Mexico beats Brazil in the Olympic football final‎

The Brazilian soccer players have to keep waiting for her first Olympic gold. The five-time world champion lost on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London against Mexico 1:2 (0:1), thus demonstrating for the third time after 1984 and 1988, only the second place. At the same time, the South Americans botched the dress rehearsal for the home World Cup in two years. On coach Mano Menezes to come after the disappointing defeat turbulent times.

Prior to the London Olympic record crowd of 86 162 spectators Oribe Peralta scored both goals for the Mexicans, who were first Olympic champion in football. Already after 27 seconds of the attackers took his team into the lead. In the 75th Minute of the 28-year-olds increased to 2:0. The first goal by the Brazilian Hulk (90 +1) came too late. Bronze had secured South Korea on Friday night with a 2-0 (1-0) over Japan. The German footballers were not qualified for the Summer Games.

The final match for the Brazilians began with a shock. After just 27 seconds gave Peralta the Mexicans in front. Was preceded by a blunder of Brazil right-back Rafael, vertändelte of the ball.

A great favorite in the eyes of looked after IOC President Jacques Rogge, visibly shocked. The dreaded offensive to the Selecao Neymar, Oscar and Leandro Damiao was not going as usual. In all five previous matches of the tournament, the yellow and blues had always scored three goals. But just faltered in the finals of the offensive machine.

Coach Menezes reacted so after a little over half an hour and brought in Hulk from Portuguese club FC Porto another top offensive player. Prompt action was more in the train of the South Americans. But Hulk (38), Marcelo (41) and Neymar (45 +1). Awarded before the break, good opportunities for compensation.

After the break, the Brazilians crowded with even greater vehemence on the 1-1. Above all of Chelsea's recent Oscar committed now turned on and brought down the powerful defense of the Mexicans over again in a quandary.

The Mexicans moved into the second 45 minutes alone on the break and took a quarter of an hour before the final all clear. Peralta headed powerfully from a corner for a 2-0. Hulk still managed the 1:2, but then was the time elapsed. The proud soccer nation, Brazil was richer by one more Olympic disappointment.

London: riddles about closing ceremony - Stars spotted

The closing ceremony is the opening ceremony certainly in no way inferior. Photo: Kerim octene (© dpa - German Press Agency)

LONDON - All signs point to a massive celebration: At the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London is completely on one of the biggest British export success, pop music. The fact that the Olympic stadium will be all about the music, is already known for some time.

Title: "A Symphony of British Music". On Friday, however, there were increasing rumors that stars are expected during the Olympic flame will be deleted and the games will be declared over. The tabloid "The Sun" printed pictures to see where allegedly placed on an industrial estate in the suburbs of London are. The images promise a lot.

Thus, the Spice Girls are seen on the rooftops of London taxis - it looks as if they could move into the arena. The Pet Shop Boys sit in pedicabs with wings. Monty Python legend Eric Idle is supposed to hit a good mood, "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" from the movie "The Life of Brian" sing. Annie Lennox, Queen guitarist Brian May, Jessie J and Tinie Tempah were photographed, according to the "Sun" as well.

For weeks, speculation is also about other big names: The Rolling Stones, Elton John, The Who, Take That. Singer George Michael has revealed he is a part. During the opening on British history and culture concentrated, is likely to end party and concert pitch his fashionable pure - but not without the British sense of humor, who is also director Danny Boyle at the start was so important.

One last time, the makers of the show viewers around the world the biggest attractions of London. Several media reports of huge models of the Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Big Ben clock tower. In addition to the show, there is also the traditional parade of athletes. The live televised portion of the ceremony starts at 22.00 German time clock.

Germany's hockey team takes the gold medal

As in 2008, in Beijing, it is also in London: Gold medal for the German hockey team. The team of head coach Markus Weise increases from game to game against the Netherlands and is only beginning to larger problems. Jan Philipp Rabente the match-winner with two goals.

In the end, they counted down the seconds. And as the final whistle sounded, the German men's hockey summarized repeatedly in the head. They could not believe so real. But the result did not allow any doubt: Germany wins Olympic gold for the second year in a row, the fourth time overall.

In the final game of London won the team of head coach Markus Wiese 2-1 against the Netherlands . Thanks to a disciplined defensive performance is set by the Germans triumphed, and after 1972, 1992 and 2008 for the fourth time

"The feeling is indescribable. You can not believe it," said double-scorer Rabente. "Two goals I'm not in my wildest dreams have imagined."

In front of 16,000 spectators in the packed arena occupied Riverbank posted Jan Philipp Rabente (33./66. minute) both goals for the European champions, who also returned the favor for the preliminary round defeat of 1:3 at the Orange team. Bronze in the world champions Australia by 3-1 in the small final against hosts Great Britain.

In the first Olympic final duel of the two rivals had respect for each other should be noted, however, it was still neat to the same thing. Cheered on by many Orange fans took over the Dutch, two days after the 9-2 thrashing of Great Britain in command. The Germans wanted to be not such a roll over and sat on the counter.

In the 21 Goalkeeper Max Weinhold had minutes to save Billy Bakker for the first time, scored just two minutes later on the opposite side of Florian Fuchs over. The best opportunity came up to that bullet once again the Orange team. Bakker was released to the shot, but Weinhold was a sensational reflex on the spot and parried.

As good as the Germans were working defensive forward at this stage was not much. All the more surprising then fell as the remarkable leadership: Rabente danced three Dutchmen and shot an unsustainably. Just before the break, but then luck when a ball from the loss of Tobias Hauke ​​attentive rearguard was still made up (35).

After the change had successively Christoper Wesley after a defensive error and Christopher Zeller hit the post with a pitch (46th) and only narrowly missed the preliminary decision possible. It retaliated, as Mink van der Weerden (54th), the third penalty corner used to compensate. Martin Häner ((56) met at the first German corner is not. But four minutes from time scored Rabente standing at the near post by the Tap-acclaimed winner.

Kimmons, USA can't run down Bolt, Jamaica

Mississippian earns silver as Usain gets gold, world record

Trell Kimmons, known as the "Coldwater Comet" when he was streaking across Mississippi tracks a decade ago, helped the U.S. win silver in the 4x100 relay. / Andrew P. Scott/USA TODAY

LONDON — Be it a gold medal or a souvenir from a record relay run, Usain Bolt always gets what he wants at the Olympics.

The Jamaican will leave London a perfect 3-for-3 - three events, three victories - just the way he departed Beijing four years ago.

Almost even with the last U.S. runner when he got the baton for the anchor leg of the 4x100 meters, Bolt pulled away down the stretch, gritting his teeth and leaning at the line to cap his perfect Summer Games by leading Jamaica to gold in a world-record 36.84 seconds Saturday.

Bolt's fantastic finish spoiled the Olympic dream of gold for Trell Kimmons, the former Coldwater High and Hinds Community College star who ran the first leg for the U.S. team.

Team USA covered the 400 meters in 37.04, equaling the former world record, but Kimmons and friends had to settle for the silver medal.

"Everybody in the world knows Bolt is a fantastic runner and due all respect,'' said Kimmons, who gave the U.S. a momentary lead with his leadoff leg. "You've got to respect Jamaica and we respect one another. We just went out and had fun.''

After crossing the line, Bolt pleaded with an official to let him keep the yellow baton he was clutching. But the answer was "No," and Bolt handed it over while some nearby spectators booed. About 40 minutes later, that same official approached Bolt and returned the stick. Bolt responded with a bow of thanks and a chuckle, kissed the baton - and then asked his teammates to autograph it.

One more possession to help him remember his week at 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium, where any mention of Bolt's name drew raucous cheers, countless camera flashes and chants of "Usain!" or "We want Bolt!"

"It's amazing. It's been wonderful," Bolt said.

Addressing the spectators, he said: "You guys are wonderful. Thanks for the support. I love you guys."

Bolt added the relay gold to the ones he earned in the 100 in 9.63 seconds - the second-fastest time in history - and the 200 in 19.32. The runner-up in both individual sprints, Bolt's pal and training partner Yohan Blake, ran the third leg of the relay, following Nesta Carter and Michael Frater.

Kimmons' teammates were 100 bronze medalist Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey. Trinidad & Tobago took the bronze in 38.12.

As Blake and Gay rounded the race's final curve, they were pretty much in sync, stride for stride.

But when that duo was done, the relay came down to Bolt vs. Bailey, who was fifth in the 100 meters in 9.88.

Really not a fair matchup.

After transferring the baton from his left hand to his right, the 6-foot-5 Bolt churned up the track with his long-as-can-be strides, and Bailey had no chance to keep up.

"Wow," Bailey said. "He's a monster."

USA vs. Spain London 2012 Olympics men's basketball for gold is rematch of 2008 Beijing classic

LONDON — The Americans left as champions four years ago and returned thinking they were even better.

This U.S. men's Olympic basketball team was an improved model over the 2008 version, players insisted, so versatile, so athletic that not only would they beat those gold medalists, but they could even take a game from the Dream Team.

The stats back them up, and a place in history is awaiting this group of Americans — on one condition.

"I thought we had the potential to be really good, better than the '08 team, but the '08 team brought home gold, so we've got some unfinished business still left," LeBron James said Saturday.

And it comes Sunday against Spain, the team the Americans beat in an Olympic classic at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The U.S. completed its climb back to the top of international basketball with a 118-107 victory, pulling away after Spain was within four points in the final 2½ minutes. The game was 40 end-to-end minutes of all offense, all the time, and the Americans have the ability to be even more potent now.

They are averaging 116.7 points — just slightly off the Dream Team's record of 117.3 per game — and set the Olympic record with 156 in an 83-point victory over Nigeria. They are averaging 10 points more than the '08 squad and winning by eight more points per game, and with James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, the U.S. has enough hot hands to fill an octopus.

"We obviously have a lot of talent. Our team here is pretty ridiculous," Bryant said.

The rematch between the world's No. 1 and No. 2 teams was widely expected coming into the games, but Spain hasn't always looked up to the challenge in London.

The Spaniards lost twice in the preliminary round, then fell into an 11-point halftime deficit against Russia in the semifinals after managing just 20 points — which is about seven minutes worth of work for the Americans.

Spain rallied for a 67-59 victory, saying afterward how rewarding it was just to get the gold-medal game while facing a number of injuries. And as they hugged members of the Spanish royal family, then talked about the difficult circumstances they've overcome, they had the appearance of a team whose work was done, more ready for a vacation than another game within 48 hours.

Jeter helps U.S. break 4X100 relay world record

BY JAY COHEN

LONDON — The U.S. had a big lead when Carmelita Jeter got the baton for the anchor leg of the women's 4x100-meter relay Friday night.

She knew exactly what to do with it.

Jeter powered down the stretch and pointed the baton at the clock as she crossed the finish line, celebrating a world-record time of 40.82 seconds that gave the Americans their first victory in the event since 1996.

Tianna Madison, 200-meter champion Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Jeter combined for a perfect trip around the track that ended a string of disappointments for the U.S. in the marquee relay. At the 2008 Beijing Games, the Americans didn't even reach the final because Torri Edwards and Lauryn Williams bobbled the last exchange in the semifinals.

Their final time cut more than a half-second off the old record of 41.37 run by East Germany in 1985.

Jamaica won the silver medal in a national record of 41.41 seconds, with 100 champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sherone Simpson, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart bringing the baton around.

The American team was in control in the men's 4x400 relay until Ramon Miller of the Bahamas chased down Angelo Taylor on the anchor leg to grab his country's first gold in a race won by the U.S. in every Olympics since 1984.

But the silver helped the United States run its lead in the medals table to 94-81 over China.

The South African team, anchored by double-amputee “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius, fell behind well before Pistorius received the baton and was eighth.

Farah eyes double glory

British running star could end the Olympic athletics with a bang

Mo Farah could become Britain's greatest track and field athlete on Saturday as he goes for gold in the 5,000m.

Victory in the event in which he is already world champion, seven days after he set the Olympic Stadium alight by winning the 10,000m, would top a golden Games for Team GB.

The 29-year-old has already become the first Brit to ever win an Olympic distance event and a victory on Saturday evening would etch his name in athletics folklore and bring the track and field at London 2012 to a rousing conclusion.

Enthralling

He said: "Hopefully, I will be able to do something again. I want to do well for the crowd and whatever I do I will give 100 per cent."

Farah has called on the crowd to give him the boost he needs over the closing stages of what could be an enthralling race.

He added: "If it comes down to the last 10 or 15 metres, and it's really tight in the race, and everyone's shouting your name, it gives you that bit more of a boost, so hopefully it will help."

London 2012 chairman Seb Coe, a dual Olympic gold medal winner himself, has backed Farah, saying: "I think he can finish it off. He is good enough, tough enough and fast enough.

"He was roughed up in the semi-finals but that was a few days ago. I think he will be fresh enough by now, and it would certainly be the perfect finish."

Source: Skysports.com

London 2012 Olympics: Freddie Evans through to welterweight final and will fight for gold

Britain's Freddie Evans has continued his magnificent run in the welterweight division, reaching the Olympic final with a superbly composed performance to see off Ukraine's No 1 and reigning world champion Taras Shelestyuk 11-10.

Roared on by a capacity crowd who have taken the Welshman's no-holds-barred style to their hearts, Evans started in composed fashion, keeping the Ukrainian at range and darting in behind a flicking right jab.

Shelestyuk was equally active, but it was Evans who was producing the cleaner work, with a nice right hook towards the end of the first giving him a three-point advantage on the Olympic judges' cards.
Evans, who has veered from kamikaze attacking to reluctance to engage in his three bouts in the Games so far, was looking far more composed as he worked over the Ukrainian, digging loose shots to the body and another right as Shelestyuk seemed shorn of ideas.

When the Ukrainian did land, with a looping right hand, Evans fired back a split second later with a cracking straight left, and although he finished the round with another right, the judges scored the round a draw, so Evans took his three-point lead into the last.

Covering up well to deflect the majority of the Ukrainian's big shots, Evans found his target with a right through the middle, but the Ukrainian scored with enough shots of his own to make it an anxious wait for the verdict.

Joshua's golden chance

Bout was level heading into the final round

Britain's Anthony Joshua battled his way into the final of the Olympic super-heavyweight boxing tournament with a 13-11 win over giant Kazakh Ivan Dychko.

Joshua was giving away height, weight and reach to the 6ft 9in Dychko, but he always looked to be on top despite the scores only separating in the final three minutes.

The Finchley-based fighter appeared to land the crisper blows in the first and second rounds, but they were scored an identical 4-4 leaving the bout up for grabs in the final three minutes.

But Joshua bloodied Dychko's nose with a big right and clearly had the best of the final round in front of a vociferous crowd that got louder by the second.

The two-point decision went in favour of the 22-year-old and he will be back in action on Sunday when Italy's Roberto Cammarelle stands in his way - Joshua defeated defending champion Cammarelle in the 2011 World Championships in Azerbaijan.

"I'm learning in every fight and I just hope I can go out and do this thing on Sunday," he said. "I can improve on my defence, my confidence and my self-belief.

"If I can become Olympic champion with so many errors, who knows what the future holds."

Source: www1.skysports.com