As expected, the European Tour has announced the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be played at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Co. Antrim from September 24-27.
It will be the first time the venue will host Ireland’s national Open with the event moving into the date vacated by the rescheduling of The 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021.
The 2020 Ryder Cup would have been a celebration of Irish golf with three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington captaining Europe in the contest at Whistling Straits – the third Irish golfer to captain Europe in the past four contests. While that will now happen next September, the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Galgorm this September will mark a new chapter in the tournament’s history.
The 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was originally scheduled to take place at Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny from May 28-31 last, but was postponed on March 30 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
With quarantine restrictions for travellers into the Republic ongoing and the ban on mass gatherings still in place, the European Tour made the decision to move the tournament to the north where it will be subject to similar guidelines to the current ‘UK Swing’ events, including being played behind closed doors. The European Tour has also confirmed that planning remains on-going for the tournament to return to Mount Juliet in 2021.
The 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will now have a prize fund of €1.25 million and therefore will not be part of the Rolex Series.
Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is an integral part of the European Tour’s schedule and despite the obvious challenges of staging any event in the current circumstances, we felt it was important to continue with the tournament providing we could do so safely.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are pleased that the Galgorm Castle Golf Club in County Antrim has been selected as a suitable venue, with the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort as the official accommodation. Without a doubt, the tournament will be different this year but we think that the players and fans are going to enjoy this return to world-class golf on the Island of Ireland.”
Gary Henry, Managing Director Galgorm Castle, said: “To host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is an historic moment and wonderful opportunity to showcase the world-class facilities at Galgorm and demonstrates that Northern Ireland is open for business. The Northern Ireland Open, supported by The R&A on the European Challenge Tour will also be played at Galgorm at the start of September and so the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be another welcome boost to the local economy.”
Galgorm Castle Golf Club has hosted the Northern Ireland Open on the European Challenge Tour since 2013, including last year’s innovative tournament – the ISPS Handa World Invitational Men|Women presented by Modest! Golf Management which featured both a men’s and women’s competition.
Despite hosting the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open from September 24-27, the Co. Antrim venue will continue its involvement with the Challenge Tour by also hosting the Northern Ireland Open hosted by The R&A from September 3-6.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club is the fourth time the tournament has been played in Northern Ireland since 2012 when Royal Portrush became the first course north of the Irish border to host the tournament since 1953.
Belgian golfer Thomas Pieters holds a one shot lead on his return to the sport following a superb first round 64 at the inaugural Celtic Classic in Wales on Thursday.
The 28-year-old, who hasn’t played since the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters last March, showed no sign of rust at the Celtic Manor resort with a seven under par round that included eight birdies and a single bogey.
“I putted well and kept my ball in play, so I didn’t really get myself in trouble”, admitted the first round leader, adding “It was tough pulling clubs sometimes and I put some new grips on which were very slippery, so I was struggling with that all day.”
The four-time European Tour winner, never looked back after dropping his only shot of the day on the second, coming home in 29 to move one shot clear of England’s Toby Tree and Australian Jake McLeod.
Tree also dropped a single shot on the second hole in his six under par round of 65, while McLeod eagled the last to jump in to a share of second place.
The Englishman was satisfied with his opening round in Wales, however, admitting:
“I loved it. It’s a bit different to what we have played the last few weeks – a bit bigger, longer. It’s in great nick. It was a pleasure this morning, good weather, no wind.”
Italian Edoardo Molinari – who starred in Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup win at the Newport venue – is a shot further back on five under par, alongside his fellow countryman Guido Migliozzi, Swede Sebastian Soderberg, Nacho Elvira of Spain, American player Sihwan Kim, Scot Marc Warren and Adrian Meronk of Poland.
Jonathan Caldwell was best of the Irish golfers as he carded a round of 68 to lie four strokes behind the Belgian leader. Cormac Sharvin shot 71 to sit 7 shots behind Pieters. Gavin Moynihan was a further three strokes behind after his opening round of 74, one shot ahead of former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
Round One Lead Scores Only
64 T PIETERS (BEL),
65 J MCLEOD (AUS), T TREE (ENG),
66 N ELVIRA (ESP), S KIM (USA), G MIGLIOZZI (ITA), M WARREN (SCO), A MERONK (POL), E MOLINARI (ITA), S SODERBERG (SWE),
67 L GAGLI (ITA), M SOUTHGATE (ENG), A JOHNSTON (ENG), S HORSFIELD (ENG), T DETRY (BEL), S BROWN (ENG), A RAI (ENG), N COLSAERTS (BEL), W BESSELING (NED), D COUPLAND (ENG), J MORRISON (ENG),
68 C SHINKWIN (ENG), J CATLIN (USA), J SJOHOLM (SWE), B STOW (ENG), M ANTCLIFF (AUS), M JORDAN (ENG), D HORSEY (ENG), S CROCKER (USA), C SYME (SCO), M SIMONSEN (DEN), J SMITH (ENG), J CALDWELL (NIR)
69 F LAPORTA (ITA), O LENGDEN (SWE), R ENOCH (WAL), A KARLSSON (SWE), A OTAEGUI (ESP), J HARDING (RSA), R RAMSAY (SCO), E CUARTERO BLANCO (ESP), M KIEFFER (GER), J SENIOR (ENG), Z LOMBARD (RSA), R FOX (NZL), M LEE (AUS), J SCRIVENER (AUS), S VINCENT (ZIM), S HEISELE (GER),
70 G GREEN (MAS), A QUIROS (ESP), J DONALDSON (WAL), N VON.
It’s the major fear for all sporting organisations looking to get back playing and this afternoon Munster rugby have confirmed one of their academy squad has tested positive for Covid 19.
Munster Rugby have been assisting an Academy player within the wider training squad who has tested positive for Covid-19
As a precautionary measure the squad and Academy did not train today at the HPC and Thomond Park.
The individual immediately self-isolated on development of symptoms on Sunday.
The HSE have been contacted and the contact tracing process has commenced.
In taking all precautions Munster Rugby have immediately identified five academy players and one senior player as potential close contacts from social and household settings and the six players have already commenced self-isolating.
The province will await further guidance from the HSE in this regard.
The senior squad will return to the HPC on Monday to complete the third phase of the IRFU’s routine PCR testing and resume preparations for the Guinness PRO14 encounter against Leinster.
Test results will be released publicly in line with the process for phase one and two of these routine tests.
Munster Rugby Head of Medical, Dr Jamie Kearns, said: “The health and safety of our players and staff is the priority and that is why we are taking all precautions, going above and beyond, ensuring the safe resumption of training and rugby next week.
“The player involved has not been in the High Performance Centre this week and the HSE have confirmed that the training group are not considered as close contacts.
“The individual is continuing to be monitored medically and remains well.
“There are protocols and policies in place that everyone has been following, and we will continue to be vigilant in all our efforts as we move closer to the return of rugby on Saturday week.”
Former Welsh international rugby player Rhys Thomas has revealed he abused drugs and was drank heavily while performing for club and country.
Thomas who only got seven caps as a prop forward opened up in a candid interview with the Catflap Chats podcast.
The former Scarlets star who nearly died after having a massive heart attack in January 2012 during a training session in Llanelli, he now relies on a mechanical pump to stay alive.
“I Hope by speaking out I will help other people so they do not go down the road I did. I would urge them to seek help.”
“They [World Anti Doping Agency] needed to know your whereabouts for an hour a day every day. I missed two tests,” he said.
Thomas was one more missed test away from a ban under doping rules.
He explained how he avoided the first test. “My time was six o’clock and I got in at about 5.50, melted. I must have easily had a couple of bags, sniffing, whatever, battered.
“I came in and literally, as my head hit the pillow, ding, ding and I looked at my phone.
“Six o’clock on the button, it could only be one person, on a Sunday morning. I looked out of the blind and it was like: ‘F***, briefcase w*****, he’s coming for me’.
“I just said to my missus: ‘Go down there and tell him I’m not here’.”
Thomas, whose nickname was ‘Stinky’, said he was pulled to one side by then Wales team manager Alan Phillips at national training the following day.
“Alan Phillips said: ‘Stinky, you missed a test’.
“I said: ‘Did I?’ He said: ‘Yeah, it’s an automatic strike, you didn’t tell them where you were’.
“I was like: ‘Never’.”
Thomas said “there were ways around” the testers from Wada and UK Anti Doping.
But he confided: “There were times I got tested where I thought: ‘I’m f***** here’. But nothing came up.”
Ulster Rugby has assembled a very impressive squad for the 2020/21 season, with the highlight being the addition of Ian Madigan.
Ulster Rugby has named a squad of 41 fully contracted players and 2 development players – 39 of which are Irish qualified.
The announcement includes confirmation that both Jordi Murphy and Will Addison have committed to Ulster for a further two years.
Others who have already chosen to remain at Kingspan Stadium include Jacob Stockdale, Sean Reidy and Matty Rea, with Stewart Moore committing to a new three-year deal which will see him graduate from the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy to spend one year as a development player, before being upgraded to a senior professional contract for the following two seasons.
The confirmed squad also includes two new faces – both on one-year contracts. Ireland fly-half, IanMadigan, joins following a three-year stint with Bristol Bears whilst All Blacks scrum-half, Alby Mathewson, returns to Irish shores following a successful stint with Munster Rugby.
Commenting on the confirmed squad, Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“Our desire to build on the successes of this season to-date is evidenced in our strong investment in talent from the current squad. Although it’s an uncertain time for rugby, and all sport, I am confident our selection will stand us in good stead for when we are able to safely start the new season.
“Once again, the chosen line-up of players shines a light on the indigenous talent nurtured through the Academy by Kieran Campbell and his staff – and the role which it, along with the province’s clubs and schools, continues to play in securing the future of Ulster Rugby.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the players who are moving on from the squad. This includes Clive Ross, who earned 73 caps since joining the province on a development contract in 2014, along with 21-capped Angus Kernohan, and Zack McCall.
“Looking to the future, we look forward to welcoming the new additions to the squad, who are set to bring their own unique skills and talent, as we move towards a time when the 2020/21 season can kick-off.”
2020/21 Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy
The Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2020/21 includes six new entrants: Reuben Crothers, Ben Carson, Nathan Doak, Lewis Finlay, Cormac Izuchukwu and James McCormick.
Wallace High School captain and back-row forward, Reuben Crothers, joins the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy with the experience of having led the Ulster U19 team. He was also involved in the Ireland U18 Schools set-up again this season having first played within it in the 2018/19 season.
Meanwhile, Crothers’ school and team mate, centre Ben Carson, adds to the line-up after being involved with the 2019/20 Ulster U18 School squad, and again with the Ireland U18 Schools’ team following his debut with the squad the season before. He also holds the title of the leading try scorer in the Wallace High School team this season.
Another signing for next season from Wallace High School is Nathan Doak, a player who is at home in either of the half-back positions, and one who made an impression with the Ulster A team in reaching the Celtic Cup final this season. Doak has also played for Ireland U18 Schools, and he was involved with the Iatest Ireland U19 set-up.
Down High School scrum-half, Lewis Finlay, marks his transition from the sub-Academy to a full place in the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy following his involvement in the Ireland U20s Six Nations campaign this season, starting all three games before the tournament was impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
With 20-year-old second row, Cormac ‘Izzy’ Izuchukwu from Tullamore in County Offaly also set to join the Academy squad, the player will bring with him experience of having competed in the 2019 Paris Sevens Series. He was also Ireland’s top scorer in the London RugbyX tournament in October, with a brace of five tries.
Completing the new additions to the Academy squad is Dalriada pupil, James McCormick, whose all-round ability is showcased by his experience in both the front and back-row for his school, with a notable accuracy for kicking off the tee. This season, McCormick captained the Ulster Schools’ squad and was selected for the Irish U18 School’s panel.
19-year-old winger, Ethan McIlroy, who joined the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby 2019/20 squad in January 2020 from the Ulster sub-Academy has also secured his place in the 2020/21 set-up having played for the Ireland U20s and achieved his first senior cap for Ulster against Leinster.
Commenting on the announcement of the squad, Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Kieran Campbell said:
“With six dynamic and talented young players set to join the Academy at a time when we are able to get up-and-running again, it is exciting to be able to look to the future with these young prospects – each of whom has earned his place through hard work and commitment over the past years to the game at both school and club level.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for these young men with Dan McFarland and his team fully-supportive of the Academy, as they continue to do an excellent job in transitioning local talent into the professional squad.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant contribution of the various school and club coaches involved in the development of the selected players. The Ulster Academy is also grateful for the continued support of these coaches in releasing their players to the IRFU’s National Training Squad programme, which played a central role in the players attaining their Academy places.
“With each of the players already demonstrating the skills we look to cultivate in players – whether that be Reuben’s leadership, Ben’s combative defence, Lewis’ tenacious mindset, Nathan’s all-round skill set, Cormac as a powerful runner with a keen eye for the try line, or James’dynamic play – I look forward to welcoming them into our Academy set-up with each poised to have a bright future with us in the months and years ahead.”
Ulster Rugby 2020/21 Squad:
Players developed through the Abbey Insurance Academy or Ulster club system are marked with * and development players are in italics.
Will Addison
John Andrew*
Robert Baloucoune*
Billy Burns
Sam Carter
Marcell Coetzee
John Cooney
Angus Curtis*
Matt Faddes
Craig Gilroy*
Iain Henderson*
Rob Herring
James Hume*
Bill Johnston
Greg Jones*
Ross Kane*
Michael Lowry*
Louis Ludik
Rob Lyttle*
Ian Madigan
Luke Marshall*
Alby Mathewson
Adam McBurney*
Kyle McCall*
Stuart McCloskey*
Jack McGrath
Gareth Milasinovic
Marty Moore
Stewart Moore*
Jordi Murphy
Alan O’Connor*
David O’Connor
Eric O’Sullivan*
Tom O’Toole*
Marcus Rea*
Matty Rea*
Sean Reidy
David Shanahan*
Jonny Stewart*
Jacob Stockdale*
Nick Timoney*
Kieran Treadwell
Andrew Warwick*
Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy 2020/21 Squad:
Welshman Jamie Donaldson is looking forward to playing at home when the Celtic Classic gets underway at The Celtic Manor Resort on Thursday.
The venue, which will host the European Tour for the next two weeks, will see the Newport location start with Tournament No. 17 on the 2020 Road to Dubai, the €1,000,000 Celtic Classic.
Taking place on the Twenty Ten Course, where Europe won back The Ryder Cup in dramatic fashion ten years ago, the Celtic Classic is the fourth event of the six-tournament UK Swing.
The 44-year-old Pontypridd man, a hero of the 2014 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor, is one of a number of players who have represented Europe in the biennial contest who will tee up this week.
“I love coming back down here. It’s a great venue and the course is looking really good, and the sun is shining. I do love playing here, normally you get great crowds, which is a shame, given the current circumstances that won’t be happening. It’s a special place, beautiful setting and beautiful weather.
“I’ve been playing nicely. After the wrist operation things take time and I’ve been working hard to get that right. I’m fit as a fiddle. Sometimes things take longer than you think they would. I came back last year but never really felt 100 per cent. But now I feel fit, ready to go and look forward to playing next week. This is more of a ball-strikers golf course this week, it’ll help the longer hitter. It’s good that I can shoot low scores like that still. I’ve been playing well in practice, things are starting to come together.”
Ross Fisher and Edoardo Molinari, teammates at The 2010 Ryder Cup are returning to the site of that famous victory which was sealed by Graeme McDowell on the 16th hole in the anchor match.
In the build up to this week’s tournament, Molinari has spoken about The Celtic Manor as a place that holds happy memories for him:
“It’s a golf course that I love, I have great memories from the Ryder Cup and the Wales Open, I played here a couple of times. It brings back a lot of fantastic memories, playing with Francesco and the whole team, and managing to win that Cup by half a point. It was a fantastic week. The weather, so far, looks good, let’s see what the next few days bring us. It’s always a very enjoyable week here.
“I have two memories – the first tee with Francesco on the first day, which still gives me goosebumps ten years on. Then the last few holes in the singles against Rickie Fowler, I remember how busy it was, how many people were watching. I’ve never seen that many people be so loud on a golf course.”
Last week’s English Championship winner Andy Sullivan, who represented Europe in 2016, will hope to consolidate his place at the summit of the UK Swing Order of Merit, with the top ten not otherwise exempt after next week’s ISPS Handa Wales Open earning a place at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Those finishing inside the top ten after the sixth and final event – the ISPS Handa UK Championship – will also share £250,000 to donate to charities of their choice.
Sullivan, who claimed his first European Tour victory in 5 years last Sunday, enjoyed the opportunity the past number of days afforded him to celebrate his most recent tour success with family:
“It’s a long time waiting for that fourth win and I couldn’t be happier. Nice to do it in my own country and get back home with the family and celebrate. I’m still on cloud nine, it’s not quite sunk in yet. Florence was elated, bless her, it was my first win with her. She was over the moon and it was good to see a proper smile on her face.”
Irish interest in the Celtic Classic will include former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley who will tee off at 1.29pm on Thursday. First Irishman out will be Gavin Moynihan at 9.39am. Jonathan Caldwell is out just under an hour later, at 10.34am. Cormac Sharvin, who shot an excellent opening round at the English Championship last Thursday, will be the final Irish golfer to start his round, as he begins at 3.57pm.
Ireland Women’s Head Coach Adam Gregg has named his squad for the rescheduled Women’s Six Nations games against Italy and France.
Gregg named a 36-player squad for his team’s remaining games in this year’s Women’s Six Nations Championship. Ireland’s final two games of the tournament were postponed earlier this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Ireland will host Italy in their Round 4 fixture on the weekend of 24th October before concluding the Championship with an away trip to France on the weekend of 31st October.
Discussing his squad with Irish Rugby.ie. the Irish Women’s Head Coach said:
“We are picking up where we left off over five months ago. At the outset of this year’s tournament we had clear priorities set. Our aim was to win our three home games and play competitively in our two away games and we felt like we were in a good place before the postponement of the tournament.
“We have stayed connected as a team who trained remotely throughout the lock-down. We have a number of training dates in the schedule ahead of the tournament and it will be good to get together. We have a busy few month ahead of us, and look forward to getting back to playing rugby.”
Rugby World Cup 2021 European Qualifiers, which had been due to take place in September, will now be played as a single round-robin tournament on the weekends of 5th, 12th and 19th December 2020.
Ireland will be joined in the tournament by Six Nations rivals Scotland and Italy and the winner of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship 2020, which will be completed in October.
The winner of the Rugby World Cup 2021 European Qualifiers will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021 and the runner-up will progress to the final qualification tournament next year.
Forwards:
Judy Bobbett (Blackrock/ Leinster)
Anna Caplice (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Victoria Dabanovich O’Mahony (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Laura Feeley (Blackrock/ Connacht)
Nichola Fryday (Old Belvedere/ Connacht)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Neve Jones (Malone/Ulster)
Leah Lyons (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby)
Aoife McDermott (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Claire McLaughlin (Old Belvedere/ Ulster)
Edel McMahon (Wasps/ IQ Rugby)
Cliodhna Moloney (Wasps/ IQ Rugby)
Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock/ Leinster)
Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Dorothy Wall (Railway Union/ Munster)
Ireland Fixtures and Results, Women’s Six Nations 2020
Sun, 2nd Feb, Ireland Women 18 v 14 Scotland Women
Sun, 9th Feb, Ireland Women 31 v 12 Wales Women
Sun, 23rd Feb, England Women 27 v 0 Ireland Women
WE 24th October, Ireland Women v Italy Women – TBC
WE 31st October, France Women v Ireland Women- TBC
There were five and a half months between Manchester City’s first-leg tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, and the return leg at the Etihad Stadium, but it was the same scoreline and the same unique intensity that saw Pep Guardiola’s side come up trumps in both games.
The Champions League has long been City’s bug bear – a competition where the team’s performances seem to always dip below the supreme levels set by the club in the Premier League. But this time, City proved their mettle in Europe’s premier club competition, and improved their chances in the odds on the UEFA Champions League.
It was a tie delicately poised, and balanced on a knife-edge in the wake of the long suspension of European football as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid had since won La Liga after an impressive return to action domestically, and you could’ve forgiven Manchester City fans for being somewhat nervous ahead of the Champions League last-16 return leg, despite City’s 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg back in February.
But City’s style of play on the night vanquished the doubts that have surrounded Guardiola’s men in the Champions League. It was a frantic, urgent performance in the best possible sense. City did not merely cling to their aggregate lead and away goals, instead they went out and took the game to the Spanish champions.
There was anger in the performance, anger perhaps created by Liverpool’s commanding triumph in the Premier League, and indeed City’s limp defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final. The Champions League is the Manchester club’s last chance to secure more silverware in this long, drawn out season, and they aren’t going to give it up in a hurry.
City’s singular focus and drive was evidenced by the manner in which they scored their goals in the 2-1 win at the Etihad. Both came as a result of irresistible pressing from the home side, led by the indefatigable Gabriel Jesus, who gave Real Madrid’s Raphaël Varane a night that will haunt the Frenchman’s dreams for weeks to come.
For the first, Jesus nipped in to dispossess Varane close to Real’s penalty area, before teeing up Raheem Sterling to slide into an empty net. After just nine minutes played, City and Jesus had already asserted how this game was going to be played.
The second was entirely down to Jesus’ persistence and brinkmanship, pursuing Varane deep into the Real Madrid half before capitalising on a poor downward header to dink the ball delicately past Thibaut Courtois and into the net, rubber stamping City’s progression to the quarter-finals and inflicting yet more misery on the despairing French defender.
Of course, City did not have it all their own way, and they were never likely to, given Real Madrid’s qualities in every area of the pitch. Karim Benzema’s headed equaliser provided a test for Guardiola’s side, but they didn’t crumble as they have done in past Champions League ties where the pressure has told, instead they stuck to their game plan, weathered the storm, and delivered on the expectations which have long surrounded them.
The next test is Lyon in the quarter-finals, as the Champions League jets off to Lisbon for its final stages. All matches will be single-legged affairs from now on, and that creates the kind of level playing field that should lend itself to City’s strength in depth. It’s been a long, hard season that so far hasn’t yielded the success City aspire to. But they now have the chance to make it a memorable end to the campaign if they can secure that elusive European Cup.
As this (extended) season’s Champions League gets back underway, beginning with the remaining second leg ties of the Round of 16 this week, fans around the world will be jubilant to see the stars of Europe’s elite back on the big stage.
We’re at that point in the tournament where underdogs can still spring a surprise, but one of the usual favourites will undoubtedly still reign supreme – making it difficult to predict the winner when betting on Champions League.
As we gear up to the final at the Estádio da Luz on August 23rd, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look back at some of the best Champions League finals.
2014: Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (AET)
Not just another thrilling Madrid derby, but one with extra spice as Real Madrid were looking to win their tenth Champions League title, while rivals Atlético Madrid had recently won La Liga – securing the championship on Catalonian turf at Camp Nou.
Atléti took the lead in the first half through Diego Godín, who had seen another Diego limp off injured – Costa, that is – much earlier in the half. It was a matter of when and not if, their defence would be breached. Often the villain, but this time the hero, Sergio Ramos’ stoppage time header sent the game to extra time and Real let their class show.
Inspired by Ángel Di María’s man-of-the-match-performance, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and who else but Cristiano Ronaldo, added to the tally to see Los Blancos run out worthy winners – finally securing La Decima.
1997: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Juventus
Considered one of the biggest shocks in Champions League Final history, the German club were making only their second appearance in this era of the competition, while they faced the holders and well-respected European powerhouse, Juventus. Karl-Heinz Riedle netted a first-half brace, sending the Italians into shock.
Their usual slick and silky play had been well stifled, with Dortmund’s midfield managing to keep Zinedine Zidane quiet. Changes were needed and second half substitute Alessandro Del Piero pulled one back for Juve just after the hour mark.
But Dortmund quickly restored their two-goal cushion – Lars Ricken’s audacious chip, with his first touch of the game, sealing victory and completing this underdog’s tale.
2011: Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United
Barcelona under Pep Guardiola in their prime were a delight to watch and were on a completely different level to anyone else, domestically and in Europe. If a single game could define the Spaniard’s time at Barca, this is it. Even at 24 years old, Lionel Messi was pivotal to every goal – setting up two and scoring one.
His mazy run confused United’s defence and allowed Pedro to open the scoring, before Wayne Rooney equalised. In the second half, Barcelona were dominant, their pass-and-move football a joy to fans watching on, all over the world.
Although they could have retaken the lead on countless occasions, Messi got his name on the scoresheet and turned provider to round-up the scoring – David Villa’s curling shot reaching the top corner and handing Barça yet another European title.
1994: AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona
The Catalans were the overwhelming favourites ahead of this clash in Athens – and Milan’s preparations could not have been worse, with seven players ruled out due to injuries or suspension.
But the Italians came out all fired up, producing one of the best Champions League Final performances ever, scoring four goals in the process to record the greatest winning margin in the current era. Daniele Massaro was at the double in the first half, as Milan were dominant.
It was a night to forget for defender Miguel Ángel Nadal who was at fault for the first goal, and the third, as Dejan Savićević lobbed the Barça goalkeeper to make it 3-0. Marcel Desailly completed the rout before the hour mark, and that’s how the scoreline stayed.
2005: AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool (2-3 pen)
We still talk about that miraculous night in İstanbul and while Liverpool won’t be returning to the final this season, having been knocked out by Atlético Madrid, 2005’s has to go down as the greatest of all-time. Milan got off to the best possible start when Paolo Maldini put them ahead in the opening minute, and many would have thought that Hernán Crespo’s brace killed the game off at the break.
But Liverpool staged one of the almightiest comebacks, scoring three goals in six second half minutes: captain Steven Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer and Xabi Alonso all netting to level the score. Extra time ensued and neither side could capitalise – after 30 minutes, the final would be concluded by penalties.
Milan were up first, and Serginho missed, while Dietmar Hamann put Liverpool in front. Milan failed to score their second spot-kick; Andrea Pirlo’s penalty saved by Jerzy Dudek. Djibril Cissé made it 2-0, before Jon Tomasson finally got Milan off the mark and John Arne Riise missed. Kaká managed to level the scores and after Šmicer scored for the second time in the match, Andriy Shevchenko missed to end what was a thrilling finale.
The game of cricket is vastly different from American pool, but both are incredibly popular. American pool tends to be played in bars and clubs across the world. Cricket is played outdoors on a ground with teams of 11 players.
Pool is a one-on-one game with two competitors. There is lots of appeal to both sports, depending on whether you like something outdoors and athletic, or prefer to be indoors and more sedentary. Here, we will look in detail at both games and discover whether there are any similarities or whether they are just completely different.
More About Cricket
Cricket is considered a refined game, but it does actually feature a lot of action and adrenaline. World Series and Test cricket receive a lot of media coverage, inspiring a new generation to take up the game.
A single ball is used, which is bowled at the batsmen who must hit it as far as he can. Once the ball is set in motion by the bat, he attempts to get as many runs as possible by running from one end of the pitch to the other. If the ball crosses a boundary line and hits the floor first four points are immediately awarded and his runs no longer count.
If the ball crosses a boundary line but does not hit the floor before doing so then six points are awarded, and his runs no longer count. The opposing team will be fielding, and should they manage to catch the ball before it hits the ground he would be considered out. Both teams take turns on being the batting side, and the fielding side until everybody is out.
Cricket Rules
There are lots of different complex rules in cricket, it has a high standard of dress code and etiquette, and play is judged by the umpire whose decision is final. Modern cricket often uses a video judge, which can see the wickets and make decisions on whether a ball was in or out or wide et cetera. Test cricket games at a professional level can go on for several days before a winner is established. In that respect it can be a very long game.
As mentioned, cricket also demands a high standard of dress, it is expected that match games will only ever be played with the players wearing correct cricket whites. A cricket ball is very solid and moves that speed so can also be quite dangerous if it strikes a player. With this in mind there is also a lot of protective gear that they must wear at all times.
When training, players often wear team tracksuits but must still adhere to the rules of padding and helmets in order to ensure there are no injuries. A blow to the head with a cricket ball could potentially be fatal.
More About American Pool
American pool it is a game played on a table, similar to a snooker table but smaller, and with a different ball arrangement and rules. The American version of the game, which is also known as billiards, should not be confused with the English version of the game which is quite different.
American pool tables feature nylon cloths and pointed cushions which gives the game a faster speed, than its British derivative. The game is played with balls that are 2 1/4 inches, and comparatively quite heavy for the size. At one end of the table 15 numbered balls are arranged in a triangle shape using a plastic or wooden guide, and this is called the rack. The cue ball is hit by player one from the opposite end of the table into the rack and this is called a break.
The rules state that four of the balls must bounce off the cushion on this first hit or it is deemed foul. The first player to pocket a ball, becomes either the spots or the stripes depending on what they have put in the pocket. The turn passes to the next player when a shot is made that does not lead to a ball going into a pocket. Particularly good players may never let their opponent onto the table clearing the whole set of their balls in one long turn.
American Pool Rules
As you might expect, there are a number of rules and a number of reasons in which you can be declared foul. At this point, the turn passes to the next player. If you miss the balls completely with your shot that is a foul.
When a foul is declared, the opponent may take the white ball and place it anywhere he chooses on the table to resume play. If there is no foul, but the turn ends because a ball has not been potted the next player must just take his shot with the white ball from wherever it landed.
The black ball must stay on the table until one player has potted all of their other balls, if the black ball is accidentally potted the game is lost and the opponent is declared the winner. Pool is always the subject of hustling in movies, where someone pretends to be a complete novice and never played before, places a large bet and then completely cleans up because they are actually somewhat of an expert.
American pool seems to have more of a glamorous side than the British equivalent and is a thoroughly fun game.
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