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| Tamme is going to be a sure bet to w | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 28 2013, 07:35 AM (45 Views) | |
| lingzi | Jan 28 2013, 07:35 AM Post #1 |
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Velha Guarda
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WARSAW, Poland -- Once again, the European Championship is fulfilling its billing as the best tournament in world football. Alex Smith Jersey . A compelling first two rounds of Euro 2012 group stage matches provided most of what fans and television viewers want -- and what the problem-plagued 2010 World Cup lacked. Exciting matches, plenty of goals, excellent refereeing. Even the players and the tournament ball have behaved well. Some positives could have been predicted: Spains football is pretty as a picture; co-hosts Poland and Ukraine roused national passions; Irelands drinking, swaying, smiling choir of fans deserve their own talent show. Then add the pleasant surprises: Italy is mostly fun to watch; England is easy to like; no team has come just to "park the bus" and play defensively. "It has been a very good tournament," football author and analyst Simon Kuper told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Kyiv. "Because European teams are better, they are more confident about attacking." That perception of Euro 2012 is backed up by the numbers. A total of 46 goals have been scored in the first 16 games, before the final round of group matches begins Saturday. That works out at 2.88 goals per game. The Euro 2008 group stage in Switzerland and Austria reaped 2.38 goals per game. In South Africa two years ago, the 32 teams managed just 2.1 goals per game in the 48-match group stage. It was so bad there that FIFA President Sepp Blatter appointed the grandly titled Task Force Football 2014 to suggest changes that would help make the next World Cup more entertaining in Brazil. Kuper suggests that UEFAs event benefits from a different mindset to the World Cup, where Europe provides 13 qualifiers who intimidate some opponents. "A lot of non-European teams are desperate not to be humiliated," the author of Soccernomics said. "The easiest thing for them to learn is defence. You get a really boring team with a couple of 0-0 draws who go home with honour." In Europe, Kuper suggests, national teams focus on constantly trying to improve themselves. "If the Spanish do something right, then the Germans look at what they are doing," he said, highlighting a gradual transformation of Germanys style since a poor team was quickly eliminated at Euro 2000. Euro 2012 also appears to have benefited from the increasing intensity of Champions League football, especially in the 16-team knockout rounds which captivates football fans worldwide each February through May. "Most of the players at the tournament are Champions League regulars and they know the rules of international football," Kuper proposes. Denmark coach Morten Olsen hinted at his underdog teams problem of playing group opponents Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal, whose squads are loaded with talent from elite clubs. "We are facing players from Bayern Munich, (Borussia) Dortmund and Real Madrid," Olsen said. "They are Champions League clubs, all of them. Its a totally different level. We need to get up to that pace." The Champions League has also prepared the 12 referees selected by UEFA to deliver high class performances. In the 15 matches since Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballos slightly shaky handling of the opening match between Poland and Greece, not one red card has been shown, no penalty has been awarded and there have been no disputed goal controversies. "They are less overawed," Kuper said. "And they are used to the speed of the games and the high-profile pressure." While the World Cup had a notorious goal line decision, which robbed England of a legitimate goal against Germany, the only similar call here was judged correctly. Portugal defender Pepes shot against Germany -- with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer beaten just as he was by Frank Lampard -- was correctly judged to have bounced on the line by French referee Stephane Lannoys team of assistants. The quality of Euro 2012 officiating might yet help sway FIFAs rule-making panel, at a July 5 meeting in Zurich. The session could approve the five-official system on trial at Euro 2012 after two seasons of tests in the Champions League. FIFA officials could feel a little aggrieved that the reputation of the European Championship sparkles while the World Cup is treated like a soap opera in comparison. Racism in the stands and violence on the streets at Euro 2012 has been worse, particularly in Poland, than dire predictions of trouble in South Africa that barely materialized. FIFA also was roundly criticized for thousands of empty seats at 2010 World Cup matches, yet Euro 2012 stadiums have also had bare patches in the stands. In the rather charmed world of Euro 2012, even disappointments on the field have fed fascinating story lines. Ronaldos continuing underachievement at major tournaments; the state of the Netherlands squads collective psyche; the worst team, Ireland, redeemed by the best fans. And where official ball provider Adidas failed with the infamous Jabulani in South Africa, the same companys Tango 12 is a blameless, unremarkable presence in Poland and Ukraine. At the halfway stage of matches played, Euro 2012 is a success -- even as allegations of racist abuse of black players tarnish the overall image. "I feel its lacking a sense of importance," Kuper said. "There has not been the usual hysteria and hype." Instead, Euro 2012 has been more purely about the football. The kind that fans like. Randy Moss Jersey . Spach, a six-year NFL veteran, last played for St. Louis in 2011, appearing in 10 games and catching two passes. In addition to the Rams, hes also spent time with Arizona -- for whom he started 11 games in 2010 -- as well as New England and Philadelphia. For his career, hes caught 22 passes for 137 yards with no touchdowns. Colin Kaepernick 49ers Jersey . Rosario was claimed from the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. In four games for them this season, he gave up six runs in three innings. He has pitched in 10 major league games, all with Miami during the last three seasons. http://www.nflsf49erssuperbowlshop.com/aldon-smith-49ers-jersey/ . -- The Kansas City Royals optioned left-hander Ryan Verdugo to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday after he was hit hard in his big league debut. NaVorro Bowman Elite Jersey . The terms for the agreement were negotiated during a bargaining session held in Buffalo, NY last week. The two sides have also agreed to continue negotiating on a long-term CBA for the 2014 season and beyond. Delanie Walker Womens Jersey . The Mets made the moves before Tuesday nights game against Colorado. Hefner and his wife, Sarah, are expecting their second child. Hefner is 2-5 with a 5.As you prepare to set your lineup each week, TSN.cas NFL Editor Justin Boone breaks down some of the less obvious matchups you should capitalize on and those you should steer clear of for the weekend games. For specific lineup decisions, consult the Weekly Fantasy Player Rankings. QUARTERBACKS Exploit Andrew Luck (vs. Vikings) - The number one overall pick in Aprils draft was overshadowed by fellow rookie Robert Griffin III in Week 1, but still managed to throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. Luck will make his home debut this Sunday and will have an easier time moving the ball versus the Vikings. Philip Rivers (vs. Titans) - The Raiders backup long snapper handed San Diego a win on Monday night allowed Rivers to rest his arm as the Chargers came away with a win. Rivers completed 72.7 percent of his passes in the game and now goes up against a Titans secondary that put up little fight against the Patriots. Avoid Matt Schaub (at Jaguars) - The Texans quarterback picked on the Dolphins to the tune of 266 yards and a score. The Texans may be the defending AFC West champions, but the Jaguars always play them tough. Due to injury, Schaub only faced Jacksonville once last season, and had 225 yards in the contest, which is exactly the type of production owners should expect Sunday. Michael Vick (vs. Ravens) - Coming off a four-interception game against the Browns, Vick will play a much more challenging defence led by Ray Lewis. Vick posted over 300 passing yards in Week , but he did so on 57 attempts and completed just over 50 percent of them. Vick may be without WR Jeremy Maclin (hip pointer), which would be a significant blow to the offence. RUNNING BACKS Exploit Alfred Morris (at Rams) - After rumbling for 96 yards on 28 touches and two touchdowns against the Saints, the 510, 218-pound rusher has established himself as the lead back on early downs in Washington. With Robert Griffin III powering the offence, Morris should have an opportunity to earn extra carries playing with a lead in St. Louis. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. Browns) - The Law Firm earned his stripes in the Bengals loss to the Ravens. Green-Ellis rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown, while continung his streak of having never fumbled in the NFL. This week, the Bengals will rely on him even more as they look to control the game against the Browns. Avoid Kevin Smith at 49ers - In Week 1, Smith had 62 yards on the ground with a touchdown, while adding four catches for 29 yards including the game winning score in the fourth quarter. Last weeks hero will have a much different result when he comes up against the leagues best run defence in San Francisco. Steven Jackson vs. Redskins - Its hard to imagine benching Jackson, but thats exactly what you should do this week assuming you have another option to turn to. The Rams improvements wont be enough to stop the Robert Griffin III hype train as it rolls into and over St. Louis. With the Rams trailing, Jackson wont get enough carries to warrant a fantasy start. WIDE RECEIVERS Exploit Percy Harvin at Colts - Harvin had a solid all arounnd effort against Jacksonville tallying 104 yards on 11 touches (six catches, five rushes). Randy Moss Black Jersey. With all the hype surrounding Randall Cobb, Harvin is the player owners are hoping Cobb develops into, a threat to score whenever he has the ball in his hands. Now, Harvin gets to feast on a second-rate Colts defence in Week 2. Steve Johnson vs. Chiefs - The Bills top target talked a lot of trash before the season opener, suggesting he had Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis number. The boxscore (four catches, 55 yards and a touchdown) looks like Johnson did alright in the matchup, but all his production came after Revis left the game with an injury. The good news is that Revis doesnt play for the Chiefs and Johnson will be able to post big numbers against a defence that was victimized by the Falcons last week. Avoid Mike Wallace (vs. Jets) - After his training camp holdout, Steelers werent sure what to expect from Wallace in Week 1. While he didnt blow the doors off, his stat line was saved by a touchdown. Wallace will be a reliable fantasy contributor in 2012, but not this week against a Jets defence that played very well in Week 1. Wallace will be held in check on the outside, even with Darrelle Revis sitting out. Sidney Rice (vs. Cowboys) - If he was in your starting lineup last week, you were likely pleased with Rices numbers, which included a touchdown. The brittle Rice has been held out of practice this week with a knee injury, but even if he takes the field Sunday he shouldnt suit up for your fantasy squad. The Cowboys secondary looked vastly improved in the opener thanks to the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. TIGHT ENDS Exploit Jacob Tamme (vs. Broncos) - Any worries that Joel Dreessen would steal targets from Tamme were put to bed in Week 1. Tamme caught all five of his targets and found the end zone as Manning breathed new life into the Broncos passing game. Tamme is going to be a sure bet to work underneath routes and that will be evident on Monday night against the Falcons. Coby Fleener (vs. Vikings) - Fleener made the most of his 10 targets, catching six of them for 82 yards against the Bears Cover-2 defence. If Austin Collie remains out with a concussion, Fleener will continue to thrive as a safety valve for his former college teammate Andrew Luck. Avoid Brent Celek (vs. Ravens) - When youre searching for a TE2 with TE1 upside, Celek has been a strong candidate for the last couple seasons. Celek helped the offence by catching four passes for 65 yards against the Browns a week ago. However, things wont be so easy against the Ravens who have the ability to take tight ends out of the game. Dennis Pitta (at Eagles) - Stay away from tight ends in Philadelphia is the lesson here. Pitta started the season in imprresive fashion with catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, but its important to remember that Ed Dickson is still in Baltimore as well. Last season, Pitta and Dickson took turns being the lead tight end for the Ravens and it will be equally tough to predict their output on a weekly basis this year. ' ' ' |
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2:27 PM Jul 11