Three assists and a goal left onlookers in no doubt who was the star performer in Lille's 4-0 win tonight, with Eden Hazard torment Valenciennes all night on the way to a routine victory.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Erviti lifts Boca second
Walter Erviti scored the only goal to ensure Boca Juniors finished the weekend second with a 1-0 win at San Martin San Juan, while Newell's Old Boys and Arsenal Sarandi also won by the same scoreline.
Keane double lifts Galaxy past DC
Robbie Keane scored twice to help
Ivanovic has inflammation, not serious injury
An MRI scan of her left glute muscle showed that Ana Ivanovic did not suffer a serious injury when she retired midway through her semifinal against Maria Sharapova at Indian Wells. Ivanovic’s web site reported that the scan showed inflammation and that she will attempt to practice in Miami on Wednesday, ahead of her first match at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Azarenka ready for Serena, Petra, Caroline
After winning her 23rd consecutive match and fourth title of the year at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Victoria Azarenka that she wants to take on three elite players whom she hasn’t faced this year: Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova, and Caroline Wozniacki. World No. 1 Azarenka has losing records against all of them.
"Of course I'd love to play any of them,†she said. "For me, the bigger challenge it is the more exciting it is. That's what I'm looking for. And the players who I played this year wasn't easy, as well. But of course I would love to take that challenge."
Azarenka, who has only won one career clay-court title, at Marbella last year, also said she believes she has the game to do well on dirt. "Actually, I think I did pretty well last year on clay," said Azarenka, who also reached the final of the Madrid. “It was the best year for me on clay that I've done before. So I actually like the surface. I'm gonna have a mini preseason before the clay tournaments, and that's it. I'm really looking forward to it. It's another challenge for me, something to go over my limits, taking me out of my comfortable zone, if you can call it that. I really have to push myself to improve in that situation. So there is nothing that's really gonna stop me from improving."
"Of course I'd love to play any of them,†she said. "For me, the bigger challenge it is the more exciting it is. That's what I'm looking for. And the players who I played this year wasn't easy, as well. But of course I would love to take that challenge."
Azarenka, who has only won one career clay-court title, at Marbella last year, also said she believes she has the game to do well on dirt. "Actually, I think I did pretty well last year on clay," said Azarenka, who also reached the final of the Madrid. “It was the best year for me on clay that I've done before. So I actually like the surface. I'm gonna have a mini preseason before the clay tournaments, and that's it. I'm really looking forward to it. It's another challenge for me, something to go over my limits, taking me out of my comfortable zone, if you can call it that. I really have to push myself to improve in that situation. So there is nothing that's really gonna stop me from improving."
Ivanovic only suffered a strain
An MRI scan of her left glute muscle showed that Ana Ivanovic did not suffer a serious injury when she retired mid-way through her semifinal against Maria Sharapova at Indian Wells. Ivanovic’s web site reported that the scan showed inflammation and that she will attempt to practice in Miami on Wednesday, ahead of her first match at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Lopez/Nadal Reclaim Indian Wells Title
Spaniards Marc Lopez and Rafael Nadal reclaimed the BNP Paribas Open doubles title with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Americans John Isner and Sam Querrey on Sunday in Indian Wells.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Azarenka ready to take on all comers
After winning her 23rd consecutive match and fourth title of the year at the BNP Paribas Open at India Swells, Victoria Azarenka says that she wants to take on three elite players whom she hasn’t faced this year: Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki. No. 1 Azarenka has losing records against all of them
"Of course I'd love to play any of them,†she said. "For me, the bigger challenge it is the more exciting it is. That's what I'm looking for. And the players who I played this year wasn't easy, as well. But of course I would love to take that challenge."
Azarenka, who has only won one career clay court title, at Marbella last year, also said that she believes she has the game to do well on dirt. "Actually, I think I did pretty well last year on clay," said Azarenka, who also reached the final of the Madrid. “It was the best year for me on clay that I've done before. So I actually like the surface. I'm gonna have a mini preseason before the clay tournaments, and that's it. I'm really looking forward to it. It's another challenge for me, something to go over my limits, taking me out of my comfortable zone, if you can call it that.I really have to push myself to improve in that situation. So there is nothing that's really gonna stop me from improving."
"Of course I'd love to play any of them,†she said. "For me, the bigger challenge it is the more exciting it is. That's what I'm looking for. And the players who I played this year wasn't easy, as well. But of course I would love to take that challenge."
Azarenka, who has only won one career clay court title, at Marbella last year, also said that she believes she has the game to do well on dirt. "Actually, I think I did pretty well last year on clay," said Azarenka, who also reached the final of the Madrid. “It was the best year for me on clay that I've done before. So I actually like the surface. I'm gonna have a mini preseason before the clay tournaments, and that's it. I'm really looking forward to it. It's another challenge for me, something to go over my limits, taking me out of my comfortable zone, if you can call it that.I really have to push myself to improve in that situation. So there is nothing that's really gonna stop me from improving."
Federer: There's life for me after 30
Roger Federer, who won his 19th Masters Series title at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, says that there is life after the age of 30 in tennis. Federer has won six titles since falling in the semifinals of the 2011 US Open to Novak Djokovic,.
"It's more the age that people always talk about right now,†Federer said when asked whether he thought that people’s memories are too short term.†So I think that stands out to me. Some don't understand how you can play tennis at 30 years old, which is shocking to me, because normally that's still when you're young enough to play some of your best tennis. I think I'm showing that since I turned 30 in August last year. That's basically where my run began."
Federer has won 39 of his last 41 matches, losing to Rafael Nadal in the semis of the Australian Open and to John Isner in Davis Cup, but has taken titles at Basel, the Paris/Bercy Indoors, the ATP World Finals, 2012 Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what people say a whole lot, because I care about the fans and I care about, that I can do the pressers relaxed like I am now," he said with a laugh. "The press understands it and I understand the criticism at times, but sometimes it goes a bit too far. I have also got that no problem, but it's just unfortunate that it's also portrayed that way for fans."
"It's more the age that people always talk about right now,†Federer said when asked whether he thought that people’s memories are too short term.†So I think that stands out to me. Some don't understand how you can play tennis at 30 years old, which is shocking to me, because normally that's still when you're young enough to play some of your best tennis. I think I'm showing that since I turned 30 in August last year. That's basically where my run began."
Federer has won 39 of his last 41 matches, losing to Rafael Nadal in the semis of the Australian Open and to John Isner in Davis Cup, but has taken titles at Basel, the Paris/Bercy Indoors, the ATP World Finals, 2012 Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what people say a whole lot, because I care about the fans and I care about, that I can do the pressers relaxed like I am now," he said with a laugh. "The press understands it and I understand the criticism at times, but sometimes it goes a bit too far. I have also got that no problem, but it's just unfortunate that it's also portrayed that way for fans."
Cavani double denies ten-man Udinese
Edinson Cavani made up for a missed penalty by striking twice in last ten minutes to deny a ten-man Udinese moving into the UEFA Champions League spots and keep Napoli level with their opponents.
Leaders draw, Nordsjaelland miss out
FC Copenhagen could only manage a 0-0 draw with fourth-placed FC Midtylland but still managed to extend their lead at the top after FC Nordsjaelland fell to a 2-1 defeat against a visiting Brondby.
Maritimo clear in fourth, Pacos win
A 1-1 draw with Vitoria Setubal was enough to see Maritimo pull clear of Sporting Lisbon in fourth place, while Pacos Ferreira gave their survival hopes a boost with a much-needed 1-0 win at Academica.
Inter fumble again, Lazio go unpunished
Inter Milan continued their poor form as they were held by Atalanta to a 0-0 draw to compound an awful week, while Lazio escaped punishment for their 1-0 defeat to Catania as Udinese and Napoli drew 2-2.
Federer gets revenge against Isner for IW title
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)â€"Roger Federer defeated John Isner 7-6 (7), 6-3 to win his record fourth BNP Paribas Open title Sunday, avenging a loss to the American who beat him in Davis Cup play last month.
Victoria Azarenka routed Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-3 for the women’s title in the WTA Tour’s first final between the No. 1 and No. 2 players since 2008.
Federer and Azarenka each earned $1 million, the richest winner’s checks in the tournament’s history.
Federer improved to 39-2 since last year’s U.S. Open, with his only losses to No. 2 Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Australian Open and the 11th-ranked Isner, who won on the Swiss star’s home turf. Federer avenged both those defeats in consecutive days, putting away Nadal in the rain-delayed semifinals Saturday and then Isner.
Azarenka broke Sharapova six times in improving her record to 23-0 this year.
Federer Renews Reign In Indian Wells
Roger Federer equalled Rafael Nadal’s record of 19 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles after defeating American John Isner 7-6(7), 6-3 on Sunday in Indian Wells.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Driver quotes: Australian GP edition
You’ve had your say on the Australian GP, now here is what the drivers are saying: AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX MELBOURNE SUNDAY DRIVER QUOTES 18 MARCH 2012 Red Bull Racing Sebastian Vettel “I’m very happy with myself today â€" I think it was the most we could have achieved. I felt good in the car.
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInNewcastle sneak past Norwich
Papiss Cisse scored an early winning goal to earn Newcastle United a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Norwich City in the Premier League, a result which boosts the Magpies' hopes of European qualification.
Eredivisie title race tightens up
Just five points separate the top six in the Eredivisie after Feyenoord beat FC Twente, while wins for Ajax and PSV Eindhoven took advantage of AZ Alkmaar's 0-0 draw, leaving just one and two points behind.
Sochaux beat Nice in six-pointer
Sochaux kept the relegation dog fight in Ligue 1 tight as they beat Nice 2-0 to climb off the bottom of the table and draw level with their opponents on 27 points in the thick of the survival scrap.
Azarenka tops Sharapova for Indian Wells title
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)â€"Victoria Azarenka routed Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-3 to win the BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday in the WTA Tour's first final between the No. 1 and No. 2 players since 2008.
Azarenka broke Sharapova six times in improving her record to 23-0 this year, the best start to a season since Martina Hingis went 37-0 to open 1997. The top-ranked Belarusian earned $1 million for her fourth title of the year.
It was a rematch of the Australian Open final, which Azarenka won 6-3, 6-0 in January to keep Sharapova from regaining the No. 1 ranking. This time, Sharapova was error-prone during the 1 1/2-hour match on a cold, windy day in the desert. The second-ranked Russian kept hitting close to the lines and missing.
No. 3 Roger Federer was set to play American John Isner in the men's final later.
Soldado treble sweeps aside Athletic
Athletic Bilbao's midweek heroics looked to have got the better of them as they were torn open by a voracious Roberto Soldado, bagging a hat-trick to see Valencia leave San Mames will a comfortable victory.
Own goal gifts Toulouse victory
Rennes saw Toulouse leave with all three points after a disastrous deflection off Romain Danze to split the sides in a 1-0 win for the visitors, which saw the southerners climb to fourth in Ligue 1.
Anderlecht snatch draw, Cercle lose derby
Anderlecht saved their blushes after coming back from being behind twice to Jupiler League bottom side St Trudiense, equalising late on in a 2-2 draw, while Club Brugge saw off their local rivals Cercle Brugge 2-1.
#F1Chat Preview – reviewing Australia, previewing Malaysia
One down, 19 to go. F1 is spoiling us – Australia is done and dusted and Malaysia is waiting in the wings. Thank you to those of you who joined us after the race for our first ever post-race #F1Chat – for those who needed to catch up on some missed sleep, we’ll be talking
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInMessi hits 50, Valencia slip up
Lionel Messi brought his goals scored tally up to an impressive 50 as he bagged a brace in a Barcelona victory over Racing Santander, while Valencia squandered a two-goal lead to draw Real Mallorca.
F1 Timeline – this week in #F1 – the Australian GP edition
It’s been a busy week on Twitter. The teams, drivers and media have been getting ready for the season-opener in Australia, and they’ve been treating us to some greats tweets, documenting their weeks. So without further ado, here’s this week’s social media wrap up, F1 Timeline… What the drivers have been saying: Straight after I
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInLazio lose at Catania
Lazio risk falling out of the UEFA Champions League places after they fell to a late Nicola Legrottaglie goal at Catania to leave just a two points gap between them and the chasing Udinese and Napoli.
Mexico qualify, USA crowned
Mexico have comfortably advanced to their fourth successive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup where they will be joined by Canada and USA, with the latter doing so as continental champions.
Govou out for up to six months
Sidney Govou is set to be out of action with Evian for as long as the next six months, after the former French international underwent surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Kovalainen penalised five grid spots for Sepang
Caterham's Heikki Kovalainen will drop five places on the grid for next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix after falling foul of the stewards during Sunday's race in Melbourne. Kovalainen, who retired on lap 39 at Albert Park with suspension issues, was handed the penalty for overtaking cars whilst under safety-car conditions
Race - Button proves untouchable in Melbourne
McLaren's Jenson Button drove a pluperfect race to take the lead of the world championship in Albert Park on Sunday, keeping his head and his lead even when a safety car intervention appeared to throw a beaten Sebastian Vettel a lifeline. The 2009 world champion scored his third Australian Grand Prix victory in four years by taking the lead at the start from team mate Lewis Hamilton, who held a distant second until Vitaly Petrov stopped on the pit straight with power steering problems in his Caterham on the 36th lap and
Rosicky pens new Arsenal deal
Arsenal have sealed a deal to hold on to Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky, after the midfielder's contract was set to expire in the summer, following a series of impressive performances.
Santos return to summit, Tigres in touch
Santos Laguna reclaimed top spot in the Clausura table after beating Cruz Azul 1-0 with nine men, while Tigres Monterrey overcame Tijuana by the same scoreline to stay within a point of the leaders.
Milan see off Parma
AC Milan strolled past Parma to extend their lead, temporarily at least, to seven points at the top of Serie A after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Urby Emmanuelson scored in a 2-0 win
Coyle: Crucial 24 hours for 'critically ill' Muamba
Best wishes have flooded in from around the country for Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who is "critically ill" and faces a crucial 24 hours after collapsing yesterday according to manager Owen Coyle.
Auxerre part ways with Fournier
Ligue 1 side Auxerre have sacked coach Laurent Fournier after a 2-0 defeat by Evian left the proud French club, who have never been relegated from the top flight, in serious trouble at the bottom of the table.
FIA post-race press conference - Australia
Drivers: 1 - Jenson Button (McLaren); 2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing); 3 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) Q: Jenson you took the lead at the start, controlled the race, sum up your emotions? Jenson Button: I think, as we all know sat here, every win means a lot to you, and for us as a team it really shows how important the winter is
Eighteen Players Graduate ATP University
Eighteen players attended the ATP University at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Miami on Thursday. After a welcome dinner, the players were educated on topics such as Marketing the Tour, Social Media, Media Training, Personal Finance, Rules & Regulations, and Giving Back in a number of seminars.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Rafa Pleased With Progress
World No. 2 Rafael Nadal declared he is happy with his progress, despite enduring defeat to long-time rival Roger Federer in a rain-delayed semi-final at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday evening in Indian Wells.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Sunday Preview - Federer Chases History, Isner Eyes Breakthrough
Media notes for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Rafa & Roger: The Rivalry
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer clashed for the 27th time in the Australian Open semi-finals on 26 January 2012.
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]] 
[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Race - Button untouchable in Melbourne
McLaren's Jenson Button drove a pluperfect race to take the lead of the world championship in Albert Park on Sunday, keeping his head and his lead even when a safety car intervention appeared to throw a beaten Sebastian Vettel a lifeline. The 2009 world champion scored his third Australian Grand Prix victory in four years by taking the lead at the start from team mate Lewis Hamilton, who held a distant second until Vitaly Petrov stopped on the pit straight with power steering problems in his Caterham on the 36th lap and
Race - selected team and driver quotes
Lotus's Romain Grosjean on his early exit in Melbourne; Caterham's Vitaly Petrov on prompting the only safety car of the race; Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Williams' Bruno Senna on their late coming together; Pastor Maldonado on the last-lap mistake which cost Williams a hefty points' haul; and McLaren's Jenson Button on getting his season off to the best possible start. The drivers and senior team personnel report back on Sunday's actionÂ…
Your View: What was so good about the Australian GP?
It was an exciting start to the 2012 season with a host of talking points. The sheer pace of Jenson Button and even comparatively to his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The safety car period that took inordinately too long to execute the moving of the lapped cars. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso salvaging a race of sorts and
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInAustralian Grand Prix Redux: Button dominates season opener, Schumacher out, Alonso 5th
Jenson Button won the 2012 Australian Grand Prix in dominating fashion, having taken the lead from pole sitter Lewis Hamilton into the first turn and only giving it up for a pit stop. Hamilton would finish third, as second place finisher Sebastian Vettel pipped him in a pit stop during a Safety Car period caused
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInNew Zealand lose Guptill in chase of 401
South Africa prised the first New Zealand wicket before tea on day four, having set the hosts 401 to win in the fourth innings, when they declared on 435 for 5 midway through the afternoon session
Gala hold Fener, Bursaspor win
Galatasaray came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with nearest rival Fenerbahce and maintain their nine point lead at the top of the Super Lig, while Bursaspor beat Ankaragucu 2-1.
Muamba 'critically ill' after collapse
Fabrice Muamba has been described as "critically ill" at the London Chest Hospital after the Bolton Wanderers midfielder collapsed during their FA Cup quarter-final tie with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
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