Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sports World

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Torres battling self-doubt as well as fitness Posted: 28 Jul 2011 07:36 AM PDT A transfer fee of £50million is always going to thrust you into the spotlight, more so if you are not an instant hit. So you can understand if Fernando Torres feels a little flustered and frustrated at the constant media glare in which he has to prepare for the new season. Even though he appears fit and willing, talking a good game; the negative body language that has hung over his game for the past year remains. Gone is the sprightly figure we saw in his early days at Liverpool, instead the head is bowed, the eyes are sullen, the lips pursed. The 27-year-old seems to be in a permanent sulk. Initially it was due to the heavy treatment dished out by Premier League defenders that drew this negative reaction, after 30 goals in his opening season that has to be expected. But now it appears he is just weary with the world, at having to constantly battle mental and physical obstacles. Those looking for Premier League tips will be wondering if he can do this. He hasn't been helped by his team-mates either. In a situation similar to the plight of £35million man Andrei Shevchenko, the Chelsea players are desperate for the experiment to work. But that could lead to player passing to the Spaniard unnecessarily or crossing to him when there are other options. Footballers are at their best when they instinctively, as soon as they start thinking, that's when you're in trouble. Those who bet on Premier League weekend games will know this. Given his injury woes last year as well as the lack of rest due to the World Cup many are prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. But, after a clear summer to rest there is also an expectation is that Torres will be back to like his best when the season kicks off. But as long as the sullen expression and hunched shoulders remain, people will have their doubts.

Can England Make it Three Finals in a row at the Rugby World Cup? Posted: 28 Jul 2011 06:33 AM PDT After England came off the pitch following their 0-36 hammering by South Africa in the Group stages of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, there was not a pundit in the world that would have tipped them to get to the final. However under coach Brian Ashton they showed great determination, recaptured their form and confidence then battled their way through to a second successive rugby world cup final. What's to say they cannot do something similar again this year? Despite ranking behind New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the latest Rugby World Cup odds, Martin Johnson's side will be full of confidence that they can reach a third successive final at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Looking at the groups, England should qualify in top spot from Pool B, where they have to overcome the attention of Argentina, Georgia, Romania and Scotland. Should they only qualify in second place then they will know that their World cup will probably be over as they would almost certainly have to play hosts and favourites the All Blacks in the quarter finals. That prospect in itself should provide plenty of motivation but by finishing top of the pool then the likelihood is that they will play France in the last eight a match that they would be narrow favourites to win. Victory over France would result in all probability with a very difficult semi-final against the 'Springboks' a match where they would be the underdogs, but by no means out of it. Much can happen in such a long exhausting tournament and it could be that England will be finding their best form at this stage. It certainly would be difficult for England, but an each way bet on them making the final is not without substantial merit. It is fair to say that England will arrive in New Zealand with a much stronger squad than they had in 2007 with a number of match winners in their ranks. These include the Northampton trio of the brilliant running full back, Ben Foden, the try hungry winger Chris Ashton and second row Courtney Lawes, one of the finds of the last two years . They also have potentially the best ball carrying inside center in the world in Manu Tuilagi of Leicester who can tackle decisively and is capable of breaking any defensive line in the world. Others who could feature prominently for England are scrum half Ben Youngs, also of Leicester who, should he recapture the zest he showed in last November's autumn internationals can create havoc at the breakdown and from the base of the scrum. England have an outstanding front row with Dan Cole, Matt Stevens and Andrew Sheridan likely to start and alongside Lawes in the second row they have any one of three top class options. Some might say that they are little short of world class in the back row, but they can still produce a top quality three man unit at the back of the scrum where they have players such as Nick Easter, James Haskell, Lewis Moodie and Tom Croft to choose from so don't write off England's chances of World Cup glory just yet! The Rugby World Cup begins on the 9th September and concludes on 21st October.

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