Category Archives: SPORTS

Franco Jara scored the first goal for Olympiakos in Saturday’s Cup final.

Olympiakos completed a league-and-cup double on Saturday by beating Xanthi 3-1 in the Greek Cup final at the Olympic Stadium of Athens, that was more balanced than the final score suggests.

The final was a rather low-key affair, with only a few good chances on either goal at a hardly half-full Olympic Stadium, as the fans of the two teams barely reached 30,000.

The first goal came pretty much against the run of play as Xanthi had the best part of first-half chances and even earned nine corners, but to no avail.

Instead Franco Jara opened the score for the Reds in the first-half injury time as he made the most of a poor clearance by Xanthi’s Manolis Bertos at the edge of the box to slot the ball exquisitely past the Xanthi keeper.

Xanthi was clearly shocked by the way the first half had finished and was unable to react in the second half.

Alejandro “Chori” Dominguez made it 2-0 on the 62nd minute through an outstanding personal effort as he outfoxed two opponents and powered home a superb shot, to cap a season during which he was by far the most valuable player of Olympiakos on its way to the double. A couple of minutes later he was substituted to a standing ovation by the Olympiakos supporters.

Ten minutes from time substitute Costas Fortounis scored Olympiakos’s third goal through a free-kick that went straight into the Xanthi net.

Pantelis Kapetanos scored a consolation goal for Xanthi three minutes from the end, while Alberto Botia left Olympiakos with 10 men in injury time after receiving his second booking.

The full-time whistle found the Olympiakos players celebrating the addition of the cup to their league trophy this season, but Xanthi should also be proud of its first ever appearance in a Greek Cup final.

source:ekathimerini.com

Weston Workers FC stalwart Robbie Turnbull is set to play his 200th First Grade fixture in Northern NSW’s top flight in front of a home crowd on Sunday against Hamilton Olympic FC in Round 7 of the PS4 NPL.

Turnbull commenced his senior career with Weston in 2004 at 18 years of age after playing junior football with Adamstown Rosebud and became a regular First Grade starter in 2005.

Turnbull is ranked fifth on Weston’s all-time longest serving list, only behind Roy Johnson, Tommy Snedden, late uncle John Thomas Turnbull, and teammate Nathan Morris who played his own 200th match just last year.

Having played a major part in the club both on and off the field, Turnbull will be recognised for his achievements during a pre-match presentation conducted by Life Member John Munro.

“Robbie is enthusiastic, he is passionate and he gives 100 percent whether it be at training or in games,’ Coach Trevor Morris said, ‘He has it all and he really loves the game.”

Reflecting on his time with the club, Turnbull believes the achievement is reflective of Weston’s ethos.

“It’s a milestone for me, but it says a lot about the club and what they’re about, to be able to keep two people in the same age still playing in first grade together (himself and Nathan Morris), it shows a lot about where the club has come from in the past ten to twelve years that we have been there,” he said.

“You don’t try and make too much of it because it’s just another game of football, I have a lot of history with the club, I’ve been with them a long time, there is a lot of family history there and friends that have come through the club,” Turnbull said.

“My Uncle John has 228, and I guess that’s one of the goals to try and top him off,” laughed Turnbull, “There’s only five blokes who have done it, so to have myself and my uncle on the list, it’s pretty special.”

Regarding the opposition, Turnbull is looking forward to taking on a fellow top ranked PS4 NPL squad in his 200th match, and when asked if he is expecting a victory against Olympic stated “Never a doubt in my mind!” continuing, “We’ve started well, Trevor has brought a lot of confidence and self-belief to the squad, I think it will be a tight game between two teams that I expect at the end of the year to be at the top of the table,” Turnbull concluded.

Northern NSW Football would like to congratulate Turnbull on his achievements and wish him the best towards his goal of 228 fixtures to match his uncle.

Match Details:
Weston Workers FC v Hamilton Olympic FC
2:30pm Sunday 24th May
Rockwell Automation Park

source:northernnswfootball.com.au

French giant and recent League 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain has submitted a €125 million ($137.6 million) bid for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to ESPN FC.

The number seems staggering for a player fresh off his 30th birthday, and one who has stated that he’d like to see out the rest of his contract to stay at the Bernabeu through the 2017-18 season.

That being said, Ronaldo remains one of, if not the best, player in the world. He scored 58 goals and had 21 assists in all competitions this season. He also led the Spanish La Liga with 45 goals, and is tied with Lionel Messi with 10 goals in the Champions League.

Even though the summer transfer window doesn’t officially open until July 1, many teams will get a head start on negotiations. Manchester United, for example, has already agreed on a £25 million ($38.7 million) fee for Dutch winger Memphis Depay, who will reunite with former international coach Louis van Gaal and teammates Robin van Persie and Daley Blind on the Red Devils’ improving team.

Ronaldo reportedly is seeking assurances from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez about the club’s future. If Perez is unable to please the talented winger, Ronaldo may seek greener pastures in the French capital with a side that includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani as scoring options.

Real Madrid is also facing heat from a multitude of teams for out-of-form winger Gareth Bale. Chelsea and Manchester United are hoping to bring the Welshman back to the Premier League.

Bale agreed to a record £86 million ($133 million) move to Madrid just two years ago, but has failed to consistently impress fans opposite Ronaldo. Even though Bale recorded a disappointing 19 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, other teams shouldn’t expect a discount rate for the 25-year-old superstar.

Time will tell if either goal scorer moves on this offseason, but the possibilities will surely make for an exciting transfer window.

source:sportingnews.com

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is in line for an Anfield exit after a proposed meeting between him and the club has been cancelled, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The 20-year-old has been rejecting a number of contract offers and despite the club making an effort to sit down and negotiate new terms, the player is being tipped to refuse his stay.

His agent, Aidy Ward, revealed that Sterling will not be signing a new deal even if the Reds offered him wages of £900,000-a-week.

These remarks have prompted the board to cancel any proposed meetings between the two as they feel it will be no use convincing the England international to remain at his current side.

He rejected an offer of £100,000-a-week wages earlier in the campaign and it now seems the attacker is keen on making a move elsewhere, attract heavy interest from a number of Premier League teams.

Ward believes his client will remain in England, with Manchester City or Chelsea the most possible destination, despite also being linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

source:footballfancast.com

Marca‘s Jose Felix Diaz believes PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi “will bend over backwards” to lure Ronaldo away from the Bernabeu. However, Diaz reports Ronaldo “wants to carry on at Real Madrid, but first he wants to clear up a few matters concerning next season’s team.”

Gallardo‘s article suggests Ronaldo has met with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez to discuss the club’s plans for the summer. Madrid will finish this campaign trophyless, despite a successful individual year for CR7.

Ronaldo is likely to win this season’s Golden Shoe award for being Europe’s top domestic goalscorer, as he is currently four ahead of Lionel Messi with one fixture remaining. His tally of 45 is both remarkable and unsurprising given the player’s tremendous quality.

Diaz notes Ronaldo is “unimpressed” by the thought of a potential return to Manchester United, and that he will “clear up any doubts” surrounding his future in the “next few days.” Madrid’s plans heading into next season, as ever, will revolve around the Portuguese icon.

While Ronaldo has proven more susceptible to remaining on the edge of matches this season, his record simply cannot be harped at. However, he has appeared frustrated at multiple times throughout the campaign, defined by his media blackout and various reactions on the pitch.

PSG failed to comply with UEFA‘s financial fair play rules last summer, receiving a fine and squad cap as punishment.

However, UEFA president Michel Platini recently suggested spending restrictions may be “eased,” per French radio station RTL (h/t Matt Slater of BBC Sport), possibly giving PSG greater power to drop mega-funds on Ronaldo.

Both Madrid and PSG continue to be linked with a move for Juventus starlet Paul Pogba. Juve club director Pavel Nedved recently told Le Parisien (h/t Matthew Scott of Goal.com) that the Italians have received an offer from PSG. “But Paris is not the only one. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested,” said Nedved.

Ancelotti praised Pogba in his recent chat with the press, as tweeted by AS:Carlo Ancelotti: “Pogba? He is a great young player who will have a good future. He is one of the best youngsters in Europe.”

Even if UEFA ease its FFP restrictions, it seems unlikely PSG will be allowed to spend on Ronaldo and Pogba in the same summer. Al-Khelaifi is aiming high after landing three consecutive domestic titles, and he will want to see PSG produce a memorable assault on the Champions League. However, firm decisions will need to be made when targeting the club’s next superstars.

B/R UK’s James McNicholas recently discussed possible landing spots for Pogba:

A failure to win silverware is always going to produce reports centred on Ronaldo. Madrid will most likely opt to give the 30-year-old everything he wants before cashing in, such is his value to the club.

Although selling the former United man would likely increase Madrid’s chances of capturing Pogba, Ronaldo is still the goalscorer Madrid need to land success.

source:bleacherreport.com

Αρνητικός στην πρόταση της Μπαρτσελόνα να παρακολουθήσει από το Βερολίνο τον τελικό του Champions League, ως επίσημος προσκεκλημένος των «μπλαουγκράνα» είναι ο Πεπ Γκουαρντιόλα, όπως είπε ο ίδιος σε συνέντευξη του.

Συγκεκριμένα, η Μπασρτσελόνα έστειλε επίσημη πρόσκληση στους Γιόχαν Κρόιφ, Φράνκ Ράικαρτ και Πεπ Γκουαρντιόλα να παρευρεθούν στον τελικό του Champions League, όμως η απάντηση που έλαβαν από τον νυν τεχνικό της Μπάγερν Μονάχου ήτα αρνητική.

«Δεν θα αποδεχτώ την πρόσκληση. Θα παραμείνω στο Μόναχο», είπε χαρακτηριστικά και στη συνέχεια απάντησε  στην κριτική που δέχεται τις τελευταίες μέρες για τον αποκλεισμό της Μπάγερν στο Champions League, αλλά και στον ημιτελικό του κυπέλλου Γερμανίας.

«Εάν η Μπάγερν ψάχνει ένα προπονητή που να παίρνει τρεις τίτλους κάθε χρονιά, τότε δεν είμαι εγώ αυτός που θέλουν. Δεν είμαι αρκετά επαρκής για να το κάνω αυτό. Έμαθα ότι οι άνθρωποι μιλούν πολύ εδώ. Η συμβολή μου στις κριτικούς είναι να ηρεμήσουν. Θα πρέπει να έχουν περισσότερο σεβασμό στους πρωταθλητές Γερμανίας. Το Champions League μπορεί να είναι η κορυφή του παγκοσμίου ποδοσφαίρου, αλλά για εμάς το να κερδίσουμε την Bundesliga είναι πιο σημαντικό κι αυτό κάνουμε», ήταν τα λόγια του.

Πηγή:in.gr

3.000-3.500 φίλοι της ΑΕΚ βρέθηκαν στο ΟΑΚΑ

Μετά τη νίκη της επί του Ολυμπιακού Βόλου στα πλέι οφ της Football League.

Με νίκες συνέχισαν την 5η αγωνιστική των πλέι οφ ΑΕΚ και Ηρακλής, που επικράτησαν -δύσκολα πάντως- των Ολυμπιακού Βόλου και Λάρισας, αντίστοιχα, με 1-0.

Έτσι η «Ένωση» χρειάζεται μόλις ένα βαθμό στο παιχνίδι της με τον «Γηραιό» την προσεχή Δευτέρα για να πανηγυρίσει την επιστροφή στη Σούπερ Λιγκ, ενώ πολύ κοντά στον ίδιο στόχο βρίσκεται και η ομάδα της Θεσσαλονίκης, μετά την ήττα του Απόλλωνα Σμύρνης από την Παναχαϊκή στην… Κόρινθο, με τους «μελανέρυθρους» να σημειώνουν την πρώτη νίκη τους στη διαδικασία.

Οι 3.000-3.500 φίλοι της ΑΕΚ που βρέθηκαν στο ΟΑΚΑ, σίγουρα θα είναι πολύ περισσότεροι στο επόμενο ραντεβού: στο ίδιο γήπεδο, τη Δευτέρα (19:00) εναντίον του Ηρακλή, όπου ο «Δικέφαλος» ακόμα και με ισοπαλία θα οριστικοποιήσει και μαθηματικά την επιστροφή του στη Σούπερ Λίγκα.

Διαιτητής: Δημ. Στυλιαράς (Αιτ/νίας)

Κίτρινες: Ρόκας, Μπάρμπας, Τριανταφυλλάκος

ΑΕΚ (Τραϊανός Δέλλας): Βούρας, Μπακάκης (57΄ λ.τρ. Γεωργέας), Κολοβέτσιος, Σαρρής Σοϊλέδης, Γιόχανσον, Φαγέ (78΄ Ντακόλ), Πλατέλλας, Γροντής (65΄ Ανάκογλου), Μπαρμπόσα, Αραβίδης.

ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΣ ΒΟΛΟΥ (Δημήτρης Ελευθερόπουλος): Ρίζος, Ζέρης, Μπουτζίκος, Γιαλούσης, Μπάρμπας, Ρόκας (46΄ Τριανταφυλλάκος), Κυζιρίδης, Μπιτάνγκ, Σκοπελίτης (69΄ Μπαλντοβάλιεφ), Θέος, Διαμαντόπουλος.

Τα αποτελέσματα και οι σκόρερ:

ΑΕΚ-Ολυμπιακός Βόλου 1-0 (49΄ Γροντής)

Παναχαϊκή-Απόλλων Σμύρνης 4-3 (49΄ Τρίγκας, 52΄ Κοντοχρήστος, 60΄ Χοτζάλι, 74΄ Μαρουκάκης – 42΄, 75΄, 90΄ Ανγκούλο)

Ηρακλής-Λάρισα 1-0 (74΄ Λουκίνας)

ΒΑΘΜΟΛΟΓΙΑ (σε 5 αγώνες)

1. ΑΕΚ 22

2. Ηρακλής 19

3. Απόλλων Σμύρνης 7

4. Λάρισα 6

5. Ολυμπιακός Βόλου 4

6. Παναχαϊκή 3

Στη Σούπερ Λίγκα προβιβάζονται οι πρώτες δύο ομάδες της ειδικής βαθμολογίας.

(Πηγή: in.gr)

Panathinaikos thrashed Asteras at Tripoli to gain an early advantage in the race for a spot in next season’s Champions League qualifiers, as the Super League play-offs got under way on Wednesday.

The Greens forced Asteras’s first league defeat at home this season, winning 4-0 as it was remarkably efficient in its attacks: It had six shots on goal and scored four times; twice with Nikos Karelis and once through Gordon Schildenfeld and via Marcus Berg.

Later on PAOK escaped with a 1-1 draw from Peristeri, as Atromitos led from the start with a Laurent Agouazi goal, but Facundo Pereyra equalized for PAOK.

The results mean that Panathinaikos is now alone on top of the mini-league with five points, PAOK follows with three, while Asteras and Atromitos have one point each.

In the next round of games PAOK hosts Asteras Tripolis and Panathinaikos entertains Atromitos on Sunday

source:ekathimerini.com