Portugal - Spain Preview: Iberian rivals battle for coveted place in Euro 2012 final

 

The reigning champions are eager to continue their march towards history but face a determined Seleccao bent on winning the trophy for a spot in the decider.

 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

PORTUGAL Rui Patricio Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo

SPAIN Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba Busquets, Alonso Silva, Xavi, Iniesta Torres

Portugal and Spain renew their Iberian rivalry, with both teams coming off the back of three consecutive wins at Euro 2012 after an opening day loss to Germany and draw with Italy respectively.

Seleccao boss Paulo Bento remains confident despite the disruption of Ricardo Quaresma and Miguel Lopes coming to blows during training on Saturday, but will be forced into a change after centre-forward Helder Postiga suffered a thigh injury against Czech Republic, and will be replaced by either Hugo Almeida or youngster Nelson Oliveira in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, the rest of the line-up is expected to remain the same as Cristiano Ronaldo, who has three goals in his last two games, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao come up against several of their Real Madrid team-mates and Clasico rivals from Barcelona on the opposition side.

This generation of Spain players are coming off an effective quarter-final win over France and looking to add this tournament to their trophy cabinet after Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010, but a majority of the media have been unimpressed, labelling their performances "boring" so far, and questioning whether the team is up to the same standards as the last few years.

Coach Vicente del Bosque will not be swayed by the critics though, and is likely to stick with the players and formation he has utilised in Poland and Ukraine thus far with the lone doubt coming up front.

La Roja have started Cesc Fabregas as a 'false No.9' on two occasions and gone for the more direct approach of Fernando Torres in their other two matches, with both players notching two goals at the tournament so far. However, the Chelsea star may have the slight edge in being chosen for the first XI come Wednesday night.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Portugal have put out the same starting for all four of their matches at the tournament so far.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured, right) is now tied for third on the list of all-time goal scorers at European Championships with six strikes, behind just Michel Platini and Alan Shearer.

• Paulo Bento's side have hit the post six times at the European Championship, a new record, with four of those efforts coming from Ronaldo.

• The last time the sides met Portugal were 4-0 victors in a November 2010 friendly, just a few months after Spain eliminated them from the World Cup by a 1-0 scoreline.

• Spain have a positive all-time record against Portugal over 34 games (W16 D12 L6). However, La Roja have only won two of their last 12 against the Seleccao.

• Xabi Alonso's two goals against France in the quarter-final came on his 100th cap for his country.

• Spain have the best defence at Euro 2012 so far, shipping just one goal, and not conceding for the last 299 minutes.

• Vicente del Bosque's squad seem to enjoy late drama. Five of their eight goals at Euro 2012 have come during the final 30 minutes of matches.

 

Czech Republic 0-1 Portugal: Ronaldo finally breaks through.

 

The 27-year-old gave a captain's performance with the winner late in the second-half to lead his side past the uninspiring Czechs into a semi-final against either Spain or France.

Cristiano Ronaldo stood up to be counted once again as he led Portugal into the Euro 2012 semi-finals after a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

 

The Real Madrid star headed home the only goal of the game with 11 minutes left on the clock to seal a narrow victory for the Seleccao and set up a date with either Spain or France on June 27.

Both sides seemed reluctant to over-commit in attack in a cautious first half, though Ronaldo would come closest in first-half injury time with a low drive that rebounded off the post. 

Portugal took control in the second half, sending in a number of shots at Petr Cech's goal, but were largely frustrated in their attempts to breach a Czech defence which had conceded the most goals of any team in the quarter-finals.

RONALDO FLIES THE FLAG

Cristiano makes the difference - ag

And Ronaldo finally settled affairs with his third goal in the tournament to cement his side's place in the last four for the first time since 2004.

The only change for either side was the inclusion of Vladimir Darida ahead of Daniel Kolar in midfield for the Czech Republic, who also named captain Tomas Rosicky as a substitute for the second game running amid concerns over an Achilles tendon injury.

In front of a sizeable fan presence inside the National Stadium, the Czechs just about managed to claim the upper hand during the initial exchanges, as their control of possession restricted Portugal’s enterprise to forays forward on the counter.

Nevertheless, the first hint of an opening fell to Joao Moutinho after 13 minutes, with the Porto midfielder squeezing in a shot on the turn that was comfortably snatched by Cech.

It was a half-chance at best, and illustrative of the cagey beginning to the match, which saw both sides struggle to really stamp their authority on proceedings.

Ronaldo appeared to force Cech into action with a powerful drive after racing into the box, but the chance was quickly snuffed out by an offside call.

Nani and Miguel Veloso were then both booked within minutes of each other after a pair of thumping challenges on Darida and David Limbersky.

Slowly, Portugal would begin to make an improved contribution to the game, eschewing their long-ball approach for a more concerted offensive effort, with Ronaldo, as ever, at the heart of things.

The Real Madrid star went close with an audacious overhead kick that flashed just wide following a struggle by the Czech defence to clear a corner, before seeing a 30-yard free kick miss the target.

However, the Seleccao were handed a blow with 39 minutes gone when Helder Postiga limped off clutching his hamstring, with Hugo Almeida coming on in his stead.

The change did not faze Portugal too much however, who went closest to snatching the lead on the stroke of half time. Ronaldo collected Fabio Coentrao's cross perfectly on the turn, and drilled a low attempt that bounced agonisingly off the base of the post after the slightest touch off Cech's boot.

Ronaldo would come close once more a few minutes after the restart, with another long-range free kick bouncing off the woodwork via a save by Cech.

Portugal were looking the superior side as the second-half unfolded, with Raul Meireles sending a pair of efforts over the bar, before Nani forced Cech to parry his low drive away from goal.

The Chelsea goalkeeper had to be alert once more to tip over a piledriver from Moutinho at full stretch, as the match crossed the hour mark with the Czech Republic struggling to get a sniff of the ball.

Meireles snatched at an opening from just inside the box, before slipping in Nani, whose deflected effort came close to looping into the top corner.

But just when it looked like there would be no way through for Portugal, up stepped Ronaldo to bounce a punishing header into the back of the net after a great cross from Moutinho.

Pereira nearly increased the Seleccao's advantage within moments with a well-taken drive, but Cech was equal to it and expertly tipped wide.

But Czech Republic's subdued second half continued as they simply could not find a way back into the match despite a late surge from Cech to the opponents' box for a corner, failing to come close to an equaliser as their tournament ended with a whimper.

 

Sri Lanka win Colombo thriller

Sri Lanka win Colombo thriller

 

Angelo Mathews was Sri Lanka's hero as they clinched a thriller with a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the final ODI in Colombo to wrap up a 3-1 series success.

After Imran Farhat and Umar Akmal had both registered half-centuries to help Pakistan reach 247 for seven, the hosts were in trouble on 175 for seven in the 41st over.

But all-rounder Mathews kept his side in the hunt and his sensational 80 not out off 76 balls almost single-handedly dragged Sri Lanka over the line with two balls to spare.

It was tough luck on Pakistan, who set a challenging total after winning the toss.

Farhat, who replaced the 'rested' Younus Khan, gave the visitors a steady platform, striking nine fours in his 63-ball 56.

Pakistan were badly let down by their top order, most of whom made steady contributions but none could go on to convert it into a big score, with Azhar Ali making 30, Asad Shafiq 38 and captain Misbah-ul-Haq 32.

The innings was in danger of falling away but Akmal ensured Pakistan reached a competitive total with a well-controlled knock of 55 not out.

Jeevan Mendis returned figures of two for 30 and although Mathews was wicketless in his 10 overs, he did only concede 41 runs.

Sohail Tanvir then bowled openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan to leave Sri Lanka wobbling on 19 for two in reply.

Although Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal put on 78 for the third wicket, the latter was stumped off Shahid Afridi, who then took a return catch from Mahela Jayawardene off the very next ball.

Once Chandimal had departed for 54, Sri Lanka appeared to be struggling.

But Mathews kept the score ticking over and despite losing both Thisara Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne to run outs, he kept his nerve.

With 15 runs required from the final over, Pakistan were still favourites but Mathews thumped Mohammad Sami for six over long-on off the second ball and punched a four through point two balls later to spark scenes of jubilation for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (W), Dinesh Chandimal, Mahela Jayawardena (C), Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed (W), Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami

Sachin sworn in as Rajya Sabha member

Sachin sworn in as Rajya Sabha member

Sachin Tendulkar on Monday took oath as the member of the Rajya Sabha.

 

The Indian batsman made it clear that his focus would be on cricket and hinted that he would concentrate on Parliament work only after he stops playing the game.

However, he hastened to add that he does not want rumours to swirl that he has stopped playing cricket for Parliament.

"I am here because of my cricketing career. I cannot take any focus away from my cricket. That is where it all started for me. I will focus on my cricket and as and when I stop playing cricket, I don't know when, I will start attending to the other things.

"I don't want rumours to start that I have stopped playing cricket. I will let everyone know when I will stop playing cricket," he said when asked how he would assuage people who raise questions whether he would be able to do justice to the job in Parliament when he is still playing cricket.

Earlier, the 39-year-old Tendulkar took oath as member of the Rajya Sabha in the presence of Chairman Hamid Ansari and Union Ministers Rajiv Shukla, Harish Rawat and V Narayanasamy.

Tendulkar, along with film actor Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga, was nominated as members of the Rajya Sabha by President Pratibha Patil on April 26.

"Cricket comes first," Tendulkar told reporters as he and wife Anjali were chaperoned by Shukla to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari's chamber.

There was much excitement in the corridors of Parliament as a large number of officials gathered outside Ansari's chamber where Tendulkar took oath.

A number of Parliament staffers took out their mobile phones to capture a glimpse of the cricketer.

After taking oath, Tendulkar said it was a great honour for him to be nominated as a Rajya Sabha member by the President.

Tendulkar said the Rajya Sabha nomination has put him in better position to help not only cricket but also other sports in the country.

On apprehensions that he would not be able to devote much time to Parliament, Tendulkar made it clear that he was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and had not sought to be a member.

"See, I am a nominee. So, I didn't go to anyone to say that I want to become a Rajya Sabha member. It is an honour which I accept with full respect but I am here because of my cricketing career," he said.

Asked whether Tendulkar's oath was special, Ansari said, "All oaths are the same. All members are same."

Tendulkar said cricket had given him many things in life during the 22 years he has played the game and he had always dreamt of giving something back to cricket in the latter half of his life.

"Whatever I am today is because of cricket and I strongly believe that. Today, with the nomination as Rajya Sabha member, I think I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports in the country which is really important and means a lot to me," he said.

"But I believe there might be a few obstacles and a few challenges along the way. And I need help from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. I think, together we can make a lot of changes," Tendulkar said.

The cricketer said he would like to be remembered as someone who contributed to all sports in the country and not just by his cricket statistics.

"I would finally like to say that I will be happy if I am remembered as someone who contributed to all sports in India rather than just my cricket statistics. That would be fantastic," Tendulkar said.

Pietersen quits limited-overs cricket

Pietersen quits limited-overs cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that England batsman Kevin Pietersen has retired from all international limited overs cricket with immediate effect.

By totalsportsindia.in

 

Pietersen's turbulent relationship with the England and Wales Cricket Board has taken one of its most dramatic steps yet, with the batsman's shock retirement from one-day and Twenty20 internationals.

Pietersen, 31, has found himself at the centre of several awkward situations since making his England debut in 2004 but this is arguably the most serious, ending the limited-overs career of the country's most natural ball-striker and bankable star.

Pietersen himself made the decision to withdraw from 50-over cricket but the real intrigue lies in the ECB's decision to effectively retire him from the shorter format against his will.

Pietersen, man of the tournament when England won the World Twenty20 in the West Indies two years ago, wanted to spearhead the defence of the that crown in Sri Lanka later this year but that offer was declined by the board.

They have decided that centrally contracted players must make themselves available for both limited-overs formats or neither and, with no compromise possible, it was announced that Pietersen would continue as a Test specialist only.

It means Pietersen, who has 127 ODIs and 36 T20 caps to his name, departs the scene having hit back-to-back centuries in his last two one-day appearances against Pakistan.

Announcing the news, Pietersen said: "After a great deal of thought and deliberation, I am today announcing my retirement from international one-day cricket.

"With the intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, approaching 32, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through to gain experience for the ICC World Cup in 2015.

"I am immensely proud of my achievements in the one-day game, and still wish to be considered for selection for England in Test cricket.

"For the record, were the selection criteria not in place, I would have readily played for England in the upcoming ICC World Twenty20."

In the absence of any reaction from team director Andy Flower, England cricket's managing director Hugh Morris offered the ECB's take on events.

He put on record the organisations thanks for Pietersen's efforts - which yielded 4184 runs at 41.84 in ODI cricket and 1176 runs at 37.93 in the 20-overs game - but made little attempt to hide a sense of dissatisfaction that the news comes so close to England's World Twenty20 campaign.

"ECB is disappointed by the timing of Kevin's decision less than four months before we defend our ICC World Twenty20 title," said Morris.

"Kevin is a world-class player and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts and we look forward to his continued contributions to the Test match side."

Morris also took the chance to offer some rationale for the decision not to consider Pietersen for Twenty20 matches, in spite of his willingness to play.

He added: "As the programming and planning for ODI and T20 format cricket are very closely linked we have a selection policy that means that any player making himself unavailable for either of the one-day formats, rules himself out of consideration for both formats. The selectors will now replace Kevin in both the ODI and the T20 squads."

This ruling has not explicitly acknowledged by the ECB before, with the last senior man to retire from one-dayers being Andrew Strauss, who was already out of the Twenty20 set-up.

Rumours that Pietersen was planning to abandon ODIs can be traced back to the end of the 2011 World Cup but, when asked directly ahead of the first Test last summer he embarked on a long and occasionally tetchy defence of his hunger to perform across the formats.

He went on to play just 13 more ODI matches and six Twenty20s for his adopted country.

Pietersen infamously ended his brief stint as national captain after a rift with then coach Peter Moores became public knowledge in early 2009 and has been involved in other controversies since then.

He was left out of England's one-day squad for the first time due to to poor form in 2010 - a decision he inadvertently announced on Twitter, describing it as a "f*** up". Another Tweet, criticising Sky TV commentator Nick Knight earned him a fine of between £2,000 and £3,000.

He also drew veiled criticism from Flower after leaving last year's World Cup with an injury England medics believed was manageable.

But none of those situations resulted in England losing the services of one of their star performers, and the effects of today's news may only be truly appreciated when the team touch down in Colombo to defend the only ICC global trophy they have ever won.