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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Grow up, Balotelli (THE SUN)


Grow up, Balo

Mario Balotelli
'IMMATURE' ... Italy's controversial striker Balotelli
EXCLUSIVE
By PAUL SMITH
Last Updated: 01st July 2012

MARIO BALOTELLI has been told to ‘grow up’ if he wants to make the most of his incredible talent.

The message comes from a fellow Italian star who has had to battle more than his own fair share of demons.
Antonio Cassano has struggled with temperament problems, a ballooning waistline, fitness issues and a lack of faith from national team coaches. So he is well qualified to offer some helpful advice to his strike partner.
Manchester City marksman Balotelli has taken Euro 2012 by storm and faces Spain in tonight’s final.
But a volatile personality, on and off the field, has frequently overshadowed his remarkable skill and led critics to claim the 21-year-old is a walking time bomb.
Even so, Cassano insists Balotelli’s future remains in his own hands and that only he can determine whether he goes on to become a world great or a tragic victim of his own shortcomings.
He declared: “Balotelli is young and still needs to mature. He is also emotive and sometimes his temperament can be his own worst enemy.
“But he has fire in his stomach and it makes him strong, so you have to be careful how you handle him.
“To tame him would be wrong, though he has to learn to control his emotions and direct them in a positive way. Only he can decide whether he wants it all or whether it all goes to waste. I have great empathy with him and know how hard it is, especially when occasionally you think the whole world is against you.
“But at the moment Balotelli is on top of the world, very focused and dreaming of making Italy champions.
“As a strike partnership we are working very well together and giving Italy self-respect in difficult times.”
For Cassano, playing in the Euro 2012 final was once a far-off fantasy.
Mario Balotelli
DON'T PRESS ME ... Balotelli watches as his team-mates do press-ups
Last October, the AC Milan striker’s presence at the tournament looked unlikely after surgeons discovered he had a severe heart defect.
Returning from a game in Rome, he suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in an artery supplying the brain. He was left requiring surgery to repair a hole in his heart.
Cassano faced a long and uncertain wait on the sidelines before doctors gave him the all-clear to return.
Marcello Lippi overlooked him entirely for the 2010 World Cup, although the 29-year-old has rarely enjoyed regular football with the national side since his debut in 2003.
He admitted: “Reaching this final will mark the most important point in my career.
“I never thought it would happen. I am just grateful to be here. I never lose sight of how lucky I am.
“It has been a long battle back to fitness but I never expected this. It was really just a distant dream.” A week before the Italian party arrived at the Euros, they found themselves embroiled in more match-fixing allegations surrounding the national game.
Police even stormed the Italy HQ and arrested Juventus coach Antonio Conte and defender Domenico Criscito, who was subsequently axed from the squad.
Ironically, the last time they entered a tournament in similar circumstances, the Azzurri rallied together to win the World Cup in 2006.
Yet even though the omens are good ahead of tonight’s showdown in Kiev, Cassano revealed it has tarnished Italian football.
He said: “The sad thing is we are making headlines for all the wrong reasons because of these match-fixing allegations.
“But this is the perfect opportunity to make them for the right reasons, to show the world Italy can also make headlines for sporting success rather than scandal.
“Naturally, it has had an impact on the team because we are normal people. But, in a way, it has given us a greater incentive to do well and make Italian people proud.
“We are under no illusions we face a difficult match against Spain. In the group phase there was nothing between the two teams in a 1-1 draw.
“But now the circumstances are completely different. It’s all or nothing. I think the first goal will be decisive. If we can can open the scoring, I’m convinced we will be champions.
“In Andrea Pirlo, we have the only candidate for Player of the Tournament if Italy win. He plays like a juvenile, full of strength and quality.
“Yet it would be unfair on the other players to say that Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Balotelli have carried us to this point. We fight as a team, win as a team and, if it happens, we will lose as a team.
“I know many of the Spanish players well and they take great success and experience into the final.
“There will be nerves and there will be tears. But, for Italy, I hope they are tears of joy.”
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Murray’s late, great win (THE SUN)



Andy Murray
LAST HURRAH ... Murray hails his triumph
By STEVE BRENNER
Published: Today at 00:34

THIS was Andy Murray in a hurry.

A late-night three-hour thriller under the Centre Court roof ticked past the 11pm SW19 playing curfew.
Wimbledon council had stipulated play must stop at that time to allow fans the chance to get back home.
For a moment, it looked like everyone would have to come back on Monday and wait for the Brit to finish off the job.
That would have been a nightmare. But Murray was able to motor through the final set against battling Marcos Baghdatis to win 7-5 3-6 7-5 6-1 and set up a last-16 clash with Croat Marin Cillic.
It was vital the Scot got the job done last night — the rest with no play today before the resumption on Monday is crucial.
Murray can ease a stiff knee and get ready for what already promises to be an epic second week.
From the outset though, this third-round clash never looked like a match which would be straight-forward.
Baghdatis, after all, has real pedigree. The Cypriot got to the Aussie Open semi-final in 2006.
He is no pushover — and so it proved. The first set was tight with neither player giving an inch. It was going with serve.
Murray gave everyone a scare when he slipped over. Another injury problem for the Brit?
He looked shaken but dusted himself down and resumed battle.
At 4-3, Baghdatis almost sneaked ahead. He went 0-40 up on the Scot’s serve.
A break at this point would have been huge. Murray, though, somehow pulled it out of the bag, managing to sneak up towards advantage. The Brit hit long, it was called out and Hawk-Eye proved it was just in. It was so close but the relief seemed to fire our man.
Murray and Baghdatis under the Centre Court roof
ELEVENTH-HOUR DRAMA ... Murray and Baghdatis battle on until 11.02pm
A poor drop shot from Baghdatis gave Murray the break and he served out to take the set.
Night was closing in, but onwards they went.
Murray’s mood went downhill. The old rantings and ravings were back and a loose game saw Baghdatis break to get 4-2 up.
The world No 42 is a real battler. But he has plenty of quality in his locker too. He was on top and all of a sudden it was 6-3 and game well and truly on at one set all.
With the clock ticking towards to 9pm, SW19 chiefs had no option but to close the roof as the light faded.
The players came out 30 minutes later with the Scot’s left knee taped up.
Murray failed to take break points as the third went to 2-2. In the very next game he was made to pay — the Cypriot smoking a cracking forehand down the line to bag a vital break.
Murray had an instant chance to hit straight back but failed to take it. Baghdatis was firmly in the driving seat, But some luck in the shape of a couple of flicks off the net helped Murray steady himself.
And when he broke back for 4-4 and then took the lead, this famous old arena’s new roof almost blew off.
Murray held serve and then a sweet drop shot forced Baghdatis to fire into the net. Set point for the Brit which he took with a cracking forehand. It was 10.36 pm though. There wasn’t much time left before the 11pm cut-off point. Murray was trying to win at breakneck speed. He failed to take three break points, but a Baghdatis double fault gave the Brit ace a 2-0 lead.
The clock was ticking but so was the scoreboard — in Murray’s favour.
He went 4-1 up but there were just three minutes remaining. And he broke as the clock ticked on to 11pm.
Three minutes later Baghdatis hit long and the game was up.
Murray had beaten the clock — and the bloke at the other end of the court. Time for hopes to soar once more.
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Stop blaming Roo (THE SUN)



Wayne Rooney
BELOW-PAR AGAIN ... tournament flop Wayne Rooney
By ROB BEASLEY
Last Updated: 01st July 2012

STEVEN GERRARD insists Wayne Rooney should not be made the scapegoat for England’s Euro 2012 failure.

The England skipper says it is unrealistic to expect the Manchester United star to win tournaments “on his own.”
And he fears the huge weight of expectation on Rooney could be part of the reason the Three Lions striker failed to deliver again.
Gerrard said: “I just think that ever since Wayne has been around, and because of his performances in Euro 2004, there is an expectation that he comes to these tournaments and wins them all on his own.
“I just think that’s unfair — especially when it goes wrong and people then point to Wayne and his performances and blame him.
“But the responsibility has to be on all 23 players.
“It’s unfair to look at Wayne and say because he didn’t play well it’s the reason why we haven’t won.
“I’ve mentioned on many occasions that at this level the biggest thing is to play without expectation, without fear.
“So it’s only normal that at times Wayne is brought down because of that expectation, because everyone expects and wants him to do well.”
Rooney, 26, is copping plenty of flak for his lacklustre displays in Ukraine.
Just as he did after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
But Gerrard believes the Three Lions’ inability to retain possession is the biggest problem.
Boss Roy Hodgson saw his side crash out of the Euros on penalties against Italy in the quarter-finals.
And Liverpool midfield star Gerrard said: “It’s a mixture of different things — options, tiredness, technique.
“We can all look at it and try and improve. If we don’t, well, then we are not going to be successful.”
Gerrard, 32, says he is in for the long haul all the way to the Brazil World Cup in 2014.
He said: “Since Roy has come in he’s made it very clear he wants me around and wants me to be a help to the young players — and that my ability can still help the team.
“But I will speak to the manager in more detail and will find out what he wants my role to be.
“I’m sure he understands that with my age and my body, I need to be managed properly to have a big impact on this team and also Liverpool.
“The easy decision for me would be to walk away from all of this and say I want to prolong my Liverpool career. But the experiences I’ve had with this team over the last four games have been fantastic.
“I have enjoyed every minute of this tournament, except going out to Italy.
“And I still feel I’m good enough to have an impact at this level.”
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Hail Cesare! Prandelli's troops can slay Spain (THE SUN)



ALL GOING TO PRAN ... Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is Kammy's manager of the tournament
ALL GOING TO PRAN ... Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is Kammy's manager of the tournament
 By CHRIS KAMARA
Published: 30th June 2012

I HOLD my hands up — Italy have proved me wrong at Euro 2012.

The way the Azzurri played in their 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany was outstanding.
Going into the tournament, they had problems with another match-fixing scandal and had threatened to withdraw from the competition, so to get to the final is an achievement in itself.
But now many people are saying they could beat Spain — the current European and World champions — which is one hell of an accolade.
Their improvement has been remarkable. I’ve been in love with Andrea Pirlo ever since the tournament started, but there are other players who have stepped up to the plate.
Defender Leonardo Bonucci was brilliant against the Germans and Mario Balotelli was every inch a world-class player on the night.
When you have history people think you are going to revert to type, but give the fella his due.
To treat the German defence with the contempt that the Manchester City striker did was unbelievable and his work-rate was top notch.
And now, with the confidence they have gained from progressing through the tournament, you cannot write off Italy in this final.
BAL OF THE BALL ... Mario Balotelli scored two super goals against Germany
BAL OF THE BALL ... Mario Balotelli scored two super goals against Germany
The Italians did their homework really well on the Germans. They survived the first 20 minutes of the game and then dominated.
They did what all good Italian teams do which is defend well and attack teams on the break. It is certainly something we can learn from.
The Italian manager, Cesare Prandelli, is my boss of the tournament.
He has been phenomenal. His tactics and organisation, coupled with his man-management skills, have helped turn an average side into a very good outfit.
However, Italy are up against the best team in the world.
It is going to be extremely hard for them to win it as I haven’t seen anyone outplay Spain.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side have the best back five on the planet and simply don’t look like conceding.
As well as Portugal fared in the semi-final, how many chances did they actually create?
Cristiano Ronaldo was in Gerard Pique’s pocket. The Real Madrid maestro never got a kick.
The one area which they seem a little limited is up front. David Villa, ruled out of the tournament through injury, has been a big miss.
UNTOUCHABLE ... Kammy reckons Spain could go down in history as the greatest ever
UNTOUCHABLE ... Kammy reckons Spain could go down in history as the greatest ever
Having said that, I reckon Italy will be hoping Del Bosque deploys a striker.
If you are a defender, you want somebody to mark. Prandelli’s defence looked very comfortable against everything the Germans threw at them up top.
If there is nothing up against them, it could unnerve the defenders and, for that reason, I feel Del Bosque may opt for Cesc Fabregas in a ‘false nine’ position.
It is never easy to compare today’s teams with those of the past.
You have to say, though, that if Spain become the first team to win three consecutive major trophies, they will probably go down as the greatest of all time.
We had a good team in 1966, in the 70s there were the Brazilians, while the Dutch have had their moments along with Argentina.
But what Spain have achieved in the last four or five years has been untouchable.
Nonetheless, I still expect this game to be extremely tactical and very cagey.
Both teams will enjoy their possession. The ball will be screaming for a rest at the end because it will have had so many touches!
It’s a hard one to call but I think it might go all the way to penalties.
And with the way Italy have lit up this competition, it would be a brave man who bets against them.
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Balo-telly set to break Euro records Spain v Italy, ko: 7.45pm (THE SUN)



Mario Balotelli
FINAL COUNTDOWN ... Mario Balotelli prepares for Euro final yesterday
Last Updated: 01st July 2012

MARIO BALOTELLI is set to become Mario BaloTELLY tonight.

A record 250million viewers worldwide are expected to watch the Italy striker try to spank Spain in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
That figure will include an incredible 25million in the UK — the highest-ever viewing figure here for a European Championship clash and the third- highest UK TV audience for a football match.
Broadcasting chiefs insist it is the displays of madcap Manchester City striker Balo which have caught the imagination of the armchair fans.
An industry source said: “The audience figures for Euro 2012 have been much better than expected. We feared many viewers would give it a miss.
“England’s display in qualifying from their group and the emergence of the Italians has resonated with fans across the UK.
“There is no doubt the ‘Balotelli factor’ has played a major part in the rising audience figures.
“I don’t think the viewers know what he will do next — and that makes for great television.”
Official ratings already achieved by Euro 2012 matches suggest the final viewing figure will beat the 237million who saw Spain’s title-winning victory against Germany four years ago.
The biggest audience for a football match in the UK remains the 32.5million who watched England triumph in the 1966 World Cup final.

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AVB will be Spurs hit (THE SUN)



Andre Villas-Boas
L0NDON CALLING AGAIN ... AVB is backed to be a success second time around
Last Updated: 01st July 2012

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS will be a huge success as Tottenham manager.

That is the verdict of Porto and Portugal star Joao Moutinho, tipped to be AVB’s first White Hart Lane signing.
He said: “AVB is one of the best coaches I’ve worked with. I’d work with him again tomorrow.
“I don’t really know what happened at Chelsea — but when you employ a new coach you have to give him time.”
Villas-Boas was sacked by Chelsea in March, just eight months into a three-year contract.
He is set to be named as Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham successor within the next 48 hours.
Moutinho, 25, won the Europa League under AVB at Porto and believes he will be far stronger for his traumatic experience at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “You can’t always base his progress on results. If players are obstructive it makes the job very difficult.
“Perhaps in the end he was judged more on immediate results than he was on his long-term vision.
“All I do know is he did a fantastic job at Porto.
“He didn’t win the league title and the Europa League by chance.
“But then he had a set of players who bought into his ideas and were enthusiastic and supportive.
“He was very much like Pep Guardiola was at Barcelona. He loved to deploy systems to bring the best out of the players.
“I remember talking to him about England when he was poised to leave.
“He was so enthusiastic, he was so determined to make a success of it.
“AVB isn’t the type to want revenge, his only motivation is to prove to people that he can be a success in England.”
Moutinho is shocked that AVB, 34, appeared to have so many problems with players at Chelsea.
He added: “I didn’t see his age as a problem. At Porto it brought him closer to the players. The players loved him.”
Moutinho also claims that AVB was a lot calmer than Jose Mourinho.
He added: “They both demand discipline but Mourinho was a lot harder when things went badly.”
The midfielder, who played in Portugal’s Euro 2012 semi-final defeat to Spain, is valued at around £25million by Porto.
Manchester United are ready to battle Spurs for his signature.
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Stroof! Andy in late-night triumph... now he's eyeing title (THE SUN)



Andy Murray
ELEVENTH HOUR ... Andy Murray celebrates his late-night win
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today at 00:23

ANDY MURRAY beat the clock to complete a moonwalk into the last 16 at Wimbledon.

The Brit finally finished off gritty Marcos Baghdatis at 11.03pm and made history with the latest-ever finish at the All England Club.
Officials had earlier insisted the match — under the roof on Centre Court — would stop at 11pm no matter what.
And a relieved Murray said: “I’m glad it went on for a few more minutes.
“When I went 4-1 up in the fourth set I tried not to sit down between games and was told that we would have one more game.
“I broke him and thought we were done. They kept showing on the screen that play would finish regardless.
“I’m not really sure what the rules are about this. Maybe it’s health and safety, maybe the tournament gets a fine? I don’t know.”
OVERTIME ... scoreboard clocks the late finish
OVERTIME ... scoreboard clocks the late finish
Murray raced through the last set in just 28 minutes — the fastest of the entire three-hour match.
It means he can now enjoy his time off today with a clash against Marin Cilic safely set up for tomorrow.
Typically, Murray put his fans through the mill and added to the drama by hurting his knee before winning 7-5 3-6 7-5 6-1 in a match interrupted for 35 minutes while the roof was closed.
The world No 4 said: “I took a tumble. My foot went from under me.
“During the break it felt sore so I got the physio to strap it up. It was ok.”
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