Official World Golf Ranking(2008 Final Ranking)

1) Tiger Woods(USA):US Open champion, winner of Buick Invitational, Dubai Desert Classic, WGC Accenture Match Play Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational
2) Sergio Garcia(Spain):Winner of Players Championship, HSBC Champion Tournamnet and Castello Masters
3) Phil Mickelson(USA):Winner of Nissan Open and  Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
4) Padraig Harrington(Ireland):The Open and US PGA champion
5) Vijay Singh(Fiji):FeDex Cup champion, winner of WGC Bridgestone Invitaional, Barclays Classic and Deutsche Bank Championship
6) Robert Karlsson(Sweden):European Tour Order of Merit winner, winner of Mercedes-Benz Championship and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
7) Camilo Villegas(Colombia):Winner of BMW Championship and The TOUR Championship
8) Ernie Els(South Africa):Winner of Honda Classic
9) Henrik Stenson(Sweden):Winner of Nedbank Golf Challenge
10) Lee Westwood(England)
11) Geoff Ogilvy(Australia):Winner of WGC CA Championship and Australia PGA Championship
12) Anthony Kim(USA):Winner of Wachovia Championship and AT&T Classic
13) Jim Furyk(USA)  
14) Steve Stricker (USA) 
15) Kenny Perry(USA):Winner of Memorial Tournament, Buick Open and John Deere Classic 
16) Stewart Cink(USA):Winner of Travelers Championship
17) Adam Scott(USA):Winner of Byron Nelson Championship
18) K.J. Choi(South Korea):Winner of Sony Open 
19) Justin Rose(England)
20) Trevor Immelman(South Africa):MASTERS Champion
21) Miguel Angel Jimenez(Spain):Winner of BMW PGA Championship
22) Mike Weir(Canada)
23) Justin Leonard (USA):Winner of St Jude Championship
24) Ben Curtis(USA)
25) Martin Kaymer(Germany):Winner of Abu Dhabi Championship and BMW International Open
26) Ian Poulter(England)
27) Robert Allenby(Australia)  
28) Tim Clark (South Africa):Winner of Australian Open
29) Ross Fisher(England):Winner of European Open
30) Andres Romero(Argentina):Winner of New Orleans Classic  
31) Luke Donald(England)
32) Rory Sabbatini(South Africa)  
33) Shingo Katayama(Japan):Winner of Japan PGA Championship, Japan Open Golf Championship and Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters
34) Graeme McDowell(Northern Ireland):Winner of Ballantine's Championship, Barclays Scottish Open
35) Aaron Baddeley(Australia)
36) Jeev Milkha Singh(India):Winner Asian Tour Order of Merit, Austria Open, Nagashima Shigeo Invitational Sega Sammy Cup, Golf Nippon Series JT Cup and Singapore Open
37) Stephen Ames(Canada)
38) Stuart Appleby(Australia)  
39) Oliver Wilson(England)  
40) Rory McIlroy(Northern Ireland)
41) Angel Cabrera(Argentina) 
42) Paul Casey(England)  
43) Richard Sterne(South African):Winner of Dunhill Championship and South African Open
44) Hunter Mahan(USA)
45) Retief Goosen(South Africa):Winner of Johor Open
46) Zach Johnson(USA):Winner of Texas Open
47) Boo Weekley(USA):WInner of Verizon Heritage Classic
48) Soren Hansen(Denmark) 
49) Lin Wen-Tang(Chinese Taipei):Winner of Hong Kong Open and Asian Tour International
50) Soren Kjeldsen(Denmark):Winner of Volvo Masters

Bold indicates Major Championship

2009 Le Tour de France Route

Stage 1: 15km ITT around Monaco.

Stage 2: Monaco → Brignoles(182km)

Stage 3: Marseille → La Grande-Motte(196km)

Stage 4: 38km TTT around Montpellier.

Stage 5: Le Cap d'Agde → Perpignan(197km)

Stage 6: Girona (ESP) → Barcelona (ESP)(175km) finish with 1.7km climb to Montjuic Park.

Stage 7: Barcelona (ESP) → Arcalis (AND)(224km) via Port d'Oliana(7.7km climb at 7.1%) and summit finish at Ordino Arcalis(10,6 km climb at 6,1%) ski resort

Stage 8: Andorra-la-Vella (AND) → Saint-Girons(176km) via Port d'Envalira(23,2 km climb at 5,1%), Col de Port(11,4 km climb at 5,5%) and Col d'Agnes(12,4 km climb at 6,5%).

Stage 9: Saint-Gaudens → Tarbes(160km) via Col d'Aspin(12 km climb at 6,6% ) and Col du Tourmalet(17 km climb at 7,5%).

Stage 10: Limoges → Issoudun(193km)

Stage 11: Vatan → Saint-Fargeau(192km)

Stage 12: Tonnerre → Vittel(200km)

Stage 13: Vittel → Colmar(200km) via Col de la Schlucht(8,9 km climb at 4,1%), Col de Platzerwasel(8,7 km climb at 7,6%) and Col du Firstplan(8,4 km climb at 5,4 %).

Stage 14: Colmar → Besançon(199km)

Stage 15: Pontarlier → Verbier (SWI)(207km) via Col des Mosses(13,8 km climb at 4%) and summit finish at Verbier(8,8 km climb at 7,1%) ski resort.

Stage 16: Martigny (SWI) → Bourg-Saint-Maurice(160km) via Col du Great Saint-Bernard(24,4km climb at 6,2%) and Col du Petit Saint-Bernard(22,6km climb at 5,1%).

Stage 17: Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Le Grand-Bornand(169km) via Cormet de Roselend(18 km climb at 6,1%), Col des Saisies(15,1 km climb at 6%), Côte d'Arâches(6,3 km climb at 7%), Col de Romme(8,8 km climb at 8,9%) and Col de la Colombière(7,5 km climb at 8,5%).

Stage 18: 40km ITT around Lake Annecy

Stage 19: Bourgoin-Jallieu → Aubenas(195km)

Stage 20: Montélimar → Mont Ventoux(167km). Summit finish at Mont Ventoux(21,2km climb at 7,6%).

Stage 21: Montereau-Fault-Yonne → Paris Champs-Elysees(160km)

Blackburn drowned or Liverpool burned?

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers. Another easy match on paper, yet another match that can delivers title blow for the Reds. After two draws in a row, Liverpool must wake up, especially their strikers. Robbie Keane must proves himself that he is not a flop at Liverpool. If not, it is a time for Rafa to find another striker during this January. Maybe Santa Cruz? Owen? Or give the youth strikers like Kriztian Nemeth a chance. Another solution is starts Ryan Babel as centre forward. He looks promising, just lack of confident because lack of playing time. But not David N'Gog. He was terrible during last match against West Ham.

For midfielders and defenders, they did play quite well actually. Just need to add a little bit of creativity and surely they can create a lot of good chances for strikers to finish. One more thing. I just want to see Emiliano Insua(above) plays at left back position. With Aurelio out injured and Dossena crossed the ball like rugby player, Rafa should gives these young Argentinian a chance at top level.

Prediction

Liverpool 2-0. Courtesy of Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt. Blackburn defenders is too weak. Five goals conceded against MU second team. So don't think they can give troubles to Liverpool.

My team

Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Caragher, Insua, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Riera Babel

Krizstian Nemeth

Can Liverpool win the League?

Based on recent perfomance againts West Ham and Fulham at Anfield, the answer is definitely no. How come they dropped points againts these mid table teams? They should take advantage when our rivals(Chelsea, Gunners and MU) dropped points. Instead they wasted the glorious chance to go 3 points clear at the top. Remember that last season Liverpool lost the league because they had too many draws againts mediocre mid table teams. Looks like they don't learn from the past mistakes. This season, they already flopped againts Stoke, Fulham and WHU. In the absent of Torres, their frontline is too blunt. Robbie Keane plays like a shit, absolutely dissapear in the game againts WHU. Dirk Kuyt is ok, but they need another clinical striker. Maybe Owen? Otherwise, I don't see that they can score goals. No goals, no title and wait another year.......

Bang! Bang! Liverpool died at White Hart Lane

What the hell!!!!! After wonderful victory last week, after three points clear at the top of the league, suddenly came the worst perfomance from Liverpool in this season against Tottenham Hotspurs just a moment ago. Let me repeat once again, TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS, YES THAT BOTTOM PLACE SPURS had beaten my beloved Liverpool 2-1. To make me more angry, Spurs scored their winning goal in stoppage time. Again. To Rafael Benitez: Did you watch Arsenal vs Spurs at The Emirates??????

After Dirk Kuyt scored brilliant goal on 3rd minute, Liverpool should play better. Instead, they were happy just to pass the ball around the centre of the field. To be honest, not enough creativity. Yes there were also unlucky when Gerrard hit the post twice but overall their perfomance were scrappy. Not enough chances to trouble nervy Gomes and co. Then when Keane came off, suddenly Liverpool did'nt attack anymore. Spurs started to dominate ball possesion and gave Agger-Caraggher partnership more troubles. Finally they succumbed to pressure on 68th minute as Caraggher headed David Bentley corner into his own net. I know Caraggher had contributed a lot for Liverpool for years but why don't you scores for your own team instead of your enemy??? By then, I still hope Liverpool will pressing for the winner, but judging at their play, I doubted that the miracle will come. Then came the worst part. After a series of thows by Spurs, on 90th minute Bentley somehow managed to find the gap and unleashed a devastating shot that parried by Reina. Unfortunately, the ball dropped to Darren Bent and he crossed to Pavlyuchenko and after that I immediately switched off the TV.

So today Liverpool surrendered their league position to Chelsea. Man U won and went to third. Small consolation for me: Arsenal lost 2-1 at Stoke. At least Liverpool got a draw against Stoke. And what a joke from their defenders. Two long throws, two goals for Stoke. Looks like Rory Delap had created a new technique in this beautiful game. And RVP?? If I was Wenger, I just punch him straight on his face. One thing that I regret. Liverpool, just like Arsenal did'nt kill Spurs, and worser than Arsenal, they lost.....

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

F1: Wonderful Night for Alonso as Pit Lane Fiasco Struck Ferrari

It was the first Singapore Grand Prix. It was the first night race in Formula 1 history and Renault's double world champion Fernando Alonso makes sure he enters the records book after he won the inaugural Singapore GP last night from Williams' Nico Rosberg and McLaren Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. It was Alonso's 20th wins in Formula 1 and he became the first driver to claims victory during Formula 1 night race. It was also his first win of the season, his first since he cameback to Renault from McLaren and his first since September last year After all hardwork and efforts, Alonso and Renault finally managed to pull it all together. It was certainly a good sign for them and I hope they can mount a serious challenge for the title next year, just like 2005 and 2006.

.

What the hell with that???

In Championship standings, 3rd place Lewis Hamilton extended his lead at the top to seven points from Ferrari's Felipe Massa after disastrous pit stop fiasco left Massa trailing in 13th place, more than half minute down to Alonso. During his first pit stop, Massa accelerated his car while the fuel rig still attached to it. It cost Massa more than one minute in the race as the mechanics need to sprint along the full distance of the pit lane to dettached the fuel rig from Massa's car. Furthermore, he received a drive through penalty after that because of the dangerous released from pit stop. For Massa teammate, defending world champion Kimi Raikonen, his hope for another world title is surely over now after he crashed into the wall with 4 laps remaining while running in 5th place. He has a mountain to climb if he wants to defend his title as he now trails Hamilton by massive 27 points with only 30 points still available. Meanwhile, in Constructors Standings, Ferrari disastrous weekend here means that McLaren lead with one point advantage with three races remaining this season. With the points difference is so close between this two teams, I can assure that the race to ultimate glory will not over until the last race of the season. And don't forget that BMW is only 15 points behind. See you in Japan in next two weeks.

EPL: Magnificient Torres sank Everton.

After more than a month goal drought, finally Fernando Torres a.k.a El Nino showed to us yesterday that he was very lethal and dangerous when he had the fitness and confident in front of the goal. Two goals in space of three minutes from El Nino were enough to help Liverpool beat hapless Everton in Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. It was also a fantastic performance from other Liverpool players. Both Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt helped Torres to scored both goals, Albert Riera also had decent shows together with others midfielder and Pepe Reina and defenders almost didn't need to work as Everton played very badly in this game.

After dissapointing 0-0 1st half, Liverpool increase the pressure on Everton in search for the goals. After all, they didn't want another 0-0 draw like last week. Finally during 59th minutes, Torres scored his first goals after more than 42 days when he easily volleyed home Keane cross from left side after Dirk Kuyt dragged Joleon Lescott from marking Torres. And he would wait just three minutes to add his second. Keane pass found Kuyt who was tackled by Jagielka, but the ball fall into Torres who smashed his second and it's effectively game over for Everton.

With this win, Liverpool climbed one place to 2nd places after Arsenal was shocked by Hull City 2-1 at The Emirates. Chelsea now also has same points as Liverpool with 14 but they have better goal difference compared to the Reds. Out of 18, The Reds managed to get 14. That is impressive compared to previous seasons. So I hope Liverpool can continue their good form and finally end 18 years drought of league title this season. YOU NEVER WALK ALONE!!!!

EPL: Merseyside Derby

This week, the big match in EPL is surely the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton. Last time they met at Goodison Park, Liverpool won the match courtesy of two late goals from Dirk Kuyt. Can Liverpool repeat their performance against Everton last season for this week? I bet they surely will.

I think if Liverpool want to grab all three precious points, they need to score more goals. Scoring goals is their problem lately. I start to think that Robbie Keane is flop of the season. How come they signed him for 20 millions Pounds?? But it is only five games. Maybe he needs more time to settle with the team. After all, the lanky Peter Crouch scored his first goal for Liverpool after more then 20 matches. So hope Robbie Keane can scores earlier than that or everyone will starts to boos him like Crouchy case. Overall, I hope Liverpool win this match and I believe they will. Everton's squad is not so strong today compared to last season. My advise? Just mark Tim Cahill and Liverpool will win 2-1. :)

Who is Most BEAUTIFUL Woman in Tennis?

Who is the most beautiful woman tennis player? This is my top 5.
From bottom to top.
1)Ana Ivanovic, 21
2)Maria Sharapova, 21
3)Maria Kirilenko, 21
4)Caroline Wozniacki, 18
5)Dominika Cibulkova, 19

EPL Preview: The Clash of the Reds & The Clash of the $$$$$

Today is probably one of the most exciting week in the EPL eventhough it is still early in the season. As early season pacesetters, Liverpool and Chelsea will face stern test to stay at the top of the table after this weekend. Both their opponents today come from the city of Manchester, Manchester United and Manchester City.

The most anticipated match today will pits Liverpool with their long time nemesis, Manchester United. Analysing the current form, I doubt Liverpool can overcome Red Devils. Even a draw is very difficult if they continue to play ugly like their 1st three games. However, anything can happens in football. If Rafa can get it right this time added with luck, i'm pretty sure Liverpool can beat Red Devils for the 1st time in the league under Rafa's reign. They already received huge news with magnificient Torres and superb Gerrard declared fit to play. But they must be careful with United especially with the striking force of Rooney and Berbatov. They look very dangerous and can cause problems to Caragher and co. Overall I hope Liverpool will overcome Red Devils and stay at the top of the table. (psss: Hope Robbie Keane can score to silences Fergie)

The other big match today, dubbed 'The Clash of the Cash' is between Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and Manchester City owned by Arabian billionaire. It is interesting to see how Robinho will make his debut for City after one of the most bizarre transfer saga in the history of EPL. Robinho was poised to come to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid until the new owner of City, the Sheikh from UAE hijacked Chelsea's bid and stole Robinho under Scolari's nose. Scolari was very dissapointed with this news and also expressed his concern about lack of new players in Chelsea. Since then, City's owner clearly expressed his intentions to capture more international stars in the future. May be next year we can see a fantasy football team in City? I hope this will not happen as I think it will destroys the EPL. Back to the game, I think it will be a draw between this two teams. About the teams news, Chelsea lost Michael Essien for about seven months after he was injured during his national duty. They are also without Michael Ballack who had knee injury. For City, Martin Petrov (knee) is definitely out and Michael Johnson (groin) is doubtful. Lastly, enjoy this weekend and Selamat Berpuasa to all Muslims in the world.

EURO 2008 Semi Final : The End of Journey for Turkey

Another dramatic match... Another late drama... Another late goal...Sounds familiar right???? Except that late goal is not for Turkey. Philip Lahm sent Germany to the final when he scored the winning goal on 90th minute of the match. That goal left all Turkey fans around the world heartbroken...including me. :( To me, Turkey were better side for the most of the match. They play attacking football and have more chances but just unlucky not to score more goals. And its pity that Turkey was eliminated by the same way they beat Switzerland, Czech and Croatia. Like the commentator Paul Masefield said, football is a cruel game.

Lahm creeps through the Turkish defence to slot home the winner.
..............................................................................................................................................................
Dalam perlawanan ni dari awal lagi Turki main memang bagus. Diorang lagi mengancam bila menyerang berbanding dengan German. Colin Kazim Richards hampir-hampir nak gol tapi rembatannya terkena palang. Lepas beberapa kali menyerang akhirnya Turki mendapat gol pertama apabila rembatan Ugur Boral masuk celah kangkang Lehman. Tapi hanya 5 minit lepas tu German menyamakan kedudukan setelah hantaran lintang Podolski dikuis masuk Bastian Schweinsteiger. Sebijik macam gol dia masa lawan Portugal.

Pada separuh masa kedua, aku tak ingat sangat pasal siaran tv tu tertanggu. Ingatkan Astro buat hal tapi tengok tv3 dengan ntv7 pun sama gak. Yang lawaknya ada ke pengacara satu stesen tv ni(bukan astro) cakap diorang akan cuba 'membaiki' siaran. Setahu aku siaran tu bukannya stesen tv tu yang buat. Aku bace kat espn pun diorang cakap x de siaran. So kira satu dunia arr x de siaran. Tak abis-abis kelentong penonton je stesen tv ni.(saje je kutuk sebab tengah bengang tak dapat siaran, tambah-tambah Turki kalah)

Bila siaran dah tak de tu aku tengok arr internet. Sekali score dia dah dua sama. Mula-mula Miroslav Klose gol masa minit ke 79 tapi Semih Senturk sekali lagi menunjukkan magicnya dengan gol penyamaan pada minit ke 86. Ketika siaran kembali ada, German tengah menyerang pada minit terakhir dan Philip Lahm....................and bye bye to Turkey.

Tennis: How to improved the backhand shot???

To anyone who plays tennis, how to improved the backhand shot?? My forehand is quite ok. I usually prefered the heavy topspin forehand although occasionally I also hit a flatter one. My service is also quite decent albeit inconsistent but it is my backhand that really cause the troubles. I often missed the ball completely when I try to hit the backhand shot. Even when I hit the ball, it usually flew out of the court. So to tennis experts out there, PLEASE HELP ME???

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Btw, on the 1st day of the Wimbledon, Roger Federer won his 59th straight match on grass by easily beat Dominik Hbarty and move a step closer to achieves the historic six consecutive titles. Novak Djokovic, the 3rd seed, also advanced to the 2nd round by beating Michael Berrer of Germany in four sets. Among the other favourites who advanced are Marat Safin, Marcos Baghdatis and former champion Lyeton Hewitt. But even on the 1st round, there are already a few suprises. David Nalbandian, the person who often gave Federer many troubles was totally unconvincing during straight sets defeat to Dancevic(Who??).18th seed Ivo Karlovic, the giant Croat with booming serve follows his national football team in going out of the tournament when an unknown American beat him in four sets. And for the women, I didn't follow as much as men event but I hope that lovely Ana Ivanovic(world no 1) win(which she did!!!) :D

Ana Ivanovic on her way to 2nd round on Wimbledon

Cermin Harian: Benitez mahu $50 juta untuk Villa, Silva, Barry & Dani Alves

Tadi The Daily Mirror melaporkan bahawa si senor Benitez mintak 50juta pounds untuk beli pemain2 yg disebutkan di atas. Lepas tu bila tengok Eurosport, Benitez menafikan semua berita tu sebagai sampah semata-mata.

"The stories are ridiculous. Total rubbish."

Mana satu yg betul ni??? Tapi kalau nak diikutkan logik, pemilik Liverpool yg dua orang tu mana ada $$. Diorang dah cakap kalo nak beli kena jual dulu. Tapi rasanya kalo Benitez jual players sekarang pun belum tentu dpt 50 juta tu.
Katakan dia jual:

Crouch- 10m(His 15m tag is ridiculous)
Alonso-16m
Benayoun-7m
Voronin-less than 2mil :D

Tambah semua sekali baru 35juta. Mana nak cari lagi 15juta. Lagi pun, rasanya kalau tambah harga Villa, Silva, Barry, Alves semua sekali mesti lebih 50juta punya. Setakat nak beli Barry pun, Martin O' Neill nak 20juta, apa lagi players yg lain. BTW, tadi aku tengok Wikipedia, dia tulis Alves dah setuju nak pergi Barcelona. So apasal Benitez nak curi dia pulak??Pelik, pelik...

So secara kesimpulannya, surat khabar Harian Cermin tu memang SAMPAH!!LOL

My comment- I think Benitez shouldn't sell Alonso for Barry. Alonso showed to us that he is world class player during MOTM perfomance againts Greece. Its true Barry injects us more pace but we also need Alonso for his incredible passing accuracy. Remember he already scored two goals from his own half...and he almost did it again during the match againts Greece. So my advice to Benitez, think wisely.....

Euro 2008:Germany vs Portugal(LIVE!!)

00: Germany kick off .
07: Free kick for Germany as Ballack is fouled by Deco, and really poor effort by Hitzspelger.
14: Good try by Simao as his shot from the right is saved by Lehmann.
18: Nuno Gomes almost finds Ronaldo but his pass is intercepted by Arnie Friedrich. Good movement by Portugal.
21: Goal!!!! Lucas Podolski bursting run down the left catchs Portugese defenders and his cross is easily tapped in by Schweinsteiger.1-0 Germany!!!
25: Yellow card for Petit as he brings down Metzelder. Free kick for Germany.
26: Goal!!!! Schweinsteiger's free kick finds Klose who heads past Ricardo. Poor marking from Portugal and 2 goals lead for the Deutschland.
31: Portugal are forced into an early change, with the injured Joao Moutinho being replacing by Raul Meireles.
40: Goal!!!! Ronaldo gets away from Metzelder on the left and drawing a save from Lehmann but Nuno Gomes lashes the rebound into the goal.
45: Ballack shot from the left is saved by Ricardo.

Half time: Germany 2 Portugal 1

46: Second half starts
47: Friedrich gets yellow card for foul on Ronaldo.
48: Another booking. This time for Phillip Lahm who brings down Simao.
50: Almost third goal for Germany as Hitzspelger controls the ball neatly but shoots wildly into the stand.
56: Pepe miss the great chance in front of goal.
59: Pepe is booked for wild tackle on Klose.
61: Goal!!!! Another deadly ball from Schweinsteiger's free kick finds Ballack who heads home the third for Germany. Another poor marking from the Portugese defence.
66: Second substitution for Portugal as captain Nuno Gomes come off for Nani.
67: Ronaldo's free kick sails above the goal.
70: Armando Petit tries his luck with 30 yards screamer but Lehmann is well prepared to take it.
72: Double changes: Germany: Tim Borowski for Hitzspelger.Portugal: Helder Postiga for Petit.
78: Podolski lashess a screamer which sails wide of the right post.
80: Simao curls the ball above the goal.
82: Schweinsteiger, my man of the match is replaced by Clement Fritz.
87: Goal!!!! Portugal finds their 2nd goal as Helder Postiga heads home from Nani's cross on the left.
89: Postiga is booked for bad challenge on Mertesacker.
91: Jose Bosingwa really wastes Portugal possesion with his wild and ambitious shot. Their players look very frustrated now.

Full time: Its over. Portugal are eliminated and Germany go through to semi final and will faces Turkey or Croatia.

Final score: Germany 3 Portugal 2

Euro 2008:1/4 Finals Preview:Germany vs Portugal

After 12 days since opening match, finally 8 strongest teams from this year Euro were identified. The biggest casuality is France who failed to emerge from 'Group of Death'. Both the hosts also eliminated from their own group respectively. Tonight, the first quater final is between two 2006 World Cup semi finalist, Germany and Portugal.

Portugal finished their group in 1st place with two win and a loss with second string team againts Switzerland while Germany was second in their group behind suprise package Croatia. On the paper, Portugal has very strong squad especially in attacking area. Christiano Ronaldo(please go to Real Madrid!!) will try to emulates his club form for his country and lead Portugal frontline. He will be backed by very strong midfield with the names like Deco and Quaresma who are very skillful individually. Add tough defence lead by Chelsea trio of Ricardo Carvalho, Jose Bosingwa and Paolo Fereira, Portugal will be very difficult to beat. But we already know that Germany performs very well at major tournaments. They have experience as advantage and will try to use it as a weapon to holds Portugal. I think the key for Germany is their midfield. If Ballack and co manage to stop Portugal from controls the game, I can see Germany in semi final.

What about penalty shootout?
I think Portugal will win if the game is decided by penalty. I don't know why but my instinct say Portugal has the advantage in penalty shootout. After all, they beat England twice with penalty shootout in last two major tournaments. So I think Portugal will go through if the tie go to penalty shootout.

Statistics from Eurosport
Suspended: None

Misses next match if booked: Jose Bosingwa (Portugal), Miguel (Portugal), Jorge Ribeiro (Portugal), Paulo Ferreira (Portugal), Fernando Meira (Portugal), Michael Ballack (Germany), Jens Lehmann (Germany)

Injured: None

Changes: Germany coach Joachim Loew is expected to replace striker Mario Gomez with midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger who returns after suspension. That should allow Lukas Podolski, who has been playing on the left side of midfield, to partner Miroslav Klose in attack.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who made eight changes to the team that faced Switzerland, is expected to revert back to the lineup that started the first two matches.

Key stats: Portugal's 2-0 defeat by Switzerland on Sunday was only the second time in 22 matches they have failed to score - they also drew a blank in a 0-0 draw at home to Finland in November last year in qualifying for Euro 2008.

Portugal have not lost in their two previous European Championship finals matches with Germany - a 0-0 draw in 1984 and a 3-0 win in 2000 with a hat-trick by Sergio Conceicao.

The Artois Championship:Final

Nampaknya Rafael Nadal menunjukkan yang beliau bukan sahaja merupakan king of clay court, tetapi boleh juga bermain dengan baik di atas rumput setelah berjaya menewaskan juara terbuka Australia, Novak Djokovic di dalam final kejohanan Stella Artois Championship. Pada set pertama, Nole(Djokovic's nick name) bermain dgn baik dan mendahului Rafa 4-0. Namun begitu, Nadal berjaya mengejar kembali dan terus menyamai permainan Nole sehingga 1st set terpaksa ditentukan dgn tie break. Nole hampir menang 1st set apabila mendpt set point tetapi pukulan heavy topspin Nadal berjaya mengatasi Nole dan akhirnya Nadal menang 1st set tie break 8-6.

Pada 2nd set, Nadal kelihatan akan menguasai permainan apabila beliau mendahukui 2-0 tetapi Djokovic berjaya melawan kembali dengan bersemangat. Nole hampir menang set kedua apabila memecah servis Nadal utk mendahului 5-4 tetapi Nadal dgn pukulan trademark heavy topspinnya berjaya memecah kembali servis Djokovic pd game berikutnya. Selepas itu, Nole yg kelihatan kecewa kerana gagal menghabiskan set kedua akhirnya tewas dua game berikutnya utk memberikan Nadal kejuaran pertama di atas gelanggang rumput.

With his 1st title on grass, Nadal finally showed that he has the game to beat grass court specialists like Andy Roddick and Ivo 'giant' Karlovic (who sent whopping 35 aces past him in 1/4 final) . But can Rafa deny Federer domination on grass and win the Wimbledon with his heavy topspin stroke which suits more on clay? Or will Fedex continues to dominate Wimbledon and breaks the great Bjorn Borg's record for 6th consecutive titles? And what about Djokovic? He certainly has the game but can he get better of two best players in the world? And also don't forget the guys who have a good game on grass like Hewitt, Roddick, Gasquet and Nalbandian. Can they challenge for the title? Don't miss The Wimbledon Championship starting this 23rd June on Astro Starsport.

EURO 2008: Spain vs Sweden

Satu perlawanan yg pada awalnya Spain dijangka akan menang mudah, tetapi di atas padang berlangsung agak sengit terutamanya mase 1st half.

Spain menguasai awal permainan dan Fernando Torres menjaringkan gol pertama pd min ke 15 setelah menyudahkan hantaran lintang David Silva. (Ok dah gol ni jangan x nak salam dengan coach)

Selepas gol pertama, defender Spain mula goyah dan setelah Johan Elmander membuang peluang utk Sweden, Ibrahimovic berjaya merobek benteng Spain dgn menewaskan Casillas drpd bola hantaran Stoor.

Pada 2nd half, Sweden telah menggantikan Ibrahimovic yg cedera dan ketiadaannya telah menyebbkan Sweden lebih bnyk bertahan. Walaupun begitu, Spain kelihatan kurang kreatif walaupun banyak menguasai bola. Malah kemasukan Cesc Fabregas dan Santi Cazorla juga gagal menambah peluang Spain. Beberapa peluang yg datang kpd Torres pula gagal disempurnakan dengan tepat. Namun begitu, terbukti bahawa bola sepak adalah kejam. Ketika game hampir tamat(min 92) dan kelihatan berakhir dengan seri, left back Joan Capdevila telah membuat hantaran jauh ke dpn gol yg gagal dikawal oleh defender Sweden dan bola smpai ke kaki Villa yg menggelecek seorang lg defender sebelom meledakkan rembatan padu, GOOOOLLLLLL. In the end, joy 4 Spanish, heartbreak 4 Swedish. Dgn kemenangan ini, Spain hampir pasti ke 1/4 final manakala Sweden perlu menang ke atas Russia utk layak. Aku puas hati gak sebab masa 2nd half, Sweden macam x nak main je. So memang patut arr kalah.

Result:Spain 2 Sweden 1

Goals:Spain-Torres(15), Villa(90+2)

Sweden-Ibrahimovic (31)

My man of the Match:David Villa

Bonjour

Ok salam kpd sume yg menjenguk kt sini.
Blog ni aku tulis utk nak review sume jenis sukan yg aku minat.
Lebih kurang nk jd mcm pengulas2 sukan kt ESPN tu (mcm Paul Masefield, Steve Mc Mahon)

So kalo ada pandangan/ nak berdebat jngn malu2 drop comments.
Sume pendapat akan dihargai...
Au revoir/Ciao!