RSSArgentine soccer legend Diego Maradona hospitalised with kidney stones
'El Pibe de Oro' was admitted to a hospital in Dubai for immediate surgery.
Legendary former Argentine World Cup hero Diego Maradona was admitted to a private clinic in Dubai for the removal of kidney stones.Maradona, 51, complained of abdominal pains on Sunday and was immediately taken to hospital. Doctors decided that the Al Wasl coach will need to undergo surgery later Sunday after being diagnosed with kidney stones.
"He felt pain this morning, so he was sent directly to a private hospital in Dubai this afternoon. He will be operated on this evening and he is expected to be discharged tomorrow," declared an unidentified Al Wasl spokesman.
Juventus vs Cagliari Report
Juventus were made to sweat in a frustrating hard-fought draw with Cagliari at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday.
Juventus were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by mid-table Cagliari at the Juventus stadium on Sunday, a result which allowed them to temporarily overtake AC Milan at the top of Serie A.Despite the result, Juventus made history in becoming the first team to remain unbeaten in 18 consecutive matches. The previous record also set by the Bianconeri was of 17 matches and dates back to the 1949/50 season.
It seemed that Juventus would cruise to a comfortable victory over Cagliari, when in the 7th minute Mirko Vucinic put them ahead with a close-range finish after good lead-up work from Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Barcelona vs Real Betis Preview
Barcelona will be trying to keep the chase on Real Madrid when they face Real Betis, after their 1-1 draw in the Catalan derby last weekend.
Real Madrid edged past Real Mallorca 2-1 on Saturday evening, moving six points at the top of the table temporarily. This means that anything less than the three points for Barcelona against the Verdiblancos would expand the gap to seven or even nine points.But Guardiola is positive that his side will keep fighting till the end to defend their Liga title. “There are 63 points left to play for,” the manager reminded during the Saturday press conference.
“That's a lot of points and my sole objective is to get across to the players that we need to make these 63 points count. We've got an opportunity so why shouldn't we go for it?”
Pedro Carmona gives Palmeiras stoppage-time win over Ajax Amsterdam
The Brazilian outfit obtained a last-gasp victory over the Dutch champions at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo.
Palmeiras beat Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 in an international friendly match that was staged at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo on Saturday. The only goal of the match was scored by Pedro Carmona in second-half stoppage-time.In their opening match of the year, Palmeiras paid tribute to legendary goalkeeper Marcos, who put an end to an accomplished twenty-year career at the conclusion of 2011.
The game started at a frantic pace, as both sides went looking for a goal. Ajax almost went ahead when Christian Eriksen sent a precise through ball between two Palmeiras defenders, and into the path of Siem de Jong, but the striker flashed his shot awfully wide when he had the goal at his mercy.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Report
Real Madrid are very serious about snatching La Liga’s trophy from Barcelona’s hands. They defeated Real Mallorca on Saturday night to open a temporary 8-point gap at the top of the table.
The game was as tight as the score line can suggest. The Spanish giants had to toil the ground until everything changed during the last quarter of match. Towards the end of the first period, Tomer Herned put the hosts in front. Real Mallorca were deserving on this lead. Anti-Madridistas could join the home crowd in anxiety; how long would Mallorca hold on to this victory?
At the break, the home team was still in front. Sergio Ramos’ 45th minute effort was not accurate enough to cross the line. His firm header clashed against the post.
Sporting Braga vs Sporting CP Lisbon Preview
It’s 3rd versus 4th in the match of the weekend in Portugal on Sunday as Sporting travel to Braga.
The game marks the first return of Domingos Paciência to the club were he consolidated his reputation as one of Portugal’s top up-and-coming coaches. Domingos enjoyed tremendous success at Braga, leading the club to runners-up in the Liga in 2009/10 (their highest ever finish) and the Europa League final the following year. “Returning to a ground were I was so happy is a very good feeling. I can’t say if it is an advantage for me. The only advantage may come from the fact I know most of Braga’s players and their strong and weak points,” said the Sporting coach.
With Sporting having won only one of their last four Liga matches, Domingos knows his team cannot afford any more dropped points if they want to make a serious challenge for the title this season.
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Report
A goal in each half from James Rodríguez gave FC Porto victory over struggling Rio Ave at a rainy Estádio do Dragão tonight.
The hosts were dealt a big blow on the half hour mark as Brazilian superstar Hulk pulled a muscle in his right leg and had to be substituted by Kléber. Rio Ave looked to take advantage, but Helton was alert to Kelvin's powerful cross-shot.
In the 42nd minute Colombian midfielder James showed fantastic skill and awareness to trick his way past his marker and shoot low into the net from a tight angle.
Yazalde missed a golden chance to equalise for Rio Ave shortly after the break.
Benfica vs Vitoria Setubal Report
Benfica continued their sparkling form with a thumping 4-1 win at home to Vitória de Setúbal to remain two points clear at the top of the table in Portugal.
A huge crowd at the Estádio da Luz were treated to a highly entertaining night in Lisbon. Neca's deflected shot in the 6th minute gave the visitors a shock lead, but quickly set about turning around the result.
Several chances had already been created and missed before Nolito equalised in the 24th minute.
A quickfire brace from Cardozo then put Benfica 3-1 up and well in charge as the players went into the interval.
Milan vs Internazionale Preview
All eyes will be glued on the San Siro when AC Milan and Inter Milan lock horns in the 155th edition of the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday.
Milan and Inter clash in what is expected to be an epic 155th edition of the Derby della Madonnina at the San Siro stadium on Sunday. Much is at stake for the rivals as while a win would consolidate Milan's advantage at the top of the table, a defeat for Inter could prove fatal.Inter trail Milan by eight points, however, they come into the derby with five consecutive victories under their belt, including a 5-0 demolition of Parma last Saturday. After a dismal beginning, Claudio Ranieri has finally been able to assemble a winning combination and it appears that on current form Inter are stronger than ever.
Italian champions Milan have been in equally good form, and the facts speak for themselves, as the Serie A league leaders have notched up 10 wins and 2 draws from their last twelve outings.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Niger’s AFCON history
Niger, as a country, is hardly associated with football. This year, however, the national team will experience the task of vying for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
.jpg)
Coach Harouna Doula Gabde and his men, nicknamed the Menas, have been tipped to rock the stage at the 2012 AFCON with their spirit of underdogs. Let’s see how good the 97th ranked nation could turn out to perform at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Niger – no Cup of Nations experience
Niger’s current generation of national team players is privileged. With hard work, the Menas have managed to make a blur dream come to life. When the draw for the 2012 AFCON qualifiers was revealed, no one really thought about Niger as potential finalists.
Pundits based their analysis around South Africa and Egypt’s chances in Group G as Sierra Leone and Niger were tipped to fail. However, the Menas proved everyone wrong. Despite commencing the campaign with a 2-0 loss in the hands of Bafana Bafana, Niger found themselves with 3 points in the bag at the end of Matchday 2. They stunned reigning African champions Egypt 1-0 to achieve this feat.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Morocco’s AFCON history
If you don’t know much about Morocco’s national football team, the right time has certainly come for you to have a better idea. Remember that the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner…
The Moroccans are referred to as the Lions of the Atlas. They are ranked 61st in the world according to FIFA. The national team is currently managed by Eric Gerets—once PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray and Olympique Marseille coach. 29-year-old Serie A midfielder, Houssine Kharja, acts as the team’s captain.
In this profile, you will understand why the Moroccans should not only consider themselves as one of Northern Africa’s best footballing country but also as one of the entire continent’s most dangerous side. Let’s look back at Morocco’s AFCON history!
Juventus vs Cagliari Preview
Juventus need to claim maximum points against Cagliari in order to maintain their chances of gaining Serie A leadership.
With AC Milan up against Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, a Juventus victory over Cagliari could possibly see them overtake the league leaders into first-place of the Serie A. After 17 rounds of the competition, Juventus find themselves with 37 points, the same number of points as the Italian champions, but with an inferior goal-difference. With Udinese just two points astray the three points are essential for Antonio Conte's side.
Juventus come into the clash in fine form, after having notched up 20 points in their last eight games, with 18 goals in favour and only five goals against. A victory over Cagliari would allow La Vecchia Signora to extend their winning streak to five matches at the Juventus Stadium.
Penarol defeat arch-rivals Nacional on penalties to reach the final of the Copa Bimbo
Los Aurinegros maintained their composure to beat the Uruguayan champions 6-5 on penalties.
Penarol defeated crosstown rivals Nacional 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out in the first 'clasico' of the Uruguayan calendar, to reach the final of the Copa Bimbo where they will meet Palestino of Chile.Nacional, who are coached by Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, fielded a relatively young side, compared to that of Penarol's, who fielded a full-strength side, including recent signings Fabian Estoyanoff and Luis Aguiar.
In front of 40,000 fans at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo, Nacional dominated their opponents for much of the first half, but they couldn't take advantage of the many goal-scoring opportunities which they created.
England Premier League Preview: Week 21 (Jan 11-14)
Tottenham Hotspur can move joint top of the Premier League with a win over struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Tottenham are currently three points behind league leading Manchester City, who do not play until Monday. Wolves are currently one point above the relegation zone after a seven game winless run.Manchester United are currently level on points with Tottenham, and can also move into a tie for first place if they beat struggling Bolton Wanderers. Bolton currently sit in the relegation zone and are one point adrift of safety.
In other action, Blackburn Rovers can climb off the bottom of the Premier League table with a win or draw when they play host to Fulham on Saturday.
Blackburn are currently three points adrift of safety after losing their last two games, while Fulham are seven points clear of the relegation zone after beating Arsenal 2-1 last time out.
In this preview:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton - Wed 2:45PM
Blackburn Rovers vs Fulham - Sat 10:00AM
Liverpool vs Stoke City - Sat 10:00AM
Aston Villa vs Everton - Sat 10:00AM
Blackburn Rovers vs Fulham - Sat 10:00AM
Liverpool vs Stoke City - Sat 10:00AM
Aston Villa vs Everton - Sat 10:00AM
Manchester United vs Bolton - Sat 10:00AM
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Sat 10:00AM
West Bromwich Albion vs Norwich City - Sat 10:00AM
Chelsea vs Sunderland - Sat 10:00AM
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Sat 10:00AM
West Bromwich Albion vs Norwich City - Sat 10:00AM
Chelsea vs Sunderland - Sat 10:00AM
The EPL’s top 6 teams & 10 big records they made in the first half of the season
In Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, the EPL has 6 big teams. Here are 10 big questions, related to these teams, which you should be able to answer!
1) Who scored the first goal of the season?
How else to start but by recalling this moment which happened at Anfield? On Matchday 1 of the 2011/12 English Premier League, Liverpool hosted Sunderland. The Merseyside Reds were given the chance to take a seventh-minute lead through the penalty spot. This opportunity, however, went missing as striker Luis Suarez wasted it.
The Uruguayan later redeemed himself with a twelfth-minute strike which became the first goal of the 2011/12 English Premier League season. This will remind some people that Luis Suarez also makes the headlines for good reasons…
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Preview
FC Porto go into Saturday evening’s match at home to Rio Ave in an unusual position for them - not at the top of the league looking downwards.
After over five hundred days sitting atop the Liga ZON Sagres, the draw at Sporting last weekend allowed Benfica to pull two points clear of the Dragons at the summit. Not that coach Vítor Pereira is hitting the panic button just yet. “Of course we are not happy to be in this position, but it doesn’t change the way we go about our work. The players have given a good response in training this week,” said Pereira.
“It’s only two points, it’s true, but I’d obviously prefer to be two points ahead rather than two points behind. This is not a normal position for us and we want to reclaim first place as soon as possible. A team like ours want to always be in first place.”
Benfica vs Vitoria Setubal Preview
A buoyant Benfica will be looking to consolidate top spot as they host struggling Vitória de Setúbal at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday night.
The Eagles are soaring after finally pulling away from bitter rivals FC Porto at the table summit after last weekend’s results, albeit only by two points. Benfica have been in scintillating form of late, scoring no fewer than 13 goals in their last 3 matches. And having lost only once in all competitions this season, perhaps the biggest task Benfica coach Jorge Jesus faces this weekend is to stamp out any complacency among his players.
“Nobody wins a match before it is played. If we think we are the better team we’ll have to prove it on the pitch. We want to defend first place. The Benfica players and coach know that you only achieve things with a lot of sacrifice and a lot of hard work,” said Jesus.
FIFA authorise Santiago Silva to join Argentine champions Boca Juniors
The 'Tank' was permitted to play for his third club inside a year by the international governing body of soccer.
Uruguayan striker Santiago Silva will be the latest reinforcement of Argentine champions Boca Juniors it was confirmed on Friday. Despite the imminent transfer, the player will only be able to participate in the Copa Libertadores in the first half of 2012.Daniel Angelici, the president of Boca, revealed to Deportivo Telam that "half an hour ago FIFA approved that Silva can play for Boca in the Copa Libertadores."
Silva, 31, has been linked with a move to Boca for several weeks now, but the club were hesitant to purchase the player because they were unsure as to whether FIFA law would permit him to play for a third club within the space of a year.
Napoli vs Cesena Report
Napoli progress to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia after coming from behind to defeat Cesena with a late winner from Goran Pandev.
Napoli came from behind to beat Cesena 2-1 with second half goals from Edinson Cavani and Goran Pandev to reach the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia at the San Paolo stadium on Thursday.Having come from a 3-1 victory over Palermo on Sunday, Napoli started the game in a very confident mood, but a sloppy mistake from Chilean debutant Eduardo Vargas costed them the first goal in the 20th minute. The $14.8 million signing lost the ball outside the Napoli area and Stefan Popescu took full advantage of this to fire Cesena ahead.
Napoli, who have won the Coppa Italia three times in the past, pushed forward looking to draw level, and although they came close to scoring an equaliser first through Cavani and then through Vargas they surprisingly went into the break behind.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Preview
In Saturday’s penultimate fixture in La Liga, Real Madrid will be away to Real Mallorca. Mallorca vs Real Madrid will begin at 7:00pm GMT (2:00pm EST).
This game will be Los Blancos’ second encounter away from home this week. Fatigue may be an issue within the squad but Jose Mourinho has an array of top names to choose from. In-form striker Karim Benzema played just over 20 minutes against Malaga in midweek whereas Kaka, Marcelo and Özil went through 45 minutes of action each.Don’t be surprised if Mourinho doesn’t offer Cristiano Ronaldo 90 minutes of football against Real Mallorca. The Portuguese striker looked angry, frustrated and quite ineffective during Real Madrid’s last two matches in all competitions.