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Top 5 Centre Backs in World Football 2000-2020

Once again I am going to do a list on my top 5. This time I will focus on the top 5 centre in world football from 2000-2020. Quite a difficult one this but I am open to plenty of debate !

1. Fabio Cannavaro – Simply my favourite defender. He played for several clubs from 1992 to 2011. He was a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006. That same year he scooped the Ballon d’OR, probably mainly due to his masterclass against Germany in the World Cup. Fabio made over 700 appearances for club and country, with 136 coming for Italy. He has been involved in management since retiring coaching in the Chinese Super League.

2. Paolo Maldini – Maldini spent his whole career at AC Milan from 1978 till 2009. His senior career began in 1984 at the club. A club legend, Maldini would make 902 appearances for AC. He would make 126 appearances for Italy. Furthermore, he would become one of only 18 players to surpass 1,000 appearances. He would win 7 Seria A titles, 5 Champions Leagues, World Soccer player of the year in 1994.

3. Giorgio Chiellini – Currently still playing with Juventus in the Serie A and the Italian national side. Chiellini has played over 500 games for the Juventus and has amassed over 100 caps for Italy. He simply puts his body on the line to protect the goal line. He has won 8 Serie A titles as well as winning Serie A defender of the year three seasons in a row 2008-2010.

4. Sergio Ramos – Many are not fans of Ramos but his record and medals speak for themselves. The 34 year old has more or less spent the majority of his professional career at Madrid. Ramos has made over 600 appearances for the club and has broken all kinds of records. He has become Spain’s most capped player of all time making 170 appearances since his debut in 2005. He is also the countries 10th highest goalscorer. Just some of his honours include 5 Champions League medals, 4 La Liga titles, 2 European Cups in 2008 and 2012 with Spain and a World Cup in 2010.

5. Carlos Puyol – Joined up with Barcelona in 1995 as a youth. Worked his way up to the senior squad after playing with Barcelona C and Barcelona B. He made over 650 appearances for the club in an outstanding career. A no nonsense defender. He won 21 titles including a World Cup in 2010, Euro Cup in 2008 with Spain. Furthermore, with Barcelona he won 3 Champions League, 6 La Liga titles and 2 Club World Cups to name but a few.

That completes my top 5 centre backs in world football 2000-2020. Some defenders that were close to making the list include Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Alessandro Nesta to name but a few.

5 Sports Matches to watch this weekend

With the majority of sports activity still currently suspended due to the coronavirus there is not much live sport on. Check out my 5 sports matches to watch this weekend.

World Cup Gold – Friday, TG4, 7.30pm – World Cup Gold on TG4 will bring us to the 1986 soccer world cup in Mexico. France played Brazil in the quarter-final in what is certainly one of greatest games in history. The likes of players on show include Michel Platini and Zico. Cracker of a game !

Cluichi Na Bliana – Saturday, TG4, 11.05am – Monaghan take on Kerry  super 8’s. The game takes place at Clones. It was a cracking game with players like David Clifford, Sean O’Shea and Paul Murphy on show for the Kingdom. Monaghan with the likes of McManus, Rory Beggan and Karl O’Connell.

Rugbai Gold – Saturday, TG4, 7.15pm – Rugbai Gold will show the meeting between Connacht and Toulouse at the Stade Ernest Wallon from the 2012 Heineken Cup. It was a big game, considering Toulouse were unbeaten at home in the tournament for five years. Connacht were looking for an upset? Did they do it?

All-Ireland Gold – Sunday, TG4, 1.55pm – The first game on Sunday is the U21 All-Ireland Hurling semi-final between Galway and Clare from 2009. Extra time was required in this game. Could Joe Canning steer his side to victory?

All-Ireland Gold – Sunday, TG4, 3.40pm – Ah the perfect way to top off your weekend. The 2005 All-Ireland Football Final between Tyrone and Kerry. Mickey Hartes team were looking from 2 title in three seasons. But Jack O’Connor’s were the reigning champions and looking for back to back titles. Something had to give.

League of Ireland begin testing players

Four League of Ireland teams have begun to test players as part of the pilot programme and tournament for the Airtricity League teams who will compete in Europe this coming year.

RTE report that Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians players were tested on Monday morning as the sides prepare to make a return to training in phase 2 on June 8th.It is expected the results of these tests will confirmed at end of the week.  We reported earlier this month that the mini league as such will take place later this summer, while the remaining League of Ireland clubs will return to training in June.

Speaking about the testing Ireland and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne told FAI TV, “The test was fine. We just got a little swab taken at the back of our throats and it was all done in less than 20 seconds. We’re happy to get it done as it’s another step closer to training soon”. Byrne said it would be important to get everyone in the country back playing football. He said, “Football is such a huge part of this country and we need to take these steps for football to return, from the league to the grassroots. I can’t wait to return and get back to playing football.”

The FAI have said that a safe return to football will happen when state agencies and government say so. Alan Byrne, medical director at the FAI said, “Today is a significant day as we plot our return for all football in Ireland in a safe environment for players, staff, officials and volunteers. Mr Byrne continued, “We will test the players from these four clubs again before they return to training on 8 June and then again regularly when they are back on the training field”.

 

 

Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League cancelled for 2020

Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League have been cancelled for 2020 due to the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision was taken by the organisers due to what they describe as “these exceptional circumstances”. With restrictions on travel varying from country to country, all riders would not have the freedom to compete in the global competition, while the risk of a second wave later this year is also being cited for cancelling the Tour.

Jan Tops, founder and President of LGCT and GCL, said:

“We sincerely thank our event organising partners, our Title Partner Longines, the GCL team owners and our partners around the world for their tremendous support and understanding. None of us could have foreseen the scale of this global emergency and the suffering so many people are going through.

“Our priority must continue to be the health and safety of our fans, our staff, the athletes and their teams and those living in the locations of our events. So it is with great regret we have decided to cancel the remaining shows this year.

“Now we must all pull together to build a positive future after the pandemic, adapting and adjusting to deliver incredible sport in 2021 and beyond.”

The decision to cancel has been welcomed by Neil Moffitt, owner of the London Knights team, winners of the Global Champions League championship for the past two years:

“As a Founding GCL Team Owner this is the right decision as it is more important to maintain the integrity and quality of the League than to try to stage a few shows this year in this extremely challenging and uncertain environment. GCL is not a one-off event, it is a prestigious Championship with knock-out stages like the Champions League in Europe. We look forward to continuing our successful campaign in the seasons ahead.”

The aim is to start the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League top-level show jumping championship series afresh in 2021.

Leinster Rugby Cancel Season Tickets for 2020/21

Leinster Rugby has cancelled all season’s tickets for next season due to the uncertainty of being able to have supporters at matches during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Season Tickets for next season will not now go on sale and instead that supporters will have the opportunity to avail of any match tickets that do become available for next season through a new Official Membership open exclusively, in the first instance, to current season ticket holders.

  • Leinster Rugby season tickets sale for season 2020/21 to be cancelled.
  • Current season ticket holders will retain the right to purchase their current seat through to season 2021/22.
  • Current season ticket holders to receive credit for the three remaining games of the 2019/20 season on a pro-rata basis.
  • Supporters who bought single match tickets to any of the Saracens, Munster Rugby, Zebre or Cardiff Blues games will be refunded automatically.
  • Leinster Rugby to launch Official Membership offering for current season ticket holders for 2020/21 on Monday, 8th June.

Mick Dawson, Chief Executive of Leinster Rugby said:

“The consequences of the pandemic and implications for Leinster Rugby and our loyal supporters are significant. Our public health obligations to all of our stakeholders are key as we seek to plot the return of Leinster Rugby. Season ticket holders are and will continue to be the foundation stone of our province. Social distancing is imperative as we consider the 2020/21 season. As a consequence, we have tried to develop a solution which we believe is fair and balanced. The new Official Membership offering attempts to maintain critical financial support while protecting season ticket holders’ future rights.”

Season Tickets for 2020/21 were due to go on sale to current season ticket holders in late March but given the sporting and financial uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 crisis, the renewal window was postponed.

With social distancing now likely to remain a part of sporting and other spectator events for some time to come, that renewal has now been formally cancelled by Leinster Rugby as it was not feasible to accommodate over 12,800 season ticket holders for next season in the RDS Arena.

“Cancelling our Season Ticket offering is an unprecedented step,” explained Dawson, “and one that will have a significant financial impact on our organisation but we feel it is the right decision to make.

“It has been a very difficult time for everyone and nobody knows what the future will look like but as a business, we have to make decisions now based on the best information available to us.

“The priority now is to finish the 2019/20 season, look after those that have tickets outstanding and then hopefully start the 2020/21 season.

“Our supporters have been a crucial part of our success over the years and it is also vital that when we all come back from this, and we will come back, that we have a vibrant supporter base to welcome to the RDS Arena. We feel that by securing their right to purchase their seat for 2021/22, that our supporters will take some comfort from the steps we have taken.”

Leinster Rugby confirmed that the new Official Membership will launch on Monday, 8th June with the initial offer open exclusively to current season ticket holders only.

The Official Membership will provide priority access to any matchday tickets that become available during the 2020/21 season as well as other exclusive benefits. Leinster Rugby season ticket holders will be contacted by email in the coming days with full details on the Official Membership and how to avail of same.

Credit for the remaining three games of the 2019/20 season will be applied to season ticket accounts in the coming weeks, while refunds for match day tickets for the Saracens, Munster Rugby, Zebre or Cardiff Blues games will be processed automatically through Ticketmaster or at the point of purchase.

While the Leinster Rugby head office in UCD is still closed, supporters with any further queries are asked to email information@leinsterrugby.ie and queries will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Consistency pays off for Thanks Forever as he wins Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap

Thanks Forever claimed his fifth career victory when winning the valuable Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m/6f) at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, on Sunday under Australian jockey Zac Purton.

Thanks Forever, who had posted some notable efforts but without winning in recent times, namely when placed in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m/6f) and last month’s Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m/6f), got his head in front on this occasion, his 16th start.

Winning trainer, John Moore, said of Thanks Forever’s success:

“He really has deserved that. He’s been a model of consistency without winning one of the black type races.”

Moore nominated the Group 3 Premier Cup over a furlong further at Sha Tin (1400m/7f) next month as a possible season finale for Thanks Forever.

GAA Clubs set to open running tracks

RTE Sport have reported that GAA Clubs can apply to open running tracks around there premises from the 8th of June. This is significant as it will set the ball rolling for other smaller sports to return in Ireland.

However RTE state they there will likely be no return to the use of club fields or club facilities from small training. All GAA facilities under the current phases are not to open on July 20th at least, but that could be pushed forward now owing to the drop in Covid 19 cases and related deaths.

Speaking to Newstalk, former Meath All-Ireland winner and Sunday Game Pundit, Colm O’Rourke, has called on the GAA to open up club grounds in a controlled manner. O’Rourke said that he also expects to see some sort of championship in 2020. He said, “I would hope that there would be [senior inter-county matches] by late summer”. Furthermore, he said an October starting date would be to late and he would like to see games return in August. “I think it’s a blunt instrument we have at the moment. I would certainly think that GAA pitches should be open in a controlled manner.”

O’Rourke also stated that if the GAA were to open running/walking tracks that they would be considered quite safe for older people to use them. He said, “I was at a club the other night and two older people walked past the gate of the club where there was a beautiful walking track available and they were walking on a very busy road,”. “I think we should be urging less caution, not more, and I think young people, in many cases in parts of Dublin, social distancing seems to have gone out the window with them.

It remains to be seen what will come out of this but expect an update from the GAA in the coming days.

US trainer Todd Pletcher excited about his new recruits from Sheikh Hamdan

After the retirement of long-time USA-based Shadwell trainer Kiaran McLaughlin last April, seven-time American champion trainer Todd Pletcher has seen a number of promising horses move to his yard.

The 52-year-old native of Dallas, Texas, and 11-time Breeders’ Cup winner, is delighted with the horses he is receiving from Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and his Shadwell operation.

“It’s a tremendous-looking group of horses and a real tribute to the programme,” Pletcher said. “They’re not only well-bred, but very good-looking individuals. The ones that we got in from Kiaran were in excellent condition. We’re starting to get a few in from South Carolina and those are looking well. We’re excited about the opportunity and are very enthused about training for Sheikh Hamdan and Shadwell.”

A quartet of colts whose names all happen start with the letter ‘A’ highlight Pletcher’s new recruits. These include recent maiden-placed Ajhar and Ashiham, as well as unraced new arrival Ashaab and Grade 2-placed Ajaaweed, who is scheduled to return to action in the autumn.

Ajhar, an $800,000 Keeneland September 2018 purchase and son of Tapit and Grade 2 winner Jojo Warrior, was an unlucky third, hitting the gate at the stalls on May 2 over 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park.

Ashiham also an $800,000 son of Tapit (and a grandson of Horse of the Year Azeri), was an eye-catching second on April 25 over seven furlongs.

Ashaab is by Tapit and out of stakes-winning Danzig mare Wasseema. Ajaaweed is by Curlin and was second in the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct in December before returning with a respectable third in the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last February.

“Ajaaweed is back at Shadwell (Farm in Kentucky) getting a little break after a minor setback, so hopefully we see him in the fall of the year,” Pletcher reported.

“With Ajhar” Pletcher continued, “I’m honestly a little disappointed that we didn’t get the job done, as he’s trained really well, but he missed the break a touch and our strategy from the one-hole in a mile and sixteenth race was to try to be prominent. He ran a respectable third, but there’s more there.”

Bundesliga Round Up: Bayern continue title push

Bayern Munich continue their push for another Bundesliga title with a resounding 5-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka and Aphonso Davies applied the finishes in four of those goals. A own goal from Martin Hinteregger completed the rout. This means that Bayern are still ahead in the table by 4 points. They play Borrusia Dortmund on Tuesday night in what is essentially a title decider.

Bayern will be disappointed with their defending though. They conceded two goals from set pieces within four minutes. In fact those two goals from Hinteregger. The sides had previously met earlier in the season when it was Frankfurt that put five goals past the then Niko Kovac coached side. However, that 5-1 ultimately cost Kovac his job at the Allianz Arena.

In other Bundesliga games, Borussia Dortmund scored twice to beat Wolfsburg 2-0. The goals coming from Raphael Guerreiro and Achraf Hakimi. The win keeps them just four points adrift of Btable toppers Bayern Munich. Bayer Leverkusen also had a good win over Borrusia Moncengladbach. Leverkusen winning 3-1. Goals coming from Kai Havertz who scored a brace, while Sven Bender also headed in on 81 minutes. Marcus Thuram pulled one back for Moncengladbach but it was two little to late as Leverkusen slide into third place.

Werder Bremen had a 1-0 over Freiberg. The winner for Bremen coming from Leonardo Bittencourt. The win sees them remain in the relegation zone but with a game in hand of their opponents. Hoffenheim and Paderborn played out a 1-1 draw. Robert Skov had an early goal cancelled out by Dennis Srbeny.

The Match: Champions for Charity – Woods/Manning v Mickelson/Brady 8pm tonight

Golfing rivals Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will be joined by NFL greats Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as they play in The Match: Champions for Charity event on Sunday night.

The event which will raise money for Covid-19 relief efforts in the United States follows on from last weekend skins competition which involved Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff also playing for charity.

In 2018, Phil Mickelson defeated Tiger Woods to claim a prize of $9 in a matchplay event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In tonight’s event Tom Brady will partner Mickelson, while Peyton Manning will be Woods’ team-mate.

The competition will take place behind closed doors at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, with no caddies allowed. As a result, all players will be permitted to drive their own golf buggies.

The golf begins at 8pm Irish time with live coverage on CNN International which is channel 506 on Sky and channel 205 on Virgin Media Ireland.

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