The history of ECW's birth and death is told once again in Barbed Wire City; The Unauthorized Story of Eastern Championship Wrestling, a brand new documentary directed by Kevin Kiernan and JohnAPhilapavage. The ultra-violent, now-defunct wrestling campaign has been reviewed and recalled in film version before. WWE put out The Fall and Rise of ECW in 2004. Jeremy Borash released Forever Hardcore in 2005. Barbed Wire City ran the chance of redundancy but manages to be relevant by being more detailed than its predecessors. The film reflects the rawness of the wrestling item, the dysfunction of the companyas management, the cult-like status it had among fans and most ofAECWas warts and blemishes. Using a blend of lover video, talking-head interviews and glimpses of the ECW product itself, Barbed Wire City tells the tale of ECW, from beginning to the organization flip to Shane Douglas' Extreme Rising reunion shows. It goes beyond the damaged tables and bloodshed and to the culture that surrounded ECW. Barbed Wire City extended truck. The film begins with making characteristics to ECW then and Extreme Rising now, but the emphasis rapidly turns to ECW and remains there for the most part. Writers such as Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer, Wade Keller from PWTorch and Mike Johnson from PWInsider provide a mAlange of outlooks on what made ECW function and what made it fail. Keller may be the most essential, discussing how a company forced the abuse of the product too much. Jackson provides some fascinating inside stories and a keen look at ECW's glory days. The documentary also relies on interviews from ECW founder Tod Gordon and wrestlers like Sandman, New Jack, Stevie Richards, Rocco Rock, Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney. The outlooks and thoughts among these performers is a lot more different than those of the writers. New Jack is unforgiving of Paul Heyman, grumbling cuss words about him. Barbed Wire City functions movies of Rotten and Mahoney in the declining days of ECW and many years later as well. Rotten's speech in the more recent interviews is impaired by Bell's palsy. Both he and Mahoney reveal a psychological moment reflecting on their work and what they offered to the organization, which is one of the highlights of the movie. Wonderful Pumpkins frontman and ECW lover Billy Corgan talks in the picture as well. His perspective on the company is poignant, providing some poetry to the documentary. A glance at who is questioned in Barbed Wire City. Barbed Wire City does just like good a job of showcasing ECW's cult-like following, the growing violence and the intensity of the fanbase since it does the company's weaknesses. Heyman's rousing, rallying speeches from various panels and conferences are captured in the movie. He's designed to seem just as much a pied piper as he's a hero, as much a person in over his head as a creative genius. The film appropriately explores ECW's fundamental flawa'its failure to balance credibility with expansion.AHeyman's challenges as a businessman are chronicled here as well, however the philosophical issue of how to remain true to itself while moving to TNN and to a broader market is presented without being heavy-handed. Barbed Wire City does not have as many step by step, specific reports as Forever Hardcore, nonetheless it provides a better look and feel. Permanently Hardcore suffers as it has little real ECW footage and is just a more in depth dissection of some of ECW's subplots and situations. The Mass Transit Incident (where New Jack cut an untrained wrestler named Eric Kulas too seriously) is discussed in Barbed Wire City, but readers will dsicover no video or picture of what happened. In fact, it is discussed by New Jack and others however not defined. Folks unfamiliar with it already may be a bit lost. Paul Jackson interviews Tony Lewis about Barbed Cable City. The picture does not include any of Terry Funk's benefits to the organization and has little mention of Cactus Jack. It zeroes in on some wrestlers like Tommy Dreamer and The Dudley Boyz, however for probably the most part, it keeps its focus broader, covering the company and the fan experience more. Tony Lewis, the lover who helped get ECW on pay-per-view by means of gathering signatures for petitions and rallying public support, gets an important part in the film. His addition is indicative of how Barbed Wire City efforts to convey the commitment and love of the ECW supporters. This isn't just a rehash or retread. Barbed Wire City provides more straightforward look at ECW than The Rise and Fall. It provides a wider range of perspective than Forever Hardcore. In ways, it seems that this latest ECW documentary is really a marriage of those two previous ones. Lovers who have read and considered everything previously available in regards to the wildness and flammable experience that was ECW will see lots in Barbed Wire City that they've already seen before, but this newest film supplies a exclusively intriguing search.
Monday, April 29, 2013
How Atlanta Hawks' 2013 Postseason Run Impacts Josh Smith's Future
As is the case with many players on Danny Ferry's revamped Atlanta Hawks squad, Josh Smith's future with the team is not guaranteed when the 2013 postseason run comes to its inevitable conclusion.
And barring a miracle run through the Eastern Conference playoffs, it will indeed draw to an untimely close. Even if the Hawks somehow get by the Indiana Pacers in the opening round, it's tough to envision this overmatched squad making it through the rest of the postseason gauntlet.
That gives Smith a limited slate of games to prove his value. Given Indiana's Game 1 shellacking of the Hawks, it appears rather likely that Smoove will finish with between four and seven outings in his 2013 postseason resume.
If his sprained right ankle hinders him in any way, that already closing window grows a bit closer to being slammed shut.
Regardless of what he does during the rest of the Hawks' postseason run, Smoove is probably going to be a max-contract player. After max deals were handed out to Eric Gordon and Roy Hibbert during the 2012 offseason, it almost seems like a foregone conclusion.
Smith may be frustrating, but he's an uber-talented forward with a coveted set of skills: His athleticism is off the charts, he can run the floor far more effectively than most bigs and his defense is rather formidable when he commits himself on that end of the court.
The Oak Hill product's body and talents are conducive to earning heaps of money, even if the space between his ears often seems to hold him back.
Smith is already a rich man, thanks to the checks he's already cashed with the Hawks, but he's going to rake in the dollars even more during the upcoming offseason. Given the relative dearth of marquee 4s who will be free to pick and choose their next location come summer time, Smith is a near lock for a max contract.
More relevant than his future salary, though, is whether or not he spends the next portion of his career playing home games in Philips Arena.
Smith, who perennially finds himself on the list of All-Star snubs, has seemed to be present in trade rumors for years now. This past deadline was no different, but rumored deals involving plenty of different players, including, but not limited to, Monta Ellis, Kawhi Leonard and Evan Turner, simply never came to fruition.
However, now that Smith's free agency is looming in the not-so-distant horizon, the rumors haven't just withered away into nothingness. Instead, they've persisted throughout the second half of the 2012-13 campaign.
Mere hours after the trade dudline—sorry, corny but true—came and passed, USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt reported that it was "highly unlikely" Smith would re-sign with Atlanta. Of course, he received that information from an anonymous source, so take it for what it's worth.
"In free agency news, word is the Hawks' first priority will be to keep unrestricted free agents Josh Smith and Kyle Korver during the off-season. If it proves too costly, the Hawks will shop one (or both) in a sign-and-trade."
Atlanta will always mean a lot to Smith. He grew up in the city, does charity work there and truly seems to feel at home within the friendly confines of I-285. His hometown will certainly have an impact on his decision, but ultimately, free-agency deals are business transactions.
As soon as Danny Ferry settled into what I assume must be a comfy chair in his office, the first thing he did was start converting the Atlanta Hawks into Al Horford and Team Expiring Contract (h/t Grantland's Zach Lowe).
Within an extremely short time frame, Ferry dealt Joe Johnson and his unspeakable yearly salary to the Brooklyn Nets for a bevy of role players and...wait for it...expiring contracts. Then he did the same with Marvin Williams and the Utah Jazz.
In no time at all, the general manager had masterfully freed up tons of cap space for his first full offseason in charge of the team.
Now, the Hawks have so few players signed for the 2013-14 season that you can literally count them on one hand: Al Horford, Lou Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, Mike Scott and John Jenkins. Seriously. That's it.
Josh Smith, Devin Harris, Zaza Pachulia, Kyle Korver, Johan Petro, Dahntay Jones, Anthony Tolliver and Shelvin Mack are all unrestricted free agents. Ivan Johnson and Jeff Teague join them in the free-agency pool, but they're both of the restricted variety.
A lot will depend on the direction Ferry wants to go, but the general buzz around Atlanta is that the fanbase would like to build around the Teague-Horford duo. That would require signing the Wake Forest product to a much more exorbitant contract than his current one, though, and re-signing both Teague and Smith might be out of the financially responsible realm of possibilities.
Of course, there are the exceptions, those who would rather corral a few more years of Smith's athleticism, but the majority of Atlanta fans I've talked to seem to prefer the point guard to the forward. You can include me in Camp Teague as well.
Then again, this could all change with a few legendary postseason performances. Or even solid ones, for that matter.
The biggest knock on Smoove has always been his penchant for the long two-pointers. Somehow, someway, the forward who excels around the basket has convinced himself that he's best served hoisting up shots from the perimeter.
If you go to a Hawks game at the Highlight Factory, you'll hear a series of crowd noises whenever he lets fly from outside of the paint.
First, you hear a disappointed murmur as he rises up into the air. Then you hear a groan. There might be a cheer if he rips the ball through the net, but there will still be groans mixed in, because a make means that he's probably going to keep firing away instead of planting his backside closer to the basket.
Do you see how the only green section is right around the rim? How about the ridiculously low percentages around the perimeter coupled with the high number of attempts?
That's a textbook example of not always playing to your strengths, and I apologize for forcing such an ugly image into your consciousness. Trust me, I wish I could un-see it too.
He must prove to both Hawks fans and Ferry that he can take over a game in the most beneficial way possible. If Smith starts attacking the rim with relentless fury, makes plays instead of shot attempts when he receives the ball out near the three-point arc and gives Atlanta a better shot at beating the Pacers, he'll prove his value.
Admittedly, the sample size will be small, but any step in the right direction during the most crucial stretch of the season can pay large dividends.
The dynamic power forward didn't exactly get off to a good start in Game 1, a contest that wasn't nearly as close as the final 17-point margin indicates:
Again, he was far too fond of taking jumpers out on the perimeter. In the loss, Smith took seven shots from inside the paint, making five of them. Once he ventured outside into the more neutral-colored area of the court, he was a putrid 2-of-8.
Throughout the remaining portion of Atlanta's postseason, Smith is going to find himself in plenty of situations that mirror this one. He hasn't given opponents a reason to respect his jumper, so they don't need to bother closing out any further.
During this play—which you join in medias res, right after Smith received a desperation pass from Devin Harris, who was falling out of bounds—the forward chose to shoot. The result, much to the chagrin of Atlanta fans, was a clang of the iron.
Kyle Korver is standing in the corner, Jeff Teague at the top of the key and Al Horford in the mid-range location he's so deadly from. Driving affords Smith the opportunity to use his superior finishing skills or his above-average distributing ones to create a higher percentage play.
Once he receives it and faces up, he's in a nearly identical situation to the previous play from the first quarter. Harris is now cutting across the court instead of recovering while out of bounds, but Smith is still faced with the shoot-pass-or-drive dilemma.
With his back to the basket, Smith is able to push West back into the paint, and he eventually finishes the play with a pretty left-handed hook shot that drops through the net for two points. Once he's established himself closer to the basket, the options are diverse, and they're all more positive than a Smoove jumper that isn't exactly smooth.
As a whole, Drew's offensive system with the Hawks is fairly bland. It consists primarily of pick-and-rolls at the top of the key with a few isolation plays mixed in. All the while, the shooters run curls and expect the ball if they get open.
It's not exactly a system built to maximize Smith's talents, which makes it all the more imperative that he milk every possession for its greatest possible value.
If we see Smith settle for jumpers, the Hawks will have virtually no shot of advancing, and the forward's days in red and blue will be limited. As has been the case for a few years, there's no certainty when dealing with Smith's future, but each shot he takes from the outside is digging him a deeper and deeper hole.
This summer is bound to be a monumentally important time in the headband-wearing, shot-blocking potential superstar's life. How he handles the rest of the postseason will inevitably have a large impact.
As the hypothetical version of Hamlet who rooted for the Atlanta Hawks might say: To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question.
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QPR Supporters Upset at Jose Bosingwa For Laughing After Club Is Relegated: The Daily EPL
Queens Park Rangers supporters are upset at defender Jose Bosingwa who was caught laughing and smiling after the club were relegated after the end of yesterday's nil-nil draw against Reading.
Bosingwa was snapped laughing and smiling on his way down the tunnel. The timing of Bosingwa's good mood was incredibly inconsiderate to QPR supporters and the club.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp defended Bosingwa's actions by saying that the footballer was chatting with Portuguese compatriot Daniel Carrico, the Reading midfielder.
"Jose was only laughing because the lad who played for them came up and spoke to him as they walked off. He wasn't laughing about getting relegated. You could put a camera on anyone and see them laughing. To start throwing that one at the boy is completely out of order. He was laughing because, as he walked down the tunnel, another foreign lad came up and said something to him and he laughed and put his arm around him. I don't see what he has done wrong."
The Daily EPL is your morning guide to the latest Premier League news headlines, so you don't have to spend an hour or more scanning the Internet. We do all the work for you. Read The Daily EPL on EPL Talk every morning to stay on top of all the news that matters.
Dana White Thinks Showtime Desires to Take control Boxing, Never Needed Strikeforce
UFC President Dana White has had difficulty holding his tongue over the a year ago about on the community while they certainly were broadcasting Strikeforce activities a unstable relationship that developed with former television companion Showtime. Zuffa (parent organization of the UFC) purchased Strikeforce in 2011 by having an existing Showtime television deal already set up. It seemed the two sides would split months later, but a new agreement was arranged that would hopefully launch Strikeforce to new heights on the market. The period never came, however. White and the remainder of the group at Zuffa continuously butted heads with Showtime professionals and eventually Strikeforce collapsed and whilst the deal with the premium cable network finally found a detailed the competitors under contract were moved around to the UFC. Throughout the whole trial, White did his better to remain silent about any dealings he'd with Showtime, and packed his private feelings right down to save yourself from venting about their rocky relationship. On Saturday night after the close of UFC 159, White spoke about Showtime regarding their hottest press into the combat sports market. Showtime recently inked a deal with boxing pay-per-view king Floyd Mayweather, and they've made an important play to take control the market on the activity from original wire king, HBO. White caught a number of Showtime's boxing card on Saturday night ahead of UFC 159 starting off, and also saw their competitor HBO put up a similar offering.AThe UFC mind honcho said the 2 items were not even close. "I am not the largest Showtime fan on Earth, but I will inform you what Showtime blew HBO out of the water tonight," White stated when addressing Bleacher Report.A"With the display and all the stuff they did, I never thought I had start to see the time where I'd say Showtime is really looking much better than HBO.AIt is crazy." Since Zuffa no further works with Showtime and provided their major push to dominate the boxing television industry, White is rather sure he knows why things never exercised with Strikeforce on the community. "I think they did not wish to be in operation with us," White said about Showtime's willingness to work on Strikeforce.A"Now that I view it and see what they're doing their strategy was to dominate boxing. Their strategy was to get everybody that they could easily get away from HBO into Showtime and they're kicking HBO's butt right now." Since Strikeforce was mixed the competitors that used to compete under their banner have inked perfectly in the UFC Octagon.ALast Saturday at UFC on Fox 7, former Strikeforce winner Josh Thomson knocked out Nate Diaz, while Daniel Cormier acquired a unanimous decision conquer former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. On Saturday at UFC 159, former Strikeforce subject challenger Pat Healy submitted Jim Miller and also picked up a double reward for Fight of the Submission and Night of the Night. White seems more than content with the ability the UFC found from Strikeforce, and has put his time dealing with Showtime behind him. Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained directly unless otherwise noted.
Link: United FC - AFC Cup
Yvette Prieto and Jordan Wedding: Delegates, Pictures and Facts
When you're probably the greatest hockey player ever, it's impossible to travel underneath the radar. Nba star and recent Charlotte Bobcats manager Jordan tied the knot with original partner Yvette Prieto on Saturday in Palm Beach, Fla., according to People.com's Jennifer Garcia. The function was held at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, and included approximately 500 visitors including some other former NBA stars (picture via NBA.SI.com ): There have been lots of friends and superstars available (via ETonline.com) to aid Jordan and his girl this weekend. Significant people included Jordan's former Chicago Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen, Jordan's mother, former New York Knicks celebrity Patrick Ewing and well-known directorASpike Lee, among others (picture via NBA.SI.com ): Here is a look at some closer shots of Pippen and Ewing, who alongside Jordan performed in some of the very most unique playoff collection throughout the 1990s, when Bulls-Knicks was probably the best rivalry in baseball (photos via HuffingtonPost.com ): Fourteen-time important champion Tiger Woods was also on hand this week-end (picture via @KVJShow from TMZ ): Based on Michele Dargan of the Palm Beach Daily News, visitors began arriving at the church around 3 p.m. ET, an hour approximately prior to the wedding ceremony began at roughly 4:15 p.m. ET. The service within the church lasted about one hour as alarms reportedly called out soon after 5 p.m. ET, based on Dargan. Shiny Sheet on Twitter placed several photographs of people on Saturday: as the church was entered by them Here's a look at the bridesmaids on their way to the church: Not that one may see her in this picture, but this flock of umbrellas is supposedly covering the bride before she joined the church for Saturday's ceremony: A level greater audience of an estimated 2,000 people collected at the Bear's Club, a course community in Jupiter, Fla., for the reception under a massive, state-of-the-art wedding tent (picture via LarryBrownSports.com ): The party was held perhaps not far from Jordan's 38,000-square-foot home. According to Garcia, the 50-year-old Jordan achieved the 35-year-old Prieto at a Miami bar five years back and proposed to her in late 2011. Provided the Bobcats' struggles on the hardwood in recent periods, it is safe to state that this weekend's ceremony and subsequent party was a welcomed diversion for Jordan heading into another difficult offseason. For the present time, however, hockey can wait. All the best to Jordan and his new wife. Follow Bleacher Statement Highlighted Author Patrick Clarke on Facebook.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Yep, This Is The Best Play You Will See Today
The Erie Times-News put together a story on the Erie SeaWolves' 6-4 win over the Bowie Baysox and somehow buried this near the end. Take a look at Erie shortstop Hernan Perez, who proves that you don't really need fingers to play the infield. He flips the ball to second with his glove, while rolling on the ground. Ta daa!
"It was a SportsCenter highlight type of play," said Cron about Perez's play. "He made a play that I'm not sure I've ever seen."
Facts about Perez: He's 22, from Venezuela, and played two games for the Detroit Tigers last year … getting one hit in two at-bats.
Fun fact: the SeaWolves have a relief pitcher named Will Startup. Shouldn't he be pitching for the San Jose Giants, who are located in Silicon Valley?
SportsCenter The Heat win Game 2 vs Bucks going away, 98-86. @KingJames (19 Pts, 8 Reb, 6 Ast) snaps 16-game playoff streak with 25+ points.
Link: Soccer SC Austria Lustenau - SV Horn - Austrian Erste Liga
Yep, This Is The Best Play You'll See Today
The Erie Times-News assembled an account on the Erie SeaWolvesa 6-4 conquer the Bowie Baysox and somehow buried this near the end. Take a peek at Erie shortstop Hernan Perez, who demonstrates that you donat actually need the infield to be played by fingers. While rolling on the ground, the ball is flipped by him to second along with his glove. Ta daa! aIt was a SportsCenter highlight form of play,a said Cron about Perezas play. aHe made a play that Iam unsure Iave ever seen.a Factual statements about Perez: Heas 22, from Venezuela, and performed two games for the Detroit Tigers this past year a getting one hit in two at-bats. Fun fact: the SeaWolves have a pitcher named Will Startup. Shouldnat he be selling for the San Jose Giants, who are situated in Silicon Valley? Your Ultimate Guide to Dream Soccer Xcellence. Examine it out! Your mind will be blown by this Derrick Rose print. Do not believe us? Take a look in the store. Ben Haberstroh Heat played quite defectively and still won by 12. Heat up 2-0 in the series. Lang Whitaker KILOGRAM in, with 4 fouls, with 5 to go in the next. #AmexNBA SportsCenter The Warmth win Game 2 compared to Bucks going absent, 98-86. @KingJames (19 Pts, 8 Reb, 6 Ast) snaps 16-game playoff streak with 25+ things. Lang Whitaker Another evening, another scarf lost. Tonight: Robert Pierce. #AmexNBA Jeff Haberstroh Somebody GIF that Joel Anthony jump chance so it can be used by me as my avi. kthxbai
More Info: Soccer Chivas Guadalajara - Queretaro FC - Mexican soccer
BREAKING NEWS: NBA Teams Have Officially Switched From The Cheesecake Factory To Benihana
Nick Collison dropped the socio-culinary bomb on ESPN's True Hoop Blog. "Is it still Cheesecake Factory, or is there a new champ?" Kevin Arnovitz asked the OKC big man. "Guys like Benihana now," Collison replied.
O. M. G., you guys. Where is Vince Young going to blow the rest of his signing bonus? (To jog your memory, Young purportedly went bankrupt after spending $5,000 a week there. Stories even surfaced of "LenDale White consuming 'one-and-a-half bottles of Patrón,' and the team hanging out at all these establishments with 'nasty-looking' girls, who were 'the skankiest.'")
Now, I know what you're thinking. Why the hell are professional athletes eating at the most unhealthy restaurant on the face of the Earth?! Answer: ambiance portion size. Like the Bistro Shrimp Pasta, which packs a whopping 3,120 calories, rendering it the most calorically rich food ever. Well, that, and to a lesser extent, the ample seating for large people. But as Bob Dylan once sang about important paradigm shifts in cultural tendencies, the times they are a changin'.
Benihana is now the goût du jour among NBA squads. Why? Answer: proximity to NBA arenas. And, to a lesser extent, the amphitheater style seating, condusive to larger groups.
Wow. Whether it's "The Factory," as it's called, or Asian bistro-tainment, these guys treat every night off like it's a 10 year old's birthday party. Sweet!
If you've never been, Benihana is a Japanese hibachi restaurant, where chefs cook the food in front of you while doing tricks/making you catch onions rings in your mouth. The allure, at least for normal humans, is that you get dinner and a show. For NBA players, it's probably just an opportunity to have the attention off them for a second. "Hey man, I'd tell you to look over there at Javale McGee and Nick Young freestyling, but any second this chef might squirt flaming oil near your face."
FOX Sports: NFL During his time at @USC_Athletics, Matt Barkley set PAC-12 records for career passing yds (12,327), TD passes (116) and completions (1,001).
Rich Eisen So was Mayock. RT @BFeldmanCBS: Glad to see Matt Barkley finally selected. Stunned Chip Kelly took him in terms of scheme fit.
Chris Mortensen #PHIPick USC QB Matt Barkley. Joins Michael Vick & Nick Foles. Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense- two athletic tackles (… http://t.co/KjVpmfamhc
darren rovell If you believe Matt Barkley would have been a top 10 pick last year, he could receive as little as $11.6M less in guaranteed $
Zach Ertz Scouting Report: NFL Perspective for Stanford TE
A unanimous first team All-American as a senior, ZachAErtzAbecame the primary goal in the Stanford passing sport the 2009 season. As a than former Cardinal teammate and 2012 second-round pick,ACobyAFleener he has been labeled by many. While he could perhaps not be the flashiest player,AErtzAhas the chance to make an effect at the following level as a device. Can he, nevertheless, grow into the jack-of-all-trades small end that represents three downs on a frequent basis? Instruments At 6a5a 244 pounds, ZachAErtzAis built as an large wide receiver. Although missing freakish physical qualities, he's an underrated athlete with some suddenness. Thought of primarily as a receiving tight end,AErtzAmanaged to throw up a great 24 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He technically timed at 4.76 in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, but reports from hisApro dayAhave him one-tenth of another faster. Also at his pro morning, he was able to increase his straight by five inches to 35.5a. Intangibles In the interviews I've watched,AErtzAappears to be a mature, down to earth person. All signs indicate he's a solid locker room presence who provides a good work on and off the subject. Apart from aAminor knee injuryAthat cost three games to him in 2011, longevity has not been an issue. Process Throughout his college career, ZachAErtzAwas subjected to many different clusters and pro-style methods. Stanford asks their limited ends to occupy several roles and line up at several positions. HeAgained experience in a conventional offense, but he was also applied divided large or in the slot. Ertz produces separation easily with a great launch. Release ZachAErtzAhas the size and enough quickness to beat press coverage when set up large. His release from the line of scrimmage is rather fast, allowing him to eat up support and produce separation. He gets downfield on the go, although it will be a stretch to callAErtzAan explosive straight danger and is fast to enter his routes. Baseball Skills A device equipped with outstanding body control, ZachAErtzAdisplays the ability to adapt to defectively placed passes. He tracks the ball quite well, displaying control and good focus. While his hands are somewhat short,AErtzAstill boasts a wide catching distance and excels creating plays outside his body. Channels Ertz happens of his break easily, separating with this corner course. One of this classa better way runners, ZachAErtzAis capable of developing divorce at every level of the industry. He is able to run clean avenues, going fluidly in and out of his breaks. This part of his game seems to be fairly refined. As a viable option even on broken plays he knows how to identify soft spots in area protection and establishes himself. Sometimes, the ability is flashed by him to deceptively use his eyes or human anatomy to manipulate protection. Arms ErtzAis generally speaking a sure-handed and trusted recipient. In fact, he brought the nation inAreceiving yardsAandAreceptionsAfor a tight end. His mix of size and stability make him an ideal target at a negative balance area and on third downs. He usually shows the ability to make plays far from his body with ease. Also,ErtzApossesses strong hands by pulling the ball down in traffic. Still, when seeing the tape, I can not help but notice the unexpected simple decline. Ertz lays out for a big third down party, showing powerful arms. Pursue Find Although he excels ahead of the capture, ZachAErtzAis little of a danger with the ball in his arms. Lacking excellent speed and elusiveness, he's unlikely to hurt defenses in this respect. ErtzAmay not be particularly active after the hook, but he does work with good balance, preventing for extra yardage and refusing to drop easily. Blocking Watching ZachAErtzAplay, he seems much more in his element as a device as opposed to a blocker. He usually seems actually outmatched and struggles to keep blocks. Generally speaking I have several gripes with his work, but he leaves much to be preferred being an in-line blocker. Furthermore, he does not execute a good job of finding blocks in place. To produce in to a total NFL tight end,AErtzAmust continue steadily to focus on improving his approach. Ertz is captured lunging here, missing a vital stop on third and small. Future Role/Scheme Usefulness ErtzAis slightly one-dimensional. He's an excellent, reliable device but must certanly be accompanied by a blocking TE at another level. With techniques he reminds me of the Ravensa Dennis Pitta. If he falls more than many assume on draft day; don't be amazed he may not be the full small end groups look for in the initial two times. Draft Projection:AMid SecondA- Early ThirdARound
True Madrid maintain work against AtlAtico who cling to Copa del Rey wish - The Guardian
AtlAtico Madrid instructor Diego Simeone is targeting success in next month's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid after his side failed to overcome their city rivals for a straight game in La Liga on Saturday. AtlAtico, who last triumphed against Real in a gain at the BernabAu in 1999, play the cup final at the exact same ground on 17 May, an opportunity to end over ten years of derby frustration. Saturday's defeat, if they squandered the result in lose 2-1, was their 10th change within their previous 11 league meetings with Real at their Vicente CalderAn arena. It was among their best likelihood of beating their rivals lately as JosA Mourinho rested several key players in front of Tuesday's Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund and Cristiano Ronaldo was absent through injury. Nevertheless, a Juanfran own goal cancelled out Radamel Falcao's early opener and Real's Angel Di MarAa netted the success midway through the next half. "We will have another possibility to overcome Real on 17 May," Simeone said. "It was a opportunity but there will be more, next season as well," included the Argentinian, who has developed the group since overpowering midway through last season. "We were deeper than ever and there will be one match when the losing streak ultimately ends." Despite their latest change, AtlAtico are almost assured of a place in the Champions League next season. They are six points behind second-placed Real with five matches left and 13 in front of Real Sociedad in last before the Basque membership variety fifth-placed Valencia on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Wigan Athletic - movie reaction - The Guardian
Tottenham Hotspur manager, AndrA Villas-Boas, and Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto MartAnez, react to Saturday's 2-2 draw in the Premier League. Wigan Athletic's Emmerson Boyce obtained early in the very first half at the DW Stadium, before a late own goal gave the guests a level and refused the Latics an important victory
More Info: Soccer Tractor Sazi - to the Jaish - AFC Asian Champions League
Texas Boys 2013 Draft: the Negative and The Great
The 2013 NFL draft has been wrapped up by the Dallas Cowboys, introducing eight participants (four on crime, three on protection). Let's review what exactly went down for Dallas at Radio City Music Hall Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Pick explanation Round 1 (31 ): Travis Frederick (C, Wisconsin )Round 2 (47 ): Gavin Escobar (TE, San Diego State )ARound 3 (74 ): Terrance Williams (WR, Baylor )Round 3 (80 ): J.J. Wilcox (S, Georgia Southern )Round 4 (114 ): B.W. Webb (CB, William & Mary )Round 5 (151 ): Joseph Randle (RB, Oklahoma State )Round 7 (185 ): DeVonte Holloman (LB, Sc) Best pick:ADeVonte Holloman They saved the most effective for last. Holloman had no business lasting to the sixth round, but Dallas benefits. The flexible, natural defender is powerful in coverage and is actually a long-term solution at the strong-side linebacker spot. He's a fantastic person to have growing behind Justin Durant, Sean Lee and Bruce Carter. Other picks I liked: B.W. Webb, J.J. Wilcox Webb is sufficient to become this team's fourth place, which concerns in the NFC East. Plus, he might have a big impact in the return game. Wilcox looks like he will have a chance to start, despite playing protection just one year at Georgia Southern. Worst pick: Gavin Escobar I will never comprehend the thinking behind taking a tight end here. I know the scouts are wiser than I'm, but this just does not mount up. Jason Witten and James Hanna really are a good couple. They need a (like John Phillips), not another pass-catcher, if such a thing. Different selections I did so not like: Travis Frederick, Terrance Williams Ernest is a good addition to the inner of the offensive line, but he must have are available in Round 3. Williams is really a decent addition to the getting corps, but the Cowboys had greater needs, and I do believe he was a reach in the next round. Left to address: right tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end I really expected someone to be drafted by the Cowboys to contend with Doug Free, but now the force is really to sign Eric Winston. When they don't, we'll be watching Free again on the proper side. They likewise have to address that aging defensive line, especially with Anthony Spencer perhaps not signed longterm. That may be the target next year at the moment.
Dee Milliner Has Significant Medical Problems Entering Thursdayas Draft
Reports appeared Monday that Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, a possibility for the Browns with the sixth pick in Thursdayas draft, has already established four operations and might be sliding in the draft because of medical issues, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer accounts. Several league sources consider the reports certainly are a smear campaign to devalue Milliner prior to the draft. aTeams have known about these surgeries all along,a a source said. aThey havenat been a this and secret is not a large issue.a Additionally to Millineras surgery last month to fix a labrum in his shoulder, heas had a rod inserted in his leg near his leg, a leg opportunity and a hernia surgery, in accordance with ESPNas Chris Mortensen aThere is some problem out there about Milliner and his medical history,a Mortensen explained on his aMort Report.a And itas not misinformation, not trying to create a guy collapse [the draft] because all teams have this same information.a Mortensenas colleague, Todd McShay, in addition has gotten the character that Milliner may be sliding, saying on aNFL 32a on Monday that he amight drop only a little bita on draft day. Milliner was moved by him back to No. 10 in his latest mock draft, quoting durability problems and anot elite baseball skills.a Stories also circulated Monday that Milliner mightn't get ready for training camp because of the labrum fix. He told The Plain Dealer a week ago that he ashould be full power for education camp or sometime in August at the latest.a New Ravens LB Rolando McClain was caught Sunday evening, less than 10... Accounts appeared Monday that Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, a possibility for the... His drug test was passed by former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu at Februaryas NFL... By Kyle Gans Considering that the Cleveland Browns came back to the league, in... By Jesse Ferguson Itas NFL sentimenta' if not ethical lawa' that an... NFL Network has their edition of the aTop 10 Steelers of All-Time,a... Visit DerbyDeals.com for a great choice of Kentucky Derby Tickets and Kentucky Derby Packages.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Thunder take 3-0 series lead with 104-101 win
HOUSTON (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 41 points in his first game without injured All-Star Russell Westbrook, and the Oklahoma City Thunder fought off Houston's late rally to beat the Rockets 104-101 on Saturday night for a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.
Durant scored 27 points in the first half, and the Thunder led by 26 points before a big third-quarter rally by the Rockets put them within striking distance.
Houston regained the lead with about 4 minutes left, and was up with less than a minute remaining. But Durant hit a 3-pointer seconds later to put Oklahoma City on top 100-99.
A turnover by James Harden gave the Thunder the ball back and Derek Fisher made two free throws to push the lead to 3. Harden made a layup, but Reggie Jackson hit two more free throws after that.
Westbrook was injured in Game 2 and had season-ending knee surgery Saturday. It was the first time Durant had ever played without Westbrook, who hadn't missed a game in his career before Saturday.
Durant tied a career high for the playoffs, and he added 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Jackson started in place of Westbrook and had 14 points, and Ibaka added 17 points and 11 rebounds.
A 3-pointer by Chandler Parsons tied it with 5:46 left and Delfino gave Houston its first lead since early in the first quarter, 94-93, about 2 minutes later.
Ibaka made four straight points after that, ending with a reverse layup, to make it 97-94 with about a minute and a half left.
Harden hit a pair of free throws. Then Francisco Garcia's 3-pointer put them up 99-97 with 45 seconds left, before the clutch shot by Durant.
The Rockets rallied from a 15-point deficit to take a lead in the fourth quarter in Game 2. But they weren't able to hold on and Oklahoma City got the 105-102 win.
Westbrook's absence didn't seem to bother Oklahoma City early, as Durant had the big first half and the Thunder looked to be in complete control.
Things changed in the third quarter, as Durant was limited offensively and Houston outscored the Thunder 27-14 in the quarter.
Houston point guard Jeremy Lin, who suffered a bruised chest muscle in Game 2, started but scored only two points in about 18 minutes.
After the big run got Houston within eight points in the third quarter, Garcia and Harden made 3-pointers around a dunk by Durant to whittle the lead to 80-76 entering the last quarter.
The Thunder led by 19 points when the Rockets used a 16-5 run to get to 78-70 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The Rockets harassed Oklahoma City into three turnovers in that stretch, and Durant went cold as he missed four shots.
NOTES: Francisco Garcia and Houston coach Kevin McHale received technical fouls in the first quarter. ... Pitching great Roger Clemens and Houston Texans star receiver Andre Johnson attended the game. ... Houston's Aaron Brooks, who was the only player on the roster the last time the Rockets reached the playoffs, had four points.
Atletico Madrid versus. True Madrid, El Derbi madrileAo: Final rating 1-2, Yet... - SB Nation
Their dominance was continued by real Madrid over Atletico Madrid as Los Colchoneros have now did not be their town rivals in 25 league matches, comprising almost 14 years. Entering the 152nd El Derbi madrileAo things seemed setup for Atletico Madrid to eventually break their near 14 year winless ability against Real Madrid. With Los Merengues sleeping a few starters and Atletico with a not quite first decision choice, this should have now been the afternoon for Atletico to shine. Rather Real Madrid returned from an early on shortage for a 2-1 win. Radamel Falcao got Atletico Madrid off to a wonderful start heading in a combination in the 4th minute and staking Atletico to an earlier 1-0 lead. Koke"s free kick from 25-yards was saved by Diego Lopez but the owner not able to control the recovery and Diego GodAn was in the right position, sending the ball back across to Falcao at the post for the headed finish. The goal was Falcao's 50th in Manhunter Liga. Bananas were gone by the Vicente CalderAn nevertheless the happiness lasted only ten minutes as Real Madrid equalized because of an goal by Francisco Juanfran. Angel Di Maria's free kick started the difficulty, deflecting off one player at the very top of the box before taking a deflection off Juanfran facing his goalkeeper, changing the flight of the ball enough to send it past a diving Thibaut Courtois. One Real Madrid supporter had an interesting party following the goal: The 2 objectives calmed down the busy early speed but rather of free moving play we got plenty of fouls and an increasingly edgy atmosphere as the referee frantically tried to help keep things in check by giving out yellow cards just like the ice cream man giving out popsicles on a warm day. Courtois made an enormous save just before the break on the best side after Di Maria discovered Karim Benzema alone in place. The French striker struggled to get get a handle on of the ball giving the Atletico keeper time to make and recover a sliding tackle to break-up the pressure. Atletico dominated the opening 18 minutes of the 2nd half with Real Madrid having virtually no control. Therefore needless to say in the moment, seemingly from nowhere, Di Maria snuck him behind the safety running onto a pass from Benzema and beat Courtois to place the guests forward 2-1. Whilst the minutes ticked away Atletico turned more disappointed and more and less and less able to mount a consistent attack. The addition of Xabi Alonso by Jose Mourinho helped relax the Madrid midfield and improved their person considerably. The final time Atletico beat Real Madrid was in October of 1999...25 category matches before. Because that win Atletico have just managed six draws combined with 19 losses against their rivals. Madrid expands their advantage in second place to six points over Atletico. FRollow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter
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L.A. Clippers compared to. Memphis Grizzlies: Live Rating, Effects and Game Shows
Hopefully the L.A. Clippers have woken up from the hibernation they certainly were in during Game 3, when the Memphis Grizzlies inched closer to evening the line. Bob Paul had one of many worst playoff activities of his profession with eight points, four assists and five turnovers. With Paul's aggressive character, though, I am sure Game 4 will not end with him having more turnovers than helps on the stat sheet. Zach Randolph focused for the Grizzlies in Game 3 11 rebounds) and (27 details and showed that he's the actual X-factor for Memphis. The difference-maker in a critical Game 4 will soon be if the Grizzlies may rule the bad glass like they did in Game 3, which kept Lob City from escaping to their transition crime. One thing is definite, and that's that FedExForum is going to be off the land on Saturday night. It'll be noisy, and the fans will get ready to exhibit the Clippers what they're made of. Chris Paul compared to. Robert Conley. Blake Griffin vs. Zach Randolph. DeAndre Jordan vs. Marc Gasol. What else would you request?
Income matters: Dimitar Berbatov AND Martin Jol may leave Fulham as a result of... - Mirror.co.uk
Bulgarian striker will probably attract interest after impressing on his get back with 13 objectives in 2013 Clive Increased Dimitar Berbatov and his Fulham chef Martin Jol can both likely be operational to moves this summer due to issues on the clubas spending plans, writes the Sunday People. Jol has been told he'll need certainly to focus on a small budget as he seems to create changes to an aging team. And after couple of years in mid-table at Craven Cottage, it's thought he might fancy a transition back once again to the German Bundesliga, where he previously enjoyed and maintained. Berbatov, who signed for Fulham due to his relationship with Jol, is also said to be discouraged at the clubas refusal to enhance their team somewhat. Jolas relationship with well-regarded chief executive Alistair Mackintosh is thought as stretched within the issue. Jol initially signed a deal which would end next month, although Fulham demand they have stimulated a supplementary one-year option for his services a' so any interested club would have to pay compensation. Difficulty Dutch: Jol is thought as aggravated by club's unwillingness to strengthen Getty Berbatov also has another year on his deal but Tottenham, Fiorentina and Juventus wanted the 32-year-old striker last summer and, after having a 13-goal Premier League strategy, the amazing Bulgarian will attract further interest. Both Jol and Berbatov were eager for Fulham to indication Tottenhamas England midfielder Ben Huddlestone a with whom they both worked at White Hart Lane a' nevertheless the Cottagers won't meet Spursa A7million price tag. Jol Desires to sign Ajax midfielder Eyong Enoh, presently on loan at the Cottage, but has admitted the club will not occupy an alternative to get the 27-year-old Cameroonian since they feel he is valued too highly at around A4m.
Wednesday Times Sport Rich Record 2013: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney... - Mirror.co.uk
David Beckham remains Britain's richest sportsman with your own fortune of A165 million Getty Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has topped the Sunday Times Sport Rich List with an individual fortune of A51 million - making him the person in the Premier League. Rooney's money has increased from A45m this past year, and he is A9 million better off than Red Devils teammate Rio Ferdinand. Along with partner Colleen, the Rooneys are worth A64 million. The England global and defender Ferdinand are two of 24 current Premier League people among the 100 richest athletes in Great Britain and Ireland, in line with the record that is published tomorrow. David Beckham obviously tops the lot with a A165m fortune. Michael Owen (A38m) is third on the list of Premier League people, in front of Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard (both A34m). Six Manchester United players are on the number, including Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie, who is a new entry with A12m. Big dollars Becks: Beckham leads the way with A165m CNN Steven Gerrard is Liverpool's richest player with a A33m bundle, with Carlos Tevez (A18m) the richest Manchester City player on the number. But their money pales in comparison compared to that of former England captain Beckham, now playing with Paris St Germain, who's the richest players in Britain. He sits 11th on the Sunday Times World Sport Rich List, which is headed by Padraig Harrington, worth A570m. Beckham's shared money with partner Victoria is rated at A200m. You can find two other footballers on the planet top 20, Barcelona's Lionel Messi, worth A125m, and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, worth A120m. The Rich List is founded on familiar prosperity, including area, house, other resources such as for example art and racehorses, or major shares in publicly quoted companies. Bank accounts are excluded by it. Meanwhile, Arsenal FC's billionaire co-owner Alisher Usmanov topples Lakshmi Mittal to just take top place in the full record. Getty
Chris Paul’s Fantastic Game-Winner Is A Little Less Fantastic When You Consider All The Rules He Broke
Big, huge, enormous props to Chris Paul, who cemented his place as one of the league's best and most clutch players last night. With Game 2 between the Clippers and Grizzlies tied at 91, Paul drove to his right and hit a tough bank shot with 0.1 seconds left, effectively winning the game. And that's great, good for him. If only he hadn't carried the ball and committed an offensive foul on the way to the hoop — I'd be a lot more impressed.
This isn't the my first time viewing an NBA game, so I'm aware that carrying the ball [Wikipedia definition: It occurs when the dribbling player continues to dribble after allowing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands] is a rarely-called violation. I'm also aware that most refs let their whistles drop in the final possessions of games, so as not to let a foul be the deciding factor.
But, as we look at this slow motion capture of the final play, can we all not plainly see Chris Paul carrying the ball (it occurs around the :12 mark) and pushing off Tony Allen with a stiff arm — a play that would be called an offensive foul during most other situations?
The carry is the most egregious, and is clearly what throws Allen off the play and gives Paul room to operate. I don't think this bucket happens without the carry or the stiff arm.
I don't take anything away from Paul here. He is still clutch. He is still great at basketball. And he played within the system that was granted to him, and took advantage of cautious or perhaps blind referees. But I can't stop looking at this drive and thinking, if there was any kind of consistency in the league's violation-calling, this would be a much different series. This would be a much different league.
Zach Lowe This is the kind of analysis you have to do if you want to gripe re refs. First 47:59 matters, too (see end of post): http://t.co/qC1WdZ9ZkP
SportsCenter FILL IN THE BLANK: @sonnench will beat @JonnyBones in UFC 159 because ______. Use #UFCBeef; Chael just might pick YOUR argument live on SC!
Bomani Jones so, trying to dodge tests for weed, folks turned to something that's actually worse for them. yeah, that makes sense.
Bomani Jones "spice," fake weed, has real live health-related dangers. real weed is dangerous because...it'll get you kicked off the team?
West Brom boss in phone over Gareth McAuley deal shares - expressandstar.com
Employer Steve Clarke today urged West Bromwich Albion to give Gareth McAuley athe agreement he deservesa as discussions over a new deal threatened to stall. McAuley, who is favourite to be crowned Baggies person of the summer season on Sunday, is in negotiations over an extension to his current deal, which will be as a result of expire in 14 months. But the talks have yet to achieve a conclusion with the frequent Northern Ireland international understood to be unhappy with the terms offered to date. Clarke refused to offer information on the discussions but confessed he needs them solved as quickly as possible. aI want to think it'll be sorted,a said Clarke. aHe has been our most readily useful player in 2013 constantly. aI am certain that he will grab most of the player-of-the-year awards and I'd want to think Gareth will stick to Albion. aI want him to get the option he deserves and I'd like it put to bed possible as soon but so I've to leave that to other people.a it is not my department McAuley is under contract for next season along with Youssouf Mulumbu and Shane Long, that are also in talks over extensions. Longas associates have met with Baggies sporting and technical manager Richard Garlick nevertheless the functions continue to be regarded as a way apart. Meanwhile, Clarke still feels Albion are in pole place to land Romelu Lukaku again next period if Chelsea permit the 19-year-old to keep on loan a' nevertheless the Scot admits he should have contingency plans for if the striker does not return. aI would love him to remain here but we have to policy for life without him,a said Clarke. aAll I would say is, if he comes out again on loan I think weare in a great position to get him again.a Albion leader Chris Brunt is out of tomorrowas visit to Southampton with a problem that Clarke worries may keep him out for multiple sport. Billy Jones is really a question with a gashed knee but Peter Odemwingie is back from a leg injury.
report: Everton 1-0 Fulham - ITV News
Everton's bid for European football received a timely boost because of a submissive Fulham part and competitors Tottenham being held to a sketch at Wigan. Steven Pienaar obtained the only target early in a primary half significant only for the lack of energy place in by the readers, who with mid-table security guaranteed seldom seemed serious. The match struggled to rise above mediocrity for extended periods but that will not have worried Toffees employer David Moyes who, after last week's loss at Sunderland, will be urging on his group for one final thrust. Everton started the afternoon six factors off fourth-placed Chelsea and although they shut that to three the Stamford Bridge side have a match at your fingertips. Dramatically, but, fifth-placed Spurs dropped at Wigan indicating their support on the Merseysiders is currently only three points. Their previous 19 league visits had been lost by fulham to Goodison Park and the way in which they played the initial half suggested they knew it was a fruitless exercise. Their travelling assistance truly thought in order a couple of hundred made the journey north. Marouane Fellaini's early header was preserved by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer before they got a 16th-minute leader, having assumed control of the game without therefore much as a word of opposition from the readers. The Toffees had enjoyed a lot of transmission down the proper and it was no surprise when Kevin Mirallas and Leon Osman combined to perform in Seamus Coleman near to the byline for him to cut the ball back to the penalty area where Pienaar ran in unchallenged to side-foot house. Since his go back to the membership from Tottenham the South African has scored 10 objectives in 46 league matches, having managed seven in 104 during his first cause. The 31-year-old's contribution this season to 11 category objectives - six for himself and five assists - can be his best top-flight reunite. Victor Anichebe looped a long-range header broad as the Cottagers showed about as much intent as the empty crisp packet which blew across the pitch midway through the half. The unkind observer would have said Dimitar Berbatov's exit on the half-hour suggested he'd seen enough but in equity his replacement by Mladen Petric was almost certainly due to damage. Fellaini had Everton's two most useful odds before half-time, straightening one effort extensive after nice interaction by Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic, before team-mate Anichebe blocked his goalbound effort. Between those Jelavic, a shadow of his abundant self of 12 months ago, could not decide whether to throw or mix to Anichebe having been sent obvious by Coleman and eventually screwed the ball across goal and embarrassingly out for a throw-in. Fulham's first chance came just before the split when Kieran Richardson's corner explained just from the reach of Petric at the far post. They increased in the second half, though it might have been a surprise when they hadn't, but Urby Emanuelson should have hit the target from Alex Kacaniklic's corner 10 minutes after the interval. Mirallas' tumble in the area had the Belgium global appealing for a charge but despite contact from Stanislav Manolev the Everton ahead was already falling over. The Belgian's next treatment was excellent, but, flicking it over Manolev before striking a which Schwarzer palmed away. As Everton eventually obtained the dominance they had enjoyed in the initial half anichebe then looped a header only wide of the far post. Fellaini might have wrapped up victory five minutes from time but somehow incorporated over Leighton Baines' corner from close range while substitute Ross Barkley pushed an excellent save your self from Schwarzer when set clean through in added time.
Link: Soccer Vitoria Guimaraes - Paços de Ferreira - Portuguese Liga Sagres
Winners League: Real Madrid insist 'we can turn items round' following 4-1... - The Independent
Real Madrid are refusing to confess their desire of a record 10th European Cup title this year has become in tatters following their semi-final first leg mauling at the fingers of Borussia Dortmund. For the second successive night the product of the Primera Division was embarrassed by Bundesliga resistance as Dortmund used up Bayern Munich's 4-0 drubbing of Barcelona with an equally impressive 4-1 victory over Madrid. Robert Lewandowski won all four of Dortmund's purpose to abandon Madrid on the brink of the third successive Champions League semi-final exit. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's absent target on the stroke of half-time has left the Spanish giants with a of hope and Jose Mourinho's men aren't ready to throw in the towel in front of next Tuesday's second leg at the Bernabeu. Defender Sergio Ramos informed his club's website: "It is clear that the comeback is dependent upon us. You can find 90 minutes at home and we will need certainly to go out and give it everything from the very first second. "There will be a lot of love with this opposition and we really want to maintain the last. "Despite the end result we have to believe that we could turn things round in the home. It's complicated but we've to think that 90 minutes in the Bernabeu is a very long time and it is possible." Lewandowski gave a start to Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion with the opener after nine minutes but Madrid were straight back on level terms by the break thanks to that potentially valuable away purpose from Ronaldo, which came carrying out a mistake from Mats Hummels. Madrid's hopes of achieving the last were left hanging with a threat though as Dortmund scored 3 times in 17 minutes in the beginning of the second half, Lewandowski netting all of them. The Poland global, who has been closely linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich, created medical finishes in the 55th and 50th minutes to complete his hat-trick before then thumping house a 67th-minute punishment carrying out a Xabi Alonso foul on Marco Reus. Ramos added: "Borussia had a game and showed they are a great group. They were better. "It hurts to get at the semi-finals to let it slip away with a bad outcome. We're playing for a location in the Champions League final and we've to select ourselves up. "We need to look at the next leg. With the help of the fans, all the people need to be convinced that individuals can do it."Ramos' fellow Spain global Alonso also hopes his side's supporters can make the difference at the Bernabeu. "We can perform it in the 2nd match at home, despite the fact that we are unhappy with this particular match right now," he explained. "The help of the fans will be essential in the second leg, but so that they can get behind us we've to function as the people to help make the first move. We have six days to hold back and we can turn this result around. "Borussia competed much better than us and we've to master for the following fit because we have little margin for error."Centre-back Pepe added: "We may change the tie around, it is three goals and the comeback is achievable. "We will attempt to perhaps not make the exact same problems and we will fight every second as though it were the past to make that return possible. We have to perform for the honour of the Real Madrid clothing and give our best." Pennsylvania
Link: Soccer CD Numancia - Real Madrid B - Spanish League forward
Alex Noren leads by 1 at Ballantine's Championship
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Alex Noren of Sweden leads by one stroke at the Ballantine's Championship after shooting a 3-under 69 in the third round following his earlier 67 in the rain-delayed second round Saturday.
After two days of delays, the event got back on track despite the cold and windy conditions at the Blackstone Course.
Noren is seeking his fourth European Tour victory and first since winning twice in 2011. He says: "The tough thing here is to judge the wind on the second shots, so it's been tricky for the mind and I'm exhausted right now."
Via: Soccer Danube FC - Racing Club de Montevideo - Uruguayan first Division
Everton v Fulham: Live Staff Page - GiveMeFootball.com
Everton Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Osman, Fellaini, Mirallas, Pienaar, Anichebe, Jelavic. Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Heitinga, Oviedo, Naismith, Barkley, Duffy. Fulham Schwarzer; Manolev, Senderos, Hangeland, Richardson; Emanuelson, Karagounis, Enoh, Kacaniklic; Ruiz; Berbatov. Subs: Etheridge, Hughes, Frimpong, Duff, Frei, Rodallega, Petric.
Chelsea Hamilton Academical a' Andre Schurrle Offer Depends upon Kevin p Bruyne - Sportige
While the section of Kevin de Bruyne in the offer is still to be determined, both Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen need to complete their problem with Andre Schurrle, who almost certainly can be a Blues player in the next few days, if everythingAprogressesAaccording to approach. Schurrle, 22, has scored 18 goals in 61 suits throughout the last handful of season. Along among the top rising abilities in European football and with Mario Gotze and Marco Reus, many consider him whilst the potential of German football. They can play as a, but heas mostly positioned on the left side. The Leverkusen metal has flown to London to be able to close the deal. Schurrleas agent is fairly confident that by the conclusion of the weekend, heall have formally turn into a Chelsea person. He must certanly be costing anywhere betweenAA20-25 million, but Leverkusen also want De Bruyne included in the deal, in a loan. The 21-year aged Belgian footballer has been impressing in 2013 with Werder Bremen, score six goals and adding seven assists. One of the problems holding the deal is him a' he needs a long term deal from his next team, not just to be on loan, feeling his chances of finding a spot in the Chelsea group arenat that great. Borussia Dortmund will also be interested in signing him on some thing moreApermanent, which could mean Chelsea could have to cover more for Schurrle. Chelsea already signed a German winger last time a' Marko Marin. He missed quite a lot of time previously as a result of an injury, but has only played in six matches, most of them off the bench, since restoring full health. Rafa Benitez just doesnat believe in a player several thought wouldnat get too y chances to person anyway. Schurrle is better than Marin, and his cost alone will ensure he gets more than several cameos off the table here and there. The problem is, how quickly and how acheaplya Chelsea may close the offer?
Link: Soccer Vitoria Guimaraes - Paços de Ferreira - Portuguese Liga Sagres
Zaha: I will be starstruck at Manchester United - Goal.com Singapore
The Crystal Palace winger signed for the Premier League winners in January, and says he hopes he can get the Championship club promoted before he leaves for Old Trafford
The 20-year-old signed for the Premier League champions in January for a fee of £17 million but went straight back on loan to the Eagles.
Zaha is excited by the prospect of linking up with Old Trafford's many superstars, but is determined to fight for his place and claim a starting berth.
"I am just anxious and excited," he told The Sun. "I cannot wait. It will be something different. When I walk into that dressing room at United, I do not know what I will feel. I will keep my head down as I am there to play football.
"But I have to admit I will be a bit starstruck. [Robin] van Persie and [Ryan] Giggs will be in there - wow. [Wayne] Rooney will be in there - amazing. How can I not be looking forward to this?
Zaha's current club, Palace, are in fifth place in the Championship and locked in a tight battle to secure a play-off spot, though their form has suffered since the winger agreed to move to United.
But the Ivory Coast-born attacker is adamant his only priority right now is promotion, and is determined to help Palace reach the Premier League before he leaves.
"I can only assure everyone this is the case. I've had a little dip in my performance since I signed for United, I will not deny that. But I have to get back to what I do well.
"People are saying it is the speculation of going to United which saw me struggle. But Van Persie went 10 games without scoring but it was one of those things. He was still doing his best and playing a part. Equally, I am desperate to get Palace up.
"All I can do is keep my head down. I have to try to cope with this success, while doing my best for Palace until the end of the season."
Manchester Area v West Pig United: group sheets - The Guardian
Canine days of Manchester City's failed champion defense are now actually about them closing the 16-point distance to Manchester United. John Milner, Sergio AgAero and David Silva are in rivalry for this game having recovered from their respective incidents and, ahead of the FA Cup closing against Wigan on 11 May, this encounter could be seen as the first of three trial activities for those hoping to be chosen by Roberto Mancini for the showpiece. Sam Allardyce's guys, meanwhile, ought to be in comfortable function given they arrive in Manchester having all but fully guaranteed Premier League security. JamieAJackson Location Etihad Arena, Sunday 12.45pm Passes Sold out Last period Man Area 2 West Ham 1 Umpire Howard Webb This season's matches 26 Y96, R3, 3.81 cards per game Chances Person City 2-7 West Pork 11-1 Draw 5-1 Subs from Pantilimon, Wright, Maicon, Kolorov, KATourA, Razak, Sinclair, Rodwell, Dzeko, Lescott, Milner, GarcAa Unlikely Rodwell (match fitness) Hurt Nothing Stopped Nothing Kind information LWWWLW Disciplinary report Y58 R3 Leading scorer Dzeko 12 Subs from Spiegel, D Cole, Collison, MaAga, Taylor, Noble, Pogatetz, Spence, Chamakh, Wellington, Potts, Moncur Doubtful T Cole (hamstring) Injured Tomkins (calf, 4 Might), McCartney (knee, not known) Suspended None Form information WDDDWL Disciplinary report Y66 R1 Leading scorer Nolan 7 a Ham have scored eight goals in their past 16 Premier League meetings with City and never more often than once in a game through that run a David Silva is going to be building his 100th Premier League appearance if chosen by City a Matt Jarvis has established more goalscoring chances (40) than every other person without producing this year to a help a City have held six clean sheets in their past eight top-flight games at home a Carroll has scored more goals against City than versus any Premier League opponent
Supporting role: Wilfried Zaha admits he couldn't resist Manchester United ... - Mirror.co.uk
Wilfried Zaha has admitted that he could not turn down the opportunity to join Manchester United... despite being a massive Arsenal support.
The Gunners were thought top be leading the chase 20-year-old before he agreed to join Alex Ferguson's side after sending the rest of the season with Crystal Palace.
"I have always supported Arsenal. I did not expect United to come in but they did. Arsenal are a good team but United are one of the best in the world."
Following a £15 million move to the Red Devils, Zaha says he is struggling to hide his excitement as he prepares to meet his new team-mates.
"I am just anxious and excited. I cannot wait. It will be something different. When I walk into that dressing room at United, I do not know what I will feel. I will keep my head down as I am there to play football.
"But I have to admit I will be a bit starstruck. [Robin] Van Persie and [Ryan] Giggs will be in there - wow. [Wayne] Rooney will be in there - amazing. How can I not be looking forward to this?
"Moving to Manchester will be something I have to get used as I have lived in the south of England since I was four. I will come down to see my family so I do not think my accent will change.
"At the moment, though, the priority is Crystal Palace. I can only assure everyone this is the case. I've had a little dip in my performance since I signed for United, I will not deny that. But I have to get back to what I do well.
"People are saying it is the speculation of going to United which saw me struggle. But Robin van Persie went 10 games without scoring but it was one of those things. He was still doing his best and playing a part. Equally, I am desperate to get Palace up [to the Premier League]."
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Madden 25: Why Adrian Peterson Should Earn Address Awards
The Madden 25 cover vote has fall to two deserving candidates, but there's no question that Minnesota Vikings working back Adrian Peterson deserves the ability to grace the leading of the greatest game in all of sports. Peterson and Hall of Fame Detroit Lions running straight back Barry Sanders have run the gauntlet by developing through a large and skilled group to attain the finals. Peterson got past all of today's top NFL stars, while Sanders had to outlive popular participants, many of whom are also in the Hall of Fame. It's hard to fight with the supporters' decision up to now as both Peterson and Sanders are worth a spot in the finals. Although Peterson still has many years left to create upon his application, it is probably already safe to state that he and Sanders are two of the best running backs of all time, if not the most talented. Since 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the progressive Madden operation, the game's developers decided to go all out when it found the address vote. The lover election was immensely popular last year as Lions broad receiver Calvin Johnson came out on the top, but the addition of a figures segment got things to a completely different level this year. There's certainly an incident to be made for both Peterson and Sanders. While Sanders is perhaps one of many best people ever, he has never been on a Madden cover. Sanders retired while he was still productive in 1998 and people weren't placed on the Madden address until 2001, therefore Sanders was never a factor, nevertheless now he has a wonderful opportunity. The fact that this year's model of Madden is celebrating days gone by 25 years in place of just the upcoming 2013 year definitely allows Sanders some extra ammunition. The overall game may still concentrate on present, and there is perhaps no person more intense and more very important to his staff in the NFL right now than Peterson, with that said. Peterson is coming off among the great all-time periods by a running straight back as he hurried for 2,097 meters. Peterson dropped only nine yards lacking Eric Dickerson's single-season distance history, however it can certainly be argued that Peterson's period was a lot more extraordinary. He averaged six yards per carry, scored 12 touchdowns and pretty much single-handedly brought the Vikings to the playoffs despite erratic play from quarterback Christian Ponder. As well as each of that, the 2012 season was entered by Peterson coming off a substantial knee injury. Peterson tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 16 of the 2011 period against the Washington Redskins. There was no guarantee that Peterson would even be ready for the start of the 2012 season, but he was completely dominant all season and willed himself back again to health long. Peterson's performance resulted in him being called the AP Offensive Player of the Season and the AP NFL Best Player. Sanders achieved that same job in 1997, but Peterson's 2012 period was outstanding and the additional injury factor obviously sets him extraordinary. It's quite obvious that Peterson and Sanders are similar in a lot of ways. While Peterson did have the assistance of quarterback Brett Favre for just two months, one of which was really good, he has not really had good signal-callers to greatly help him. The exact same may be said for Sanders. Quarterbacks are often considered the most important players on the field, but Peterson and Sanders have now been exceptions compared to that rule. The NFL is a league at this time, so the fact that the supporters have chosen Peterson and Sanders into the finals says a great deal about how exactly specific they're. There is no way that the fans can go wrong with either choice, but thinking about the year that Peterson only had, it is only fitting that he occupies the exclusive Madden 25 address. Every thing is likely to be resolved on April 24 at 8 p.m. ET when the winner is declared on ESPN2's SportsNation. While an incident can very quickly be manufactured for Sanders, this is A.D.'s year. Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter
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Birmingham United target Wanyama asserts he will stay at Celtic - Yahoo! Activities
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama demands he'll stay at the club this summer despite interest from the number of groups, including Premier League champion Manchester United. The 21-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, including a brilliant performance in the Champions League victory over Barcelona, and has been chosen for the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Entire Year award. Wanyama's present deal with Celtic ends in June 2015, and talks on an extension stalled in the autumn. But inspite of the interest from Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the Kenya international says he will stay put and pay off manager Neil Lennon for having faith in him. "Will I be a Celtic person next time? Needless to say, I am happy and I like it only at Celtic," said Wanyama. "So I'll be here next time. "I haven't really talked to my agent since I have been playing football and I am not contemplating making or having talks. I'm not concerned, I feel I'm in the proper club and I am happy. "It is been good, the boss has given the chance to me to prove myself and for that I'm happy. I'm happy and wish to accomplish my most readily useful and because he's done a lot for the team" attempt to pay the manager back for the faith he's found in me.
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Wigan Running v Tottenham Hotspur: squad sheets - The Protector
It might be late April but you will have no end-of-season sense to this contest. Wigan, in their 300th Premier League fixture, is going to be seeking the gain they frantically require to help ease their relegation doubts while Tottenham stay in an intriguingly tight battle for a Champions League qualifying area. Wigan won at White Hart Lane in November nevertheless they is going to be fearing the worst given how Tottenham tore through Manchester City last week on the way to a 3-1 victory. The difference could be again proven by gareth Bale once. SachinANakrani Area DW Stadium, Saturday 3pm Seats A20-22 (0871 66 33 552) Last period Wigan 1 Tottenham 2 Umpire Martin Atkinson That season's suits 21 Y81, R1, 3.90 cards per game Chances Wigan 14-5 Tottenham 11-10 Draw 13-5 Subs from Habsi, Stam, McArthur, DiASanto, Miyaichi, Espinoza, Redmond, Lopez, HenrAquez, Fyvie, Golobart Doubtful None Wounded Watson (knee, 4 May), Alcaraz (hamstring, 11 May), Ramis (knee, Aug), Crusat (knee, unknown), Pollitt (hip, unknown) Suspended Nothing Sort manual LLDWWL Disciplinary history Y54 R2 Leading scorer KonA 10 Subs from Friedel, Naughton, Caulker, Carroll, Livermore, Huddlestone, Dempsey, Holtby, Adebayor Unsure None Wounded Gallas (calf, 4 May), Kaboul (leg, 11 May), Sandro (leg, Aug) Stopped None Kind manual WDWLLW Disciplinary history Y49 R2 Leading scorer Bale 18 a Wigan have won three and lost seven of their past 15 conferences with Tottenham in the utmost effective flight, including a record 9-1 beat in 2008-09 This season has been led in 13 away games by a Tottenham, just Manchester United (14) have done so in more a Wigan have the highest proportion of second-half targets (68%) in the division a Clint Dempsey has scored more Premier League goals against Wigan than versus any other adversary a Wigan have a similar amount of factors as they did after 33 games last season a they won four of their remaining five fits in 2011-12
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 True Madrid: John Lewandowski Results Four In... - Huffington Post UK
DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund celebrates rating their next aim and his hat-trick with team lover Marcel Schmelzer of Borussia Dortmund through the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski honors after scoring a punishment to indicate the 4-1 during the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / David MACDOUGALL (Photo credit must examine David MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photographs) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates score 3:1 throughout the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit must read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (C) celebrates with teammates Dortmund's midfielder Sven Bender (M) and Dortmund's striker Marco Reus (Dhge) after scoring the 2-1 through the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should study JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photos) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (Page1=46) Dortmund's Polish midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski honors rating during the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first leg basketball fit Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit must read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund turns away to celebrate after scoring his team's 2nd goal through the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates rating 3:1 during the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski remembers score 3:1 throughout the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP IMAGE / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund scores their third goal throughout the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund turns to enjoy after scoring their third goal throughout the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund scores their third goal throughout the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund honors after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (Dtc) celebrates score throughout the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee football fit Borussia Dortmund compared to Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates rating during the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee baseball fit Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP IMAGE / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates after rating the 2-1 throughout the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP IMAGE / David MACDOUGALL JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (3rd Dtc) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 2-1 throughout the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit must examine David MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photographs) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund scores his team's second purpose as Real Madrid participants appeal for offside through the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski remembers after scoring a fee to draw the 4-1 through the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / JOHN MACDOUGALL JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (2dL) honors scoring 2:1 with teammates throughout the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (3dL) honors scoring 2:1 with Dortmund's midfielder Mario Goetze (4thR) throughout the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund scores his team's 2nd purpose inspite of the problem from Raphael Varane of Real Madridduring the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first leg fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane and Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski vie for the ball throughout the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee football fit Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP IMAGE / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski remembers with teammates after scoring the 2-1 throughout the UEFA Champions League semi remaining first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / David MACDOUGALL (Photo credit must read David MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photos) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (M) celebrates score 3:1 during the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (L) celebrates rating 3:1 through the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should examine PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski remembers after rating the 2-1 throughout the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / David MACDOUGALL (Photo credit must examine JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Varane of Real Madrid compete for a header through the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring the 3-1 through the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (2dL) results 4:1 through the UEFA Champions League partial final first knee football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / ODD ANDERSEN ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund remembers rating their 2nd goal through the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (C) honors score 4:1 during the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / WEIRD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should study UNUSUAL ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (R) and Real Madrid's midfielder Xabi Alonso compete throughout the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg football fit Borussia Dortmund versus Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTOGRAPH / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring their next goal and his hat-trick throughout the UEFA Champions League partial final first knee match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund celebrates ratings their 2nd goal during the UEFA Champions League semi remaining first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (L) celebrates scoring 3:1 with Dortmund's defender Marcel Schmelzer throughout the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Photos) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund scores their next goal during the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first knee match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) ALTERNATE CROP - Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski remembers after scoring a punishment to indicate the 4-1 during the UEFA Champions League semi remaining first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should study David MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photos) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund honors rating their third goal and his hat-trick with group mate Marcel Schmelzer of Borussia Dortmund through the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (L) celebrates scoring 3:1 with Dortmund's opponent Marcel Schmelzer during the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund turns to observe after scoring their next goal during the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund remembers after scoring his team's next purpose through the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring the 3-1 during the UEFA Champions League partial remaining first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit must study JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Photos) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring their next target and his hat-trick with staff mate Marcel Schmelzer of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League partial final first leg fit between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (D) celebrates score 3:1 during the UEFA Champions League semi remaining first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / STRANGE ANDERSEN (Photo credit must examine PECULIAR ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Photos) True Madrid's French opponent Raphael Varane and Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (front) vie for the ball through the UEFA Champions League semi remaining first knee basketball match Borussia Dortmund compared to Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit must study PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Photographs) DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund honors after scoring his team's next purpose throughout the UEFA Champions League semi final first knee match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Pictures) Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (D) celebrates scoring 3:1 throughout the UEFA Champions League semi ultimate first knee football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / ODD ANDERSEN ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (D) scores 3:1 throughout the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PECULIAR ANDERSEN (Photo credit must examine UNUSUAL ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Photos) True Madrid's French opponent Raphael Varane and Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (top) compete for the ball through the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first leg baseball match Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP IMAGE / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit True Madrid's French defense Raphael Varane and Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (front) vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League partial final first knee baseball match Borussia Dortmund versus Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images should be read by Photo credit Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (C) honors after rating the 1-0 through the UEFA Champions League partial ultimate first knee football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. AFP PICTURE / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read David MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)