Bangladesh sealed top spot in Group B of the Under-19 Asia Cup, after defeating Sri Lanka by 39 runs in Dubai. Bangladesh’s win was built on the back of handy contributions from their top order – Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg put up an 84-run opening stand, before the captain Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki added 53 for the third wicket.However, Bangladesh collapsed from 163 for 3 to 225 all out in 46.3 overs, with offspinner Kavija Gamage taking 4 for 38 to roll through the middle and lower order.Sri Lanka, though, failed to get any momentum going in their chase, quickly falling to 38 for 3 in 14 overs. Chamika Heenatigala provided a brief resistance, top scoring with 41, but Bangladesh kept chipping away at the other end to enforce their advantage. At 126 for 8, Sri Lanka were all but out of the contest, and despite some late hits from Aadham Hilmy, they eventually were bowled out for 186. Iqbal Hossain Emon (3 for 37) and Shahriar Ahmed (3 for 27) were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers.India will now play Sri Lanka in the first semi-final, while Bangladesh will take on Pakistan. Both games will be held on Friday, December 19, in Dubai.
Muttiah Muralitharan returns to haunt Pakistan when they face Sri Lanka in the final of the Asian Test Championship on a seamers’ friendly track at the Gaddafi Stadium from Wednesday.The spinner was the force behind Sri Lanka’s four victories in the last six Tests in Pakistan when he captured nearly 40 wickets. “He is a world class spinner and there is no denying the fact that all the teams are scared of him. His presence means pressure on everyone but then again he is just one,” Pakistan captain Waqar Younis said.”We have to cope with Muralitharan and play very carefully. But I wouldn’t say he is a threat. But yes, he has been bowling well and has the capacity to turn even on glass,” Waqar said.Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya piled on more psychological pressure on Pakistan when he said he was not counting on Muralitharan alone. “Chaminda [Vaas], Nuwan [Zoysa] and Bhuddika [Fernando] are also there and they are bowling excellently,” Jayasuriya said.Muralitharan was virtually seen smelling the wicket to have a feel of the conditions after being disallowed to inspect the pitch. But Jayasuriya and Whatmore had a closer look at the strip and should have gathered all the needed information for the maestro.Going by the current form of Pakistan batsmen, it appears they will have a real job in hand. Against Test greenhorns Bangladesh and the spent force West Indies, now the whipping boys of international cricket, Pakistan batsmen failed to live upto expectations. Had there not been a rearguard action, led by Rashid Latif, there might have been a different story to tell than to write, at least against the Caribbeans.Pakistan’s best batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq is badly out of form while it was still unclear who will be opening the innings. Younis Khan has been scoring some runs but his technique against a quality bowler like Muralitharan is yet to be seen. That leaves Yousuf Youhana as the batsman Pakistan would be looking to play a big innings he is very well capable of. Youhana has blossomed into a brilliant batsman who has time and again carried the innings on his shoulders.There are no two opinions that Youhana was the best batsman for Pakistan in the three-Test series in 2000 and almost pulled victory from the jaws of defeat at Peshawar with a defiant 80 odd. A cruel leg before decision ruined Pakistan hopes in the end.A green top wicket has been prepared for the match and chief curator Mohammad Bashir is confident that it would support the seamers as it had a rock-solid base. But Waqar dismissed impressions that such a wicket had been prepared to counter the brilliance of Muralitharan.”The wicket has been prepared according to our strength. I believe bowling remains our strong point. Although I am the only experienced bowler, Mohammad Sami and Shoaib Akhtar have been bowling well,” he said without ruling out the possibility of going into the match with a four-pace attack.Waqar agreed that it was the clear test of his team’s character despite going into the Test with a six-win record. “Although I believe the opponents were not that much though, we had to go out in the field and beat them,” Waqar said. “It would require a sheer hard work to compete against a team like Sri Lanka and I think it will be a fantastic game,” he added.Sri Lanka too had a good home season last year when they won eight successive Tests. They beat India 2-0 before whitewashing West Indies and Zimbabwe. “Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan had a good run upto the final. And I do hope that it will be a good game,” Jayasuriya said.Pakistan and India reached the final after canning minnows Bangladesh in the league matches. The round match between the two teams was scrapped as it would have had no bearing on the final.The tournament went ahead after India pulled out after being drawn to play Pakistan at Lahore between Sept 12 and 16. The competition was devalued to an extent but Waqar said: “Who knows if India had participated, even then Sri Lanka and Pakistan would have qualified for the final.”I think the two best Asian Test sides are competing in the final. It would have been nice if India had competed in the event, nevertheless,” he said. In case of no result the trophy would be shared as first innings lead would not decide the fate of the game.Teams (to be selected from):Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Hashan Tillakaratne, Thilan Samaraweera, Chaminda Vaas, Bhuddika Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Upal Chandana, Tillakarante Dilshan, Dulip Liyange.Pakistan: Waqar Younis (captain), Taufiq Umer, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Abdur Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq, Faisal Iqbal, Mohammd Zahid.Umpires: Daryl Harper (Australia), Athar Zaidi (Pakistan).Tv Umpire: Saleem Badar.Match Referee: Justice Ahmed Ebrahem (Zimbabwe).
John Terry has shrugged off concerns that Wayne Rooney could find himself in disciplinary trouble when the World Cup kicks off.
The England striker was given a stark warning from local referee Jeff Selogilwe after an angry tirade aimed at the official during Monday's warm-up victory over South African club side Platinum Stars.
Rooney came on as a half-time substitute for Fabio Capello's side, but was booked after his introduction and told by Selogilwe to calm down.
Selogilwe later told the media: "He must learn to control his temper. He could get sent off in the World Cup, especially if he uses this kind of language."
However, Terry does not believe that Rooney is on collision course with referees when the tournament begins with a Group C game against the United States on Saturday.
"We could have done with Wayne on the pitch in the first half giving everyone a kick up the backside," said Terry.
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"I was a little bit nervous when he gave the ball away and went into the tackle but I certainly don't think Wayne has a problem.
"From what we have seen in the last two or three years I honestly feel that he has grown up a lot."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sol Campbell will take up to a month to decide whether to sign for Celtic after holding talks with chief executive Peter Lawwell in Glasgow on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old former England international is pondering his future after enduring a strange 2009-10 campaign.
He signed a long-term deal with Notts County, only to leave the League Two side after making just one appearance, and then impressed in the second half of the season after returning to Arsenal on a short-term contract.
Campbell may be given the opportunity to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium and admits he is keeping his options open.
He told the Daily Record:"I'm here to get a feel for the place more than anything else. I have to talk to Arsenal as well because they are still at the table. I have to talk to everybody but the main thing for me right now is my wedding and honeymoon.
"I don't think I'll be committing myself to any club until after that.
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"I've met with Neil Lennon. The club know they will win the league or finish second. It depends on where they want to go in Europe."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry wants the Gunners faithful to understand Cesc Fabregas' current plight as he seeks to manufacture a transfer back to Barcelona.
The Spain international is striving to get a transfer back to his homeland, but manager Arsene Wenger has resisted the La Liga giants' bids so far.
But Henry believes it wil be tough for Arsenal to keep hold of him, especially as he is actively searching for a move back home.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said:"Everybody knows I love Arsenal so for me as an Arsenal fan, you always want to see Cesc staying at Arsenal.
"But also how can you blame someone that wants to go back home because that is his home at the end of the day and you knew somehow that was always going to happen.
"You just don't want it to happen now but as I said, I wouldn't like to be him right now because it is going to be a very tricky decision for him.
"But I will repeat it – as an Arsenal fan you want him to stay but you can't blame someone who wants to go back home. So I'm actually not saying anything, I'm just trying to play it like normal, you know.
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"But, hey, I wouldn't like to be him right now and I just hope he's going to make the right decision for him at the end of the day and I hope – whether he goes or he stays – that people will understand his decision, that's the most important thing."
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Sunderland striker Darren Bent has revealed that he almost quit the international scene after Fabio Capello left him out of the England squad for this summer's World Cup finals.
However, despite his initial disappointment, the 26-year-old former Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur forward has had a change of heart and will now try to force his way into Capello's plans.
He said:"I felt that I was taken to Austria as a token gesture. It was as though he (Capello) decided he had to take me because of the goals I'd scored.
"He took me to the training camp, gave me 45 minutes and, because I didn't score two goals, that was it. It hurt. I can't deny that was how I felt.
"I had long conversations with my dad and my manager. I just felt I was only there to make up the numbers. I thought 'should I just call it a day with England and hang up my boots in international football?' I contemplated it.
"But you can't burn your bridges like that. I hope it is going to be a meritocracy. A few people have said to me that I've jumped up the pecking order after what happened over there, but who knows?
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"People are saying this is going to change and that is going to change, but how much can it? All I can do is keep going, keep believing in myself and keep scoring goals.
"I'm not going to give up on England because of what happened this summer. I'm going to keep working hard, keep playing well for Sunderland and keep knocking on that door. That's all I can do."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Although there had been rumours and gossip, most Bristol City fans thought that the signing of England’s number one goalkeeper was just a pipe dream. When the news broke that David James had indeed signed for Bristol City, fans were stunned, delighted and newly optimistic. Bristol City have not made such a marquee signing since most fans can care to remember, but almost as important as the signing of David James is the statement of intent that comes with it, and the ambition the club has shown. James could well be a stellar performer this season, but he is now 40 and is in the twilight of his career. Two other signings were made on the day David James signed for the club, and understandably they somewhat slipped under the radar amid the excitement. Bristol City also signed Bolton’s right-back Nicky Hunt and QPR’s Damion Stewart. Nicky Hunt has been a decent Premier League performer, but in the Championship he should be one of the best at what he does in the league. Damion Stewart is perhaps less well known, but he won QPR’s 2008/09 Player of the Year award is a behemoth in the centre of defence. If these signings gel, and one or two more are brought in then Bristol City will have a squad capable of making a strong challenge in the Championship, and supporters will be hoping for a play-off place at the least.
One issue though, has tempered Bristol City’s fans’ excitement this summer. The club are intending to build a new ground, which could be one of England’s 2018 World Cup stadia should the country win the bid. Bristol City Council have however, turned down Sainsbury’s bid to buy the land of Bristol City’s current ground which they wanted to turn into a superstore. Sainsbury’s buying of the current ground is absolutely critical financially and so currently Bristol City’s attempt to build a new stadium will not go ahead. Fans of the club are highly disappointed at the news and there has been a great deal of anger directed at the City Council which has been accused of showing a lack of ambition. If Bristol City is to become a long-term force within English football, then moving to a new stadium seems necessary. This season though, fans still have good cause for optimism and can hold the belief that the club can be promoted to the Premier League in the near future.
Just as important as the new signings is the new manager that has taken the helm at Bristol City. Steve Coppell is widely respected in the game, doing sterling work as a manager at Crystal Palace and Reading. Coppell led both these clubs to the top tier of English football, where they both performed admirably. Steve Coppell has proven success of getting clubs into the Premiership and getting them to perform when they get there, and Bristol City fans will be hoping he can do the same at his new club. Supporters will be hoping the club can hold onto striker Nicky Maynard, who finished as second top scorer in the Championship last season, and sign a couple more players before the end of the transfer window. If that happens, Bristol City should be a strong side within the league this season. If they don’t get promoted this term then Coppell and the club will have the ambition to do so before his contract expires, and the fans may well get to see the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal at Ashton Gate sooner rather than later.
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
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Birmingham City completed a deadline day deal for Chilean winger Jean Beausejour from Mexican side Club América. The 26 year old penned a 3 year deal at St Andrew’s for an undisclosed fee but how much do we really know about Birmingham’s new signing?
Many Birmingham fans first encounter with Beausejour came in this summer’s World Cup where the winger impressed as part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile team who won many fans with their attacking brand of football. Beausejour was a mainstay in Bielsa’s team, playing every minute of their run to the second round. Beausejour played on the left wing of Bielsa’s adventurous 3-3-1-3 formation and scored the winner in La Roja’s opening group game against Switzerland, earning man of the match honours for his game winning display.
Beausejour started his career in his native Chile with Universidad Católica where he rose up through the youth ranks to play 16 times for the Santiago based club. While at Católica, he had a one year loan spell at Universidad de Concepción before he moved abroad in 2004 to Switzerland to join Servette.
Since moving to Switzerland, Beausejour has been something of a nomadic figure playing for a number of clubs across different continents. After only one year in Switzerland, Beausejour made the move to Brazil to play for Grêmio where he was a first-team regular, making 55 appearances for the Brazilian giants.
His success with Grêmio saw the Chilean secure a move back to Europe; this time with Belgian club Gent. However, his time in Belgium proved to be an unhappy one as Beausejour failed to make a single appearance in Gent colours and returned to Chile the next season.
He returned to Chilean football in 2007 and had spells with Cobreloa and O’Higgins. It was at O’Higgins that Beausejour enjoyed some of the best football of his career which alerted the new national team coach Marcelo Bielsa to his talents. Bielsa selected Beausejour three times for Chile during his one-year with O’Higgins.
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With his reputation soaring, Mexican side Club América decided to sign Beausejour in 2009 and he didn’t disappoint, playing 45 times and scoring on three occasions including one against great rivals Chivas.
As evinced by his displays in the World Cup, Birmingham have gotten a player with pace, power and trickery, qualities which stand Beausejour in good stead to make a rather seamless transition into the hustle and bustle of Premier League football. One concern for Birmingham fans is Beausejour’s inability to settle in one place as he has played for 8 different clubs before moving to St Andrew’s. However, if Beausejour can keep his passport in his pocket and settle in Birmingham, he could prove to be a shrewd investment by Alex McLeish.
Brian McDermott, Nicky Hammond and Sir John Madejski were all singing from the same hymn sheet this week. By telling the fans that all is well at Reading FC. Are they right? And does results against Palace and Millwall prove it? We talk about the recent public relations exercise aimed at the Royals’ faithful.
In league news- Reading grab 4pts from a possible 6pts .As good results against Palace at home and Millwall away, mean Reading continue their unbeaten run, but does this mean that there’s goals without Siggy?
Jonny Fordham joins us to talk about his meeting with Hammond and all the latest goings on from around the club. Plus, we round up with all your post in ‘Any other Business’.
All this and more on this weeks Reading Football FanCast!
Click here to listen to the Podcast
Thanks to – Jonny Fordham www.Get-Reading.co.uk
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Wigan Athletic have been warned that they would have to pay a ‘large transfer fee’ to sign loan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi on a permanent basis from Bolton Wanderers.
The 28-year-old Oman international Al Habsi has impressed since joining the Latics in the summer, but Trotters boss Owen Coyle still believes that the gloveman has a future at the Reebok Stadium.
He told the Bolton News:“The only way they can keep him for good is by paying our club a large transfer fee – if indeed that’s acceptable to us.
“Wigan can make as much noise as they want, ultimately I’ll decide whether Ali Al Habsi is a Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper or not.
“I’ll decide what happens on Ali Al Habsi, in conjunction with the chairman and the owner.
“We put him on loan because it was a win-win-win situation. Ali gets games in the Premier League, we get a terrific loan fee and I have got a terrific goalkeeper in Adam Bogdan, who has shown he can step in when necessary.”
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