Injured Nadal vows only to return when fully fit

Rafael Nadal said in an interview published Tuesday that he has not picked up a racket since Wimbledon limping for almost three months and return to competition once he is fully fit.

"I'm in no condition to go to the court at the time. I have not touched a racket, but I'm working hard every day," he was quoted as saying in an interview with four European newspapers, including French sports daily L 'Equipe.


Nadal has been on the bench after his shock second round exit at Wimbledon to unheralded Czech player Lukas Rosol in late June and has been receiving treatment for a torn tendon in his left knee.


The 26-year-old, whose injury has led him to miss the London Olympics, the Masters Series events in Toronto and Cincinnati and the U.S. Open, said he has been swimming every day for keep fit and is also working in the gym.


On September 5, Spanish Tennis Federation doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro discarded surgery, raising hopes that it might make a change last Davis Cup in Spain against the Czech Republic in November.


But Nadal seemed to pour cold water on a quick return when asked when he would be seen later on the court, told reporters: "I do not know.


"The situation is very clear in my mind. First I have to take care of myself completely and return to full fitness before deciding when and where to play again.'ll Just come back when I'm 100 percent.


"I never want to pitch again with permanent doubts about my fitness."


Nadal, the former world number one, has had repeated injury layoffs in recent years due to knee problems, which have much of the tension in his very physical style of play.


The player said he was approaching his recovery in stride but admitted there were "difficult times", including missing the Olympics and the honor of carrying the flag of Spain in the opening ceremony.


"I was very, very low for a couple of weeks. Losing a Grand Slam is tough, but it occurs every four years. I hope with all my heart to be in the Games in Rio (2016). That's one of my goals, "he added.

Team of the week

Updated: August 28, 2012

Ben Hamer - Charlton

Goalkeeper Hamer played a key role as Championship newcomers Charlton claimed their first clean sheet of the season in a goalless draw at home to Hull City. The shot-stopper made some crucial saves, including a quick-thinking double block when he pushed out Jay Simpson's effort before denying Sone Aluko's follow-up from six yards with a superb reaction stop in the 89th minute.

Lloyd Doyley - Watford

Watford secured their first clean sheet of the campaign as they beat visiting Birmingham City 2-0 and Hornets stalwart Doyley kept things tight on the right of Gianfranco Zola's backline. The 29-year-old did well to contain the threat of highly-rated Blues youngster Nathan Redmond, who was kept subdued on the wing.

Miguel Llera - Sheffield Wednesday

Promoted Wednesday remain unbeaten on their return to the Championship and Llera helped them maintain that record with his unlikely heroics against Millwall at Hillsborough. The Spanish centre-back grabbed an equaliser in the 68th minute before leaving it late to snatch a stoppage-time winner, sealing the Owls' 3-2 triumph.

Craig Cathcart - Blackpool

Cathcart contributed a solid display for the Seasiders as they romped to a 6-0 triumph at home to Ipswich. The central defender helped keep things solid at the back as the Pool collected their second clean sheet of the campaign and also showed his prowess getting forward, climbing to meet Thomas Ince's cross from the right and heading it past Tractor Boys goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Wayne Bridge - Brighton

The Seagulls also enjoyed an emphatic home win as they thrashed Barnsley 5-1 and Bridge helped them to victory with an impressive display, capped by his first goal in almost nine years. The left-back's strike came in just the 14th minute as Brighton took control, with the defender smashing home a long-range effort.

Jermaine Johnson - Sheffield Wednesday

Owls winger Johnson continued to thrive on his side's return to the second tier as he opened the scoring in the victory over Millwall. The Jamaica international, who already had a goal and an assist to his name before Saturday's win, was in fine form throughout the Hillsborough clash and scored an exquisite opening goal. Johnson picked up the ball 30 yards out, charged at goal, evaded a defender and drove a stunning shot home.

Lewis McGugan - Nottingham Forest

Forest man McGugan earns a spot in our line-up after scoring arguably the division's goal of the weekend against Bolton during the 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium. The young midfielder's thunderbolt came in the 15th minute when, teed up around 30 yards from goal, he powered an absolute piledriver into the top corner.

Martyn Woolford - Bristol City

Robins midfielder Woolford netted a double as his side claimed a dramatic 4-2 win over visiting Cardiff. The 26-year-old claimed his first after bursting into the box to beat David Marshall with a tidy finish into the bottom corner, while his second came as he netted a rebounded Sam Baldock effort, taking his tally up to three goals in two games.

Thomas Ince - Blackpool

Youngster Ince once again grabbed the headlines for Blackpool after inspiring their romp to victory over Ipswich. He was the stand-out player in a dominant Seasiders display, scoring a double while also laying on the other four strikes to take both his goal and assists tallies this season to four. Ian Holloway's side are the only team in the Championship with a 100 per cent record after three games and Ince has been influential to their bright start.

Luciano Becchio - Leeds United

Leeds bounced back from a disheartening defeat by Blackpool in midweek with a 2-1 victory at Peterborough and Becchio was on target with both goals. Manager Neil Warnock had been particularly scathing of Becchio and his fellow forwards for their role in the Pool loss and the striker was quick to respond, applying the finish to balls from Luke Varney and Ross McCormack with ease as he took his goal tally this season to three.

Ashley Barnes - Brighton

Brighton's biggest ever win at the AMEX Stadium was largely down to young frontman Barnes, who was a threat to Barnsley's beleaguered backline throughout. The striker got things rolling with a fourth-minute opener and completed a brace late on, while also laying on both of strike partner Craig Mackail-Smith's two goals.

Clijsters clash for Robson

British No.3 comes through in straight sets

Laura Robson will take on Kim Clijsters in the second round of the US Open after coming through a tight tussle Samantha Crawford at Flushing Meadows.

The 18-year-old was not at her best but won the points that mattered in a 6-3 7-6 (8/6) victory - with a clash with three-time champion Clijsters, who is playing in her final professional tournament, her reward.

Robson was playing in a grand slam as a direct entrant on ranking for the first time and found herself in the unusual position of being the senior player.

American Crawford, 17, came through qualifying and is ranked only 393rd compared to Robson's 89, so this was a great opportunity for the British No.3 to reach the second round for the second successive year.

The pair have similar games, hitting plenty of winners but also making a lot of errors, but it was Robson who was just the steadier in the opening set.

Robson had the better of three straight breaks to lead 5-3 and then held to take the set, but quickly found herself down a break in the second.

Smashed

Robson hit back to level at 3-3 and from there both players held serve to take the set into a tie-break.

Robson donated the first set point to her opponent with a double fault, and Crawford should have taken it but smashed the ball straight back to her opponent after the British player's return had flown up in the air off her frame, and then dumped a volley long.

The American certainly possesses a lot of power but Robson traded well to bring up her first match point and took it when her opponent drilled a return wide.

Robson said: "She was really tough. I'd never seen her play before. For the first few games I was just trying to stick with her basically because she seemed to rip every shot that I hit.

"She definitely played like she had no pressure on her. It was an interesting match but I thought I played okay. She's taller than me so she felt older."

Barton doubts Marseille move

QPR midfielder back training with the youngsters

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton doubts a move to Marseille is now going to happen before the close of the transfer window.

Barton is currently serving a 12-game suspension as a result of his sending-off against former club Manchester City on the final day of last season and has no long-term future at Loftus Road.

He has been stripped of the captaincy, not been given a squad number and recently trained with Football League new boys Fleetwood Town.

A move to French giants Marseille had been mooted and Barton had initially been keen on exploring the option of a switch to Stade Velodrome.

However, the 29-year-old is now back training with QPR's youngsters after expressing his disappointment that a deal with Marseille looks unlikely.

Barton wrote on Twitter: "Doesn't look like this Marseille thing is gonna happen now. 'Whatever doesn't kill you make you stronger' #heartbroken"

Sky Sports revealed on Monday that QPR are ready to offer Barton, who has three years left on his contract, a free transfer in order to facilitate a move.

It now remains to be seen whether a deal will materialise for Barton, who scored three goals in 31 Premier League appearances last season after joining QPR from Newcastle United.

West Brom vs. Liverpool: Reds' Dud in League Opener a Sign for Concern

Liverpool’s 2012-13 English Premier League campaign got off to worrisome start as West Bromwich Albion ran the team off the field in a 3-0 rout at the Hawthorns.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, with new Reds’ boss Brendan Rodgers showing that his team could indeed keep the ball on the ground and play the possession-oriented tactics his boys at Swansea City executed so well last season. This part of plan turned out to be successful, with Liverpool keeping the ball for 61 percent of the match.

But the first sign of trouble came just before the halftime whistle, when Zoltan Gera’s wonderful volley screamed past Pepe Reina into the top corner of the net. West Brom took momentum into the locker room, and the Reds were never able to regain control.

In the 58th minute, Daniel Agger was sent off for bringing down Shane Long from behind after the Sunderland striker was through on goal. There was not an alarming amount of contact on the play, but Long was certainly in a threatening position. A red card seemed awfully harsh for the challenge.

Long was unable to extend the Baggies’ lead due to a dreadful effort from the penalty spot. The miss offered Liverpool an opportunity to seize some momentum, tighten up at the back and hope to catch the West Brom defense off-guard to tie the match. This did not happen and Agger’s absence would prove fatal for the Reds.

Sloppy play from Martin Skrtel allowed Long to dispossess the Liverpool center half in his own penalty area in the 63rd minute. The Irish striker then went to ground courtesy of Skrtel’s desperately outstretched leg, and referee Phil Dowd awarded West Brom another penalty. This time, Peter Odemwingie was called upon and he clinically converted the opportunity.

If Liverpool hopes to be a top team in this year’s Premiership, it must prove that it can show resiliency when the match takes a turn against them. There will be games when the strikers miss a frustrating amount of chances, and this will certainly not be the last time this season where Liverpool have a controversial call go against them. That is the nature of Premier League football.

These are the moments when discipline at the back and intelligent play from the midfielders is of paramount importance.

But in this match, Liverpool simply folded.

Luck continued to favor West Brom in the 77th, as Youssuf Mulumbu’s shot was deflected directly to Liam Ridgewell, who chipped the ball onto Romelu Lukaku’s head for the deathblow.

A certain amount of good fortune played in to the Baggies’ victory, but this does not make the Reds’ defeat any less disappointing. The team failed to finish quality opportunities and was unable to respond to a situation where the ball was not bouncing their way.

Going forward, Liverpool can certainly improve its play. There were positive signs from the match, as the team dominated possession and created many opportunities.

But the worries for this side include sharpness in the attacking third, and focus from the defenders.

This is a terrible way for Rodgers to start his career as the Liverpool manager, and if he is unable to turn the team’s form around quickly, it will be another long season for the Reds.

Robin van Persie in £24m move to Man Utd from Arsenal

Robin van Persie has completed his £24m move from Arsenal to Manchester United.

The Dutch striker, 29, has signed a four-year deal and could make his debut at Everton on Monday.
He said: "It's an honour to sign for Manchester United.

"I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The boy wanted to come. He turned down various clubs. If he hadn't told Arsenal he wanted to go to Manchester United, the transfer wouldn't have happened.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football.

"His talents need no introduction to our fans. He has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.

"We never thought we could get Van Persie. If you go back six months ago, I couldn't see us getting him.

"I thought Arsenal are not going to let him go. When I read he had refused a new contract, that is when we acted. It has been a long haul."

And Ferguson revealed he enjoyed negotiating with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"I can't elaborate but it was amicable," said the Scot. "Arsene knew the boy wanted to leave. He knew he wanted to join us. That made it a bit easier but not in terms of trying to reduce the fee.

"[Wenger] could run a poker school in Govan. He got a great price but we are also happy the matter is concluded.

"From the starting position when we first started negotiating, Arsene has done well."

Van Persie said there were "no hard feelings" against his former club "It's just uncertain elements that we had a different view on. That's life. No-one is angry at me and I'm not angry at them," he said.

"It is always difficult to find the perfect match but I feel this is the perfect match.

"Manchester United breathes football. If you look at all the players from Manchester United, the stadium, the manager - my choice was made very soon in my mind."

Van Persie announced in July he would not extend his existing Arsenal deal, which was due to expire in June 2013.

It is understood Arsenal were willing to make Van Persie their highest paid player ever, but never actually offered him a new contract.

Juventus and Manchester City also bid for the striker, but it is understood that of the three, United were the only side Van Persie would have considered joining.

Wenger admits he was frustrated to see Van Persie leave but said he could do little to stop him going.
"I have regrets. We have lost a good player because of a simple reason," he said.

"He only had one year left on on his contract and he wanted to go.

"We lost a good player, a world-class player - I don't deny that. But it is a massive challenge to replace him and therefore we have to be even more of a team and work even more together to compensate."

United will pay £22.5m, with a further £1.5m one-off bonus to follow if they win a Premier League or Champions League title in the next four years.

The Netherlands international scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season.

Van Persie was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' player of the year, but scored only once as the Netherlands were eliminated at the group stage of Euro 2012.

Source: BBC.UK

Arsenal's Alex Song closes in on Barcelona move

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song is closing in on a move to Spanish giants Barcelona and the deal could be completed this weekend.

The 24-year-old will not feature in Saturday's opening Premier League match against Sunderland.

However manager Arsene Wenger has lined up Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan as a replacement.

When asked about the possibility of more signings, and the departure of Song, Wenger said: "Both can happen."

The two clubs will hold further negotiations at the weekend.

Song, who has two years left to run on his contract, is one of Wenger's longest-serving players, having joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from French side Bastia in 2005.

He initially joined on a one-year loan deal, with a £2.75m fee agreed to make the move permanent.

Song has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for Arsenal, including 34 in the Premier League last season.

With Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere both close to a return to full match fitness, Wenger is happy with the options available to him in midfield.

"Midfield is an area where we have much more freedom to make decisions," he said.

Wenger has brought in strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski this summer but Robin van Persie, who scored 30 goals in the Premier League for Arsenal last season, has joined Manchester United.

The Arsenal boss accepts the sale of Van Persie could be a gamble, but is confident his side has the quality to compete at the top of the table.

"We have lost world-class players before and we have always survived," he said.

"We wanted to keep Robin van Persie. The reality is when the player doesn't want to stay, you have two ways - you either force him to stay, or you accept the reality and let him go. I've chosen the second solution.

"I know it's a massive challenge and a massive gamble I took, but I feel that we have the quality to deal with the problem we have."

Source: BBC.UK

Rio Ferdinand fined for Ashley Cole 'choc ice' tweet

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has been found guilty of improper conduct and fined £45,000 by the Football Association for comments on Twitter.

An independent commission concluded Ferdinand's response to a tweet describing Chelsea's Ashley Cole as a "choc ice" did not make him a racist.

But it was ruled the centre-half had brought the game into disrepute.

"The commission found that the breach included a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race," read an FA statement.

Ferdinand was also warned as to his future conduct. Manchester United have decided not to appeal against the decision.

The United defender tweeted: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!" in response to a message from @carltonEbanks which stated: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

The term relates to the black and white nature of a choc ice and can imply someone is being black on the outside and white on the inside.

The tweet appeared on Ferdinand's timeline after Chelsea and England left-back Cole appeared in court as a defence witness for team-mate John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother, Anton, in a game against QPR on 23 October last year.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "They (the FA) want to close the door on this kind of thing.

"What surprises me is that other players have been twittering for ages and have never been challenged by the FA.

"His (Ferdinand's) status in the game has caused that and who he plays for is maybe another issue."

In bringing their charge, the FA made it clear they did not feel Ferdinand was a racist, rather that he had acted improperly.

In a statement outlining their decision, the commission said: "The Football Association clearly states that this is not an allegation that Mr Ferdinand is a racist, concedes that he is not a racist but contends that his conduct in endorsing @carltonEbanks tweet in a public forum is a term of abuse and brought the game into disrepute."

Ferdinand conceded the tweet was insulting, although he insisted in the hearing he was not expressing a racist view.

The commission's report continued: "Mr Ferdinand stated the words 'choc ice' was a reference to race... but also means the person is fake.

"He accepted that the words of the tweet were insulting and conceded that the term could only be used when referring to a black or mixed race person and not a person with white skin.

"Mr Ferdinand therefore admitted that the term 'choc ice' referred to Mr Cole's colour, ethnic origin or race.

"The charge is proven and the breach of FA Rule E3 was aggravated by reference to Mr Cole's colour, ethnic origin or race."

The hearing did accept there were mitigating factors taken into consideration before they decided on their punishment.

"A number of factors have to be considered in determining the penalty," the statement read.

"This is Mr Ferdinand's first offence. He has a clear disciplinary record. He was the Football Association's 'Poster boy' and role model to other professional footballers in the use of Twitter and has a track record in fronting anti-racism campaigns in football.

"It was in response to a tweet rather than an original tweet."

A representative for Cole released a statement soon after Ferdinand's tweet to emphasis he still viewed the Manchester United defender as a friend.

"Ashley Cole wishes to make it clear that he and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and he has no intention of making any sort of complaint," it read.

"Ashley appreciates that Tweeting is so quick it often results in offhand and stray comments."

Since Ferdinand's tweet Terry has been charged with improper conduct by the FA for the alleged comments he made to Anton Ferdinand, a charge he has vowed to contest.

Terry, 31, is alleged to have used "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" during the game.

Source: BBC.UK

Danny Cipriani 'in touch' with England head coach

Danny Cipriani is aiming to return to the England team following encouraging talks with coach Stuart Lancaster.

The fly-half is hoping a good season for new club Sale could propel him back into the national side.

Cipriani, 24, has not played for England since 2008 but has been in contact with Lancaster.

"To make the effort to stay in touch, I appreciate that, " he told BBC Sport. "It shows they are still looking at you and thinking about you".

He added: "Any player who is not playing for England, or is playing for England, wants to stay involved or get into the side and I am no different to any young England player.
"For me it is about having a good season."

New Sale coach Bryan Redpath has urged the former Wasps number 10 to work hard and be "brutally honest" in assessing his performances for Sale as part of his attempt to regain his England place.

"There are a lot of people waiting for Danny to fail," he said.

"We have to sit down and be brutally honest with each other every week.

"He has come in, trained hard and fitted in well with the players.

"That is all he has to do 12 months of the year and if he does that, he will get his rewards on and off the pitch."

Cipriani, who joined Sale following a stint in Australia with Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels, could make his debut in a friendly against Glasgow on Saturday.

Kevin Pietersen returns to action with Surrey in the CB40

Kevin Pietersen will make his first appearance since being dropped by England when Surrey face his old club Hampshire in the CB40 on Sunday.

The batsman was left out of the team for the Lord's Test against South Africa following unrest in the England dressing room.

He later admitted sending "provocative" texts to some of his friends in the South Africa squad.
"He is available. He will be in the squad," a Surrey spokesman said.

Pietersen scored 234 not out in his last appearance for Surrey in a drawn County Championship match against Lancashire on 11 July.

Source: BBC.uk

Robbie Fowler "Luis Suarez Will Be Brilliant" (Exclusive Interview)

Speaking exclusively to The Redmen TV.com, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler predicts a bright 2012/13 season for controversial forward Luis Suarez in spite of the the boo boys...

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.

City spurn Balotelli approaches

Italian striker staying put

Mario Balotelli: Attracted interest following Euro 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed the club have turned down a number of approaches for Mario Balotelli.

The 20-year-old international has an outstanding Euro 2012, finishing with three goals and helping Italy to the final.

Mancini has revealed up to five teams have made enquiries, but all have been told he is not available.

"There were four or five teams. Not just from Italy also from France," said Mancini.

"Many important teams wanted him but he's a top player and I never thought about saying yes to any of them."

Development

Mancini was delighted with his striking starlet played for Italy this summer, and feels it will help his development.

"I hope he develops and he had a fantastic Euros but I don't think he can change his behaviour because he played very well," he said.

"It can help him because he may understand that he has all this quality, it's important for him to improve his behaviour around football.

"I hope the Euros can help him with that."

Source: Skysports.com

New faces in Italy squad

Prandelli names eight uncapped players for England clash

Stephan El Shaarawy: Given a chance to impress at international level

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named eight uncapped players in his squad for next week's friendly against England.

The 54-year-old, who did not pick Juventus or Napoli players for Wednesday's match in Berne because of their involvement in Saturday's Supercoppa match in Beijing, has chosen a 22-man squad which has a youthful look to it.

AC Milan's 19-year-old striker Stephan El Shaarawy gets a chance to impress on the national stage, as do Rossoneri defenders Mattia De Sciglio and Francesco Acerbi.

Atalanta have three players included, after comfortably surviving on their return to Serie A last season.

Striker Manolo Gabbiadini, defender Federico Peluso and goalkeeper Andrea Consigli are all named for the first time by Prandelli.

The other newcomers to the squad are Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin and Sampdoria midfielder Andrea Poli, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan.

Prandelli has opted to give some of his regulars a break following Italy's campaign at the European Championship, where they lost in the final to Spain.

Antonio Cassano is one of those who will not figure against England, however Manchester City'sMario Balotelli is included in the squad and he is joined by Fiorentina's Alberto Aquilani, a recent signing from Liverpool.

Italy squad: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain); Ignazio Abate, Francesco Acerbi, Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta); Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino, Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain); Mario Balotelli (Man City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

Source: Skysport.com

Djokovic battles into semis

Serbian one of four players to get through two matches on Friday

Novak Djokovic stormed into the semi-finals of the Toronto Masters with two wins at the rain-hit event on Friday night.

The world number one, who was among several players on court twice after rain washed out Thursday's play, overcame American Sam Querrey 6-4 6-4 in a match broken up by weather delays.

Four hours later, the Serbian was back in action as he defeated Tommy Haas of Germany 6-3 3-6 6-3 in a match lasting two-and-a-half hours.

Djokovic will take on countryman Janko Tipsarevic for a place in the final after the fifth seed beat Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-2 6-4 before seeing off Spain's Marcel Granollers 6-4 6-4.

The second semi-final will be between 14th seed Richard Gasquet and American John Isner, ranked eighth this week.

Big-serving Isner knocked local hope Milos Raonic out 7-6 6-4 after earlier overcoming Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in three close sets. Raonic had walked into the last eight following Andy Murray's withdrawal.

Gasquet had a huge win over fourth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-2 and then defeated American Mardy Fish 5-7 6-1 6-2.

"For sure to play two matches in a day is very difficult," said the Frenchman. "I saw he was a little bit tired at the start of the second set.

"First set he played very good, I couldn't do anything. I'm in the semi-finals, I'm feeling confident so I'm sure I can win more."

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.