پاکستان نے کینیا کو شکست دے دی

سنہ دو ہزار گیارہ کے کرکٹ ورلڈ کپ میں بدھ کو پاکستان نےگروپ اے کے میچ میں کینیا کو دو سو پانچ رن سے شکست دے دی ہے۔

سری لنکا کے شہر ہمبنٹوٹا میں کھیلے جانے والے اس میچ میں پاکستان نے ٹاس جیت کر پہلے کھیلنے کا فیصلہ کیا اور مڈل آرڈر کی عمدہ کارکردگی کی بدولت سات وکٹوں کے نقصان پر تین سو سترہ رن بنائے

Hockey training camp in Faisalabad

A training camp of the Pakistan Hockey Academy (PHA) to prepare and participate in the 2nd PHF Junior Hockey League will be held from October 18 at Faisalabad Hockey Stadium in Faisalabad. The PHF has invited 31 players to attend the camp under the supervision of former Olympian Saleem Sherwani.

Probables: Tahir, Asif, Shahid, Dawood, Usman, Aqeel (Gojra), Adnan Lateef, Zohaib Ali (Lahore), Taimoor, Raheel Khalil, Akmal (Hyderabad), Zohaib, Faraz (Sialkot), Hafiz Rizwan, Ghazanfar, Naveed, Umar (Faisalabad), Abdul Basit (Bahawalpur), Ahmed Ali, Naeem Awan, Shahbaz Ali (Abbottabad), Farhan, Moazzam, Waleed (Peshawar), Arslan, Arif, Abbas, Waseel, Ali Hassan, Muhammad Fareed and Ali Hassan (Karachi).

Salman Butt keeping hopes alive of return

LAHORE: Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt, who’s been provisionally suspended by the Interational Cricket Council (ICC) for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing controversy, is continuing with an active training regime and hopes to return to the national side for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Salman and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer – the three suspended players – have lodged appeals against the ICC’s suspension and the hearings will take place in Qatar on October 30 and 31.

“My cricket career was going well and I was also doing well, these allegations have damaged by career,” Salman said. “I hope these hurdles are crossed as soon as possible. I think after passing through so much difficulty in your career, your exposure helps you become wiser. You start to understand your surroundings better and especially who is more sincere with you. This is a hurdle which is a learning process of life.” Salman said he had continued to follow his daily two-hour training and practice routine so he can be ready for a comeback. “I am working hard and doing my bit. The conditions in Lahore and the UAE are the same so I am preparing hard on playing spin.” Following the allegations, made during the fourth Test at Lord’s, the trio were withdrawn from the Pakistan squad for the subsequent ODI series and they returned to Pakistan before being suspended. Pakistan play South Africa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in a full series, starting this month, comprising two Twenty20s, five ODIs and two Tests. None of the trio have been named in the limited overs or Test squads for the series.

KRL, WAPDA, PEL, Army get victories

Four matches were decided in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) as defending champions KRL and Wapda, PEL and Pakistan Army gained full three points at Peshawar, Faisalabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi respectively on Saturday.

KRL recorded one goal in each session to beat PAF 2-0 at Qayyum Stadium Peshawar Cantt. Samar Ishaq-led team dominated the show and gave no room to the airmen. Lanky Winger Muhammad Qasim broke the deadlock in the 37th minute as Rawalpindi-based team lead 1-0 at interval.

Other winger Kalim Ullah Khan made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute when he side stepped three markers to seal the fate of the match.

Army came out winner with last-ditch goal.The all-services clash between Navy and Army turned out to be listless affair as both teams relied too heavily on defensive tactics and moves were far and few in between at Municipal Stadium Rawalpindi. The all important goal was scored by wing full back Umar Daraz in the final minute of the game.

PMC Athletico Faisalabad failed to oppose all out pressure of 7-Time Champions Wapda at Agriculture University Ground of Faisalabad and suffered 0-3 defeat. Wapda had an easy game and they wrapped up the game within 35 minutes, scoring thrice. Skipper Arif Mehmood slammed two goals in the second and 14th minute and it was left to winger Imran Niazi to add the third in the 35th minute. Wapda led 3-0 at interval and second half remained barren.

PEL managed their first win when once again their substitute Asmat Ullah netted precious goal in the closing minutes as Lahore outfit registered 2-1 win over Sahiwal’s Young Blood at Model Town Football Academy Ground, Lahore.

PEL opened the scoring through Midfielder Muhammad Rashid in the 11th minute from the penalty-mark. FIFA Referee Rana Naseer Ahmed penalized reckless challenge of Young Blood skipper Naeem Riaz against PEL’s winger Waqas Ahmed and pointed to the spot.

Young Blood came back strongly and drew level within 45 seconds when their spearhead Asim Mansoor lifted the ball over advancing keeper Saqib Hanif.

It was 1-1 at interval and substitutes engineered PEL’s winner in the 72nd minute. Muzaffar Ali swept well flighted ball from right flank and Asmat Ullah was on hand to head it past Muzammil.

Sunday’s matches, PIA v NBP (CDGK Stadium, Karachi 4 PM), SSGC v KPT (KPT - Benazir Sports Complex, Karachi 4 PM), KESC v HBL (Peoples Sports Complex, Karachi 4 PM).—APP

Pakistan cricketers donate bonus to floods relief

The Pakistan cricket team has donated win bonuses worth 4,625,000 rupees ($54,400) to the floods relief effort in the country.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement Tuesday that all players and officials had agreed to pledge half of their personal bonuses from the victory over England in the third test last week.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt had already announced that players would be awarded 500,000 rupees ($5,900) for beating England at The Oval, in London, and non-playing members and officials would receive 250,000 rupees ($2,950).

The board last week announced it would donate 11,420,000 rupees ($134,000) to the floods relief on behalf of players and its employees.

پاکستان وَن ڈے سکواڈ: یونس نظر انداز، شعیب ڈراپ

پاکستانی سلیکٹرز نے انگلینڈ کے خلاف وَن ڈے اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی سیریز کے لئے سابق کپتان یونس خان کو نظر انداز جبکہ شعیب ملک کو ڈراپ کیا ہے۔ حیران کن طور پر محمد یوسف کی ٹیسٹ کرکٹ کے علاوہ دیگر دو فارمیٹس میں بھی واپسی ہوئی ہے۔

قومی کرکٹ ٹیم کے چیف سلیکٹر محسن خان نے شعیب ملک کو وَن ڈے اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی سکواڈ سے ڈراپ کرنے کی وجہ ان مختصر الفاظ میں بتائی:’’خراب فارم اور کارکردگی کا فقدان۔‘‘

کرکٹ بورڈ کی طرف سے یونس خان پر عائد پابندی کے ہٹائے جانے کے باوجود سلیکٹرز نے اس ہونہار کرکٹر کو نظر انداز کیا ہے۔ محسن خان نے بتایا کے پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے یونس خان کے حوالے سے ابھی پوری طرح سے ’کلیئرنس‘ یعنی منظوری نہیں دی ہے۔’’ابھی فی الحال پی سی بی چیئرمین اعجاز بٹ نے بتیس سالہ یونس خان کے نام کی منظوری نہیں دی ہے، اس لئے خان کی سلیکشن پر غور نہیں کیا گیا۔‘‘ چیف سلیکٹر محسن خان نے یہ باتیں نامہ نگاروں کو ون ڈے اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی سکواڈ میں شامل کھلاڑیوں کے ناموں کا اعلان کرتے ہوئے بتائیں۔

پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے دورہء آسٹریلیا کے بعد یونس اور ٹیم میں شامل دیگر چند کھلاڑیوں پر یا تو پابندی عائد کر دی تھی یا پھر ’’نظم و ضبط کی خلاف ورزی‘‘ کے الزام کے تحت ان پر بھاری جرمانے عائد کئے تھے۔ بعد ازاں یونس خان اپنے اوپر لگائے جانی والی پابندی کے خلاف اپیل کر کے کیس جیت گئے تھے۔ مایہ ناز بیٹسمین یونس خان رواں سال فروری میں آسٹریلیا کے خلاف ون ڈے میچوں میں شرکت کے بعد قومی ٹیم کی جانب سے کسی بھی فارمیٹ میں نہیں کھیلے ہیں۔

اس وقت پاکستانی ٹیم انگلینڈ کے دورے پر ہے، جہاں وہ چار میچوں پر مشتمل ٹیسٹ سیریز کھیل رہی ہے۔ پاکستان کو اس سیریز کے پہلے دو میچوں میں شکست ہوئی تاہم اوول میں کھیلے گئے تیسرے ٹیسٹ میچ میں ٹیم نے چار وکٹوں سے فتح حاصل کر کے زبردست کَم بیک کیا۔ ٹیسٹ سیریز کا آخری میچ چھبیس اگست سے لارڈز میں کھیلا جائے گا۔ پاکستان کے جیتنے کی صورت میں یہ سیریز دو دو سے برابر ہو جائےگی۔

ٹیسٹ سیریز کے اختتام پر پاکستان اور انگلینڈ کے درمیان دو میچوں کی ٹی ٹوئنٹی اور پھر پانچ میچوں پر مبنی وَن ڈے سیریز شروع ہو گی۔ ٹی ٹوئنٹی کے میچ پانچ اور سات ستمبر کو کارڈف میں کھیلے جائیں گے۔ اس سے قبل پاکستان نے انگلینڈ میں ہی آسٹریلیا کے خلاف دو میچوں کی ٹی ٹوئنٹی سیریز دو صفر سے جیت لی جبکہ دو میچوں کی ٹیسٹ سیریز ایک ایک سے برابر کر دی تھی۔

پاکستان کا وَن ڈے اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی سکواڈ: کپتان شاہد آفریدی، سلمان بٹ، شاہ زیب حسن، محمد حفیظ، محمد یوسف، اظہر علی، عُمر اکمل، کامران اکمل، فواد عالم، عبدالرزاق، محمد آصف، محمد عامر، عُمر گُل، سعید اجمل، شعیب اختر اور وہاب ریاض۔

Bremen must plug Oezil gap as Champions League campaign starts

German side Werder Bremen kicks off its Champions League run with a qualifying match against Italy's Sampdoria. Bremen will play without star midfielder Mesut Oezil, who transferred to Real Madrid earlier this week.

After spending last season in the second-tier Europa League, German side Werder Bremen are eager to return to the top table of European club competition ahead of their first qualifying match in this year's Champions League.

Prior to last season, Bremen had played in the Champions League for five straight years. Now, the only thing standing between them and a return trip to the Champions League group stage is a two-legged playoff against Italy's SC Sampdoria.

Sampdoria have not been to the Champions League since they reached the final in the 1991/92 season and will have the advantage of playing the final match of the series at home.

Real Madrid set to sign Carvalho

Real Madrid set to sign Carvalho

Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of defender Ricardo Carvalho from Chelsea for a fee of £6.7m.

Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of Portugal centre-back Ricardo Carvalho from Chelsea.
The Spanish giants have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign the 32-year-old, who will link up once again with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
"Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Carvalho," said a club statement.
Carvalho, who was also with Mourinho at Porto, joined Chelsea in 2004 for £19.8m and won the league three times.
The Chelsea statement added: "The transfer is subject to a medical and the player agreeing personal terms. Chelsea would like to thank Riccy for his six years of service, and we wish him well in his future career."

Breeze for England

LONDON: Andrew Strauss (pic) was England’s captain cool as he steered his side to a nine-wicket victory against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Monday.

Strauss and Jonathan Trott both made 53 not out to calmly hunt down a target of 118 for the win on day four after the tourists’ resistance was blown away early on.
The out-of-sorts Alastair Cook was the sole man to depart after being cleaned bowled by Pakistan’s tearaway fast bowler Mohammad Amir.

But with Pakistan only able to add five runs to their overnight total, England’s chase was more of a procession than a nerve-jangler.

Strauss however was quick to back Cook, despite going three Tests without a score above 29.

“I know he’s a quality player. I know these first two Test matches the wicket hasn’t been great. He’s achieved a huge amount in his career and he will continue to do so,” said Strauss.

Having bowled Pakistan out for just 72 in their first innings, Strauss admitted England had to work hard for the win.

He added: “This was a timely reminder you do have to work hard for a Test match. If it had been a longer chase it would have been much harder.”

Salman Butt’s side dropped Strauss three times during the second innings, making it 10 for the Test and cruelly reminding their captain of the shortcomings they showed this time round.

But he can have no complaints about the 2-0 scoreline in the fourth Test series and will look for more from his side come the Oval clash on Aug 18.

“There were a few butterflies this morning because we knew we had to work hard for a test match win but that is the way it should be. It was hard work and we had to dig deep,” added Strauss.

Pakistan captain Salman Butt said they must improve their lacklustre fielding before the third Test. Butt said after counting 14 missed catching chances at Edgbaston.

Butt realises if they are to salvage a drawn series by winning at The Oval and Lord’s, his team will have to start holding on to opportunities.

Regular wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was omitted after missing chances in the first Test at Trent Bridge and his replacement Zulqarnain Haider dropped three catches at Edgbaston.

Several of his team-mates were also offenders as Kevin Pietersen was missed three times during his innings of 80 that gave England their platform to win.

“The guys themselves realise that we need 20 wickets to win a Test match and if we drop 14 catches in a Test it makes it hard to do that,” said Butt.

“They were out in the morning working hard but one day is not enough. You need to do that continuously. These 14 include half chances and being professional we need to account for the half chances.” — Agencies

Maradona leaves Argentina

Diego Maradona has been axed as Argentina coach after the Argentina Football Association decided not to renew his contract.

ارجنٹینا کی فٹبال ایسوسی ایشن نے اعلان کیا ہے کہ عالمی شہرت یافتہ اور سابق متنازعہ سٹار کھلاڑی ڈیئگو میراڈونا قومی ٹیم کے کوچ کے طور پر مزید کام جاری نہیں رکھ سکیں گے۔

The former Argentina captain's future as coach has been the subject of intense speculation ever since Argentina's elimination from the World Cup earlier this summer.

The 49-year-old suggested he would step down following the World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Germany in South Africa this summer.

But he has since admitted he would be prepared to stay on, provided he can retain his full backroom staff, which may prove to be a sticking point.

The AFA have refused to meet Maradona's demands with federation president Julio Grondona looking to reshape the backroom team.

Maradona had been offered a new four-year deal, but after his refusal to change his coaching team the AFA board have decided not to renew his contract.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said: "The president put some salient points to Maradona in their long conversation yesterday.

"And the executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew Maradona's contract as technical director of the national teams."

Maradona took charge of the national side in November 2008 and helped Argentina qualify for the World Cup after an indifferent qualifying campaign.

Argentina won all three of their group games in South Africa, but were humbled 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella is the early favourite to succeed Maradona after steering his side to the Copa Libertadores last year.

Argentina will hope to have a new man in place ahead of next month's friendly with Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Pakistan clinch rare victory against Australia

HEADINGLEY: Pakistan at last tasted victory by defeating Australia after 15 years at Headingley on Saturday.

In a nail biting finish, Pakistan managed to grab a historic win after loosing seven wickets.

Defeat in each of their last 13 Tests against Australia, including the recent debacle at Sydney in which a first-innings lead of 206 proved insufficient to secure victory, Pakistan managed to grab historic win against Aussies.

آفریدی: ٹیسٹ سے ریٹائرمنٹ

پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے کپتان شاہد آفریدی نے ہیڈنگلے ٹیسٹ کے بعد ٹیسٹ کرکٹ سے ریٹائرمنٹ کا اعلان کیا ہے۔

Barely over a year after Younus Khan announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals following Pakistan’s triumphant 2009 World Twenty20 campaign at Lord’s, Pakistan’s Test captain Shahid Afridi announced that the second Test against Australia next week will be his last.

The decision to end his short-lived return to the longest format of the game – after a four-year self-exile – came in the wake of Pakistan’s 13th consecutive Test defeat against Australia – a 150-run loss on the fourth day of the first Test at Lord’s.

“A captain should set an example for the youngsters and for his team and I didn’t show any of that in the Test,” said Afridi, who was dismissed for a four-ball two slogging Marcus North to midwicket. “I’m not capable of playing Test cricket and if I play cricket like this, then it’s better to leave.

“I don’t have Test temperament and you can’t play without that. It’s better to have young players, a genuine batsman or a genuine bowler to lead the team.”

Afridi also blamed a side injury, picked up during the Asia Cup last month, as another reason to walk away from Test cricket. While refusing to confirm his fitness level, it will not be surprising if Afridi is unable to take on the field at Headingley in the Test that starts on Wednesday.

“Unless you’re 100 per cent fit, you can’t perform in Test matches. I’m not 100% right now and things may become clearer in a day or two.”

Afridi was appointed captain of all three formats of the game by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) just before naming the team for the 2010 World Twenty20, Pakistan’s title-defence in the West Indies. Then, reluctant to make a Test comeback, Afridi refused to commit his long-term future to Test cricket but opting to take up the captaincy due to the lack of options the PCB had.

In the wake of the Australian whitewash earlier in the year, former captains Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik were banned by the PCB and although Malik made his comeback courtesy a change-of-heart at the board, Yousuf and Younus are still in the wilderness due to various reasons.

“I took up the captaincy because the PCB told me to go have a look and see if I still enjoy Test cricket. At that time, they had no other choice so I took the responsibility. But it’s difficult to get back into it after such a long absence. My temperament is not good enough for five-day cricket and I’m struggling with injury as well so it’s best if I step down.”

However, PCB officials have confirmed that PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has spoken to Yousuf and requested the former captain to reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket. While Yousuf may join the team as early as the first Test against England in Nottingham, Younus, currently playing for Surrey, confirmed to The Express Tribune that he has no such plans as things stand.

According to Afridi, however, Salman Butt, who scored 63 and 92 in the match, seems a natural successor to lead the young squad.

“Butt is showing maturity, he’s batting well and playing good cricket and I think he’s good enough to lead the team but the final decision will have to be made by the board.”

Iniesta puts Spain on top of the world

Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup for the first time after Andres Iniesta's 116th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for the European champions over the Netherlands at Soccer City.

Champions of Europe and now champions of the world, Spain captured football's Holy Grail for the first time with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Andres Iniesta's 116th-minute strike at Soccer City.

The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitute Cesc Fabregas played in Iniesta and the little midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after they completed a hat-trick of Final losses.

This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, of 'tiki taka' and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.

It was the Spanish found their stride first, living up to their pre-game billing as favourites. Vicente del Bosque's side dominated possession and created the early chances. With the Dutch penned inside their half, goalkeeper Stekelenburg had to make a save after five minutes, diving low to stop a Sergio Ramos header from Xavi's free-kick from the right. Gerard Pique looked poised to follow up only to be denied by a combination of Joris Mathijsen and Dirk Kuyt.

Ramos came again in the tenth minute, beating Kuyt on the right and driving in a low centre that Heitinga deflected behind. From the corner came another scare for the Netherlands. Xavi played the ball back to Xabi Alonso whose cross went beyond the far post to David Villa but the in-form No7 sliced his volley into the side-netting. After those near things, however, both defences got on top with none of the flair players on either side able to take a grip on proceedings. Instead the yellow-card count began to rise with Nigel de Jong becoming the fifth player in Howard Webb's notebook by the time the half-hour mark arrived.

With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, Bert van Marwijk's men almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick. As half-time approached, Iker Casillas had barely had a save to make but entering stoppage time, he had to be alert to deny Robben at his near post as a spell of Dutch pressure ended with the winger spearing in a low shot from the corner of the box.

Puyol, Spain's semi-final matchwinner, showed his aerial threat once more minutes after the restart when he rose above Heitinga and headed to the far post but Joan Capdevila failed to make contact. The game was gradually opening up and the Dutch spurned a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when Wesley Sneijder sent Robben running clear. Casillas came to Spain's rescue, deflecting the shot behind with his right foot when falling the wrong way.

Spain coach Del Bosque had already sent on Jesus Navas for Pedro on the hour and the winger helped pick a hole in the Dutch defence in the 70th minute. Xavi sent him flying down the right into the box and when Heitinga failed to deal with Navas's low cross, the ball fell to Villa who looked odds-on to score only to see his effort deflected behind. Ramos was equally profligate after 78 minutes when he headed over a Xavi centre when unmarked, after Villa had forced another corner.

Spain were looking the more likely winners and it took Sneijder of all people to foil Iniesta with a smart tackle after his jinking run into the box. Yet Robben's pace was a persistent threat and the Oranje No11 almost embarrassed Puyol in the 82nd minute, speeding clear of the Spain defender when second-favourite to reach a through-ball. Resisting Pique's attempt to tackle too, he was foiled only by Casillas, the captain saving at Robben's feet as the Dutchman tried to round him.

Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta's through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.

Fernando Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes later with Heitinga's dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, and his fine late strike put Spain into the history books and left a Dutch dream shattered.

Germany's 'Octopus oracle' keeps perfect record

(AFP) Thursday 8 July 2010

It will not come as much of a consolation to heartbroken German fans, but at least Paul, Germany's now world-famous "Octopus oracle", has maintained his perfect record.

The "psychic" creature has correctly predicted all six of Germany's FIFA World Cup™ games and, amid excruciating drama broadcast live on national television on Tuesday, plumped for Spain, causing anguish up and down the country. And the eight-legged soccer soothsayer was spot on Wednesday, as Carles Puyol's semi-final header shattered Germany's dreams of winning their fourth world crown.

Two plastic boxes, one with a German flag and one with a Spanish, were lowered into Paul's tank at an aquarium in western Germany, each with a tasty morsel of food inside. The box which Paul opens first is adjudged to be his predicted winner. But with classic fickleness, German fans turned against their beloved octopus after he forecast a Spanish win.

According to 'Der Western' daily paper, there have been "a host of comments on Facebook, Twitter... suggesting Paul should be fried, barbecued or turned into a seafood salad or paella". "Others wanted to throw him into the shark tank," the paper reported on its website. And on Berlin's fan mile, some sections of the crowd also turned against their former hero. Anti-octopus songs were sung.

Dutch edge past Uruguay to reach final

جنوبی افریقہ میں جاری انیسویں فٹبال ورلڈ کے پہلے سیمی فائنل میں نیدرلینڈز کی ٹیم یوروگوئے کو تین کے مقابلے میں دو گول سے شکست دے کر فائنل میں پہنچ گئی۔

Two goals in three second-half minutes by Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben helped to see off a resolute Uruguay side and put the Netherlands into a World Cup final for the first time since 1978.

The Dutch looked short of ideas for long periods but still had the quality in front of goal when it mattered to set up an all-European final against Euro 2008 champions Spain or Germany in Johannesburg on Sunday.
After Giovanni van Bronckhorst's spectacular opener, Uruguay were gifted an equaliser when goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg failed to deal with Diego Forlan's long-range shot.
But Sneijder and Robben again made the difference for the two-time runners-up, who were left hanging on at the end following Maxi Pereira's injury-time reply. However, the Dutch held firm to make sure of their progress.
It was a dramatic end to an often tepid match as Uruguay, who were without the suspended Luis Suarez following his goal-line handball that helped them past Ghana in the quarter-finals, only showed real attacking intent when they fell two goals behind.
Cheered on by an army of Oranje fans, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk saw his side struggle to find their feet in the early stages, with their only sight of goal being wasted when Dirk Kuyt fired wastefully over after keeper Fernando Muslera had punched Sneijder's cross straight at him.
The South Americans, in their first semi-final for 30 years, were defending in depth and in numbers but that tactic did not help them when Van Bronkhorst broke the deadlock after 18 minutes
The ball was fed out to the left-flank and the veteran Feyenoord left-back had time to look up and use his trusty left foot to spank an unstoppable 30-yard shot into the top corner.

But going ahead did not help the Dutch work out how to break down a well-organised Uruguay defence, and they also seemed unwilling to commit players forward in search of more goals.
Martin Caceres had to hold off Robben as he ran on to Robin van Persie's through-ball, but that was the nearest the Netherlands came to extending their lead.
Uruguay, in the absence of the prolific Suarez, were faring little better at the other end and Stekelenburg did not have a save to make until he had to deal with Alvaro Pereira's bouncing shot after 36 minutes.
That all changed before half-time, however, and it was the Dutch goalkeeper at fault as Forlan notched his fourth goal in six games in the finals in South Africa.
Stekelenburg had a clear view of Forlan's swerving strike from 25 yards out and got a hand to the ball, but was still unable to keep it out.
The Ajax keeper had another nervous moment at the start of the second half when he beat Edinson Cavani to a through ball but failed to make a proper clearance and Van Bronkhorst had to clear Alvaro Pereira's curling shot off the line.
But the game quickly got bogged down in midfield and there were few chances to speak of until Forlan brought a much better stop from Stekelenburg with a dipping free-kick.
The Netherlands had been disappointing up to that point but showed again how they do not have to play well to win games in the tournament with a two-goal burst in the space of three minutes that was enough to give them victory.
Van Marwijk's side showed signs of life when Van Persie latched on to a long ball over the top and played in substitute Rafael van der Vaart, who saw his low shot pushed away before Robben fired the rebound over.
And they were back in the lead after 70 minutes when Sneijder's shot hit the luckless Maxi Pereira and span in off a post, with Van Persie trying but failing to get a touch to help it on its way.
In their next attack, Robben made it 3-1, escaping the attentions of Diego Godin to meet Dirk Kuyt's cross and plant a firm header into the bottom corner.
Uruguay looked exhausted and Robben could have added a fourth when he burst forward on to a Van Persie flick late on, but got his attempted chip all wrong.
Instead the Dutch faced a frantic finale when, in the 92nd minute, Maxi Pereira ran on to a quickly taken free-kick, turned Eljero Ejia and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez's team had time to launch a few balls into the Dutch box but van Marwijk's side survived and it is they who will go forward hoping it will be third-time lucky for them in a final following their defeats in 1974 and 1978.

Longest professional tennis match

Description: John Isner (USA) defeated Nicolas Mahut (France) in the Longest professional tennis match in their first-round encounter at Wimbledon 2010, a match that broke 12 records and lasted 11 hr 5 min.

World Cup 2010: Brazil sack coach Dunga

Dunga was already expected to stand down as Brazil coach after the World Cup

Dunga has been sacked as Brazil coach following his country's quarter-final exit from the World Cup.

A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) confirmed the former captain has been dismissed, along with his entire coaching staff.
Dunga, 46, who returned with his squad to Brazil on Sunday, had already said he was likely to go after their 2-1 defeat by the Netherlands on Friday.
The CBF revealed that a new coach would be installed by the end of the month.
Corinthians manager Mano Menezes and former AC Milan coach Leonardo have already been tipped as possible successors, as well as former Brazil coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, has ruled himself out due to his commitments with club side Palmeiras.
Dunga, whose full name is Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri, is a legend in his homeland after captaining his side to World Cup victory at USA 1994.

He took over as coach of the national side in 2006, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira despite having no prior professional coaching experience.
His more pragmatic style of play split opinions in Brazil, with some supporters believing it stifled the natural attacking flair of the five-time world champions.
As far back as December 2009, Dunga revealed he would step down after this year's finals, even if his side managed to lift the trophy in South Africa.
However, defeat to the Dutch put an end to their dreams of a sixth world title.
"With the closing of the work cycle that started in August 2006 and ended with the elimination of Brazil from the World Cup in South Africa, the CBF announces the dismissal of the Technical Commission of the Brazilian team," the federation said in its statement.
The first big challenge for the new coach will be the 2011 South American championship - the Copa America - due to be held in Argentina.
However, the 2014 World Cup will dominate the agenda, particularly as the tournament will be held in Brazil for the first time since 1950.

برازیل تین گول سے جیت گیا

جنوبی افریقہ میں جاری فٹ بال عالمی کپ مقابلوں کے ناک آؤٹ راؤنڈ کے ایک میچ میں برازیل نے چلی کو تین صفر سے شکست دے دی ہے۔

چلی ٹورنامنٹ سے باہر ہو گیا جب کہ برازیل کوارٹر فائنل میں پہنچ گیا ہے

۔

Brazil completed a hat-trick of victories over Chile at the FIFA World Cup™ by beating their South American rivals 3-0 to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final meeting with the Netherlands.

Dunga's side took control of the Round of 16 contest with two goals in quick succession in the last ten minutes of the first half through Juan and Luis Fabiano. Robinho added the third to inflict further punishment on the Chileans who may have ended a 48-year wait for a FIFA World Cup win in South Africa but evidently have not worked out how to better their old nemesis.

Brazil defeated Chile in the 1962 semi-finals and at this same stage of the 1998 tournament in France, scoring four goals in each game. They also beat La Roja home and away in qualifying for South Africa and even in the goalless opening 33 minutes at Ellis Park, there was scant evidence of a different outcome. Although Chile, playing in all white, had a larger share of possession in the opening quarter-hour, Brazil carried the greater goal threat from the off.

Luis Fabiano had an early sniff of goal when breaking down the inside-right channel in the fifth minute but dragged his shot past the far post. Four minutes later Gilberto Silva drew a full-length stop from Chile custodian Claudio Bravo with a 25-yard strike and from the ensuing corner, Kaka – back from suspension – had a sight of goal but fired wide. There was another nervous moment in the Chilean penalty box when Lucio took a dramatic tumble under Pablo Contreras's challenge and it came as no surprise when Brazil made the breakthrough in the 34th minute as Juan rose high to bury a header high past Bravo from Maicon's flag-kick.

Four minutes later Dunga's men had their second as Luis Fabiano got on to the end of a slick counter-attack to hit his third goal of the finals. Robinho surged down the left and slipped the ball infield to Kaka, who split Chile's central defence with a first-time pass to put Luis Fabiano in the clear. With Chileans appealing in vain for offside, the Sevilla marksman rounded Bravo and slotted home. Chile produced only one or two promising moments in the final third in the opening 45 minutes. And when Humberto Suazo, making his second start of the finals, had a sight of goal, he failed to trouble Julio Cesar with his shot from the edge of the box – their only effort on target before the break.

Marcelo Bielsa's side had begun the match showing four changes from the defeat by Spain, three enforced by the suspensions of Marco Estrada, Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce. And they began the second half with two more changes as Bielsa sent on Rodrigo Tello and Jorge Valvidia in place of Contreras and Mark Gonzalez. But though they tried to increase the pressure on Brazil's back line, their own defence was breached again just before the hour. Ramires strode forward from midfield, leaving two white shirts in his wake, and played in Robinho to curl a shot past the left hand of Bravo. It was Robinho's eighth goal in six matches against Chile and he came close to adding another with a low shot that Bravo tipped behind.

At the other end some of Chile's approach play was slick and they began belatedly to create chances. Valvidia flicked up the ball on the edge of the box and lifted a shot narrowly over the crossbar. With 15 minutes remaining Suazo then produced a smart turn to escape the shackles of Lucio but his shot was comfortably dealt with by Julio Cesar. He got even closer with a sliced effort that looped on to the top of the crossbar but it was not to be. Brazil march on.

ارجنٹائن گروپ بی میں اول

پہلا گول دوسرے ہاف کے اکیسویں منٹ میں ارجنٹائن کے کھلاڑی مارٹن ڈیمیکلیس نے کیا جبکہ دوسرا گول میسی کے ایک خوبصورت پاس پر پالیرمو نے کیا۔

Argentina won their third straight game at the 2010 World Cup to top Group B and eliminate a Greek side that paid for their almost complete lack of ambition.

فٹبال ورلڈ کپ کے گروپ بی کے ایک میچ میں ارجنٹائن نے یونان کو دو گول سے شکست دی ہے۔

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel knew his team would probably require a victory to progress but he again stuck with the defensive tactics that he feels he must use if his side is to succeed against technically superior opponents.
His plan of keeping it tight against Argentina and striking on the counter-attack unravelled when Martin Demichelis smashed home the opening goal of a largely forgettable contest with 13 minutes left.
The Bayern Munich defender pounced after his initial header had struck Diego Milito and rebounded invitingly - and he crashed the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the six-yard box.
Lionel Messi, skippering his side in the absence of the rested Javier Mascherano, had a frustrating evening as he received close attention from his opponents but he almost struck a second after a jinking run ended with a thunderous strike that crashed against the post.
But the second goal did come when another Messi strike was palmed into the path of substitute striker Martin Palermo, who slotted home with his right foot.
Exactly 24 years after scoring his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, coach Diego Maradona, leapt for joy in his technical area.
His team will play Mexico on Sunday in the round of 16, with South Korea qualifying from second place in Group B.
But the legendary Argentine had cut a frustrated figure for most of the evening as his team dominated territory and possession but often struggled to break down well-organised opponents.
Sotirios Papastathopoulos man-marked Messi, following him faithfully all over the park as the Argentine skipper tried to find some space from which to exert an influence on the game.
It was a tactic that spoiled the contest as a spectacle but saw Rehhagel's team successfully reach the interval on level terms.
Argentina, with seven changes from the side that defeated South Korea 4-1, stroked the ball around with ease in the middle of the park but did not really threaten Tzorvas's goal until striker Sergio Aguero drew a save with a crisp strike from a wide position after 18 minutes.
Tzorvas tipped over long-range strikes from fit-again Juan Sebastian Veron and Messi, while Maxi Rodriguez was denied from 14 yards and Loukas Vyntra blocked from Diego Milito.
But as the opening half wore on there were signs that Greece's negativity, combined with their willingness to break up play by fouling the opposition, was starting to frustrate Argentina.
And there had been the occasional indication that Greece could trouble the Albiceleste's backline, with two long-range passes in particular catching Demichelis out of position.
Even so, Greece, who lost 4-0 to Argentina at the 1994 World Cup in a match that saw Maradona score his 34th and final international goal, had not mustered an effort at goal by the interval and the superb atmosphere at kick-off had waned considerably.
Unfortunately, the contest somehow managed to deteriorate further in the opening minutes of the second half, although Greece did at least get a shot at goal.
Demichelis again found himself isolated after another long ball towards Georgios Samaras, who looked set to pounce after a slip by the Bayern Munich defender but the Greek forward shot wide.
There was a continued lack of urgency to the contest, although virtually everything of worth came from Maradona's side, with Tzorvas palming a Messi free-kick around the post and saving a header from defensive midfielder Mario Bolatti.
For all Greece's defensive exploits they almost gifted their opponents a goal with a piece of comical defending when Tzorvas smashed a clearance into Vangelis Moras and was slightly fortunate to see the ball fly wide of his goal.
But after Argentina opened the scoring, the Greek side fell away.
Reflecting on their second World Cup campaign, they will have to be content with having registered their first World Cup win, having beaten Nigeria on Thursday.

سپین نے ہونڈراس کو دو۔صفر سے ہرادیا

فٹبال ورلڈ کپ کے گروپ ایچ کے میچ میں سپین نے ہونڈراس کو دو گول سے شکست دے دی ہے۔

David Villa scored twice but missed a penalty as Spain bounced back from defeat by Switzerland with a 2-0 victory over Group H rivals Honduras at Ellis Park.

Spain got their FIFA World Cup™ campaign back on track with a win against Honduras that was far more comprehensive than the 2-0 scoreline indicated. The Central Americans were the unlucky victims as the European champions returned to the kind of form which placed them among the pre-tournament favourites, David Villa claiming the Budweiser Man of the Match award for his two-goal haul.

Spain's victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.

Injury to Andres Iniesta saw Spain coach Vicente del Bosque reshuffle his pack with Fernando Torres brought into the line-up to join Villa in attack. Sevilla's right-sided flanker Jesus Navas was also given a place in the starting XI with David Silva omitted. It was no surprise to see Spain, undoubtedly stung by their opening loss to Switzerland, start in an attacking mode. Villa rattled the crossbar after just six minutes with an effort from 25 metres, while Sergio Ramos was unable to get downward force on a free header at the back post just minutes later.

Spain caused constant problems on both flanks with Villa operating on the left and Navas on the right. Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona's recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.

On the half-hour mark, Torres had two good openings within the space of 60 seconds as Spain upped the ante further still. The Liverpool man, perhaps still showing signs of rustiness after his return from injury last month, guided a header into the ground and over the crossbar, before then skying his shot after a dribble into the penalty area. Honduras rarely threatened in the opening period, winning their first corner only in the final minute of the half. Honduran speed-merchant David Suazo received scant service up front as La Roja dominated midfield possession.

The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre's foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.

Nevertheless, Spain appeared certain to kill off the game with a third goal, only to be guilty at times of overplaying the passing movement when presented with a shooting opportunity. Substitute Cesc Fabregas appeared certain to score with his first involvement but, after springing the offside trap and rounding Valladares, the Arsenal skipper saw his shot impressively cleared off the line by a retreating Chavez. Honduras found some joy in attack in the final stages with Suazo firing wide and half-time substitute Georgie Welcome guiding a header the wrong side of the post. Yet Spain were still the team pushing hard until the final whistle with only some determined defending and their own profligacy ensuring the scoreline remained unchanged.