to join."I'm particularly excited at the prospect of working under Tony Pulis. He has assembled a great squad that I look forward to joining. I'm now looking forward to contributing as much as possible to the club and can't wait to play in front of a great set of supporters."Thanks for your kind messages everyone. Can't wait to get going again!"Owen came through the ranks at Liverpool and burst on to the international scene at the 1998 FIFA World Cup when scoring a memorable goal against Argentina.He went on to establish himself as an England regular for the best part of the next 10 years, plundering 40 goals in 89 international appearances to become England's fourth-highest goalscorer.Owen made his name as one of the Barclays Premier League's sharpest finishers at Liverpool, where he scored 118 League goals and won back-to-back Premier League Golden Boots in 1997/98 and 1998/99. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final two years later in a memorable 2000/01 season which resulted in the Reds claiming the League Cup and the UEFA Cup, while Owen was awarded the Ballon d'Or.After moving to Real Madrid in 2004 he scored 13 times in 20 La Liga starts before returning to the Premier League with Newcastle United the following year. He scored 26 goals in 70 League appearances for the Magpies.Owen then joined Sir Alex Ferguson's side on a free transfer in 2009 and scored five goals in 31 English top-flight sorties.

Cristiano Ronaldo: ''Its not All about Money''

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Tuesday his sadness had nothing to do with money as the Real Madrid forward looked to head off media speculation he simply wanted for a more lucrative deal.The world’s most expensive player hit the headlines after Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga win over Granada when he failed to celebrate his two goals and told reporters he was “sad” for “professional” reasons and that the club knew why.“That I am feeling sad and have expressed this sadness has created a huge stir,” the 27-year-old Portugal forward said via his Twitter account.“I am accused of wanting more money, but one day it will be shown that this is not the case.''Local newspapers and radio stations have been full of speculation about the reasons for Ronaldo’s outburst.He was reported to have had a meeting with club president Florentino Perez on Saturday and said he did not feel he had the support of the dressing room, was unhappy and wanted to leave.Ronaldo rejected the idea he was downcast at losing out to Barcelona’s Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta for the Best Player in Europe award on Thursday.There were also suggestions the former Manchester United winger, one of the world’s best-paid players, earning some 11 million euros (8.7 million pounds) a year, was seeking an improved contract.“I just want to guarantee to the Real Madrid fans that my motivation, dedication, commitment and desire to win all competitions will not be affected,” he added.“I have too much respect for myself and for Real Madrid to ever give less to the club than all I am capable of.”ARBELOA SURPRISED Earlier on Tuesday, Ronaldo’s team mate Alvaro Arbeloa said the squad had no idea their leading scorer was unhappy.“I don’t know what’s up with Cristiano. It was a surprise for us as much as for you. We found out after the game,” the fullback told reporters as he joined up with the Spain squad.“At Madrid, we are a family and we will support him in any way he needs, just as we would do with Mesut Ozil, Michael Essien or whoever.“It’s true that Cristiano, like most of us, doesn’t have the problems that many Spaniards have, but he will have his reasons for not being at his best and this is reasonable.“I have never heard him talk about money, a longer deal, or wanting to go. I think he’ll be here for many years.“There has been too much made of his words. Maybe he needs more affection from everyone, I don’t know, but if that is it, he will receive it from us.”

3rd Odi: Australia wins series Against Pakistan 2-1

A little calmer when it mattered most, Australia completed a victory more testing than the scoreboard ultimately showed to defeat Pakistan in Sharjah and claim the overnight ODI series 2-1. It was a result achieved as much by perspiration as inspiration, Michael Hussey and the nerveless tyro Glenn Maxwell forming the critical union to rescue their team from the uncertainty of 159 for 5 when Matthew Wade fell to Abdur Rehman.Michael Hussey could so easily have been out lbw to Saeed Ajmal before he had scored, amid a mesmerising spell in which the offspinner claimed what appeared a pivotal 3 for 11. But Misbah-ul-Haq made a pair of judgements that were to prove too timid - failing to refer the umpire Billy Bowden's decision, and then taking Ajmal off after five overs when another wicket or two might have sealed Australia's fate.Pakistan's hesitation could perhaps be attributed to the weight of history, having not defeated Australia in an ODI series since 2002. There was to be little such trepidation about the way Michael Hussey and Maxwell closed in on the target, which had been reined in to manageable proportions by Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc after Pakistan's openers made their team's best start against Australia since 1985.Mohammad Hafeez's stand of 129 with Nasir Jamshed should have allowed Pakistan to soar well past 250, but Australia's bowlers stuck admirably to their task to limit the rest. It was Johnson who started the salvage operation, claiming two wickets while keeping his economy-rate down, and thus allowing Starc to strike four times to continue his decent form.As had been flagged as a possibility by the assistant coach Steve Rixon earlier in the series, Wade's exertions during 50 overs in the field were deemed too much for him to back up immediately as an opener.His replacement at the top of the order was unexpected - David Hussey opening for the first time in his ODI career - but provided a useful left-right contrast with David Warner in a stand that showed plenty of brio if not total safety.Warner and David Hussey both smote huge sixes, causing the umpires to twice call for a replacement ball, and denting the previously tidy series figures of Hafeez. Rehman hurried a Warner pull shot and claimed his wicket to break the partnership at 44, but Michael Clarke was typically fluent and with David Hussey he kept Australia ahead of the asking-rate.However Ajmal's introduction brought a marked change to proceedings, as he found spin despite the moist night air and yet again confused the Australians with his variations. Clarke had struck one significant blow in drawing blood from the left hand of Shahid Afridi with a fierce drive, but he advanced too early to Ajmal and was well stumped down the leg side by Kamran Akmal.Michael Hussey seemed palpably lbw, but Pakistan chose conservatively not to refer Billy Bowden's not-out verdict. David Hussey perished in pursuit of another six, and George Bailey gloved an attempted paddle-sweep. Ajmal's spin had turned the innings, but he was then withdrawn to allow Wade and Michael Hussey some desperately needed breathing room.They steadied things until Wade's exit, bowled between bat and pad, whereupon Maxwell made another free-spirited contribution to a series in which his batting comfortably outshone his bowling as he ransacked Afridi for 16 runs in the 43rd over. Michael Hussey was out to a tired slog and Dan Christian did not endure, but Maxwell kept his cool and his timing to guide the weary Australians home.They had been grateful to win the toss and avoid the worst excesses of the evening moisture. Bolstered by happy memories of game one when they had topped and tailed the Pakistan innings, Pattinson and Starc took the new ball with some intent. Starc looked initially short of rhythm and comfort having shrugged off a side/chest complaint to take part, but Australia's opening duo made Jamshed and Hafeez work hard to survive the early overs.Both batsmen top-edged attempted hook shots and were fortunate to see their respective strokes fall safely. Nonetheless, the shots signalled their ambition, even as a sluggish pitch, slow outfield and tidy Australian fielding made scoring difficult.Gradually, Hafeez and Jamshed wrested the initiative, seeing off a useful spell by Johnson and profiting more from the others. The allrounder Christian shelled a difficult return catch when Hafeez was on 26, but it was the only hint of a chance offered by the openers as they strode to Pakistan's first century opening stand against Australia in ODIs since 1985.Jamshed's innings was a worthy follow-up to his match-shaping innings in Abu Dhabi, while Hafeez was finally showing the Australians the worth of his batting after some years of underachievement. The six off Pattinson was a particularly compelling reminder.Australia were so desperate for a wicket that Clarke sacrificed his one referral to a speculative appeal for a leg-side catch off Jamshed. The stratagem was indirectly helpful in securing the breakthrough, distracting Jamshed enough for Johnson to have him touching a bouncer behind in the same over.Afridi was promoted in the order to make a flash-in-the-pan seven, and Hafeez's innings was ended when Clarke struck him in front while attempting to sweep. Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali did not go beyond their starts, keeping the target within Australia's reach.

Australia 250 for 7 (Hussey 65, Maxwell 56*, Ajmal 3-37) beat Pakistan 244 for 7 (Hafeez 78, Jamshed 48, Starc 4-51) by three wickets

Result:Australia wins by three wickets