Copa America 2015: Odds, Predictions for Chile vs Argentina Final

Copa America 2015: Odds, Predictions for Chile vs. Argentina Final. Copa America 2015: Stream, Odds, Predictions for Chile vs. Argentina FinalRicardo Mazalan/Associated Comments. After some abrasive group-stage fixtures and gritty quarter-final clashes, the semi-finals saw this Copa America come alive. And if things continue to get better and better, the final between Chile and Argentina should be a treat for football supporters around the world. La Roja produced a nervy display in their semi-final to get past an obdurate Peru side 2-1 and after searching for a spark throughout the entire tournament, the Albiceleste delivered in emphatic fashion last time out against Paraguay, romping to a stunning 6-1 victory. It’s set up to be a fascinating final and an unmissable occasion. Here’s all the information you need on where to catch the match via a stream, a closer look at how the bookmakers are seeing things and a rundown of how the fixture is likely to play out before a vibrant Santiago backdrop. Chile vs. Argentina: Copa America Final Odds. Alexis Sanchez to Score First—13/2 Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press, The semi-final against Peru was the kind of encounter in which someone needed to get a grip of the game for Chile. Thankfully for La Roja, Eduardo Vargas did exactly that, hammering in two wonderful goals to haul his team over the line; usually it’s Alexis Sanchez assuming this talismanic mantle.

The Arsenal man has been a little short of his vibrant best in the knockout stages after an excellent group phase, with Uruguay and Peru doing well to limit the supply line into the effervescent forward. But as noted here by ESPN’s Miguel Delaney, Sanchez was still composed in key moments: The final is going to be the biggest game in the lives of a lot of these La Roja players and it’s vital the former Barcelona star exerts a controlling and settling influence again. Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press/Associated Press Sanchez has been targeted by opponents in the knockout stages. Tata Martino’s team will attack and subsequently, they will afford Sanchez more of the ball than he’s been used to so far. In addition, while the Albiceleste centre-back pairing of Ezequiel Garay and Nicolas Otamendi have coped well with physical forwards like Nelson Valdez, Edinson Cavani and Jackson Martinez so far, the intricacy of Alexis will pose an entirely different problem. As Chilean football expert The Lone Star notes, Sanchez will have to get a move on if he’s not to be overhauled by Vargas in the all-time scoring stakes too: He’s clearly a little short of sharpness after a gruelling season for club and country, but this is arguably the biggest game of Alexis’ career so far. Expect a dominant display from the forward, who’ll get his side off to a brilliant start. Jorge Sampaoli has turned this Chile team from a side that everyone loved to watch into a team that, while still aesthetic, knows how to win big games. And with what’ll be a raucous crowd behind them in Santiago, they’ll have enough to get past Argentina and win their first Copa America.

They’ll have to overcome a pretty poor head-to-head record, as we can see here courtesy of OptaFranz: But even though the Albiceleste hit Paraguay for six last time out, looking at the competition as a whole, La Roja have been the standout team. They’ve played with cohesion and confidence in all their games; now Chile seem to have the mentality to make that final step. Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press Argentina are formidable opposition for Chile. Sampaoli certainly thinks his team are ready for the challenge, per Alex Fisher of Goal.com: We have achieved something great as a group of players, achieving the dream of playing the final of a tournament that is being played here in Chile. For the people and for us this was a dream we wanted to fulfil and it happened. Now we must be well prepared for what is coming, which we know will be an even tougher match than today. If Argentina turn it on like they did against Paraguay, they’ll be difficult to contain, especially with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all potentially running riot. But Los Guaranies sat back and allowed Argentina to dictate; can you really see this tireless Chile team doing that? La Roja will press forward with purpose and precision to knock Argentina out of their stride, posing big problems for an Albiceleste midfield which has lacked balance throughout this competition. It’ll be tight, tenacious and, for those fans with allegiances, difficult to watch at times. But it’s Chile’s time to etch their name into the storied annals of South American football. Prediction: Chile 2-1 Argentina.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2511603-copa-america-2015-live-stream-odds-predictions-for-chile-vs-argentina-final

Copa America Quarterfinals: Bolivia vs Peru Time, TV Channel, Odds

Copa America Quarterfinals: Bolivia vs. Peru Time, TV Channel, Odds. Two underdogs clash in the Copa America quarterfinals on Thursday as Bolivia and Peru will meet for a rare spot in the final four. While Peru has had moderate success in the tournament, including reaching the semifinals in 2011, Bolivia is looking for its first semifinal spot since 1997.

Peru was on course to snagging a point from Brazil in the tournament opener, but yielded a goal in the final minute to lose 2-1. Since then, Peru posted back-to-back clean sheets in beating Venezuela and drawing with Columbia to advance to the quarterfinals. Bolivia reached the quarterfinals by defeating Ecuador 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Mexico before being thrashed 5-0 by host Chile.

Peru is led by 36-year-old forward Claudio Pizzaro, who scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win over Venezuela. Pizzaro is confident his team can make a deep run and surprise a few teams along the way. The teams have drown the last four meetings. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics Who: Bolivia vs. Peru What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Thursday, June 25, Where: Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker, Time: 8:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Time, Channel:

BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider), Odds: Bolivia +250, Peru +110, Draw +200. Stats You Need to Know. Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty), Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty) Scouting Bolivia, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group A) Coach: Mauricio Soria, 1st season, Goals For: 3, Goals Allowed: 7 Scouting Peru, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group C, Coach: Ricardo Gareca, 1st season, Goals For: 2. Goals Allowed: 2.

Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/bolivia-vs-peru-time-tv-channel-odds-copa-america-stats/

Copa America Quarterfinals: Brazil vs Paraguay Time, TV Channel, Odds

Copa America Quarterfinals: Brazil vs. Paraguay Time, TV Channel, Odds. If Brazil is to claim its fifth Copa America title in the last seven tournaments dating back to 1997, it’s going to have to be without the services of top player Neymar. Neymar was involved in a post-match incident after his team lost 1-0 to Colombia in the second group game, and was suspended for four matches — the rest of the tournament. Neymar decided to leave the squad after his suspension, as training with the squad without being able to play was “killing him.”

The void has been filled by Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, who looks poised to join one of the top-spending clubs in Europe in the near future. Firmino, 23, scored in the 2-1 win over Venezuela in the group finale and has four goals in nine caps with the senior team. Paraguay had a nightmare World Cup qualifying, finishing bottom of CONMEBOL after qualifying for the previous four tournaments, but has rebounded under new manager Ramon Diaz in this tournament. Paraguay defeated Jamaica and drew with Argentina and Uruguay to reach the quarters. Paraguay has won this tournament twice (1953, 1979)

Paraguay has a decent recent history against the South American powerhouse, including ousting the Brazilians on penalties in the Copa America quarterfinals in 2011 on its way to the final. Paraguay enters this match as heavy underdogs but this match may play out closer than most think. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics, Who, Brazil vs. Paraguay, What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Saturday, June 27, Where: Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo, Time: 6:30 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Channel: BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider)

Odds: Brazil -150, Paraguay +425, Draw +240, Stats You Need to Know Paraguay's forward Lucas Barrios (L). (Getty), Paraguay’s forward Lucas Barrios scored late to earn a 2-2 draw vs. Argentina in the group stage. (Getty) Scouting Brazil, Record: 2-1 (6 points, 1st Group C), Coach: Dunga, 1st season, Goals For: 4. Goals Allowed: 3, Scouting Paraguay, Record: 1-0-2 (5 points, 2nd Group B), Coach: Ramon Diaz, 1st season, Goals For: 4, Goals Allowed: 3.

Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/copa-america-quarterfinals-brazil-vs-paraguay-time-tv-channel-odds-preview-betting/

Argentina Faces Colombia, Brazil Against Paraguay, Chile Takes on Uruguay as Copa America 2015 Quarter Final Fixture Appears

After the completion of the Group Stage matches of Copa America 2015, we now have the Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture in hand. With all the favourites progressing to the Copa America Quarter Finals, the tournament is going to get hard and lethal as expected earlier. Let’s have a quick eye on the Copa America 2015 quarter final schedule.Teams in Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. Group A qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture, Chile – Form “Group A” the group topper, host nation Chile forwards to the Copa America 2015 quarter-final having 7 points in bag. Chile won 2 matches and had a draw against Mexico. Bolivia – The group runners Bolivia also joins the Copa America 2015: Quarter Final. They have 4 points with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss.Group B qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture

Argentina – From “Group B”, Argentina qualifies as the group topper with 7 points. They had 2 wins against Uruguay and Jamaica and had a draw against Paraguay. Paraguay – The team had a win against Jamaica and two draws against Uruguay and Argentina. With 5 points in hand Paraguay qualifies for Copa America 2015 quarter finals Group B runners –up. Uruguay – The third team of “Group B” qualifies as the 7th team to the quarter-final of Copa America 2015. They had 4 points with 1 loss, 1 win and 1 draw and, they outranked “Group A” third position holder Ecuador with a point lead. Group C qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture Brazil topped “Group C” with two wins and 1 loss having 6 points all over. The Samba continues to Copa America 2015 quarter final. Peru – Peru had same 4 points like Colombia and a same goal difference but scoring 1 goal more than Colombia ranked them runners-up of “Group C”. Colombia – The last team to qualify for Copa America 2015 Quarter Final, along with Uruguay is Colombia. They also have 4 points but a 1 goal less scored than Peru.

Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. In the first match of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture we have is fierce!!! We have Chile taking on Uruguay on 24th June. Both the teams are favourites, attacking and lethal!! The second match is Bolivia vs. Peru on 25th June in Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. Another storming clash awaits us on 27th June, when Argentina will face Colombia in Copa America 2015 quarter final. The breath taking Copa America 2015 schedule gets the top level of blood-rush in this match! Brazil has their Copa America 2015 quarter final match lined up against Paraguay on 28th June.

Article Source: http://www.footballlens.com/copa-america-2015-quarter-final-fixture-schedule-2218/

Watch USA Vs Colombia FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup And Match Preview

Women’s soccer fans can watch live online as Team USA faces heavy underdogs Colombia in a grudge match with the loser eliminated from the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Experts give world 28th-ranked Colombia little chance against the U.S.A., who sit at No. 2 in the women’s world rankings — but don’t tell that to the feisty Colombians. “They belittle us. They think we’re a team they’re going to walk all over and it will be an easy game for them,” Colombia star midfielder Lady Andrade told USA Today. “We’re going to beat them since they like to talk so much.”

U.S.A. fans will definitely remember that it was Andrade who brazenly sucker-punched Team U.S.A. striker Abby Wambach in the face, blackening her eye, when the two teams squared off in the 2012 Olympic tournament. A video of that ugly incident can be viewed at this link — and Wambach and her teammates certainly remember it well. To find out how to watch the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 USA vs. Colombia elimination match live online, see the information at the bottom of this article. Streaming video goes online at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. Pacific, from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Colombia has already pulled off one extraordinary upset — the greatest in Women’s World Cup history, as measured by the difference in ranking — when they blanked world No. 3-ranked France 2-0 in the group stage. Andrade scored the decisive goal in that match. But Team U.S.A. has declined to respond to Andrade’s prediction of another, even more historic giant-killing. “We want to let our actions speak on the field, and we don’t necessarily want to respond to that,” said U.S.A. forward Alex Morgan, when told of Andrade’s remarks.

Colombia, by advancing to the Round of 16, becomes the first South American team other than Brazil ever to make it to the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup — and perhaps more significantly, only the sixth side from a country whose economy does not rank in the world’s top 50. While Team U.S.A. consists of full-time, professional women’s soccer players, the Colombia women have no pro league and must fit in their soccer training in around their regular day jobs. Will Colombia pull off the most spectacular upset women’s soccer has ever seen? To find out, watch the U.S.A. vs. Colombia FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match live online from Edmonton, by going to Fox Sports Go at this link, or paying for a subscription to Fox Soccer2Go, available at this link. The Spanish-language live online stream will be carried by NBC Sports Live Extra, which may be accessed at this

Article Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2190760/usa-vs-colombia-live-online/

Brazil vs Venezuela: Date, Time, 2015 Copa America Match Preview

Few would have expected a winner-takes-all matchup between Brazil and Venezuela in the final round of group games at this year's Copa America. Group C is an absolute stalemate, with all four teams currently locked on three points and enjoying a goal difference of zero. Peru's 1-0 win over Venezuela, who previously shocked Colombia by the same scoreline, ensures qualification for the knockout phase remains finely balanced. Brazil's 1-0 loss to Colombia is the tournament's most memorable game so far and could define the Selecao's progression—or lack thereof—against Noel Sanvicente's side. Here's all you need to know ahead of the encounter:

Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 p.m. BST
TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, Premier Player

Brazil in Search of New Leaders as Disaster Looms. Neymar showed his mercurial brilliance during the opening 2-1 win against Peru, scoring the side's first before setting Douglas Costa up with an excellent assist, highlighted by Complex UK: However, he struggled to overcome his hardships from the 2015 World Cup against Colombia. Whether the broken vertebrae from Juan Zuniga's flying challenge in last year's win played on his mind or not, the Barcelona man failed to keep his emotions in check throughout the recent defeat. This culminated with his sending off for kicking the ball at Los Cafeteros defender Pablo Armero, before appearing to weakly headbutt goalscorer Jeison Murillo after the final whistle, reported by Martin Domin of the MailOnline. While Forbes' Bobby McMahon noted Neymar was "unfortunate" to receive a caution before the interval, he described the 23-year-old's sudden rise in frustration after the break:

He could have easily have been sent off for three offences all occurring within two minutes. He tugged on the shoulder of the referee in the aftermath of the yellow card; then there was an aggressive tackle from behind shortly after, followed by a petulant display when the call went against him. Brazil's willingness to look to Neymar for inspiration was perhaps best summarised by his irritation appearing "to spread to others with several bumps, nudges and sly kicks happening off the ball," per McMahon. He was unable to play his natural game in a combative encounter, and Brazil ran out of ideas. Other individuals must now step up for Dunga's side. Neymar's ban means Roberto Firmino is likely to retain his place in attack, although he could move into a slightly deeper role to accommodate striker Diego Tardelli.

Firmino is a natural hard worker but can often have his well-rounded abilities overlooked when he is stationed deep in the opposition's half. He could provide greater influence by picking the ball up closer to the halfway line. He will need to quickly shake off the disappointment of missing an open goal against Colombia, highlighted by football writer Kyle Bonn: Philippe Coutinho injected probing creativity when he replaced Fred in the last fixture and needs to be given a starting spot if he returns to full fitness. Removing Willian may upset the side's balance, but Costa has already proven to be a match-winner in this tournament and may provide greater spark on the flank.

Dunga hasn't been able to replace the patrolling influence of holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, underlined by Fernandinho and Elias' struggle to maintain Colombia's pacey transitions through the centre. Casemiro will be hoping to stamp his authority on the big stage with a starting spot. So far, Venezuela have proven to be a highly driven team who possess considerable attacking threat through Salomon Rondon. However, Fernando Amorebieta's red card during the defeat to Peru may provide Brazil greater onus to attack through the middle. Quick, inter-linking play should be at the forefront of Dunga's tactics to break down a physical defence. Failing to qualify for the next round would be a disaster for Brazil—perhaps even worse than being eliminated from their own World Cup via a 7-1 defeat to Germany. All the pressure is on Dunga's men, as Venezuela hope to rumble on with the self-belief and confidence they've shown so far.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500791-brazil-vs-venezuela-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-copa-america-preview

Copa America 2015 Predictions & Preview: Argentina, Lionel Messi vs Jamaica

Copa America 2015 Predictions & Preview: Argentina, Lionel Messi vs Jamaica. Argentina and Jamaica will play each other in a group stage game on Saturday evening. This game is extremely critical because it could very well determine the winner of the group. Let's break down the teams and pick a winner. Argentina (3) Argentina is the highest ranked team in this tournament. Only Germany and Belgium rank higher in the world today. Argentina has 14 Copa America championships all-time, second only to Uruguay's 15. Unfortunately for Argentina, they haven't won this tournament since 1993, when they defeated Mexico in the finals. Argentina got off to a bit of a disappointing start. They tied against Paraguay 2-2 despite a goal from Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Argentina showed great resilience by defeating their rival, Uruguay, in Game 2. Argentina is tied with Paraguay with four points in Group B. Not only do both Paraguay and Argentina have four points and one win, but they also have a plus one goal differential. Argentina fans will be pulling for Uruguay to defeat Paraguay on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero will get the start in net with Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City leading the defense. Argentina has a strong middle field led by Javier Mascherano and Angel di María, while Messi, Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez direct the offense. Argentina will more than likely advance to the knockout stage regardless of what place they finish, but the position is very important. If Argentina can win Group B, that means they play the third place team from Group A or C. Jamaica (65) Just like Mexico, Jamaica (a CONCACAF team) accepted an invite to play at this year's Copa America. And similar to Mexico, Jamaica will be competing at the 2015 Gold Cup. This is Jamaica's first ever Copa America tournament, and it's a great experience to get prepared for the upcoming Gold Cup.

Jamaica lost their first two games, to Uruguay and Paraguay. Both games may have ended in defeat, but Jamaica was very impressive defensively only allowed two total goals. Offensively, not so much. Jamaica lost both games by a score of 1-0. Duwayne Kerr will be starting in goal for Jamaica with a young and talented defense in front of him led by Jermaine Taylor of the Houston Dynamo. Unfortunately, Jamaica just doesn't have the offense to win a tournament like this. Notable players such as Dane Richards, Jermaine Anderson and Demar Phillips will not be playing for Jamaica to rest for next month. Jamaica cannot win this group because they presently have zero points, but they can still qualify for the knockout stage. If Paraguay defeats Uruguay, and Jamaica wins this game, they will be tied with Uruguay for third place. It will come down to goal differential from there. Schedule, Where to Watch Argentina and Jamaica will play each other on Saturday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. EST. The game will be played at the Estadio Sausalito stadium in Viña del Mar, Chile. It will be televised on beIN sports. You can watch a live game stream here. Prediction This should be an easy one for Argentina. They have the advantage in every category and the best player in the world. A loss here would be a monumental upset. Argentina needs to win this game.

Argentina wins 2-0.

Article Source: http://www.latinpost.com/articles/60804/20150619/copa-america-2015-predictions-preview-argentina-lionel-messi-vs-jamaica.htm

Bangladesh vs India 2015, 3rd ODI Preview

Bangladesh vs India 2015, 3rd ODI Preview. It’s the last day of India’s short trip to Bangladesh as they clash in the final match of the ODI series on Wednesday. Bangladesh’s bowlers continue to face an uphill task against an Indian batting line-up which might just be the best in the business. This could make the hosts wish that they chase, more so since Dhaka is a venue which favours teams batting second especially in day-night matches. Thus, Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan continue to hold the key with their experience and skills.

On the other hand, the Indians seemed to have used this tour to sharpen their bowlers, after their encouraging bowling performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Despite Mohammed Shami’s absence, India have managed to do well with able replacements in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni. With the wet conditions and the ball zipping around in day-night games, the likes of Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma would look to continue taking full advantage of it.

Bangladesh’s ability to cause at least one upset win at home against India in the recent past continues to inspire them, while Dhoni and Co. look to end the series with a win which would begin their post-World Cup era in style. The home team might give Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman an opportunity to make their ODI debut, also in the hope that they prove to be surprise elements. Dhaka’s weather for the third game in a row is expected to be the same, with the threat of rain being massive. It would be interesting to see if either of the captains change their strategies keeping this in mind. 

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (C & WK), Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Arafar Sunny, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Article Source: http://www.starsports.com/cricket/articles/article=bangladesh-india-2015-3rd-odi-preview/

Bangladesh vs India 2015, 2nd ODI Preview

The Dhaka mania continues as Bangladesh and India go head-to-head in the capital for the second ODI of the 3-match series on the longest day of the year, 21st June. The home team’s prolific run-getter in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Mahmudullah’s absence from this ODI series is a massive setback for them as it makes their batting line-up more vulnerable to a bowling attack which is on the surge off late. Yet, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib al Hasan can give MS Dhoni headaches with their aggressive style of batting and their ability to build long yet quick-fire partnerships. Plus, Shakib’s IPL experience is key as his knowledge of the Indians would be invaluable to his team.

Bangladesh’s ability to cause at least one upset win at home against the former World Champions can inspire them to reach new heights. However, India have a threatening batting line-up of their own, with Virat Kohli at the forefront. Kohli’s form has surged since the IPL and if India is given any total to chase, he is the master of succeeding at it. And his verbal duel with Bangladeshi pacer Rubel Hossain in the World Cup quarterfinal would pump him up all the more.

India’s squad structure might make Dhoni experiment, keeping in mind the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. While Bangladesh are likely to stick with their same XI which has given them ODI success off late. However, rain is likely to play spoilsport again on Sunday afternoon which could prompt either MS Dhoni or Mashrafe Mortaza to bowl first after winning the toss.

Squads:
India: MS Dhoni (C & WK), Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Arafar Sunny, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Article Source: http://www.starsports.com/cricket/articles/article=bangladesh-india-2015-2nd-odi-preview/

Ashes 2015: England challenged to take Australia on

Freed up to speak about the Ashes after doing their best to concentrate on a lopsided series against the West Indies, Darren Lehmann and Michael Clarke have offered a simple message to a newly aggressive and creative England team: bring it on. Two years ago Lehmann was was particularly outspoken in criticising the stodgy ways of Andy Flower and Alastair Cook, referring to England's style as "dour" and "not how I'd like us to play". Those strident words encouraged Australia's players to reclaim the assertive, Australian way, but now that the New South Welshman Trevor Bayliss is set to take over as coach, Lehmann and Clarke expect fireworks.

"They'll probably play a bit like we play I think," Lehmann said following a 2-0 demolition of the West Indies. "That's what they're trying to do, so it's going to be on for young and old. It's going to be entertaining for everyone and it's going to be an exciting series. They're going to be tough over there as we know and if they're going to play that way it's going to be the team that handles that pressure the best. "From our point of view this is a great lead-in to that tour and now it's about getting prepared for the Ashes. They've got some things they're trying to work on and Trevor Bayliss will have them getting the way they want to play and he has got to do that pretty quickly."

Clarke said that while England's tactical approach may become more flair-minded, he would remain sturdy in his expectations of a team that would fight to the last in the Tests and stretch the patience of Australia's players, whether with the bat or in the field. It felt an optimistic prediction. "How they play will not be a surprise to me," Clarke said. "I'm expecting them to be extremely tough to beat, they've got a very good bowling attack, they've got some experience with their batting and some batters in form. They might come hard at us. Whatever they throw up we'll be prepared.

"We've got some really good time now to make sure we're 100% prepared before we walk out onto that field in that first Test match. That'll be our number one focus, over the last couple of years preparation has been the most important part of our game, and this'll be no different. We'll be really excited by the time that first Test comes around. "Credit to the boys, I was really honest with the boys and made it very clear I didn't want it spoken about at all throughout this series and I'm extremely thankful and proud that none of the guys have spoken about it. I'd be lying to say it hasn't been in the back of everyone's mind, but the fact we've been really disciplined on playing really good cricket in these conditions against this West Indies team is a really good achievement from the boys, but we're all excited about what lies ahead."

Lehmann's observations on the West Indies series included a most pointed critique of David Warner, who placed himself outside the team bubble with a pre-match admission he was working to change his persona both around the team and on the field. Save for a half-century in the second innings at Sabina Park, Lehmann had little positive to say. "I think he's struggled this tour," Lehmann said. "He batted well in the second innings here. It would be nice for him to get some big runs. At the end of the day, he's about making runs, and that's what we need from him."

Article Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2015/content/story/888013.html

The Ashes 2015: Mark Footitt receives shock call-up to training camp

England have long wished to promote a left-arm fast bowler, and Footitt now has his chance to impress ahead of the first Test against Australia. Derbyshire fast bowler Mark Footitt, who has never before represented his country in any form of cricket, is the surprise inclusion in England’s 14-man Ashes training camp. The select group of players will travel to Spain with new coach Trevor Bayliss, ahead of the start of the first Test against Australia. Left-arm seamer Footitt has enjoyed great success with his county in the past two seasons, and in the 2014 Championship he took 84 first class wickets, the most of any bowler in Division Two. Such is his form that recently Graeme Welch, the Elite Performance Director at Derbyshire, described him as “international class”.

Nevertheless, his inclusion in the camp has come of something as a surprise, especially given the notable absences of bowlers such as allrounder Chris Jordan and legspinner Adil Rashid, both of whom have been involved in recent matches against New Zealand. And there remains the possibility that Footit has been invited to Spain purely to provide practice against left-armers for England’s batting attack. In the guise of Mitchells Starc and Johnson, Australia have two such bowlers who England will need to be well prepared for.

The six new rules of one-day international cricket. Footitt, twenty-nine, will however be hopeful of impressing the England selectors and demonstrating his quality, and he will be well aware that England have long hoped to bring a left-arm pace bowler into the first team set up. With the squad to play under captain Alastair Cook in the first Test at Cardiff on July 8 expected to be announced upon the party’s return, Footitt now has his opportunity to prove he is what the selectors have been looking for. The training camp will give the players a chance to discuss strategy with incoming Head Coach, Trevor Bayliss, something that Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss claimed was important ahead of the Ashes.

"With Trevor Bayliss arriving in the country next Thursday, Trevor, Alastair and I felt it important that both players and management likely to be involved in the early stages of the Investec Ashes have chance to meet him and fully understand his approach prior to meeting up for the start of the Test series. "With that in mind, we have arranged a preparation camp in Spain. This will involve a combination of physical and fielding sessions and planning meetings in an informal environment in order to provide the best possible lead up to the first Test in Cardiff."

The full 14-man squad
Alastair Cook (Essex), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Mark Footitt (Derbyshire), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Wood (Durham).

Article Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/11683621/The-Ashes-2015-Mark-Footitt-receives-shock-call-up-to-training-camp.html

England vs New Zealand: Five uncapped players in England T20 squad

Sam Billings, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey and Mark Wood are the uncapped players England have picked for the only T20 international against New Zealand at Old Trafford on June 23. The 13-man squad did not include Stuart Broad, who was removed as T20 captain after Andrew Strauss took over as England's director of cricket.

Only Topley and Vince are not involved in the current ODI series against New Zealand. "This match against New Zealand allows us another opportunity to look at players relatively new to international cricket as we look to build a squad for the World T20 in India this winter," national selector James Whitaker said. "The squad is made up of players who have demonstrated their ability in domestic cricket and fully deserve a chance to continue their progress against a very good New Zealand side.

"We have already seen our limited-overs cricket begin to move in the right direction which is exciting but we are all aware that we have plenty more to do if we are going to challenge the very best sides in the world on a regular basis." It has been a good few weeks for putative England left-arm quicks. Richard Willey was called up for the ODI squad against New Zealand, Mark Footitt for the pre-Ashes camp and now Reece Topley, barely back from another injury, for T20. England are anxious for a solution to a long-standing weakness. He told BBC Essex: "It's probably the biggest jump I've ever had in the standard of cricket, but I feel like I can contribute at that level. "I'm very excited about seeing how I do and it's a good time to assess where I am and what I need to improve on."

Squad Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.

Article Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-new-zealand-2015/content/story/888957.html

England vs New Zealand, 5th ODI: Date, Time, TV Info and Preview

England and New Zealand conclude their run-filled ODI series on Saturday with a winner-takes-all showdown at Durham Emirates ICG. The hosts were outstanding in the fourth one-dayer in Nottingham on Wednesday, setting a new record for their highest-ever run chase as they eased to a target of 350 with seven wickets to spare. The victory levelled the series at 2-2, making the last match a shootout to decide who will lift the trophy.

 Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015

Time: 10:30 a.m. BST

Venue: Durham Emirates ICG, Durham

Live stream and TV info: 

Sky Sports (UK), SKY Sport (New Zealand), 

SuperSport (South Africa), 

STAR Sport (India), NowTV (UK—streaming service)

Weather: There could be some early rain on Saturday, per BBC Weather. However, it should clear in time for play to start on time. Conditions are expected to be cool and overcast for the match. England have the chance to win a series on home soil for the first time since 2012, per Howstat. However, no matter what the result in the fifth and final one-dayer, the series has already been a successful one for captain Eoin Morgan and his young side. There was much talk, particularly after a miserable Cricket World Cup earlier in the year, about England's 50-over team beginning a new era. Morgan himself spoke prior to the series about the need to be brave, per Stephen Brenkley of the Independent: "We want to be unclouded in the way that we play and put opposition sides under pressure as much as we can."

They have certainly put New Zealand under pressure in the last four matches. The batting unit has been the biggest plus—England have scored over 300 or more on each occasion, while Jason Roy (95.55) is the only member of their top seven who has a strike rate for the series under 100. They achieved the fourth highest chase in ODI history in the last match, astonishingly overhauling their opponents' total of 349 for seven with 36 balls to spare.New Zealand, though, have also had plenty of success with the bat. Ross Taylor hit back-to-back centuries in games two and three (both victories for the tourists), while Kane Williamson has made 346 runs in four innings. The bowlers on both sides have suffered, though the Black Caps are not helped by the absence of left-arm seamer Trent Boult due to a back injury.

Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett are both missing for England, who have called up Craig and Jamie Overton from Somerset to replace the sidelined duo, per ESPN Cricinfo. Whether either of the siblings are thrown in at the deep end remains to be seen, with the hosts having to decide whether they want to tinker with a successful XI. The Kiwis could opt to recall spinner Nathan McCullum, while seamer Andrew Mathieson has joined up with the squad. The 25-year-old had been playing club cricket in England, per George Dobell of ESPN Cricinfo. Key players England Captain Morgan has been electric with the bat. Promoted up to four in the order, the left-hander has scored 322 runs so far, including making 113 to lead his side to victory at Trent Bridge last time out.

It is a far cry from the batsman who looked so woefully out of form during the World Cup: Morgan made 90 runs in five innings. New Zealand While Morgan has been in inspired form, his opposite number has threatened without making a major impact. Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum has only lasted for only 66 deliveries in the series, though he has scored 95 runs during the limited time he has spent at the crease. The right-hander is due a big score, and there would be no better time to find form than in a deciding match. ODI Form (Most Recent Results First)

England:
Eoin Morgan (capt), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, David Willey, Mark Wood

New Zealand:
Brendon McCullum (capt), Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Andrew Mathieson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler, Kane Williamson.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500629-england-vs-new-zealand-5th-odi-date-time-live-stream-tv-info-preview

Bangladesh vs India: 1st ODI

The Bangladesh players couldn't quite figure out what to do with Mustafizur Rahman after each of his five wickets. They surrounded him a couple of times, tried to lift him, jump on his shoulders, and someone even tugged at his cheeks. Right at the end when Bangladesh had completed the 79-run win, captain Mashrafe Mortaza kissed him all over his face. All Mustafizur could do was smile as he shyly tried to avoid the attention. At the presentation, the debutant could hardly be heard as nerves got the better of him. The same happened at the press conference where he could barely tell the story of his formative years in cricket.

Mustafizur's story is similar to those of many international cricketers from the subcontinent who come from nondescript areas far removed from the big cities but just as passionate about cricket as mainstream centres. After starting off as a batsman while playing with the tennis ball in his locality, he took on board the advice to start bowling fast. His family took his talent seriously, employing one of the elder brothers to ferry him to and from cricket practice. His elder brother Mokhlesur Rahman would take him to training 40 kilometre from his house to Satkhira town - 230 km southwest of capital Dhaka - on his bike every morning in the winter. "I didn't even know Satkhira properly when my brother used to take me there every morning at seven," Mustafizur said. "The first person who came to my mind [after the win tonight] was him."

He soon caught the eye of the scouts in Satkhira who picked him in under-17 tournaments before he was called up to a pace-bowling camp in Dhaka. Once he began using the facilities at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur regularly and slowly became a known face, he was asked to bowl in the Under-19 nets. Soon he bowled a few times in the Bangladesh nets before he became a regular Bangladesh U-19 player, also playing in the 2014 World Cup, where he took nine wickets in six matches. Chief selector Faruque Ahmed was impressed by him and picked him for Bangladesh A's tour to the West Indies last year. Khulna Division then gave him a first-class debut in the 2013-14 domestic season and he became a regular there as well, picking up 26 wickets in first-class cricket in the 2014-15 season. His tally was second only to Mohammad Shahid's, but his average of 18.03 was the best among the four pacers who took 20 or more wickets.

Many would have thought Mustafizur's call-up to the Bangladesh T20 side for the one-off game against Pakistan was premature but Mashrafe said it was a risk worth taking in the shortest format. However, after he finished with figures of 2 for 20 in four overs, including the wickets of Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez, the team management knew they wanted Mustafizur for the ODIs against India. When asked how he achieved control over his slower balls that deceived Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Mustafizur provided a simple answer.

"One day in the U-19 nets [Anamul Haque] Bijoy bhai asked me if I could bowl him a slower cutter," Mustafizur said, barely audible despite three microphones in front of him. "I tried it for the first time and I got him out. That's when I started bowling that delivery." However, if you went by the first ball he bowled in his ODI career, you wouldn't have thought this 19-year old could be shy. As the ball took Rohit's inside edge, Mustafizur was the first to go up in a big appeal for lbw but was turned down. His first spell ended with Rohit flicking him for a six and then picking up two more boundaries.

Taskin Ahmed looked like the only effective pace bowler out of the four, picking up the crucial wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, but the debutant soon joined him. Mashrafe brought back Mustafizur for his second spell in the 21st over, one that may turn out be a turning point in his life. Rohit had read him well until then, but this time Mustafizur drew him into a leg-side shot that took the leading edge. Mashrafe was beside himself with joy: he later revealed it was always his plan to use Mustafizur's variation against India. Rahane, too, was foxed in Mustafizur's next over, playing too early to a slower one.

The cutter wasn't the only thing in India's path: Mustafizur himself ticked off their batsmen by coming in their way when they took runs. A second collision resulted in his going off the field, a wake-up call that he was in the big league now. Yet another wake-up call followed when Raina welcomed him back with an inside0out six first ball. Three balls later the deceptive offcutter fooled Raina, taking the inside edge and clattering into the stumps. Ashwin fell next ball to another slower delivery that took the outside edge before Jadeja hit one down long-on's throat to give Mustafizur his fifth wicket. At the end of it all - the match, the Man-of-the-Match award, the press conference - someone asked Mustafizur whether any of this was believable. He smiled, nodded his head, looked downwards and said, "Yeah, it all feels great."

Article Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh-v-india-2015/content/story/889215.html

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Galle, 3rd day: Silva, Prasad put Sri Lanka in charge

Pakistan 118 for 5 (Younis 47, Prasad 2-24) trail Sri Lanka 300 (Silva 125, Sangakkara 50, Babar 3-64, Wahab 3-74) by 262 runs. Sri Lanka took control of the Galle Test, reducing Pakistan to 118 for 5 at stumps on the third day and leaving them facing a steep climb on a pitch with plenty of help for the spinners. When rain brought play to a close eight overs early, Pakistan were 182 runs adrift of Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 300. That total was made possible by a dogged 125 from Kaushal Silva, who held the innings together in the morning even as wickets kept falling at the other end. When Sri Lanka lost their last wicket halfway into the post-lunch session, the match appeared in the balance. It only took Dhammika Prasad ten balls to swing the advantage firmly the home side's way. Last ball of his first over, Mohammad Hafeez chased a full outswinger and nicked to third slip; fourth ball of his second, Ahmed Shehzad played back to a length ball and fell over as it nipped back and pinged him on the front pad, in front of middle stump. Shehzad chose not to review, wisely, as ball-tracking showed umpire Richard Illingworth's decision would stand with the ball appearing to clip the outside half of leg stump.

Post-tea, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq staged a brief recovery and showed positive intent during a fourth-wicket partnership of 51, with Younis in particular looking to use his feet against the spinners and put pressure back on them. He got to 47 with a number of punchy blows - including a muscular six off Dilruwan Perera that smacked into the top of the sightscreen - before perishing by the same methods that had brought him his runs. Dilruwan switched angle to around the wicket, and straightened an offbreak past Younis' inside edge when he came down the track and looked to drive inside-out with an angled bat; 86 for 4. Rangana Herath has had the wood over Azhar Ali, and had dismissed him six times in Tests before he came in to bat today. Azhar was ill at ease against his flight and dip throughout his stay at the crease, and it was no surprise when he shuffled indecisively across his crease to an arm ball that beat his inside edge and smacked his pad right in front. Pakistan had added only 10 to their total when Nuwan Pradeep sucked Misbah into driving at a fullish ball in the corridor that shaped away ever so slightly. Pushing in front of his body with a minimal front-foot stride, he could only edge thickly to the left of Kumar Sangakkara, who took a terrific catch diving to his left from first slip.

At that point Pakistan were tottering, still 55 short of the follow-on mark. Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed batted through to stumps and minimised the chances of falling short of that target, but Pakistan were still in ample danger of conceding a big enough lead for Sri Lanka to win despite all the time lost to rain. In that light, Silva's efforts in the morning were priceless. He only added 45 to his overnight score despite batting through the first session and close to ten overs of the second. His solid presence at one end meant Pakistan were only able to chip away at the middle and lower order rather than blast their way through. Pakistan's bowling was persistent and incisive right through. The morning began with Yasir Shah ripping his legbreaks from a dangerous length and Wahab Riaz hustling in with pace and menace from the other. Wahab made the first breakthrough of the morning when he bowled Angelo Mathews from around the wicket. He found the perfect length, full but not quite drive-able, to exploit Mathews' short, almost non-existent front-foot stride and resultant angled bat, and kiss his inside edge onto the stumps. Sri Lanka's score inched along, with the bowlers maintaining constricting lines, and Silva had only made three runs in 27 balls before he put Yasir away for two fours in one over, driving him with the turn through the covers and against it through midwicket. Dinesh Chandimal, similarly becalmed till then, struck three fours in two overs from Zulfiqar Babar.

Just when Sri Lanka seemed to have grabbed some of the momentum, the second new ball pegged them back. Pakistan took it as soon as it was due, but continued with Babar's left-arm spin, contending that the shine would add extra skid to his arm ball. Babar struck Silva on the front pad with one such ball, with height possibly saving the batsman, and produced another lbw shout against Chandimal in his next over, before bowling him when he unwisely tried to make room and cut. Junaid Khan, keeping it tight without quite showing the incision of his fellow left-arm seamer Wahab, nearly got on the scorecard when he found the edge of Kithuruwan Vithanage's flashing, crooked bat outside off, but the ball flew too quickly for the airborne Younis Khan to grab it at second slip. Pakistan didn't have to wait too long for Vithanage's wicket, though, and like Lahiru Thirimanne on the second day, he too fell to a soft dismissal, and he too fell to that scourge of left-handed batsmen, Hafeez. The ball that got him was an innocuous low full-toss, which he popped straight back to the bowler. It was Hafeez's 51st Test wicket, and his 35th of a left-handed batsman. Yasir had looked the most threatening Pakistan bowler but his first wicket only came when he had Dilruwan caught behind with a spitting legbreak two balls into the post-lunch session. The end didn't take too long coming, in terms of runs, though Prasad made Pakistan wait a little longer than they would have liked with a 23-ball duck, before Silva was ninth out, gloving an attempted sweep to the keeper.

Article Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-pakistan-2015/content/story/889281.html

US Open Golf 2015: Predictions, TV Coverage

All of that talk about the difficulty of Chambers Bay Golf Course didn't scare off the world's top golfers, as a whopping 25 of them posted below-par Day 1 scores to set the tone for Friday. Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson will go into Day 2 tied for the lead, after each put up impressive five-under rounds of 65 in the early tee times Thursday. The course got more difficult as the day went on, leaving some golfers with later times struggling to keep pace.

Having a good start is crucial in any major, but it's what they do with it on Friday and beyond that will decide who reigns supreme at Chambers Bay. With that said, let's take a look forward to Day 2. The quest for a second-straight major got off to a strong start for Jordan Spieth, as he shot a two-under round Thursday and sits three strokes off the lead. Even though his trio of Jason Day, Justin Rose and himself had one of the late tee times and had to play on trickier greens, Spieth still turned in a strong Day 1 score. The group is back at it bright and early Friday, as told by Fox Sports: Spieth did well to rattle off three consecutive birdies throughout his opening round, and he had correctable mistakes on his only two bogeys of the day. While playing so late on Thursday wasn't ideal, he'll benefit from taking to the course early Friday.

Prediction: Spieth shoots 66 (four-under) As one of a few young players to have golfed at Chambers Bay for the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship, there were some expectations for Patrick Reed entering Day 1. But not anything that would suggest a back-nine 31 and a score of four under par. Now, Reed faces the task of building on his blistering start and trying to enter the weekend in the thick of things. Reed couldn't have asked for much better of a score from Round 1, but it did seem like he left a few strokes out there. After all, he bogeyed twice and was even on the front nine. He's turning heads now, but Kyle Porter of CBS Sports envisioned we could see more of it: The 24-year-old undoubtedly came to win this weekend and the ultra-confident American will give it a serious run. But he'll face a considerably tougher course Friday than he did the day before, teeing off with one of the latest times—2:39 p.m. PDT (5:39 p.m. ET). That will keep him from tearing it up again, but Reed should at least remain in the fold.

Prediction: Reed shoots 70 (even)For the dozens and dozens of golfers whose Round 1 performances were worth talking about, Rory McIlroy wasn't one of them. Not only did McIlroy fail to join the 25 golfers that shot under par, but he didn't even crack the top 50 after one round of play. His two-over round of 72 has him tied for 52nd and seven strokes off the lead. With the Northern Irishman and pre-tournament favorite, per Odds Shark, in danger of missing the cut, perhaps we should have paid closer attention to this recent trend, noted by ESPN Stats & Info: The thing is, McIlroy can't even blame the conditions, as he played Thursday in the morning session that golfers like Johnson and Stenson proved able to shoot rounds of 65 in. Teeing off Friday won't be any easier, but he'll undoubtedly take a different approach in what has turned into an early shootout. With a less passive mindset for Friday, McIlroy will uncover his game and re-emerge into contention. Prediction: McIlroy shoots 66 (four-under)

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500617-us-open-golf-2015-predictions-live-stream-and-tv-coverage-hub-for-friday

US Open Golf 2015: Predictions, TV Coverage Hub for Friday

All of that talk about the difficulty of Chambers Bay Golf Course didn't scare off the world's top golfers, as a whopping 25 of them posted below-par Day 1 scores to set the tone for Friday. Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson will go into Day 2 tied for the lead, after each put up impressive five-under rounds of 65 in the early tee times Thursday. The course got more difficult as the day went on, leaving some golfers with later times struggling to keep pace. Having a good start is crucial in any major, but it's what they do with it on Friday and beyond that will decide who reigns supreme at Chambers Bay. With that said, let's take a look forward to Day 2. 

The quest for a second-straight major got off to a strong start for Jordan Spieth, as he shot a two-under round Thursday and sits three strokes off the lead. Even though his trio of Jason Day, Justin Rose and himself had one of the late tee times and had to play on trickier greens, Spieth still turned in a strong Day 1 score. The group is back at it bright and early Friday, as told by Fox Sports: Spieth did well to rattle off three consecutive birdies throughout his opening round, and he had correctable mistakes on his only two bogeys of the day. While playing so late on Thursday wasn't ideal, he'll benefit from taking to the course early Friday.

Prediction: Spieth shoots 66 (four-under) As one of a few young players to have golfed at Chambers Bay for the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship, there were some expectations for Patrick Reed entering Day 1. But not anything that would suggest a back-nine 31 and a score of four under par. Now, Reed faces the task of building on his blistering start and trying to enter the weekend in the thick of things. Reed couldn't have asked for much better of a score from Round 1, but it did seem like he left a few strokes out there. After all, he bogeyed twice and was even on the front nine. He's turning heads now, but Kyle Porter of CBS Sports envisioned we could see more of it: The 24-year-old undoubtedly came to win this weekend and the ultra-confident American will give it a serious run. 

But he'll face a considerably tougher course Friday than he did the day before, teeing off with one of the latest times—2:39 p.m. PDT (5:39 p.m. ET). That will keep him from tearing it up again, but Reed should at least remain in the fold. Prediction: Reed shoots 70 (even)For the dozens and dozens of golfers whose Round 1 performances were worth talking about, Rory McIlroy wasn't one of them. Not only did McIlroy fail to join the 25 golfers that shot under par, but he didn't even crack the top 50 after one round of play. His two-over round of 72 has him tied for 52nd and seven strokes off the lead. With the Northern Irishman and pre-tournament favorite, per Odds Shark, in danger of missing the cut, perhaps we should have paid closer attention to this recent trend, noted by ESPN Stats & Info: 

The thing is, McIlroy can't even blame the conditions, as he played Thursday in the morning session that golfers like Johnson and Stenson proved able to shoot rounds of 65 in. Teeing off Friday won't be any easier, but he'll undoubtedly take a different approach in what has turned into an early shootout. With a less passive mindset for Friday, McIlroy will uncover his game and re-emerge into contention. Prediction: McIlroy shoots 66 (four-under)

 Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500617-us-open-golf-2015-predictions-live-stream-and-tv-coverage-hub-for-friday

Mexico And Ecuador, Copa America 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news

Both Mexico and Ecuador have endured pretty miserable Copa América campaigns so far. Two defeats from their opening couple of games have seen the latter tumble to the bottom of the group, and anything other than a victory in this match would seal their elimination. Mexico -- who have drawn both of their games -- could really do with a win, too, as a draw would leave them relying on results elsewhere to progress as one of the three best third-placed sides. That looks a tall order.

The good news for the neutral is that the current situation means their meeting in Rancagua on Friday should be an entertaining one. Both teams' tournaments on the line, and sitting back and playing for the draw is unlikely to do them any good. Let's hope for a veritable goalfest, in which the unfortunate party at least goes out in a blaze of glory. Mexico will be looking for big performances from their two main strikers Raúl Jiménez and Matías Vuoso, who both scored in their exciting 3-3 draw with Chile last time out. 

They have the ability to cause big problems for a shaky Ecuador back line, and could well add to their international tallies. However, Ecuador are much better going forward than they are hanging back, and Premier League stars Jefferson Montero and Enner Valencia will have to be watched carefully by the Mexico defence. TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada -- English), beIN Sports en Español, TyC Sports Internacional (U.S. -- Spanish), Premier Sports (U.K.), Azteca 7, TDN, Planeta Fútbol, Sky Mexico, Canal 5 Televisa, UnivisionTDN (Mexico), DirecTV Sports, TC Television, Gamavision (Ecuador), TyC Sports Internacional (Ecuador and Mexico)

Match Date/Time: Friday, 5 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. local

U.S.: beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV

Canada: beIN Sports Connect

United Kingdom: Premier Live

Ecuador: DirecTV Play

Listings via Live Soccer TV.

Rancagua on Friday should be an entertaining one. Both teams' tournaments on the line, and sitting back and playing for the draw is unlikely to do them any good. Let's hope for a veritable goalfest, in which the unfortunate party at least goes out in a blaze of glory. Mexico will be looking for big performances from their two main strikers Raúl Jiménez and Matías Vuoso.

Article Source: http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2015/6/19/8803305/ecuador-mexico-2015-time-tv-schedule-copa-america

Copa America 2015: Dates, Schedule, Top Groups and Prediction

Chile opens its doors to the upper crust of South American football this week as the 2015 Copa America officially gets underway following a long four-year wait. A host of continental titans will vie for one of the biggest honours in international football, with hosts Chile among those looking to clinch the crown along with Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and reigning champions Uruguay. The next three weeks promise to lay on a feast of football and some of the sport's elite are sure not to disappoint in what's shaping up to be a hotly contested tournament. With mere days remaining until the competition gets underway, read on for an analysis of the group line-ups and which teams we might see emerge for the knockout stages.Tournament hosts Chile were handed a fairly favourable pool draw as Mexico look to be the most challenging of their Group A opponents, more so than Ecuador or Bolivia. However, even El Tri may not pose too much of a threat for La Roja, with ESPN FC's Tom Marshall confirming manager Miguel Herrera has set his priorities with the Gold Cup instead: That stroke of fortune could prove a huge blessing for Chile as they seek to tie up top spot following a mixed bag of recent results, winning three and losing three of their last six. 

The saving grace, perhaps, is that Ecuador and Bolivia have looked even more disappointing and after neither managed to qualify for last year's World Cup, improvements have been scarce.While Los Amarillos have won just twice in their last seven outings, Mauricio Soria's Bolivia have been even worse, winning just two games since the beginning of 2013 and failing to score in four of their last seven matches. Jorge Sampaoli has given Chile a structure in the past even the world's best have struggled to conquer; should they come through with a clean bill of health, Group A can be theirs for the taking. Predicted Winner: Chile. Predicted Runner-Up: Mexico One might be inclined to think an Argentina side without Lionel Messi may find itself dumbfounded, but a Sergio Aguero hat-trick against Bolivia on Sunday showed there's more to La Albiceleste than Barca's talisman. As the official tournament Twitter account confirmed, coach Gerardo Martino can still look forward to the return of Messi, too, on a high after claiming this season's Champions League and rounding off his Treble:By all means, Argentina look to once again be among the favourites to claim silverware in Chile and deservedly so. Martino's appointment at their helm has given the squad a clear vision and a record of just two defeats in his eight games in charge has been decent enough.

Unfortunately for Uruguay, they won't be able to call upon their own Barcelona star as Luis Suarez is still banned from international action, per Sky Sports correspondent Paulo Freitas: Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani is still a terrifying spearhead for the squad and Paraguay could be a dark horse to look out for, but several of those 2011 winners remain in La Celeste's squad and give them a slight edge. On paper, Jamaica sit as the undoubted outsiders and would require something of a miracle to make it into the knockout stages. Predicted Winner: Argentina. Predicted Runner-Up: Uruguay Having had almost a full year to dust themselves off after the 7-1 dismantling at German hands last year, Brazil are on a mission for redemption at the 2015 Copa America. Claiming the title in Chile would go a long way to absolving the sins of that shocking home demolition at the 2014 World Cup, with Brazilian football writer Robbie Blakeley attesting to the new ethos under re-appointed manager Dunga:Since taking over the squad once more, Dunga has led the Selecao to a gleaming record of nine wins from nine, leaking just two goals in that period, but the Group C threat of Colombia could be vast.

Radamel Falcao may have endured a bothersome loan at Manchester United, but when donning the colours of his nation, the striker has been back in electric form, according to ESPN FC's Carl Worswick: Jose Pekerman's star train of course doesn't stop there, though and this Colombia side will be far more familiar with one another than the emerging setup in Brazil's camp. Peru and Venezuela will both consider themselves unfortunate after being drawn against two such strong contenders for the Copa America crown and will be looking at one another to pinch points in the hope of taking third. Predicted Winner: Brazil. Predicted Runner-Up: Colombia.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2489115-copa-america-2015-dates-schedule-top-groups-and-prediction

Argentina vs Jamaica Copa America 2015: Preview, Prediction and Predicted Lineup

Copa America 2015: Argentina vs Jamaica, Preview, Prediction and Predicted

Completing the Group B round robin competitions of the 2015 Copa America is the game between tournament favorites Argentina and guest team Jamaica. The match is going to be played at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar, Chile on Saturday, June 20. Powerhouse Argentina is coming off a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over perennial rival Uruguay last Tuesday. Starting forward Sergio Agüero scored the lone goal for La Albiceleste in the 56th-minute mark of their highly defensive contest, as per BBC Sport. Prior to that, Gerardo Martino's boys settled for a draw with Paraguay after leading 2-0 at halftime.

Meanwhile, Jamaica continues to struggle in this year's summer tourney as they have yet to score a goal in two matches. They both dropped consecutive 0-1 losses with Uruguay and Paraguay, and their chances against the mighty Argentinians seemed to be even slimmer. Jamaica's last game against Paraguay is a stunner, as Winfried Schäfer's goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr virtually handed the goal to La Albirroja's Edgar Benítez with a crucial mistake of leaving his net unattended, via Bleacher Report.

However, Martino is keen on reminding his team not to be relaxed and overconfident against the gritty Reggae Boyz. They still need to play their best game as the current Copa appears to be having a lot of upset wins from tournament underdogs. Argentina needs to win this game to move on top of the group with seven points entering the quarterfinals. The prediction is Uruguay over Paraguay, 1-0. The game will be close, possibly a late minute goal for Cavani. But Paraguay can surprise. Uruguay starting lineup (4-1-3-2 formation): Muslera; M. Pereira, A. Pereira, Giménez, Godin; Rios; Rodriguez, Lodeiro, Sánchez; Cavani, Rolán. Paraguay starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Silva; M. Cáceres, da Silva, Aguilar, Samudio; Valdez, Ortigoza, V. Cáceres, Ortiz; Bobadilla, Santa Cruz.

Article Source: http://en.yibada.com/articles/39289/20150618/copa-america-2015-argentina-vs-jamaica-preview-prediction-predicted-lineup.htm

Copa America 2015: Uruguay vs Paraguay, Preview, Prediction and Predicted Lineup

Copa America 2015: Uruguay vs Paraguay, Preview, Prediction and Predicted

    One of the last two matches to conclude the Group B round robin of the 2015 Copa America, Uruguay versus Paraguay promises an entertaining and highly defensive contest. The match will be held at the Estadio La Portada in La Serena, Chile on Saturday, June 20. With Argentina's almost guaranteed win over Jamaica in the days' other match, this game is extremely important for both squads as the winner will have an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.

    Paraguay gets the upper hand if it ends in a draw by virtue of a higher points total in the overall standings. La Albirroja will be riding on the momentum of their 2-2 comeback draw and a fluke 1-0 victory over Jamaica during their first two games. Jamaican goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr made a mistake by drifting too far away from their goal and heading the ball straight to an on-rushing Edgar Benítez for the lone point, via The Guardian.

     Meanwhile, La Celeste's Copa America bid is put at risk with a 0-1 loss to Argentina on Tuesday. After winning their opener over Jamaica, 1-0, Óscar Tabárez's men were conquered by Sergio Agüero's lone goal of the match. Uruguay was able to handle the pressure of the vaunted La Albiceleste offense all throughout except in the 56th minute when a fantastic buildup by the Argentinians gave Aguero a nice header that found the back of the net, as per Bleacher Report.

     The prediction is Uruguay over Paraguay, 1-0. The game will be close, possibly a late minute goal from Edinson Cavani. But Paraguay can surprise. Uruguay starting lineup (4-1-3-2 formation): Muslera; M. Pereira, A. Pereira, Giménez, Godin; Rios; Rodriguez, Lodeiro, Sánchez; Cavani, Rolán. Paraguay starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Silva; M. Cáceres, da Silva, Aguilar, Samudio; Valdez, Ortigoza, V. Cáceres, Ortiz; Bobadilla, Santa Cruz.

  Article Source: http://en.yibada.com/articles/39285/20150618/copa-america-2015-uruguay-vs-paraguay-preview-prediction-predicted-lineup.htm

Copa America 2015: Chile vs Bolivia Preview, Prediction and Predicted Lineup

This game between Chile and Bolivia will complete the Group A elimination round robin, which would determine the top two contestants that would automatically qualify in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Copa America. The match will be held at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile on Friday, June 19.

The third-placed team will still have a chance to enter the knockout stage quarters depending on the total points accumulated by the same third-placed teams in Groups B and C. Both teams are tied with one win, one draw, and four points apiece entering their matchup. Whoever wins will move on to the quarterfinals. Chile survived a gritty challenge by Mexico in their last game as they settled for a draw against Miguel Herrera's men.

El Tri led 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2 in the game where all La Roja could do was equalize. Forward Vicente Matías Vuoso scored Mexico's third point at the 55th-minute mark. But thanks to Chile's midfielder Arturo Vidal, the count was tied at 3-3 with the Juventus star's second goal of the game eleven minutes later, as per Bleacher Report. Meanwhile, Bolivia is coming off a highly-impressive 3-2 victory over Ecuador on Monday. Team Captain Ronald Raldes, Martin Smedberg-Dalence and team star player Marcelo Moreno all shot a goal in the first half of play to bury Los Amarillos early.

El Verde is expected to give the hosts a good challenge as they start to rely on their younger players of Moreno, Danny Bejarano, and Sebastián Gamarra, according to SB Nation. But veterans Raldes, Smedberg-Dalence, and Ricardo Pedriel will always be there. The predicted result is a 2-0 win by Chile over Bolivia. Vidal and company will prove too much for Moreno and his gang. Chile starting lineup (4-3-1-2 formation): Bravo; Beausejour, Jara, Medel, Isla; Gutiérrez, Diaz, Aranguiz; Vidal; Sanchez, Vargas Bolivia starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Quiñónez; Morales, Raldes, Eguino, Rodríguez; Chumacero, Bejarano; Lizio, Escobar, Smedberg-Dalence; Moreno.

Article Source: http://en.yibada.com/articles/39012/20150617/copa-america-2015-chile-vs-bolivia-preview-prediction-predicted-lineup.htm

US Open Golf Schedule 2015: Tee Times, and Preview

One day out from the 2015 U.S. Open, the eventual winner is just as difficult to predict as six months ago. So it goes for the historic event, which this time takes place at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Washington. Rory McIlroy's form remains low going into things, and Jordan Spieth continues to confuse each time out, so this year doesn't have a clear-cut favorite. On a course some of the weekend's contestants haven't exactly fallen in love with, just the best and most composed stand a chance at hoisting a trophy Sunday. Here's a look at the important details.

 2015 U.S. Open Coverage Hub

Date Time(s) (ET) Channel(s)

Thu., June 18 12-8 p.m./8-11 p.m. FS1/Fox

Fri., June 19 12-8 p.m./8-11 p.m.FS1/Fox

Sat., June 20 2-10 p.m. Fox

Sun., June 21 2-10:30 p.m. Fox

USOpen.com

   Where: Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Washington. Purse: $9 million. FedEx Cup Points: 600 to winnerChambers Bay Golf Course remains a subject of controversy going into the event. It's one of the younger courses to ever host a U.S. Open, and golfers aren't fans thanks to its unconventional layout and firm and fast greens. There are plenty of negative comments out there, and more will pour in once the iffy scores start to pile up. The good news, though, is that the eventual winner will deserve the crown. Every participant subjects himself to the difficult course, so it's still an even playing field. Someone such as Spieth continues to steel himself for the task. "If you are going to talk negative about a place, you're almost throwing yourself out to begin with, because golf is a mental game," Spieth said, per Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde. "Plus, the U.S. Open is about as challenging mentally as any tournament in the world. So you have to go in positively."

   Such composure from the young star remains the reason he won the Masters this year. He's finished among the top three in two of his last three outings, the exception being a tie for 30th at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. The outlook isn't as reassuring for McIlroy, who touts a pair of missed cuts as of late, making it three on the season, when last year he stumbled just once. Still, the guy ranks first in total strokes gained (2.172) at PGATour.com, and as BBC Sports captures, the world No. 1 sounds relieved there's pressure off his back:Speaking of pressure, Phil Mickelson can only dream of what McIlroy must feel like right now. Old Lefty features a whopping six runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open, meaning the career Grand Slam continues to elude him. Now the good news: Mickelson's a top-four finisher in two of his last three appearances and tells ESPN.com's Bob Harig that he's in great shape for the tournament: "I'm in the best shape I've been in. I've always felt a long, smooth, flowing swing leads to a long career, and a short, violent swing leads to a short career. And I haven't had any really long-term or debilitating injuries to speak of." The recent form sure backs up the claim, although the same doesn't apply to another notable veteran folks will keep a close eye on this weekend. Of course, this refers to 

  Tiger Woods, who showed a brief glimpse of his old self at the Masters, finishing tied for 17th with scorecards bookended by a rough pair of 73s. Of note on the season, he then finished tied for 69th at The Players Championship and 71st at the Memorial Tournament. It's fitting there isn't much hype around Woods or Mickelson going into this one, though. In recent years, this tournament tends to go to unpredictable names. Last year, Martin Kaymer came out of nowhere to steal the show. There are plenty of quiet names in the background to watch, such as Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott. Don't sleep on someone like Hideki Matsuyama, either, who touts no finish worse than 20th each of his last five times out, highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the Masters and a fifth rank in total strokes gained (1.686) and 13th rank in scoring average (70.152). In other words, this tournament—somewhat controversial locale and all—continues to shape up as one of the season's most intriguing affairs. Given the depth of the field and countless names who could hit a hot streak and shock the globe, it's not one to miss.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2498659-us-open-golf-schedule-2015-tee-times-live-stream-and-tv-coverage-listings

Mexico With Ecuador Date, Time and Preview: 2015 Copa America

   Mexico With Ecuador Date, Time and Preview: 2015 Copa America

   Mexico will meet Ecuador on Saturday in their first friendly of 2015, but with the Gold Cup and Copa America already fast approaching, the fixture at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be anything but amiable. El Tri need to find two squads to compete in both tournaments, leaving plenty of spots up for grabs, and with the Gold Cup officially the priority, as reported by ESPN FC's Andrea Canales, players will need a strong showing against Ecuador and Paraguay to get into the "A squad." Manager Miguel Herrera has just two matches to find out where his players stand before he has to announce his squads, so Saturday's fixture will be pivotal.

Date: Saturday, March 28

Time: 6:30 p.m. local time/1:30 a.m. GMT (Sunday)

Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

   TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on ESPN 2, with mobile coverage available via the Watch ESPN app. To say fans are excited about Saturday's meeting between Mexico and Ecuador would be putting it lightly; as shared by ESPN FC's Tom Marshall, the massive Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has already been sold out for days:Both sides played in the 2014 World Cup, with varying levels of success. Mexico made a strong impression against Brazil and exited after a close—and somewhat controversial—loss against the Netherlands; Ecuador didn't survive the group stages.Ecuador have called up a strong squad for friendlies against Mexico and Argentina, led by West Ham United's Enner Valencia and Antonio Valencia of Manchester United. Gustavo Quinteros' squad looks fairly set—he'll be looking at how his team performs against one of CONCACAF's top sides.Things are trickier for Herrera, who has his eyes on strong results at both the Gold Cup and the Copa America. One of the biggest question marks is whether he'll opt to use two teams of equal strength or put all of his eggs in one basket, but even if he chooses the latter, things aren't as straight-forward as they seem.

   For one, the goalkeeper position is far from set. Guillermo Ochoa had a fantastic World Cup last year but has since ridden the bench with Malaga. Per Marshall, he won't just be handed the starting position based on past performances:With Ochoa not playing any meaningful minutes, Jesus Corona has emerged as a potential starter. The veteran was in goal for El Tri during the 2012 Summer Olympics, captaining the squad to a gold medal, and his form for Cruz Azul has been almost impeccable this season. Carlos Vela hasn't been called up, having only just returned from a knee injury, but the Real Sociedad man seems like a safe bet to make the Gold Cup squad. But between Raul Jimenez, Giovanni dos Santos and Javier Hernandez, two at most will likely make it as well, with Oribe Peralta and Erick Torres also knocking on the door. And then there's Hector Herrera and Miguel Layun, who will both return to their respective teams after the match against Ecuador, per Copa America 2015:Saturday's match will be played in front of thousands of Mexican expats, but for Herrera, finding out which players to take to which tournament is far more important than winning. The players themselves have just two chances to show they belong—one start is likely all they'll get. Don't expect to see El Tri at their finest, with plenty of substitutions and some experimentation breaking whatever momentum they can build. The Gold Cup is far more important than a friendly in Los Angeles, and with so few matches between now and summer, Herrera has to take full advantage of every opportunity.

 Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2409255-mexico-vs-ecuador-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-friendly-preview

Peru and Venezuela Date, Time and Preview: 2015 Copa America

Peru vs Venezuela Date, Time and Preview: 2015 Copa America 

Peru and Venezuela face off in a shockingly pivotal game for the Copa America Group C qualification. Coming into the tournament, both sides were viewed as minnows that would duke it out for third place in the group behind Colombia and Brazil. Most expected this game to be the only three points that these teams would have any hopes of claiming. How wrong everyone was. Venezuela put up a heroic effort in its 1-0 win over Colombia that included discipline, high line pressing and opportunism to create goal scoring chances and the eventual goal. Venezuela could have easily won this match by more than one goal with better finishing, but that was not necessary.

     

 What mattered is that the Venezuelans managed to kill off a Colombian attack that looked like it could take down any side at this point last year.However, Peru is no slouch either. Despite losing 2-1 against Brazil at the death of its opening game, the team looked rather intelligent with the ball. There were many spells of possession that had the Peruvians running circles around Brazil and opening up space for attack. The team did wear down as the match progressed and eventually their aggressiveness to score the winner left the team open and vulnerable at the back. It should be interesting to see which of the two sides winds up with the ball.

The winner, however, will be greatly rewarded. With a win, Venezuela would qualify for the knockout rounds if Colombia loses to Brazil. Peru, meanwhile, could find itself with a chance to qualify against Colombia if it beats Venezuela. Peru wins if... It plays a direct attacking style and does not allow Venezuela's pressure game get to them.

Venezuela wins if... It pressures Peru into mistakes and makes them pay. Peru is solid but not as good as Colombia and could be had if its mistakes are capitalized on.

Prediction: Peru wins 1-0. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. EST and can be viewed on beIN Sport. It is also available for live stream on beIN Sports online service with the subscription.

Article Source: http://www.latinpost.com/articles/60374/20150617/peru-vs-venezuela-preview-predictions-tv-info-group-c-teams.htm

Brazil vs Colombia Date, Time and Preview: 2015 Copa America

Revenge will be sweet for Colombia if they can beat Brazil in Wednesday's Group C clash in the 2015 Copa America in Santiago. The Selecao put Colombia out of last year's World Cup at the quarter-final stage with a 2-1 win in a bad-tempered match, and Los Cafeteros will hope to turn the tables at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano. However, revenge is not their only motivation. A shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela in their Copa opener sees them bottom of their group, and defeat to Brazil could be terminal for their chances in the competition. Read on for a full preview of a vital clash, along with full scheduling and television details.

Date: Wednesday, June 17

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST

TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, Premier Player

Brazil themselves did not have the best of starts to their Copa America campaign, but they did manage to win, beating Peru 2-1 in Temuco on Sunday. Douglas Costa scored the winner in stoppage time, after Neymar had cancelled out Christian Cueva's early goal. Brazil's over-reliance on Neymar was once again evident, the Barcelona star not only netting the first but providing a wonderful ball for the winner, per WhoScored.com:Neymar was at the heart of everything Brazil did in attack, and they will need him to continue at such a level if they are to succeed in the Copa America. It was a somewhat laboured display overall from Dunga's side, Luiz Gustavo's absence through injury particularly noticeable from the lack of balance in the setup. However, they still got the win they needed, and will be confident that they can take their momentum into the Colombia clash and improve upon their opening performance. One key area that needs work is in defence, where Brazil looked shaky. It is not a new problem for the eight-time Copa America winners and they seem to have genuine problems.Peru's early goal came from a mix-up between David Luiz and goalkeeper Jefferson, from which Cueva was gifted the ball in the penalty area, and he finished well, per 

Brazilian football writer Tariq Panja:Similar mistakes against Colombia will surely be punished by attacking threats such as Jackson Martinez, Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Carlos Bacca and Juan Cuadrado. However, the Colombians need to up their game and be more clinical going forward, as they wasted opportunities in their defeat to Venezuela. Equally, Rodriguez needs to be provided with more opportunities to create and score. He was Colombia's talisman as they performed brilliantly last year in Brazil's World Cup. Against Venezuela, though, he had to go in search of the ball, often dropping deep to get in the game, a factor which made him less effective.What will be the result in Santiago? Brazil win Colombia win Draw SUBMIT VOTE vote to see results For the match with Brazil, Jose Pekerman needs to work out a way to get his Real Madrid star in the game some more, as he could be the man to inspire a vital win. Colombia need little motivation to take the game to the Brazilians given their opening loss and defeat to the Selecao in last year's World Cup. It is sure to be a tense and exciting encounter, with huge amounts of quality on show. Neither side played their best in their tournament openers, but that should change for Wednesday's clash. A game set to be decided by fine margins, Neymar and Rodriguez will be the stars of the show for a clash between two of South American football's most storied sides.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2496318-brazil-vs-colombia-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-copa-america-preview

USA vs Nigeria: Date, Start Time and preview 2015 Women's Soccer World Cup

It is a make-or-break match for the United States at the Women's World Cup in Canada as the Americans seek to win Group D against Nigeria in Vancouver. The USWNT lead the way at the top of the group-on four points-but a surprise defeat or draw against the Nigerians would open the door for Australia or Sweden to leapfrog the favorites. Looked Nigeria buoyant In Their opening battle against the Swedes, drawing the match and scoring three times, but the United States will Surely be too good for them on Tuesday night. Here is how you can watch this vital World Cup match.

Viewing Info 

Date: Tuesday, June 16

Time: 8 pm (ET), 1:00 a.m. Wednesday (BST)

Live Stream: Fox Sports 2GB (US only), BBC iPlayer (UK only)

Info TV: Fox Sports 1 (US only), BBC Red Button (UK only)

With only eight sides eliminated from the tournament at the group stages, the battle is now on for WHO will take the favored place of group winners in the knockout phase-and it is a status Certainly the USWNT want. Topping Group D will see the Americans face one of the third-placed qualifiers, but second place will mean a disaster-being forced to face the Might of Brazil. The USA would still be favorites in Such an Encounter with the South Americans, but They would rather avoid having to face the brilliance of five-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta. At 29 years old, Marta is ready for one last huge World Cup, and taking down the Americans would be sufficient motivation for her. The USA Have Looked steady In Their first two games, but They are Certainly not in top gear. This Could Be Said of all of the best teams in Canada-both Germany and France Have Suffered-but Abby Wambach and her teammates will be hoping for a smooth progression. Certainly Nigeria have currently the defensive steel to resist the Americans if They find Their best form, but They have the youthful exuberance to cause problems.

However, the biggest issue Could be the artificial surface in Vancouver-it've Been Often seen in the past how playing on grass can not change an expected result. Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated was blunt in His assessment of the surface: Wambach continued to Explain the technical issues of playing on a synthetic pitch, forcing the USWNT to play a different game to the one They normally would. She Explained These factors are not Understand May fans at first glance, but the team They do cause additional headaches. Artificial Wambach In This assessment is correct and it is Certainly one of the more controversial issues to face this World Cup. Questions Must Be Asked If This would be allowed to happen in the men's game, Although turf-Dramatically have improved over the past decade. USWNT coach Jill Ellis Might Have Been tempted to shuffle the pack for esta match as she looks to rest some of her star names, but the result against Nigeria is now too vital to gamble on. Brazil are very beatable if the Americans run into them, but there is a much Easier route to the quarter-finals and beyond-if They win the group. Shocks esta Have Already Happened in competition, but Nigeria will Have to reproduce Their goalscoring performance against Sweden to get anywhere near the standard needed-and this is wholly unlikely. The game Should be a win for the USWNT regulation, and it is vital That Alex Morgan gets additional game time under her belt in preparation for bigger obstacles. 

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2495741-usa-vs-nigeria-date-start-time-live-stream-for-2015-womens-soccer-world-cup

Watch Paraguay vs Jamaica 2015 Copa America, Date, Time, Preview

Watch Paraguay vs. Jamaica free, as Group B continues play to determine who will be moving on to the next round from the Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascuñán in Antofagasta. Paraguay surprised many when they earned a draw against heavy favorite Argentina in their opening Copa America match last week — not that Paraguay is not one of the top teams in South America, but mostly because Argentina did not prevail after having a 2-0 lead on La Albiroja. Paraguay managed to collect one point in the highly contested group, however. Jamaica is ready to hand the upset if they manage to qualify in favor of Paraguay or Argentina. Clearly, the undisputed favorite for this match is Paraguay, which is ready to show that they are not to be dismissed. Jamaica had an impressive debut, despite losing to Uruguay 1-0, earning them praise. The Caribbean team is the clear underdog in what we could call “The Group of Death” at the 2015 Copa America, but they are not planning on going quietly. Watch Paraguay vs. Jamaica live stream free in a match where anything can happen. Despite his small chances, Jamaica coach Winfried Schäfer remains confident his men will reach the next round, especially after their showing against Uruguay. “We want to go to the quarter-finals, that’s why we came to Chile to play in the Copa America. Now we have to watch how the players recover. The next game against Paraguay is going to be very difficult. We know we can play good football and we hope against Paraguay we can play the same and have a little bit of luck.” For its part, in their last 10 games against CONCACAF teams in all competitions, Paraguay has lost only one match, 1-2 against Costa Rica. If you may remember, the Central Americans put on quite a display at the 2014 World Cup, earning them the admiration of fans from all over the world.

If you watch Paraguay vs. Jamaica live stream free, you will be able to see if Jamaica can continue their streak of scoring in four of their five games against Paraguay. However, Jamaica did not fire a shot on target during their match against Uruguay. Jamaica has won three of their last six matches, with victories against Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. Meanwhile, Paraguay has only won against Peru, with draws against Argentina, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Watch Paraguay vs. Jamaica live stream free here. Kick off is at 5 p.m. ET.
Article Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2176625/watch-paraguay-vs-jamaica-live-stream-free-2015-copa-america-group-b/