Ethiosport

Brazil and Uruguay Advance to Semi Final in Compa America!

2005-07-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

The quarter-finals of the 2007 Copa America kicked off in spectacular fashion when Brazil produced a six-goal masterclass against Chile and Uruguay put paid to the hosts' hopes with a comprehensive 4-1 win. The victorious duo will now battle it out on Tuesday for a place in the final, with Brazil hoping for a similar outcome to the Peru 2004 semi-final when they squeezed past the Charrúas on penalties.

Venezuela vs Uruguay

Forlan end Venezuelan hopesUruguay continued their hold over Venezuela when they notched a sixth win against the Vinotinto in the last 12 years to advance to the semis for the fourth time running. After a largely uninspiring group phase, Oscar Washington Tabarez's men hit their stride in San Cristobal to end the home side's dream of Copa America glory, with Diego Forlan doing much of the damage. It was the new Atletico Madrid man who opened the scoring six minutes before the break, although Venezuela's Mallorca-based star Juan Arango quickly levelled matters with a fierce free-kick past a startled Fabian Carini. Midfielder Pablo Garcia restored the Sky Blues' advantage after the interval with a superb strike that arrowed into the top-right hand corner of Renny Vega's goal. And as the clock ran down and the dejected 40,000 crowd began to file out of the Estadio Pueblo Nuevo, up popped Cristian Rodriguez and that man Forlan with late goals to cap a fine night for the 14-time South American champions. The Venezuelan fairytale may be at an end, but Richard Paez's side can at least take comfort from the fact that they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history, a considerable achievement for the continent's one-time makeweights.

Brazil vs Chile
Brazilian beat too hot for Chile Brazil made all the right moves in Puerto La Cruz as they regained their rhythm to cruise past Chile. The snake-hipped Brazilians struck up a tune that was all-too familiar to La Roja coach Nelson Acosta, who has now presided over seven defeats in eight games against the Auriverdes, his solitary success coming in a 3-0 win in the Korea/Japan 2002 qualifying competition. Dunga's men were in no mood for a repeat of that reverse, and imposed their authority 15 minutes in when Juan opened the scoring. After Julio Baptista had added a second, celebrated in traditional style with a trademark samba routine, orchestrator-in-chief Robinho took his Copa America tally to six with two goals either side of half-time. Further goals from Josue and Vagner Love sandwiched a solitary but nevertheless stunning reply from Humberto Suazo. Although a worthy candidate for goal of the tournament, it provided precious little consolation for the outclassed Chileans on a night that belonged to a rejuvenated Brazil.
The quarter-final action continues on Sunday evening when Mexico put their Copa credentials to the test against Paraguay in Maturin, and the hugely impressive Argentina fight it out with Peru in Barquisimeto.

Zambia Upset Urugay in FIFA U-20 World Cup!

2005-07-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

Spain fired their way into the Round of 16 thanks to a hat-trick by Adrian Lopez but not without a scare against Jordan as Zambia and Uruguay joined the Group B winners in the knockout stages. Group F also reached a climax, with Japan finishing top ahead of Nigeria as Costa Rica came from behind to stun Scotland and North Korea learned they will be heading home, despite not being in action. Not insignificantly, the day's results will have Brazil smiling as their three points earned is now enough to put them in the next round.

Spain 4 Jordan 2
Adrian Lopez became the second player to score a hat trick at Canada 2007 and took his tally to a tournament-best four when he sent Spain into a 3-0 lead by half-time in Burnaby, though Jordan were to hit back strongly after the break, striking twice after barely ten minutes. Anas Hijah sparked a counterattack which Loiy Al Zaideh finished smartly to give Jordan heart and hope before Abdallah Salim reduced the deficit to a single goal with a beautiful curling free-kick from 25 yards. Spain looked to be on the ropes at that stage but a header by Marcos Garcia eleven minutes from time made the result a touch more respectable and ensured they reached the next phase at the top of the standings.

Zambia 2 Uruguay 0
Meanwhile, in Victoria, Zambia claimed the runners-up spot in Group B by upsetting Uruguay 2-0, though defeat was not too costly for the South Americans as their haul of four points is enough to ensure they will take one of the best third-place finishes at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea set the tone of the match in the 19th minute when his failed clearance fell to Emmanuel Mayuka and the Uruguayan dragged him down, conceding a penalty and earning a red card in the process. Zambia's Clifford Mulenga converted from the spot, but the player numbers were evened up shortly before half-time when Zambia's Henry Nyambe was sent off for an ugly challenge on Mauricio Prieto. Despite that form of parity, Uruguay could not draw level on goals and Rodgers Kola made the victory safe for Zambia when he netted from close range in the second half.

Nigeria 0 Japan 0

Zambia's players and coaching staff stayed behind at the Royal Athletic Park to watch their Round of 16 opponents in action, knowing that the Group F runners-up that they will meet would be determined by the outcome of the Japan-Nigeria clash. Japan started with only three players who had significant playing time in their previous two matches and Nigeria had the better of a sloppy first half. Brown Ideye released Akeem Agbetu but goalkeeper Yohei Takeda got down well to save his shot and later he did well to deny Ideye, who had several opportunities to open the scoring but spurned all of them. Japan played better on the break in the second half and Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was their hero as he held their opponents at bay and the 0-0 draw meant Japan won the group and Zambia could look forward to an all-African second round match against Nigeria in Ottawa on 12 July. Japan will be in action a day earlier in Victoria against Czech Republic.

Scotland 1 Costa Rica 2

Back at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium, a man with a very Scottish name sank Scotland as Jonathan McDonald scored with virtually the last kick of the match to give Costa Rica a 2-1 last-gasp win. Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds got the opener for Scotland when he tucked a left-footer away in the 18th minute. Costa Rica looked much stronger after the break and Pablo Herrera equalised on 57 minutes after Jean Solorzano completely missed his kick and accidentally created what looked like a perfect dummy. McDonald hit the angle of Scotland's post and crossbar as Costa Rica pushed for another and he managed just that with a late winner in added time.

Great Day for African U-20 Teams in Canada!

2005-07-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

Gambia and Congo dramatically beat Portugal and hosts Canada 2-1 and 2-0 respectively to book their places in the second round and boost Africa to a perfect four out of four sides to escape the group stage. Also perfect, Mexico became the only side to win all of their group contests with a 2-1 defeat of New Zealand, while already qualified Chile and Austria settled for a scoreless draw in the day's other match. The Round of 16 schedule is now set, with anxiously waiting Costa Rica missing out on a spot at the death thanks to the two African victories. On "Soccer Day" in the Great White North, Canada, the only nation not to score in these finals, also became the first hosts to be eliminated at the U-20 group stage since Malaysia in 1997.

Portugal 1- Gambia 2
Portugal feel the stingEarlier in the day, the Baby Scorpions of Gambia surprised a significantly changed but favoured Portuguese side and their 30,000 supporters in Montreal's Olympic Stadium despite playing for the last half hour with 10 men. It all seemed so unlikely in the opening stages of the match when Congo-born defensive midfielder Feliciano Condesso headed the Iberians ahead past the wildly - and foolishly - charging Gambian goalkeeper in the 20th minute.

However, the Africans looked consistently dangerous going forward and they evened the match just before the break amid howls of Portuguese displeasure as Ous Jallow calmly side-footed a penalty past the right-guessing goalkeeper. With both sides guaranteed of advancement with a draw, one could be forgiven for thinking the second half might be devoid of action, but it was not to be as Ken Jammeh's sending off for an unruly studs-up challenge in the 59th minute ended Andre Maques' match and possibly tournament.

Seemingly sparked by the sending off, short-handed Gambia almost went ahead just moments later when Sainey Nyassi pulled a shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. And, they did just that in the 68th minute when substitute Abdoulie Mansally curled in a free kick from the right side that missed everyone's head and snuck in at the far post. Both teams will now head to Edmonton, where Gambia meet Austria on 11 July, while Portugal face Chile the next day.

Mexico 2 New Zealand 1
Across the country in Edmonton, Mexico rested six regulars including starlet Giovanni Dos Santos and coasted to victory behind goals on either side of half-time from Christian Bermudez and Osmar Mares. Kept in the match by goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley in the first half, the Kiwis fought bravely till the end of a better second period and got some consolation just before time with their first goal of Canada 2007 from Jack Pelter. However, the Oceania representatives go home pointless, while El Tri finish atop Group C and will meet Congo in the Round of 16 on 12 July in Montreal.

Congo 2 Canada 0

Knowing they needed a three goal victory over Congo to advance from Group A, the Canadians looked the best they have at this event, pushing early and often into the box of the African champions. But, as their desperate supporters cheered on every attack in Edmonton's pouring rain, the Canucks could not find a way through.

On the other side, Congo knew they needed a win to move on, and they got the all-important opening goal just before the half hour mark when Gracia Ikouma deftly headed down a cross to Ermejea Ngakosso, who volleyed it in off his knee. The small but vocal Congolese contingent celebrated wildly, and they doubled their pleasure as Gracia Ikouma beat two defenders and finished well on the hour mark.

Canada's sad day wasn't done however as Canuck goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was sent off in the 73rd minute for handling the ball well outside of his area. Field player Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault filled in admirably, but the Canucks become the first host team in the 30 year history of the U-20s not to score a goal in the tournament, and they will pack their bags wondering how it all went so wrong. The cool Congolese live to fight on another day, which they will do against the impressive Mexicans.

Chile 0 Austria 0

With Chile and Austria already assured of advancement, the two were happy to nullify each other in Toronto. Tired but spurred on by a sizeable supporters contingent, Chile controlled possession and held the ball skilfully against Austria, who had the better of the chances. The Chileans will rest up for their Second Round meeting with the Portuguese, while the Austrians - the first team from the Alpine nation to advance to the second stage of a FIFA event since the 1982 FIFA World Cup - will face the thrilled Gambians.

"The Oldest Rivalry in the Game!"

2005-07-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

July 16th, 1950: The Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. 200,000 fans. Two South American footballing neighbours. This was the platform for Uruguay's greatest ever triumph, a 2-1 victory over hosts Brazil which won them their 2nd FIFA World Cup trophy. Since then the rivalry has been heated. Nearly 60 years on and possibly the oldest international football rivalry continues. The venue this time: the lesser imposing figure of the 42,000 capacity Jose Pachencho Romero Stadium, Maracaibo, Venezuela. The stage; the CONMEBOL Copa America semi-final.

Again Brazil are the favourites, but again the lesser hailed Uruguayans boast an air of quiet confidence and skilled players to damage any title hopes harboured by the samba boys. 14 Copa America titles and 2 FIFA World Cup titles versus 7 Copa America titles and 5 FIFA World Cups. Uruguay most certainly has the edge in Copa American competitions. And, most recently, Brazil has been unable to beat them in their last 5 encounters with the Uruguayans having the upper hand. But it has been 12 years since Uruguay last won the Copa America and Brazil are defending Champions. Ironically though, Uruguay's 1995 triumph came against non other than Brazil, after winning a tense penalty shoot out 5-3. Such a battle epitomizes the heritage of the oldest international football tournament and a fitting semi-final.

With such history, both managers and players are fully aware of the task which they are presented with. Real Madrid forward Robinho emphasized the importance of the clash. "Knockout rounds are really tricky and Uruguay is a far more complicated rival than Chile," he said. Coach Dunga also reiterated this stance by adding, "Uruguay is a team that comes from a long and proud tradition, a national side that always rises to the challenge in knockout tournaments." His opposite number Oscar Tabarez first acknowledged his respect for Brazil but without being overawed he said while speaking to media reporters, "Uruguay has a great tradition in this tournament and I have a squad of capable men who can deal with adverse situations." Adverse they maybe but midfielder Pablo Garcia was in no doubt that Uruguay has a lot to offer. "Uruguayan football is still great and, although we respect our opponent, they too have to respect us as well." Every game which Brazil plays represents men to the Brazilian public gallows, the only thing saving them each time being victory, and not just any ordinary victory, but one with flair. The Brazilian public is unforgiving. Anything less than winning this semifinal and indeed the final prize will be deemed a failure and a right sentencing of the culprits and Uruguay will not be looking to do any favours.

Tomorrow, Mexico playes against the favourite Argentina probably without their star striker Nery Castillo, one of the Copa America revelations, who is doubtful for Wednesday's game with swollen left knee after taking a knock in the 6-0 win over Paraguay in the quarter-finals. Castillo, who has scored four goals in the tournament, said: 'I hope that time passes slowly so that I can play in the game, enjoy it and win it.' (Source:Soccerway)

Austria & USA U-20 Teams Through to Quarter Final!

2005-07-12T01:17:00.000-04:00

Austria striker Erwin 'Jimmy' Hoffer came off the bench to fire his side into the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over ten-man Gambia at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium whereas the high-flying USA, who ran riot through the group stages with a tournament-best nine goals, were forced to grit their teeth and come from behind in their 2-1 extra-time Round of Sixteen victory over Uruguay.

Gambia 1 Austria 2

Gambia midfielder Tijan Jaiteh was sent off in the 43rd minute for his second yellow card and the Austrians took the lead in first half stoppage time as skipper Sebastian Proedl headed home Veli Kavlak's free-kick. Gambia were desperately unlucky not to equalise when Abdoulie Mansally's curling free-kick was tipped over the top by Michael Zaglmair after an hour and the Gambia midfielder hit the post with another set-piece attempt a minute later.

Zaglmair then made a great save with his legs to deny Ousman Jallow as Gambia began to press hard and they drew level after 69 minutes. Austria midfielder Martin Harnik was caught in possession inside his own area before Pierre Gomez finished classily with the outside of his left boot, leaving Zaglmair rooted to the spot. Hoffer got the winner nine minutes from time when he blasted the ball past the helpless Joseph Gomez.

Austria now head back to Toronto for a quarter-final meeting with USA on 14 July, while Gambia fly back to Africa having made history with their maiden second round appearance at a FIFA tournament.

USA 2 Uruguay 1

The Americans, who previously put on some sumptuous displays of one-touch football, looked to be caught off guard early by the organised and defensive-minded Uruguayans. The Americans suffered a big blow on 51 minutes, when three-goal striker Josmer Altidore limped off with a knee injury and was replaced by Harvard University student Andre Akpan. The Uruguayans, on one of relatively few attacks, managed to get the crucial first goal in minute 73. Luis Suarez crossed brilliantly for an unmarked Edinson Cavani, whose header was misplayed by stand-in goalkeeper Brian Perk. Suarez was then on hand to hammer home the chance his enterprising work had created.

When all looked lost for the Americans, Danny Szetela showed his mettle once again. After winning the ball in the corner of the box with three minutes to go, he fired a cross past the Uruguayan keeper, where new man Akpan's pressure forced Mathias Cardaccio to put through his own net. The Uruguayans nearly sealed it late in regular time, but Manuel Diaz's header could only angle off the post as the game headed to extra time. Two minutes into the second 15 a precise Adu corner was slapped at by Uruguay keeper Yonatan Irrazabal, forced back in by Julian Valentin and hammered into the roof of the net at close range by Michael Bradley.(Source:FIFA)

FIFA U-20 World Cup!

2005-07-13T07:05:00.000-04:00

Players and coaches alike will never cease insisting that "we win as a team and we lose as a team". However, from time to time it really is the individual stars who settle the outcome of a match. It used to be Diego Maradona, now it is the likes of Ronaldinho or Lionel Messi. On the second matchday in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, the honours went to Sergio Aguero. The diminutive Argentine striker turned in a dazzling display to wow the 20,000 sell-out crowd at the National Soccer Stadium in Toronto, and thrill the countless hordes watching on TV. His mazy dribbling and adroit touch on the ball provided the decisive moments in his side's triumph against Poland.

Argentina 3 Poland 1

Sergio Aguero goals served as the crowning glory on the day. After perfect interplay with Maximiliano Moralez to set up Angel Di Maria's first-half equaliser, Aguero fired his side into the lead less than 40 seconds after the restart. The goal oozed class: a lob over his marker's head, a shimmy, a shot, and the ball was in the net - a moment of near-perfection from the youthful starlet. His late second, as he deftly rounded the keeper to make the final score 3-1, was the icing on the cake of an outstanding evening for the pint-sized Argentine goal-getter.

Poland's courageous display and the opening goal of the match from Dawid Janczyk, later to receive his marching orders for a second bookable offence, paled by comparison to the Atletico Madrid youngster, whose five goals to date make him a strong candidate for the Golden Shoe - and potentially the Golden Ball.

Nigeria 2 Zambia 1

The Toronto sun beamed down on the triumphant South Americans, but a couple of hundred miles further north in Ottawa Nigeria and Zambia re-ran their encounter from the qualifying competition in torrential rain. It was a typical meeting between African sides, a physically robust affair with energetic and pacy attacking thrusts. Nigeria ran out 2-1 winners, repeating their success from the qualifier and retaining the chance of matching - or even beating - their commendable runners-up finish in the Netherlands two years ago.

Uwa Echiejile and Chukwuma Akabueze netted for the Nigerians, with Rodgers Kola having scored a first-half leveller for Zambia, who leave for home with heads held high after a thrilling run in Canada.

Mexico 3 Congo 0

Zambia were not to be the only African team packing their bags on the day. After Gambia fell by the wayside against Austria on Wednesday, Congo were also eliminated in a 3-0 reverse to Mexico, muting the songs and dances of celebration which had accompanied the progress of all four African teams into the Round of 16. The Africans were unable to match their opponents from South and North America and from Europe on this occasion.

Elation for Mexico and ChileThe teams from the Americas certainly enjoyed a great day all round. Mexico, roared on by a passionate following at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, lived up to their billing as favourites with a powerful late surge to an ultimately clear-cut victory. After Giovanni Dos Santos had handed his team an early lead from the spot, the Congo collective emerged early from the dressing room for the second half and gathered in a huddle to summon up their reserves of energy and resolve for the second period. But it was not enough against the shrewd Mexicans, as Omar Esperanza and Pablo Barrera wrapped up the win shortly before the end. To rub salt into the wound, Congo finished the game with ten men when Franchel Ibara was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Chile 1 Portugal 0

The sweat poured off the brows of the Chile and Portugal players at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, where the late-afternoon sun generated temperatures of up to 37 degrees at pitch level. The heat may have been a contributory factor as the emotions boiled over, the game setting an unwanted record on the day with three red cards. Chile edged a tight encounter by the only goal of the game when Arturo Vidal struck home from close range on the stroke of half-time. The Chilean hitman's joy at striking the winner will have been tempered in stoppage time when he collected a second yellow card, although the Portuguese were already reduced to nine men by this time, as the referee brandished straight reds at both Zequinha and Mano in the 90th minute.

Saturday and Sunday's quarter-finals have thrown up a series of intriguing ties:
Austria - USA, 14 July, Toronto,

Spain - Czech Republic, 14 July, Edmonton,

Chile - Nigeria, 15 July, Montreal,

Argentina - Mexico, 15 July, Ottawa(Source:FIFA)

Ethiopia Takes Historical Steeplechase Title in Ostrava!

2005-07-14T14:06:00.000-04:00

Ostrava, Czech Republic: 17-year-old Legese Lamiso became the first ever Ethiopian runner to win a global Steeplechase title when he clocked a new World Youth leading time of 5:30.81 to win a superb gold medal at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Ostrava. Lamiso finishing speed was no match for Silas Kosgei Kitum of Kenya who had to settle for silver in personal best 5:32.88.

From the gun, one could tell the race would be an African affair but it was expected that Kenya’s superiority at the event would remain unchallenged until a very determined Lamiso made his move to the front.

Morocco’s Abdellah Dacha out sprinted Jonathan Muia Ndiku, the second Kenyan in the race to claim bronze in yet another personal best 5:34.49. In total 8 out of 12 finalists improved on their personal records.

It looks as though Ethiopia has found a steeplechaser at last. Despite the African nation’s extensive success in endurance events, Ethiopia has never quite managed to dominate the steeplechase the same way in which they have with distance races. But Legese Lamiso could signal the dawning of a new era in Ethiopian distance running.

The Boys 2000m Steeplechase final looked as though it could have gone to any four of the five Africans in the final. The Kenyan pair of Silas Kitum and Jonathan Ndiku led from the start, while Lamiso and Morocco’s Abdellah Dacha followed close behind.

The quartet soon broke away from the chasing pack as the leading position continued to be swapped around by Kitum, Ndiku, Lamiso and Dacha. Half way was reached in 2:48 as the pace began to wound up, making it more difficult for the chasers – led by Spain’s Antonio Abadía and Australia’s Richard Everest – to stay in contact.

Soon after the bell sounded for the last lap, Dacha tried making a move to the front but was forced out into lane three as he tried to negotiate the bodies ahead of him. With 300 metres to go, Lamiso started his long run for home and was pursued by Kitum.

But there was no catching Lamiso who, after sailing over the final water barrier, showed an astounding turn of leg speed to sprint to victory in 5:30.81, having covered the final lap in less than 60 seconds. Kitum held on for silver ahead of Dacha, making it an all-African podium, albeit with medallists from three different countries. Ndiku was fourth, some 16 seconds ahead of Abadía as Everest held on for sixth.(Source:IAAF)

Underdogs Prevailed in U-20 World Cup!!

2005-07-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

The first two quarter-finals at Canada 2007 resulted in victories for the underdogs, with Austria overcoming the United States in rainy Toronto while the Czech Republic got the better of Spain beneath a beating sun in Edmonton. Austria found their way past the much-fancied Americans in their last-eight showdown. With many surprised that they even made it this far, Paul Gludovatz's side pulled off a notable upset by once again employing the tactic that served them so well in the previous round: namely, bringing hungry forward Erwin 'Jimmy' Hoffer off the bench to fire in the winner late on. The Rapid Vienna supersub clearly knows where the goal is, and he made sure no one will forget his contribution by shaving his nickname into his hair before applying the winning touch.

As cameras clicked around the stadium, Hoffer sent Austria through to the semi-finals for the very first time and notched up the 1,700th goal in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the process. There was at least one other record set in Toronto too, as the total crowd figure passed the million mark. In total, 1,008,53 people have attended games so far, at an average of 24,000 per match.

Austria 2 USA 1

Austria's joy was America's disappointment, and the team that saw off both Brazil and Uruguay will surely harbour regrets as they reflect on a tournament many thought they could conquer. Not to make excuses, the rainy conditions without doubt suited the Europeans, who had secretly wished for the skies to open, and Thomas Rongen's men were also handicapped by fatigue after their exploits against the Uruguay in the previous round. Added to that, their chances of success were further diminished when they were reduced to ten men in extra time, but they leave Canada with their head held firmly high. In particular, striker Josmer Altidore finds himself in contention for the Bronze shoe after notching yet another effort to take his final tally to four.

Spain 1 (3) Czech 1 (4)

Tiredness proved a factor in Edmonton as well, where the Czech Republic and Spain played out their quarter-final in searing heat. Both sides had been forced into extra-time in the Round of 16, with Miroslav Soukup's men obliged to earn their ticket in a penalty shoot-out, so it was perhaps unsurprising as the match got off to a tentative start.

In fact, the encounter only really exploded into life in the 102nd minute, when Spanish goalkeeper Adan committed a mistake from a corner, allowing Lubos Kalouda to rifle a thunderous shot into an empty goal. The exhausted Spaniards tried their best to respond, and they did well to pull level when Juan Manuel Mata struck home following an initial attempt from Alberto Bueno. That sent the game to penalties, but the Czechs kept their composure to again earn their passage from the spot, meaning they will have to keep their heads shaved a little while longer as they prepare to take on their Austrian neighbours.

Their hairstyle choices may make light of the matter, but they have now gone down in history as the first side from the Czech Republic to reach the last four, and their semi-final contest with Austria will be a poignant occasion - especially for Austrian goalkeeper Bartolomej Kuru, whose father is Czech. Whoever wins, one of these sides will reach the final for the very first time, and although that may not constitute a football revolution, the beautiful game always appreciates new faces in showpiece occasions.(Source: FIFA)

"Gebrselassie lights up the day for Ethiopian orphans"!

2005-07-17T22:36:00.000-04:00

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Tuesday 17 July 2007): Ethiopian distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie joined more than 1000 kids on a fun run on Saturday as he took a break from his racing commitments.

In an event organized by Right to Play (RTP) in collaboration with Worldwide Orphans (WWO) and UNICEF-Ethiopia, Gebrselassie, who is one of RTP’s national athlete ambassadors, led children from six different orphanages in a one-lap fun run at the Addis Ababa stadium and shared his lifetime achievements with the gathering. “If you are strong and have self confidence, you can reach anywhere,” Gebrselassie said to the children. “You can reach anywhere you want. Everything is possible. The source for the problem of orphaned children starts from their own family. But we are all responsible for the life of these children.”

Gebrselassie’s presence and inspired at the occasion uplifted the spirits of the children, some of whom are HIV positive. And the 34-year old used the occasion to reiterate the need for home-grown solutions to the problems of his country. “I appreciate the support and assistance of the international community and organisations, but the solution (to our problems) lies in our hands,” he said. “We do not have to expect too much from them.”

The event is yet another non-running activity in the life of Gebrselassie who is actively involved in many humanitarian and social commitments in his country. Aside from directing the Great Ethiopian Run, a non-governmental, non-profit organization that stages mass participation running events in Ethiopia, he is also goodwill ambassador for UNDP and Pathfinder International. The two-time Olympic and four-time World 10,000m champion will return to action on 5 August when he takes part in the New York Half Marathon in the USA. (Source: IAAF)

Czech Republic Advance to Final in FIFA U-20 World Cup!!

2005-07-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

Czech Republic booked the first ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Final after a 2-0 semi-final victory over Austria in Edmonton on 18 July, 2007. Early strikes by Tomas Micola and Martin Fenin knocked the stuffing out of Austria and put the Czechs in a commanding position that they never looked like surrendering. The Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz sprang a surprise by including star striker Erwin 'Jimmy' Hoffer from the start in place of Rubin Okotie, despite using the Rapid Vienna forward as a match-winning substitute in their previous two knockout round encounters, but this time he could not deliver. Defender Daniel Grammann came in for Thomas Panny, who broke his leg the day before the game, in a side featuring only five starters from their 2-1 extra-time defeat of USA in the quarter-finals. The Czechs, meanwhile, were unchanged from the team that kicked-off in their penalty shootout win over Spain in the last eight.

The match was only four minutes' old when the Czechs took the lead from a set-piece. Fenin weaved past right back Markus Suttner before being brought down on the edge of the box and when Austria goalkeeper Michael Zaglmair spilled Lubos Kalouda's low, curling free-kick, Micola was on hand to slot home the loose ball. Marek Suchy then fired narrowly wide as Miroslav Soukup's side made a bright, positive start and their lead was doubled in the 15th minute when Fenin turned in Ondrej Kudela's cross from the right flank at close range.

Austria, with Hoffer operating as a lone front man, struggled to get him any service in the first half and the scoreline could have been worse for them at the break had Zaglmair not saved well with his legs when Marek Strestik threatened to score a third. Austria's best opening came just before the interval when Suttner thundered in a left-foot drive which curled past Radek Petr's right-hand post. When the teams switched ends, Suttner went close from roughly the same position with his right foot and it was an ominous start to the second half for Austria.

Okotie joined Hoffer in attack as the hour-mark approached but the pair still could not make any inroads together as the Czech backline was efficiently organised and held up well, though Okotie was unlucky not to hit the target with a late header. The Czechs had done all the hard work early in the match in building their two-goal lead, although they did venture forward in search of more goals without success.

The skies darkened towards the end at the Commonwealth Stadium, where the customary flock of seagulls hovered, approximately 1,000 miles from the sea. Austria were similarly off course as they chased and harried to no avail looking for scraps but the Czechs offered nothing and stayed in full control until Austria midfielder Peter Hackmair brushed the top of the net with a driver from distance as the clock ran down. A crowd of 28,401 amused themselves with Mexican waves as the match petered out without further incident and the Czechs emerged victorious.
Chile or Argentina await Czech Republic in the Final in Toronto on 22 July, while earlier on the same day at the National Soccer Stadium, the Austrians take on the losers of tomorrow's second semi-final in the match for third place.

Argentina Reaches Final in FIFA U-20 World Cup!

2005-07-19T22:58:00.000-04:00

Chile conceded their first goals of these finals on Thursday against familiar opposition, losing out 3-0 after Argentina hit home through Angel Di Maria, Claudio Yacob and Maximiliano Moralez.

The all-South American affair produced some occasionally dazzling football, but will be remembered primarily for its confrontational edge as the Chileans finished with only nine men.

After some nasty collisions and chest thumping in the middle of the park, the first chance of note fell to Argentina's Di Maria. An unfortunate slip at the six-minute mark by Gary Medel on the rain-soaked pitch allowed the Rosario Central striker in with a golden chance, but one that he could only push wide of the near post.

Just seconds later, Chile's Nicolas Medina forced Argentine keeper Sergio Romero into a fine save as the contentious affair looked to be settling into an interesting back-and-forth rhythm.
From nothing, the Argentines - who had created precious little up to that point - grabbed an opening goal on the 12-minute mark. Ever Banega, the brilliant Boca Juniors starlet, dribbled one man in midfield, then showed great determination to tackle the ball back from a second challenge before slipping a wonderful through pass to Di Maria racing into the box. He made no mistake this time, slamming his left footer off the inside of the post and into the back of net.

As the Chileans tried to adjust to life coming from behind (Di Maria's goal was the first they have conceded at these finals) tempers boiled over. Chilean fullback Medel kicked out at Gabriel Mercado and was promptly given his marching orders by the German referee. Despite being down a man, the Chileans had the better of the play as the first half wore on. Gerardo Cortes nearly hit home with an audacious chip form 50 yards but La Rojita headed into the locker-room a man down and a goal behind.

The second period started with a major blow for the Argentines as scorer Di Maria limped off with what looked a hamstring pull. And in a nice touch of class in what was an extremely competitive contest, several Chileans came over to offer their condolences as tears streamed down the strikers face. All generous romanticism was banished just minutes later though, when, in the 65th minute, Argentina's 'little big man' Maxi Moralez crossed low from the left for Racing mate Claudio Yacob, who poked home from close range. Having been booked a few minutes earlier, the scorer knew he would be missing the Final - Argentina's second on the trot - for an accumulation of cards, and showed great spirit in making sure he did his part on the night. Maxi Moralez then went on to put the game beyond doubt with a close-range tap in during stoppage time. Captain Matias Cahais will join Yacob in the stands for the Final against the Czechs, having picked up his second yellow of the second round in the over-tough semi-final. For Chile, Medel and Dagoberto Currimilla (who was sent off late in the match) will both miss the third-place game against Austria.

Five Reasons for Argentine Hope!

2005-07-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Argentina are just 90 minutes away from claiming an incredible sixth world title in this category. Some 30 years on from the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Albiceleste are hoping to draw inspiration from their proud record at the tournament as they head into Sunday's decider against first-time finalists Czech Republic. Read on as FIFA.com lists five reasons why the South Americans are considered favourites for victory here in Canada. However, don't write off the East Europeans, who are determined to relieve the holders of their title and strike a blow for Czech football.

History

With five U-20 world titles to their name, Argentina are the most successful team in the history of the competition. The first win came at Japan 1979, when some dazzling displays by a certain Diego Armando Maradona proved instrumental. The Albiceleste's 16-year wait for their second title finally ended at Qatar 1995 after the appointment of coach Jose Pekerman and assistant Hugo Tocalli. The duo would go on to lead the side to further honours at Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001 and Netherlands 2005. "We're one step away from maintaining that tradition," said current boss Tocalli, who will be appearing at his first final without Pekerman this Sunday.

Current form

The performances of Tocalli's side have been steadily improving as the tournament has gone on. The team topped Group E with two wins and a draw, the latter coming against Sunday's opponents. In the Round of 16, they came from behind to see off Poland (3-1) thanks in no small part to star striker Sergio Aguero, while in the quarters and semis respectively, they put paid to the hopes of two of the best footballing sides at Canada 2007: Mexico (1-0) and Chile (3-0). "When the going gets tough, this team stands tall and imposes its personality. Our results so far have helped our confidence, but there is still one more step to go," says attacking midfielder and four-goal scorer Maximiliano Moralez.

Stats

Argentina are the team with the highest number of goals scored (14) and the lowest number conceded (1) at Canada 2007. The only team they failed to score against was Czech Republic, while the only side to breach Sergio Romero's goal were Poland. However, even then, the Albiceleste bounced back to seal a comfortable victory. "We'll be looking to field an attacking side, which will come as no surprise given the players we have in our squad. We didn't start [our campaign] too well against the Czechs, but we've ended up playing the kind of football our people like to see," remarks the coach.

Experience

Unlike many of their competitors at Canada 2007, Argentina's players have already accumulated a wealth of first-team experience at club sides, both at home and abroad. For example, of the side that started their semi-final against Chile, seven are first-choice players at their clubs, two others are occasional starters, while two more are waiting for the chance at Spanish side Sevilla and England's Liverpool respectively. Tocalli makes no attempt to mask the pride he feels about his players: "Regardless of what happens in Sunday's final, I'm very happy with this group of players. We need to look beyond the results to the long term, and in this respect I think we're forming very complete players for future senior teams."

Hunger

While the Czech Republic players will not be lacking in desire on Sunday, the young Albicelestes will take to the field in the knowledge that a win could speed up their promotion to Alfio Basile's senior team. Sergio Aguero, a member of the side who lifted the title at Netherlands 2005 and the team's top-scorer here in Canada, explains what victory would mean. "Wearing the national colours is an honour in any category. All of us know that winning this title would represent the kind of step up in quality we need if we are to be considered for inclusion in the senior team. And that's what we're aspiring to."

Iraq Defeated South Korea to Reach Asian Cup Final.

2005-07-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

Iraq stunned South Korea 4-3 on penalties Wednesday and Saudi Arabia upset defending champions Japan 3-2 to set up an Asian Cup final few expected to see. It is Iraq's first-ever major final and sparked wild celebrations in Baghdad, while the Saudis atoned for the last tournament in China in 2004 when they failed to make the decider for the first time in 20 years.They meet in Jakarta on Sunday while Japan and South Korea face an unwanted trip to Pelambang in Indonesia on Saturday to play-off for third place.

Iraq's epic match went to a shootout after both sides failed to score in over two hours' of sustained committed football.The decisive breakthrough came when goalkeeper Noor Sabri pushed Yeom Ki-hun's spot kick past the post and then Kim Jung-woo's shot hit the upright and bounced away.Iraq are now just one match away from completing their greatest football achievement after they reached the semi-final of the 2004 Athens Olympics and the final of last year's Asian Games in Doha.

The victory sparked a barrage of gunfire in the Iraqi capital, as security forces, militant groups, insurgents and residents put aside their differences and fired skywards."This victory is for the people of Iraq because they deserve it," said Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira. "It also also for the boys because they worked very, very hard."Korea are a good team and I thought we neutralised them well. We were better than Korea on the fitness side. Is is a game that we will never forget."It was desolation for the Koreans who have now failed to make the final since 1988. "I am proud. We were not outplayed once in this tournament," insisted Korea's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek."We fought like hell. If people think that is not enough, then that's okay."

Iraq had the better scoring chances in an uninspiring first 45 minutes but it was largely Korea in the second period until they tired in extra-time.The Iraqi were unlucky not to seal the victory then. Hawar Mohammed had a great chance when Haidar Abdul Amer's cross had the Korean defence in a dither and Hawar's shot hit the inside of the post and rolled along the goal-line.

In Hanoi, Saudi Arabia reached the final for the sixth time in seven tournaments with a smash-and-grab win over Japan.The Saudis relied on their thrusting, rapier counter-attacks to mug the Japanese who dominated the ball without often threatening to turn possession into goals.Livewire forward Malek Maaz netted a brace with strike partner Yasser Al Qahtani also scoring.The opening goal came on 35 minutes. Adulrahman Al Qahtani won a free-kick and Taisir Al Jassam rose highest to meet his cross and the ball dropped kindly to Yasser Al Qahtani who needed no second invitation to rifle home.That seemed to wake up the Japanese who were level just two minutes later through centre-back Yuji Nakazawa.

The second period was not allowed to settle into a pedestrian affair as the Saudis broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart.Taisir Al Jassam released Ahmed Al Bahri down the right and his pinpoint cross was headed home by Maaz.Once again it took a goal to awake the Japanese and they drew level again after another six minutes when Nachiro Takahara rose highest to head back Endo's corner for Yuki Abe to volley home.On 57 minutes the Saudis went in front again through Maaz, who twisted and turned two defenders before finishing with the outside of his boot. (Source: Soccerway)

Kenenisa Bekele Produced the Highlight Performance of GPIAGA!

2005-07-29T13:41:00.000-04:00

Ethiopia's reigning Olympic and World 10,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele produced the highlight performance of the ‘4th Gran Premio Internacional de Atletismo Gobierno de Aragón” held last night (July 28) on a hot and windy day.

The 4th Gran Premio Internacional de Atletismo Gobierno de Aragón is one of a select group of Area meetings at which points can be acquired by athletes to qualify for the IAAF / VTB Bank World Atletics Final. The 25-year-old Bekele managed to dip under the 12:50 barrier in his first appearance over 5000m this summer campaign by clocking 12:49.53. In doing so Bekele raised himself to the top position on this year’s world list in a season which had not until last night seen a sub-13 minutes 5000m performance. Bekele also recorded a best Spain’s all-comers time in the process.The men’s 5000m was the marquee event of the night programme and it had been billed over the days prior to the event as a serious attack on Bekele’s own World record of 12:37.35 set in Hengelo three years ago. However, weather conditions were far from ideal as the thermometer indicated over 30ºC - although the event was held at 22.10h - and there were also annoying gusts of wind.

Following on from his two overwhelming victories over 3000m earlier this month in Sheffield (7:26.69 on Sunday 15) and Monaco (7:29.32 last Wednesday 25) a determined Bekele had asked the organisers to be paced through the 3000m point in a World record schedule of 7:35 but the task proved to be too tough for the pacesetters. Following an opening km in 2:32.73 the World record holder for the distance witnessed the clock reading a slow 5:07.65 going through the 2000m point and decided to take charge of the race run from then on.

A magnificent display of solo running saw Bekele crossing the 3000m in 7:40.11 some five seconds slower than the schedule. The crucial split was the fourth kilometre as a lonesome Bekele covered that section in 2:35.97 (10:16.08 overall) so any possibility of setting a new World record vanished. By that point the five-time double world cross country champion advantage over his closest pursuers was a huge 200m.

Finally, Bekele returned to his 2:33 tempo to romp home in a stunning 12:49.53 given the far from perfect circumstances. The winner re-confirmed his intention of not making the double 5000-10,000 in Osaka and was quoted as saying “I’m happy since I have just establish a new world leading time but I soon realised that my target was going to be unreachable due to the wind and the fact of being forced to run on my own for too many laps”. Kenya’s Edwin Kipkorir was a distant second in 13:27.63.(IAAF)

Arsene Wenger in optimistic mood ahead of new season!!

2005-07-31T01:00:00.000-04:00

After two successive wins against Paris St. Germain and Inter Milan last weekend Arsenal lifted The Emirates Cup, hardly the most prestigious piece of silverware but a triumph that boosted Arsene Wenger's confidence in his much criticised youth system. ESPNSoccernet caught up with the charismatic Frenchman as he reflected on victory in the pre-season tournament and revealed his thoughts and ambitions for the coming season.

ESPNSoccernet: Arsenal won the Emirates Cup. What does that mean for the club only two weeks before the Premiership restarts?

Arsene Wenger: 'It was an important win for us. We were missing a lot of key players going into the tournament like Rosicky, Adebayor, Walcott, Djourou and Eduardo but you could see that the players we had at our disposal still formed a very strong unit. I always had faith in this team and what I saw during the tournament confirmed my confidence that we can pull off something big this season. I am very optimistic.'

ESPNSoccernet:However, that wasn't always the case following a season without trophies plus the departures of Thierry Henry and David Dein. At one stage there were also rumours that you were on the verge of leaving the club. Is Arsenal in a state of crisis at the moment?

Arsene Wenger: 'From the outside it is easy to get that impression. But on the inside we are working, and we are very determined. The rumours that were created were based on the friendship I had with Thierry Henry and David. But I am responsible for the technical development of the club and it was important that I remained in my place.'

ESPNSoccernet: Your contract runs out at the end of this season and you haven't signed an extension yet. Why?

Arsene Wenger: 'It is not the right time to discuss that. But when I came here in 1996 nobody had thought that I would stay for such a long time here.'

ESPNSoccernet: After Manchester United, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham, Manchester City were recently purchased by a billionaire (The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra). But Arsenal has resisted any outside attempts to buy the club. And the result is that club is leading a very withdrawn existence in the transfer market.

Arsene Wenger: 'Everybody knew that the competition on the transfer market would be extremely tough with the enormous amounts which clubs invest in players these days. But we wanted to take a different path than the rest of the clubs with emphasis on our young players. At the same time we did not have the luxury of investing heavily because of our financial restrictions. Besides, people should remember that Manchester United did not spend a lot of money recruiting last season and they won the title. I think that says it all, right?'

ESPNSoccernet: But that is why Thierry Henry left. Because of the missing promises to bring in any big players.

Arsene Wenger: 'Neither Arsenal nor I make promises to anybody. A club functions best if everyone sticks to their job. I am in charge of the technical part. Not the financial part. Everybody must stick to their role and a player cannot intervene. But at the moment of his departure I did not get the feeling that Henry was unhappy about our recruitment policy. Henry left because he wanted to leave the club. Besides, I took time to thank him for everything he did for the club. But the club also did a lot for him. Nobody stays here forever.'

ESPNSoccernet: Following the departure of David Dein, you took over all the transfer negotiations. How did that affect you physically and psychologically?

Arsene Wenger: 'Yes, you are right. It is very demanding. I was extremely occupied during the summer but this is the case every summer. What I hate is all the paperwork that takes such a long time. But somebody has now taken the place of David Dein and he is in charge of all the negotiations.'

ESPNSoccernet: You have been a big believer in the return of Anelka to Arsenal. And he also wants to come back. But he hasn't signed yet. Has Peter Hill-Wood laid down a veto against this move?

Arsene Wenger: 'The President has not said no. I can get Anelka if I want. But we chose Eduardo instead because it was easier to work with a player who had no prior history at the club. Besides, we have plenty of strikers with Eduardo, Bendtner, Adebayor et Van Persie.'

ESPNSoccernet: It is now two years since Arsenal has won a trophy. Is that acceptable?

Arsene Wenger: 'What people don't understand is that we played in a new stadium and my players needed to adapt to that. But of course it was completely unacceptable that we were 16 points behind the league leaders by the end of October. This season I want us to compete for the title. We want to be respected for our style of play. And I will try to apply the tactics that respects the philosophy of the club. It was very interesting to see what we accomplished in the Carling Cup. It is a good competition to develop young players. But it is not a major trophy. What we are interested in is solely the English title and the Champions League.'

ESPNSoccernet: Thierry Henry has said that Arsenal could win the English title this season. What do you think about that.

Arsene Wenger: 'It is not bad for a club in crisis to get such a vote of confidence from one of your players. When I see the number of talents that we have at this club it gives me reason for being optimistic. We have world-class players and we have compensated for the departures from the club. We are very well prepared. I am very excited!'

"The Distance-Running King Isn’t Resting on His Laurels"

2005-08-04T12:59:00.000-04:00

Haile Gebrselassie walked through Manhattan on a sweltering afternoon, a slight man in a simple khaki outfit, drawing attention only because two burly bodyguards cleared a path for him. Gebrselassie’s trademark smile, unwavering in yesterday’s heat and commotion, erupted in laughter when two passersby wondered aloud if perhaps he was the president of an African country.

If Gebrselassie had crossed town unescorted, the man universally regarded as the greatest distance runner would have turned few heads. His star will only shine come tomorrow when he re-enters the world he dominates, running in the NYC Half-Marathon. It will be the first time the 34-year-old Gebrselassie will run in New York.

The star-studded men’s field will also include the former New York Marathon champion Hendrik Ramaala and the three-time Boston Marathon champion Robert Cheruiyot. “New York is New York,” Gebrselassie said later, laughing again, ensconced in an Ethiopian restaurant, Meskerem. “I come here and I wonder when it will become quiet here. It is never quiet.” Luring Gebrselassie into the din from his home in Ethiopia was an eight-year quest by New York Road Runners. The group’s president, Mary Wittenberg, hopes he will someday join the field of its biggest event, the New York Marathon. This year, the Half-Marathon fit into Gebrselassie’s schedule as he prepares for the Berlin Marathon in September. “There is Haile as an athlete and Haile as a man, and he is a superstar in both regards,” Wittenberg said. “He is the best ambassador for our sport. He can take over a race and he just fills up a room.”

Gebrselassie’s storied career includes 22 world-record performances, two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000 meters and 107 major-race victories. Recently, Gebrselassie has turned his talents to longer distances, winning three of six marathons since 2005 and winning every one of his seven half-marathons. His world record in that event was surpassed earlier this year by Samuel Wanjiru, a 20-year-old from Kenya. But Gebrselassie has little intention of resting on his résumé or giving in to a younger generation. He surprised the track world in May with a last-minute entry into a 10,000-meter race in Hengelo, the Netherlands, where he finished fifth and became the first man over 30 to break 27 minutes. He ran it in 26:52. The first time he broke 27 minutes, he was 22. “Everybody was surprised,” Gebrselassie said. “People say, ‘You are too old.’ But I’m not old. I feel still young.”

Gebrselassie believes he could still dominate his old track distances, except the intensity of that training led to a series of injuries. He was forced to withdraw from the London Marathon in April after 18 miles when he had an allergic reaction to the pollen in the air. He said he had never had an allergy attack before. “It’s not an easy thing,” Gebrselassie said. “In the marathon you are running against the distance. It’s 42K. You never know where the problem you will have. In the 10 and the 5,000, it’s just competing against either the time or the athletes. But the marathon, you compete against the distance itself.” Gebrselassie has encountered no such problems in half-marathons, building an undefeated streak, and he is now the target of a strong international field in New York. The 13.1-mile race starts in Central Park, races through Times Square and ends in Battery Park. “He is the greatest distance runner who ever lived,” said Peter Gilmore, the top American entrant. “I’ve never raced against him. It’s going to be cool.”

Gebrselassie, long accustomed to the awe he has inspired, refuses to stop finding challenges. He said he picked his races for the chance to do something special, to reward fans with a memorable performance. Back home in Addis Ababa, Gebrselassie owns and runs a real estate developing business with his wife, Alem. Their four children, ages 2 to9, know nothing of the hardscrabble beginning that launched their father’s career. He grew up on a farm, running the more than six miles to school each day. “You need a hard time when you are training, especially long distance,” he said. “My kids, they live a luxury life. Between my house and school, it’s 3K and they use a car. My age, it was 10K and you walked to school.”

Across Ethiopia, a younger generation has taken up running because of Gebrselassie. Many runners he trains with, he said, are too shy to speak with him comfortably. But he loves to see them competing. It is a major reason he never moved from his country, despite his fame and the pressure that comes with it. “When you ask them why they start running, and they say, ‘I start because of Haile Gebrselassie,’ for me it’s something special,” he said. “Now, you ask me what I feel. It’s the other way around. These athletes they start running because of me. Now I continue running because of them. When I see them run in the national championships and one of them breaks a record, I just feel so good. I am very proud.” If he wishes anonymity, he needs only to come to Times Square on a summer afternoon. (The New York Times, Aug 4, 2007)

Haile Gebresilassie is still Undefeated in Half-Marathon!

2005-08-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Haile Gebrselassie, the double Olympic gold medalist and multiple World record-holder from Ethiopia, won the second annual NYC Half-Marathon Presented by NIKE today, clocking 59:24, the second-fastest Half-Marathon time ever on North American soil.

The pace was quick from the start as “Geb,” American 10K and 10,000-meter champion Abdi Abdirahman, and defending Boston Marathon and LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon champ Robert Cheruiyot opened with a 14:11 5K (4:33-per-mile pace) despite the hilly Central Park terrain.

“It wasn’t what I was expecting, those first few miles,” said Gebrselassie, 34, who thanked Abdirahman and Cheruiyot for setting a fast early pace. “I thought maybe we’d just run easy in a big pack, then start to run hard later.” An unexpected break in the warm, humid weather of the past week made for near-ideal summer racing conditions. As the lead trio exited the park onto Seventh Avenue at 7.5 miles (12K), Cheruiyot reached for a drink at a fluid station. Abdirahman seized the opportunity to bolt into the lead. Gebrselassie covered the move. “When I caught him, he asked me to go,” Gebrselassie recounted, flashing his trademark smile. “I thought maybe he wanted me to be the rabbit, but I felt good, so I went. He didn’t catch me again.”

The runners continued south through the heart of Times Square, past the giant NASDAQ screen flashing WABC Channel 7 race coverage, west onto 42nd Street, and then south again at 15K (9.3 miles) onto the West Side Highway for the drive to the finish just north of historic Battery Park. Gebrselassie maintained his lead with apparent ease, cruising to victory more than a minute in front of Abdirahman, 30, who ran a personal-best 1:00:29. Abdirahman will compete in the 10,000 meters at the IAAF World Championships in Osaka later this month.

Only Gebrselassie has run faster in North America – he clocked 58:55 in Phoenix early last year – and collected his eighth Half Marathon victory in as many attempts over the distance.
Cheruiyot, 28, was third in 1:00:58 and was transported to a hospital for observation due to dizziness; he was later released. "He felt weak and a little confused at the finish," said Cheruiyot's manager, Federico Rosa, who accompanied him to the hospital. "He went to the hospital as a precaution. He was there for about an hour, and everything was okay."(IAAF)

Ethiopia names squad of 33 for Osaka 2007!

2005-08-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

Double World 5000m and one-time World 10,000m champion Tirunesh Dibaba will defend both her titles as the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) announced its strong squad of 33 athletes for the 11th IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan. The squad includes star names like Kenenisa Bekele, Meseret Defar, and Meselech Melkamu and ten athletes who will make their World Championships debut in the Japanese coastal city.

The pick of the selection will bring stars Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar as they race each other for first time since September 2006. Tirunesh Dibaba qualifies as the defending champion and will come up against her compatriot Meseret Defar in a repeat of the epic Golden League showdowns of 2006. While Dibaba has focused mainly on training and limited competition, Defar has enjoyed a phenomenal season where she sliced nearly eight seconds off the World 5000m record in Oslo and took victory in the All-African Games 5000m final. Her closest opponent on that occasion, Meselech Melkamu, will continue to knock the door on the top two with Gelete Burka also lying in the wings.

Ethiopian women took the first four places in the last World Championships and according to national team coach Tolosa Kotu, the objective is to repeat this performance. “The athletes are performing well in training,” he said at the squad announcement press conference. “Hopefully, they can repeat the same result in Osaka."

Ethiopian men have not won gold over the 10,000m only once since 1991 and that record should continue once again this year. Back to defend his World title is Kenenisa Bekele as he chases a third successful World outdoor title that will put him within touching distance of Haile Gebrselassie’s record of four successive victories. As in previous years, Sileshi Sihine will again be expected to increase the team’s medal chances and provide competition for Kenenisa. Gebregziabher Gebremariam, the 2005 national champion, returns after recording an impressive personal best time of 26:52.33, while Tadesse Tola, the 2007 national champion and All-African Games silver medallist, will again provide strong competition.

The men’s 5000m is composed of two members of the squad that took gold and silver in the last World Junior Championships in Beijing, China in August 2006. Champion Tariku Bekele has come in leaps and bounds since his runaway victory in the Chinese capital and will compete in his second World Championships after finishing seventh two years ago in Helsinki.

Silver medallist Abraham Cherkose is regarded by many as the new protégée of Ethiopian distance running. The 18-year-old, who is legible to compete in the World Junior Championships in 2008, holds World Youth records over the 3000m and 5000m. Joining the duo in the team is Bekana Daba, winner of the 5000m title at the All-Ethiopian Games in March. After an up-and-down season, Daba clinched his place in the team after beating strong opponents in Braaschart, Belgium in July. Defending World silver medallist Sileshi Sihine has been named a reserve in case any of the above runners should pull out.

Ethiopia will also field four women runners in Osaka. Tirunesh Dibaba leads the way with a title defence, but the encouraging form of Mestawet Tufa should help ally any medal fears. Tufa leads the world this year with an impressive 31:00.27, but even more impressive was her victory in the All-African Games where she handily beat Kenya’s Edith Masai. Defending World bronze medallist Ejegayehou Dibaba will hope to put an injury-plagued season behind her, while Ahaza Kiros has piped Teyiba Erkesso in the race for the last spot in the team.

In the selection over the 1500m, three athletes have been picked by selectors of the EAF after fulfilling the IAAF qualification A standard time. A fourth athlete, Gelete Burka, has chosen to focus only on the 5000m despite running the fifth fastest time in the world in 2007. Of the two men in the squad, Mekonnen Gebremedhin has previous major championship experience having been part of Ethiopian World Youth (2003) and Junior (2006) squads in the past. The 18-year-old has improved his personal twice in two weeks in July eventually to 3:36.04 in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. Derese Mekonnen will take with him to Osaka a commendable fourth place finish in the All-African Games 1500m final. Mestawet Tadesse is the only woman middle distance runner in the team.

Ethiopian runners have broken record ground this year with five runners (3 women and 2 men) achieving the IAAF qualification A standard for the first time. The men’s squad is a unique balance between experience and form. National junior record holder Nahom Mesfin has major championship experience with fourth in the 2006 IAAF World Junior Championships and bronze in the All-African Games. Roba Gari came only two seconds off Eshetu Tura’s 27-year-old national record earlier this year as he improved his personal best from 8:31 (Addis Ababa stadium record) to 8:15.05 in Brazzaville, Congo in the space of only one month. Of the three women in the squad, Netsanet Achamo, fourth in the African Championships last year in Mauritius, will be buoyed by her national record time of 9:28.03 earlier this year after winning the national championships in a 10:01 in May. World junior bronze medallist Mekdes Bekele has competed well in the international circuit including a race with current World record holder Gulnara Samitova in Moscow, Russia. Zemzem Ahmed, an athlete running for the Ethiopian Banks club, will be happy with a place in the squad after securing her place with only ten days before selectors announced their final squad.

Rather surprisingly, Ethiopian women have never won a World Championships Marathon medal. An interesting mix of a young crop and an experienced breed now aim to work to put an end to that statistic in Osaka. The youth is provided primarily by Askale Tafa, Roba Guta, and Dire Tune. Tafa boasts an impressive 100% winning over the marathon since September 2006 winning marathons in Dubai and Paris. Guta is the fastest in the field with a personal best of 2:24.35, while Dire Tune is a recent winner of Houston Marathon in 2:26.52. The experience in the team is provided by Shetaye Gemechu, a two-time Olympian, while Adanech Zekiros completes the line-up.

The men’s squad is also a mix of youth and experience. Sydney Olympics bronze medallist Tesfaye Tola makes a surprising return this year to add experience to the team. Gashaw Melese is the fastest in the field with his second place finish in Paris. Regarded as one of Ethiopia’s most natural marathon runners, Gashaw is desperate to make amends after dropping out two years ago in Helsinki. Thirteenth-placed Gudissa Shentema was Ethiopia’s highest finisher two years ago and makes a return. Ambesse Tolossa and Dejene Berhanu will run a world Championships Marathon for the first time.

The marathon squad will be missing three of the world’s top marathon runners. According to EAF Technical Director Dube Jillo, the EAF has accepted national record holder Haile Gebrselassie’s application for exclusion from the team because the World 20000m, one-hour, and 20km record holder fears a recurrence of an asthma problem. “We have accepted his kind request because he is a hero of Ethiopia and has competed with distinction for the last 20 years.”

The EAF has also accepted the exclusion requests of Gete Wami and Berhane Adere who had opted to try out for a place in the 10,000m team, but dropped out in their attempts in Valenswaard, Netherlands and Barakaldo, Spain due to injury.“These athletes have run well for over fifteen years,” said Jillo. “There will be opportunities for them to compete for Ethiopia in the future.”

Ethiopian squad for the 11th IAAF World Championships in Osaka 2007

MEN (16)

1500m: Derese Mekonnen, Mekonnen Gebremedhin3000m SC: Roba Gari, Nahom Mesfin

5000m: Tariku Bekele, Abraham Cherkose, Bekana Daba, Sileshi Sihine

10,000m: Kenenisa Bekele, Sileshi Sihine, Gebregziabher Gebremariam, Tadesse Tola

Marathon: Gashaw Melese, Dejene Berhanu, Ambesse Tolosa, Gudissa Shentema, Tesfaye Tola

WOMEN (16)

1500m: Mestawet Tadesse

3000m SC: Netsanet Achamo, Mekdes Bekele, Zemzem Ahmed

5000m: Tirunesh Dibaba, Meseret Defar, Gelete Burka, Meselech Melkamu

10,000m: Tirunesh Dibaba, Mestawet Tufa, Ejegayehou DibabaAheza Kiros

Marathon: Robe Guta, Askale Tafa, Dure Tune, Adanech Zekiros, Shetaye Gemechu (IAAF)

Mestawet Tufa-Another Hope for Ethiopian Athletics Team!

2005-08-18T18:20:00.000-04:00

Of the few things that irritated Ethiopian runner Mestawet Tufa in the two years prior to 2007, the mention of the words 10,000m definitely topped the list.“I hated the mention of the event,” Tufa says. “Five years ago when I competed for the first time in the event in Addis Ababa, I was lapped by five or six runners and finished seventh.” Instead of working hard and getting better at the event, Tufa chose to stay away from the event until this year when she ‘gambled’ on a decision to return at the 36th Ethiopian Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa.

It has proven to be a masterstroke of a decision that has since seen her take the national title, run a world leading time (31:00.47 in Valenswaard, Netherlands) at the distance to secure her place in Ethiopia’s team for the 11th IAAF World Championships in Osaka, and storm past world class challengers to win the All African Games title in Algiers, Algeria.

More significantly, however, it has put her in contention for a medal when the world’s top distance runners line up for the women’s 10,000m in the Japanese coastal city.“I am happy that I made the decision to try the 10,000m,” she says. “It has given me the best year of my career.”

Before her career shift, Tufa boasted a number of significant performances to her name in youth and junior athletics with her 3000m silver in the 2001 World youth championships in Debrecen, Hungary, and a fifth place finish over the 3000m at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile the most noteworthy results in her earlier years.It was a bright opening to an international career that had always promised so much since she joined the Ethiopian club system initially with the Muger Cement sports club.

Born in Bekoji, home to some of Ethiopia’s world class running talents like the Bekele brothers and the Dibaba sisters, Tufa, like Kenenisa Bekele, is the second child in a family of nine children. And like Bekele, her parents tilled the land three times a year for cash and subsistence crops.“I have never noticed the resemblance,” she says. “But now that you mentioned it, I was also born in the same village as Kenenisa which is a one-hour run from the centre of Bekoji. I also went to the same school as Kenenisa and was introduced to the sport in Physical Education (P.E) classes by Coach Sentayehu Eshetu [the same coach who first spotted Kenenisa’s speed when he trained for football matches].”

But Tufa was not easily won over by the lure of the sport early on. “I was extremely shy,” she says. “I was embarrassed for changing from skirts to running shorts and used to get punished in school for it. It was one day when I won a small race, I don’t even remember the distance, that I showed interest. I remember telling my father that I would be the next Derartu Tulu.”

Despite her initial enthusiasm, it took a year before Tufa was convinced that running would be her chosen destiny in life. “After winning a race in Bekoji, I was selected to represent the zone in the Oromiya regional championships,” she says. “I won that race in Assela and entered the Ethiopian cross country championships representing the region. I finished tenth overall, but finished first in the division for regional runners.”

Her performances quickly caught the attention of the top clubs in Ethiopia. Tezazu Wubshet of the Oromiya Prisons sports club even offered her to stay at his home and help her train. “I escaped from his house and went back home to my mother,” she says. “I was homesick and did not realize the importance of running at the time.”

At the end, Tolosa Kotu, current national team coach and then Muger Cement sports club head coach, convinced her to join his club. She would only stay less than a year before joining her current club Omedla. “I liked the colour of their running jersey,” she says referring to Omedla’s bright yellow track tops. “I also lived and trained with runners of the club and had always dreamt of joining them.”

Tufa competed successfully for Omedla before she was selected for the national team in 2000. After her successes in Santiago and Debrecen, she had looked to follow on the success trail of Dibaba, Defar, and other Ethiopian runners when she started her senior year in 2004, but that was exactly when her injury nightmares started.“I had won the 5000m in the Addis Ababa Municipal Championships that year,” she says. “But a week before the Ethiopian championships, I suffered a knee injury. I have never been the same since then. I had treatment on the injured both in Ethiopia and overseas, but I have not been able to return back to form in the following years.”

After many starts and stops in her career, Tufa finally got the consistency and fitness she had craved for so long last year when she first qualified for the world cross country championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and announced herself on the senior stage with a seventh place finish in the long course.“Getting my health back was very important for me,” she says. “I was able to train hard over an extended period without feeling any pains. That was the key to my good performance in Fukuoka.”

She had run well over the roads and the cross country this year before making her winning return to the 10,000m in May. But after running a career best of 14:51.72 in Hengelo, she then suffered a recurrence of the injury that had plagued an early part of her career. “I had arranged to run in Valenswaard, Netherlands,” she recalls. “But I started to feel the pain; I had given up hope of making the race. However, it was Haile Gebrselassie who advised me to run despite my injury problems. I thank him now because of the result.”

The result was victory and a world leading 31:00.27 who guaranteed her place in Ethiopia’s team for Osaka. A month later, she followed up her fast time with victory over Kenyan Edith Masai in the All-African Games 10000m final.“When I trained in Addis Ababa, I knew in my heart that I would do well in Algiers,” she says. “I decided to run to my strengths in Algiers. I decided to kick with 800m to go. Our coaches and Ethiopian spectators thought I was really crazy and miscalculated the laps because it is not usual for Ethiopian runners to sprint for so long. But it paid off and I am delighted with the victory.”

Her victory has put her among the favourites to grab a medal in Osaka and perhaps push compatriot and defending champion Tirunesh Dibaba to the line. But the 23-year old is not ready to heap her prospects.“This will be my first major competition,” she says. “I want to do well and make a good impression. I do not want to set targets like medals or victories at this moment.”(IAAF-by Elshadai Negash)

Clichy keen to add to his experience!

2005-08-21T23:49:00.000-04:00

Despite being only 22, Gaël Clichy, is alongside Kolo Toure and Gilberto Silva as one of the most experienced performers at Arsenal - the club he joined in 2002 from French side Cannes. As perhaps the best left back in the Premier League, Clichy has not only got his eyes on winning the English title but also on playing for 'Les Bleus'. ESPNSoccernet met him in London.

Question: In your 2-1 win against Fulham and in the 2-0 win against Sparta, Arsenal seemed to display a new mental stability towards the end of the matches.

Clichy: 'It just goes to show that we will never ever give in. Things have changed in comparison to the last few seasons. In the past two years we failed to have a true winning attitude at the start of the season and that cost us dearly. Last year we lost seven points in the first three matches of the season. We gave up more easily towards the end of the matches simply because we weren't focused enough. We especially had problems against the lesser sides. After a win in Manchester you simply cannot allow yourself to go and lose points against Wigan. But this has been a big learning experience for us and today we finish the game with the same focus as we start it.'

Question: Thanks to your 2-0 win in Prague you took a huge step towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League again.

Clichy:: 'We knew that in terms of technical ability we were far better than them. Of course we knew that they had some weapons we had to look out for. Sparta are an extremely physical side. A lot of teams think that they can just break us down on our lack of physique because we are a young side. It is like that every week in England. But we are not the same Arsenal that you have seen the last two seasons. We have moved on.'

Question: Does the team feel more at ease in the Emirates Stadium now than in the beginning?

Clichy:: I never had any difficulties but yes, as a team, we had problems. The trouble we created for ourselves last season was not based on the feeling of playing in a new stadium but instead on individual errors. I made a huge mistake at home against West Ham and we lost 1-0. And I said to myself: 'It is your mistake, not the others''. Everybody must take responsibility for himself.

Question: With the departures of Thierry Henry and David Dein plus the uncertainty around the future of Arsene Wenger, are Arsenal still going through a crisis?

Clichy:: It's true that the last two seasons have been very difficult. In every sport there is a constant cry for titles and trophies. And at that level we have disappointed everybody. For the club it has been very difficult to see players like Vieira, Henry and Ljungberg leave year after year. Do we need new players? Will we miss Henry? It is up to Arsene to answer that question. Players don't get mixed up in those questions. Everyone has his role to play. It is up to the coach to put the best side on the pitch and it is up to us to play the best football. If everybody works together, why shouldn't we be able to win the Champions League?

Question: Will the departures of some of your more established stars allow the youngsters in your squad to develop quicker?

Clichy:: It has encouraged us to hand out responsibilities to more players than we have done in the past. Previously, when we were losing 1-0 we would just trust Pat (Vieira), Dennis (Bergkamp) or Thierry (Henry) to get us out of trouble. There was nothing unusual about that because they were and are still some of the best players in the world. In a team the old ones must lead by example without letting the youngsters remain in the shadow. But it doesn't always work like that. They were so good so a lot of our players often hid behind their talent. So perhaps their departure was a blessing in disguise. They are not here anymore, so there are no options. We have to get the job done with the means we have.

Question: You are only 22 years old, but you are still one of the most experienced players in the Arsenal squad

Clichy:: 'I have been at the club now for five years. I was one of four players (Kolo Toure, Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann) who became known as 'The Invincibles') when we won the title in 2004 without losing a match. I try to hand over my experience and pass on what Robert Pires, Thierry Henry or Sylvain Wiltord taught me.'

Question: Arsene Wenger said at the beginning of this season that you are ripe to compete for a spot in the French national side this year.

Clichy:: My first priority is to secure my space in the Arsenal starting-eleven. But I am working hard in practice sessions to get my chance to play for France. But I am patient. When (Raymond) Domenech decides that it is time, I am ready. At the moment there are players that are better qualified than me (Abidal and Evra). But I will continue to work at getting my chance.(ESPN)

The Life and Soul of Manchester utd Retired!

2005-08-27T23:43:00.000-04:00

With an outstretched right boot, Ole Solskjaer wrote his name into Manchester United legend. Using the poacher’s instinct that has served him so well, he latched on to Teddy Sheringham’s nod down and diverted the ball into the roof of the Bayern Munich net. “And Solskjaer has won it”. The recording of Clive Tyldesley’s commentary from that night at the Nou Camp still sends a shudder down every United fan’s spine. Some even wake up to it as the recorded message on Manchester United alarm clocks. Sheringham had equalised just moments before in injury time as United completed the most remarkable comeback in European Cup history to lift the trophy in 1999.

Few could have been more deserving than Solskjaer of that 2-1 win in Barcelona. But that is not the only reason he was adored by United fans. In an age of football celebrities, Solskjaer has always been a man who exudes humility. Married with two children, you will rarely see him pictured in Manchester’s nightspots or in glossy magazines. He is simply a footballer and family man. Once dubbed The Baby-faced Assassin, it seems almost inconceivable that at 34 his career is at an end.

He has undergone intense hard work in the gym, numerous operations, false dawns and heartache. Now he has finally had to surrender to the knee problems that have blighted him since September 2003.

Solskjaer had just scored United’s third goal in a 5-0 win over Panathinaikos in the Champions League when his knee went seven minutes later. It seemed innocuous enough as he chased on to a Paul Scholes pass. Solskjaer said: “My thigh bone and shin had knocked together and I got a hole in my cartilage. “It just goes to show that you have to enjoy what you’re doing because the smallest things can cause the biggest problems.” Since then, he only played a handful of games until last season when it seemed he had finally shaken off the problem.

In that campaign, Solskjaer made 30 appearances, 14 of them starts, scoring 11 goals. He was the club’s third-top scorer behind Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. But, in June, he reported feeling some discomfort while training in Norway.

Solskjaer needed another minor knee operation — and this time it would be the last.
After much soul-searching with his family and manager Alex Ferguson, he has brought down the curtain on a brilliant career.

During the darkest days of his rehabilitation, Solskjaer gave an insight into what wearing the United No 20 shirt again meant to him. He said: “It means everything to me to wear this red shirt again. That’s all that matters to me. I have seen myself playing again on many nights — but then I woke up.”

Life will initially be tough for a man who adored playing at Old Trafford and who was loved back in equal measure. One banner at the ground reads ‘2OLEgend’. His name has been sung consistently through his injury problems — something that has kept his spirits up. He once said: “Obviously, it makes you feel proud”. “I think I now realise even more what that goal in the Nou Camp meant when I listen to the crowd.”

‘You are my Solskjaer’ to the tune of ‘You are My Sunshine’ and ‘Who Put the Ball in the Germans’ Net’, are two of the most popular songs on the Stretford End.

You can also bet the fans will be in full voice again on Saturday when United face Sunderland in the first game since Solskjaer decided to call it a day.

No doubt the club will bring him out on to the pitch for a final bow.

Solskjaer previously said: “There is something special about this place.

“I’ve always been the sort of person that when I feel for something, it sticks to my heart. Here, I felt welcome from the first day I arrived. The gaffer has been great to me. “The club, the players — I couldn’t ask for any more.

“Every player that leaves here says you don’t know what you’re leaving until you’ve left because this is the place to be. “This club means so much to me and I just feel totally at home here.”

As a child, Solskjaer trained as a wrestler — his father was a Norwegian national champion. For someone so slight, he showed incredible determination and that has served him well throughout his years at United. He was signed from Norwegian side Molde in July 1996 after United missed out on Alan Shearer, who opted for Newcastle.
When Tottenham offered £5.5million for him in 1998, Ferguson left the final decision up to the player. United fans and Ferguson are thankful Solskjaer decided to stick it out.

As well as starring for United for a decade he also made 67 appearances for his country, scoring 23 goals.

Solskjaer appeared for Norway at both the France 98 World Cup and Euro 2000.

His glorious career brought him 10 major medals for United — six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and, of course, the European Cup.

Once when asked why he was so loved at United, Solskjaer’s reply was typically humble. He said: “I suppose because the fans know I have always given 100 per cent and I have done the best that I could do with the talent that I was given.”

He did much more than that — and Manchester United will never forget him for it.

Solskjaer is expected to be offered a coaching role with the club and will be used as a worldwide ambassador.(The Sun Online)

Bekele’s Mombasa nightmare is dispelled!

2005-08-28T19:43:00.000-04:00

With the awful memories of his Mombasa debacle no doubt lingering somewhere in the back of his mind Kenenisa Bekele withstood the repeated surges of the man who supplanted him as World Cross Country Champion five months ago to win his third consecutive World 10,000m title.

By no means was this an easy victory however. Many athletes wilted under the oppressive heat and humidity and Zerseney Tadesse of Eritrea, the 2007 World Cross Country and Road Running champion, himself was shut out of the medals after gamely piling on the pressure from the start. Bekele was both relieved and satisfied with his performance spending more time in the mixed zone talking to media in both English and Amharic, than the 27:05.90 it took him to cover the 25 laps of the Nagai stadium.

“It was very tough, very hard, especially with 3 laps left when I was very tired,” Bekele revealed, his shoulders wrapped in the Ethiopian flag someone had tossed onto the track at the finish. “I told Sileshi to follow the Kenyan athlete because I am very tired I am tired to change the pace with this guy. After one lap left I picked it up again. It’s not easy to run in this weather, it’s very tough.”

“But, three times, absolutely, I am world champion I am very happy.”

Among the well wishers waiting to see him was his agent Jos Hermens of Global Sports Communications who heaped praise on the athlete. “Today he was winning with his head, this is totally different from other wins,” Hermens said. “It shows also how strong mentally after Mombasa he is. The time of 27:05 is maybe World record pace in normal weather. It’s fantastic. Sileshi did everything right, Incredible.”

After crossing the finish line Bekele carried not only an Ethiopian flag around the track but also a sign announcing the approaching Ethiopian millennium. A celebration is planned Monday at the Ethiopian embassy in Osaka for both the millennium which begins on 12 September and for Bekele’s gold medal performance. In fact the Ethiopian ambassador to Japan squeezed into the mixed zone to congratulate Bekele on his victory.

Hermens has confirmed that Bekele will race in the Brussels Golden League meeting on 14 September. Though he was reluctant to call it a World record attempt he did acknowledge that it was a ‘waste of time’ for Bekele to go to Brussels just to run 26:30. Later in the evening after finishing doping control the 25-year-old admitted he would attempt to beat his World 10,000m record of 26:17.53 on the same track he set it two years ago.

While most athletes arrived in Osaka with plenty of time to acclimatize to the weather conditions Bekele and Sihine flew in from Addis Ababa just two days before the 10,000m final. “They come late because they think that if they are too long from altitude they lose too many (oxygen carrying) red blood cells,” Hermens explains. “It’s an important thing for them so there is no use to fight it.”

Hermens also revealed that Bekele has got over the grief he experienced at the loss of his fiance Alem Tachele two years ago. He has been socialising more. And he has big plans to build a sports centre just outside Addis.

Recently he acquired a piece of land on which he hopes to build a track and other facilities including a swimming pool. A meeting is scheduled in Brussels, the day after the Golden League meeting there, with construction experts to discuss the project.

At the post event press conference Bekele was asked about a possible 5000m-10,000m double at the Beijing Olympics. He smiled a little.

“After Osaka my big goal is the Beijing Olympics,” Bekele reveals. “Now maybe I can try some World record. I wanted to win in Osaka, I am happy and I will celebrate. I am not sure about (the 5000m- 10,000m double in Beijing) I am not sure.”

“Three years ago I missed being double champion. If I can I would love to try to do that again at the next Olympics but I don’t think it’s necessary for me to decide at this point.”

After spending an hour in doping control Bekele left Nagai Stadium with an Ethiopian team official. Chatting with a reporter as he waited for a bus to take him to the team hotel he was clearly reveling in his success. And so he should. This was a hard fought victory which proved just how tough Kenenisa Bekele really is.(IAAF)

FC United of Manchester!

2005-09-03T11:33:00.000-04:00

FC United of Manchester is the new addition to the football family. It was formed on 5 July 2005 by disgruntled Manchester United supporters after the takeover by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer. The rebel fans moved quickly enough to establish a breakaway club in time for the 2005/2006 season with Karl Marginson as a manager.

Obviously the Glazer takeover was the final straw for many diehard manchester United fans. But Marginson says it's just the fans' frustration at excessive crowd control at Old Trafford: "A lot of people have been upset over the past few years with being told they can't sing, they've got to sit down, they can't stand up. Things that they've been used to over the years, going to the Stretford End, sitting and singing with their mates, hopefully we can give something back to them," he added.

FC United currently play their home games at Gigg Lane after Bury agreed to help them out. It was going to be Droylsden whose boss Dave Pace was close to finalising a deal but initial talks broke down.

The official attendance for the club's opening league match at Gigg Lane against Padiham was 2,498 higher than the gate of some in League Two! Unofficial reports put the gate for the Padiham game a lot higher.

What do the fans feel about Man United now? "It's just an empty shell. It's like supporting a giant corporation - you might as well be supporting Tesco or Asda," said one. "I've been going to Old Trafford since I was seven. I'm now 53 and for the first time in my life I don't feel that I belong to the club," said another.

FC United's two seasons were successful. FC United entered at the tenth level of the English football league system (the second division of the North West Counties Football League) and they were confirmed as champions on 15 April 2006 and followed that up by being crowned as champions of Division 1 on 18 April 2007 and will play in the Northern Premier League Division One North for the 2007-08 season.

FC United play in the inaugural year of the Northern Premier League Division One North, losing their first two games against Lancaster City F.C. 1-2 and against Garforth Town on August 22 0-1 before moving into a mid table position with wins over Bridlington Town and Rossendale United. As a result of the eligibility rules for the FA Cup, they made their debut in this competition in the 2007-08 season and played away to Trafford F.C. in the Preliminary Round on September 2, winning the fixture 5-2. They have drawn Fleetwood Town F.C. in the following FA Cup qualifying round. Who knows with good fortune they might face manchester united-their reason of existence!

Uli says Bundesliga season as good as over !

2005-09-05T10:14:00.000-04:00

With the 2007/08 Bundesliga season as good as over (if you haven't followed the German media, let me tell you that Bayern have already won the league), it's about time we honour the coach of the year. No, it's not Ottmar Hitzfeld, despite leading the Munich giants back to the top of the heap and presumably also to triumph in Europe. (The German media is as yet undecided whether Bayern will certainly win the UEFA Cup - or just probably.)

The coach of the year, according to a representative Soccernet poll held among all German-born columnists, is Ernst Middendorp, the man in charge of Arminia Bielefeld.

A look at the current standings will tell you that Arminia are one of the few teams still able to catch a glimpse of Bayern, albeit only on a clear day. That, however, is just a part of the reason why it's time to honour Middendorp.

It's unlikely Bielefeld will stay in the upper third of the table for too long (then again, with Middendorp you can never tell), though even a mid-table position would be mighty fine for one of the traditionally most unglamorous teams in the Bundesliga.

A bigger part of the reason why Middendorp is our coach of the year is that he was certainly the hero of last season's script, never mind Stuttgart's Armin Veh.

Bielefeld did very well and held fifth place as late as November, then the debates about the future of coach Thomas von Heesen proved to have negative effects. Von Heesen, if you recall, complained the club was slow in offering him a contract extension and was linked with other jobs, in particular Borussia Dortmund.

Suddenly the kind of downward spiral was set in motion that usually results in relegation. Arminia stopped winning, then started losing (even at home against 'Gladbach, woefully incompetent whenever playing away). Von Heesen stepped down, his assistant took over and lost three out for four. By mid-March, Arminia were in 17th place and in dire need of a saviour figure.

The man who filled that role would have been an odd choice at any other club. The 48-year-old Ernst Middendorp had spent the last two years at Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, where he'd been sacked less than two weeks before Bielefeld came looking for help. Prior to the job in Johannesburg, Middendorp had coached in Tabriz and Accra. (In Iran and Ghana, respectively, in case you don't have an atlas to hand.)

Under Middendorp, Bielefeld won four of the last five games of the season and reached the finishing line well ahead of the relegation zone.

But the turnaround had almost been nipped in the bud, by Middendorp himself. Just five weeks after he'd taken over, the police checked a Mercedes parked on a federal road at 3 O'clock in the morning and found the Bielefeld coach inside, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18.

Middendorp later joked about the 25,000 Euro fine: 'It was for ill- mannered traffic behaviour in high spirits.' In truth, the police had found him unconscious, slumped over the steering wheel. Middendorp himself informed the club about this incident and offered his resignation. The board declined his tender and a few days later Bielefeld beat title hopefuls Werder Bremen.

However, this episode may give you an idea why Middendorp was never really considered for a proper coach of the year award. And never will be, unless he wins a trophy; which is unlikely, despite his habit of weaving magic in eastern Westphalia.

But that's not to say he hasn't been honoured. He is Arminia Bielefeld's official 'Coach of the Century', a title he received well before his March engagement. And this is why Bielefeld trusted him with saving the side from relegation when most other clubs wouldn't even have considered him: Middendorp's current stint with Arminia is already his third, and he has a stunning track record of success at this particular club, even if hardly anywhere else.

Middendorp first took over the club in its darkest hour. When he was put in charge of a team that was staring relegation from the second division in the face, in April of 1988, he was a complete unknown who'd never coached anywhere near the professional game and worked as a teacher at a private school.

Nigeria reach Fifa U-17 Final!

2005-09-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

Goals from Macauley Chrisantus, Yakubu Alfa, and Kabiru Akinsola helped Nigeria seal a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Germany at Suwon Sports Complex on Thursday and earn a place in Sunday's Final against Spain in Seoul FIFA World Cup Stadium.

Nigeria coach Yemi Tella rang two changes to the side that defeated Argentina 2-0 on Sunday, with defenders Usman Amodu and Daniel Joshua given their third chance to play in this tournament, while Germany boss Heiko Herrlich opted to start with his best eleven who scored four goals against England in the quarter-final.

With the rain coming to a stop an hour prior to the kick-off, it was the Germans who took the initiative on the slick pitch. In the 4th minute, Sascha Bigalke rounded three defenders on the left before unleashing a low shot from the centre of the area which was easily saved by Oladele Ajiboye.

That proved to be a rude awakening for the Golden Eaglets. Lukman Haruna's fierce free-kick from 30 metres was tipped away by Rene Vollath three minutes later, but the German goalkeeper failed to clear Yakubu Alfa's ferocious volley in the 10th minute, and Macauley Chrisantus intercepted the loose ball to fire home his seventh goal of the tournament.

Despite their captain Haruna being replaced by Ademola Rafeal due to an injury in the 16th minute, the Golden Eaglets kept up the pressure and doubled their lead just two minutes later. Yakubu Alfa's 20-metre effort sailed through Vollath's hands into the top left-hand corner of the net.

As if the two-goal lead was not enough, the Nigerians kept on pushing forward. Substitute Rafeal fed Ganiyu Oseni in the box, but this time Vollath managed to block the defender's shot from close range.

The Germans fought back on the half-hour mark. Mario Erb's header from a Bigalke corner went just over the bar, but it was skipper Toni Kroos who pulled one back three minutes later. He received a neat pass from Richard Sukuta-Pasu in midfield, before scoring his fourth goal of the competition with a clinical finish.

The game was wide open thereafter. Sukuta-Pasu's glancing header was denied by the right post in the 38th minute, and moments later, Chrisantus missed a chance to restore the two-goal cushion with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The second half began in similar fashion. Despite enjoying more possession of the ball, the Germans struggled to find a breakthrough, while the Nigerians still looked dangerous on counter-attacks.

In the 69th minute, Oseni broke through two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot straight into the arms of Vollath. Kroos then tested Ajiboye with a couple of free-kicks ten minutes later, but the Nigeria goalkeeper did well to block the shots on both occasions.

Germany coach Herrlich brought in forward Alexander Esswein to replace Sebastian Rudy with seven minutes remaining, but it was substitute Kabiru Akinsola who sealed the match in Nigeria's favour with a superb lob in the closing seconds.

Nigeria now travel to Seoul to face Spain in the Final, while Germany are headed for the same destination with third place the prize against Ghana.