Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts

Saturday, March 10, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kobe Bryant scored 34 points and Andrew Bynum added 26 points and 10 rebounds to lift the reeling Los Angeles Lakers to a 105-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Bynum dominated the smaller Wolves down low and Bryant made four free throws in the final 16 seconds for the Lakers, who beat the Timberwolves for the 18th straight time.
Derrick Williams had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Nikola Pekovic had 25 points and 13 boards for the Wolves, who found out less than 30 minutes before the game that leading scorer and rebounder Kevin Love could not play because of back spasms.
The Wolves had a chance to win it down one with 16 seconds to go, but Williams' drive to the basket was blocked by Pau Gasol. Williams wanted a foul but didn't get the call.
At 33 years old and in his 16th season, Bryant doesn't dunk as often as he used to. But he broke out a couple in the second half to energize the Lakers. The first came on a fastbreak in the third quarter that got them rolling. Then he blew by Luke Ridnour for another with 3:06 to play that put them up 97-95 and set up a heart-pounding finish.
Bynum converted an alley-oop to make it 99-95, but the Wolves came right back with a layup from Pekovic and a 3 from Luke Ridnour that gave them a 100-99 lead with 1:33 to play.
Bynum was credited with a bucket on a goaltend from Williams with 34 seconds to go.
Pekovic tipped home a missed layup from Williams and Bryant scored two free throws for a one-point lead with 16.4 seconds to go.
Williams crashed to the lane and appeared to draw some contact from Gasol, but Bryant corralled the rebound to save the Lakers.

Ricky Rubio had 15 points, 10 assists and four rebounds, but had to be carried off the court in the final 16 seconds after his left knee buckled.
Michael Beasley scored 15 points for the Wolves and Gasol finished with 12 points and 11 boards.
The Lakers limped into Target Center on Friday night with a 6-14 record on the road, including ghastly losses at Washington and Detroit earlier this week. They gave away a 21-point lead against the Wizards on Wednesday night, with Bryant missing more shots than Bynum and Gasol attempted in the game combined.
They were just as sluggish early against the Timberwolves, falling behind by 14 points in the first quarter before Bryant got it going in the third. He scored 14 points in the period, hitting two 3s, throwing down a dunk and then finishing with two free throws to tie the score at 78 going into the fourth.
There was a ton of juice in the building before the game, with the team draping white t-shirts over every seat for a "whiteout" event. But all that buzz turned into nervous energy when Love didn't accompany the team to the court for pregame warmups. Even once the game got going and the Wolves stormed out of the gates, it seemed like the crowd had one eye on the action and one on the tunnel hoping the All-Star would come running out to get in the game.
Love never did make it out of the locker room, but Williams sure put on quite an impersonation.
The No. 2 overall pick took it strong to the rim and asserting himself on the glass. Williams scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in the first quarter to instill some more confidence and calm in a young team that was without its leader.
NOTES: Bryant surpassed 29,000 career points with 12 in the first half. ... Wolves PG J.J. Barea missed the game with a sprained left ankle. ... Lakers coach Mike Brown at shootaround: "The white t-shirts are pretty."

Lakers Beat Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio Injured, Kobe Scores 34 In 105-102 Win

Redskins fans are torn. There are 2 sides to the reported deal done with the Rams to accumulate the 2nd overall choose within the 2012 NFL Draft. One aspect is overjoyed and cannot wait to examine RGIII in Redskins Burgundy and Gold, whereas the opposite is riddled with worry that the Redskins could have overpaid for him.

Robert Griffin III can price the Redskins their 2012, 2013, and 2014 1st spherical draft selections, similarly as their 2012 second spherical choose. that's lots to put on the road for one player. however is it too much?

The Redskins haven't had a signature franchise quarterback since the times of Sonny Jurgensen or Sammy Baugh, and deserve another. The fans deserve another. one amongst the inquiries to raise currently is:

If RGIII does not pan out to be 'that guy' for the Redskins, can the fans understand?

Star-divide

The Washington Redskins thrive on their overwhelmingly loyal fanbase. Of late, however, the loyalty has been laid on the road with statements like, "If the Redskins remember i'm done with them", and "I swear that i will be able to I Kings if the Redskins do not ______".

If Robert Griffin will what he's expected -which could be a lot- this trade can possible be forgotten by 2015 (Or earlier reckoning on how the Redskins front workplace decides to handle future offseasons). If he does not, the fanbase that has been therefore loyal and understanding these past twenty years, could decide that enough is enough. solely then can the RGIII supporters (Like myself) begin to know what was simply given away.

This, of course, does not apply to everybody. notwithstanding what, i will be able to still be attending Redskins games, sporting my Redskins jersey to Eagles games in Philadelphia, and force-feeding my future daughter Redskins history. In case you are wondering, my wife is an Eagles fan. Born and raised in Philly. It makes for a few fascinating Sundays.

This isn't the primary time the Redskins are during this form of slump, and it will not be the last. Hopefully, though, this can be the start of the tip of this iteration of Redskins-ism.

Robert Griffin III May Be The Last Hope For Redskins Fans - Hogs ...

Well, earlier this morning Neal Coolong wrote that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would be setting a new precedent were he to suspend Steelers linebacker James Harrison for the concussion-inducing hit he had on Colt McCoy in last Thursday night's win over the Cleveland Browns. Not long ago, that verdict came down from the league headquarters that Harrison was in fact suspended for one game.

Scott Brown of the Tribune-Review tweets that Harrison will not be able to practice with the Steelers until one week from Tuesday. However, with the suspension coming early in the week and the Steelers not scheduled to play until next Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, Harrison will have a chance to appeal the suspension, which he plans to do.

I'm not one to get too exercised by these types of things, but it is hard to wrap my head around the decision. Harrison, after all, hit McCoy outside of the pocket as a runner. There's also the matter of the play unfolding in a split second's time. The bottom line is Harrison clearly has a different set of rules to adhere to than the rest of his colleagues on the football field. That's got to be frustrating beyond belief for him, his teammates, his coaches, and of course, us as fans.

James Harrison Suspended One Game

At UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida, former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz (16-9-1; 15-9-1 UFC) meets Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5; 2-2 UFC). This fight in the Light Heavyweight division is the third bout of the evening. In the USA TODAY / MMA Nation Consensus MMA Rankings, Nogueira is ranked the #12 Light Heavyweight, with Ortiz at #16. The PPV card begins Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Right now, we are in an interesting transitional time in MMA. Many of the stars of the earlier days are coming to the ends of their careers, with the new guard stepping in. Sometimes this leads to "new" vs. "old" match-ups, and sometimes it leads to a sort of "legends" fight. This one is definitely in that legends category. Lil Nog and The Huntington Beach Bad Boy have both been at or close to the top of the Light Heavyweight ranks at some point in their careers - Nogueira in Pride, Ortiz in the UFC. And they're both winding down those careers. The result is a sort of dream match that is, admittedly, not super relevant to the current UFC Light Heavyweight division, but is still a great contest between two men who should meet before their careers are done.

How do these two stack up?

Nogueira: 35 years old | 6'2" | 75" reach
Ortiz: 36 years old | 6'2" | 74" reach

What have these two done recently?

Nogueira: L - Phil Davis (UD) | L - Ryan Bader (UD) | W - Jason Brilz (SD)
Ortiz: L - Rashad Evans (TKO) | W - Ryan Bader (SUB) | L - Matt Hamill (UD)

How did these two get here?

Rogerio Nogueira is the twin brother of Minotauro, and can unfairly get lost in his brother's shadow. Unlike Minotauro, Rogerio has focused his MMA career on his boxing, with his jiu jitsu being the secondary weapon. That boxing led him to great success in Pride, including an all-time classic 2005 fight with Shogun. After the close of Pride, he floated around a bit, then came to the UFC in 2009, winning his first two Octagon fights before being derailed by Ryan Bader. He had some success in his fight with Phil Davis (in a fight where Davis stepped in for an injured Ortiz), but Davis's wrestling proved to be too much, and Nogueira is now on a two fight losing streak.

Tito Ortiz has had a wild 2011. After a four year winless streak from October 2006 to October 2010, it looked like the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion was done. Then he did the unthinkable. He won. Against heavy favorite Ryan Bader no less. That emotional win propelled him to a main event against Rashad Evans, which Tito lost, but the good feelings from that Bader win remain. In the lead-up to this fight, Tito has talked about having only one more fight after this one on his UFC contract, and has stated that he may retire when that contract ends. After 14 years in the sport and countless back injuries, it's hard to fault him for making that choice.

Why should you care?

There's just something about Tito Ortiz. Even at his career low, the man knows how to light a fire under the crowd and get you invested in his fights. I always find myself entertained by Tito fights, and I think against an opponent who is in a similar place as him, we'll end up with more of an even fight. And I admit it, I'll miss Tito when he's gone, so if this is close to the end, I will savor the moment.

UFC 140 Fight Card Primer: Tito Ortiz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Auburn Hills— Ben Wallace predicted former teammate Richard Hamilton would quickly find a landing spot after being bought out by the Pistons.
And Hamilton won't have to go far down Interstate 94 to find it, as he will sign with the Chicago Bulls. It's been reported he would sign a two-year deal worth $10 million.
Pistons president Joe Dumars wouldn't confirm the amount, but Hamilton's buyout is expected to be in the neighborhood of $8 million of the near $20 he would've been paid if he remained a Piston — or if the team used the amnesty clause.
"It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing's official," Dumars said. "Once it's official, I can get into detail about why buyout instead of amnesty."
The salary-cap hit will be split evenly over the next two years, despite the Pistons owing him more guaranteed money this year than next year. Hamilton would've been paid a pro-rated version of $12.6 million and had 75 percent of the same amount guaranteed for next year.
Hamilton, 33, averaged 14.1 points last year, his lowest in nine seasons in Detroit since being traded for Jerry Stackhouse in 2002.
Hamilton had seemingly been disgruntled since the trade of Chauncey Billups in November 2008, despite signing an extension to stay in Detroit shortly thereafter. He had well-publicized issues with coaches John Kuester and Michael Curry, and the organization attempted to move Hamilton at last year's trade deadline.
Hamilton balked at a buyout that's eerily similar to the money he will make as a member of the Bulls. In Chicago, he will likely be the fourth option on offense, after MVP Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng.
The Bulls have been searching for a shooting guard to take pressure off Rose, Hamilton clearly wanted out and the Pistons wanted a fresh start after the drama of the last two season. All three parties got their wish.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111210/sports0102/112100376/Pistons’-Richard-Hamilton-gets-$8M-buyout--will-play-for-Bulls#ixzz1gCQrvxav

Richard Hamilton bought out for $8 million

National No. 1 seed Sam Houston State was expected to roll past unseeded Montana State in the two teams’ match-up in the quarterfinals of the 2011 FCS Playoffs. Despite one of the best catches in college football this season, the Bearkats are doing just that, and lead 21-6 at halftime.
Sam Houston State has rushed for 194 yards, with Richard Sincere and Brian Bell both topping 60, and Bell has thrown for two touchdowns and run for another in building the Bearkats’ big lead.
The spectacular play of the half belonged to Montana State’s Elvis Akpla, whose insane one-handed catch is destined for highlights shows on Saturday night and for the rest of 2011.
But Sincere made his own highlight reel play, hauling in a tipped pass and breaking a tackle to score the Bearkats’ third touchdown of the half. And Sam Houston State blocked a Montana State field goal that would have cut the lead to 12 points as time expired in the second quarter.

Sam Houston State Vs. Montana State Halftime Score, 2011 FCS Playoffs: Bearkats Lead Despite Elvis Akpla's Catch

TRADITION

The friendly rivalry is still intense, with USMA cadets living by the motto “Beat Navy,” which is even emblazoned on the roof of one of the school’s buildings, and USNA midshipmen living “Beat Army,” which can even be seen stamped on the weight plates in the school’s weight room.

Each year, on the Friday before the game, the Army and Navy Pep Bands enter the Pentagon, where they march through the halls, stopping at the offices of senior leaders and throwing pep rallies. (The above photo is from the 2003 Pentagon rallies.) This year, the Navy pep rally was in the morning and the Army one in the afternoon.
*
Both schools send out a team of students to run footballs from their campuses to the stadium. The midshipmen of the 13th Company have been running the game football from Annapolis to the playing field since 1982, a tradition that originated in an attempt to get the “unlucky” company off the campus. The USMA marathon team runs the ceremonial ball from West Point to the playing field. Both relay teams usually have to run through the night; it can get so cold that iPods will literally freeze and stop working and ice will form on the hands and gloves of the runners. The Army relay team practices for their duty with a large rock as somewhat of a joke, but also to convey the deeper message that they cannot drop the ball.
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One of the pre-game activities is a “prisoner exchange.” The prisoners? Juniors from each academy who are spending the semester in “enemy territory.” The juniors are exchanged and allowed a brief reprieve to spend the game with their own schools’ students.
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Both the Brigade of Midshipmen (the USNA students) and the Corps of Cadets (the USMA students) march onto the field just before kick-off. Dennis Herring, mass communications chief in the USNA public affairs office, called the march on “truly one of the greatest spectacles in all of sports.”
*
The “finest moment” of this rivalry comes at the conclusion of the game in a show of “mutual respect and solidarity”: the teams stand together to sing both schools’ alma maters. First, the winning and losing team face the losing academy’s students to sing that school’s alma mater; then, the losing team joins the winning team on the other side of the field to sing the alma mater of the winning academy to its students. Tears stream down the faces of players and students alike.
*
The winning team of the Army-Navy game is awarded the Thompson Cup, named for donor Robert M. Thompson. Thompson was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1864 and graduated 10th in the class of 1868; he served as a Naval officer, then became a lawyer, business magnate, philanthropist, and president of the American Olympic Association.
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USNA has two “Victory Bells” that flank the steps of Bancroft Hall, which is home to the entire brigade of midshipmen and is the largest single dormitory in the world. Each time Navy defeats Army, the Enterprise Bell (from WWII’s most decorated ship, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise) rings continually from the announcement of the final score until the team returns to Bancroft Hall. Once the team returns, the Navy score is rung on the Japanese Bell (a replica of the bell presented to Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1854) by the team captain, coach, superintendent, and commandant, followed by each team member.
*
While the game is always emotional, especially for “firsties” or seniors, it becomes even more emotionally significant in times of war. The Army-Navy game is the last competitive football game the seniors will play before being deployed to war zones, with some players never to return. By the 2004 game, at least one ’03 graduate, Navy’s J.P. Blecksmith, had been killed in Iraq; he was remembered at the ’04 game, his pads and jerseys placed on chairs on the sidelines.

ATHLETICS

Navy midshipman Joseph Mason Reeves (who went on to become an admiral) wore the first football helmet in the 1893 Army-Navy game. A Navy doctor had informed Reeves that one more kick to the head could result in “instant insanity” or death. An shoemaker from Annapolis crafted the leather helmet that Reeves sported to protect his noggin.
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The first shut-out in the rivalry since 1978 occurred in 2008, when Navy walloped Army 34 to 0.
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The Army-Navy game has been, for the majority of its history, the last regular-season contest in college football. It was historically played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but was moved to the second Saturday in December to avoid it being on the same weekend as other college games.
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5 Heisman Trophy winners have played in the historic game: Doc Blanchard (Army, 1945), Glenn Davis (Army, 1946), Pete Dawkins (Army, 1958), Joe Bellino (Navy, 1960), and Roger Staubach (Navy, 1963).
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While the Army-Navy game is usually the last competitive game of the players’ lives, due to their commitments to the military, at least a handful of players have gone on to professional football careers, including the following 5 USNA alumni and 1 USMA alumnus:
- Joe Bellino (Navy ’61) played in the AFL for the Boston Patriots.
- Roger Staubach (Navy ’65) played for the Dallas Cowboys, was the MVP of Super Bowl VI, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- John Dickson Stufflebeem (Navy ’75) was a punter for the Detroit Lions.
- Phil McConkey (Navy ’79) played for the New York Giants, including at Super Bowl XXI.
- Napoleon McCallum (Navy ’85) concurrently served his Navy commitment and played for the (then) Los Angeles Raiders; he played for the Raiders full-time once he satisfied his commitment to the Navy.
- Caleb Campbell (Army ’08) was the first USMA player selected in the draft in more than a decade, but he served two years in the Army before joining the Detroit Lions last year.

Read the full text here: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/109684#ixzz1gCNMu3my
--brought to you by mental_floss!

Army-Navy: Football’s Greatest Rivalry

Jose Reyes, Marlins Agree At $106 Million: REPORT

DALLAS -- Jose Reyes is rushing to the suddenly splurging Miami Marlins.

The All-Star shortstop became the second prime free agent to land with the Marlins in an exceedingly matter of days, agreeing Sunday night to a $106 million, six-year contract, an individual acquainted with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

After adding All-Star nearer Heath Bell for $27 million over 3 years, the Marlins gave the NL batting champion a deal that features a club possibility for 2018 that may build the contract price $120 million, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity as a result of the agreement had not however been announced.

Preparing to maneuver into a $515 million retractable-roof ballpark, the Marlins employed Ozzie Guillen as their manager and became a driving force within the market sooner than the winter conferences, that begin Monday. With Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols the remaining high-profile hitters on the market, they hope to land another massive bat. Pujols, like Reyes, already has toured the new stadium – that opens when the Marlins host the Cardinals on April four.

Reyes is following Francisco Rodriguez and Carlos Beltran out of latest York, leaving David Wright and Johan Santana because the Mets' last remaining stars. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson began hearing rumors of the deal Sunday afternoon.

"If the numbers are what are speculated and Jose will leave us, i do not suppose folks are going to be stunned that beneath those circumstances he went elsewhere. It doesn't suggest they will be happy concerning it," said Alderson, who spoke with Reyes' agents earlier within the day. "There was a sign to me that things were moving. precisely how way. I did not raise. I did not ought to."

Reyes signed with ny at age sixteen and last year become the Mets' initial NL batting champion, when he hit .337 and topped the league with sixteen triples, whereas stealing thirty-nine bases.

The 28-year-old could be a four-time All-Star and three-time stolen base champion. however he has been susceptible to injuries in recent seasons, notably to his hamstrings. He has not played over 133 games in any of the last 3 years, averaging ninety eight.

His arrival in Miami, where the Marlins are going to be sporting new brightly coloured uniforms, doubtless suggests that three-time All-Star Hanley Ramirez are going to be shifting from shortstop to 3rd base.

Reyes received the second-nine figure deal of the offseason, following center fielder Matt Kemp's $160 million, eight-year contract to remain with the l. a. Dodgers.

Reyes' departure is another blow to the Mets, who went 77-85 in their third straight losing season. Attendance at Citi Field dropped to a pair of.35 million, down concerning seven p.c from last year and their lowest since 2004, after they played at Shea Stadium.

Alderson said the Mets never created a proper provide to Reyes, who is returning off a deal that paid him $32.4 million over 5 years.

"I don't think Mets' fans are going to be stunned if these reports are true that Jose might not be back," he said. "You ought to draw a line somewhere and primarily based on our expertise, not simply with Jose – however with multiyear contracts typically, and not simply with our multiyear contracts, however all multiyear contracts typically – we have a tendency to set that there have been some conceptual limitations to where we'd go."

Alderson became general manager when Omar Minaya was fired when the 2010 season. The Wilpon family that owns the Mets has been sued by the trustee attempting to recover cash for the victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi theme, and he's seeking to recover up to $386 million from the Mets' possession cluster.

"Bernie Madoff and his specter are forever referenced in these things. very|i actually} do not really suppose that Madoff has that a lot of to try and do with this," Alderson said. "But when a team loses $70 million, regardless of Bernie Madoff or anyone else, that is in all probability a much bigger think about our approach to the current season and also the next couple than anything."

Alderson would not say whether or not the $70 million figure was for 2011 solely.

"Big losses, let's place it that approach," he said.

With Reyes gone, Ruben Tejada becomes the Mets' projected beginning shortstop.

"We do not expect him to be Jose Reyes," Alderson said. "At some purpose, he are going to be what he will be as a player."

In a matter-of-fact 20-minute briefing, Alderson did not concede the 2012 season would be a loss and maintained the departure would not result in a complete rebuilding.

"I do not suppose something that Jose will or does not do over successive few days has any impact on David Wright," Alderson said. "Right now, we do not ponder trading David Wright."

Reyes Jose

Kurt Busch, Penske Racing Split After Six Seasons

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kurt Busch and Penske Racing parted ways in which Monday when six bumpy seasons, a split that clouds the previous champion's future in NASCAR as he embarks on a private journey to reclaim his passion for racing.

Both the team and driver said ending the link was a "mutual agreement," however most believe Busch was fired within the fallout of one more embarrassing incident. a follower caught Busch on video verbally abusing an ESPN reporter throughout last month's season finale, and Busch was fined $50,000 by NASCAR when the clip was posted on YouTube.

Busch, though, was insistent leaving Penske is maybe the simplest factor for him personally and appeared at peace throughout an interview with The Associated Press.

"What's troublesome is that this 5 letter `f-i-r-e-d' word is getting used, however it's obvious to me that wanting back, i used to be terribly sad over the second half the season," Busch told the AP.

"I have to be compelled to place the fun back to racing on behalf of me. i need to be a stronger driver and a stronger person. these days is that the day that begins. I take a deep breath, I smile, and that i move forward from here."

Busch admitted last week throughout activities surrounding the season-ending awards ceremony that he began seeing a sports psychologist concerning 2 months ago to deal with what he referred to as "personal problems."

Known for each his intensity and notorious meltdowns throughout in-race communications together with his race team, the 2011 season was notably brutal for Busch.

Although he won 2 races and created the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, he had an epic tantrum over his in-car radio at Richmond in could that set the tone for the season. He feuded with rival Jimmie Johnson and overtly struggled with a capability to stay his competition with Johnson in perspective.

Busch additionally had a minimum of 3 public flare-ups with media members, Steve Addington became his second crew chief to quit in 3 years, and he was overshadowed on and off the track by Penske teammate Brad Keselowski. He additionally became publicly irritated over interest in his ongoing divorce and new relationship with Patricia Driscoll, head of the national charity the soldiers Foundation.

His behavior wore skinny on the buttoned-up Penske organization, that signed Busch faraway from Roush Fenway Racing a year far from his 2004 Cup championship. Busch said when reflecting throughout the Thanksgiving break, he came to comprehend he perhaps simply is not Penske material.

"I'm unsure i used to be the simplest match," he admitted. "My frankness and my intensity, it did not play the means I supposed it to. It did not match."

Busch won ten Cup races and created the Chase four times since joining Penske in 2006. Bud Denker, senior vp for Penske Corp., appeared puzzled by Busch's assessment of his match with the organization.

"We thought he did a terrific job for us on the track, and there's no higher driver who hits the marks, relative to sponsors and understanding the brands, then Kurt," Denker said. "He was admirable. I never saw him as a foul match, thus those are his thoughts."

Denker was additionally fast to worry that Busch wasn't fired and also the split came when weeks of discussions concerning issues either side had relating to the direction of the organization. Busch has continually been outspoken concerning how he believes things ought to be done, and no matter his incident at Homestead with ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, either side had been moving toward a split.

"Was the Homestead scenario the rationale he left? No. we tend to had our issues and he had his, and it absolutely was time for us to separate," Denker said. "I suppose we've done it mutually and on top of board. it absolutely was not a firing. we tend to failed to fireplace Kurt Busch.

"We said `here's where we tend to are getting in the longer term, Kurt, and that we talked to our sponsors and that they concurred with us."

Shell, primary sponsor of the No. 22 Dodge, said in a very statement it supported the choice.

"Shell and Pennzoil utilize our motorsports program to realize technical data for our product and types and to market them to customers in a very positive means," the statement said. "Moving forward we'll still work with the team at Penske Racing and to guage the simplest choices for our motorsports program."

Denker said discussions began in earnest Monday on a replacement for Busch, and also the team had been contacted by many drivers "raising their hand." Among active Cup drivers offered are David Ragan, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann, who all head into 2012 while not rides.

There's a deep pool of talent within the Nationwide Series, as well, however Denker said longtime Penske driver Sam Hornish Jr. isn't a candidate.

"Our intentions all along are to run Sam for the Nationwide Series championship next season," Denker said. "We love that arrange, NASCAR loves that arrange, the sponsors love that arrange."

It's also not clear where Busch is headed next. There are not any competitive rides offered unless a team owner specifically makes area for him, however Busch wouldn't commit in his interview with AP to returning to NASCAR next season.

He peculiarly said he desires to "be remembered as a champion driver" and laughed when asked if that was a goodbye.

Busch has dabbled in NHRA and Street Stock Racing within the past, and said that is where he is found the foremost joy lately.

"That's where I had the smile on the face," he said. "It stroke a chord in my memory of the start days of racing on behalf of me."

At 33, Busch encompasses a long racing future previous him, and his twenty four career victories and eleven seasons have given him flexibility to require his time coming up with his future. He joked he landed in NASCAR at the incorrect time, which the hard-nosed Eighties era when the stress was additional on racing and fewer on sponsorship and off-track problems, was in all probability higher fitted to him.

"The `80s were a good decade. I simply missed it," he said.

Busch, meanwhile, is that the older brother of Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch, who additionally spent the last month of the season in turmoil. An annual title contender, he was suspended by NASCAR in early November for intentionally wrecked Ron Hornaday Jr. below caution in a very Truck Series race at Texas.

NASCAR additionally fined Kyle Busch $50,000, and also the driver had to fight to save lots of his seat within the final 2 races of the year when sponsor M&M's balked at letting him race. No call has been formally announced relating to Kyle Busch's participation in Nationwide and Truck races next season, though M&M's indicated it'll still sponsor him in Cup.

Kurt Busch

Friday, November 4, 2011

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Some would possibly say that Nick Diaz blew his golden chance for UFC 137 when he did not show up to 2 press conferences and got yanked out of the most event.

In the larger image, Diaz came back to the UFC with simply the maximum amount hearth and vigor as he was expected to own, and ended up with a dominant win over a legend in B.J. Penn, in what is also his final fight within the Octagon.

A assured Diaz virtually caused his fight with B.J. Penn to happen twenty four hours earlier at the weigh-ins when the 2 fighters butted heads and had to be separated. This was when per week where each Diaz and Penn showed the utmost respect for every alternative.

Once it had been fight time but, neither fighter gave the impression to be a devotee of the opposite.

Diaz came out aggressive early, however found himself on his back courtesy of a B.J. Penn takedown. Penn was robust and quick within the early a part of the fight, controlling Diaz along with his boxing and slipping in shots when stuck within the clinch.

Everything modified when spherical 2 began.

In his traditional fight mode, Diaz plodded forward and commenced to throw his signature boxing combos that apparently grasp no finish. The Stockton, Calif. native blasted away at Penn with combos that never extremely over-involved because the Hawaiian began to bleed from his nose and his eye swelled up sort of a balloon.

Penn never fell, however he definitely wasn’t feeling sensible when Diaz simply blitzed him with punches to the top and body.

The final spherical saw a additional active Penn, who tried his best to fireplace back in little bursts whereas it had been obvious that his cardio was failing him. Diaz simply sat back and waited for Penn to slow and then cracked him time and time once more with jabs then unloading the occasional rib shaker body punch.

When the ultimate horn sounded each fighters were bloody, however Diaz held his hands high in victory whereas a broken and overwhelmed B.J. Penn looked dejected in defeat.

The scores all went in Diaz’s favor and also the former Strikeforce champion, who was originally purported to face UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, didn’t waste any time calling him out when the fight.

“Where you at Georges? Where you at mother (expletive)?,” Diaz screamed.

“I don’t assume Georges is hurt, i feel he’s scared. i feel he’s scared to fight everyone immediately. Where you at Georges?”

The cameras at UFC 137 found St-Pierre with a smile on his face and he created a motion as if to mock Diaz that he was truly scared to fight him.

When his attention turned to B.J. Penn, Diaz was terribly respectful and gave credit to a fighter he said he found to and was a devotee of for several years before Saturday night.

“B.J.’s the man, I invariably loved watching him fight,” Diaz said.

The most surprising moment of UFC 137 could have return when Diaz finished talking as a result of as UFC commentator Joe Rogan approached a bloody B.J. Penn, his words were spackled with finality.

“Hats off to Nick Diaz, he’s the person. Joe, this is often in all probability the last time you’re ever planning to see me in here. i need to perform at the highest level. That’s it,” Penn said.

“I’ve got a daughter, another daughter on the manner, I don’t need to travel home trying like this. I’m done.”

The heat of the instant could play a region during this, however if Penn’s resolve stays an equivalent he walks away called one among the best and preferred fighters to ever grace the UFC cage.

Nick Diaz meanwhile can possible continue his verbal assault on UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, however he could ought to expect a jiffy to truly confront him within the cage as a result of Carlos Condit can get following crack at the title within the early a part of 2012.

UFC 137 Results: Diaz Wins with Punishing Performance, Penn Calls it a Career

We recently got to take the girls back to our college for their first college football game. Some of our friends gave us the tickets and we jumped at the chance to enjoy the game, the beautiful weather, and of course teach the girls our love for the OSU Cowboys!! Luckily the girls still fit into their hand me down cheerleading outfits from last year, so we were dressed and ready to cheer on the Cowboys. We also got to go eat at our favorite restaurant with some friends from college before the game.

Renna waiting patiently on her yummy pizza. She looks so big in this photo.

Quick family photo before the game. Reagan was less than thrilled about stopping for a photo.

The girls really loved the game. Their favorite part was Bullet galloping onto the field, Pistol Pete and the large cowboy hat, and of course the cheerleaders.

Our seats were beyond great as we were on the second row. However, I am pretty sure everyone around us looked at us like we might be crazy as we crawled over people with two year old twins! I am confident they were all thinking, "what were those parents thinking?" Reagan loved standing up and clapping at every opportunity. We cracked up because there was a very very loud fan sitting directly behind Adam and Reagan proceeded to tell him several times he was too loud!! Funny enough the guy was so loud he never even heard her. I love the frank honesty of children. She looks so excited in this photo.

Renna and I cheering on the Pokes! They both waved their little hands in the air like pistols and hollered Go Pokes. It was so priceless. Renna and I even got our pictures up on the jumbo tron at the game. Renna kept asking every two seconds "Where Bullet go? Where cheerweaders go? Pete take hat off?"

They got a restless at halftime so we let them run around a little down by the concession area. You can only ask so much for two year olds. And apparently Renna is on to the smell of popcorn because before she even saw any she started asking for some...of course we had to have some after that!

Daddy and his little cowgirls. Renna looks like she is sleepily rubbing her eyes here but our little night owls stayed awake all the way home and didn't go to bed until about 11:30! They actually still had a lot of energy when we got home. I guess they were just pumped up about their first football game...and the Cowboys win of course!

After halftime we moved to some higher up seats where it was less crowded. The girls were so cute because they wanted to sit in the seat together. Here are the sweet sisters sharing their goldfish with each other...I caught them at a good moment...they don't always share this well. The adventure was exhausting but a ton of fun and we made lots of great memories. The girls always want to play catch with the football now and now have the color orange down for sure!! Thank you so much Taylor family for the great tickets, we appreciate it more than you know. Lets Go Cowboys!

First OSU Football Game

The Oklahoma Sooners will wear a helmet decal this year as a tribute to Austin Box. This offseason, Box passed away due to "mixed drug toxicity" at the age of 22. He was to be a senior this season and was in line to be the Sooners' starting middle linebacker.

Here is the decal that will adorn each Oklahoma player's helmet (via the Oklahoma Sooners' Twitter feed)

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In addition to the decal, members of the Oklahoma defense will reportedly honor Box by taking turns wearing his No. 12 jersey on a game-by-game basis. A decision on who will wear Box's jersey for the Sooners' season-opening game against Tulsa on Sept. third has not yet been made.

For more on the Sooners, head over to Crimson and Cream Machine. You can find more on the Box tributes Oklahoma is planning for the season in this post and in the comments section below it.

Austin Box To Be Memorialized By Oklahoma With Helmet Decal

FileChip Kelly says that as long as he's at Oregon, the Ducks will take on big nonconference games if they can find them.

You don't have to be an Oregon fan to appreciate Chip Kelly's competitive spirit.

As we inch closer and closer to Sept. 3 and the Ducks' season opener, Kelly and players are being bombarded with questions about how nervous they are, how much big games in the past have helped and what a win this early in the season could mean. Most of them don't take the bait -- they talk about this season being the only one that matters, and that they can't focus on what happened last year or who was there. (Though Kelly did joke yesterday that he spends a lot of time missing Jeff Maehl.)

Kelly loves the big game, loves the big challenge. And in a college football world where some traditional powers shy away from big nonconference matchups that could throw them to the top of the polls or end their season before it starts (that's the thinking anyway), you have to love that Kelly is willing to schedule the big game, consequences be damned.

"Scheduling is a science, I'm starting to learn," Kelly said. "But we're not afraid to play anyone at any time."

At the same time, Kelly admitted that the Ducks don't want to play all their marquee games away from Autzen, which is why the 2012 schedule probably won't feature a big-time nonconference game.

"It's the challenge," Kelly said of why he likes to schedule these type of games. "If you want to be the best you have to measure yourself against the best. Since I've been here we've played at Michigan, at Boise (State) and we'll continue to play them if people will play us. This school and this team won't back down to anyone."

Any college football fan should be grateful for coaches who have attitudes like that.

OK, the links:

Oregon's rebuilt offensive line faces another big SEC challenge

This Molly Blue video talks more about turnover on the offensive line

Kelly says there's no need to change the gameplan as LSU shuffles quarterbacks

Are the Ducks cranking the heat in the Mo? Kelly says no.

Terrence Mitchell and Troy Hill remain in the hunt to replace Cliff Harris

Tuesday practice: Huff is in full pads, no decision yet on travel roster or Kiko Alonso

Canzano: Two years after The Punch, LeGarrette Blount has made a fresh start

Schroeder: Huge game's sideshow makes it even bigger

Kelly is vague about the Ducks' depth, but nine players are expected to be first-time starters this weekend

From the Pac-12 Guru: Herbstreit picks the Ducks to win it all

More from the Guru about true freshman De'Anthony Thomas

Kelly eager to see how Ducks measure up to LSU

Willie Lyles meets with the NCAA (again) to discuss his relationship with Oregon

Some basketball news: Ducks overcome loud crowd in Italy to win again

Source :http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2011/08/oregon_ducks_rundown_in_autzen.html

Oregon Ducks rundown :In Autzen or on the road, Chip Kelly craves the big game

Michael Regan - Getty ImagesMore photos »

Why didn't I think of that Pique idea...

Third in my list of "grand plans" for El Clasico is something that would include a huge change of style from the Blaugrana, but most notably the formation.

The formation that Barcelona play is only 4-3-3 by name, with many permutations depending on different scenarios. The most commonly known is that Sergio Busquets, despite lining up as a holding midfielder, drops into the centre of defense when the Blaugrana are in possession. This allows both fullbacks to maraud down the line, supporting the attack.

This conversion to a three-man defense is seamless, and gives me an idea:

A permanent switch to that three-man defense.

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via this11.com

How the team could line up in a 3-4-3

This formation allows for positional flexibility, as any transition to the normal 4-3-3 can be undertaken quickly. Alves would drop back, and the each of the three centre-halves would shift to the left. Xavi would then assume the role of a deep-lying playmaker (as I discussed yesterday), with Iniesta and Thiago completing the three-man midfield.

The qualms with my plan yesterday was the lack of steel at the back, and the threat of the counter-attack from Real Madrid. Therefore, Pique remains in defense, and the back-line itself should stay deep, giving Real space, but ultimately, limiting them to long-range shots.

This would leave a lot of space in between the defense and midfield, but I feel that Xavi would drop deep to receive the ball – as he so often does – meaning a greater control over not only possession, but also the pace of the game.

Arsenal Fc vs Fc Barcelona 0 - 2 From Ibrahimovic By Alfredo Martinez (via MrBarcelonarif)

While a simple ball over the top is unlikely to work versus Madrid, that video is the perfect example of Xavi dropping deep and picking out the pass.

Currently, Barcelona attack with six players, (Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Villa and one full-back, depending on the side), but this proved ineffective against Madrid’s defense. It would be interesting to see how they coped when faced with seven attacking players.

With three players involved in controlling possession and two players on each wing, there are options aplenty for the man on the ball.

However, the most important thing is that players make runs from deep. These runs will be hard to pick up, and allow the trio of Iniesta, Xavi and Thiago to try their long shots (hint: click on their names for a video).

Dunno about you, but that seems like a good plan to me!

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Tactical Analysis: Part 3

Jasper Juinen - Getty ImagesMore photos »

Anyone who can do this must be pretty good...

Yesterday, I detailed the first of my tactics that could aid the Blaugrana in their quest to win the Supercopa, and as promised, I have plenty more. While yesterday’s plan was about Lionel Messi dropping deep, and FC Barcelona playing without a centre-forward, today’s idea could not be more contrasting.

Perhaps Pep Guardiola should play a centre-forward, an old-fashioned number 9.

Maybe the Santpedor-born manager should opt to play Gerard Pique.

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Before you say that I have gone mad, and that Pique is guaranteed a starting place anyway, I have got to be clear:

Guardiola could move Pique forward, and have him play as a striker.

Now, this would leave a gap in defence, and yes, I have been highly critical of Guardiola’s decision to play Sergio Busquets in Carles Puyol’s place, but on this occasion, I will make an exception. The back four would contain Alves and Adriano on each flank, with Eric Abidal and Busquets in the middle. This would leave a gap in midfield, and one would assume that Javier Mascherano would be the obvious replacement.

Well, I have another idea. The problem against Real Madrid was not defending, but instead chance creation. Therefore, why not play an über-creative midfield consisting of Xavi, Thiago and Iniesta?

Xavi was hailed as a long-term successor to Guardiola, and Pep played in defensive midfield. In fact, I was having a discussion on Twitter with Sebastian, and Gene Um from The Busby Babe about Xavi, and how he would be perfect for a deep-lying role, much like the one that Andrea Pirlo played for AC Milan. It may be a gamble to try it out in the Supercopa, in El Clasico, but a change appears to be necessary.

via this11.com

How each team could line up.

Key in this formation would be the two wide players, Pedro and Lionel Messi. They would have to play narrow, allowing space along each side, therefore allowing space for delivery. Thiago could play as a "false no.9" something Guardiola experimented with against Club America, and Xavi and Iniesta would operate just behind.

Such a system would have its flaws defensively, though I am a firm believer that Madrid will have >30% possession in each tie. Conceding the ball, they will sit back; absorb pressure, before looking to counter attack. This makes it vital that Abidal plays centre-half. King Eric is the only one who has the pace, and strength to deal with the direct threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo, especially in the absence of Puyol.

With three attack-minded midfielders, two wingers adept at beating their man, two overlapping fullbacks capable of delivering crosses, and most importantly a target man who understands the Barca system, Real Madrid would need all hands on deck, limiting their effectiveness on the counter attack.

via this11.com

In this situation, Alves has a number of options.

Once again, please forgive the average diagram, but here is an overview of how this would work. The ball would be with one of the two full-backs, and in this case, I chose Alves. As with any system of play, it is important to keep your options open. The more options you have, the more unpredictable your play becomes, and in turn, the more difficult it is to defend. If Alves is driving down the line one of two things will happen.

Scenario 1: Marcelo will attempt to close him down

If you see a player running down the line with the ball, it’s likely your brain will tell you to close him down. Doing so will hurry him, and enhance the likelihood of a poor delivery, but in this case, Alves has some options.

When Marcelo closes him down, Messi will be momentarily open. At this point, Alves can play him a pass. Marcelo will effectively be "out of the game" and Messi will have some space. Chances are, Pepe will be in the process of closing him down, or the centre-back will be, but a moment of space is all Messi needs. As was his trademark in the 2008/09 season he will be cutting inside, ready to test the keeper.

Messi vs Real Madrid 13.12.2008 (via joonn97ar)

If Messi is cutting inside, the attention of the defense will understandably be on La Pulga, and that could allow either Pedro or Pique to make a run and receive a pass.

Back to Alves, and if the pass to Messi is not open, he can still carry on with the run down the line. This would force Marcelo’s hand if you will, and Alves can attempt to evade any challenge, or he can try and deliver a cross. This cross would either be blocked – presumably for a corner – or will find its way into the box, possibly for Pique to capitalise upon. Either way, Madrid will be forced to defend a cross.

Scenario 2: Marcelo does not close him down

In this case, Alves has fewer options, and really, they are similar to before. If Marcelo is not closing him down, he can change the angle of his run, and go directly at Marcelo. The trickery of the Brazilian could force a bad challenge, (read: penalty), but at the very least, it will create a little space for Messi. La Pulga can either ghost his run to the wing overlapping Alves, or he can stay fairly central, and receive a pass there.

If Messi goes with the overlap he can attempt a cross, and if he stays in the same position he can do what I suggested above. Test the keeper, or play a pass.

Alternatively, Alves can carry on down the line, and without opposition, he can (hopefully) play in a better cross.

Amazing pass from Alves! (via DonBasarico)

While I used Alves and Messi as the example, this can be easily done by Adriano and Pedro on the other wing, and of course, Pique is the one they are aiming for on every delivery. Playing an old-fashioned number 9 is not the Barca way, but it would force the Madrid defense deep. If the defense are deep, Pepe will either have to drop deep, or there will be a lot of space between the midfield and the defense.

With Xavi, Iniesta and Thiago in addition to Pedro and Messi, that space would be exploited at every opportunity, and Barcelona would benefit.

Playing Pique in centre-forward may be unorthodox, but think of the reaction from Madrid to that teamsheet. They would assume that Pique would be in defense, and play as they would usually, but when the teams took the field, with Pique as a striker, Real would be forced to change things up. Mourinho thinks he knows what Barcelona are going to do, and is briefing his players accordingly.

Perhaps the best option would be to change things up, maybe the best option would be to play Pique as a center-forward.

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Tactical Analysis: Part 2

Jasper Juinen - Getty ImagesMore photos »

Pepe kept Messi in check during the Clasico World Series, and perhaps Messi could be sacrificed to ensure the team a victory

This coming Saturday, Barcelona will renew their rivalry with Real Madrid, in the first of a two-legged Super Cup encounter. Pitting the League Champions against the Copa del Rey winners, it has long been thought of as a waste of time, or better yet, as a friendly, with a trophy thrown in. But when the tie is to be contested between Barcelona and Real Madrid, you know it will be hard-fought and intense in every sense of the word.

A Clasico is and has always been an event, no matter the occasion. A game between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid never has no meaning, nor can it ever be meaningless. After all, this is El Clasico. The greatest of all football games.

Under Pep Guardiola, the upper-hand has undoubtedly been with Barcelona, but recently, the results are improving for Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s side is no longer being beaten comprehensively, instead his men are itching closer to parity, drawing, and in one case, earning a victory. The Blaugrana need to freshen things up, as Madrid is getting closer and closer. In light of this, I have put on my thinking cap, and conjured up a few ideas that Guardiola could well use (if he reads our blog).

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The first centres around current Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi. Though not scoring, La Pulga was unstoppable in the, now legendary, 5-0 victory against Los Blancos in November 2010. The little man was on top of Mourinho’s priorities. How would he stop him in the UEFA Champions League semi-final? As it turned out, Mr. Mourinho pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He installed Pepe as destroyer-in-chief against the Catalans.

Pepe vs Barcelona 16/04/11 ● King of El Clásico │HD│ (via TomazitoO)

Pepe is simply magnificent at keeping La Pulga in check, and it was only after his dismissal that Messi scored his double.

Coincidence?

Of course not, Pepe was a titan, stopping not only Messi, but also stifling both Xavi and Iniesta. One can assume Mourinho will continue to employ him as a midfield destroyer, and Guardiola needs to combat this, even if this means doing the unthinkable:

Using Messi as bait.

via this11.com

The diagram is rudimentary, but the principle is simple. Drop Messi deep, have him collect the ball and stay deep. From what I can gather, Pepe is told to keep tabs on Messi, and not allow him any time on the ball. Therefore, one can assume that whenever Messi gets on the ball, Pepe will be ready to close him down and tackle him.

Messi must bait Pepe, draw him in, and the play the ball to either side, allowing Xavi and Iniesta the space. Pepe will be "out of the game", and crucially Xavi or Iniesta will have space.

via this11.com

In this situation, Messi baited Pepe, and then played the ball right, to Xavi.

Mourinho’s game in the Champions League was to allow Barcelona space in their own half, but close them down the moment they entered the Madrid defensive third. This worked very well, especially whenever Pepe was involved. Now, if Barcelona can get past Pepe, they will have more space, and time on the ball.

However, in my diagram, I anticipate that whoever receives the ball in this situation (Xavi) will be closed down by either Carvalho or Marcelo. Ramos will move more central, and Arbeloa will follow suit. This creates space for the Barca players, and Xavi will be left with a couple of options.

Option 1: Play the ball out wide to Dani Alves/Pedro.

In this situation, Marcelo will have been the one closing Xavi down, leaving a space behind on the right-hand side. Xavi will need to pass the ball to Pedro/Alves, and the key is that they are running onto the ball. This will give them a huge advantage over the defender, and allow them to get into a position like Ibrahim Afellay did, and play in a cross. Whether or not they score is debatable, but a chance will be created.

Option 2: Play the ball left to Andres Iniesta

Should there not be an option on the right, there will be Iniesta on the left. Should Ricardo Carvalho attempt to close the gap to Xavi, the best thing to do would be a through ball to Iniesta’s diagonal run. This puts him in a good position for a shot across goal, and up against Ramos, there is a slight chance of a foul, meaning a penalty.

Another possibility is for Iniesta to draw Ramos inside with a diagonal run, creating space for Villa to cut inside from the left, receive a pass from Xavi and get off a shot.

Of course, this is easy to write, but the execution must be flawless, and take place in the time it takes you to read this sentence. Though if any team can, it is Barcelona.

While I haven’t accounted for the other two midfielders, (according to Managing Madrid, likely to be Coentrao and Alonso), this would likely take place during a counter-attack, while they are tracking back, and Pepe remains in defensive mode.

If Messi plays as the pivot, and Guardiola can choose to sacrifice his goal-scoring threat to negate Pepe, the Blaugrana could well stand a better chance of winning the match.

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Tactical Analysis: Part 1

Not done yet: Fabregas deal put on the back burner ahead of first leg

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admits negotiations over the signing of Cesc Fabregas are “very advanced” but denied a deal had been done ahead of Sunday's Supercopa de Espana.

The Catalan giants take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu tonight with reports in England and Spain this week claiming Arsenal had finally agreed to sanction the 24-year-old’s move back to the club he left in 2003.

The news appeared to be confirmed by Victor Valdes who told a press conference he believed the deal was close to being completed while team-mates Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique both took to Twitter to welcome Fabregas back to Barcelona.

However with no official endorsement from either club, Guardiola refused to be drawn on the issue on the eve of the first ’Clasico’ of the season.

“He’s not here yet,” the Barca boss said. “According to the information we have from club bosses negotiations are very advanced but there is still a document missing to confirm. The prospects are good, but he’s still an Arsenal player. Otherwise I would confirm it.”

The European and Spanish champions believed they had tempted the Gunners with an offer of £35million (Dh208m), with £5.2million (Dh31m) in result and appearance-based add-ons, after two bids of around £30million (Dh179m) were rejected.

That led to hopes in Spain that Fabregas would arrive in Barcelona before Sunday's first leg but Spanish daily AS reported his arrival had been pushed back as Guardiola feared it would upset preparations for the Supercopa, as well as proving disrespectful to Arsenal as they kicked off their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on Saturday evening.

New signing Alexis Sanchez is expected to start on the bench for Barca who also have doubts over Xavi, Pique and Sergio Busquets while Puyol is definitely out with a knee injury.

The match will be played amid tight security in what is classified a high-risk meeting after last season’s five-game saga. After Barca won the first match by a comprehensive 5-0 margin, the subsequent four matches in the space of 18 days in April were more evenly fought and saw Real regain some lost pride with their Copa del Rey final victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored, until now his only goal against Barcelona, in the final to qualify his team for Sunday’s clash and he is keen this season to add more titles.

“Of course we are going to try and have a good year,” said Ronaldo. “I’m not thinking about beating my own figures. I just want to play as well as I can for the team and win trophies which is what we work hard for.”

Defender Sergio Ramos trained with the squad and will be available after missing Spain’s mid-week friendly defeat to Italy with a back injury.

“Jose Mourinho was able to enjoy some great news: the return of Sergio Ramos to the group,” a team statement said. “After overcoming his injuries, the Madrid defender returned to work at the same rate as his peers in the third training session since the team returned from its tour of China.”

Karim Benzema is expected to lead the line for Madrid after thriving for Los Merengues during pre-season in which saw him net eight goals in seven matches.

The only selection question for Jose Mourinho’s side is on the right-hand side of midfield where new signing from Benfica, Fabio Coentrao, and Angel Di Maria are fighting for one berth.

Fabregas saga takes a back seat to El Clasico final

Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their rivalry in the two-legged Spanish Supercup that should provide an early indicator of the teams' form ahead of the new season.

The teams met five times last season and this pre-season appointment between champions and cup winners provides two more clashes, starting with tomorrow's first-leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium followed by the return at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi returns to the comfortable confines of his club team to lead Barcelona after a disappointing Copa America tournament with Argentina. New signing Alexis Sanchez is expected to make his debut while the Catalan club closes in on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, whose return to his boyhood club looked imminent last night.

But the Spanish and European champions could be without key players such as Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets because of injury. Xavi (leg) and Pique (leg).

Madrid, meanwhile, are waiting on the health of defender Sergio Ramos (back) but new midfielder Nuri Sahin is out with a knee injury. Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop (back) also misses out. Coach Jose Mourinho has brought in five new players, including Portugal full-back Fabio Coentrao for e30 million.

First El Clasico of season in Supercup

Adrenaline will be racing hard, sweaty body, blood pressure rises when the match Real Madrid vs Barcelona staged. El Clasico again will present the full action drama.

El Clasico vol IV this season again will be held at 'The White Castle', the Santiago Bernabeu. Ajangnya, which has entered the Champions League semifinal first leg, El Entrenador Real, Jose Mourinho will return berjibaku Entrenador strategy against Barcelona, Pep Guardiola.

Before watching the duel of two Spanish giants this, it's good to listen to some interesting facts and statistics collected by Forza Futbol:

1. Real Madrid has scored 12 goals in the Champions League this season, while Barcelona 7 goals.

2. This is the third meeting of two giants of this Matador State in the Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid won two previous duel in 1960 and 2002.

3. The two teams have met six times in the Champions Club Europe. Real Madrid won 3 times, Barcelona won one and drawn 2 times.

4. Real Madrid became the team with the best defense with Manchester United with only conceded 3 goals in 10 Champions League matches this season.

5. Real Madrid won 12 games and only lost 2 times against Spanish clubs in the Champions League stage. Madrid suffered final defeat of Barcelona Atletico Madrid 0-1 and 1-2 in the season 1960-1961.

6. If Real Madrid win the Champions League, Jose Mourinho will be the first coach in history to win 3 times the Champions League trophy with three different clubs. Mourinho won the previous trophy with Porto and Inter Milan.

7. Mourinho's record against Barcelona is not too good with losing records four times in 10 matches and won only 3 times.

8. Barcelona rolled to a Champions League semi-final three times in the last four seasons. Barca lost to Manchester United in 2008, Inter Milan (last year) and get away from hadangan Chelsea in 2009 before becoming a champion.

9. Barcelona only won 4 times from 18 matches Champions League semi-final.

10. Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has scored 15 goals in 15 Champions League final match. Strangely, Messi failed to score in six games last semi-final in three seasons.

11. Barcelona is only able to win 3 times out of 14 Champions League away games last.

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FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Tactical Analysis: Part 3

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Tactical Analysis: Part 2

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Tactical Analysis: Part 1

Fabregas saga takes a back seat to El Clasico final

First El Clasico of season in Supercup

About Real madrid Vs Barcelona (El Clasico 2011)

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