It isn't hard to find a manager-owner combination that meets the description of the odd couple but they have rarely seemed this strange a mismatch. Vincent Tan is not often mentioned these days without the suggestion he would make a plausible Bond villain. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the footballer that even the dedicated band of Manchester United haters tended to admire: loyal, unselfish, seemingly devoid of ego and blessed with an ice-cool temperament. He was the striker they would want in their team or, failing that, on the bench.
Instead, he is the manager who will now be in the Cardiff dugout. As Solskjaer was noted for his impeccable decision-making on the pitch, it is all the more intriguing. This is an appointment to confound the predictions that Tan would struggle to attract a manager after his needless undermining of Malky Mackay; there are times when it seems there is precious little solidarity in the League Managers Association as every dismissal, no matter how harsh the sacking, never prevents a club from finding a successor.
- Morris: Brave call from Cardiff and Solskjaer
So Solskjaer's arrival lends Tan much-needed credibility and gives proof of his pulling power. The appeal of the 40-year-old is obvious: he won back-to-back league titles with Molde and lifted the Norwegian cup in his final season in his homeland. To do so at a club without a tradition of success only adds to his appeal to an ambitious arriviste such as Tan. Norwegians' recent record in England may be lamentable -- Henning Berg, in 57 days at Blackburn and Stale Solbakken, during eight months, at Wolves, were both costly failures -– but Solskjaer has rather more pedigree than his compatriots. He brings the frisson of glamour which allows an egotistical owner to bask in reflected glory.
So the question is not why Tan wanted Solskjaer, but why he chose Cardiff. A supposedly sizeable transfer budget is one explanation along with the commensurate pay rise. The latter, however, would have been part of the package at any number of clubs and Solskjaer has not been short of offers. He spoke to Blackburn 15 months ago; he also held talks in 2012 with Aston Villa and one of the great institutional clubs, even with limited funds, would have made a more logical move than Cardiff. Villa have a generally supportive owner, in Randy Lerner. Cardiff have Tan and instability threatens to be endemic.
There are tales of a player (Etien Velikonja) being signed without Mackay's approval, of Tan trying to suggest substitutions and urging the players to shoot from their own half after Mark Hudson scored a fluke goal. There is the strange situation of Alisher Apsalyamov, the 23-year-old Kazakh who went from being the work-experience kid to Tan's preferred replacement for Mackay's trusted head of recruitment, Iain Moody, before his inability to secure a work permit resulted in his removal. As if that wasn't surreal enough, Tan booed his own team off after the Boxing Day draw against Sunderland. Sir Alex Ferguson's advice to Solskjaer, as it was to many of his former charges, was to pick an owner, not a club. It was counsel many heeded: in 2001, Steve McClaren, then the Scot's assistant, plumped for Middlesbrough, under the auspices of chairman Steve Gibson, ahead of Southampton (under Rupert Lowe) and West Ham (run by Terry Brown). It proved wise guidance then and remains so now: had Solskjaer followed it, then the chances are that he wouldn't have touched Cardiff with a bargepole.
Solskjaer's decision is all the more unlikely as he was one of Ferguson's disciples: at one stage in his United career he noted every single training session. In his later years, he switched his attention to the psychological side of management and kept a diary of Ferguson's team talks; he later admitted borrowing one, almost word for word, and using it to his Molde players when they lost 5-0, provoking a turnaround that led to their first league title.
He was a student of the game as a player; time spent on the bench wasn't wasted, with his intelligence apparent as he identified weaknesses in enemy ranks before he even entered the action. It was no coincidence the great super-sub arrived on the pitch prepared to make a difference.
Now he is a half-time replacement again, parachuted mid-season into Cardiff's relegation battle. He inherits a team with a solitary win in 10 games, which has only scored four times in eight matches and a club where Mackay was understandably popular.
It is an environment where lessons learned from his managerial mentor will be important; so, too, those gleaned from his actual father, the former Norway Greco-Roman wrestling champion. Now he has to grapple with Tan, the interfering owner with an inflated sense of his own importance. It pits the 'baby-faced assassin' alongside and, perhaps, against the villain of the Premier League pantomime.
Thursday, 2 January 2014
Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Andy Murray loses to Florian Mayer at Qatar Open
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray suffered a setback on his return from injury as he ldown, reeling off five straight games in the second and dominating the decider.
"It was amazing," said Mayer. "He was up 6-3 3-0 and the match seemed almost finished. I don't know how I came back."
Murray had looked well set for at least a quarter-final place in Doha after an impressive start against Mayer, moving freely and bristling with positive intent as he moved into a commanding lead.
Mayer, 30, had lost all three of their previous meetings and his challenge appeared to be fading once again, until he hit a rich vein of form midway through the second set.
Five games in a row helped the German level and Murray, forced into a third set for the first time since Britain's Davis Cup win over Croatia in September, ran out of steam in the decider.
Mayer served superbly in the closing stages and wrapped up victory after one hour and 51 minutes.
World number one Rafael Nadal beat Germany's Tobias Kamke 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 and the Spaniard goes on to face seventh seed Ernests Gulbis,who battled past Lukasz Kubot 6-2 4-6 6-3.
st in three sets to Germany's Florian Mayer at the Qatar Open.
Murray, playing his second tour match since recovering from back surgery, was beaten 3-6 6-4 6-2 in the second round.
The Scot, 26, had led by a set and 3-0 but won just three more games as Mayer took control.
Murray and Serbia's Nenad Zimonjic then lost 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares in the doubles.
"I am stiff and sore but that's to be expected," said Murray. "It's more the joints rather than muscles. I have to get used to changing direction and playing at this level again.
"I didn't have high expectations because I have not had many matches. I was playing well and moving well at the beginning. I lost two matches but got through without any niggles or injuries."
After Doha, Murray will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which begins on 13 January. He will go into the year's first Grand Slam having played two exhibition and two ATP Tour singles matches.
The Briton had enjoyed the easiest of tour comebacks on Tuesday when he thrashed world number 2,129 Mousa Zayed 6-0 6-0.
But Mayer, ranked 40th, posed a far tougher test and took control from a set and 3-0
"It was amazing," said Mayer. "He was up 6-3 3-0 and the match seemed almost finished. I don't know how I came back."
Murray had looked well set for at least a quarter-final place in Doha after an impressive start against Mayer, moving freely and bristling with positive intent as he moved into a commanding lead.
Mayer, 30, had lost all three of their previous meetings and his challenge appeared to be fading once again, until he hit a rich vein of form midway through the second set.
Five games in a row helped the German level and Murray, forced into a third set for the first time since Britain's Davis Cup win over Croatia in September, ran out of steam in the decider.
Mayer served superbly in the closing stages and wrapped up victory after one hour and 51 minutes.
World number one Rafael Nadal beat Germany's Tobias Kamke 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 and the Spaniard goes on to face seventh seed Ernests Gulbis,who battled past Lukasz Kubot 6-2 4-6 6-3.
st in three sets to Germany's Florian Mayer at the Qatar Open.
Murray, playing his second tour match since recovering from back surgery, was beaten 3-6 6-4 6-2 in the second round.
The Scot, 26, had led by a set and 3-0 but won just three more games as Mayer took control.
Murray and Serbia's Nenad Zimonjic then lost 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares in the doubles.
"I am stiff and sore but that's to be expected," said Murray. "It's more the joints rather than muscles. I have to get used to changing direction and playing at this level again.
"I didn't have high expectations because I have not had many matches. I was playing well and moving well at the beginning. I lost two matches but got through without any niggles or injuries."
After Doha, Murray will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which begins on 13 January. He will go into the year's first Grand Slam having played two exhibition and two ATP Tour singles matches.
The Briton had enjoyed the easiest of tour comebacks on Tuesday when he thrashed world number 2,129 Mousa Zayed 6-0 6-0.
But Mayer, ranked 40th, posed a far tougher test and took control from a set and 3-0
Sportswoman of the Year: Christine Ohuruogu wins award
Athlete Christine Ohuruogu has been named Sunday Times & Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year for 2013.
The 400m runner became the first British woman to win two Athletics World Championship crowns when she clinched gold in Moscow in August.
"It's such a tough category," said Ohuruogu. "It's great we have women who are excelling. I am genuinely shocked but I'm really happy."
Cyclist Becky James was given the Young Sportswoman of the Year award.
Ohuruogu beat James, dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, cricketer Heather Knight, skeleton bobsledder Shelley Rudman and triathlete Non Stanford to the top award in London.
The 29-year-old later confirmed she intends to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"I think we'll go to Rio, that's the plan," Ohuruogu said. "Obviously, I have to stay injury free. I love what I do. Me and my coach have a great time training and 400m right now is a great event to be in and we have great talent coming through."
Welsh cyclist James won four medals in five days at the UCI track world championships in Minsk in February.
The England netball side won Team of the Year after losing just one Test match in 2013, while Amy Marren, 15, was named Disability Sports Person of the Year after winning six medals at the IPC World Swimming Championship in August.
The 400m runner became the first British woman to win two Athletics World Championship crowns when she clinched gold in Moscow in August.
"It's such a tough category," said Ohuruogu. "It's great we have women who are excelling. I am genuinely shocked but I'm really happy."
Cyclist Becky James was given the Young Sportswoman of the Year award.
Ohuruogu beat James, dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, cricketer Heather Knight, skeleton bobsledder Shelley Rudman and triathlete Non Stanford to the top award in London.
The 29-year-old later confirmed she intends to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"I think we'll go to Rio, that's the plan," Ohuruogu said. "Obviously, I have to stay injury free. I love what I do. Me and my coach have a great time training and 400m right now is a great event to be in and we have great talent coming through."
Welsh cyclist James won four medals in five days at the UCI track world championships in Minsk in February.
The England netball side won Team of the Year after losing just one Test match in 2013, while Amy Marren, 15, was named Disability Sports Person of the Year after winning six medals at the IPC World Swimming Championship in August.
Sherwood convinces as Moyes suffers a setback
MANCHESTER -- Tim Sherwood is truly the anti-AVB. The tactical cage has been thrown open and Sherwood's Spurs have brought risk-taking entertainment back. For the second season in a row, Tottenham have a victory at Old Trafford to celebrate: 3-2 last season, 2-1 this campaign. In only his fifth match in charge, Sherwood has already emulated his predecessor’s best result.
A striker reborn, Emmanuel Adebayor personifies the Sherwood revolution. Exiled by recently sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas but excellent under new boss Sherwood, his first-half header of a Christian Eriksen cross was perfectly executed, the type of finish so rarely seen under AVB.
“No slant on what was here previously, but I maintain Andre did a good job,” said Sherwood before explaining his own philosophy.
“There’s different ways to win a football match. I always like the players who can affect the opposition to play in the opposition half. Let them have their head and go out and enjoy themselves.”
- Crace: Spurs' spirit shines again
- Okwonga: Man Utd succumb in a tale of two flanks
Spurs, for all their troubles and uncertainty, are now three points clear of Manchester United. The champions’ title is all but surrendered, while their push for the top four is in almost as much trouble. The teams ahead of them play with far greater confidence; the top three have vastly stronger resources.
Another midfield disaster pointed to the area where the rebuilding must begin. January has not come a moment too soon, but will they strengthen there or, indeed, anywhere? A splurge should not be expected.
“If I was going to change my mind, it wouldn't be because of what I saw today,” said manager David Moyes when asked if defeat here had him rushing to the sales.
- Okwonga: A tale of two flanks
Eriksen’s goal, which proved to be the winner, came as a result of horrendous defending. With Michael Carrick withdrawn and Wayne Rooney playing as midfield anchor, Spurs streamed forward with ease, and Antonio Valencia proved he is no defender by allowing the Dane to score an unlikely headed goal. Moyes had shown Sherwood-esque risk-taking values, but paid a very different price.
Danny Welbeck’s goal a minute later cut Spurs' lead to 2-1 and began the type of rousing push that was not in evidence a month ago when United suffered twin defeats to Everton and Newcastle.
A penalty claim for Eriksen’s loose challenge on Welbeck came and went, as did a Hugo Lloris challenge on Ashley Young that had Moyes out on the field of play in anger.
Lloris’ feet were high and Young looked to have been clattered. Perhaps the United player paid for his reputation, but this was another questionable decision by referee Howard Webb to follow a litany of them at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea met Liverpool.
“Scandalous,” raged Moyes. “Anywhere else on the pitch and it would be a sending off -- an incredible decision.”
As United chased, Adnan Januzaj came in from the right flank with increasing menace, but dogged defending and goalkeeping dug Spurs out for victory. There was never quite the United relentlessness of their previous management. The delivery of results was certainly different. It never felt as if an equaliser would arrive.
"All you can do is play well and hopefully you take your opportunities when they come. The effort was terrific to try and get back into the game at 2-0 down and we never deserved to be behind," said Moyes, defensively.
Sherwood’s moment of triumph was celebrated in typically brash style. In the postmatch, he never removed the smile from his face. The source of his delight had the side effect of stopping dead the festive revival of United, who badly missed the finishing of Robin van Persie while Rooney was playing at quarter-back as they sought an equaliser.
Welbeck showed -- again -- that he is great at finding space, but by no means a reliable convertor of chances. Too often, his feet get caught, or the ball does not sit right. His goal, a calm conversion of Januzaj’s fine pass, showed the Welbeck is capable -- but far better, more often, is required.
The arrival of United’s season into 2014 sees them with just one win against the Premier League’s top nine, and that was a backs-against-the-wall affair against Arsenal. Revision of those recent six wins in a row is now required: victories against Norwich and Hull City hardly mark out revival, while West Ham, United’s last home opponents, are headed swiftly downward.
United clearly struggle at Old Trafford against teams who fearlessly come at them. Newcastle and Everton did it a month ago, as did West Brom and Southampton prior to that. Tottenham followed the template and, perhaps, there is now no fear for anyone.
United began well, but Adebayor's goal followed a let-off for the hosts when Aaron Lennon should have scored following Roberto Soldado’s switch of play that left Patrice Evra stranded. David De Gea saved well, but was allowed to do so by Lennon’s side-foot finish.
After 15 minutes, that was Tottenham’s first attack, but their confidence grew exponentially, as did United's exasperation over their own missed chances.
Adebayor has not changed completely: He followed Welbeck’s goal with what looked a sit-down protest. Eventually, he was stretchered from the field, which may have been the last we see from him in a while. Still, It was good while it lasted.
“He’s got ice on every part of his body, so we can’t tell what is wrong with him,” said Sherwood of the Togolese. He needs his striker back soon to meet Spurs’ top-four ambitions.
Four into one will not go, and United are fighting it out for the final Champions League place with Spurs and the two Merseyside clubs, who are having their best seasons in years.
The form of Moyes' men at Old Trafford has been especially ruinous. Even if they finish fourth, they will become only the second Premier League champions to finish the next season outside the top three (Blackburn did so in 1995-96).
“The margin for error's been very slim for a long time,” admitted Moyes.
Other than his own, Sherwood was few people’s idea of a Tottenham Hotspur manager, but by playing the type of football their fans approve of, he is beginning to convince.
Moyes’ recent revival of United’s fortunes had achieved something similar. Now, the doubts will circle once more.
A striker reborn, Emmanuel Adebayor personifies the Sherwood revolution. Exiled by recently sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas but excellent under new boss Sherwood, his first-half header of a Christian Eriksen cross was perfectly executed, the type of finish so rarely seen under AVB.
“No slant on what was here previously, but I maintain Andre did a good job,” said Sherwood before explaining his own philosophy.
“There’s different ways to win a football match. I always like the players who can affect the opposition to play in the opposition half. Let them have their head and go out and enjoy themselves.”
- Crace: Spurs' spirit shines again
- Okwonga: Man Utd succumb in a tale of two flanks
Spurs, for all their troubles and uncertainty, are now three points clear of Manchester United. The champions’ title is all but surrendered, while their push for the top four is in almost as much trouble. The teams ahead of them play with far greater confidence; the top three have vastly stronger resources.
Another midfield disaster pointed to the area where the rebuilding must begin. January has not come a moment too soon, but will they strengthen there or, indeed, anywhere? A splurge should not be expected.
“If I was going to change my mind, it wouldn't be because of what I saw today,” said manager David Moyes when asked if defeat here had him rushing to the sales.
- Okwonga: A tale of two flanks
Eriksen’s goal, which proved to be the winner, came as a result of horrendous defending. With Michael Carrick withdrawn and Wayne Rooney playing as midfield anchor, Spurs streamed forward with ease, and Antonio Valencia proved he is no defender by allowing the Dane to score an unlikely headed goal. Moyes had shown Sherwood-esque risk-taking values, but paid a very different price.
Danny Welbeck’s goal a minute later cut Spurs' lead to 2-1 and began the type of rousing push that was not in evidence a month ago when United suffered twin defeats to Everton and Newcastle.
A penalty claim for Eriksen’s loose challenge on Welbeck came and went, as did a Hugo Lloris challenge on Ashley Young that had Moyes out on the field of play in anger.
Lloris’ feet were high and Young looked to have been clattered. Perhaps the United player paid for his reputation, but this was another questionable decision by referee Howard Webb to follow a litany of them at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea met Liverpool.
“Scandalous,” raged Moyes. “Anywhere else on the pitch and it would be a sending off -- an incredible decision.”
As United chased, Adnan Januzaj came in from the right flank with increasing menace, but dogged defending and goalkeeping dug Spurs out for victory. There was never quite the United relentlessness of their previous management. The delivery of results was certainly different. It never felt as if an equaliser would arrive.
"All you can do is play well and hopefully you take your opportunities when they come. The effort was terrific to try and get back into the game at 2-0 down and we never deserved to be behind," said Moyes, defensively.
Sherwood’s moment of triumph was celebrated in typically brash style. In the postmatch, he never removed the smile from his face. The source of his delight had the side effect of stopping dead the festive revival of United, who badly missed the finishing of Robin van Persie while Rooney was playing at quarter-back as they sought an equaliser.
Welbeck showed -- again -- that he is great at finding space, but by no means a reliable convertor of chances. Too often, his feet get caught, or the ball does not sit right. His goal, a calm conversion of Januzaj’s fine pass, showed the Welbeck is capable -- but far better, more often, is required.
The arrival of United’s season into 2014 sees them with just one win against the Premier League’s top nine, and that was a backs-against-the-wall affair against Arsenal. Revision of those recent six wins in a row is now required: victories against Norwich and Hull City hardly mark out revival, while West Ham, United’s last home opponents, are headed swiftly downward.
United clearly struggle at Old Trafford against teams who fearlessly come at them. Newcastle and Everton did it a month ago, as did West Brom and Southampton prior to that. Tottenham followed the template and, perhaps, there is now no fear for anyone.
United began well, but Adebayor's goal followed a let-off for the hosts when Aaron Lennon should have scored following Roberto Soldado’s switch of play that left Patrice Evra stranded. David De Gea saved well, but was allowed to do so by Lennon’s side-foot finish.
After 15 minutes, that was Tottenham’s first attack, but their confidence grew exponentially, as did United's exasperation over their own missed chances.
Adebayor has not changed completely: He followed Welbeck’s goal with what looked a sit-down protest. Eventually, he was stretchered from the field, which may have been the last we see from him in a while. Still, It was good while it lasted.
“He’s got ice on every part of his body, so we can’t tell what is wrong with him,” said Sherwood of the Togolese. He needs his striker back soon to meet Spurs’ top-four ambitions.
Four into one will not go, and United are fighting it out for the final Champions League place with Spurs and the two Merseyside clubs, who are having their best seasons in years.
The form of Moyes' men at Old Trafford has been especially ruinous. Even if they finish fourth, they will become only the second Premier League champions to finish the next season outside the top three (Blackburn did so in 1995-96).
“The margin for error's been very slim for a long time,” admitted Moyes.
Other than his own, Sherwood was few people’s idea of a Tottenham Hotspur manager, but by playing the type of football their fans approve of, he is beginning to convince.
Moyes’ recent revival of United’s fortunes had achieved something similar. Now, the doubts will circle once more.
Milan and Italy's golden boy .............Gianni RIVERA
Few names resonate more powerfully in the history of AC Milan than that of Gianni Rivera, I Rossoneri's 'Golden Boy'.
An old-school No10 seemingly dipped in a cauldron of magic potion as a child, the stylish playmaker brought his outrageous technique and stunning vision to bear as he drove the club on to myriad triumphs during his 19-year stay, cementing his place in Milan legend over 12 seasons as captain.
In addition to his handsome list of titles, Rivera is also remembered fondly for his fascinating rivalry with Sandro Mazzola, his gifted counterpart at Inter Milan. Rarely can a single nation have boasted two men with such sublime talent playing in identical positions during the same period.
Milan move
Originally hailing from the Piedmontese town of Alessandria, Rivera took his first steps in football at local outfit ASD Don Bosco, where he caught the eye of Franco Pedroni. A former Milan midfielder, Pedroni was working as an assistant coach for Alessandria at the time, and Rivera joined the then Serie A side's first-team ranks in 1958 before making his top-flight debut on 2 June the following year.
Soon afterwards, Milan swooped to sign the exciting youngster, and although they promptly loaned him back to Alessandria for a season, they were made to regret the decision when Rivera made his first trip to face his future team-mates on 7 February 1960.
The midfielder introduced himself to the Milan faithful with a fantastic strike in a 1-1 draw, and by the end of the campaign had added a whole new dimension to his game, learning to position himself better on the pitch as he racked up figures of six goals in 26 outings.
With legendary coach Nereo Rocco in the dugout, Rivera then kicked off his Rossoneri career in a 5-1 defeat of Bologna on 9 October the same year. It was to prove the start of a wonderful association between the two men, the promising newcomer and the wilful coach forging a powerful connection.
"He was an unforgettable character who radiated such joie de vivre, tremendous vitality and incredible humanity," said Rivera. "He had all the best qualities that a human being can have. He was like a father or an older brother who always gave the right advice."
Above all, in an era dominated by city neighbours Inter, the duo – along with the likes of Cesare Maldini and Giovanni Trapattoni – helped Milan recover from losing a number of departed legends to restate their credentials.
All-round ability
In the early stages of his spell with Milan, Rivera was taken aside by club icon Juan Alberto Schiaffino and told that any player hoping to become a complete footballer needed to score goals, orchestrate moves and help out in defence.
The newcomer took those words to heart, and during his 19 years with Il Diavolo he would drag his team to victory almost single-handedly when necessary, while letting his exceptional technique do the talking if circumstances permitted.
Boosted by their No10's all-round ability, Milan soon had the silverware to prove it too, amassing a healthy collection of trophies in the Rivera years, including three Scudetti, two European Cups and an Intercontinental Cup.
In personal terms, the schemer plundered 128 Serie A goals (122 for Milan) and 173 in all competitions from a total of 527 games, but beyond the bare statistics it was his response to a challenge and sheer influence on proceedings that impressed the most.
Quite simply, all eyes were on Rivera as he patrolled the pitch, in an era when the No10 shirt was the exclusive domain of the fuoriclasse (extraordinary players), their role being to pull the strings in midfield and set the tempo of a game – not just for their colleagues but for the entire stadium as well.
"I've never seen myself in another player," explained Rivera recently, in the lead-up to his 70th birthday. "There have been other great No10s in Italy like [Roberto] Baggio, [Alessandro] Del Piero or [Francesco] Totti, but each of them have their own style, their own characteristics.
"In any case, a copy is never as good as the original. That shirt number just doesn't have the same significance today. For me, the end of that mythical number is also the end of a heroic and nostalgic football age."
Final frustration
Perhaps, but Rivera's heyday is far from forgotten, and for Italian football fans his name remains indelibly linked with that of his great rival Sandro Mazzola and the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico™.
Rivera made his Italy bow in a 3-1 win against Belgium on 13 May 1962 and picked up the last of his 60 caps (14 goals) when La Nazionale drew 1-1 with Argentina on 19 June 1974. In between, he helped his country triumph at the 1968 UEFA European Championship and took part in four FIFA World Cups, contesting nine finals games.
Nevertheless, the tone for much of his international career was dictated by Ferruccio Valcareggi, Italy's brilliant coach from 1967 to 1974, who was convinced that Rivera and Mazzola could not play together. As a result, Italy's regular line-up at the time featured 12 names: Albertosi; Burgnich, Bertini, Rosato, Facchetti; Cera, Domenghini, Mazzola (then Rivera), Boninsegna; De Sisti, Riva. In this scheme, Mazzola lined up at the start of matches before being replaced by Rivera after half-time.
Opinions on Valcareggi's infamous staffetta (relay) were divided to say the least, but the system tended to work well, with Rivera coming on at the break to notch Italy's last goal in extra time during their 4-3 FIFA World Cup semi-final win against West Germany on 17 June 1970. Four days later, La Squadra Azzurra took on Brazil in the showpiece, and the two sides went in with the scoreline level at 1-1 after 45 minutes.
With everyone expecting to see Rivera stride out for the second half, eyebrows were raised when Mazzola resumed his role, and the Milan man had to keep the bench warm until the last six minutes, after Brazil had already added goals via Gerson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. Angered by the 4-1 reverse, and the treatment of Ballon d'Or winner Rivera, Italy's supporters rained rotten tomatoes down on the squad when they touched back down on home soil.
Life after retirement
Milan's Golden Boy ultimately called time on his playing days after facing Lazio on 13 May 1979, a week on from winning his final Serie A title under Nils Liedholm. Having long since earned himself legend status at the club, Rivera was swiftly appointed Vice-President, and he held the post for seven years until Silvio Berlusconi took over the presidency. "It quickly became clear that it would be impossible for me to continue in my role while having a different outlook to his," said Rivera, who subsequently withdrew from football.
Instead, he switched his focus to politics and set about experiencing success in a whole new realm, entering Italy's parliament and serving as an under-secretary for Defence before becoming a member of the European Parliament. Then, on 4 August 2010, after being put forward by Giancarlo Abete, the President of the Italian Football Association (FIGC), Rivera was appointed head of the FIGC's youth and schools sector. Back involved in the game, he has since been passing on his formidable knowhow.
An old-school No10 seemingly dipped in a cauldron of magic potion as a child, the stylish playmaker brought his outrageous technique and stunning vision to bear as he drove the club on to myriad triumphs during his 19-year stay, cementing his place in Milan legend over 12 seasons as captain.
In addition to his handsome list of titles, Rivera is also remembered fondly for his fascinating rivalry with Sandro Mazzola, his gifted counterpart at Inter Milan. Rarely can a single nation have boasted two men with such sublime talent playing in identical positions during the same period.
Milan move
Originally hailing from the Piedmontese town of Alessandria, Rivera took his first steps in football at local outfit ASD Don Bosco, where he caught the eye of Franco Pedroni. A former Milan midfielder, Pedroni was working as an assistant coach for Alessandria at the time, and Rivera joined the then Serie A side's first-team ranks in 1958 before making his top-flight debut on 2 June the following year.
Soon afterwards, Milan swooped to sign the exciting youngster, and although they promptly loaned him back to Alessandria for a season, they were made to regret the decision when Rivera made his first trip to face his future team-mates on 7 February 1960.
The midfielder introduced himself to the Milan faithful with a fantastic strike in a 1-1 draw, and by the end of the campaign had added a whole new dimension to his game, learning to position himself better on the pitch as he racked up figures of six goals in 26 outings.
With legendary coach Nereo Rocco in the dugout, Rivera then kicked off his Rossoneri career in a 5-1 defeat of Bologna on 9 October the same year. It was to prove the start of a wonderful association between the two men, the promising newcomer and the wilful coach forging a powerful connection.
"He was an unforgettable character who radiated such joie de vivre, tremendous vitality and incredible humanity," said Rivera. "He had all the best qualities that a human being can have. He was like a father or an older brother who always gave the right advice."
Above all, in an era dominated by city neighbours Inter, the duo – along with the likes of Cesare Maldini and Giovanni Trapattoni – helped Milan recover from losing a number of departed legends to restate their credentials.
All-round ability
In the early stages of his spell with Milan, Rivera was taken aside by club icon Juan Alberto Schiaffino and told that any player hoping to become a complete footballer needed to score goals, orchestrate moves and help out in defence.
The newcomer took those words to heart, and during his 19 years with Il Diavolo he would drag his team to victory almost single-handedly when necessary, while letting his exceptional technique do the talking if circumstances permitted.
Boosted by their No10's all-round ability, Milan soon had the silverware to prove it too, amassing a healthy collection of trophies in the Rivera years, including three Scudetti, two European Cups and an Intercontinental Cup.
In personal terms, the schemer plundered 128 Serie A goals (122 for Milan) and 173 in all competitions from a total of 527 games, but beyond the bare statistics it was his response to a challenge and sheer influence on proceedings that impressed the most.
Quite simply, all eyes were on Rivera as he patrolled the pitch, in an era when the No10 shirt was the exclusive domain of the fuoriclasse (extraordinary players), their role being to pull the strings in midfield and set the tempo of a game – not just for their colleagues but for the entire stadium as well.
"I've never seen myself in another player," explained Rivera recently, in the lead-up to his 70th birthday. "There have been other great No10s in Italy like [Roberto] Baggio, [Alessandro] Del Piero or [Francesco] Totti, but each of them have their own style, their own characteristics.
"In any case, a copy is never as good as the original. That shirt number just doesn't have the same significance today. For me, the end of that mythical number is also the end of a heroic and nostalgic football age."
Final frustration
Perhaps, but Rivera's heyday is far from forgotten, and for Italian football fans his name remains indelibly linked with that of his great rival Sandro Mazzola and the 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico™.
Rivera made his Italy bow in a 3-1 win against Belgium on 13 May 1962 and picked up the last of his 60 caps (14 goals) when La Nazionale drew 1-1 with Argentina on 19 June 1974. In between, he helped his country triumph at the 1968 UEFA European Championship and took part in four FIFA World Cups, contesting nine finals games.
Nevertheless, the tone for much of his international career was dictated by Ferruccio Valcareggi, Italy's brilliant coach from 1967 to 1974, who was convinced that Rivera and Mazzola could not play together. As a result, Italy's regular line-up at the time featured 12 names: Albertosi; Burgnich, Bertini, Rosato, Facchetti; Cera, Domenghini, Mazzola (then Rivera), Boninsegna; De Sisti, Riva. In this scheme, Mazzola lined up at the start of matches before being replaced by Rivera after half-time.
Opinions on Valcareggi's infamous staffetta (relay) were divided to say the least, but the system tended to work well, with Rivera coming on at the break to notch Italy's last goal in extra time during their 4-3 FIFA World Cup semi-final win against West Germany on 17 June 1970. Four days later, La Squadra Azzurra took on Brazil in the showpiece, and the two sides went in with the scoreline level at 1-1 after 45 minutes.
With everyone expecting to see Rivera stride out for the second half, eyebrows were raised when Mazzola resumed his role, and the Milan man had to keep the bench warm until the last six minutes, after Brazil had already added goals via Gerson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. Angered by the 4-1 reverse, and the treatment of Ballon d'Or winner Rivera, Italy's supporters rained rotten tomatoes down on the squad when they touched back down on home soil.
Life after retirement
Milan's Golden Boy ultimately called time on his playing days after facing Lazio on 13 May 1979, a week on from winning his final Serie A title under Nils Liedholm. Having long since earned himself legend status at the club, Rivera was swiftly appointed Vice-President, and he held the post for seven years until Silvio Berlusconi took over the presidency. "It quickly became clear that it would be impossible for me to continue in my role while having a different outlook to his," said Rivera, who subsequently withdrew from football.
Instead, he switched his focus to politics and set about experiencing success in a whole new realm, entering Italy's parliament and serving as an under-secretary for Defence before becoming a member of the European Parliament. Then, on 4 August 2010, after being put forward by Giancarlo Abete, the President of the Italian Football Association (FIGC), Rivera was appointed head of the FIGC's youth and schools sector. Back involved in the game, he has since been passing on his formidable knowhow.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Khan in the frame for Mayweather Jr bout
Amir Khan is in contention to fight unbeaten welterweight star Floyd Mayweather on May 3 according to the head of the American's promoters Showtime Sports, but a dream bout between 'Money' and Manny Pacquaio is looking less likely to happen.
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, Showtime vice president Stephen Espinoza admitted Khan is in the frame for a money-spinning fight with Mayweather Jr, but also stated the world champion is yet to make up his mind on his next opponent.
David Haye pulled out of his scheduled bout with Tyson Fury twice © Getty ImagesWill Tyson Fury get a title shot next year? Will Amir Khan take on Kell Brook? Will Audley Harrison come out of retirement (again)?Watch and vote as Steve Bunce and Barry Jones share their boxing predictions for 2014
"Khan is definitely one of the leading contenders for the fight," Espinoza told The Telegraph. "I know Amir wants the fight. Floyd hasn't made a decision. I expect an announcement by mid-January or the end of January.
"It is still wide open. Floyd has not made a decision yet about who he is going to fight on May 3. Obviously, Marcos Maidana is making a late case and a strong argument for the fight, but Amir is definitely there in the conversation."
On his last outing in September, Mayweather Jr, defeated Saul Alvarez in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in Las Vegas. Khan last fought in April when he saw off Julio Diaz by unanimous decision in Sheffield.
Mayweather Jr recently stated a fight with the Filipino would "never happen" while his rival remained with promoter Bob Arum - something which Espinoza believes will continue to hinder the chances of a superfight.
The 36-year-old has long been touted to step into the ring with former pound-for-pound king Pacquaio, but Espinoza is sceptical over whether the desired clash will ever be made.
"I'd like to say I'm optimistic but there is a lot of politics involved," Espinoza said. "[There is] A lot of history to resolve. Unfortunately, until Manny Pacquiao changes his promotional representation, I'm not optimistic that it can happen.
"I know Floyd is not the issue. Floyd wants the fight. Floyd will fight Manny Pacquiao anywhere, any time. Unfortunately, there is a promotional conflict which are the
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, Showtime vice president Stephen Espinoza admitted Khan is in the frame for a money-spinning fight with Mayweather Jr, but also stated the world champion is yet to make up his mind on his next opponent.
David Haye pulled out of his scheduled bout with Tyson Fury twice © Getty ImagesWill Tyson Fury get a title shot next year? Will Amir Khan take on Kell Brook? Will Audley Harrison come out of retirement (again)?Watch and vote as Steve Bunce and Barry Jones share their boxing predictions for 2014
"Khan is definitely one of the leading contenders for the fight," Espinoza told The Telegraph. "I know Amir wants the fight. Floyd hasn't made a decision. I expect an announcement by mid-January or the end of January.
"It is still wide open. Floyd has not made a decision yet about who he is going to fight on May 3. Obviously, Marcos Maidana is making a late case and a strong argument for the fight, but Amir is definitely there in the conversation."
On his last outing in September, Mayweather Jr, defeated Saul Alvarez in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in Las Vegas. Khan last fought in April when he saw off Julio Diaz by unanimous decision in Sheffield.
Mayweather Jr recently stated a fight with the Filipino would "never happen" while his rival remained with promoter Bob Arum - something which Espinoza believes will continue to hinder the chances of a superfight.
The 36-year-old has long been touted to step into the ring with former pound-for-pound king Pacquaio, but Espinoza is sceptical over whether the desired clash will ever be made.
"I'd like to say I'm optimistic but there is a lot of politics involved," Espinoza said. "[There is] A lot of history to resolve. Unfortunately, until Manny Pacquiao changes his promotional representation, I'm not optimistic that it can happen.
"I know Floyd is not the issue. Floyd wants the fight. Floyd will fight Manny Pacquiao anywhere, any time. Unfortunately, there is a promotional conflict which are the
Murray enjoys double bagel in Doha3
Andy Murray didn't drop a single game as he waltzed into the second round of the Qatar Open.
Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon © APAt the end of a season packed with thrills, spills, upsets and historic achievements, picks out his stand-out moments from a year that will live long in the memory for tennis fans - especially those of us in the UK.Read more from Chris Wilkinson here
The Wimbledon champion, returning to competitive action after several months out following back surgery, recorded a 6-0 6-0 victory over local wildcard Mousa Shanan Zayed - ranked 2129 in the world.
Murray never really got out of first gear and needed just 37 minutes to see off the 19-year-old, who won just 17 points in the whole match - none of which were on his opponent's serve.
Murray, who had an operation on his back in September, returned to action on Boxing Day at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before beating Stan Wawrinka to finish fifth.
The first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open, begins on January 13.
Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon © APAt the end of a season packed with thrills, spills, upsets and historic achievements, picks out his stand-out moments from a year that will live long in the memory for tennis fans - especially those of us in the UK.Read more from Chris Wilkinson here
The Wimbledon champion, returning to competitive action after several months out following back surgery, recorded a 6-0 6-0 victory over local wildcard Mousa Shanan Zayed - ranked 2129 in the world.
Murray never really got out of first gear and needed just 37 minutes to see off the 19-year-old, who won just 17 points in the whole match - none of which were on his opponent's serve.
Murray, who had an operation on his back in September, returned to action on Boxing Day at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before beating Stan Wawrinka to finish fifth.
The first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open, begins on January 13.
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