With serious allegations of corruption monopolizing the news cycle leading into the World Cup, the last thing FIFA needed following the opening match of Brazil 2014 was for the global headlines to be dominated by the awarding of a mystery penalty which would alter the course of the contest.http://www.chaussuresnbpascher.fr/new-balance-980.html . Too bad the refs vanishing spray, which was first introduced in tournament play at 2011s Copa América, is only effective on the grass. We were all left wondering when the football would finally be the focus. All those questions were answered by the Dutch dominance of the World Cup holders yesterday. In the second half alone, Spain conceded twice as many goals as they did through seven matches en route to a first World Cup triumph in South Africa four-years ago. Then for an encore, Chile and Australia played out a highly spirited encounter. Jorge Sampaolis team were very convincing, and certainly would have won over many new admirers, that one of South Americas less glamorous nations, would be the one which punches well above its weight class at Brazil 2014. With Groups C and D taking to the pitch Day 3 provides us with the only quadruple header of the tournament. Where armchair enthusiasts the world over are treated to the prospect of four matches over the course of 11 hours. Todays headliner without question is the rumble in the jungle, as the aptly named Arena da Amazonia plays host to Italy v England. With four World Cup triumphs already to their name, a record which is only bettered by Brazils five, if Italy is the preening peacock of European football, then England is its Hippopotamus. Rare, if ever, has the land of St. George got their heads above the waterline during World Cups. Quite coincidentally the last time that happened was at Italia 90, which was also the last time the two nations met at a World Cup. Courtesy of Toto Schillacis late penalty, Italy prevailed 2-1 in the third-place playoff match. Through the entire history of World Cup quite remarkably, that meeting represents the only time the two nations have met at the tournament proper. They have though met in qualifying twice. The most recent time was for France 1998. Zolas superb strike at Wembley in February 1997 was the difference maker. The return fixture in Rome saw England claim a famous scoreless draw and with it top spot in the group. The iconic image of England captain Paul Inces head swathed in a bloodied bandage typified Englands approach on the day. One which had the current England manager Roy Hodgson assisting Glen Hoddle, officially in the role of interpreter. Hodgson was Inter Milans head coach at the time. When the World Cup Draw took place in Zurich early last December Manaus was chosen as the venue. The Arena da Amazonia, built at a cost of $300M has been in the news for all the wrong reasons as four workers have died during its construction. Brazilian football legend come politician Romario has been outspoken in his criticism. Pictures emerging on Thursday of a sub-standard surface the latest setback for a stadium which will host four group stage games. With Buffon set to miss out due to an ankle injury which occurred in training yesterday, combined with Montolivo fracturing a leg May 31st, the psychological edge certainly goes to England. Not that Prandellis team will need extra motivation this evening - but the only European nation to retain a World Cup [1934, 1938] is still smarting from its inability to emerge from a weak group in South Africa. A tournament they went into as defending champions. With soaring heat and intense humidity factoring, for England to stand any chance they will have to overcome the Achilles heel which has dogged them through the ages. Chasing shadows in the pursuit of a ball they surrender more casually than Andrea Pirlo completes successful passes. Based on statistical evidence and World Cup history, losing your first group stage game almost guarantees elimination. Although Prandelli nor Hodgson would admit it, if the game finishes as it did in Rome back in fall 1997 neither of them will be too upset. Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter TSN Radio is an official licensed radio broadcaster of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Brazil. Check www.tsn.ca/radio for the broadcast schedule in your home town. New Balance Wr996 Beige . -- Third baseman David Freese has been put on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Angels because of a broken right middle finger. http://www.chaussuresnbpascher.fr/new-balance-670.html . Watch the game on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The new format unveiled for the 2014 playoffs was designed to force more geographical rivalries in the first few rounds. TORONTO -- James van Riemsdyk tugged at the Toronto Maple Leafs logo on his chest, mimicking the celebration P.K. Subban made after an overtime goal two nights earlier. That wasnt a coincidence. Van Riemsdyk was on edge after some taunting from the Montreal Canadiens defenceman but waited until after scoring the game-winning goal Saturday night before letting that emotion show through. It was tension that was building throughout a 5-3 Leafs victory that was a showcase for the rivalry. "Im usually not one to engage in stuff like that, but I was a little bit fired up," van Riemsdyk said. "It just kind of happened." Those are the things that happen when the juices are flowing and emotions are heightened as they were for this game between the Leafs and Habs. Of the 19,667 fans in attendance, more than a few were cheering for Montreal, and it made for a much more raucous atmosphere than usual at Air Canada Centre. "If you dont get shivers and chills on Toronto-Montreal on a Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada, either in Montreal or Toronto, then I dont think you understand the true meaning of the game here in Canada," Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said after his teams season-high fourth consecutive victory. With the teams trading chances back and forth, it was an excellent example of what the NHL is supposed to offer. And even though eight total goals were scored, neither the Leafs Jonathan Bernier (30 saves on 33 shots), nor possible Canadian Olympic starter Carey Price of the Habs (25 saves on 29 shots) could be faulted. Instead, this was a case of two offences getting the job done. Before van Riemsdyk scored the game-winner at 14:27 of the third, Cody Franson, Phil Kessel and Mason Raymond also scored for the Leafs (25-20-5), while Brendan Gallagher, Brian Gionta and David Desharnais scored for the Habs (27-17-5). "Were a team that was pushing the pace and we were skating well," Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. "Individual mistakes cost games. Thats where its disappointing. We give goals. Theyre not even supposed to be scoring chances." But scoring chances were readily available. Toronto centre Nazem Kadri had two of the games best passes, setting up Franson for the Leafs first goal and then Raymond for his on the power play. It was a breakout night for Kadri, who has been the subject of criticism and trade rumours lately. "I wanted to come out and have a big game," Kadri said. "Obviously the magnitude of this game was huge. For us to chase that top spot in the division is still a realistic goal for us." The Leafs victory moved them to within four points of the third-place Habs. They still trail the Atlantic Division-leading Boston Bruins by seven points and have played three more games. But when the focus was on one game against rival Montreal, the Leafs brought close to their A-game. Carlyle called their start by far the best of the season, while Gionta wasnt thrilled with how he and his teammates responded. "The first 10 minutes we were fairly slow getting going, but after that I thought we diid a good job of forcing the play and getting some good chances," Montreals captain said.http://www.chaussuresnbpascher.fr/new-balance-574-pas-cher/new-balance-574-femme-pas-cher.html. "Its definitely a tough one to lose." It wouldve been a tough one for the Leafs to lose after their strong start and considering the emotional investment. "That was a statement game for this team," Kadri said. "Its the Montreal Canadiens. Theyre one of the better teams in the conference and obviously theyre ahead of us in the division, as well. The rivalry speaks for itself. We wanted to come out here, home ice, and give these fans something to cheer about." Montreal fans had something to cheer about early thanks to stellar goaltending from Price, who kept the Habs in the game despite being out-shot by a wide margin. Chants of "Carey" became jeering ones later on when Leafs fans got on him, loud enough that the goalie at the other end could hear them. "The crowd was pretty amazing tonight," Bernier said. "It felt like a playoff game." No Leafs players were alive the last time the Leafs and Habs met in the playoffs -- 1979. Only Montreals Gionta, Andrei Markov, Daniel Briere and Francis Boullion had been born by then. But a lack of recent playoff history didnt seem to hurt Saturday night, thanks in part to Subban skating by the bench after Gallaghers goal and giving the Leafs some motivation. "He was saying some stuff to our bench and we werent thrilled about that," van Riemsdyk said. "Its hockey. Hes got to do what hes got to do -- hes a great player, its fun to play against players like that. Obviously theres some emotions that were flying around out there." Subban did not speak to reporters after the loss. He was a central topic of conversation in hockey circles since his celebration of an overtime goal against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night brought some criticism. Subban flashed the crest on his jersey a few times before going down the tunnel. Don Cherry said on "Hockey Night in Canada" that "all (Subban) does is pump up the other team." "He has to stop that stuff," Cherry said. "Its absolutely ridiculous." Van Riemsdyk wouldnt even go that far, choosing instead to show Subban up after scoring his 19th goal of the season. "If they wanted to play that game, then well play it, too," van Riemsdyk said. Van Riemsdyk insisted popping his jersey wasnt a pre-meditated act. Instead, it was the release of a build-up of emotions that went beyond just redirecting Tyler Bozaks pass past Price. Asked earlier in the day about goal celebrations, van Riemsdyk said that he preferred an understated approach. His teammates didnt mind when he veered from that just once. "Obviously you get excited when you score," Kadri said. "Thats on JvR -- he likes scoring goals, so more power to him." NOTES -- Joonas Nattinen made his NHL debut for Montreal and played 1:45, all in the first period. Nattinen replaced Rene Bourque, who was a healthy scratch. ... Toronto called up Troy Bodie from its AHL affiliate to replace the injured David Clarkson. Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Cheap JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys ' ' '
