God's hand in France win

Whatever we saw, read and heard about French captain Thierry Henry's hand ball in yesterday's World Cup qualifier against Ireland, makes us believe that history repeated itself.

Last time, England was at the receiving end of Argentine striker Diego Maradona in a 1986 World Cup quarter-final match, the goal was then termed as 'hand of God' goal. This time Ireland faced the ire, when former Arsenal star Henry, was seen slapping the ball with his hand to stop it going out of play. But his next similar attempt few minutes later put the nails on Irish's head.

It helped in setting up the perfect cross-ball to defender William Gallas, who headed it for an equalizer after the regular ninety minutes play. That goal sealed France's place for the next Football World Cup in South Africa.

Though, Henry accepted that he touched the ball with his hand, it could not deter Irish supporters for shouting 'Le Cheat' against him. Henry declined to apologise after the match for his misadventure and blamed the Swedish referee for that.

Ireland skipper Robbie Keane blasted FIFA officials after the match and said, ''Since both FIFA chief Sap Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini are French, they would be texting each other, delighted with result.''

The livid Irish Football Association (IFA) asked FIFA to look into the matter and also requested for a replay of the same match, which was turned down today. It would be pertinent now to ask whatever done by French striker was in the true spirit of the game? But I also want to put the counter question here, had the same thing been done by Robbie Keane—Irish captain and star player—would IFA reacted in the same manner? Would their supporters term their captain as 'cheater'? I really do not think so.

The stake to book their side's place in the football's biggest carnival was so high that, any player and every team would have done and reacted in the manner like both Ireland and France did after the match.

But then what is the use of technology? Millions of fans around the globe watched Henry touching the ball. It was further cleared by subsequent replays. If things are so clear then what problem does FIFA have in reorganizing the match? It would give both teams a fair opportunity to prove their point. And the matter would be resolved peacefully.

But FIFA could not do that for a simple reason. All the players playing for their national sides also play for different clubs around the world, and some of them for the most reputed ones. Henry, himself plays for Spanish giants FC Barcelona while Robbie Keane also leads English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs.

This was the period decided mutually by FIFA, UEFA and other governing bodies of various club competitions. Holding the match again would be a tedious job if not virtually impossible, as availability of players would always be in doubt.

These players have a contract with different clubs which spend millions of dollars on them. So, going against the contract ,neither would be feasible, nor desired by these players. Football scheduling is so compact that there is hardly any space to breathe.

Club matches include domestic leagues, Champions League, UEFA cup, then there are International friendly games, World Cup qualifiers (though they have finished now) and so on and so forth. And how can we forget sponsors? These are the players who organize these competitions. So how can a match be replayed? No one would give it a ‘serious thought’, that is for sure.

The best thing we could do is to sit and write an article to make this controversial event memorable, just like what happened 23 years ago.

Again in a mess...

After the successful stint in Canada, it seemed that everything in Indian hockey was getting settled, but the recent controversies, first about Hockey India’s elections and now the feud between some senior players and the team management, have once again brought Indian hockey into the limelight for the wrong reasons.

The news that seven of the senior players did not turn up for the preparatory camp in Pune for the Champions Challenge I tournament in Argentina next month once again shown that things are not alright in the Indian camp. It is said that rebels are dissatisfied with the working technique of senior coach Jose Brasa.

According to them, 'new captain every game' policy of the coach is not going down too well with the players. The Spaniard applied this formula in Canada, where he fielded five different captains in the six test match series that India won 0-6.

Players are also unhappy by Spaniard's dropping six core group players for every foreign trip. The coach thinks, it helps in checking the bench strength of the side plus it keeps players on their toes. But players say it brings unnecessary pressure on them to perform.

Are these the only reasons behind the feud? Things started brewing up few days ago when Rajpal Singh was appointed as captain in place of Sandeep Singh for the December 6-13 tourney. Sandeep's injury was behind his exclusion from the side, said the coach. But the statement given today by Hockey India chief, AK Mattoo presented a different picture altogether. He said, he had seen the doctor's report on Sandeep's injury and it was not alarming. Later the drag-flicker also stated that he would put his point forward after talking to Hockey India officials.

Are we again witnessing the Ric Charlesworth episode? Then, the Australian was charged of highhandedness towards the players. This time too, things look quite similar.

What problems Indian players face whenever any foreign coach takes over? I think every foreign coach comes with a definite objective as they are not emotionally attached to the country. Their main aim is to fulfill their targets within the specified period. It adds to their CVs. That is why they try to do their job in a more professional manner. They make strategies by keeping in mind the recent performances, playing style and history of that team. Out of many examples, the one I remember clearly is the present coach of the Russian national football team Guus Hiddink, who did wonders for all teams—club or national—he coached.

Our players initially welcome the change but they always find it difficult to accept the changes suggested by these coaches. Language is not the only barrier that confronts the players. Innovative but intense training, trying different formulas to enhance the performance of the side are few others. I think, the problem lies more in our attitude than the working style of these coaches. Our players find it difficult to accept the changes suggested by the coaches. Few consider themselves bigger than the game and not ready to implement the changes.

We have also seen Greg Chappell's stint with the Indian cricket team as coach. He was too open to media and may be trying too many things to our players and management likings. He was shown the door immediately. But barring few things, the innovative technique started by the Australian proved beneficial for the side. With his consent, Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan were dropped from the side. And the way these two senior pro came back after a terrific show in the domestic and county circuit was stupendous.

Patience is what important when it comes to foreign coaching. Hockey India should learn their lessons from the Charlesworth episode and try not to repeat them with Brasa. I think, by giving time and keeping patience, we will see results soon.

Will it be easy for Reds to hold Torres back?

Rafael Benitez said in an interview to Times yesterday, that if a situation came when the team will have to sell Torres, then he would also quit. Is it that easy to retain a player like Torres for long? I think a player of Spaniard’s quality or to say any big player, looks for two things before thinking about switching the club.

First are the monetary gains that he is going to get in his next club. The performance of the club is the second thing that a quality player ponders on before switching. If a club does not do well for a season or two, then the priority of the player also start shifting as it directly affects the opportunity on the field plus his brand image.

A team unable to finish in the top four of the domestic league table means no Champion's League for it that season. Participating in a major competition is directly proportional to the brand value of the club and the player. The performance of Liverpool is below par this season. They have already lost five of the 12 games they have played so far and are at the seventh place in overall ratings.

They are also on the fringe of getting knocked out of the UEFA Champions League. Torres is the lone quality striker in the side. So most of the times, the club depends on him to produce results. And he does not disappoint them often.

But it also puts huge pressure on him to perform. I do not think the substandard performance of the club this season will force Torres to leave Anfield. But if it remains the same the next season, then he would surely give it a thought.

According to reports in Spanish and English dailies, the agent of this former Atletico Madrid player is already in talks with Barcelona to materialize a deal with the Reds. And if Barca ready to shower huge money, then it would be difficult for Benitez to keep his prized possession back at Merseyside (although he says even 100m pound cannot take Torres away from him).

There are also reports that Real Madrid is vying for Benitez in place of under-performer Manuel Pelligrini. Will both Manager and his disciple head home together next season? It is just a speculation but nothing can be ruled out in this world of agents and transfers. But if it happens, then it would be a big disappointment for the Anfield fans and the fans around the globe.

Red alert for the Reds

This season is a complete reversal for Liverpool as compared to the last one. The previous season, they finished second from the top after Manchester United in English Premier League (EPL), this time they have won only two games in the last six outings and are placed at seventh position in the points table.
There are few factors that I think are primarily responsible for the poor show of the Rafa Benitez side. The side has started looking vulnerable all of a sudden after the departure of some of its players, especially, Xabi Alonso. His presence in the midfield was critical behind the success of Merseysiders last time.
The number of opportunities he created for Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel at the front was commendable. Then one could always expect a thundering strike coming from the Spanish International at any point. But his departure to Real Madrid, depleted the central midfield, and the side lost a striking force.
Glen Johnson’s arrival at the Anfield added only a little force to the right back that went vacant after the exit of Alvaro Arbeloa. Johnson has been good in patches but consistency is surely missing. One could see a lot of pressure put on Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano in the midfield. Gerrard’s recent injury has only added more pressure on the injury-ravaged side —Spanish midfielder Alberto Reira too on the sidelines in the last few games. There is no doubt about the quality of Argentine skipper Mascherano, but no one can take the responsibility of his temperament. Lucas just does not look anywhere close to his other teammates.
The goal difference of nine till the game against Birminghan City last week also shows their defence has been penetrated quite often this season. Except Jammie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Emiliano Insua are all decent players, but they too are feeling the heat this time.Fernando Torres is doing what he does best at the front — scoring goals — but he hardly has had the support of other players. Dirk Kuyt's form is indifferent this season and he is fortunate to start in some of the games, where he could not help much in scoring.
The player who is highly underrated but proved decisive for the Reds this season is Israeli playmaker Yossi Benayoun. There is already a hat-trick to his name since the start of the season. And his well disguised pass to Torres in the home game against the Ferguson’s side was a masterpiece.
Transfer window in January will be an opportunity for the Reds to strengthen their squad. They need a quality striker to help in reducing the pressure on Torres. We have already seen his sitting on the bench proved to be a decisive factor for the team's performance. Ryan Babel is a good player, but there is no match with Torres in terms of quality and natural flair. I do not think France’s David Ngog comes anywhere close when it comes to producing goals. So a good striker is must in January.
They also need someone to fill the shoes of Alonso, though it is not that easy. It will help in taking off some pressure from Mascherano and Gerrard. And adding more walls at the back would always help the side in conceding less goals. But the thing is, January window is still very far and there are some important games still to be played before Christmas, especially, the game against the rebuilding Manchester City on Saturday.
So it is time for the Reds to pull up their socks and play good football with whatever resources they have got and hope that Lady Luck will favor them in gaining important points before the transfer window reopens in two months' time.

Sachin the ‘living legend’

When I thought of writing something about Sachin, I did not know where to begin. It is not about the number of innings, but rather, my memory of the game begins with Sachin Tendulkar.
I could not watch the Pakistan series where the little maestro debuted. My connection with the legend started only during the 1992 World Cup, when I used to watch matches with my mama and first felt and understood the game called Cricket. Then, the now men-in-blue were men-in-navy blue (the colour that suited the Indian team the most).
I first saw Sachin batting when he opened the innings with the stylish batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth. It was style along with balance that attracted me towards his play. Determination and focus would always be as visible on his face like sweat drops tricking down on a hot day in the field. The sweat drops are still visible after 20 years!
There are innumerable innings of the master that I like, but the innings he played twice at Sharjah against the Steve Waugh-led side in the midst of sand storm were a real treat to watch. And how anyone can forget his comeback innings against Kenya in the 1999 World Cup just few days after he lost his father? That was appreciated by one and all.
How a man who is barely five feet four inches tall bear the hopes of over a billion Indians, and that too for twenty years? He has done that outstandingly. I remember people switching off their television sets after the master got out. For them, Sachin’s wicket is the key. His staying at the wicket means the team could win and come out of any situation. I think, it’s that unquestionable faith and love of people that helped him to overcome any difficulty in his long career. I still remember a line from his Adidas ad when he says, ‘‘Whatever level you reach, getting better never stops’’.
And who could forget his stint as a captain? Even though it was a complete disaster. There was already too much pressure on him, and giving him an extra responsibility to lead the side proved too much for the little man. That brief spell as a skipper also made it clear that he could be a very good mentor but leading the side is not his cup of tea.
Every shot he plays brings an exclamation of wow on everyone’s face. It is very difficult or I should say impossible to pick one particular shot he plays the best. He also invented and added new strokes like paddle sweep and the shot over third man in his armour. And his six over the point region off Shoaib Akhtar in 2003 World Cup, goes down in history.
Sachin, with most of the records to his name is going strong even now. He is surely the most worshiped and trusted sports icon of the country. I wish he just carries on playing for India forever as I cannot see an Indian side without the man whom I call a living legend or to be precise ‘god’.

Nazir powers Pak to 161 (put it as I see on television)

Dubai, Nov 12: Audacious batting display by Imran Nazir saw Pakistan posting a challenging target of 161 runs against New Zealand in their first T-20 match at Dubai Sports City cricket stadium here on Thursday.
The initial movement, especially in the first over by Shane Bond, could not deter the spirits of the opening batting combination of Nazir and Kamran Akmal, who took the Kiwi bowlers to cleaning from the third over itself. Akmal was in full flow and hit two back-to-back fours off Bond. Nazir followed his partner with two consecutive sixes off Ian Butler’s first two deliveries.
Kiwis tasted their first blood when Akmal’s (13 off 15 balls) lofted shot found the hands of make-shift captain McCullum. But it hardly affected the plans of Nazir, who continued his hammering on Butler, hitting two fours and a six off his second over. Seasoned Scott Styris provided the second breakthrough when he enticed Umar Akmal (3 off 6 balls) to hit him over the top. The ball went straight up in the air and Bradley-John Watling — debutant wicket-keeper — took a brilliant catch running backwards.
Shahid Afridi made his intention clear when he hit a 104-meter six over long-on off Styris. Nazir, meanwhile, completed his half-century with a flat six over long-on. But, he could not continue for a long time and ballooned a wide delivery off Bond at third man. His strokeful 58 runs came off just 38 balls with five fours and four sixes.McCullum’s gamble to ask Aaron Redmond bowl in the middle overs paid-off when the part-time leggy got the experienced duo of Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Tim Southee took a brilliant catch just inches within the boundary on long-off to send Afridi back, while Malik gave a straight forward chance to Redmond, who grabbed it with both hands.
Afridi scored a quick fire 24 off 16 deliveries, while Malik contributed with only six runs. Abdul Razzaq and Sohail Tanvir provided the late impetus to the innings that finished on 161 with eight wickets down. Razzaq remained unbeaten on 26 while left-hander Tanvir hit a quick fire 12.
Bond was the most economical and effective of the six bowlers tried by McCullum. He took two wickets and gave away 17 runs. Tim Southee picked up three wickets for the Kiwis.