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Maradona no longer the coach of Argentina

Rishi Kumar Maurya — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:40:02 +0000

maradonaThe Argentine team, under the command of Maradona, was eliminated in quarterfinals. Diego Maradona is no longer the coach of Argentina. The output of the coach was confirmed on Tuesday by the Football Association in the country.

Since the abolition of the World Cup, the Argentine idol was considering leaving the command of the team.The association sought an agreement, there Maradona said he would only be in office if there was no change in the technical committee set up by him.The proposal was rejected and the contract not be renewed.

Diego Maradona was coach of Argentina since November 2008.He led the team in part of the playoffs and the World Cup itself.In South Africa, Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

What next for Diego Maradona?

Diego Maradona made no bones about it: he would only stay on as Argentina manager on the condition that every member of his World Cup backroom staff would keep their jobs.

The Argentina Football Association were not prepared to meet the icon’s demands, and so Maradona was subsequently relived of his duties, despite being offered a new four-year deal last week.

Like his life, Maradona’s two-year reign as Argentina manager was a rollercoaster ride, with enough highs and crushing lows to put him off football management for good. The Albicelestes only scraped through to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, where they initially impressed, but were eventually knocked out by an emphatic 4-0 Germany victory in the quarter-finals.

Although the two-time world champions had failed to reach the last four, Maradona and his side returned back to Buenos Aires to a heroes’ welcome. The connection that the controversial boss had struck with his players over the course of the tournament was the main reason for this, and also why the AFA were so keen to tie him up until 2014.

But they refused to bow to Maradona’s ultimatum of holding on to his entire backroom staff – the AFA saw it as imperative to make changes behind the scenes – leaving the 49-year-old with big question marks hanging over his future.

Without football in his life, it’s feared that the man widely-recognised as the greatest footballer of all time will slip back into his old habits once more. By his own admission, Maradona has an addictive personality, and has previously suffered from problems with drugs, alcohol and obesity – leaving him perilously close to death on two occasions.

The past two years have seen the former Barcelona and Napoli star find a purpose in life again. Barring one unsavoury incident where he launched a tirade against his critics in a press conference, Maradona has been exactly what a coach should be: professional, reliable and always there for his players.

Sadly, though, the role of Argentina head coach could well have been the only job in football for Maradona. It’s difficult to envisage him landing a top job elsewhere because of his track record over the decades – club chairman will simply regard him as too much of a risk despite his unquestionable ability to attract crowds – and the man himself will believe that any other position would be a step down, anyway.

There have been other former players in the past who’ve found themselves at a loss without the sport. England’s Paul Gasocoigne is perhaps the prime example; he has battled alcoholism ever since hanging up his boots, and entered rehab for the umpteenth time only two weeks ago.

Maradona and Gascoigne have many similarities. Both were extremely talented players, who were adored by thousands of supporters on a weekly basis. They lived for football, and when their careers came to an end, they struggled to make the transition to management – or anything else because of the huge void left by the game.

Fortunately for Maradona, he has given himself a second chance, and hopefully this successful spell as Argentina manager will have put him on the straight and narrow for good – and may well have even saved him from a premature death.

Now he needs something to do with his life.

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This post was submitted by Rishi Kumar Maurya.

Ferrari were fined 100,000 US dollars

virendra kumar yadav — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:30:30 +0000

Ferrari were fined 100,000 US dollars after Sunday’s German Grand Prix for contravening the regulation that specifically stipulates ‘team orders which interfere with a race result are prohibited.’

The matter has since been referred to the World Motor Sport Council who may yet impose further sanctions against Ferrari.

The incident, however, has since sparked widespread debate on whether the regulation should now be scrapped.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone earlier this week told Press Association Sport team principals should be allowed to run their organisations as they see fit, and that the rule is something that “needs to be discussed.”

Brawn, whilst appreciating the anger of the thousands of fans who felt cheated after what unfolded at Hockenheim when Felipe Massa was given coded messages to allow Fernando Alonso by, is of the same mind.

“I understand how F1 fans might be disappointed by what they saw on Sunday,” said Brawn.

“The rule that bans team orders is not realistic anymore, so the teams and the FIA must together find a transparent solution that maintains the integrity of the competition and safeguards the sport.”

The rule was introduced after the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix when, for the second year running at the A1-Ring, Rubens Barrichello was told by then team principal and current FIA president Jean Todt to cede to Michael Schumacher and give him the win.

Brawn, who was an integral part of the Ferrari team those days, is convinced team orders have their place in Formula One.

“Our drivers are asked to avoid clashing against each other,” said Brawn of Schumacher and team-mate Nico Rosberg.

“If one has the chance to take the title while the other doesn’t, we want both of them to act in the interests of the team without throwing away that opportunity.”

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This post was submitted by virendra kumar yadav.

Tennis | Somdev ousted from ATP Farmers Classic

virendra kumar yadav — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:28:03 +0000

The Indian qualifier fought hard but lost 6-7 (9) 2-6 to his sixth seed and world number 46 rival in the second round of the USD 619,500 hard court event.

Somdev, ranked 103, had lost to Tipsaveric at Chennai Open earlier this year in the pre-quarterfinals.

Somdev collected useful 20 points by making the second round apart from 12 points from the qualifiers.

These 32 points have enhanced Somdev’s chances to break into top-100 for the first time in his career.

Leander Paes was the last Indian to feature in singles top-100 way back in 1999.

A top-100 place will also help Somdev earn a direct entry into men’s singles main draw of the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the season.

Meanwhile, Rohan Bopanna and Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi have progressed to doubles quarterfinals after beating British pair of Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski.

The fourth seed Indo-Pak pair faced a stiff competition before scoring a 6-7(3) 6-0 10-7 win in the opening round.
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This post was submitted by virendra kumar yadav.

“India are predominantly a batting side but their bowling is not strong enough”

virendra kumar yadav — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:26:16 +0000

“India are predominantly a batting side but their bowling is not strong enough. Of course they have a few injuries with Zaheer out of the team. But they are struggling against Sri Lanka and doesn’t look like a number one side,” Waugh said.

Asked about the upcoming Australia’s tour of India, Waugh said it would be tough series and can go either way.

“India always is a difficult team to beat at home. But they have a few bowling issues. Even Harbhajan Singh had a mixed year and has not been consistent. Well, of course he always gets pumped up against Australia. It would be a tough series,” he said.

The former skipper also felt the retirement of so many quality players have stripped Australia off its’ invincible aura and they no more have the same intimidating factor.

“They probably have lost their aura. Australia dominated world cricket from 1995 to 2005 but now they no more have the intimidating factor. They are not feared anymore,” said Waugh,

“It happens when you lose so many good players in short time. It happened to West Indies, they dominated in the 70s and 80s. Now there are five teams like Australia, South Africa, England, India and Sri Lanka who are at even,” Waugh added.

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan retired recently and Waugh feels even though it would be difficult to emulate him, there is probably some talent waiting to emerge.

“It is difficult to have bowlers like Murali, Shane (Warne) and (Anil) Kumble, all in the same era. They took like 2000 wickets among them. But the game is always bigger than individuals and I believe there is some talent out their ready to pop up anytime,” Waugh said.
“There are a couple of spinners who are doing well like Graeme Swann. He has been a steady bowler and last year has been most successful bowler. Harbhajan (Singh) has been good and plays well against Australia. Mendis is also an amazing bowler and he will surely come out of his bad patch,” he said.

Waugh, who was here to conduct a school debate competition on ‘Commercialisation of Sports’, said the Indian Premier League poses a big threat for the youngsters of India.

“It (IPL) is always dangerous for Indian young players because straight away after bursting onto the scene they get endorsements and huge money. This can take away the focus and hunger from the youngsters.

“There is a big responsility on the managers and players to help them keep and maintain a balance or else they would regret 20 years down the line,” he said.

Waugh also said he didn’t have the time to get engaged in IPL as he was too busy with his other commitments.

“I was approached for the IPL but I could not have given 100 per cent as I am too busy with my charity programmes and business,” he said.

Asked if he endorses day and night Tests, Waugh said, “It is better for a few countries. Even in India, the popularity is dwindling so if a few night Tests can help to bring the craze back then its good.

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This post was submitted by virendra kumar yadav.

International Cricket

virendra kumar yadav — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:43:16 +0000

The Umpires Decision reviews System was not used in the recent Pakistan-Australia Test series, where Koertzen retired and even in the current Sri Lanka-India Test series, it has been kept out.

“You should have it in every single series. Somehow, somebody has to come up with a deal and say we will support this, we will sponsor it. It’s no use having it when South Africa play Australia or in the Ashes, and then you have for example Sri Lanka playing Bangladesh and you can’t have it,” Koertzen said.

“I don’t think that’s fair on the umpires because in one Test you get some sort of assistance and in the other one you’re on your own. It’s only going to make it harder for the guys if it goes that route.”

Koertzen said umpiring in an international match is always difficult as while people around the globe watch slow-motion replays, they don’t have any access to TV.

“You make a decision and you watch the (corporate) suites – there are maybe a hundred suites. Everyone sitting there jumps up and goes to look at the monitor inside their suite to see if you’ve made the right decision or not. That is sad because it puts a hell of a lot of pressure on you. At the end of the day you’re the only guy who knows if you did your best or not,” Koertzen told Cricinfo.

“With the technology, millions of people can see if you got it wrong. You stand there and think you made a good decision and then you hear a few boos from upstairs and you think, maybe I did get that wrong. You won’t know until you walk off the field and you have a chat with the third umpire and the match referee,” he added.

The UDRS has been regularly criticised by many teams with several players even pointing out the technological glitches.

It was at the centre of an embarrassing row in January during the Johannesburg Test between South Africa and England.

But despite the controversies, the ICC has pressed for its use during the 2011 World Cup and also called all teams to use it regularly in Tests.

Koertzen is Africa’s Regional Umpire Performance Manager

Retired South African umpire Rudi Koertzen has been appointed as the Regional Umpire Performance Manager (RUPM) for the Africa region by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The record-holding umpire, who tired after officiating at the final Test between Pakistan and Australia in Leeds, will now performance manage, support and coach the Elite Panel and International Panel umpires within his region as well as those umpires visiting his region to officiate.

Koertzen will also work closely with the home board umpire managers of the Full Member boards of Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket as well as the ICC Africa regional office to support the emerging umpires in Africa.

“It is a great honour to be able to give back to international cricket and to be able to share my experience and knowledge with umpires at all levels within the Africa region,” said Koertzen on his appointment.

“I look forward to contributing to the improvement of officiating in the region and working alongside all those involved in this. I am delighted to be given this opportunity of continuing to be part of this wonderful game and the wonderful profession of umpiring,” he added.

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This post was submitted by virendra kumar yadav.

Sehwag: I played a rash shot at 99

virendra kumar yadav — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:42:46 +0000

Sehwag missed out on his fourth successive Test century when he gave charge to Suraj Randiv and missed the ball to be stumped by Prasanna Jayawardene.

The Delhi marauder though said he is not disappointed on missing a hundred.

“I think we played bad shots, If you look at my shot. And that VVS Laxman decision was perhaps doubtful. When we were bowling, the Sri Lankan batsmen were not making any mistake.

“That is why they score 640 runs in the first innings. It is not the spinner’s (quality) but it is the batsmen’s mistake. So hopefully we will not make the same mistakes in the coming innings,” he said after day’s play.

“I was disappointed not because I got out on 99 but it would have been good for us if we had remained one or two (wickets) down,” he added.

On being asked, if he had read the ball before going for the shot, Sehwag replied,” Yes, I knew the ball to which I got out was a doosra. But I went for the shot.”

Sehwag said even after his dismissal he was sure someone would get a big score for the side’s cause.

“I was not really worried. The wicket is so good to bat on. So I knew someone will make a big one. I was expecting centuries from Sachin and Laxman. But unfortunately Laxman got out.

“And full praise to Suresh Raina. He batted really well for his 50 and I am hoping he will complete his century on Thursday. If we play well we can avoid the follow on and can bat the whole day,” he said.

Although bowlers are struggling to get wickets on a good batting track at SSC, Sehwag was still hoping for a result in this match.

“It is difficult to say that but I think result will come. It doesn’t matter who wins or who loses. I think the result will come. There are some crack opening up and I am hoping the result will come.

“It is always like that. In the sub-continent you will get a wicket like that. The first two days good for batting, third day little bit spin fourth and fifth day the spinner will get more help and it is difficult to bat on 4th evening or 5th day,” he opined.
I got out on bad shot: Sehwag

Explosive batsman Virender Sehwag rued his selection of shot while batting at 99 and said had he not committed the mistake, India would have been in a better position in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka.