Ngcongca on top of Table Mountain

South Africa defender Anele Ngcongca tells FIFA.com about the thrill of breaking into the Bafana Bafana side, proving himself in Belgium and the impact of Arsene Wenger on his career.

Stramaccioni hails 'dream' appointment

Newly-appointed Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni has said to coach the senior side is a dream come true and that he has no fear in taking the reins at such an established club.

Chedjou out for two to three weeks

Lille centre-back Aurelien Chedjou has been ruled out for up to three weeks due to a small tear to his left-thigh muscle suffered in the champions 3-0 win over Evian at the weekend.

Braga take top spot

Braga beat Academica 2-1 to record their 13th consecutive league victory and claim top spot in the Portuguese Liga, while a late winner earned Maritimo a 3-2 win at home to Gil Vicente.

Paatelainen: I don't like to copy anyone

Now a year into his role as Finland coach Mixu Paatelainen tells FIFA.com about overseeing generational change in the national team, his attacking philosophy and aspirations for Brazil 2014 qualifying.

Sochaux lose Butin for season

After suffering the second cruciate ligament injury of his career against Lyon on Saturday, Sochaux striker Edouard Butin has been ruled out for six months and will miss the remainder of the season.

Le Roy: Congo DR has incredible potential

Much-travelled coach Claude Le Roy tells FIFA.com about unlocking Congo DR's potential during Brazil 2014 qualifying with the former CAF Africa Cup of Nations winner returning for a second stint in the west African nation.

Atletico look to get back to winning ways

Atletico Madrid must overcome recent indifferent form if they are to claim a UEFA Europa League quarter-final, first leg win against Hanover on Thursday that could put them within sight of an all-Spanish final as Valencia meet AZ Alkmaar.

Kotoko steer clear, FUS stumble

Asante Kotoko extended their lead 10 points with nine matches left in the Ghanaian championship, while FUS Rabat are holding on in Morocco. FIFA.com reviews the weekend's domestic action in Africa.

Six-goal Dortmund thrash Cologne

Borussia Dortmund sprung into life after going down to Milivoje Novakovic's opener for Cologne and went on to rack up six unanswered goals to move five-points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Syria snatch late draw with Oman

Syria secured a vital 1-1 draw with Oman in the opening game of their Olympic qualifying play-off series, with Ahmad Aldouni scoring from a header well into stoppage time to snatch the point.

Lazio march on as Napoli slip up

Mobido Diakite scored two minutes from time to seal Lazio a 1-0 victory over Cagliari and further cement their place in third as closest chasers Napoli dropped a two-goal lead to draw Catania.

Santos regain lead, Monterrey third

A 2-0 win over Queretaro saw Santos Laguna retake the lead in the Mexican Clausura, albeit on goal difference, while Monterrey are up to third having put four past Estudiantes Tecos.

Azteca baptism for giant-killers Guyana

FIFA.com caught up with some of Guyana's giant-killers as they again plot the downfall of CONCACAF's elite ahead of the resumption of Brazil 2014 qualifying in June.

Ancelotti calls for calm

Amidst Paris St Germain's recent unconvincing performances, which has seen Montpellier draw level on points with the big-spending side, coach Carlo Ancelotti has called for calm after last night's draw with Bordeaux.

Mahela Jayawardene resists England push

The England seamers, maintaining the fine form that has been a feature of their cricket over the last couple of years, claimed three wickets in the first four overs to gain the early initiative

Sri Lanka rebuild after early jolts

The England seamers, maintaining the fine form that has been a feature of their cricket over the last couple of years, claimed three wickets in the first four overs to gain the early initiative

Allegri grateful of big squad after Silva loss

With Thiago Silva limping out of AC Milan's game against Roma yesterday, Massimiliano Allegri has said he is thankful for their big squad ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match with Barcelona.

Real spark late to deny APOEL

Kaka came off the bench to bag a goal and assist one, while Karim Benzema netted a double as Real Madrid broke down APOEL Nicosia late on to secure a 3-0 win in the UEFA Champions League.

El Salvador end USA's Olympic hopes

USA have seen their London 2012 hopes evaporate after conceding an equaliser five minutes into injury time against El Salvador, with Los Cuscatlecos keeping alive their ambitions of a first qualification since 1968.

Gomez keen on Bayern extension

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez says there is a "very strong" chance that he will renew his contract with the Bundesliga club, for whom he has scored 23 league goals so far this season.

Gamba change coach to stop the rot

After their worst ever start to the season, following five successive defeats across the J.League and AFC Champions League, Gamba Osaka have instated Katsushi Kajii as coach to replace Jose Carlos Serrao.

Super Bruce!

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s involves a madcap goalkeeper impersonating a superhero.

Seamers make it South Africa's morning

New Zealand were granted no less than four reprieves on the fourth morning in Wellington, but lost three wickets still, to a relentless South African pace attack that kept the hosts pinned throughout the session

Sammy heroics in vain as Australia draw series

Somehow, a 2-2 draw seemed a fitting result for a series that was so closely fought. That was the outcome after Australia's best all-round performance of the tour so far finished in a 30-run win

Jorgensen urges PSV, eyes EURO

Mathias Jorgensen, who will join PSV from FC Copenhagen in the summer, has told the Eindhoven giants not to give up on the Eredivisie title and discussed his own hope of representing Denmark at UEFA EURO 2012.

Rooney winner gives United breathing room

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal shortly before half-time to give Manchester United a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford and send his side three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Battling Kiwis defy Oceania challengers

New Zealand may have confirmed expectations in securing passage to London 2012 but the Kiwis were made to work hard before edging past an impressive Fiji in what was a fitting finale to the Oceania qualifying tournament.

Cisse handed four-game suspension

Queens Park Rangers have suffered a blow in their battle to remain in the Premier League this season after January signing Djibril Cisse was given a four-match ban for his red card at the weekend.

Carroll: Gerrard’s desperate to achieve more

Andy Carroll has hailed Steven Gerrard and discussed the Liverpool captain’s hunger to win trophies, while Sebastian Coates has expressed what a privilege it is to call the Reds No8 a team-mate and his own development at Anfield. 

Inter sack Ranieri, turn to Stramaccioni

Andrea Stramaccioni has been placed in charge of Inter Milan after the Serie A side parted company with coach Claudio Ranieri following a run which saw them win just one of their last ten league matches.

Giggs talks greatest opponents, Messi status

Ryan Giggs has discussed the Premier League title race, hailed Javier Zanetti and Alessandro Del Piero, played down England’s EURO 2012 hopes and weighed in on where Lionel Messi stands in the all-time greatest debate.

Miami Tuesday Briefing - 16 Stars Aim For Quarter-final Berths, Led By 7 of Top 10

Media notes for the Sony Ericsson Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Could this really be Ferrari’s worst car in 20 years?

Before we entirely throw Felipe Massa to the wolves, let’s stop and ponder something: the car. Todd earlier posted comments from Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali: ““In my view the problem is that this car is quite difficult, not easy. It can be very good and it can also be quite difficult. We showed this

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Roddick Upsets Federer In Three-Set Thriller

There’s something about Miami that brings out Andy Roddick’s best tennis. On Monday evening, the two-time Sony Ericsson Open champion knocked out World No. 3 Roger Federer 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4 in a third-round clash to defeat the Swiss for just the third time in 24 career meetings. Two of his wins over the 16-time major champion have come at Crandon Park.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Giggs talks best opponents, Messi greatness

Ryan Giggs has discussed the Premier League title race, hailed Javier Zanetti and Alessandro Del Piero, played down England’s EURO 2012 hopes and weighed in on where Lionel Messi stands in the all-time greatest debate.

Penarol out to stay alive as duo eye last 16

Last year’s runners-up Penarol must avoid defeat away to Universidad de Chile to remain in the running for a place in the knockout phase, which is where Fluminense and Union Espanola will hope to find themselves this week.

Sharapova advances to Miami quarterfinals

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Maria Sharapova overcame 11 double-faults Monday to beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-6 (3) and become the first quarterfinalist at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Sharapova, seeded No. 2, played for more than two hours in 85-degree sunshine. She won despite committing 52 unforced errors and losing her serve four times.

Sharapova seeks her first Key Biscayne title after losing in the final three times.

On the men’s side, No. 8-seeded Mardy Fish assured he’ll remain the top-ranked American by beating No. 28 Kevin Anderson in the third round, 6-4, 6-3.

Nadal resigns from ATP Player Council

Rafael Nadal has resigned from the ATP Players Council, a number of journalistsâ€"including the New York Times' Chris Clarey and Australia’s Craig Gabrielâ€"reported. Clarey tweeted that Nadal has been frustrated by a lack of support from other players. Nadal told the London Times' Neil Harman in January that he was tired of the aggravation that goes along with being a board member. He and fellow council member, president Roger Federer, have disagreed over issues as of late, such as a potential two-year ranking, the schedule and time violations.

Tomic to lead Australia in Davis Cup qualifier

BRISBANE, Australia (AP)â€"Bernard Tomic will lead Australia into the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania second-round match against South Korea next month in the absence of former No. 1-ranked Lleyton Hewitt.

The 31-year-old Hewitt won his singles and doubles matches in Australia’s 5-0 first-round win over China, but had surgery on his left foot last month and is expected to be sidelined until June.

The 19-year-old Tomic, a Wimbledon quarterfinalist, and Matt Ebden will play singles in the April 6-8 match at Brisbane. Marinko Matosevic and Chris Guccione was also included in the team announced Tuesday by Australia captain Pat Rafter.

The winner will advance to the World Group playoff in September.

The Koreans advanced to the second round with a 4-1 win over Taiwan.

Serena hits 20 aces to reach Miami quarterfinals

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Serena Williams rallied from a break down in both sets Monday to beat Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams, bidding for a record sixth Key Biscayne title, avenged a loss to Stosur when they last met in the U.S. Open final in September.

Ranked 11th, Williams is playing in her first tournament since January after being sidelined by a left ankle injury. She hit 20 aces and lost only six points on her first serve, but she had to rally after being broken in the first game of each set against the No. 5-ranked Stosur.

Williams, seeking her first tournament title since August, has won five consecutive matches when facing top-five players.

Djokovic Records 11th Straight Win Over Troicki; Fish Cruises Past Anderson

Two-time titlist and reigning champion Novak Djokovic defeated his friend and No. 27 seed Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4 on Monday for a fourth-round meeting against French No. 17 seed Richard Gasquet at the Sony Ericsson Open.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Djokovic tops Troicki in third round

Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki have shared the court as practice partners and Davis Cup teammates, but match play highlights the distinction between the childhood friends. "There's a big difference between playing  Djokovic close and beating him," said Tennis Channel analyst Justin Gimelstob.  The  27th-ranked Troicki, who had only beaten Djokovic once in 11 prior encounters,
found that out once again the hard way in today's third-round match at the Sony Ericsson Open.
 
Troicki actually followed a no-win route to beating Djokovic by dropping his opening service game in both the first and second sets and breaking his fellow Serb only once in eight chances. Although, the rallies were often close and contested, Djokovic prevailed, 6-3, 6-4, in 85 minutes.

Troicki also chose the wrong strategy in attacking Djokovic. Again and again, he tried to break down the Djokovic backhand in cross-court rallies, only to have his Davis Cup teammate out-duel him. The Troicki forehand is his much weaker wing and that was painfully evident for the 26-year-old Serbian No. 3, who has not distinguished himself in 2012, losing in either the first or second rounds of the six tournaments he's played. Gimelstob also said the most important statistic in men's tennis is how well you defend your second serve. Troicki was woefully inefficient in that category as well, winning only 25 percent  (4 out of 16 points) of the points off his second delivery.

While Djokovic didn't look as sharp in disposing Troicki as he had in his 6-4, 6-4 sweep of Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday night, he masterfully controlled the center of the court. Using quick-strike tennis, the 24-year-old used wide serves in both service boxes to pull Troicki off the court. Then Djokovic countered with stinging down the line winners off both wings. Djokovic takes the ball extremely early, particularly on the backhand wing, as he hits 20 percent of his shots inside the
baseline.The only trouble the world No. 1 had with Troicki is when he failed to take a double-break lead in the second set, and Troicki evened the set at 3-all.

With Troicki heartened, Djokovic showed why Gimelstob's statement about playing Djokovic is so true. Serving at love-15, Troicki hit a wide serve to Djokovic's backhand,  his best shot, only to have it returned with interest up the line to make it love-30. On the next point, Djokovic pinned at the baseline, somehow shoveled another backhand down the line for a passing shot winner. Troicki was soon broken, but he rallied at 3-4 and actually had double break point to even the set, but Djokovic held him off once again. Next up for Djokovic is No. 17 seed Richard Gasquet, and unfortunately for the Frenchman, his best shot is also his backhand and he's not known as a great server.
 
â€"Dan Markowitz

Venus rallies past Ivanovic in three

The courtside clock had crept past midnight, but Venus Williams was too busy turning back time to notice. Continuing her inspired comeback, Williams rallied from a set down to defeat Ana Ivanovic, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-2, and roar into the Sony Ericsson Open quarterfinals for the 10th time.

Fourteen years ago, Venus fought back from a set down against another adidas-clad Annaâ€"Anna Kournikovaâ€"to collect the second title of her career at Crandon Park. The multi-colored beads that popped from her braids are gone now, her hair held in place by her vanilla visor, but Venus is back in fighting form and exhibited the competitiveness that has helped her win three Miami titles. She summoned that spirit in saving a match point against Aleksandra Wozniak in a two-hour and 53-minute thriller on Sunday, and the physical demands of that matchâ€"combined with the fact she's playing her first tournament of the year while waging an ongoing battle with Srojen's syndromeâ€"figured to sap some of her strength in this clash of former world No. 1's. But both women came out cracking the ball.

This was a match of first-strike tennis between two aggressive players averse to giving up ground. Venus broke in the opening game and quickly consolidated. Ivanovic, who danced around her backhand to lash her favored forehand into the corners, converted her sixth break point of the sixth game when Williams dumped a drop shot into the bottom of the net for 3-3.  Ivanovic used a series of forehand strikes to take a 4-1 lead in the breaker, only to miss successive backhand passes and watch Williams drill a backhand winner down the line for 4-all. Ivanovic's slice serve nicked the edge of the sideline for 5-4, and she successfully challenged a Williams' second serve for 6-4 before a bold forehand return set up yet another forehand winner down the line to seal the set.

The 134th-ranked Williams entered this match with a 7-1 career edge over Ivanovic due in part to two of her most underrated assetsâ€"her superior court coverage and defensive skills. At 31, Venus is still one of the fastest women on tour, and she showed that speed by repeatedly running down balls that would elude most players. Successive Ivanovic double faults gave Williams a break point, and she swooped forward to slam a forehand swing volley for a break and 4-2 lead. The turning point came in the next game, as Ivanovic slashed a forehand winner down the line to earn triple break point, only to see Williams dig out of that hole and hold with an ace for 5-2. An exquisite sharp-angled forehand winner gave Williams her fourth straight game as she sealed the second set.

The wild card drove a deep return that jammed Ivanovic to break for 4-2 in the final set. A mental tug-of-war erupted in the next game as Williams, who hit 13 aces and saved 11 of 12 break points, hit five of her eight double faults in a grueling game she finally won when Ivanovic splattered a backhand wide. Next up for Venus is a quarterfinal date with fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska.

 â€"Richard Pagliaro

Azarenka fights back from brink, now 26-0 in 2012

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP)â€"Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka lost 10 of the first 11 games, then rallied to remain unbeaten this year by overcoming Dominika Cibulkova 1-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5 Monday in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open.
 
Azarenka won her 26th consecutive match, a streak that began at the start of this year. Her start is the best on the women’s tour since Martina Hingis went 37-0 to begin 1997.
 
In the second set, Azarenka fell behind 4-love. She found herself two points from defeat five times but swept the last three games and converted the first match point when Cibulkova sailed a passing shot long.

Azarenka has won her four previous tournaments this year, including the Australian Open for her first Grand Slam title. She seeks her third Key Biscayne title.
 
Serena Williams matched a career high with 20 aces to beat Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the quarterfinals.
 
“My serve was hot,” Williams said. “I was like, `That’s pretty cool.”’
 
Williams avenged a loss to Stosur when they last met in the U.S. Open final in September.
 
“That wasn’t in my mind,” Williams said. “I just thought, `This is a new game.”’
 
Also reaching the quarterfinals was No. 2 Maria Sharapova, who overcame 11 double-faults to beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-6 (3). Sharapova won despite committing 52 unforced errors and losing her serve four times.
 
No. 1 Novak Djokovic advanced to the men’s fourth round by beating No. 27-seeded Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic is bidding for his third Key Biscayne title and second in a row.
 
No. 8-seeded Mardy Fish assured he’ll remain the top-ranked American man by beating No. 28 Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3. Fish has yet to play in the stadium this tournament and instead faced Anderson at 11 a.m. on the grandstand court, but he said that was fine because prefers an early start.
 
In other women’s play, former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki defeated No. 23 Yanina Wickmayer 7-6 (6), 6-0. Reigning French Open champion Li Na rallied past Sabine Lisicki 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, and No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska defeated 18-year-old Garbine Muguruza Blanco 6-3, 6-2.
 
The No. 10-seeded Williams lost only six points on her first serve against the No. 6-seeded Stosur, but had to rally after being broken in the first game of each set.
 
Williams failed to convert her first seven break-point chances, then muscled her way back into the match. She also showed finesse, such as when she chipped a forehand drop shot that barely cleared the net for a dainty winner.
 
Williams is playing in her first tournament since January after being sidelined by a left ankle injury. She hasn’t won a title since August, and seeks a record sixth Key Biscayne championship.
 
“I’m really trying so hard,” she told the crowd. “My mom gave me the ultimate pep talk last night, so thanks, Mom.”
 
Her sister Venus was to face Ana Ivanovic in the last fourth-round match Monday night. Venus is playing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the U.S. Open last August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.
 
“We both have been through a lot,” Serena said. “And each match, whether we’re beating top-10 player or a top-80 player, we really thoroughly enjoy it and want to do really well.”

Formula1blog.com Podcast #256- Malaysian GP race review

Join Paul and me for the Malaysian Grand Prix race review podcast. We cover qualifying, the race and every team in the order they finished. Why get a condensed race recap of Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari when you want to know about all the teams on the grid? You can do that right here,

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Serena hits 20 aces to reach Miami quarters

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Unhappy about losing a point midway through the second set, Serena Williams stood near the backstop, gritted her teeth and swung her racket as hard as she could, as if trying to coax even more ferocity from her strokes.

That hardly seemed possible. Williams pummeled the ball plenty Monday, matching a career high with 20 aces and whacking enough thunderous groundstrokes to beat Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open.

“My serve was hot,” Williams said. “I was like, `That’s pretty cool.”’


She avenged a loss to Stosur when they last met in the U.S. Open final in September.

“That wasn’t in my mind,” Williams said. “I just thought, `This is a new game.”’

Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka lost 10 of the first 11 games, then rallied to remain unbeaten this year by beating No. 16-seeded Dominika Cibulkova 1-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5. Azarenka was two points from defeat five times, but swept the last three games and extended her winning streak to 26 matches, all in 2012.

Also reaching the quarterfinals was No. 2 Maria Sharapova, who overcame 11 double-faults to beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-6 (3). Sharapova won despite committing 52 unforced errors and losing her serve four times.

No. 1 Novak Djokovic advanced to the men’s fourth round by beating No. 27-seeded Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic is bidding for his third Key Biscayne title and second in a row.

No. 8-seeded Mardy Fish assured he’ll remain the top-ranked American man by beating No. 28 Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3. Fish has yet to play in the stadium this tournament and instead faced Anderson at 11 a.m. on the grandstand court, but he said that was fine because prefers an early start.

“I like to know my fate,” Fish said. “I like playing in the heat. And I think everyone likes to know exactly when they play.”

In other women’s play, former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki defeated No. 23 Yanina Wickmayer 7-6 (6), 6-0. Reigning French Open champion Li Na rallied past Sabine Lisicki 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, and No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska defeated 18-year-old Garbine Muguruza Blanco 6-3, 6-2.

The No. 10-seeded Williams lost only six points on her first serve against the No. 6-seeded Stosur, but had to rally after being broken in the first game of each set.

Williams failed to convert her first seven break-point chances, then muscled her way back into the match. She also showed finesse, such as when she chipped a forehand drop shot that barely cleared the net for a dainty winner.

Is a shot like that fun?

“It was more nervous than fun,” Williams said. “I was like, `OK, is it going to go over?’ Then it was, `Now, oh, is she going to get it?’ So it was more like that as opposed to fun.”

Williams’ best stroke was her serve. She hit six aces during a 20-point game to hold for 3-2 in the second set. After falling behind love-40 in the final game, she smacked three aces and eventually reached match point.

Her final serve spun so violently it kicked head-high to handcuff Stosur, who could only push the ball wide. A jubilant Williams hopped, skipped and pumped her fists.

Williams is playing in her first tournament since January after being sidelined by a left ankle injury. She hasn’t won a title since August, and seeks a record sixth Key Biscayne championship.

“I’m really trying so hard,” she told the crowd. “My mom gave me the ultimate pep talk last night, so thanks, Mom.”

Her sister Venus was to face Ana Ivanovic in the last fourth-round match Monday night. Venus is playing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the U.S. Open last August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.

“We both have been through a lot,” Serena said. “And each match, whether we’re beating top-10 player or a top-80 player, we really thoroughly enjoy it and want to do really well.”