News sport : Hannah Storm fights off overeager makeup artist on live TV

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(YouTube)

Credit for the first stiffarm of this NFL playoff Sunday goes to ESPN's Hannah Storm, who fought off a well-meaning makeup artist with a poor sense of timing during the morning Sports Center.


Ever the consummate pro, Storm went on to deliver her segment after casting a "didya catch me?" look at the cameras. We'll update ESPN's injury report if and when we hear about that makeup artist's right arm.


Here's video of Storm's strongarming:



h/t: FTW


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Kevin Kaduk is a writer for Yahoo Sports . Have a tip? Email him at kevinkaduk@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : National Championship Preview: Marcus Mariota

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Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rushes for a touchdown during the second half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Rose Bowl. (Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports) The first College Football Playoff National Championship Game is finally upon us and Dr. Saturday has your pregame prep covered. Every day leading up to the game, we’ll breakdown a piece of each team and preview its role in the upcoming title game. Previous previews: Ohio State's front 7, Oregon's front 7, Ohio State's secondary, Oregon's secondary, Oregon's O-line, Ohio State's O-line, Oregon's running game, Ohio State’s running game, Ohio State's receivers, Oregon's receivers.


Season highlight: In the past four contests, Marcus Mariota has been at the top of his game. He threw for at least 300 yards against Colorado, Oregon State, Arizona and Florida State, and completed an average of 71.7 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and one interception. This string of great games came after he posted his worst statistical outing of the season against Utah. Additionally, Mariota has rushed for 207 yards in that span and scored seven rushing touchdowns.


Strengths: Mariota is incredibly talented at keeping plays alive and keeping his eyes downfield. Several times this season plays have broken down and Mariota has either scrambled outside to find the open receiver or he’s taken off with the ball for decent yardage. Because of the variety of weapons at both receiver and running back, Mariota has the luxury of targeting a multitude of guys in any one game, which can create a major strain on the opposing defense.


Weaknesses: Mariota doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses, but one that has hurt him at times this season has been the play of his offensive line. He went through a stretch this season where he was on the ground a lot and consequently made some costly mistakes. Getting pressure on Mariota is the key to breaking up his rhythm, but in the past couple weeks that’s been easier said than done. Mariota has not been sacked in the past two games and the team has only allowed three tackles for loss.


Overview: It’s been rare not to be awestruck by something Mariota does in a game. Whether it’s making an amazing pass, executing the read option or just creating a play where there was no play to be created, Mariota has spent the season dazzling viewers and frustrating opponents.


And Monday night could solidify his legacy as the best quarterback to ever wear an Oregon uniform.


He’s already captured the first Heisman Trophy in Oregon history and if he walks off the field at AT&T Stadium on Monday night victorious, he will have brought the university its first national title. Only 10 other quarterbacks have won a national title and the Heisman.


His career numbers are ridiculous. He’s thrown at least one touchdown pass in every game he’s played and he’s rushed for more than 700 yards in each of his three seasons. He’s completed nearly 67 percent of his career passes for 10,463 yards 103 touchdowns. He’s also added 29 touchdowns on the ground. He’s on pace to have the lowest interception percentage in college football history with just 13 interceptions on 1,130 passing attempts.


Several defenses have taken their best shot at stopping him and many have failed. Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee said Saturday that the key to stopping Mariota is getting lined up and staying mentally focused. But when Mariota is pushing the tempo and intentionally trying to create confusion amongst the defense, knowing what you’re supposed to do and actually executing it are two very different things.


In the Ducks only loss this season — a 31-24 decision against Arizona — the offensive line struggled and Mariota was under pressure the entire game. If Ohio State can get similar pressure on the Ducks offensive line — the Buckeyes’ speed has disrupted offensive lines all season — that could be the key to slowing down the Ducks and creating an advantage.


In the secondary, Ohio State players need to keep their assignments. Oregon receiver Devon Allen said Sunday that every receiver is hot on every snap. He said a player could run one route 15 times during the week of practice and never see the ball, and then be the team’s leading receiver during the game. Mariota doesn’t discriminate and he doesn’t lock in on a specific receiver. He plays within the flow of the game, which often leaves defenses scrambling.


Mariota has faced some good defensive fronts this season and its been a mixed bag. He struggled against Arizona in the first meeting and against Utah and even had some issues against UCLA. However, no one has been better under center in the back quarter of the season than Mariota, and if he continues his hot streak, Ohio State is going to be in for a long evening.


For more Oregon news, visit DuckSportsAuthority.com.


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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook






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News sport : If you need a fourth down conversion, who is getting the football?

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DALLAS – Media days can be a bit tedious, so we wanted to have some fun with Saturday's National Championship Game media session.


At From the Marbles, we end every interview with a staple question that has nothing to do with the interview topic at hand to let our subjects have some fun and let their imaginations run wild for a moment. We wanted to give Ohio State and Oregon players the same opportunity.


We settled on the question "If you were facing a critical fourth down with two yards to go, who are you giving the ball to and why?" The two yards took out the overwhelming possibility of a quarterback sneak and hopefully brought a pass play into the equation.


There were conditions on the question too. To prevent any creativity stifling, teammates couldn't be chosen. And the pool of options was not limited to current college or professional players. The possibilities were almost endless.


The most popular answer? Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. He was more popular with Oregon players than with Ohio State players, but he had by far the most support among our sample size. Second was Jerome Bettis, even though his playing career ended over nine years ago.


Other former running backs got support too. Ohio State offensive lineman Joel Hale picked Edgerrin James because he grew up a sports fan and Guy Ferrelli dove back into the early 2000s and chose Mike Alstott.


Oregon players liked to give former Ducks support. RB Byron Marshall said he'd choose New England Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount or Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart, while OL Doug Brenner chose Baltimore Ravens DT Haloti Ngata.


Oregon OL Hamani Stevens also would pick a defensive lineman, albeit one who has scored a rushing touchdown in the NFL. He went with someone he classified as a childhood idol in former Chicago Bears DT William Perry, who had three touchdowns in 1985.


Then there were the choices that got creative.


Ohio State OL Pat Elflein chose his dad. Why? His dad, Ken, is a concrete contractor. Carrying around bags of concrete probably means you could get two yards if necessary. Heck, his nickname is Ken-crete.


Oregon RB Royce Freeman, the team's leading rusher, said he'd take running backs coach Gary Campbell, who played fullback at UCLA. Campbell has been with the team since 1983. His response to Freeman's answer?


"He'd put me in the backfield?" Campbell said, laughing. "That's good. I'd like to be there."



"I would put my pads down and just drive everybody into the end zone."


Batman, the Flash and Superman were also chosen. Snorlax even came up as an option among Oregon's offensive lineman, which led to a debate about its mobility. What is Snorlax? It's a Pokemon character that weighs over 1,000 pounds and stands nearly seven feet tall.


But the best and most creative option was easily the scenario Ohio State RB/WR (and emergency quarterback) Jalin Marshall created.


"I'm going to take you back to 1993. Episode 2, season 3 of the Fresh Prince," Marshall said. "I'm giving the ball to Will Smith. Fourth and two, mark it down. He's getting the first."


And what about Carlton and Uncle Phil?


"Uncle Phil at center. Carlton at fullback ... Uncle Phil, he's going to push the [nose tackle] out, work up to the mike backer, I've got a guard, I'm not going to tell you who that is, he's going to kick out to the three technique ... I'm going to hand to Will, he's going to go right up the middle, make the safety miss and go score."


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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Marshawn Lynch had another awkward postgame interview (Video)

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Marshawn Lynch had a quiet game in the Seattle Seahawks' divisional round win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night, rushing 14 times for 59 yards and no touchdowns.


The notoriously media-averse Lynch had an even quieter performance in the postgame locker room, answering every question with "I'm thankful" during yet another awkward interview session.


It may not be pretty, but Lynch's 90 seconds with the media will allow him to sidestep another fine like the $100,000 penalty he received for not talking with the media earlier this year.


But with one more win, the Seahawks will reach their second Super Bowl and Lynch will have to face a week filled with hour-long media sessions where this charade will be a little more difficult to keep up.


There's no doubt he'll try if the Seahawks get that far, though.


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Kevin Kaduk is a writer for Yahoo Sports . Have a tip? Email him at kevinkaduk@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Andy Sullivan has 'no regrets' as he wins South African Open

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Andy Sullivan was playing with house money in his sudden-death playoff against Charl Schwartzel for the South African Open Championship. Facing a difficult escape after a lousy tee shot on the first extra hole, his caddie reminded him to have "no regrets."


Sullivan swung freely, executed the recovery shot brilliantly and left his ball 10 feet from the hole to set up a tournament-clinching birdie for his first European Tour win.


"I just dug in there yesterday and today and found myself in a position where I had a chance to win," Sullivan said. "My caddie said over the last few holes `no regrets` and I`ve definitely got no regrets over the last few holes, especially that playoff hole."


The 28-year-old Englishman overcame a seven-shot deficit to Schwartzel with a final-round, 5-under 67 at Glendower Golf Club. Schwartzel, who came into Sunday with a five-shot lead over second place, stumbled on the final four holes -- including two bogeys and a double bogey -- to shoot a 74 that still had him reeling in the playoff. The South African was also dealing with the pressure of seeking his first national open.


Sullivan, who became just the second English-born player to win the South African Open, the game's second-oldest tournament, could not have been more thrilled with the surprise breakthrough.


"To just play on the European Tour is something I`ve wanted to do my whole life," Sullivan said, "so to win an event just caps it all off and to do it in South Africa where I have always enjoyed playing, it has just been an incredible week."



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Easy scalp for Inter Milan

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Inter Milan eased to a 3-1 win at home to Genoa on Sunday.


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Milan – Inter Milan eased to a 3-1 victory at home to Genoa in Serie A on Sunday as Roberto Mancini’s team continued its impressive start to the year.


Armando Izzo gave Genoa hope of a comeback when he pulled one back with five minutes remaining after first-half goals from Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi.


However, Nemanja Vidic scored his first goal for Inter to make sure of the points.


Inter moved up to eighth, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures, while Genoa was sixth.


Roma plays Lazio in the capital derby later, before Serie A leader Juventus visits Napoli.


Inter had boosted its squad with the acquisitions of Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri and confidence was also at a high following a 1-1 draw against Juventus.


Podolski was given his first start while Shaqiri was on the bench.


Former Genoa striker Palacio gave Inter the lead in the 12th minute, rushing in to nudge home the rebound after Icardi’s acrobatic effort had been saved by Mattia Perin.


Icardi doubled Inter’s advantage shortly before halftime with a glancing header from a corner.


Genoa piled on the pressure after the break, forcing several saves out of Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, and was unlucky not to reduce the deficit when Maxime Lestienne’s volley crashed back off the crossbar.


Izzo scored his first Serie A goal when he tapped in a rebound after Handanovic had denied Tino Costa but any hope of a comeback was quashed three minutes later when Vidic headed in Podolski’s corner. – Sapa-AP






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Wolfsburg to go ahead with SA training

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Wolfsburg is going ahead with its SA training camp despite the death of midfielder Junior Malanda.


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Wolfsburg – Bundesliga side Wolfsburg is going ahead with its planned training camp in South Africa despite the death of midfielder Junior Malanda in a car crash on Saturday.


Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs said: “It wasn’t an easy decision but we’re sure that it’s absolutely the right one. He wanted success, to achieve great things with us, and it’s the least we could do for him.”


The 20-year-old Malanda, a Belgium youth international, died when the Volkswagen Touareg in which he was a back seat passenger crashed off the motorway near Bielefeld. He was on his way to meet team-mates for Saturday night’s planned departure to the training camp.


Wolfsburg was bringing in counsellors to help players cope with the loss of their team-mate.


Allofs says, “Everyone is completely distraught.” – Sapa-AP






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Bafana tipped to win Afcon Cup

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Respected former coach Ted Dumitru believes Bafana Bafana will be the team to beat in the Afcon Cup.


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Johannesburg – Respected former coach Ted Dumitru says Bafana Bafana will be the team to beat at the Africa Cup of Nations after their performance against Cameroon in a friendly on Saturday.


“This is remarkable from the boys. The way they responded in the second half clearly shows that the coach Shakes Mashaba is doing something incredible and I am sure they can emerge from their group without any doubt,” Dumitru said.


Bafana held the Indomitable Lions to a 1-1 draw in Gabon’s capital Libreville during an Afcon preparation match.


Despite their form looking suspect in the first-half when they allowed striker Vincent Aboubacar to score a free-kick, Dumitru was pleased with Bafana’s never-say-die attitude in the second half.


The South Africans replied with a goal from substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi, who smashed the ball home to level matters in the 77th minute.


Although placed in group C against No 1 ranked Africans; Algeria, Ghana and Senegal, the former Bafana coach said Mashaba’s men would emerge triumphant.


“They are fearless and that is one aspect that has been lacking previously. They showed against Cameroon that they can come back in the game and I believe they could have won the match if their finishing was right on the night.”


Dumitru however, felt the omitted Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite would be sorely missed.


“Tefu has been good for Chiefs and I was surprised by his exclusion. He covers a lot of ground and can score goals too. The defence looks shaky and with Patrick Phungwayo out of the tournament after an injury, it would be lovely to have him back.”


Bafana take on Mali on Wednesday in another warm-up match ahead of the start of the tournament on January 17.


For their opening Afcon encounter Bafana face Algeria at the Estadio de Mongomo on January 19.


Dumitru expected a much-improved display as they make their final touch-ups ahead of the continental showdown.


“We have been good travellers lately and I don’t see why we cannot win the tournament. It is going to be tough but I put my money on Bafana as they have really surprised a lot of us.


“A good display against Mali will give the boys the much-needed confidence and I hope they start the game the way they finished against Cameroon.” – Sapa






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News sport : Greg Cosell's Playoff Preview: How the Colts help Andrew Luck

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Andrew Luck is an important figure in the Indianapolis Colts’ game at the Denver Broncos, of course.


What I want to look at is how the Colts protected Luck against the Cincinnati Bengals last week – and they did it well – and some of the route concepts that Indianapolis will use against Denver to get receivers like T.Y. Hilton open. Because these things are vital for their chances of success at Denver on Sunday.


Luck played very well against Cincinnati. It stood out right away how patient Luck was. He was the chain mover in the Colts offense and he needs to consistently hit 5-to-7 yard passes. But a big reason Luck was able to make those passes is the Colts did a good job protecting him, even with a line that had some changes due to injury.


The Colts played a high percentage of two- and three-tight end sets on regular downs and distance situations. No matter the set, the Bengals couldn’t generate any pass rush on Luck with their four-man defensive line, in either their base or nickel defense. Offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Joe Reitz (who was starting at right tackle because of injury) held up well.


In the second quarter, the Bengals showed “double A gap” alignment with their inside linebackers, and blitzed Vincent Rey and the slot corner Leon Hall from Rey’s side. Hall would have been clean off the edge but Reggie Wayne chipped defensive end Margus Hunt, pushing him inside, and that allowed Reitz to work outside and get his hands on Hall. That allowed Luck the time to work and climb the pocket and take advantage of a matchup of receiver Hakeem Nicks against safety George Iloka for a 45-yard gain.



Luck is also one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in terms of pocket movement. He has great feel for sliding within the pocket to find a relatively quieter spot to deliver the ball. He does not look at the rush and lose his downfield focus. With that in mind, let’s take a look at one of his highlight plays from last week.


The Colts came out in a three-by-one set with Donte Moncrief on the slot to the three-receiver side. He ran an “over” route attacking single high safety Iloka. The Bengals had safety Reggie Nelson blitzing from Luck’s right, and defensive end Will Clarke dropping into coverage. Luck ran up in the pocket to avoid Nelson’s blitz. That gave Moncrief time to cross Iloka’s face. Luck made a great throw as he was falling down for the score.



I also want to show a route concept that helped Hilton get a 30-yard gain in the second quarter. The Colts attacked the Bengals linebackers in coverage because that’s been a recurring issue for Cincinnati all season (and that bears watching in the matchup of the Colts offense against the Broncos defense). The Bengals ran “quarters” coverage. Wayne ran a deep post to lift cornerback Adam Jones. Tight end Dwayne Allen ran vertically at Rey. Hilton ran a underneath drag route across the field. Rey was in conflict because of Allen’s vertical route and Hilton’s drag route, because both are in his underneath area of responsibility.



A lot of the Broncos-Colts game will come down to how well Luck does against Denver’s defense. But all of the pieces must be working for the Colts offense, like they were against the Bengals.


Cowboys at Packers


A lot of attention has been paid to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his calf injury, but it’s mostly a moot point if the Dallas Cowboys can’t get pressure on him.


Fortunately for the Cowboys, their defensive line has gotten better as the season has progressed.


Tyrone Crawford has become a strong “3 technique” defensive tackle, end Jeremy Mincey has been solid all season and rookie Demarcus Lawrence has really started to develop as a pass-rushing end.


Lawrence made a big play late in the game, getting a fourth-down sack in the final minute, also forcing a fumble. He used his hands effectively to create separation and get his inside arm past left tackle Riley Reiff.



Lawrence flashed against the Lions, both as a run defender and a pass rusher. It might have been his best game all season.


The other part of slowing down Green Bay’s passing game is how the Cowboys match up against the Packers’ receivers. Last week was pretty interesting in that regard: The Cowboys were clearly comfortable matching up Brandon Carr on Calvin Johnson and Orlando Scandrick on Golden Tate. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are different type receivers – Johnson is great but Nelson might be a more explosive vertical threat, and Cobb is much quicker than Tate out of the slot – so it’s tough to say if they’ll match up the same way. The Cowboys played a lot of man coverage last week, and that hasn’t been their M.O. this season. So it’s hard to say what the Cowboys will do against the Packers, but their approach certainly is worth keeping a close eye on.


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NFL analyst and NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell watches as much NFL game film as anyone. Throughout the season, Cosell will join Shutdown Corner to share his observations on the teams, schemes and personnel from around the league.






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News sport : Rex Ryan to become Bills' new head coach, per reports

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FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, file photo, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan listens to a questions during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Ryan and general manager John Idzik on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) Rex Ryan is about to become the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, according to multiple reports.


The move comes as a surprise from multiple angles. First, Ryan will remain in the AFC East, where his defenses have bedeviled the New England Patriots. He'll also get to face his former team, the New York Jets, twice a year.


Ryan theoretically walks into a bit of an upgrade from New York in that he'll a far better defense and offensive stars like WR Sammy Watkins who were nowhere to be found in New York. He's also entering a small-market team where he'll become an instant media darling.


What Ryan doesn't have, yet, is a quality quarterback, with Kyle Orton retired and EJ Manuel benched. But there are options out there if he's wiling to pursue them, including Chicago's Jay Cutler and potentially Cleveland's Brian Hoyer. Could Rex succeed where others have failed? If he's able to turn either of those two quarterbacks into a sustained NFL success, they could start carving his bust for Canton.


The Falcons and 49ers had been pushing hard for Ryan, with the Falcons believed to be the front-runners. But Ryan interviewed with Atlanta last week and left without a deal, and that may have been a sign:



As recently as Saturday night, the AP reported that the Bills wanted to have second interviews with other candidates before making the hire, but apparently the team decided to take the leap early.


The Bills finished last year 9-7, but still missed the playoffs. Their 15-year streak without a postseason berth remains the NFL's longest.


____

Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter.



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Ribery rooting for Neuer

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Bayern’s Franck Ribery is hoping team-mate Manuel Neuer nets the Ballon d’Or award on Monday.


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Doha – Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery says he is hoping team-mate Manuel Neuer will become the first keeper to be elected world footballer of the year at Monday’s Ballon d’Or awards in Zurich.


Former France international Ribery was left bitterly disappointed when he was beaten in 2014 by winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the final voting.


Neuer is now in the same position, up against Portugal’s Ronaldo and four-time winner Messi of Barcelona for football’s most prestigious individual prize.


“Of course Manuel has a big chance. He is the best keeper in the world for me, has won a lot of titles, was the best German player at the World Cup and won the World Cup,” Ribery said on Sunday at Bayern’s training camp in Qatar.


“He can’t do any more. For me he has to be the clear winner.”


Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he hoped Neuer would win but it seemed that Real Madrid star Ronaldo was again the favourite.


“When I look at what the experts have been saying these past few days they seem to be favouring Ronaldo,” he said.


“If I am honest I fear that as well.”


However, Rummenigge said Neuer would be a deserved winner, and that UEFA president Michel Platini had put it the right way.


“The World Cup in a World Cup year should be the decisive factor,” he said. “It is the most important event.”


Neuer is the first goalkeeper to make the final three of the award in its current form since 2010. No goalkeeper was named world footballer in previous years, with German Oliver Kahn second in 2002.


Soviet legend Lev Yashin was the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or award, more than 50 years ago in 1963.


Neuer could also be the first Bundesliga player to win the world player award as former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus was with Inter Milan when he won the vote in 1991. – Sapa-dpa






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Free kick helps Bale Real

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Gareth Bale scored an unstoppable free kick to help 10-man Real Madrid end a two-game losing run on Saturday.


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Barcelona – Gareth Bale scored with an unstoppable free kick to help 10-man Real Madrid end a two-game losing run with a 3-0 win over Espanyol and stay top of the Spanish league on Saturday.


James Rodriguez scored first after a pinpoint long pass from Bale was skillfully tapped back to him by Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 12th minute.


Bale made it 2-0 in the 28th when Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla could only watch as he rifled a left-foot free kick in off the post.


Madrid played with 10 men from the 53rd after Fabio Coentrao got a direct red card for a low tackle on Jose Canas. The difference, however, was unnoticeable and substitute Nacho Fernandez netted in the 76th with Espanyol in disarray.


Bale had a great chance to score before Fernandez’s goal when he sprinted onto Francisco “Isco” Alarcon’s thoughball. But the winger drew both the reproach of some sectors of the stands and Ronaldo’s ire when he didn’t pass to his strike partner, instead rolling the ball wide.


“Bale played a very good game,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said. “The public asked him to pass to Cristiano, but all forwards want to score. Bale is just as fundamental for us as Cristiano. They get along well and only want to take Madrid as high as we can go.


“Altruism is an important component of the group. If we see selfish behaviour, we will deal with it.”


Madrid’s comfortable victory came after its Spanish record 22-win streak ended with losses at Valencia in the league and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.


Madrid built a four-point lead over Barcelona and Atletico, before the defending champion visits Camp Nou on Sunday. Madrid will still have a game in hand after the clash between its main title rivals.


Madrid hosts Atletico on Thursday needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat to keep alive its defense of the Copa del Rey title.


“It will be a tough game, but playing at home will help,” Ancelotti said about the derby.


Elsewhere, Valencia drew 1-1 at Celta Vigo, while Villarreal drew 1-1 at Malaga.


Eibar also continued to impress in its first season in the topflight with a 2-1 win over Getafe at home as it consolidated its hold on eighth place.


Valencia remained in fourth place and the last Champions League spot, although Sevilla can move ahead with a win at Almeria on Sunday.


Valencia went ahead after goalie Diego Alves saved Fabian Orellana’s spot kick in the 28th. It was the Brazilian ‘keeper’s 14th save of 33 penalties he has faced in the Spanish league.


Rodrigo Moreno dribbled inward from the right flank before firing a long strike under goalie Sergio Alvarez two minutes before halftime to give Valencia the lead.


Orellana made amends by scoring in the 61st to give ninth-place Celta its first goal in eight league games, breaking a drought that dated to November 30.


Villarreal’s draw extended its undefeated streak to 13 straight games in all competitions.


Malaga forward Nordin Amrabat chipped goalie Sergio Asenjo on the break in the 60th to cancel out Jonathan Dos Santos’ goal from a tight angle in first-half injury time.


Villarreal remained in sixth place, one point ahead of Malaga in seventh.


Eibar’s Manuel del Moral scored from a well executed set piece in the 33rd before Ander Capa secured the points in the 51st. Substitute Diego Castro pulled one back for Getafe 10 from time.


A moment of silence was held before the matches for the 12 people killed at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper office in Paris. – Sapa-AP






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Wolfsburg reels from death blow

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Wolfsburg is deciding whether to go ahead with a training camp in SA following the tragic death of Junior Malanda.


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Wolfsburg, Germany – Wolfsburg will decide on Sunday on whether to go ahead with a training camp in South Africa following the death in a road accident of midfielder Junior Malanda.


The 20-year-old Belgium Under-21 international was on his way to join the squad due to fly to South Africa on Saturday evening when he was killed in a car crash on a German motorway.


The club called off the departure and will hold a news conference later Sunday.


Hundreds of fans of the German Bundesliga club gathered at the team’s home ground, the Volkswagen Arena, late on Saturday to light candles, lay flowers and mourn.


“We are distraught and can simply not find the words to express our bewilderment,” club sports director Klaus Allods said.


“We all loved him dearly. He was the positive spirit within the team and a young man full of the joys of life.”


Messages of condolence and tribute have poured in. Bundesliga clubs have sent their commiserations, and Bayern Munich players held a minute’s silence Sunday at their training camp in Doha, Qatar.


Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer said in Doha: “We feel great sorrow. It is terrible thing for which words are difficult to find.”


Among many Bundesliga clubs with messages of condolence, Borussia Dortmund tweeted: “Words fail us. We are shocked, sad and with you (at)VfL_Wolfsburg. #RIPMalanda.”


Malanda was a passenger in an all-terrain vehicle which skidded off the A2 motorway and hit a tree amid heavy rain near the western German city of Porta Westfalica on Saturday afternoon. The driver and another passenger were seriously injured.


Police quoted witnesses as saying no other vehicle was involved in the accident. Malanda was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries at the accident scene.


Malanda, who joined Wolfsburg at the start of 2014 and had appeared in 10 Bundesliga games this season, was regarded as one of Belgian’s biggest talents.


“We cannot believe that he is no longer with us. Our thoughts at this dreadful time are with his family and relatives,” Allofs said.


Coach Dieter Hecking said: “I can’t even begin to explain how I am feeling right now and what is going through my mind.


“We just had a discussion with Junior yesterday and he was eagerly looking forward to his future. It was a joy to work with Junior and we had big plans together. I am unspeakably saddened.”


The club’s supervisory board chairman Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz said: “We are deeply saddened and totally shocked. Junior Malanda was a really young guy and a promising player, who had a great future ahead of him – his life has been cut brutally short far too early.


“Our thoughts are with his family, who we will attempt to assist at this difficult time. Speaking as a father, there are things that a person should never have to experience. His death is also a huge loss to VfL Wolfsburg.”


Malanda’s death caused sorrow in Belgium where many of the nation’s internationals tweeted their condolences.


“Indescribable... What sadness. Thoughts with all my heart to the relatives of Junior Malanda,” Belgium captain and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany posted.


Belgium international and Wolfsburg team-mate Kevin De Bruyne posted on Instagram: “We have lost a great friend too early. Rest in peace. You will always be with us.”


The Belgian football federation said in a statement on Saturday: “The football world today lost a great talent. Junior Malanda lost his life this afternoon, at the age of 20. The Belgian Football Association extends its sympathy to family and friends.”


Fifa president Joseph Blatter also posted condolences, saying he was “shocked and saddened” at the news.


Malanda began playing for Belgian side Anderlecht before moving to French side Lille as a 12-year-old. After five years he moved back to Belgian to play for Zulte Waregem.


He joined Wolfsburg before the 2013-14 season but was loaned back to Zulte for the remainder of 2013, returning to Wolfsburg at the beginning of 2014. He was under contract until June 30, 2018. – Sapa-dpa






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Vilakazi clinches draw for Bafana

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Sibusiso Vilakazi came off the bench to secure a draw for Bafana with the Indomitable Lions on Saturday.


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Johannesburg – South Africa produced an inspired performance in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw against Cameroon in the Gabonese capital of Libreville as they continue preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2015.


Cameroon were quick off the blocks in the first half and almost grabbed the opening goal shortly after kick-off but Brilliant Khuzwayo was on the mark to smother the danger. The Indomitable Lions were then awarded a free-kick just on the edge of the box and Vincent Aboubacar fired Cameroon into the lead in the 7th minute with a great strike that gave goalkeeper Khuzhwayo no chance.


There was a bit of scare for Bafana Bafana in the first half as Andile Jali was stretched off with an injury but the tenacious midfielder shrugged the setback off and was soon back on the field. Bafana Bafana came close to grabbing the equaliser seven minutes before the break but Parker’s effort went just wide as the Cameroonians held on for a slender first half lead.


It was a much improved display by Bafana Bafana in the second half as they started probing the Cameroon defence. A brilliant run down the right ended with Matlaba’s fine strike fisted away by the Cameroon keeper on 56 minutes. Then Jali saw his thumping shot cleared for a corner. But with Bafana Bafana buzzing, it was just a question of time before they found that elusive equaliser.


Sibusiso Vilakazi proved to be an inspired substitute as he brought South Africa back on level terms in the 77th minute as he beat the Cameroon defence before planting the ball into the net. It could have been advantage Bafana Bafana moments later following a great run by Phala on the left but his cross into the box could not find a yellow Bafana Bafana shirt.


The match was part of preparations for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea.


Coach Shakes Mashaba made six changes to the squad that defeated Zambia 1-0 on January at Orlando Stadium last Sunday.


Bafana Bafana will continue their preparations with another friendly against Mali on Wednesday. – Sapa






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Lampard finally signs MLS contract

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Frank Lampard has finally signed his contract to play for New York City FC, the club confirmed on Saturday.


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New York – Frank Lampard has finally signed his Major League Soccer contract to play for New York City FC.


NYCFC confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that this week Lampard signed a contract to start in July – midway through the new team’s first season in MLS.


The announcement followed the AP detailing repeated misleading public statements from NYCFC and partner club Manchester City about Lampard’s status.


NYCFC stated last July that Lampard signed a two-year contract to start in August 2014. Within two weeks, Man City said the former Chelsea midfielder was returning to the Premier League on “loan” having previously categorically ruled out playing for another English club.


But after the Man City stay was extended on Dec. 31 until June, it emerged that Lampard was in fact on a permanent deal in England. Such was the confusion, the Premier League this week investigated the contractual confusion and prompted Man City to eventually confirm that Lampard was in fact only ever under contract with the English champion.


The Abu Dhabi-owned club’s parent company, City Football Group, acknowledged on Friday the announcement in July was an “error,” and that Lampard had previously signed only a “commitment” to play for the New York team from January 2015 on a two-year contract.


City Football Group confirmed on Saturday that Lampard had now signed the same commercial terms that he committed to last year. CFG did not immediately say if Lampard’s contract runs to December 2016 as originally intended or for two years from July 1.


More than five months after NYCFC’s erroneous announcement, MLS said on Saturday: “Frank Lampard has signed a contract for NYCFC.”


City Football Group’s conduct over Lampard has been criticised by US pundits and fans of NYCFC as well as newspapers in England. Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper said Man City’s “reputation at home and abroad is in tatters” over the “trail of misinformation and confusion.” – Sapa-AP






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