MAY GOD HELP ATLETICO DE MADRID

Win Streak Snapped

The Lakers 7 game win streak was snapped last night in a 113-109 loss to the Utah Jazz. It looked like L.A. would pull this one out when Kobe hit a 3 to give the Lakers a lead with just over a minute left. But Paul Milsap hit a big 3 to give the Jazz the lead for good. Deron Williams hit some big shots late to seal the win for the Jazz. Kobe had a rough night last night. He scored 37 points but he needed 33 shots to get those points. Lamar Odom had another monster game with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Derron Williams was dominant for the Jazz contributing 31 points and 11 assists. Mehmet Okur kicked in 22! points and C.J. Miles added 22.

You expect Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur to get their points but not C.J. Miles. The Lakers were outplayed at the small forward position by Miles. Miles doubled the output of Luke Walton and Trevor Ariza. The Lakers played terrible defense allowing the Jazz to shoot 58.6% from the field. L.A. missed far too many open shots yesterday. One bright spot in the game was Odom. Sometimes you forget just how good a player Lamar Odom truly is because he scarifices his game for the team. The last few games Odom has shown just how dominant he can be.

They ! will have a chance to start a winning streak against Tuesday n! ight aga inst the Hawks. The Lakers go into the All Star break with a record of 42-10.

Lilly embarrasses herself

Lilly's 18-year legacy destroyed in 3 short day.

"The circumstance that happened and her going public has affected the whole group," said Kristine Lilly, a 36-year-old forward who played in a record fifth World Cup. "And having her with us would still be a distraction."

USA 2, Brazil 0

The U.S. Women's National Team got a goal just 58 seconds into the game by team captain Kristine Lilly and rolled to a 2-0 win over Brazil in the first meeting between the teams since the 2004 Olympic gold medal game.

A waste of time

The U.S. Women's National Team put up its highest goal total in more than six years with a 10-0 blowout of Chinese Taipei at The Home Depot Center.

MotoGP : Kawasaki Challenge - WIN A KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R (official)

02 Apr 2008
WIN A KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R

Kawasaki is pleased to announce the launch of the Kawasaki Poster Grand Prix competition website, in association with co-sponsor, Bridgestone.

At www.kawasaki-challenge.com, the new interactive website for Kawasaki and MotoGP fans, you could win a 2008 Ninja ZX-10R.

Kawasaki fans worldwide will be invited to design a poster that freely expresses Kawasaki's "Challenging Spirit" and sub! mit the design online. The best poster designs selected during the judges' first qualification stage will be posted on the website, where all Kawasaki users will be able to vote for their favourite. The winner of this online vote will receive an exclusive prize.

A prestigious judging panel will then select the overall winner at the end of May, with the final results posted on the website in June.The winning designer will receive a brand new Ninja ZX-10R. Their winning design will be printed as a poster and distributed to thousands of Kawasaki motorcycle dealers around the world.

Log on to www.kawasaki-challenge.com now to stand a chance of winning.

Rossi and Lorenzo wrap up Jerez test.

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo have wrapped up a post-Spainish GP test session at Jerez, where they were the fastest 2 bikes on the circuit. Lorenzo ran a full race distance and posted the fastest lap of the session, ahead of Rossi. Casey Stoner on the Ducati was 3rd quickest. The team now has a break before the Portugese Moto GP.

WP have Tough Start to Currie Cup

Vodacom Western Province have three tough games to contend with when the Currie Cup kicks off.

They play the Sharks at the Sharktank in the opening round followed by the Blue Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands on consecutive weekends. They also play a compulsory friendly against the Border Bulldogs at East London's ABSA stadium on Saturday.

Coach Allister Coetzee is likely to rely heavily on most of the players who did duty in this year's Vodacom Cup after 12 Stormers were called up to the Springbok training camp. Coetzee will however still have the likes of Ross Skeate, Francois Louw and Dylan des Fo! untain to add some experience to the side.

WP's match against the Sharks takes place on the 20th of June and kicks off at 19:10.

No Woods, No Worries

Tiger Woods has never been feared for his contribution to the US team in Ryder Cup competitions. Many say he simple cannot compete as part of a team and needs his famous solitary focus to put him in the 'zone'.

Now that the US Open champ is out for the season due to knee surgery, the Americans will have to take on Europe without him in September. This could knock their confidence, even though Woods is rarely a match winner at the event.

Colin Montgomerie however believes Woods missing the Ryder Cup might not necessarily work to Europe's advantage. Monty says his absence could galvanise the US players.

So Far So Good for Proteas

South Africa have made a solid start to the fourth test against England at the Oval.

Graeme Smith was dropped by Allistair Cook in the gully off the very first ball of the day from the bowling of Steve Harmison. After that though it's been smooth sailing for the Proteas.

SA 34/0

Serena wins, Rafael upset

Serena Williams beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 in the US Open women's final to move past Ana Ivanovic and become the top-rated player in the WTA Tour rankings.

Before the ladies final, the mens draw produced a huge upset. Britain's Andy Murray advanced to his first Grand Slam final by stunning world number one Rafael Nadal, booking a date with reigning champion Roger Federer.
The 21-year-old Scotsman defeated the reigning Wimbledon, French Open and Olympic champion 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4.

Valentino Rossi aims to rule in Valencia MotoGP

The view above is what the opposition have had of Valentino Rossi all season. The Grand Prix of Valencia this weekend brings the curtain down on the 2008 MotoGP World Championship, and 'the doctor' will be looking to show his tail-pipes to the field one last time in 2008.

The traditional season-ending Spanish fiesta sees Valentino Rossi arrive with the title already in his pocket and the all-time points record for a season within his sights, whilst Jorge Lorenzo will become the highest-placed rookie in four-stroke MotoGP history by scoring just four points.

In a season th! at has seen Rossi become MotoGP World Champion for the sixth time, breaking the record number of wins in the class and scoring his 150th Grand Prix podium on the way, he now needs just eleven points to break the record for the highest tally in a season. He currently stands on 357 points, meaning fifth place or above would take him above the benchmark he set in 2005, which was equalled by Casey Stoner last year.

Baa-Baas set to Hammer Aussies

Barbarians coach, Jake White, has named his match 22 for tomorrow's friendly with the Wallabies at Wembley. Springbok captain John Smit will lead the side above All Black skipper Richie McCaw.

The general consensus among rugby lovers and experts is that the Baa-Baas will absolutely smash the Wallabies tomorrow. This is a very impressive looking team littered with current internationals. In all, nine Boks will run out for the Baa-Baas with the uncapped Nick Koster on the bench. You know a coach has a quality team when he can afford to play the IRB's world player of the year from the bench. I'm sure the guys in Wales will no doubt tell Jake exactly what they think of that decision.

Springbok veteran, Percy Montgomery, gets one more taste of international rugby and alongside Joe Rockokoko and Bryan Habana form a formidable back three. It'll be interesting to see how Jean de Villiers and Rico Gear combine in the centres especially becau! se the latter has been playing on the wing for most of his professional career. Francois Steyn at flyhalf is considered by some as a big gamble given his lack of game time at pivot for both club and country.

You know what to expect from arguably the world's best scrumhalf Fourie du Preez but what excites me the most is the loose trio of Jerry Collins, McCaw and Schalk Burger. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better and tougher combination. White has gone for an all-Bok lock pairing of Johann Muller and Bakkies Botha while Samoa's Census Johnston and Argentina's Frederico Pucciarello anchors the scrum alongside Smit.

The Wallabies will have one foot on the plane back home already so don't expect too much resistance from them. Will be a cracker of a game nonetheless.

Barbarians to face Australia:

15. Percy Montgomery (SA)

14. Joe Rockokoko (NZ)

13. Rico Gear (NZ)

12. Jean de Villiers (SA)
11. Bryan Habana (SA)

10. Frans Steyn (S! A)

9. Fourie du Preez (SA)

8. Jerry Collins (NZ)

7. Richie McCaw (NZ)

6. Schalk Burger (SA)

5. Johann Muller (SA)

4. Bakkies Botha (SA)

3. Census Johnston (SAM)

2. John Smit (c)(SA)

1. Frederico Pucciarello (ARG)

Replacements:

16. Mark Regan (ENG)

17. Rodney Blake (AUS)

18. Chris Jack (NZ)

19. Nick Koster (WP)

20. George Gregan (AUS)

21. Ollie Smith (ENG)

22. Shane Williams (WAL)

Luke is the real deal

Stormers loose-forward Schalk Burger is in a race against time to recover from the calf injury he sustained in their bruising 14 - 8 loss to the Blues at Newlands... But maybe it's a blessing in disguise.

If Burger doesn't recover from his injury in time, it's likely that Luke Watson will take over the number six jersey and have the responsibility of fighting for the ball on the ground.

Watson has been a revelation this season so far, despite all of the off-the-field issues he's had to deal with in the last six months. His rugby hasn't suffered at all, in fact, it's getting better with every game he plays. Watson has been packing down at number eight in the last two matches but has been doing most of the scavanging work while Burger has been uncharacteristically out of sorts. Burger has been nowhere at ruck time and in general play he's been ineffective, knocking the ball on quite a few times.

There was talk at the start of the season that Watson would be shielded from local derbies because of his anti-Springbok and derogatory Afrikaans comments last October, as was the case against the Sharks when he was brought on as a subsititute. But that way of thinking seems to have changed with! Watson likely to start.

Duane Vermeulen will shift! back to his more favoured number eight position with Francois Louw coming back into the starting fifteen. There's also talk of Willem de Waal replacing Peter Grant at flyhalf, suggesting the Stormers will be using the boot a lot against the men from Pretoria.

Kazuki Nakajima has done the job

Kazuki Nakajima has overcome suggestions that he was at Williams-Toyota because of ties with the Japanese manufacturer. As a rookie, he has put in a good amount of race mileage and is tied with the more celebrated Nico Rosberg; this despite the fact, Nakajima and Rosberg have been given different upgrades at times.

Nakajima, Williams test driver in 2007, was not spectacular in the GP2 series last year but was rather steady and improved as the season went on; it seems quite similar in Formula One. He has not gotten into too much trouble with his driving. He has had only two collisions an! d has finished each race in a better position than his qualifying slot.

Rosberg came on the scene in 2006 in blazing fashion setting the fastest lap of the race at the Grand Prix of Bahrain. This year, Rosberg has been quicker than Nakajima but has not been able to string together the performance that was expected and appears that he will far short of his 2007 points total unless he really turns up the speed. Although rumors persist linking him to a drive with McLaren-Mercedes. I am sure there are many that would think you were crazy if you had said, "by Valencia, Nakajima and Rosberg will be tied in points."

In my opinion, given Nakajima's overall experience he has had the best season of all the rookies in F1. He definitely deserves to be on the grid.

Cascarino: Torres Is Better Than Samuel Etoo In His Pime

The former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino believes Liverpool forward Fernando Torres is a better player now than when Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o was in his prime at Barcelona.

The Spaniard leads the Premier League scoring charts with eight goals, five in his last two against West Ham and Hull City, and Cascarino suggests he is almost untouchable.

Cascarino told footballpools.com: "The performances of Liverpool in the last few weeks only go to prove that main men Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are all-important to the Reds chances of glory this season."

"Torres' form has been scary in the last few we! eks."

"The Spaniard is not just one of the best strikers in the Premier League, he is one of the best in the world."

"He has exceptionally quick feet and can transfer the ball from one foot to the other with great effect."

"Torres is totally confident at the moment and is at the same level as Thierry Henry when he was in his peak at Arsenal and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United."

"The Spanish striker is so good he is almost unsellable for Rafa Benitez unless of course there was to be an absolutely outrageous bid."

"There are few strikers who have a bit of everything like Torres has."

"He has guile, excellent technical ability, is strong in the air and is quick."

"He reminds me of Samuel Eto'o was in his prime but the Spaniard is even more skilful."

"Torres' aerial ability also makes him stand out from the Cameroonian."

Liverpool Hit By Double Injury Blow As Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Limp Out Of Internationals

Liverpool are heading into a key fortnight in their season with injury doubts over their two biggest stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Rafa Benitez will already have been alarmed when Gerrard was forced off at half-time of England's World Cup qualifier in Ukraine, and his mood would hardly have been improved when Torres limped off after 55 minutes of Spain's match in Armenia.

Gerrard is now a major doubt for England's final qualifier against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday.

Torres appeared to be suffering a foot problem when he was replaced in Armenia, and! Benitez will be eagerly awaiting an update.

Before the end of October, Liverpool face Premier League matches at Sunderland and Fulham, as well as a home clash with arch-rivals Manchester United.

They also will take on Lyon at Anfield in the Champions League, and travel to Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

Many pundits believe Liverpool would have pipped United to the title last season had Torres been fit throughout the campaign, and the Merseysiders will be desperate for him to be fit from now until next May.

Liverpool Supporters Union Label 'Liars' Hicks & Gillett As Sole Culprits For Reds' Rut

It happens quite a lot nowadays in Liverpool. A man (or woman) walks into a room, bearing a small pin-badge on their clothing, and instantly gets the thumbs-up. The badge may be understated, but its emblem, and what it stands for, is most definitely not.

Arms outstretched, with a red scarf around his neck, Bill Shankly is captured forever in his most famous pose. It could not be a more apt symbol for the supporters' union which is keeping his name alive at Liverpool Football Club.

The Spirit of Shankly was formed in January 2008 in the Sandon pub, a stone's throw away from Anfield. Over 350 supporters crammed into the venue - the birthplace of Liverpool FC - that night, disillusioned at the direction in which their beloved club was heading. The UK had its first football supporters union.

Today, the Spirit of Shankly boasts 3,500 paid members, a figure that is increasing by the week. The ! group holds quarterly meetings to update members of progress and is coordinating numerous campaigns aimed at ousting the club's controversial co-owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Paul Gardner, the group's Community Liaison and Regeneration Officer, is one voice that aims to be heard in this current mini-crisis at Anfield, which came to a head with a fourth consecutive loss at home to Lyon. Not only did this throw Champions League qualification up in the air, but it also gave Rafa's current crop the unenviable distinction of having equalled a 22-and-a-half-year-old losing streak.

Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Gardner is in no doubt of who is to blame for the current plight at Anfield.

"There are two culprits - Gillett and Hicks," he says. "They are the ones who put us into £245 million worth of debt, promised us a stadium which has not been built, took money out of the club to pay for their own expenses, and lied to us constantly."!

Gardner and his group plan a demonstration march t! o Anfiel d from the supporters' club this Sunday, ahead of the Reds' mammoth encounter with Manchester United. It is a fixture that Hicks is scheduled to attend, and Gardner expects the demonstration to attract significant support from the Liverpool fans.

"We are asking fans to email Gillett and Hicks," he explains, "to let them know how we feel and how we went them out of the club. There will be a march from the supporters club (on Breck Road) at 12 noon ahead of the Manchester United game on Sunday.

"We are calling all Liverpool fans - whether you have a ticket or not - to come down and support us. This is another chance to make our voices heard and help put more pressure on the owners to sell up."

The Spirit of Shankly is eager to stress, however, that their efforts to rid the club of its American co-owners is not simply down to a personal distaste for the duo. They have the club's wider interests at heart, and Gardner speaks of much longer-term ai! ms for Liverpool.

"The club's identity, community links and fan interaction is what Liverpool is all about," he says. "Without those, we are just another club. We are special and unique for those reasons, and all we want is suitable owners who will not load our club with debt, or treat us as a plaything with a business model which is unsustainable.

"Obviously, the ultimate aim of the Spirit of Shankly is a fan-ownership situation. This is something that we, and the people at ShareLiverpool (a scheme which encourages Liverpool fans to pledge £500 in a bid to buy the club as part of a fan's trust) are striving for."

Some may have derided the efforts of groups such as Spirit of Shankly or indeed ShareLiverpool as pie-in-the-sky, but there is a steely determination about the way in which Gardner and his team are going about their business, and they hope for a breakthrough sooner rather than later.

"We want the owners out now," says Ga! rdner, "We cannot afford to just sit back and wait until they ! get bore d, or into too much trouble. That is why we are arranging our banners and our marches and all the other things. If we sit back and wait, we could be another Leeds or Newcastle, in administration and falling down the leagues. That is not an option we even wish to think about."

The Manchester United fixture on Sunday already feels like the most important in Rafa Benitez's five years on Merseyside. For the Spirit of Shankly group, and their American nemesis, it is just the latest round in an ongoing battle, one which the supporters' union expects to win.

Sexy and Fashionable

Sexy and Fashionable. She is Victoria Beckham. Victoria coming up captures, full of confidence and glamor.

Lacombe, Binns join McBain

By John Hopkins

CALGARY, AB -- Kevin Lacombe and Matt Binns will join Clint McBain on the Coors Light Racing Blackfoot Suzuki road race team, according to a press release issued by the squad last Thursday.

All three riders will battle for the Parts Canada Superbike and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike national titles in 2005.

The 21-year-old Lacombe raced a Yamaha last year with support from Brooklin Racing and won the Parts Canada Superbike round at Atlantic Motorsport Park on his way to third in the final standings. The Granby, QC racer also took 12th in Pro 600 points. He will handle Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 equipment in the national classes.

Binns, the 2003 HJC Pro Rookie of the Year on the national tour made a number of promising appearances on the fledgling Z1 Cycletech Ducati squad in last season's Parts Canada Superbike series. The Uxbridge, ON rider will ride a Suzuki GSX-R600 in the Canadian championship.

McBain returns for his fifth season on the Blackfoot squad. Winner of the Pro 600 national title in 2002, the Calgary ace took fourth in the Parts Canada Superbike series in 2004 and third in Hindle Pro 600 Sport Bike.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

More new models in TO

From the Toronto Motorcycle Show

TORONTO, ON -- Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Victory and Vespa have already announced some of the new models they will feature at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. Now BMW, Ducati and Honda have made new product announcements in advance of the Dec. 2-4 show.

BMW will introduce several new motorcycles at the Toronto Motorcycle Show including the R1200S and K1200R, a liquid cooled inline four DOHC production naked bike that produces over 160 bhp. With a six-speed gearbox, Duolever front suspension and optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment and ABS available, the new 1200R is a bike everyone will want to see for themselves.

Show visitors can drop by the BMW booth and meet Charley Boorman from the hit television series Long Way Round. He'll be at the Show all weekend signing autographs and talking to fans. Boorman and fellow Hollywood star and best friend, Ewan McGrego! r, had the ultimate adventure - circumnavigating the globe on motorcycles. The Long Way Round documented their travels - 20,000 miles in 107 days on a pair BMW R1150 GS Adventures.

Ducati Canada is showing the new Sport Classic models including the Paul Smart Replica and Sport 1000. These bikes package modern sport bike engineering with 1970s Ducati styling. Also on display is a 2006 999R, the street legal, limited-production base model used for World Superbike and AMA racing. Only ten 999Rs will be imported to Canada in 2006.

For 31 years, the Honda Gold Wing has stood alone as the ultimate touring motorcycle and the one by which all others are measured. Honda's commitment to continuous improvement of the Gold Wing continues for 2006, with numerous changes designed to make it run cleaner, ride smoother and sound better, making the journey to the rider's destination easier and more enjoyable.

It will be lights, music and action on Saturday ! and Sunday at Harley-Davidson's Revvin' into Winter Fashion Re! view. Th is exciting show will feature jackets, pants, vests and other casual wear from Harley-Davidson Motorclothes accessory line. Set on a raised runway in the Harley-Davison booth, against a backdrop of Harley-Davidson's new 2006 bikes and accessories, it's a spectacle visitors won't want to miss.

Full information on the Toronto Motorcycle Show is available at: www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Cincinnati Bengals Sign Roy Williams, Release Levi Jones

The Cincinnati Bengals today signed Mike Zimmer's buddy Roy Williams, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys to a deal. The signing occurred after the team had cut former 1st-round pick Levi Jones. The Jones deal was anticipated as he wanted out and the Bengals drafted Andre Smith for a reason. Jones is expected to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, reuniting him with former teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

However, Roy Williams is a little surprising as the Bengals have Chinedum Ndukwe, Chris Crocker, Marvin White and Corey Lynch. T! his tells me that although Crocker signed a new deal with the Bengals they weren't set on him starting next year. Williams comes in after seven seasons with the Cowboys, five of which he made the Pro Bowl and was a feared safety in the NFC. Financial terms have yet to be released but the signing wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the release of Jones. During his career with the Cowboys, Williams had 611 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks, 19 interceptions and 56 passes defensed.

Your thoughts on the Williams signing?

Reports indicate that Andre Smith will sign with Bengals

According to Chad Ochocino's Twitter page the Bengals have agreed in principle with first round selection Andre Smith. The story has also has been picked up by several national media outlets. However Andre Smith's agent, Alvin Keels, has indicated the following:

"Andre Smith has not signed Bengals fans. reports are premature. But we are working hard to get something done."

What could be the case is that they have agreed to a deal in principle but have not yet inked it completely. Either way there seems to be some movement in both camps which is much better than where we were a week ago. Do the Bengals brass have the motivation to get the deal done while the NFL Films cameras are there so they can show the rest of the league and future draft picks that they are willing to work? Who knows, I would doubt that the Bengals have moved too much off of their offer.

We can only wait an see what they offer will be once it is finalized. Stay t! uned.

NFL Mock Draft '07

-Keefe

The NFL draft is less than a week away. I don't claim to be Mel Kiper, but I follow both the college and pro game closely, and this two day event is one of my favorites in the entire sports calender. Here are my predictions for the first 32 picks on Saturday.

1. Raiders- JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Raiders need a lot of help, mainly on offense. All signs point towards them picking a franchise QB with the first pick. Since 1990, here are all the quarterbacks to be selected first overall: Jeff George, Drew Bledsoe, Peyton Manning, Tim Couch, Michael Vick, David Carr, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, and Alex Smith. Some were successful, some busts, some too early to tell. Those nine signal callers have a combined 14-16 record in the playoffs, (7 wins by Peyton.) #1 pick can be a crap shoot, but with Andrew Walter the current starter (3 TD, 13 INT last season), they'll take Russell.
!
2. Lions- Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
No one is saying Quinn to the Lions, why not? Maybe they should take Calvin Johnson, but with only one out of three high 1st round WRs working out, they'll be afraid to do that. Their second best receiver played in both the XFL and the Arena League, looks like they can find success outside the top 10. Kitna is 34 years old, and I think I remember him starting one season over Carson Palmer to let the college standout learn the offense… that worked out well for everyone didn't it? Well besides Kitna.

3. Browns- Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Browns would probably go Quinn if the Ohio native drops to three. If Quinn doesn't go two, three, or nine to Miami, he could fall significantly. Cleveland needs a RB despite picking up Jamal Lewis this off-season. Peterson might be too good to slip much past this spot. Many experts are calling him a sure fire Pro Bowler. A team t! hat only ran for 7 TDs last season (3 by QB Charlie Frye) coul! d certai nly use a game changer like Peterson.

4. Buccaneers- Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Johnson is regarded as the best player in the draft. Every team could use a guy like this. The Raiders have no one to throw to him, the Lions will be scared to take him, and the Browns, who have a lot of needs, already possess a couple high priced targets (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.) The Bucs still may trade up to make sure they land Johnson. Who will be throwing Johnson the ball this season is a completely different question that the Bucs will need to answer.

5. Cardinals- Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
The Cardinals were everyone's "sleeper" pick last season. They have great skill players (Boldin, Fitzgerald, Edge, Leinart), but who is protecting them. Joe Thomas, the best offensive lineman in the draft looks like the pick. Arizona also has problems on the defensive line, but with Leinart as the young lea! der of this team, they'll need to give him all the time in the world to pick a part defensives throwing to one the best wide receiver combos in football.

6. Redskins- Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
If Gaines Adams slips this far down, the Redskins will have no choice but to take him. The defense needs a lot of help, (31st in total yards allowed per game, and mustered just 19 sacks as a team.) Adams would be a perfect fit (12.5 sacks in 13 games last year.) He's a play maker, and can rush the passer with the best of them, making everyone else's job easier on D.

7. Vikings- Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Hall might be the best CB in the draft even though I'm not sold on him. In the Wolverine's biggest game of the regular season Ted Ginn torched Hall and the Michigan secondary. Then in the Rose Bowl, Dwayne Jarrett had a huge game against Hall. These are the types of receivers he will be facing every Sunday at the ! next level. With all that said he still projects as a early-m! id first rounder, and the Vikes could use a CB with the departure of Fred "Sex-Boat" Smoot back to the Redskins.

8. Falcons (from Texans)- LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Atlanta moved up two spots here in the first round, because of the Schaub trade. Drafting a WR has been a tough task for the Falcon front office, so this off-season they picked up veteran Joe Horn. Lawyer Milloy had a pretty solid season, but will be 34 in November. Pairing Landry at safety, with Pro Bowler Hall at CB, this could be one of the best defensive backfields in the NFC.

9. Dolphins- Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Youngest player in the draft won't have to wait too long to get picked. Okoye would provide much needed run stuffing to the Dolphin D. If Quinn gets past Detroit and Cleveland I don't see how the Phins can let him go. The insurance policy on Culpepper this season (Cleo Lemon) isn't what it was a year ago with Harrington.

10. Texans (from Falcons)- Levi Brown, T, Penn St.
David Carr would be proud to see the Texans take an O-lineman. Schaub is even less mobile than Carr making this pick a necessity. It would probably make too much sense to take huge tackle (6'5', 323.) But as Tristan Besse wrote in his article "Rick Pitino GM of the Texans?" they don't have the best track record. Almost anywhere on defense would be a boost here as well.

11. 49ers- Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
San Fran has some bright spots on offensive to build around (Smith, Gore, Davis), but they'll probably go defense with their first pick. Ranked 19th last season against the run, but taking a DT is a smart pick. The NFC West is loaded at RB, (they face Shaun Alexander, Edge James, and Stephen Jackson six times a year.) Okoye would be better, but I doubt he slips down to the 9ers at 11.

12. Bills- Patrick Willis, MLB, Ole Miss
T! he Bills surprised some people with their season last year (7-! 9), but have lost a lot of guys because of free agency, or the fear of free agency (McGahee.) Unless they trade up for Peterson I doubt they'll take a RB in round 1. Without London Fletcher-Baker I see Willis as the pick. Of course the Bills made some head scratching picks in last year's draft, trading up to take John McCargo in the first round, he was projected as a 3rd rounder a best. So who knows what they'll do this year, my pick is Willis.

13. Rams- Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
The Rams were second to last in rushing defense a season ago. They have the same problem as the 49ers, they face serious backs, (Gore, Edge, Alexander, twice each.) St. Louis had success with a DE from Nebraska in the past (Grant Winstrom), and I think they'll try their luck again with Carriker.

14. Panthers- Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Jake Delhomme vs. David Carr will be a better QB battle then people are saying. Carr was a #1 ove! rall pick, but just had nothing outside of Andre Johnson to work with in Houston. Give him a chance with Steve Smith, the better Panther O-line, and a solid TE in Greg Olsen, and he could have success.

15. Steelers- Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St.
Joey Porter is out, Bill Cower is out, and after a disappointing year following the Super Bowl the Steelers will get back to their roots, defense. Lawrence Timmons from Florida State, looks like the pick here, but Posluszny is safer. Sounds crazy saying Posluszny is safer, with his injuries, but I think Timmons has a better chance to be great as well as a bust. Posluszny, who had an incredible college career (2 time first team All-American, and winner of the Bednarik Award) would be a popular pick in the state of Pennsylvania.

16. Packers- Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
Just 9 rushing TDs last season and 5 of them left to play for the Texans (Ahman Green.) This pick! should be a slam dunk. Vernand Morency and Noah Herron are p! robably hoping for anyone else, but not Packer fans. Lynch is the best back in the draft not named Adrian Peterson. He should be the starter in Green Bay, and worth a mid round pick in your fantasy draft this year.

17. Jaguars- Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Jacksonville has looked for offensive help with many of their recent early round picks, this time they go D. Anderson would be perfect on the end with Stroud and Henderson in the middle. If they want to compete with the Colts in the AFC South, they'll need to be able to get after Manning, and Anderson is the guy (13.5 sacks last season, and a 4.75 in the 40 at the combine.) Jags will just hope he's still on the board at 17.

18. Bengals- Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
Even more important than picking a talented player who can play right away, the Bengals need a good character. More than any other team they will be under the microscope of the new commiss! ioner's witch hunts. Cincy hasn't helped themselves by picking players like, Frostee Rucker, A.J. Nicholson, and Ahmad Brooks, all of whom have had off the field issues even before going to the NFL. I wonder if Nicholson stole anything from Timmons? Anyway Timmons is an interesting prospect; he's an early entry who only started one full season at Florida St., where he was just honorable mention all-ACC. He's ranked on most draft boards ahead of Posluszny, but not on mine.

19. Titans- Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio St.
A fantastic year for wide receivers, Calvin Johnson is the clear cut number one, but there is still great value at this position after him. Ginn could get picked earlier, but if he falls to 19, the Titans have to take him. David Givens looks like the number 1 reason right now, making it essential that they take a receiver early. Drew Bennett has departed, and Vince Young needs someone who can stretch the field. With the loss ! of Pacman, Ginn can also take of the return duties, which puts! him jus t ahead of all the other talented receivers.

20. Giants- Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt
The Giants were horrible against the pass last season (28th.) Sam Madison is 33, R.W. McQuarters is 30. Webster is a good young CB, but I wouldn't be surprised if they take Revis. This is a Giants team that drafted Kiwanuka in the first round when they already had Strahan and Umenyiora. Webster and Revis could turn into a shut down duo.

21. Broncos- Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
There's a few ways Denver could go with their first pick. Maybe grab a talented wide out to line up on the other side of Javon Walker, or take an o-tackle to protect Cutler. I think they'll go defense. Moss is an insane athlete, over 6'6'', and can rush the passer forcing early throws into what should be one of the best secondaries in the league with Champ Bailey and Dre Bly.

22. Cowboys- Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Owens! and Glenn are getting up there in age, and after those two the Cowboys don't have much to throw to on the outside. A handful of great WRs should be left to chose from at 22, including Bowe, (6'2, 221 lbs, 4.51 in the 40.) Based on his skills he would immediately be 3rd on the depth charts, and make the Dallas offense explosive.

23. Chiefs- Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
Meachem is my favorite receiver in the draft besides Johnson. He has good size, (6'2, 214) and he's fast, (4.39 40.) Tony Gonzalez is great, but one of the main reasons he's always the team's leading receiver is because they don't have anyone else. Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker won't get it done, again. Meachem would be perfect if he falls, even Bowe, Jarrett, Rice would be an improvement on what they have.

24. Patriots (from Seahawks)- Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
Would the Pats rather have Deion Branch or this pick? Seeing as though th! ey were a first down away from going to the Super Bowl, and ha! ve since signed Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, and Kelley Washington, I'd go with the pick. Beason is a guy who can play any linebacker spot, making him very valuable in the Patriots' scheme. Vrabel and Bruschi are getting older, if Patrick Willis somehow falls down this far they should take him, but since that probably won't happen Beason is a good alternative despite being a natural OLB.

25. Jets- Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Last year the Jets secured their offensive line with a couple of early picks. I think they'll go d-line with their first pick this draft. Harrell is a big 300 pound tackle who has a chance to be great. He missed the last ten games of his senior season, and because of that he'll be a late rather than early first rounder. Whoever picks him could be getting a steal.

26. Eagles- Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Safety or middle linebacker could be possibilities here, but the Eagles will try and fil! l the void of Stallworth, (who was filling the void of Owens.) Even though four receivers have already been taken, there are good ones left, including Jarrett. His stock has fell in the last month, and I'm not sure why. The Eagles shouldn't worry about that and take him. Despite being a tall, successful receiver at USC, Jarrett is not Mike Williams. He did not sit out a whole season before going to the NFL, so don't compare the two.

27. Saints- Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
The Saints did real well last season against the pass (3rd in the league), but with Mike McKenzie (soon to be 31) and Jason David (who's 5'8'') set to be their starting corners it wouldn't hurt to take someone like Ross. The 6 foot tall Longhorn would give them size and speed on the edge, allowing David or McKenzie to slide over to nickel.

28. Patriots- Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
The Patriots like versatile players. With Beason as thei! r first choice who can play each linebacker spot, Nelson would! be a gr eat addition to the secondary. He can play both safety and corner a la Eugene Wilson. Let's just hope he can stay on the field longer than Wilson. Also Belichick and Meyer are friends. Nelson would fit right in with the four other former Gators already in New England.

29. Ravens- Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
I'm not sure there is another OLB worth a first round pick. Someone like Beason or Timmons would be perfect for the Ravens. Samari Rolle has clear lost a step, and a team can never have enough talent in the secondary. Wright also can help out in the return game, and even play a little offense for the Runnin' Rebels. Wright is considered more likely a second round pick, in large part because of his off the field character issues. But if a team is confident in him, he could be a great pick.

30. Chargers- Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Eric Parker and Vincent Jackson are currently the starting receiver! s on the Chargers, a team who's eyes are on the Super Bowl. LT and Gates are good enough to carry the offense, but wouldn't San Diego want to at least try to give Rivers a weapon on the outside? Rice will be available at 30, he's a 6'4'' receiver with speed, who had over 1,000 yards and double digit TDs in both years as a Gamecock.

31. Bears- Tank Tyler, DT, NC State
What's the best way to replace a Tank? That's right, with another Tank. Even if Tank Johnson doesn't miss any action next season Tank Tyler would be a good pick up for the defending NFC champs. No glaring needs for the Bears, unless you're a Grossman basher, or if they can't figure out something with Lance Briggs. Tank would be a good pick for the Bears though, not just because of his name… ok it would be just for the name. Truth is Chicago could easily get him in the second round (37th) if they really wanted another Tank, but I'm only doing a 1st round mock draft and w! anted Tank on my list.

32. Colts- Ben Gru! bbs, OG, Auburn
The Super Bowl champs were the worst against the run, in the regular season, and they also lost Cato June. Despite their struggles on the defensive side I got the Colts taking the best guard in the draft in Ben Grubbs. Someone who will protect their man Peyton, and open holes for second year back Joseph Addai.


Well that's how I see the first round of the draft shaking out next weekend. Always an exciting couple of days for die hard NFL fans, I'm really looking forward to it. If you have any questions or thoughts about my picks please leave a comment or send an e-mail to sportsbrief@gmail.com.


-Rich Keefe

The Sports Brief's NFL Predictions for 2008

With tonight's Giants-Redskins season opener, the 2008 NFL season is finally upon us. Which can only mean one thing...NFL predictions from The Sports Brief! We've got division winners, our playoff predictions along with individual awards and Week 1 picks with the spreads. So check it out and let us know what you think. We'll be keeping a running tally on the weekly picks, and we've added in a random submission of picks every week to see if our "expertise" holds up against pure luck. That and my picks are the ones I submit to my father's office pool every week. So I'm hoping to bank on these puppies bigtime.

And so, here goes nothing...

Division winners:

AFC East
Besse: Patriots
Keefe: Patriots

AFC North
Besse: Steelers
Keefe: B! rowns

AFC South
Besse: Jaguars
Keefe: Colts

AFC West
Besse: Chargers
Keefe: Chargers

Wildcard
Besse: Colts; Jets
Keefe: Texans; Jets

Wildcard weekend
Besse: Colts over Chargers; Jets over Steelers
Keefe: Colts over Texans; Jets over Browns

Divisional round
Besse: Patriots over Jets; Jaguars over Colts
Keefe: Pats over Jets; Chargers over Colts

AFC Championship
Besse: Patriots over Jaguars
Keefe: Patriots over Chargers

NFC East
Bess! e: Cowboys
Keefe: Cowboys

NFC North
Besse: Packers
Keefe: Vikings

NFC South
Besse: Saints
Keefe: Saints

NFC West
Besse: Seahawks
Keefe: Seahawks

Wildcard
Besse: Vikings; Giants
Keefe: Eagles; Packers

Wildcard weekend
Besse: Seahawks over Giants; Vikings over Packers
Keefe: Eagles over Vikings; Seahawks over Packers

Divisional round
Besse: Saints over Seahawks; Cowboys over Vikings
Keefe: Cowboys over Seahawks; Saints over Eagles

NFC Championship
Besse: Cowboys over Saints
Keefe: Cowboys over Saints

Super Bowl
Besse: Patriots over Cowboys
Keefe: Patriots over Cowboys

MVP
Besse: Tom Brady, Patriots (let's face it, this team sucks without him)
Keefe: Tony Romo, Cowboys

Defensive POY
Besse: Patrick Willis, 49ers
Keefe: Mario Williams, Texans

Coach of the Year
Besse: Sean Payton, Saints
Keefe: Romeo Crennel, Browns

Offensive ROY
Besse: Steve Slaton, Texans
Keefe: Chris Jo! hnson, T itans

Defensive ROY
Besse: Vernon Gholston, Jets
Keefe: Jerod Mayo, Patriots

Sleeper team
Besse: Carolina Panthers…to the Super Bowl if Jake Delhomme stays healthy.
Keefe: Have Browns and Texans in the playoffs, but I think the Raiders will surprise as well, maybe 2nd in the AFC West.

As mentioned earlier, The Sports Brief is proud to announce that we will be submitting out picks every week for every NFL game on the schedule. We will keep a running tally for both Besse and Keefe, as well as include picks for the "test dummy." The test dummy, whom we will call Random Ron, may vary on a weekly basis, but its picks will be made through various activities such as flipping a coin, throwing darts, etc. This week, the test dummy's picks were made by the flip of a coin.! Heads for the home team and tails for the away team.
Without further ado, the picks for Week 1 are…

Besse:
Redskins (+3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Jets (-2.5)
Bengals (+1.5)
Falcons (+3.5)
Rams (+7.5)
Seahawks (+0.5)
Jaguars (-2.5)
Patriots (-16.5)
Steelers (-6.5)
Chargers (-9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
Cardinals (-2.5)
Colts (-9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Keefe:
Redskins (+3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Jets (-2.5)
Bengals (+1.5)
Lions (-3.5)
Eagles (-7.5)
Bills (-0.5)
Jaguars (-2.5)
Patriots (-16.5)
Texans (+6.5)
Chargers (-9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
49ers (+2.5)
Colts (-9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Random Ron:
Giants (-3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Dolphins (+2.5)
Ravens (-1.5)
Falc! ons (+3.5)
Rams (+7.5)
Seahawks (+0.5)
Titans (! +2.5)
Chiefs (+16.5)
Steelers (-6.5)
Panthers (+9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
Cardinals (-2.5)
Bears (+9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Let us know what you think, and feel free to e-mail us sportsbrief@gmail.com

-Bess

Enough of "TUF"

I loved The Ultimate Fighter reality show on Spike TV. The UFC came up with an idea for a show to promote the sport, the organization, and some new fighters. With such fighters as Forrest Griffin, Josh Koscheck, Diego Sanchez, Chris Leben, Stephen Bonnar, Kenny Florian, Mike Swick, Nate Quarry, Rashad Evans, Joe Stevenson, Marcus Davis, Michael Bisping, Mac Danzig, not to mention the comeback cast that included Matt Serra, Chris Lytle, and Travis Lutter, all living in the Ultimate Fighter house, it couldn't miss.

The coaches early on were UFC stars, that were being introduced to the majority of the public. Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin, and Matt Hughes put their "teams" through work outs preparing them for elimination fights. But Season 3, Dana White got an idea. Let's promote an upcoming fight, a grudge match. Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock would coach opposite sides, then square off in the octogon. It made for good tv. You had to tune in each week to ! see the confrontations between Tito and Shamrock, two guys that couldn't wait to fight each other.

The problem may have been that this was successful. Now Dana and the UFC wanted to promote big fights through TUF. Rather than letting a guy fight for or defend the belt in a couple months, they would film a season of the show and then finally have their fight. (See: Rampage vs. Forrest & Mir vs. Big Nog.) As Besse and I have pointed out many times, it essentially puts a hold on a division.

Well mmajunkie.com and other outlets have confirmed that Season 10 of TUF will be coached by Rampage Jackson (again) and former TUF winner Rashad Evans. What? Why recycle coaches? Why put a guy in who's getting a title fight against some one else? Is Rampage still getting the first crack at Lyoto? I don't get it. The season is going to be all heavyweights, 16 of them, and possibly including a few former NFL players. Rashad, the former Light Heavyweight Champ, was t! he only Heavyweight Champion of TUF, so I understand bringing ! him back to the show, but Rampage?

The focus has become more on the coaches then the new talent, plus let's face it, the show has run its course. They took out the Real World/ Road Rules Challenge type tasks after the first or second season, but since then its been basically the same stuff. I'll still watch every once in awhile, but it used to be appointment television. Can't say the same thing now.

TUF brought in a ton of fans to MMA, the Griffin vs. Bonnar fight at the TUF 1 Finale may very well be the most important fight in the history of mixed martial arts. Despite all that it's time to hang it up.

Enough of TUF.


-Keefe


Side note: Frank Trigg signed a new deal with the UFC. Should be very interesting to see what he has left, and who he will face next.

Premier League title not down to two-horse race, says Wenger

London, Dec 12(ANI): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ridiculed suggestions that the Premier League title is down to a two-horse race between leaders Chelsea and second-placed Manchester United.

Wenger believes that victory at Liverpool in Sunday's game will keep his team firmly on course for their first league championship since 2004.

After Chelsea won at the Emirates two weeks ago everyone said 'Make them champions'. But, I said then that it was not finished, that Chelsea would drop points. And you all looked at me like, 'This guy has completely lost the plot'. But, one week later Chelsea lost at Manchester City and they will lose more games this season, don't worry about that, The Sun quoted Wenger, as saying.

So, I don't know why anyone should say it is a two-horse race. Chelsea and Manchester United have already lost three league games this season and we have lost four, he added.

Wenger said that according to his calculations 83 points will be enough to win the Premier League this season, and reckons that he could even do it with 78.

If we win our game in hand we will be three points behind United with more than 20 games still to go this season. This year it will be between 78 and 83 points to win the title. The first team to 83 or 84 will be champions, Wenger said.

That is lower than it has been for quite a few years, but it is harder than ever these days and no one goes through an entire season unbeaten any more, he added.

If successful, his calculations would be the lowest title-winning total since his title win back in 1998 with 78 points. (ANI)

Beat Everton FC or you'll be axed, Ancelotti tells Chelsea players

London, Dec. 12 (ANI): Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti's latest threat to his under-performing stars is: Beat Everton FC or you'll be axed.

Blues boss is going tough on his boys after a run of three games without a win.

An angry Ancelotti took the unusual step of naming his team to play Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti was explicit with his reasons for picking the same players as he was with his warning about what will happen if they fail.

It's important that the players who lost at Manchester City show that they can do better than they did. Is it a second chance? No, a last chance!, The Sun quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

Shipping seven goals in three games is one of the main reasons Chelsea are on a bad run.

Ancelotti has played three different goalkeepers in those games, though Petr Cech will feature against David Moyes' side.

Ricardo Carvalho has come in for some criticism and the return to fitness of Alex will mean the coach has options again in central defence. Michael Ballack is the other player under serious threat, with Florent Malouda ready to replace him if there are any slip-ups today.

Ancelotti has worked the players hard in training over the past two days, insisting they return to the intensity of tempo, which has underpinned their play this season.

The situation is totally under control, I promise. You will see that tomorrow. I know this team very well and have a lot of confidence in them. They can lose a game, can make mistakes, but they have to show intensity for 90 minutes

Premier League title not down to two-horse race, says Wenger

London, Dec 12(ANI): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ridiculed suggestions that the Premier League title is down to a two-horse race between leaders Chelsea and second-placed Manchester United.

Wenger believes that victory at Liverpool in Sunday's game will keep his team firmly on course for their first league championship since 2004.

After Chelsea won at the Emirates two weeks ago everyone said 'Make them champions'. But, I said then that it was not finished, that Chelsea would drop points. And you all looked at me like, 'This guy has completely lost the plot'. But, one week later Chelsea lost at Manchester City and they will lose more games this season, don't worry about that, The Sun quoted Wenger, as saying.

So, I don't know why anyone should say it is a two-horse race. Chelsea and Manchester United have already lost three league games this season and we have lost four, he added.

Wenger said that according to his calculations 83 points will be enough to win the Premier League this season, and reckons that he could even do it with 78.

If we win our game in hand we will be three points behind United with more than 20 games still to go this season. This year it will be between 78 and 83 points to win the title. The first team to 83 or 84 will be champions, Wenger said.

That is lower than it has been for quite a few years, but it is harder than ever these days and no one goes through an entire season unbeaten any more, he added.

If successful, his calculations would be the lowest title-winning total since his title win back in 1998 with 78 points. (ANI)

Shocked North rubbishes calls for Hussey's axing

Perth, Dec.12 (ANI): Middle order Australian batsman Marcus North has rubbished calls for Michael Hussey axing from the Australia side, as he prepares for his first home Test at the WACA against the West Indies, starting on Wednesday.

North has scored three Test centuries and averages 44.57 over the last 10 months.

His Australian and Western Australian team mate Hussey, however, averages just 34.50, but has scored a century at The Oval, and been in terrific one-day form. He has put up scores of 66, 41 and 29 in Brisbane and Adelaide against the Windies.

North expressed shock over comments made by Shane Warne and former Test selector John Benaud.

I was pretty shocked to hear that. There's been a bit of debate about his (Hussey's) position, but his form over in India in one-day cricket has been outstanding, he finished the last Test match in England with a fine hundred and he's walked into Brisbane and Adelaide in great form, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted North, as saying.

He would have liked to turn some of those starts into three figures, but he is hitting the ball as well as anyone in the Australian batting line-up and hopefully this week once he gets going, the three figures will be coming Huss' way, he added.

It's up to whoever wants to make those comments. They are in positions to have their opinions on the Australian team, and if they think they are right, that's fine. Our focus is on winning this Test match starting Wednesday and winning the series 2-0, he said.

North is preparing to play his 10th Test for Australia and first on his home turf at the WACA, where he will have both his and his wife's parents watching with a host of friends.

It will be a special occasion for the 30-year-old and a reward for the hard work it took to play Test cricket.

I'm really excited and just looking forward to getting in the preparation for it. I'm looking forward to Wednesday coming around and getting out there to sing the national anthem, he said.

To me it's just a special occasion playing at home in front of family and friends, I don't see it as any added pressure.

Every time you walk out to play for Australia, there is pressure, so this is just a celebration of 10 years of hard work to finally get the opportunity to play here for Australia. ANI)

English footballers create FAF's to beat Capello's World Cup WAG ban!

London, Dec 12(ANI): English footballers have created a band of 'Friends and Families (FAFs)' to counter attack manager Fabio Capello's carefully prepared plans to tackle the infamous WAGs from his side's 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

According to reports, several players have made provisional arrangements with a travel specialist to fly their wives, girlfriends and extended family to the finals.

When a player was asked if his inquiry was for WAGs accommodation, the travel specialist was told: We don't like to talk about WAGs any more, let's just call it friends and family, The Daily Express reported.

Earlier, Capello had laid down strict laws for WAGs, and he is determined that the team takes the World Cup seriously.

Capello decision came after England's last trip to the World Cup finals had turned into a circus when the WAGs took over the picturesque town of Baden Baden in Germany. There were parties every night and the players were in almost daily contact with their loved ones.

He also insisted that his stars will not go to the tournament for a holiday, and warned their wives and girlfriends: If you don't like it, don't come.Capello has ruled that his current squad can have just one day with their partners and families after each game next summer, and that will be the only socialising allowed.

Stars like Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have admitted the WAGs' presence affected the team under Sven Goran Eriksson in the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal won their quarterfinal on penalties. (ANI)

Fergie says he can spend 80 million pounds in transfer market if he wants to

London, Dec 12(ANI): Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said the 80 million pounds that the club received from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo is available for investment and he can spend it if he wants to.

Ferguson also said that he has not spent the amount till now, as he believes the squad he has assembled is strong enough to cope with the demands of the championships, and due to the silly season values in the transfer market.

The Ronaldo money is there if I want to use it. The money was there in the summer if I had wanted to use it. There is no bother. That is a fact. But, I didn't think there was any value in the market then and I don't see any value now. So, I'm not thinking of buying anyone in January. I'm happy with what I have brought to the club, The Daily Express quoted Ferguson, as saying.

Last summer's deals did inflate the market. It was the silly season, with the prices paid for players. The prices we were quoted for players were not reasonable, in my opinion, and that's why I didn't do anything, he added.

Ferguson further said the amount quoted by Bayern Munich for Franck Ribery (60 million pounds), Valencia for David Villa (50 million pounds) and Wolfsburg for Edin Dzeko (30 million pounds) does not represent value for money and he will not buy when the window opens next month.

There is a danger that this situation could continue for a while. There is the World Cup coming up. A young player could emerge in the tournament and there could be an escalation in his value, Ferguson said.

But, it doesn't change my view that we must keep looking for value. I could spend the money, but I think value is important, he added. (ANI)

Daly offers help to troubled Woods and Nordegren

Melbourne, Dec.12 (ANI): Golfer John Daly, who has been divorced four times during a turbulent life, says he is will to help both Tiger Woods and wife Elin Nordegren to stay together.

He believes that they still love each other, and that it's not about the kids or the money.

Daly was speaking on the sidelines of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

Woods announced Saturday he was taking an indefinite break from golf to sort out his family affairs.

If they ever need anything from me, both of them, I'll be happy to talk to them because I love them both. The Daily Telegraph quoted Daly, as saying.

I feel like if there's anybody in this world, after what I've gone through, the ups and downs, I might give him some advice, he added.

I'm in shock over it all, I think a lot of our players are in shock. I've tried to get hold of Tiger and his manager, but he just didn't want to talk to anybody. You don't stay married for the kids, you don't stay married for the money. You stay married because you love each other, Daly said.

I got out of my marriages because we stopped loving each other. I hope

Capello to take England squad to two altitude training camps in Austria

London, Dec.12 (ANI): Coach Fabio Capello plans to take his England side on two altitude training camps in Austria before he heads to South Africa next summer.

According to The Mirror, the Three Lions chief wants his squad to pitch tents at their Rustenburg base fully nine days before their World Cup opener against the USA, after FIFA agreed to pay half of the cost of getting the training pitches up to standard.

Capello has spent the week since last Friday's Finals draw in Cape Town fine-tuning his preparation plans aimed at getting his squad to South Africa in optimum shape.

With the Premier League season finishing on May 9 and the FA Cup Final six days later, Capello now wants to take the bulk of his 23-man squad, plus stand-by players, out to the base at Irdning, near Salzburg, on May 16.

The only players not involved will be any playing in the following weekend's Champions League Final in Madrid, and they will not be considered for the Wembley farewell friendly against Mexico on May 23 or 24.

After that game, England will head back to Austria, for more intensive altitude training, with the final match before they fly to Johannesburg coming on May 30 in Graz, against World Cup finalists Japan.

Capello and his players will then return to England to spend two days with their families before departing on their quest for glory on the evening of June 2, arriving the next morning and then travelling to 90 minute journey to the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus.

Capello wants his players to get the maximum benefit from the altitude training he thinks can play a major role in the tournament and there is the possibility of another outing for the squad against a local side after arriving in South Africa. (ANI)

Sydney team bowled out for eight

Sydney, Dec.12 (ANI): A Sydney third-grade bowler took two hat-tricks in an innings as North Sydney were bowled out for a record low score of just eight.

Parramatta's Anthony Karam finished with remarkable figures of 7-3 as Norths were bundled out in their first innings for what is believed the lowest score in the 116-year history of Sydney grade cricket.

Karam, who also bowled seven maidens, only had two scoring shots against him at Merrylands Oval.

It was just one of those days when the ball just came out well for me, Karam said.

The ball swung around a bit and they never got to grips with it, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

Extras were the visitors' second top scorer with one, as eight players recorded ducks.

Parramatta scored 5-117 in response to Norths' first innings and Karam was back in the thick of the action in their second dig when he took another wicket with his first ball to finish with overall figures for the match of 8-18. (ANI)

Massive scam behind woeful condition of 33 cricket grounds costing 65 ml rupees in Pak?

Islamabad, Dec. 12 (ANI): Following the objections raised in the audit report of the Auditor-General , the Pakistan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has constituted a four-member fact-finding committee to examine the 33 cricket grounds developed by the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management at a cost of 65 million rupees.

The committee was formed following the Auditor-General of Pakistan's raising an audit objection about the miserable conditions at most of these grounds developed during 2003-08 at a cost of 65 million rupees, The Dawn quoted a senior official of the Pakistan Auditor-General (AGP) office, as saying.

The fact finding would team would be visiting Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan for 'physical verification' of the grounds in the coming days.

Responsibilities will be fixed and if any official is found guilty of negligence the committee will be communicating the rules and regulations to the PAC, the official added, on conditions of anonymity.

It is pertinent to mention that the AGP had conducted a special audit of the PCB on Sports Ministry's request.

Massive irregularities of around 500 million rupees were unearthed during the audit. (ANI)

Giggs's old red hat is the secret of Fergie's success

London, Dec. 12 (ANI): The secret of Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson's success is a lucky red hat that he nicked off Welsh wizard Ryan Giggs in November 1996.

Ferguson can be seen sporting the scruffy old woolly bonnet in training the day before any big encounters, including on the eve of both his Champions League triumphs in Barcelona and Moscow.

Fergie reckons the only mistake Giggs has ever made, letting him ghost in on the blindside to nick his hat. And he will not be giving it back to him.

The onl y time Ryan has ever let himself down is letting me steal his Welsh bunnet. He is never going to get it back, because it is lucky for me. I have always worn it, The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

I pinched it off him when we were in Turkey before a game against Fenerbahce. At the time, I just thought it would look better on me than him! he added.

Giggs has had to rely on a black United woolly hat, yet he certainly has not lacked any good fortune since losing the red one to his team manager.

And Ferguson thinks the veteran Welsh winger's incredible career should be recognised tomorrow night in a phone vote for the 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

If Ryan hasn't a chance of winning Sports Personality of the Year, then what does that say? I just hope Ryan gets the award he deserves. He has retained that amazing quality in his game and also his enthusiasm to play. I think longevity should be rewarded, Ferguson said. (ANI)

Gambhir tests negative, will play

Chandigarh, Dec 12 (IANS) India's opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has tested negative for swine flu and will play the second Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka here Saturday evening.

'Gambhir's test report is negative and there is nothing to worry. He is fit to play,' G.S. Walia, joint secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), told IANS.

Gambhir was quarantined in his hotel room in the morning and his throat and nasal swab samples were sent for tests.

The team's video analyst, Dhananjay, was also quarantined while team manager Mayank Parekh was admitted in a private hospital with flu symptoms. Both Dhananjay and Parekh have also tested negative.

'Test reports of Dhananjay and Parekh have also come negative. Except Sreesanth, no player from India or Sri Lanka has exhibited flu like symptoms. If we come across any such thing, then proper screening will be done,' Walia added.

Pacer S. Sreesanth, who is suffering from influenza A (H1N1) virus, was admitted to a private hospital where doctors said he was recovering well.

India and Sri Lanka will play second Twenty20 match at the PCA Stadium in neighbouring Mohali.

Tiger Woods' 'mistress' puts flat on sale

London, December 12 (ANI): Rachel Uchitel, the first woman linked to Tiger Woods, has put her flat on sale for 1million pounds.

The New York socialite, who claimed having romanced the married ace golfer for five months, was said to be cashing in on her Tiger connection.

According to Las Vegas estate agents, the pad may fetch more over the possibility that the two may have got intimate there.

The very fact that this is a place where Tiger may have visited one of his women means this property is hot, the Daily Star quoted one as saying.

Woods, who has been linked to as many as 11 women, admitted infidelity and has taken an indefinite break from professional golf to mend his personal life. (ANI)

Pietersen, Strauss in form ahead of first Test against Proteas

East London, Dec 12(ANI): England batsmen Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss sought some time at the crease ahead of the first Test and scored heavily on day one of two in a warm up match against the South Africa Invitational XI at Buffalo Park.

Pietersen scored 71 runs, his first half-century since his comeback from injury, while Strauss made 100, followed by Alastair Cook (52) and Jonathan Trott (50) in the team's total of 317 for five declared.

The star batsman was suffering from an Achilles injury, which had ept him out of the squad for four months.

Highlighting the significance of Pietersen's innings, England's team director Andy Flower, said: Kevin's innings was probably the most pleasing aspect of the day because the other guys have been playing recently and in the runs.

Kevin has been out of cricket and not scoring heavily so him getting in and getting that time in the middle was vital for him, The Daily Express quoted Flower, as saying.

Pietersen's 71 off 101 balls runs included a dozen fours and was a determined effort to get some batting under his belt.

On the other hand, Strauss was also looking for time in the middle and shared an opening stand of 101 runs with Cook, and then one of 68 runs with a strangely subdued Trott.

The four Test series between England and South Africa begins in Centurion on Wednesday. (ANI)

Waqar apt person to replace Alam: Mohammad Akram

Islamabad, Dec.12 (ANI): Hailing the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to appoint former fast bowler Waqar Younis as the bowling and fielding coach of the national team, former speedster Mohammad Akram has said that Waqar is the apt person to replace the incumbent coach Intikhab Alam.

In an interview to PakPassion.net, Akram said the PCB has come a bit late, as Waqar should have been appointed the national bowling coach much earlier.

Appointing Waqar as bowling and fielding coach for the Australia tour is a really good move by the Pakistan Cricket Board. As far as I am concerned Waqar should have been appointed as coach a long time ago, he said.

Akram. however said, that Waqar needs more time with the team, and stressed that appointing him for only one series would not serve the purpose.

Appointing someone for one series is simply not long enough, as the coach will need time to get to know all the players who he is going to be working with. Waqar will need a bit of time before he can start to make a real difference, the former pacer said.

Give Waqar a long term deal, a good financial package and give him the respect and authority he deserves and then we will all see the progress and improvement of the Pakistan team, he added. (ANI)

'Woods' wife's life turned upside down in just one day'

London, Dec 12 (ANI): Professional golfer Jesper Parnevik has stated that Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren's life has been turned upside down in just one day.

Parnevik, 44, had introduced Nordegren to Woods when she was working as a nanny in 2001.

I vouched for the guy. And uh, I was wrong, the Daily Express quoted him as saying in an interview recorded for a US sports channel.

I'm sure she felt very lonely and very small in this whole hoopla and chaos when her whole world was just turned upside down in pretty much 24 hours.

I was just shocked and pretty much very disappointed in the whole thing, he added.

Former Ryder Cup star Parnevik is the only golfer on the PGA tour to break ranks and openly criticise Woods for his alleged affairs with at least 10 women. (ANI)

Rise of Brawn GP and Button fails to paper over F1 cracks

Hamburg, Dec 12 (DPA) The 2009 Formula One season may have seen Brawn GP become the first team to win both the drivers' and constructors' titles in its debut season but it will also be remembered for the withdrawal of BMW and Toyota as well as tyre-maker Bridgestone.

A race-fixing scandal, the chaos caused by rule changes, a life-threatening injury to Felipe Massa, the brief possibility of Michael Schumacher racing again in F1 and the announcement that Mercedes were returning to the sport with their own works team for the first time in 55 years were also headline grabbers.

Brawn were formed out of the ashes of the Honda F1 team amid so much uncertainty that it meant it was still not clear whether they could race even before the season-opener in Australia in March.

Despite this handicap, the British-based team still managed to steal a march on all their rivals when it came to the new set of technical regulations which saw the biggest shake up of the rules for 20 years.

Brawn's double diffuser may have been a controversial interpretation of the new rules but it enabled Jenson Button to win six of the opening seven races, a foundation that proved sufficient for the British driver to eventually lift his first drivers' title despite a late charge from the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

While Brawn soared, Ferrari suffered and the low point came at the Hungarian GP in July when Massa suffered a severe head injury after being on the helmet by a spring that had come dislodged from a rear damper on the car of Rubens Barrichello.

That accident came less than a week after Henry Surtees, the teenage son of racing legend John, died as a result of being hit by a detached wheel of a car during a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch.

Massa needed emergency surgery and was unable to race again in 2009, leading to the announcement that seven-time world champion Schumacher would be coming out of retirement as the Brazilian's temporary replacement.

However, a neck injury sustained while racing in the German Superbike Championship in February meant Schumacher was unable to make a return.

In August, the ongoing strife between the FIA and the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) ended with the news that a new Concorde Agreement had finally been signed after months of threat and counter-threat from both sides.

The new deal mapped out the basis under which the teams will participate in the F1 championship until the end of 2012, as well as how much money teams will receive from TV rights on top of setting the rules and binding the teams into competing in F1.

While peace eventually reigned between the FIA and FOTA, another shadow was cast across F1 with the revelation that Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed his Renault during the 2008 Singapore GP to facilitate a victory for his teammate Fernando Alonso.

Piquet Jr was granted immunity from prosecution by motorsport's ruling body and the resulting investigation led to the dismissal of Renault team principal Flavio Briatore and the team's technical director Pat Symonds.

Briatore was also handed a life-time ban while Symonds was suspended for five years.

The 2009 season may have ended with the first ever F1 race at the new Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi but major events continued off the track with Jean Todt beating Ari Vatanen in the election to succeed Max Mosley as president of the FIA.

This news was quickly followed by Toyota's announcement that it was ending its involvement in the sport.

Meanwhile, Mercedes revealed that it was was buying a majority share of Brawn, which will race in 2010 as Mercedes GP, while Button will partner compatriot Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next season.

As part of the deal, McLaren will buy back Mercedes parent-company Daimler's 40 percent stake by 2011 while the German carmaker will continue to supply engines to its former team until 2015.

Gabba defeat motivated Windies to turn things around: Sarwan

Perth, Dec.12 (ANI): West Indies middle order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has said the harsh criticism coming the team's way after the first Test in Brisbane hurt him personally, but it also helped the side as a whole to turn things around during the Adelaide Test.

He said the visitors did a lot of soul searching and even engaged in heated arguments after the Gabba Test defeat, but the sum total at the end, was the emergence of a mentally stronger side.

From a personal point of view it really hurt to know that we came under that sort of scrutiny, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Sarwan, as saying.

But nevertheless we are professionals. I think everyone took it to heart and that kind of motivated us for the second Test, he added.

Sarwan said that he is confident that the West Indies can replicate the Adelaide effort in Perth next week.

It's important that we try and do this on a consistent basis. I don't want to jump too far ahead and say that we're turning the corner, he said.

I think what is more important to us is that we play consistent cricket, and be able to do that at a high level at all times. If we play really well on the first day, whether we are batting or bowling, I think we have a good chance, he concluded. (ANI)

India may host SAFF cup in 2011

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) India is likely to host the 2011 edition of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup.

India were originaly supposed to host this year's SAFF Cup in Goa but it was shifted to Bangladesh after All India Football Federation (AIFF) couldn't assure visas for the Pakistan team due to the strained relationship between both the countries after the Mumbai attacks last November.

Four-time winners India last hosted the tournament in 1999 in Goa. SAFF sources told IANS Saturday that Nepal will be the stand-by venue if India fails.

'But the final decision on the host nation will be decided in the executive committee meeting to be held in February in Colombo,' the official said.

'World Sports Group (WSG), promoters of the tournament, and other sponsors also want the tournament to be held in India,' he said.

The executive committee of SAFF Cup also mooted the plan to host a youth tournament.

'The executive committee is planning to host some tournaments like youth competitions, a women's and a club competition. The club tournament will be see the champion team of all the countries and will be held in every two years,' he said.

India beat Sri Lanka in second Twenty20

Mohali (Punjab), Dec 12 (IANS) India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here Saturday to square the two-match series 1-1.

Chasing 207, India made 211 for four in 19.1 overs after Virender Sehwag scored 64 of 36 balls and Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 60.

Gillette 'distances' itself from Tiger Woods

London, December 13 (ANI): Gillette has decided to limit Tiger Woods' marketing programmes for the company, following the exposure of his extra-marital affairs.

The Procter and Gamble razor company claimed that it wants to help the golfer protect his privacy.

As Tiger takes a break from the public eye, we will support his desire for privacy by limiting his role in our marketing programmes, the Telegraph quoted the company as saying in a statement.

Meanwhile, financial services firm Accenture has omitted Woods' name from its website too.

Also, telephone giant AT and T is evaluating Woods' contract.

The company said: We support Tiger's decision and our thoughts will be with him and his family. We are presently evaluating our ongoing relationship with him.

However, sports goods company Nike has decided to stick with Woods.

A spokesman said: Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade.

He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike's full support.

Woods has decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf to focus on his private life at the moment. (ANI)

Tiger Woods' wife 'to dump him after Christmas'

London, Dec 13 (ANI): Disgraced golfer Tiger Woods' wife will reportedly dump him after Christmas.

Shattered after learning about Woods' series of affairs, Swedish model Elin Nordegren is in talks with divorce lawyers.

However, she's pretending a normal family life for the sake of their two children.

Nordegren is said to have told a close friend that she wants to spend Christmas with Tiger and the kids in Sweden before a trial separation in the New Year.

Elin will pretend it's the usual family celebration for the children and then ditch the man, the News of the World quoted a friend a saying.

In the short-term they'll act like any other loving couple. Elin won't break it all up right away. But she does need some time alone to herself and a legal separation will happen very quickly, the friend added.

Nordegren has already moved herself and the children - two-year-old daughter Sam and 10-month-old son Charlie - out of the marital home to a separate house 200 yards down the road in Windermere, Florida.

The pal said Nordegren weight has plummeted as she loses sleep and struggles to eat with all the stress.

To have been lied to for so long and not have a clue about it, she's got to wonder about the man she married, said her friend.

And she's also blaming herself, which is the worst. Elin's doubting her own abilities to chose the right people in her life.

The trouble is Elin had no idea Tiger was cheating on her. He did an excellent job at keeping his lifestyle under wraps.

And Elin isn't one of those controlling wives who checks up on her husband ten times a day. He'd never have married her if she was high maintenance or suspicious at all.

So this stuff could have been happening during her pregnancies for all she knows.

It's all so raw for her right now. But she doesn't believe he had 20 affairs and that there's a sex tape out there.

The only one Elin really knows about for sure is Rachel Uchitel, and the fact that went on so long and that she travelled to various continents with him just kills her, the friend added. ANI)

Far East businessmen collect billion pounds to buy Man U

London, Dec. 13 (ANI): A consortium of Far East businessmen has reportedly collected a billion pounds to buy Premier League champion team Manchester United.

According to a News of The World, a group of six billionaires have spent three months on a deal they hope is too good for Man U owner Malcolm Glazer to reject.

Two consortium members are keen United fans. They have twice visited Old Trafford this year to watch Sir Alex Ferguson and his players in Premier League action.

Based in Bangkok, the consortium wants to buy out the Glazer family and put an end to the financial balancing act, which has engulfed the world's biggest football club.

A financial source in Bangkok said: All the finances are in place and they are ready to approach the Glazers. They have done their homework down to the minutest detail and realize the Glazers are under pressure to service their mounting debts.

Make no mistake, this could be the biggest football deal of all time, he added. (ANI)

Woods' Kiwi caddie stands by his employer

Wellington (New Zealand), Dec.13 (ANI): Golfing great Tigers Woods' long-time caddie Steve Williams has said he has no plans of abandoning his long-term employer any time soon, and added that he would be there when Woods is ready to play again.

I am committed to him. I understand he needs a break to sort his personal stuff out. And, I will be there for him when he wishes to return to play, The Telegraph quoted him as telling the New Zealand's Sunday News.

Woods has taken an indefinite break from the game having admitted to infidelity in his marriage. Tiger just said he needs a break and I don't want to put any pressure on the guy, added Williams, who has caddied for Woods since 1999, including 13 of his 14 major victories.

He will know in his mind, and his family will know in their mind, when it is the right time for him to return to playing golf, he told the newspaper.

He will have the right people counselling him and between the people that counsel him, his wife and his immediate friends, when he is ready to come back he will be ready to come back.

The New Zealander said that while he and Woods were good friends off the course, they did not spend much time together outside of the weeks he was competing. (ANI)

Privacy escape for Tiger Woods, wife

New York, Dec 13 (ANI): Troubled Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren may be preparing for a getaway as workers were spotted loading supplies on the golfer's yacht Privacy.

According to the Daily Mail, the name of the 155-foot, 22million dollar yacht on the stern was covered to avoid any media attention, reports the New York Post.

Nordegren had once said the vessel was a private respite to escape the rigors of my husband's celebrity and it looks like that is exactly what they are planning to do now.

According to ABCNews.com, Tiger and his wife will be leaving for Sweden, and they want to leave as soon as possible, a pal said.

Swedish newspapers reported Nordegren had purchased a 2million dollar pad on an island off Stockholm. (ANI)

Aston Villa 1 Cardiff City 0

The Carling Cup game between Aston Villa and Cardiff City at Villa Park on Wednesday Sept 23, 2009.

It had all seemed so simple after Portsmouth, Aston Villa's straight forward win seemingly providing the perfect formula. Gabby Agbonlahor would score from open play, Stiliyan Petrov would provide a penalty and James Milner would finish it off. Villa nearly did just that, only Milner hit the post so that his side's progress to the fourth round of the Carling Cup was just a little fraught.

Not that Martin O'Neill will mind. This w! as another demonstration that Nigel Reo-Coker, again excluded from the squad, is not necessarily needed, and that O'Neill now has a squad worthy of rotating – although he left in just enough first team players to show that he is taking this competition seriously.

It was not an approach mirrored by the supporters judging by the turnout, but fortunately for O'Neill, the same cannot be said of his players, who were set to attack mode from the start with Delph and Petrov orchestrating events in the middle. Time and again they threw James Milner forward on the flanks, allowing the winger to ramp up the razzmatazz in the absence of an injured Ashley Young, cutting this way and that, trying to find John Carew, to be found throwing his weight around in the box, or Agbonlahor, as usual moving at such speed it was surprising his boots weren't striking sparks.

It was only a few weeks ago that Villa had to deal with the consequences ! of conceding an early goal, against Rapid Vienna in the Eur! opa Leag ue, but this time it was they who dished out the early dirt, Delph finding Carew on the right in the 3rd minute. The striker sent a simple ball into the box and Agbonlahor, on smoking form at present, put it past Peter Enckelman with a flashy backheel flick for his fourth goal in as many games. As if Enckelman, formerly a goalkeeper of the Villa Park parish, didn't have enough problems already, looking as he did like an ostritch in his electric pink kit.

Knowing that this tie was far from decided – a probing shot from Jay Bothroyd which came tantalisingly close to tickling Guzan's left stick could have made life unpleasant – Villa opened up the second half with renewed intent. The match should have been resolved in the 58th minute. Gabor Gyepes must have gone in with his eyes closed on Petrov in the box, and the Bulgarian hit the deck for the second time in two matches. Milner hammered the ball against the post.

It almost! mattered. Bothroyd poked the ball past Guzan in extra time, but was ruled offside. Villa are through - just.

Match details

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Guzan; Beye, Cuellar, Collins, Shorey; Milner, Delph, Petrov, Gardner (Albrighton 79); Agbonlahor, Carew.
Subs: Friedel, Sidwell, Dunne, Delfouneso, Warnock, Clark.
Booked: Delph, Beye.
Goal: Agbonlahor 3.
Cardiff (4-1-4-1): Enckelman; Matthews, Gyepes, Gerrard, Capaldi; Scimeca (Chopra 60); Burke, Ledley, Rae (Wildig 90), Whittingham; Bothroyd.
Subs: Marshall, Hudson, Quinn, Comminges, Magennis.
Booked: Gyepes.
Referee: A Taylor (Cheshire)