OLYMPIC GAMES & LATEST SPORTS NEWS

BEIJING OLYMPIC 2008 CITIES (PART III.)

2007-03-22T18:57:00.000-03:00

TIANJIN

Construction site of the Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium

Location: Tianjin

Use during the Games: Football Preliminary

Category: New Competition Venue (under construction)

Tianjin

Known as "Diamond of the Bohai Gulf", Tianjin is the gateway to the Chinese capital Beijing. With a population of more than 10 million, it is one of the country's biggest industrial centres and one of the key ports. Tianjin's annual average temperature is 12.2 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Celsius in January and 26.8 degrees Celsius in July).

Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium

Serving as one of the Football venues, the Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium covers 78,000 square meters, with a seating capacity of 60, 000. The project went into construction in August 2003 and is due for completion in 2006. Designed by AXS SAWTO Inc. (Japan), the project fully reflects the three Olympic concepts -- "Green Olympics," "High-tech Olympics," and "People's Olympics."

The six-floor stadium, with a length, width, and height of 380, 270, and 53 meters, respectively, can meet the standards of staging international football games and athletics. Along with such affiliated facilities as big marketplace, exhibition hall, conference room, and gym, the stadium is also able to provide the public with space for entertaining, exercising, and shopping.

The ground floor of the stadium includes a 22,670 square meter indoor parking lot, a 3,460 sq. m. exhibition hall, a 6,400 sq. m. dining room, a 5,930 sq. m. health care centre, and a 4,010 sq. m. section for both athletes and referees.

The franchised stores, the health care centre, and the international convention centre on the first floor cover an area of 3,840, 130, and 85 sq. m., respectively.

The second floor contains a 4,320 sq. m. sports and exercise hall, an 85 sq. m. international convention centre, and a 130 sq. m. health care centre.

There is a 4,166 sq. m. box, a 3,030 sq. m. international convention centre, and a 1,440 sq. m. health care centre on the third floor, while there is a 345 sq. m. international convention centre, and a 1,300 sq. m. health care centre on the fourth floor.

The spectator stand, the 8+1 racetrack, the training field, and the turf field cover 34,740 sq. m., 4,560 sq. m., 20,000 sq. m., and 7,680 sq. m., respectively.

The Olympic Centre Stadium is able to accommodate up to 80,000 people, including 500 of the platform and 300 of the press box.

The Olympic Centre

The Tianjin Olympic Centre is situated to the southwest of the city's downtown area. Covering a total of 966,000 sq. m., the Center is divided into three sections -- the competition section, the comprehensive section, and the accommodation section -- with an investment of 880 million US dollars.

The competition section, the comprehensive section, and the accommodation section occupy an area of 453,000 sq. m., 280,000 sq. m., and 233,000 sq. m., separately.

The competition section consists of a grand stadium, an aquatic sports centre, an international sports exchange centre, and an existing Tianjin sports indoor stadium.

The Stadium under construction

Scale model of the Stadium

info from: http://www.en.beijing2008.com

OLYMPIC FUN FACT (PART 1.)

2007-03-19T16:49:00.000-03:00

FUN FACT OF OLYMPIC

1. American Myer Prinstein finished runner-up in the 1900 long jump in Paris, despite not even showing up for the finals. Prinstein, a Syracuse University student who was in fact Jewish, agreed along with several other American athletes not to compete in the finals on Sunday, the Christian Sabbath. Qualifying jumps counted back then, and that's what earned him second place. As legend has it, he was so angry at eventual gold-medal winning jumper Alvin Kraenzlein for competing in the finals that he punched him in the face.

Myer Prinstein

2. The 1912 Greco-Roman wrestling match in Stockholm between Finn Alfred Asikainen and Russian Martin Klein lasted more than 11 hours. Klein eventually won but was too exhausted to participate in the championship match, so he settled for the silver.

Martin Klein

3. Did you ever wonder why the official distance of a marathon is exactly 26 miles, 385 yards? In 1908, the marathon standard had been set at exactly 26 miles. However, at the Olympic marathon in London, it was decided that the royal family needed a better view of the finish line. Organizers added an extra 385 yards to the race so that the finish line would be in front of the royal box. It's been that length ever since.

London marathon

4. The five interlocking rings of the Olympic flag symbolize the five continents of the world (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas) "linked together in friendship." Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin claimed that at least one of the rings' colors (blue, yellow, black, green, and red, along with the white background) was present in each country's national flag

Olympic flag

5. World record, but no gold medal: In 1924, American Robert LeGendre shattered the world long jump record with a leap of 25 feet, 4 inches. However, the jump was part of the pentathlon competition and LeGendre could muster only a third-place finish overall. The actual long jump competition was won with a jump of 24 feet, 5 inches.

Robert LeGendre

info from: http://www.infoplease.com

ALL-TIME LEADING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS (PART 1.)

2007-03-18T18:54:00.000-03:00

MOST INDIVIDUAL OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS MEN

PLACE 10. ALADÁR GEREVICH

(WON 7 GOLD, 1 SILVER, 1 BRONZE MEDALS)

Aladár Gerevich

(born 16 March, 1910 in Jászberény – died 14 May, 1991 in Budapest)

Aladar Gerevich is the only athlete in any sport to win the same Olympic event six times. Indeed, he is the only athlete to earn gold medals in six different Olympics. A specialist in sabre fencing, Gerevich's record probably would have been even more extraordinary if his career had not been interrupted when World War II forced the cancellation of two Olympics.

Gerevich made his first Olympic appearance at the 1932 Los Angeles Games when he was 22 years old, earning his first gold medal as a member of Hungary's sabre team.

At the 1936 Berlin Games, Gerevich scored 17 wins against only 2 losses to lead the Hungarians to victory in the team sabre event. He then earned a bronze medal in the individual sabre. He also competed in the team foil event, placing seventh.

After the war, Gerevich returned to the 1948 Olympics stronger than ever. Not only did he win another gold medal in the team sabre and place fifth in the team foil, he earned the gold medal in the individual sabre with a record of 19 wins and only one loss.

At the 1952 Helsinki Games, Gerevich won a complete set of medals: bronze in team foil, gold in team sabre and silver in individual sabre. In 1956, Gerevich placed fifth in the individual sabre and again helped extend the Hungarian winning streak in the team sabre.

He made his final Olympic appearance at the 1960 Rome Games - at the age of 50 - earning yet another gold medal in the team sabre. He was the oldest gold medalist at that event. Gerevich's wife, Erna Bogen, his son, Pal Gerevich, and his father-in-law, Albert Bogen, were also Olympic medalists.

PICTURES:

info from: www.olympic.org

NEWS ABOUT 2014 WINTER OLYMPIC BID CITIES

2007-03-17T13:02:00.000-03:00

1. Austria’s Doping Ratification Coincides With IOC. Inspection Of Salzburg 2014

Austria’s ratification of the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport has come at an opportune time - during the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Evaluation Commission’s inspection visit to Salzburg of the city’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Dr. Heinz Jungwirth, the General Secretary of the Austrian Olympic Committee (AOC) said, “the aim of the convention is the improved combating of doping in sport. International cooperation between the contracting states is to be intensified as part of the convention in order to create as much uniformity as possible in the standards for the international fight against doping”.

Dr. Heinz Schaden, Mayor of Salzburg, said the ratification has come “at a very good time to show the Evaluation Commission and the IOC that Austria is highly committed to the fight against doping”.

Johann Maier, a Salzburg National Council delegate and board member for the Austrian Anti-Doping Committee, said Wednesday, “the Council of Ministers’ positive resolution regarding the UNESCO convention sets the scene for the quick ratification of this international legal contract by the Austrian National Council. The Federal Government thereby gives ongoing support to the Salzburg bid to host the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games”.

Meanwhile Austria’s Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer told reporters Friday that he is backing Salzburg’s 2014 bid, stressing the region’s experience, security and atmosphere. He said, “I think that what Austria and what Salzburg can offer is something you can’t buy for money. We can offer atmosphere, we can offer charm and we can offer professional organization that has been proven several times because organizing huge international sports events is a tradition in our country”.

Gusenbauer said, “we will do the utmost to guarantee and to finance with our partners the Olympic Games here”.

Finance Minister Wilhelm Molterer, also the country’s vice chancellor, said that necessary steps regarding financial guarantees and funding have been taken, adding that “very open” discussions had taken place with the IOC team on the topic.

He said, “we have also very good preparations on security…on the custom side and also the important question of infrastructure investment”.

Salzburg Governor Gabi Burgstaller said the Olympics would bring the city improved infrastructure, including better roads. The athletes village would be used as vacation homes for families who can’t afford hotels or as accommodation for young people, she said.

2.South Korea To Improve Tourism Infrastructure To Win PyeongChang 2014 Bid

Yonhap News reports South Korea saying Friday it will take measures to improve tourism infrastructure in the country’s eastern region in an effort to win the bid for the PyeongChang 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy said in a statement, “the nearby city of Gangneung is in much need of additional deluxe hotels to facilitate organizers of the event”.

The government also reportedly said there is a need to resuscitate the country’s domestic, tourism industry, which has been stagnant since 2001 as overseas trips are becoming more and more frequent.

The government said it plans to conduct a feasibility study on the lifting of restrictions concerning hotels and other accommodation facilities within national parks.

3.Russia’s Supreme Court To Consider Sochi 2014 Appeal

Ria Novosti reports that Russia’s Supreme Court will consider an appeal Thursday by environmentalists against the construction of Olympic facilities in Sochi. The city is bidding for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Lawyer Mikhail Kreindman told RIA Novosti that the environmental group Greenpeace wants to cancel the federal targeted program for Sochi’s development in 2006-2014, arguing that the construction of sports and tourist facilities fails to observe environmental legislation. He said Greenpeace believes that holding the Olympics in Sochi is possible, but that they “should not cause significant damager to the environment”.

Chiharu Igaya, head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, said the Olympic building plans affect a number of environmental issues, but said he hopes the Russian government and environmental organizations will reach a compromise.

info from:http.//www.gamesbid.com

HISTORY OF OLYMPIC GAMES PART II. (Paris 1900)

2007-03-17T10:08:00.000-03:00

Olympic Games in Paris, France 1900

"The 1900 Olympics, hosted by his own country, greatly disappointed Pierre de Coubertin and the IOC lost control when the French government took over the organizing and planning of the Games.

At the same time of the Olympic Games, Paris was also hosting the World Exhibition, an international fair of immense size. Because of the fair, the Olympics were poorly organized and poorly publicized.

Though more athletes attended the 1900 Games than in 1896, the conditions that greeted the contestants were abysmal. Scheduling conflicts were so great that many contestants never made it to their events. And even when they did make it, athletes found the area for the running events to be on grass (rather than on cinder track) and uneven; the discus and hammer throwers often found that there wasn't enough room to throw so their shots landed in the trees; the hurdles were made out of broken telephone poles; and the swimming events were conducted in the Seine River which had an extremely strong current.

Runners in the marathon suspected the French participants of cheating since the American runners reached the finish line without having the French athletes pass them, only to find the French runners already at the finish line seemingly refreshed. The confusion was so great that many participants had not realized that they had participated in the Olympics.

It was in the 1900 Olympic Games that women first participated as contestants.

At least 1,066 athletes participated, representing 19 countries."

information from: http://www.history1900s.about.com

Pictures about the Olympic Games Paris 1900 :

Olympic 1900

Athletes

Competitor

Olympic games scoreboard

Olympic games medal

Interesting Olympic Facts Part I.

2007-03-16T19:12:00.000-03:00

"The Official Olympic Flag

Created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1914, the Olympic flag contains five interconnected rings on a white background. The five rings symbolize the five significant continents and are interconnected to symbolize the friendship to be gained from these international competitions. The rings, from left to right, are blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The colors were chosen because at least one of them appeared on the flag of every country in the world. The Olympic flag was first flown during the 1920 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Motto

In 1921, Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, borrowed a Latin phrase from his friend, Father Henri Didon, for the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius ("Swifter, Higher, Stronger").

The Olympic Oath

Pierre de Coubertin wrote an oath for the athletes to recite at each Olympic Games.

During the opening ceremonies, one athlete recites the oath on behalf of all the athletes. The Olympic oath was first taken during the 1920 Olympic Games by Belgian fencer Victor Boin. The Olympic Oath states, "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."

The Olympic Creed

Pierre de Coubertin got the idea for this phrase from a speech given by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot at a service for Olympic champions during the 1908 Olympic Games. The Olympic Creed reads: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

The Olympic Flame

The Olympic flame is a practice continued from the ancient Olympic Games. In Olympia (Greece), a flame was ignited by the sun and then kept burning until the closing of the Olympic Games. The flame first appeared in the modern Olympics at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. The flame itself represents a number of things, including purity and the endeavor for perfection. In 1936, the chairman of the organizing committee for the 1936 Olympic Games, Carl Diem, suggested what is now the modern Olympic Torch relay. The Olympic flame is lit at the ancient site of Olympia by women wearing ancient-style robes and using a curved mirror and the sun. The Olympic Torch is then passed from runner to runner from the ancient site of Olympia to the Olympic stadium in the hosting city. The flame is then kept alight until the Games have concluded. The Olympic Torch relay represents a continuation from the ancient Olympic Games to the modern Olympics.

The Olympic Hymn

The Olympic Hymn, played when the Olympic Flag is raised, was composed by Spyros Samaras and the words added by Kostis Palamas. The Olympic Hymn was first played at the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens but wasn't declared the official hymn by the IOC until 1957.

Real Gold Medals

The last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912.

The Medals

The Olympic medals are designed especially for each individual Olympic Games by the host city's organizing committee. Each medal must be at least three millimeters thick and 60 millimeters in diameter. Also, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of gold.

The First Opening Ceremonies

The first opening ceremonies were held during the 1908 Olympic Games in London.

Opening Ceremony Procession Order

During the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the procession of athletes is always led by the Greek team, followed by all the other teams in alphabetical order (in the language of the hosting country), except for the last team which is always the team of the hosting country.

A City, Not a Country

When choosing locations for the Olympic Games, the IOC specifically gives the honor of holding the Games to a city rather than a country.

IOC Diplomats

In order to make the IOC an independent organization, the members of the IOC are not considered diplomats from their countries to the IOC, but rather are diplomats from the IOC to their respective countries.

First Modern Champion

James B. Connolly (United States), winner of the hop, step, and jump (the first final event in the 1896 Olympics), was the first Olympic champion of the modern Olympic Games.

The First Marathon

In 490 BCE, Pheidippides, a Greek soldier, ran from Marathon to Athens (about 25 miles) to inform the Athenians the outcome of the battle with invading Persians. The distance was filled with hills and other obstacles; thus Pheidippides arrived in Athens exhausted and with bleeding feet. After telling the townspeople of the Greeks' success in the battle, Pheidippides fell to the ground dead. In 1896, at the first modern Olympic Games, held a race of approximately the same length in commemoration of Pheidippides."

information from: http://history1900s.about.com

OLYMPIC GAMES CANDIDATES: CHICAGO HOPES, PRAGUE THE NEW CANDIDATE FOR OLYMPIC 2016 OR 2020

2007-03-15T20:12:00.000-03:00

CHICAGO TRIES TO WIN "AMERICAN BATTLE FOR OLYMPIC 2016 CANDIDATE"

The city and state-run Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, known as “McPier”, which oversees Chicago’s McCormick Place and Navy Pier, will help fund Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games should it become the U.S. candidate. The Chicago Tribune cites a published report that says the proceeds would come from the sale of air rights above land near McCormick Place.

Theordore Tetzlaff, chairman of McPier said, “we’re committing our resources, which is the value of the air rights to be used to support the Olympic effort. There’s real value there that can be used, that we’re prepared to commit to use to make the Olympics happen”.

According to The Tribune unnamed sources reported that potential investors have said in writing they would pay at least $100 million for the air rights, although the package’s total value could rise to $125 million. The Tribune says the money would be used to help fund Olympic construction.

A McPier spokesman said Wednesday morning that the agency would comment on the situation later in the day.

There has been no study on the value of the air rights. There’s also no guarantee that the proceeds have a value equal to $125 million needed for the Chicago 2016 Games, said Renee Benjamin, general counsel for McPier.

Meanwhile Chicago city council voted “overwhelmingly” Wednesday to back the city’s 2016 Olympic bid with a guarantee that would put city taxpayers on the hook for up to $500 million if the Olympic Games’ operating budget lost money.

The Associated Press reports city council voted 45-5 in favour of the guarantee sought by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who has said no taxpayer money would be used for the Games.

news from: www.gamesbid.com

PRAGUE TO BID FOR SUMMER GAMES

Prague’s executive voted to bid for the Summer Olympic Games in either 2016 or 2020, said Mayor Pavel Bern Tuesday.

Bern told a news conference, “we will not be favoured to win the Games in 2016, but despite that we will shoot for it to raise our chances for a candidacy in 2020”.

But the plan still needs further approval in the city assembly, expected next week.

Prague officials have said they will aim for a smaller Games than the Beijing 2008 or London 2012 Summer Games, and try to respect the character of the “ancient” city.

Bern added he would like to bring the Games to the entire country of 10 million people, a plan which would require hundreds of billions of crowns in investment.

He said, “this must not be Prague’s Games, but a Games for the entire Czech Republic”.

According to a city-commissioned study, which concluded the Games would cost 136 billion crowns, the overall investment required would be 623 billion crowns including various infrastructure projects needed by the country.

news from: www.gamesbid.com

MIXED NEWS BEIJING OLYMPIC 2008

2007-03-15T04:04:00.000-03:00

"Leisel Jones looks forward to Beijing but not beyond

She will be just 22 by the closing ceremony, but Leisel Jones has admitted that her future beyond the Beijing Olympics is "up in the air".

Jones is at the pinnacle of her sport as the world record holder in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, and in the next two weeks will not only attempt to defend her world titles in both events in Melbourne, but use the meeting as the final stepping stone towards Beijing, where she hopes to finally win an individual gold at her third Olympics.

But she is unsure about continuing the journey from Beijing to London in 2012.

"Beijing will be my third Olympics, so I don't know," Jones said yesterday. "Four [Olympics] just seems incredible. It would be just amazing to go to London, so it's probably not out of the question, but it's still so much up in the air.

"Another four years is a long, long time, so for now I'll just worry about Beijing and be looking forward to an Olympic experience for once. I won't be scared this time.

"I used to be scared in a team environment and I found it intimidating, but I'm so much more comfortable in a group and I can be myself and I'm not scared."

Like Ian Thorpe, another swimmer who some suggest retired too early last year at the age of 24, Jones has been on the Australian senior swimming team since she was 14, when she qualified for the 2000 Olympic team.

So, despite her young age, she will have had a lengthy international career when Beijing finishes. By August next year, she will have competed at three Olympics, four world championships, two Commonwealth Games and eight open national championships, so it's hardly a surprise she might be thinking about a break.

The lure could be that she would be the first Australian female swimmer to compete at four Olympics if she makes it to London. No Australian swimmer has competed at four Games, although Michael Klim will become the first if he qualifies for Beijing.

Her current focus is the world titles and a chance to gauge where she is in terms of the rest of the world heading into China. As the world record holder, everyone is chasing her, and while she is a hot favourite to win the 100m and 200m in Melbourne, she knows she is not over the line."

article from: www.topic.net

"BEIJING -- The Beijing Olympics are under pressure to be smoke-free, putting the 2008 Games in line with previous Olympic venues.

"According to China's state-run news agency, the city's vice mayor says organizers have talked with Health Ministry officials "about setting aside special smoking areas in Games venues so as to ensure most parts of these venues are free of tobacco smog."

Enforcing such a ban could prove difficult, with about one-fourth of the country's 350-million people identified as smokers."

article from: www.en.beijing2008.com

SERVING SHARKS WHILE BEIJING OLYMPIC 2008 ?

"More than 2,093 entries have been received for the Beijing 2008 Jumping Fence Design Competition and Beijing 2008 organizers are drawing up a shortlist of 60 entries. The winner of the competition will be announced April 1, and will receive a cash award. The winning entry and those of the runners up will be exhibited in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile certain food items that might “upset” foreigners are to be removed from restaurants ahead of the Beijing 2008 Games said state media Wednesday. The items include shark’s fin, swallow’s nest, bear’s paw, and snake.

The Xinhua News Agency quoted Xu Zhihong, a Beijing deputy to the National People’s Congress saying, “serving shark’s fin to foreign guests during the Olympic Games could greatly hurt China’s image and officials should start removing the dish from the dining tables right now. It is not only an environmental issue but one that has a direct bearing on the image of Chinese people”.

The agency said imports of shark’s fin has continued to rise in recent years despite campaigns to persuade Chinese people not to eat it. Xu said the dish is “quite often a must on local governments' reception menus”. "

article from: www.gamesbids.com

BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC CITIES PART II.

2007-03-15T03:51:00.000-03:00

QINHUANGDAO:

Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center

LOCATION: Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province,

USE DURING THE GAMES: Football Preliminary

CATEGORY: New Competition Venue (construction completed)

QINHUANGDAO

Located in Hebei Province of northern China, Qinhuangdao is a beautiful coastal city known for its nice and ice-free port, the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan Pass and the summer resort in Beidaihe. With a population of 2.7 million, Qinhuangdao lies between mountains and the sea, and enjoys a pleasant climate without cold winters or hot summers. The yearly temperatures average at 10.5 degrees Celsius.

QINHUANGDAO OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTER:

The Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium will serve as one of the Football venues during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The stadium lies inside the Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center on the Hebei Avenue.

The construction was started in May 2002 and completed on July 30, 2004. Covering 168,000 square meters, the Olympic-standard stadium has a seating capacity of 33,572, 0.2% of which are reserved for the disabled persons.

The beatiful olympic stadium

picture and information from: www.en.beijing2008.com

MESSI THE MAN IN EL CLASSICO

2007-03-13T17:58:00.000-03:00

"Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time equaliser as Barcelona and Real Madrid shared the spoils in a six goal thriller at Camp Nou.

Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged a brace and Sergio Ramos appeared to have won it with a second-half header but Messi was the hero for the ten men of Barca.
The game certainly lived up to its El Clasico name in the first-half, with four goals, a penalty and a sending off in the first 45 minutes alone.

Ruud van Nistelrooy pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area to open the scoring with a sublime finish inside five minutes, but Messi soon had the had the hosts level.
The Argentinian international slotted home left-footed past Iker Casillas to equalise Real's opener.

However, parity lasted a matter of moments as van Nistelrooy made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Victor Valdes the wrong way, after Oleguer tripped Guti in the area.
A frantic opening also saw Samuel Eto'o and Rafael Marquez both go close before Messi beat Casillas for the second time.

Ronaldinho made a jinking run into the box only to see his initial shot saved, but Messi was waiting to drill home the rebound into the top of Real's net.
Messi almost had his hat-trick before half-time, only for his effort to hit the outside of the net, and Eto'o was denied what looked a certain goal by Michel Salgado's superb challenge after Ronaldinho's ball across goal.

There was still time for further incident in stoppage time in the first-half and Oleguer, who was shown a yellow card for his foul on Guti earlier, was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

The game was less open after the break but Valdes appeared determined to deny van Nistelrooy his hat-trick as he pulled off a string of saves, including one fantastic stop when it appeared the Dutchman was certain to score through one-on-one.
Valdes was eventually beaten, but by a fantastic header from Sergio Ramos as Guti's in-swinging free-kick was flicked in off the underside of the crossbar by the stopper.
Andres Iniesta twice fired agonisingly wide, while Casillas had to be at his best to palm Marquez's volley over the crossbar.

Barca finished strongly and Messi got his hat-trick in stoppage time at the end of the game when keeping a cool head to dispatch past Casillas and salvage a point

MESSI ABOUT THE GAME:

"It was a special game," Messi told El Mundo Deportivo. "I had played twice against Madrid in the (Santiago) Bernabeu stadium and it went well but I couldn't score.
"This was something I had to do and luckily I played, and even scored three goals, and got what I wanted.
"We didn't want this result, but circumstances forced us to go for it. For our pride and our people we did not want to lose, and in the end we obtained it

FRANK RIJKAARD ABOUT MESSI:

"When a player scores all the goals and, besides, scores a vital one, it means he has had a really special match. He has tremendous talent''

REAL MADRID BOSS FABIO CAPELLO ALSO PRAISED MESSI FOR HIS SHOWING:



Celta Vigo	1 - 1	Athl Bilbao
Getafe	1 - 1	Recreativo
Gimnastic	1 - 0	Sevilla
R Santander	1 - 1	Espanyol
Real Betis	1 - 1	Real Zaragoza
Real Sociedad	3 - 1	Mallorca
Atl Madrid	2 - 0	Deportivo
Osasuna	1 - 1	Valencia


Levante	0 - 2	Villarreal

"Like Ronaldinho, Messi has so much quality that you know he can run rings around you at any moment''

PICTURES OF THE MATCH:

MORE RESULTS:

TABLES (1-5):

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
RESULST OF CALCIO WITH THE DERY:
1	Barcelona	26	14	8	4	53	25	28	50
2	Sevilla	26	15	5	6	46	24	22	50
3	Valencia	26	14	5	7	37	24	13	47
4	Real Madrid	26	13	6	7	35	24	11	45
5	Real Zaragoza	26	12	7	7	39	27	12	43

Internazionale continued their relentless march towards the Serie A title with a 2-1 win in the Milan derby.

Ronaldo fired Milan into the lead five minutes before half-time but Julio Cruz levelled after 54 minutes.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic then clinched victory for Inter 15 minutes from time to keep them 16 points clear of their nearest challengers.

Second placed Roma had far too much for Udinese as they cruised to a 3-1 victory in the capital, with Francesco Totti excelling.

The club's talisman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute before Simone Perrotta doubled their advantage in the 39th minute.

On the hour mark Totti grabbed his side's second, rendering Gyan Asamoah's strike mere consolation.

Palermo fell behind at home to Fiorentina as Adrian Mutu struck in the 32nd minute.

But Edinson Cavani's equaliser (70) left the final score at 1-1 and kept Palermo in contention for a European spot.

Palermo's dropped points allowed Lazio to move up to third though with a 3-2 victory at Reggina.

Giacomo Tedesco broke the deadlock for Reggina (25) but goals from Christian Manfredi (44) and Goran Pandev (45) gave Lazio a half-time lead.

Pasquale Foggia responded for Reggina (65), only for Ayodele Makinwa to pop up with a late winner for Lazio in the 80th minute.

High-flying Empoli were held to a 2-2 draw by Livorno despite going 2-0 up through Francesco Pratali (28) and Sergio Almiron (49).

Rahman Rezaei gave Livorno hope after 58 minutes and Cristiano Lucarelli salvaged a draw in stoppage time.

Struggling Parma grabbed a crucial late point as they drew 1-1 at Atalanta, but they fell to the bottom of the table as Ascoli beat Siena.

Mario Defendi struck for Atalanta after 53 minutes, before Ferdinand Coly drew Parma level with two minutes remaining.

A Sasa Bjelanovic strike after 22 minutes gave Ascoli a 1-0 win at Siena.

Chievo and Messina also played out a 1-1 draw, with Paolo Sammarca scoring a penalty for Chievo (73) and Cristian Rigano (86) netting for Messina.

Alessandro Rosina was on target as Torino defeated Catania 1-0."

Atalanta 1-1 Parma
Chievo 1-1 Messina
Empoli 2-2 Livorno
Internazionale 2-1 Milan
Palermo 1-1 Fiorentina
Reggina 2-3 Lazio
Roma 3-1 Udinese
Siena 0-1 Ascoli
Torino 1-0 Catania

TABLES (1-5):

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
articles and information from: http://home.skysports.com
1	Internazionale	27	23	4	0	59	22	37	73
2	Roma	27	17	6	4	55	22	33	57
3	Lazio	27	14	7	6	44	21	23	46
4	Palermo	28	13	7	8	42	33	9	46
5	Empoli	27	11	9	7	27	24	3	42

NEWS

2007-03-11T18:26:00.000-03:00

Beijing 2008 Security Plan To Be Tested

"A security plan for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games will be tested this year through a series of trial tests evens, according to National People’s Congress (NPC) deputy Qiang Wei, who is also head of security for the Beijing Games.
He said Beijing will host more than 26 sports events in the second half of this year with mock security operations taking police. Police and security personnel will be stationed at more than 100 Olympic venues in preparation for the Games.
Qiang said, “the trial events will provide a chance for us thoroughly (to) examine our Olympic security work”.
Beijing also signed an agreement in January with neighbouring Tianjin Municipality and Hebei Province to undertake joint operations against terrorist and criminal activities during the Games. An emergency plan has been drawn up to ensure all events go on safely during the Games, said Qiang.
Meanwhile Beijing has formed its helicopter police team, and pilots will carry out drills as soon as the helicopters are delivered later this year. Qiang said, “the pilot team has been organized and we are working on an air patrol mechanism. After serving the security of the Olympic Games the helicopters will be used to safeguard the safety of Beijing”.

According to the Municipal Public Security Bureau. the air police will help collect evidence, trail criminal suspects, support ground operations in combating terrorism and riots, transfer policemen and facilities, and direct traffic.
The municipal government has sealed agreements to purchase three helicopters and a free one from an Italian firm. Crew members have been selected from the air force and among college graduates, all receiving six months training.
About 90,000 policemen are expected to be called up for the Games. The security budget is reported to be $300 million, accounting for about one fifth of the total costs said the organizing committee."

article from:http://www.gamesbids.com

Beijing Olympic tickets to go on sale in April!

" Tickets for the 2008 Olympics will go on sale next month, but the buyers of tickets for some hot events will have to be decided by random draw, organizers said. Chinese nationals and foreigners residing in China can now register to book tickets online after the Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG) launched the official ticketing website (www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/) on Thursday. BOCOG released full details on ticket prices on the site and said ticket sales would be in three phases starting from April 2007.

The most expensive tickets will be for the opening ceremony on the evening of Aug. 8, which will cost 5,000 yuan (646 US dollars). The cheapest tickets for that event will be 200 yuan (25.8 US dollars). Ticket prices for the closing ceremony will range from 150 yuan(19.4 US dollars) to 3,000 yuan (388 US dollars). Tickets to competition events will cost from 30-1,000 yuan (3.88-129.3 US dollars), with the menˇŻs basketball final the highest priced. BOCOG said last year that more than seven million tickets will be available for sale, with at least half to go to local fans and 58 percent of all the tickets would cost 100 yuan (12.75 US dollars) or less, in line with efforts to make the Olympics affordable to average Chinese citizens."

article from:http://en.olympic.cn

HISTORY OF OLYMPIC GAMES

2007-03-11T04:17:00.000-03:00

To the visitors: Today Start a New Series here. I would like to show you the history of summer olympic games in short. Every part of seriers i try to show you each summer olympic games in chronological order. I hope you to enjoy it (Baka)

Ancient olympic games:

"According to legend, the ancient Olympic Games were founded by Heracles, a son of Zeus. Yet the first Olympic Games for which we still have written records were held in 776 BCE (though it is generally believed that the Games had been going on for many years already). At this Olympic Games, a naked runner, Coroebus (a cook from Elis), won the sole event at the Olympics, the stade - a run of approximately 192 meters (210 yards). This made Coroebus the very first Olympic champion in history.

The ancient Olympic games grew and continued to be played every four years for nearly 1200 years. In 393 CE, the Roman emperor Theodosius I, a Christian, abolished the Games because of their pagan influences.

Approximately 1500 years later, a young Frenchmen named Pierre de Coubertin began their revival. Coubertin is now known as le Rénovateur. Coubertin was a French aristocrat born on January 1, 1863. He was only seven years old when France was overrun by the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Some believe that Coubertin attributed the defeat of France not to its military skills but rather to the French soldiers' lack of vigor. After examining the education of the German, British, and American children, Coubertin decided that it was exercise, more specifically sports, that made a well-rounded and vigorous person.

Coubertin's attempt to get France interested in sports was not met with enthusiasm. Still, Coubertin persisted. In 1890, he organized and founded a sports organization, Union des Sociétés Francaises de Sports Athlétiques (USFSA). Two years later, Coubertin first pitched his idea to revive the Olympic Games. At a meeting of the Union des Sports Athlétiques in Paris on November 25, 1892, Coubertin stated,
Let us export our oarsmen, our runners, our fencers into other lands. That is the true Free Trade of the future; and the day it is introduced into Europe the cause of Peace will have received a new and strong ally. It inspires me to touch upon another step I now propose and in it I shall ask that the help you have given me hitherto you will extend again, so that together we may attempt to realise [sic], upon a basis suitable to the conditions of our modern life, the splendid and beneficent task of reviving the Olympic Games.

His speech did not inspire action. Though Coubertin was not the first to propose the revival of the Olympic Games, he was certainly the most well-connected and persistent of those to do so. Two years later, Coubertin organized a meeting with 79 delegates who represented nine countries. He gathered these delegates in an auditorium that was decorated by neoclassical murals and similar additional points of ambiance. At this meeting, Coubertin eloquently spoke of the revival of the Olympic Games. This time, Coubertin aroused interest.
The delegates at the conference voted unanimously for the Olympic Games. The delegates also decided to have Coubertin construct an international committee to organize the Games. This committee became the International Olympic Committee (IOC; Comité Internationale Olympique) and Demetrious Vikelas from Greece was selected to be its first president.. Athens was chosen for the revival of the Olympic Games and the planning was begun.

1896 - Athens, Greece:

The very first modern Olympic Games opened in the first week of April 1896. Since the Greek government had been unable to fund construction of a stadium, a wealthy Greek architect, Georgios Averoff, donated one million drachmas (over $100,000) to restore the Panathenaic Stadium originally built in 330 BCE, with white marble for the Olympic Games.
Since the Games were not well publicized internationally, contestants were not nationally chosen but rather came individually and at their own expense. Some contestants were tourists who happened to be in the area during the Games. Athletes wore their athletic club uniform rather than a national team one.
Pole vaulting, sprints, shot put, weight lifting, swimming, cycling, target shooting, tennis, marathon and gymnastics were all events at the first Olympics. The swimming events were held in the Bay of Zea in the Aegean Sea. Gold medalist, Alfred Hoyos Guttmann described it: "I won ahead of the others with a big lead, but my greatest struggle was against the towering twelve-foot waves and the terribly cold water." (Guttmann, pg. 19) Approximately 300 athletes participated, representing thirteen countries."

information from:http://history1900s.about.com

more information: www.perseus.tufts.edu, www.olympic.org

OLYMPIC CITIES

2007-03-09T17:22:00.000-03:00

THE SERIES: PART 1.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong Secures a Success of the Olympic Equestrian EventsRelease of model of the main venue

Scale model of Hong Kong's all-weather sand venue designed with a capacity of 20,000 seats for the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Location: Hong Kong

Use during the Games: Equestrian

Category: Existing competition venue

Hong Kong

Situated at China's southeastern coastline, Hong Kong has a population of 6.9 million and a total area of 1,103 square kilometers, which consists of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 262 outlying islands. Hong Kong features a sub-tropical climate. Temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceed 31 degrees Celsius in summer.

The Equestrian events

All circles in Hong Kong were delighted at July 8's announcement that Hong Kong would co-host the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games. Local authorities had pledged to provide the utmost guarantee of facilities for the success of the Olympic equestrian events.

The Equestrian events will be held at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and Penfold Park in Shatian, Beas River Country Club and part of the adjacent Hong Kong Golf Club. Hong Kong has in place world-class equine care facilities and medical services for horses, and a group of professionals in the Equestrian events. Hong Kong also has recognized quarantine protocol arrangements with many countries. Besides, Hong Kong's Equestrian sport for riders with disabilities is well-established and takes a leading position in Asia.

The site Hong Kong programmed for staging the cross-country eventing of the 2008 Olympic equestrian sport.

Shatian racetrack

from:www.en.beijing2008.com

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

2007-03-08T15:48:00.000-03:00

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS (2007.03.07)

AC Milan 1-0 Celtic (agg 1-0)

"Kaka was the outstanding match-winner for AC Milan
Having matched AC Milan for 180 minutes, Celtic suffered a cruel extra time loss to exit the Champions League.
The visitors had a strong penalty claim early on when Paolo Maldini used an arm to block a shot from Jiri Jarosik.
In the last few minutes of normal time Artur Boruc made two excellent saves to deny Maldini and Clarence Seedorf, while Kaka hit the bar with a shot.
But Kaka drilled in a great solo goal to settle the tie and end Celtic's European dream for the season."

Arsenal 1-1 PSV (agg 1-2)

"Freddie Ljungberg is in despair as Arsenal crash out
PSV Eindhoven defender Alex threw Arsenal a Champions League lifeline with an own goal - then sent them crashing out with a superb late header.
Arsenal needed to score twice to reach the last eight, and looked on course when Alex diverted Denilson's corner into his own net after 58 minutes.
Arsene Wenger's side then paid the ultimate price for missing chances.
Alex, on loan from Chelsea, headed in Edison Mendez's free-kick with eight minutes left for the vital away goal."

Man Utd 1-0 Lille (agg 2-0)

"Larsson scored his third goal for United against Lille
Henrik Larsson sent Manchester United into the Champions League last eight in his final game at Old Trafford.
United had two good chances in the first half but Wayne Rooney's shot was blocked and John O'Shea hit the bar.
Lille grew in confidence but failed to capitalise as Jean Makoun wasted a header from six yards and Peter Odemwingie's header rattled the post.
Larsson sealed victory in the 72nd minute when he headed home Cristiano Ronaldo's cross from the left."

Bayern M 2-1 R Madrid (agg 4-4)
Bayern Munich win on away goals.

"Makaay netted the fastest goal in Champions League historyRoy Makaay scored the quickest goal in Champions League history to help Bayern Munich overturn a first-leg deficit and put Real Madrid out of the competition.
Makaay slid home after 10 seconds and Lucio's second-half header seemed to have sealed the win.
But Real won a penalty which sparked a row that saw Bayern's Mark van Bommel and Real's Mahamadou Diarra sent off - before Ruud van Nistelrooy scored.
Real's Sergio Ramos netted late on, but his strike was ruled out for handball.
Nine-time champions Real were woefully out of sorts and their sloppiness was exposed when Roberto Carlos failed to control Fernando Gago's pass from the kick-off.
Hasan Salihamidzic pounced and fed the ball to Makaay who swept past Iker Casillas from 15 yards.

Bayern dominated the first half with Lukas Podolski shooting straight at Casillas, Bastian Schweinsteiger sending a shot just wide and Daniel van Buyten and Van Bommel forcing saves.
Real finally came to life just before the break with Guti and Van Nistelrooy coming close before Raul found the side netting.
Fabio Capello's side pressed harder after half-time with Antonio Cassano firing over and Oliver Kahn palming away Van Nistelrooy's header.
Lucio's header gave Bayern some breathing space when he headed in Willy Sagnol's corner on 66 minutes - but it did not last long.
The referee awarded Real a penalty when Robinho was fouled close to the edge of the box and in the ensuing jostling Van Bommel and Diarra were sent off after being shown second yellow cards.
Van Nistelrooy converted and Real threw themselves at Bayern with the score level at 4-4 on aggregate, but the German side held firm and went through on away goals."

ONE MORE TIME VALENCIA & INTER: Shame and apologize

Uefa has charged both teams and five players for the brawl that marred Valencia's Champions League match with Inter Milan.
Carlos Marchena and David Navarro of Valencia, and Inter's Nicolas Burdisso, Ivan Cordoba and Maicon have all been charged with gross unsporting conduct.
Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 14 March.
Navarro sparked a free-for-all after breaking Burdisso's nose, with players from both teams becoming involved.
The fracas continued in the tunnel with Inter players trying to confront Navarro in Valencia's dressing-room.
A goalless draw at the Mestalla took Valencia through to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule following the 2-2 draw in Milan.
I have never behaved in this fashion before and I will never do it again, I am very sorry and ashamed
Valencia defender David Navarro
But the result was overshadowed by events on the final whistle.
Valencia midfielder Marchena appeared to kick out at Burdisso after exchanging words.
The incident sparked the brawl and Navarro, a substitute who had not featured in the match, ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso.
Several Inter players tried to trip up Navarro as he ran off the pitch and the fighting continued in the tunnel and outside the dressing rooms.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini dubbed Navarro "a coward" for his act.
Mancini said: "Now I have seen the footage there's nothing else you can say about someone who throws a punch like that and runs away."

Navarro has apologised for his role in the fracas and offered to go to Italy to apologise to Burdisso in person.
He said: "I want to say sorry for what happened, what I did was not good.
"It was a lack of respect for the football world and that's why I wanted to ask forgiveness from the Inter player.
"If I need to go to Italy to say sorry, I will.
"This is a bad time for me, nothing like this has happened before because I am not a violent person. I am setting a bad example."
Navarro added that he expected Uefa to come down heavily on him, and will accept the punishment meted out to him.
He said: "It's logical that I am punished by Uefa and I must be ready for anything.
"I want to say sorry to Uefa and my club as the example I gave was not good, it wasn't me."

I hope never repeat on field behaviour like that!

from:http//:www.bbc.co.uk./sports/

more football:

www.football.com

www.uefa.com

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

2007-03-07T17:05:00.000-03:00

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS (2007. 03.06.)

The match of the day: Liverpool vs. Barcelona:

European champions Barcelona were knocked out of this season's UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as they could only claim a 1-0 win at Liverpool, and that was enough for the Premiership side to claim a 2-2 draw on aggregate which gave them victory on away goals and a place in the quarter-finalsThe Spanish giants were ousted by the 2005 winners, as Rafa Benitez again masterminded another fantastic European night for the Kop to savour.
The Reds struck the woodwork twice in the first half and were on the large very comfortable all evening against a Barca side which never looked capable of grabbing the two goals they needed until very late on and in the end they could grab just one through Eidur Gudjohnsen.
With Samuel Eto'o recalled to form a fearsome looking front-line which also included Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho - the Merseyside faithful could have expected some early pressure.
However, nothing could have been further from the truth as Liverpool - who named the same team which won in Catalunya two weeks ago - dominated the opening period and indeed should have put the tie to bed in the opening 10 minutes.
Barca were first opened up after just five minutes when Steve Finnan cut back onto his left foot and crossed to the front post, but Craig Bellamy could not find the target despite getting ahead of Lilian Thuram.
John Arne Riise - who scored the winner at Camp Nou - could easily have bagged two in as many minutes. He firstly smashed an effort just wide of the post, before going even closer as he thundered a trademark volley off the Barca bar, with Victor Valdes beaten.
Valdes then kept Barca in the tie with a great double save. He was on hand to parry Bellamy's effort at the near post, but then immediately reacted to block Kuyt's follow up - he was beaten by Riise following up with a diving header, but heroic defending from Carles Puyol saw him clear off the goal-line.
After impressing so much, the Barca number one almost handed the lead to Liverpool on the half hour mark, when he fluffed a clearance straight to Mohamed Sissoko - but the Malian star was ever so unlucky to see his first time effort bounce off the bar and over.
Half-time came and Barca had failed to even test Jose Reina once, as they struggled to find a way through a Reds backline magnificently marshalled by England's Jamie Carragher.
The second half began again with Liverpool in the ascendancy and they could have easily scored within the opening minute as Steven Gerrard drove down the right before crossing perfectly into the box - but Kuyt missed the ball and Bellamy failed to make proper contact, seemingly assuming the Dutchman was getting to the ball first.
Reina was finally called into action by Ronaldinho with 50 minutes gone - but it was all too easy for the Spaniard to claim the Brazilian's long-range effort.
Ronaldinho suddenly sparked into action as he produced a brilliant run which saw him exchange passes with Deco before twisting past Carragher into the box - but his side footed effort slammed against the post, as Reina and the home crowd breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Barca were suddenly starting to click and their front three combined for the first time on the hour as Ronaldinho found Eto'o who in turn laid the ball into the path of Messi - but Reina was down well to save.
Frank Rijkaard had seen enough as he made changes with both Ludovic Giuly and Gudjohnsen entering the fray and it was not long before the former Chelsea man made his mark as with 15 minutes left, Barca were back in the game. Xavi received the ball from Andres Iniesta, and picked out Gudjohnsen with an exquisite pass and the Icelander did the rest as he rounded Reina before firing home.
Within a minute Reina was forced to save from Ronaldinho - as from nowhere Barca found hope and more importantly, their passing game.
Gerrard was doing his best to again inspire his side, he won a free-kick in a great position on the edge of the box - but Fabio Aurelio wasted the chance. Then Valdes was on hand to deny the Reds skipper as Gerrard turned dangerously in the box before firing a left-footed effort at goal.
Liverpool could have easily levelled in the final minutes with Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch going close but the single goal defeat was enough as the Spaniards surrendered their crown in rather disappointing fashion.

OTHER MATCHES RESULTS:

Chelsea 2-1FC Porto (HT 0-1) (agg 3-2)

goal: Robben 48, Ballack 79 and Quaresma 15

Lyon 0-2 Roma (HT 0-2) (agg 0-2)

goal:Totti 22, Mancini 44

Valencia 0-0Inter Milan (HT 0-0) (agg 2-2)

Valencia win on away goals rule

From:http://news.bbc.co.uk

Spanish league day 25

2007-03-06T16:29:00.000-03:00

Spanish League (the short history of day 25):

"Real Madrid failed to take advantage of Barcelona's defeat, Fabio Capello's side being held to a 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu stadium by neighbours Getafe. Pulido and Beckham hit the bar at either end before Güiza latched on to Cotelo's pass to give the visitors the lead late in the first half. But Van Nistelrooy levelled the scores from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Abbondanzieri brought down Robinho. Madrid were unable to break down a solid defence after that though, and to add to their woes Reyes and Beckham both picked up injuries which will keep them out of Wednesday's Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.

Zaragoza moved up to fifth, just two points behind Madrid, after beating Real Sociedad 3-2. The Basque side took the lead through Herrera early on, but Aimar equalised after the restart, and Diego Milito won a dubious penalty which he converted himself to put his side in front. Ewerthon added a third before Díaz de Cerio completed the scoring in injury time.

Atlético Madrid drop down to sixth, level now on points with Recreativo who beat them 1-0 in the last match on Sunday. Sinama-Pongolle got the only goal with an early penalty after Zé Castro fouled Uche, and the French striker fired a second spot kick over the bar later in the first half.
Espanyol are in ninth spot after drawing 1-1 against Villarreal. Tamudo volleyed the Catalans into the lead from a Luis García free kick before the break, but Diego Forlán produced a spectacular strike to level the scores in the second half, and Cani missed the sitter of the night for the visitors late on.

Racing Santander are level with Espanyol though after beating Osasuna 1-0. The Cantabrians were unlucky to have an early goal disallowed, but Juanjo got the winner after Ricardo could only push out Zigic's header late in the second half, giving Miguel Angel Portugal's side their fifth home win in a row.
Betis's revival under Luis Fernández continues, and they moved away from the danger zone with a 0-1 win at Deportivo. Edu and Miguel Angel combined for Fernando to get the only goal after the restart, handing the Galicians their first defeat in 2007.

Mallorca also moved clear of the relegation spots after a 3-1 win over Levante. All the goals came in the second half, Jankovic and Víctor putting the Islanders two up before Kapo got one back. Arango wrapped things up in injury time though to leave their opponents just two points above the drop zone.
Athletic Bilbao stay in the bottom three though after losing 0-2 to Gimnàstic, who played most of the second half with ten men after Mingo was sent off. Portillo got the first from Pinilla's pass ten minutes before the interval, and Pinilla himself got the second after the restart. The win takes Nàstic off the bottom, above Real Sociedad.

The derby:

Sevilla came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 in an incident packed match on Saturday evening. The result takes the Andalusians a point above their rivals at the top of the table. Ronaldinho headed Frank Rijkaard's side into the lead with a quarter of an hour gone, and they seemed to be on the way to victory when Aitor Ocio gave away a penalty and got himself sent off a few minutes later. But Palop saved Ronaldinho's spot kick, and Kerzakhov and Daniel Alves turned the scoreline around either side of half time. Barcelona ended the game with nine men after referee González Vázquez sent off Giuly and Zambrotta late on.
Third placed Valencia closed the gap with Barcelona to three points after beating Celta 1-0 earlier in the evening. Quique Flores's side could have gone behind earlier on if Cañizares had not been at his best, but Morientes got on the end of Hugo Viana's lifted pass to beat Pinto midway through the second half. The defeat leaves Celta just a point away from the drop zone pending Sunday's games.

Pimera Division Jordana 25.

Pts

1.SEVILLA 50

2.BARCELONA 49

3.VALENCIA 46

4. REAL MADRID 44

5. ZARAGOZA 42

II. The unluckiest man of the week: David Beckham.

David Beckham picked up a knee injury after enjoying one of his better games in a Real Madrid shirt on Sunday in a 1-1 draw with Getafe.The former England skipper, who was sent off in his last league outing, saw a 37th-minute shot come back off the crossbar and then helped win the penalty which gave Real a 45th-minute equaliser.It was his through ball which released Robinho into the area. The Brazilian was chopped down and Ruud van Nistelrooy converted the spotkick for his 12th goal of the season.Beckham's impressive display, however, ended on a low note when coach Fabio Capello revealed that the midfielder had suffered a right knee injury which will keep him out of Wednesday's Champions League trip to Bayern Munich, where the Spaniards will defend a 3-2 lead in their last 16 tie.Juan Antonio Reyes will also miss the second leg clash."It's certain that they will not play against Bayern," said Capello. "Reyes's injury is serious; Beckham's could be just as significant."

Results

2007-03-05T19:15:00.000-03:00

PREMIERSHIP

I. Results (2007. 03.03-04.)

West Ham 3 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers
Portsmouth 0 - 2 Chelsea
Sheffield United 1 - 1 Everton
Watford 2 - 2 Charlton Athletic
Manchester City 0 - 1 Wigan
Newcastle United 0 - 0 Middlesbrough
Arsenal 2 - 1 Reading
Fulham 1 - 1 Aston Villa
Liverpool 0 - 1 Manchester United

FA Barclays Premiership
Teams

Pts

1. Manchester United 72

2. Chelsea 63

3. Liverpool 53

4. Arsenal 52

5.Bolton Wanderers 47

II. Manchester United wins as a visitor against Liverpool!!!!!!!

I show you the game statictics:

Liverpool
Shots on target
8
Shots off target
7
Shots off bar/post
0
Fouls
11
Offsides
2
Corners
12
Manchester United
Shots on target
3
Shots off target
2
Shots off bar/post
0
Fouls
12
Offsides
1
Corners
2

Decides, it is a well-earned wins?

more football:

http://football.co.uk

Interpretation of olympic symbol and image.

2007-03-04T12:50:00.000-03:00

1. The official olympic symbol: "The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions (the Olympic rings), used alone, in one or in five different colours, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The rings are interlaced from left to right; the blue, black and red rings are situated at the top, the yellow and green rings at the bottom in accordance with the following graphic reproduction. The Olympic symbol expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games."

2. The emblem of Beijing 2008: "The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" is filled with Beijing's hospitality and hopes, and carries the city's commitment to the world."

3. The slogen of Beijing 2008:""One World One Dream" fully reflects the essence

and the universal values of the Olympic spirit -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind.

In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams".

Image&Look

2007-03-04T06:23:00.000-03:00

See the olympic symbol, emblem, and slogen! It is worth to see and read!

http://en.beijing2008.com

Who wins the "American Battle for the 2016 Olimpic" Chicago Or the City of Angels (L.A.)

2007-03-03T16:46:00.001-03:00

"Two american city Chicago and L.A. battle for the candidate the 2016 olympic games. The U.S. Olympic Committee will choose between the two on April 14, with the winner advancing athe U.S. candidate to the international competition for the 2016 Summer Games.

Los Angeles will make its last pitch to an evaluation team on Thursday and Friday, and it must convince the committee that after hosting the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, it should represent the United States for a third time, while Chicago is eager and willing for a first chance."

http://www.topic.net

The master Roger Federer broke an 30 years old record

2007-03-03T04:38:00.000-03:00

http://en.beijing2008.com

2007-03-02T15:19:00.000-03:00

Waterpolo: One of the most exciting and interesting sports. If somebody agree with me, write for me! Who likes Waterpolo? What is your favorite team or nationality.