Category Archives: SPORTS

Ο Σέρχιο Μαρκαριάν είναι σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες, το φαβορί για την ανάληψη της τεχνικής ηγεσίας της Εθνικής ομάδας ποδοσφαίρου της Ελλάδας. Ο Γιώργος Καραγκούνης που έχει αναλάβει να χειριστεί το θέμα του νέου προπονητή έχει προκρίνει την περίπτωση του Ουρουγουανού!

Μάλιστα είναι πολύ πιθανό να υποάρξει συνάντηση με τον Μαρκαριάν, έτσι ώστε να συζητηθεί το ενδεχόμενο να αποτελέσει τον αντικαταστάτη του Ρανιέρι.

Στα υπ όψιν παραμένει και ο Γιώργος Δώνης, μετά το «διαζύγιό» του με τον ΑΠΟΕΛ, ενώ στη λίστα υπάρχουν πάντα τα ονόματα των Αναστασιάδη και Μίτσελ.

Πηγή:in.gr

As TV remote controls around Australia flicked back and forth between Thanasi Kokkinakis upstaging 11th seed Ernests Gulbis on one channel and his excitable mate Nick Kyrgios beating Argentine Federico Delbonis on another, it was a tight squeeze in one particular Melbourne Park commentary box on a long, late and memorable Monday night.

As the teenagers who are considered, along with 22-year-old Bernard Tomic, to comprise the future of Australian men’s tennis burst into the second round at Melbourne Park, Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter was among those dashing back and forth between the two packed show courts. Eventually, when he could not push his way back into court three to watch Kokkinakis finish off the French Open semi-finalist, he was among a group that crowded into the Channel Seven booth instead.

“There were seven of us crammed in there watching that fifth set and going ‘this is amazing’, said Rafter, whose tenure as Tennis Australia’s director of performance starts on February 1. “So then we watched a bit of Nick’s match, as well, and then I went back and watched the last set on TV and it was good for him to try and get his composure back.”

For Rafter, talent is one thing, but composure and attitude are the two other characteristics he is emphasising as he oversees what is widely regarded as the most promising group of young Australians since his own glory days winning his two US Opens in the late 1990s. Hence, what pleased him most was the performance of 18-year-old Kokkinakis, playing his first five-set match, and, typically, handling the situation with aplomb.

“I was excited for Thanasi, that was one of my most exciting matches, [to] see a kid with a lot of potential starting to come of age,” Rafter said. “He’s still three or four years away, he’s not ready yet, and I’ve kept saying that to him and his family and the media; but I like his attitude, and I liked the way he kept his composure really level and he had some really big situations throughout that match, and he showed a lot of maturity.”

Rafter had also liked what he saw of Kokkinakis in Brisbane two weeks ago, despite his second-round loss to Tomic, and consoled the South Australian in the locker room afterwards. This time, before Wednesday’s follow-up against another countryman, Sam Groth, this was the Rafter message: “I said, ‘regardless of that result, I was just so impressed with your composure and attitude’, and that was the most pleasing thing for me.

“He’s a grounded boy, he’s got a good perspective and he carries himself very well. He’s a great example for every young kid to look at, Thanasi.”

That, apparently, includes the older, further along K: Kyrgios, the Wimbledon quarter-finalist from whom Rafter would like to see a more even, controlled approach. “I would like to think Nick can learn from Thanasi, and Nick has a lot of wealth around him that he can draw on if he wants to prepare. It’s up to him whether he wants to follow that road, and I think he could be an exceptional player, but he’s got a long way to go yet.

“Talent will only get you so far. When you’re that talented, you can often not reach the same potential as a more level person, and I sort of put myself in that category; I felt like I got the best out of my game. I was a certain talent but I was nothing like Tomic and I was nothing like Nick.

“But with talent, with flair, comes a certain way of thinking and it seems to go hand in hand, [like] a Johnny McEnroe: they’re volatile, you’re not quite sure what you’re going to get.”

Still, Australia likes what it’s seeing. As Kyrgios prepares to play veteran serving machine Ivo Karlovic, veteran coach Tony Roche believes the hype is justified. “I think Australia’s been crying out for that. Obviously there’s a long way to go, but the signs are good, and if they stay healthy and keep developing their games, then they’ve got the right type of game to go a long way.

“It’s the modern game, it’s the big power game. Thanasi’s a good athlete and he’s a good kid, he takes in a lot of stuff, and he’s got a good head on his shoulders, which is important. And he’s got good people around him. So, with all that he’s got a real shot at it. And there’s no doubt Nick is good for tennis, he’s something special, so he’s got to look after his body, make sure that’s in good shape, because he’s got the game.”

John Newcombe, too, nodded approvingly as he flicked back and forth between the channels among the 2 million-plus viewers watching the future on Monday night. As to which view he preferred, Newk was happy with both, but acknowledged the greater pressure on Kyrgios, whose 2014 breakthrough has made all young Australians believe in what is possible.

“Front page of both papers, that’s enormous pressure for a young kid who hasn’t arrived yet; he’s [ranked] in the 50s. So, I thought he handled that very well. I thought Thanasi did great to survive four match points, so that will do wonders for him.”

And the better prospect, eventually? “There are too many things that can happen between now and the climb to the top. I think they’ve both got potential to be top 10 players. Now, on the journey, how do you know what’s going to happen?”

source:Brisbanetimes.com.au

Ahead of their Capital One Cup semi-final, Matt Stanger looks at the key battles between Liverpool and Chelsea…

Diego Costa v Martin Skrtel

It’s fair to say that Costa won this battle the last time these two teams met, scoring the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Anfield in November. The 26-year-old proved a handful for Skrtel throughout, managing five shots and creating more shooting opportunities (four) than any other player on the pitch.

“It was a fantastic performance and an expression of ambition,” said Jose Mourinho of his team’s performance. “In the second half, against Liverpool, at Anfield, every team accepts a point as a good result. My team didn’t accept that, so the way they performed in the second half was an expression of that ambition and self-belief they have at the moment.”

Costa embodied the Blues’ fighting spirit, with the image of his ripped shirt flapping in the wind perfectly capturing his dogged display. Skrtel will need to be at the height of his powers to deny the Premier League’s top scorer, with the outcome of the first leg potentially hinging on this duel.

Raheem Sterling v Cesar Azpilicueta

Following Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa, in which Fabio Borini scored his first goal for the club since April 2013, there is a strong chance that Brendan Rodgers will stick with the same attacking line-up. That would mean Raheem Sterling starting on the right of a front three, pitting him against Chelsea left-back Azpilicueta.

Sterling’s pace and trickery will pose a significant threat to the Spaniard, with the Liverpool forward contributing to nine goals (four strikes and five assists) in the Premier League and only five players averaging more dribbles per game.

However, it is Azpilicueta’s willingness to get forward that could decide this battle. The 25-year-old set up Costa’s winning goal at Anfield in November with a typical lung-bursting run down the left and will be eager to support the attack again as Chelsea go in search of a first-leg advantage. Sterling must be wary of his defensive duties as well as the need to impose himself in the final third.

Nemanja Matic v Jordan Henderson

Although it was Costa who scored the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory earlier in the season and Azpilicueta who provided the assist, the Blues’ fight-back owed much to Matic’s commanding display in midfield. Mourinho’s Serbian ‘giant’ made more tackles than any other player on the pitch and also made three times as many interceptions as any of his team-mates.

Henderson, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact in the centre of the pitch. The 24-year-old recorded the worst passing accuracy of any Liverpool player to complete 90 minutes and was also blunt in an attacking sense, failing to create a single chance and firing two shots off-target.

With doubts over Steven Gerrard’s fitness, Lucas’ selection in the middle may give Henderson more licence to roam. His intelligent runs from deep have previously proved effective in creating space for the Reds’ attack, and he will hope to keep Matic busy to allow the likes of Sterling and Philippe Coutinho room to cause problems.

source: skysports.com

Aussie football fans have flocked to Asian Cup matches at Suncorp Stadium, thrilling organisers. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

A sellout crowd for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup quarter-final showdown with China on Thursday is expected to give Brisbane’s tourism economy another boost.

More than 48,000 fans saw the Aussies lose 1-0 to South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, but that did not deter them from quickly booking in for Thursday’s encounter.

Asian Cup organisers expect Thursday night’s match to sell out, continuing a run of big crowds in the Asian Cup so far.

Japan’s supporters flocked to Suncorp Stadium for their team’s match against Iraq. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It’s not just Australia’s matches that have had healthy crowds since the first Brisbane game on January 10 and that looks set to continue with the final match on Thursday.

Asian Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Michael Brown said the crowds, which have exceeded 250,000 across competition venues, had been strong in Brisbane.

“We have been thrilled with the support from fans in Brisbane for all matches, not just the Socceroos,” he said.

Iraqi supporters enjoying the early stages of their team’s match against Japan. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“We have averaged crowds of 21,000 across the five games over seven days at Brisbane Stadium to date.

“Thousands of tickets were sold to that (Socceroos v China) match on Saturday night after it was confirmed Australia would be in the Brisbane quarter-final.

“There are still some good seats available but we do expect it to sell-out as did the Socceroos’ match against Korea Republic on Saturday, so fans are advised to secure their seats quickly for the last Asian Cup match in Brisbane.”

Korean fans have helped to keep Asian Cup crowds at Suncorp Stadium humming. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

On Monday afternoon, tickets were still available in three categories from $29.74 Category three tickets ranging up to $70.35 Category 1 tickets.

China’s fans have been turning out in droves for their national team and that will be expected again for Thursday night’s sudden-death clash.

There’s good news for travelling fans too, with plenty of accommodation available around Suncorp Stadium.

And while some major events see spikes in hotel prices, it seems fans will have some spare change with a number of discount deals being offered this week.

Australia takes on China in the Asian Cup quarter-final on Thursday night at 8.30pm Queensland time.

source: brisbanetimes.com.au

With a full year on tour under his belt, the 18-year-old from Adelaide told Neos Kosmos this week that he was raring to go and keen to build on his success at last year’s Open when he won his first ever grand slam match against Igor Sijsling.

“I was fortunate enough to get a wild card last year and I feel I’ve improved a lot, so hopefully I can go a bit further this year.”

World number one Djokovic told Fox Sports this week that he expected Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios to do well in front of a home crowd.

“They’re very talented players,” he said, “and I’m sure with the crowd behind them they’ll be very tough opponents.”

Kokkinakis, who is currently ranked 149th in the ATP world rankings, said that his goal was to play well enough at the Australian Open to crack the top 100.

“That’s not easy, but I feel that I’ve got the game to compete with the top one hundred players … I feel I can do it.

“There’s a bit more pressure than last year but I’ve got to trust the work I did in the off-season, so I should be right.”

Asked how he handles the media attention that comes with being picked for a senior grand slam event (he reached two junior grand slam finals in 2013), Kokkinakis said it was a matter of embracing the experience.

“You just have to make sure you’re dedicated on and off the court, put in all the focus every session, and be as well prepared as you can.

“You have to chill out, not get too distracted by social media, and have a good time.”

Last year Kokkinakis suffered from cramps during his first round victory, before being defeated three sets to love by Raphael Nadal in the second round.

This time around Thanasi feels he has more to give and the stamina to compete with the best.

“Physically I’ve improved, in all areas I think I’ve improved. Hopefully I’m a bit fitter and stronger.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis has been drawn against 11th seed Ernests Gulbis in the opening round.

source: Neos Kosmos

Arsene Wenger lauded the performance of Santi Cazorla after the Spaniard inspired Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City.

The midfielder scored Arsenal’s opening goal from the penalty spot after City captain Vincent Kompany had tangled with Nacho Monreal during the first half. Olivier Giroud added Arsenal’s second, nodding in Cazorla’s free-kick, and the diminutive Spaniard’s display warranted special praise from the Arsenal manager.

“Santi Cazorla has been superb for a while now but today he was maybe even more influential,” Wenger said. “The way the whole team defended gave him a lot of the ball, and when you give him the ball you always have a chance to relieve pressure. [In our performance] you felt the great unity, solidarity, togetherness and compactness in our team.”

Wenger was delighted with the discipline his players showed at the Etihad Stadium and believes they should take great belief from their impressive victory.

“We played high in their half and were deep in our half and it worked,” he said. “We were well-disciplined, well-organised, had a good solidarity and overall we kept a good control of the game. We could even have done better many times on counter attacks.

“We had that consistent discipline for 90 minutes which is needed in big games. We looked in control away from home and we finally got a big win in a big game away from home. We almost had it at Liverpool [a 2-2 draw at Anfield last month], but [against City] we did it. What is pleasing is that reinforces the belief of the team. To feel that you can do well is very important.”

The Arsenal manager also praised his central-defensive pair, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, after they ensured Sergio Aguero, City’s top scorer with 14 BPL goals this term, was unable to make an impact in his first start for six weeks.

“Sometimes, the fact that you have to find solutions internally is a blessing,” Wenger said. “People are very quick on their judgment, you forget that we had many defenders out all season, as you saw [against City] the centre-backs are a good partnership and it takes time to get back to that level.”

source: premierleague.com

Australia’s James Troisi, Tomi Juric and Mark Milligan react after a missed opportunity during the game against South Korea in Brisbane on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

PREDICTABLY it didn’t take long for the whining to emanate out of Sydney about Newcastle hosting a potential Asian Cup semi-final featuring the Socceroos.

Social media was abuzz on Saturday night following Australia’s 1-0 loss South Korea in Brisbane.

‘‘An Asian Cup semi-final in Newcastle? Really?’’ was one typically Sydney-centric Twitter message.

Another tweet answered with ‘‘Tasmania didn’t have a suitable venue’’.

Then on Monday both the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph ran articles suggesting it would be embarrassing to see an Asian Cup semi-final, potentially between Australia and Japan, at Hunter Stadium.

Admittedly it is less than ideal that Hunter Stadium’s capacity will be diminished to 22,000 due to Asian Football Confederation’s rules preventing tickets being sold for the southern and northern grassed hills.

Even if temporary seating can be installed, the capacity will fall well short of the ground’s usual 33,000.

Meanwhile the other semi-final venue, Homebush’s Stadium Australia, has a capacity of 83,000.

Correctly, the AFC has already ruled out transferring the match from Newcastle. This is the game Newcastle and the Hunter deserves.

The region gave birth to one of the country’s oldest clubs, West Wallsend, formed by English miners in 1884.

The Northern NSW region has also produced 97 Socceroos and one of our country’s greatest ever footballers, Liverpool legend Craig Johnston, grew up at Lake Macquarie.

The Newcastle Jets are on track to miss the A-League finals for a fifth straight season and are beset by ownership turmoil, but still boast 10,000 members.

Would Sydney FC supporters front up to Allianz Stadium if they were served up five seasons of mediocrity?

No one was complaining when everyone expected the Socceroos to beat South Korea and top their group, meaning Sydney would host an Australian semi-final.

Or when Newcastle was handed a one-sided match between Japan and Palestine or a dead rubber played between Middle Eastern minnows Kuwait and Oman in the same timeslot as the Socceroos blockbuster against South Korea.

Instead, Novocastrians turned out in droves to support the world game.

The Socceroos have played in Newcastle just three times in the past 40 years. The last time being an Oceania Nations Cup semi-final against New Zealand in 1995.

We’re certainly overdue.

Here’s an idea for the Sydneysiders who are moaning about the Asian Cup semi-final – get in early and book a ticket and take a drive or train ride two hours north.

I suspect you’ll enjoy what a Novocastrian football crowd can deliver.

source: theherald.com.au

Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud were on target as Arsenal won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to strike a blow to Manchester City’s Barclays Premier League title hopes.

Much had been made of Arsenal’s inability to beat the big clubs in the top flight ahead of Sunday’s encounter, but Arsene Wenger’s side proved they are no soft touch with an impressive display to consign City to a first defeat in 15 matches.

Cazorla opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after returning City captain Vincent Kompany blocked off Nacho Monreal. City, who also welcomed leading scorer Sergio Aguero back into the starting line-up, struggled going forward in the first half but were far more threatening after the break.

The defending champions were unable to pull off a fightback, though, and there was no way back when Cazorla turned provider with a free-kick that was headed home by Giroud.

The defeat for City was their second at home in the league this season and a first loss since November ensured that Manuel Pellegrini’s side remain five points behind leaders Chelsea, with the two teams set to face each other in a fortnight in the Barclays Premier League. Arsenal have won five of their last six matches and leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into fifth place.

Aguero made his first start for six weeks and Kompany was also back in the City starting line-up along with James Milner. There were two changes to the Arsenal starting XI after victory over Stoke City last weekend, with Aaron Ramsey and Hector Bellerin in for Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Debuchy.

City made a positive start and Aguero was unable to pick out a team-mate from the byline after referee Mike Dean had played advantage when Laurent Koscielny clattered into Fernandinho with a clumsy challenge that resulted in a yellow card for the Frenchman.

It was Arsenal who were in front after 24 minutes, though, when Kompany tangled with Monreal after the full-back played a neat one-two with Giroud and, although Joe Hart guessed the right way, he was unable to keep out Cazorla’s precise penalty.

City looked short of ideas going forward as a frustrated David Silva was unable to make his presence felt and Aguero was starved of service. Pellegrini reacted to the hosts’ first-half display by replacing Milner with Stevan Jovetic at half-time and Aguero came close to an equaliser just after the break when his deflected strike was only just off target.

The hosts were posing far more of a threat to the Arsenal defence and Jesus Navas’s drive was beaten away by David Ospina before Fernandinho’s strike was deflected over. The match was being played at a frantic pace and Koscielny got a crucial touch on Navas’s cross to divert the ball for a corner as Aguero was poised to turn it into the net.

City were left with a mountain to climb when an unmarked Giroud punished some poor defending by nodding in Cazorla’s free-kick after 67 minutes to stun the home fans.

Mathieu Flamini could have provided another goal for Giroud late on, but Kompany got in the way of his attempted cross as Arsenal saw out the match with ease.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: “We were not a creative team, we didn’t have the ideas to cause damage in their defence. We have a lot of time on the ball, but without creativity it is not possible to score goals.

“I always give credit to the team that wins the game. Arsenal played very concentrated. We ran the whole game, pressed very well, but we didn’t have the ideas of how to create the space in their defence. I think we are a better team than the way we played.”

“It is important, because it is a long way to recover the eight points. Now they are five points in front, we have to play against Chelsea and we will try to prepare to win that game and close that gap again.

“We allow Chelsea to be five points in front. I don’t think this is finished. With a win or draw we can continue fighting.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “We played high in their half and were deep in our half and it worked. I felt that we were well-disciplined, well-organised, had a good solidarity and overall we kept a good control of the game. We could even have done better many times on counter attacks.

“We had that consistent discipline for 90 minutes which is needed in big games. We looked in control away from home and we finally got a big win in a big game away from home.

“We almost had it at Liverpool [a 2-2 draw at Anfield last month], but [against City] we did it. What is pleasing is that reinforces the belief of the team. To feel that you can do well is very important.”

source: premierleague.com

Η αποδεκατισμένη Άρσεναλ επέφερε ισχυρό πλήγμα στις ελπίδες τίτλου της Μάντσεστερ Σίτι, επικρατώντας με 2-0 στο “Ετιχάντ” για την 22η αγωνιστική της Premier League και αφήνοντας τους πρωταθλητές Αγγλίας 5 βαθμούς μακριά από την πρωτοπόρο Τσέλσι.

Ο Αρσέν Βενγκέρ είχε σοβαρά προβλήματα τραυματισμών και στην… πειραματική ενδεκάδα αγωνίστηκε ο ανέτοιμος Νάτσο Μονρεάλ αριστερά στην άμυνα και ο Σάντι Καθόρλα μπροστά του ως χαφ. Ο Μανουέλ Πελεγκρίνι, στον αντίποδα, κάλυψε το κενό του Γιάγια Τουρέ (με την Ακτή Ελεφαντοστού στο Κύπελλο Εθνών Αφρικής για το επόμενο διάστημα) με τον Νταβίντ Σίλβα σε κεντρικό ρόλο και τον Τζέιμς Μίλνερ στη θέση του Ισπανού, πίσω από τον Σέρχιο Αγκουέρο, που βρέθηκε στην ενδεκάδα για πρώτη φορά μέσα στο 2015.

Οι γηπεδούχοι είχαν το πάνω χέρι, αλλά οι φιλοξενούμενοι ήταν πιο αποτελεσματικοί στη δημιουργία φάσεων. Στο 18′ προειδοποίησαν με τάκλιν του Ολιβιέ Ζιρού και στο 23′ πήραν προβάδισμα με πέναλτι του Σάντι Καθόρλα. Το γκολ καθόρισε και την εικόνα του αγώνα στη συνέχεια. Η μπάλα διαρκώς στα πόδια “πολιτών”, που δεν είχαν τρόπο να την περάσουν με αξιωσεις στην περιοχή του Ντάβιντ Οσπίνα. Αγκουέρο και Σίλβα βρέθηκαν σε κακή μέρα και το μόνο που είχαν να επιδείξουν οι γηπεδούχοι στο ημίχρονο ήταν η κατοχή της μπάλας στο 65%.

Οι παίκτες του Μανουέλ Πελεγκρίνι μπήκαν πολύ δυνατά στο 2ο ημίχρονο και στο πρώτο 10λεπτο είχαν σωρεία ευκαιριών για να ισοφαρίσουν. Απέτυχαν και το “πλήρωσαν”. Ξανά “προειδοποίηση” από τους φιλοξενούμενους σε σουτ του Άαρον Ράμσεϊ (56′) και στο 67′ ο Ολιβιέ Ζιρού με κεφαλιά κόντρα μία διάτρητη άμυνα έκανε το 2-0 για την Άρσεναλ.

Ο Πελεγκρίνι είχε ρίξει ήδη στη μάχη τους Στέβαν Γιόβετιτς και Φρανκ Λάμπαρντ και η τελευταία αλλαγή του ήταν ο Έντιν Τζέκο. Ο Βενγκέρ, στον αντίποδα, κράτησε τις δύο αλλαγές που του απέμειναν μετά από την είσοδο του Τόμας Ροσίτσκι στο 66′. “Κλείδωσε” την περιοχή του Οσπίνα με την υπάρχουσα ενδεκάδα και μόλις στο 83′ η Σίτι απείλησε την εστία του Κολομβιανού, σε σουτ του Γιόβετιτς που κόντραρε και κατέληξε κόρνερ.

Η είσοδος των Ματιέ Φλαμινί και Κίεραν Γκιμπς “ατσάλωσαν” τα μετόπισθεν των Λονδρέζων, που κράτησαν το 2-0 μέχρι τέλους, πήραν “τρίποντο” που τους κρατάει για τα καλά στη μάχη της 3ης θέσης και άφησαν τους “μπλε” πίσω στη μάχη του τίτλου.

Μάντσεστερ Σίτι (4-2-3-1): Χαρτ, Σαμπαλέτα, Κόμπανι, Ντεμιτσέλις, Κλισί, Φερναντίνιο (63′ Λάμπαρντ), Φερνάντο, Νάβας (76′ Τζέκο), Σίλβα, Μίλνερ (46′ Γιόβετιτς), Αγκουέρο

Άρσεναλ (4-1-4-1): Οσπίνα, Μπεγερίν, Μέρτεζακερ, Κοσιελνί, Μονρεάλ, Κοκλέν, Όξλεϊντ Τσάμπερλεϊν (66′ Ροσίτσκι), Ράμσεϊ (84′ Φλαμινί), Καθόρλα, Αλέξις (84′ Γκιμπς), Ζιρού

Τα αποτελέσματα της 22ης αγωνιστικής

Σάββατο 17 Ιανουαρίου 2015

17:00 Άστον Βίλα – Λίβερπουλ 0-2

(24′ Μπορίνι, 79′ Λάμπερτ)

17:00 Μπέρνλι – Κρίσταλ Πάλας 2-3

(12′ Μι, 16′ Ινγκς – 28′, 87′ Γκέιλ, 48′ Πάντσεον)

17:00 Λέστερ – Στόουκ 0-1

(63′ Κρκιτς)

17:00 ΚΠΡ – Μάντσεστερ Γιουνάιτεντ 0-2

(58′ Φελαϊνί, 90+4′ Γουίλσον)

17:00 Σουόνσι – Τσέλσι 0-5

(1′, 36′ Οσκάρ, 20′, 34′ Κόστα, 79′ Σίρλε)

17:00 Τότεναμ – Σάντερλαντ 2-1

(3′ Βερτόνγκεν, 89′ Έρικσεν – 31′ Λάρσον)

19:30 Νιούκαστλ – Σαουθάμπτον 1-2

(30′ Γκουφράν – 14′, 61′ Ελία)

Κυριακή 18 Ιανουαρίου 2015

15:30 Γουέστ Χαμ – Χαλ 3-0

(49′ Κάρολ, 69′ Αμαλφιτανό, 72′ Ντάουνινγκ)

18:00 Μάντσεστερ Σίτι – Άρσεναλ 2-0

(24′ πέν. Καθόρλα, 67′ Ζιρού)

Δευτέρα 19 Ιανουαρίου 2015

22:00 Έβερτον – Γουέστ Μπρομ

Οι συνθέσεις των υπόλοιπων αγώνων

Γουέστ Χαμ (4-2-3-1): Αντριάν, Τζένκινσον, Κόλινς (49′ Ρέιντ), Τόμκινς (76′ Ο’ Μπράιεν), Κρέσγουελ, Νομπλ (66′ Αμαλφιτανό), Σονγκ, Ντάουνινγκ, Νόλαν, Βαλένσια, Κάρολ

Πηγή: contra.gr

Hunter Stadium, which hosted the Japan v Palestine match earlier in the tournament, is operating at the reduced capacity of 23,000 for the Asian Cup Photo: Ryan Osland

A potential Asian Cup semi-final involving Australia appears certain to remain in Newcastle instead of Sydney despite Hunter Stadium’s already limited capacity being reduced by nearly a third for the tournament.

The Asian Football Confederation has an exclusive tenancy deal with Stadium Australia for the duration of the tournament and would be free to move a high-profile semi-final involving the host nation to the 83,000 capacity venue. The  local organising committee in conjunction with the AFC have not looked into the possibility of moving a semi-final involving the Socceroos to Stadium Australia to accommodate up to 60,000 more fans in what would likely be a sell-out fixture.

After finishing second in their group to South Korea, Australia will play China in the quarter-final where they will have a chance to play either Japan, Iran or the UAE in a semi-final held at Newcastle, where capacity restrictions are in place. In accordance with FIFA World Cup regulations, the AFC have so far prevented the local organising committee from selling tickets to the two non-seated hills behind the goals at Hunter Stadium, which reduces the capacity of the venue from 33,000 to approximately 23,000.

Should the two organising committees of the tournament move a potential Australia semi-final to ANZ Stadium, it would likely provide the local organising committee about $500,000 in additional gate takings as well as the opportunity to allow more fans to watch a historic match. However, the short turnaround of just five days between the quarter-final and the semi-final are proving a deterrent to  moving what could be the biggest match of the competition, a potential clash between Australia and Japan, or Australia and Iran.

The local organising committee claims it would be a logistical nightmare to rearrange issues of ticket exchanges, broadcasting, travel arrangements, accommodation, staff and other requirements in just five days.

Questions have been raised as to why the Hunter Stadium  – the smallest stadium by capacity for the tournament – will host potentially the most high-profile match of the Asian Cup. The state governments were invited to bid for games in packages, with NSW purchasing the rights for all semi-finals, the third v fourth play-off and the Asian Cup final. The Victorian government did not bid for anything further than a quarter-final due to hosting the Australian Open, which clashes with the latter stages of the Asian Cup. The Queensland government did not battle NSW for the rights to host the final four games of the tournament.

“We had an agreement with governments that we would have a rotating draw so teams travelled, that was fundamental to the funding agreement. We made a decision to take 4 games to Newcastle, and we had 11 at Sydney, as NSW paid the most money to have the games at this tournament,” Asian Cup 2015 chief executive, Michael Brown, said.

It was decided not to host more than 11 games at ANZ Stadium due to venue congestion and the organisers confirmed they did not plan for Australia to finish second in their group and face playing a semi-final in Newcastle. However, if Australia does reach that stage, the local organising committee might construct temporary seating on the hills behind both goals to increase the capacity for a match where demand will exceed supply.

“We’re looking at every option for the two grass areas at Newcastle we can put temporary seating on. We’re working with a couple of companies  to work out costs, food, toilets, disabled seating, sight restrictions, and we have to work out if it’s going to be beneficial. We’ll be working through that, I’m not sure if we would have needed them if Australia doesn’t beat China,” Brown said.

source:brisbanetimes.com.au