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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: April 2012

Champions League: The Spanish Giants crash out!

Posted on by Luciano Giuliano

The unthinkable has happened! The Spanish giants – Barcelona and Real Madrid – crash out of the Champions League after the semi-final second legs in Spain!

The first leg in Germany ended in a 2-1 result for the German side with Mario Gomez bagging the game winner in the dyeing moments of the game after Mesut Ozil temporarily equalised for the Merengues.

All Real Madrid needed is a 1-0 win to advance to the final; Bayern needing only a scoreless draw. But, the Germans are always tough competition especially with the motivation of playing at home in the final.

Luck was swinging in Madrid’s direction as David Alaba of Munich handled the ball in the box in the 6th minute. Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and converted the penalty. 1-0 Real Madrid! 2-2 on aggregate.

Ronaldo was not done yet as he doubled Los Blancos’ tally with a second goal in the 14th minute, giving Real Madrid a 2-0 lead in the game and 3-2 on aggregate. He has scored 10 goals in 10 matches in this year’s edition of the Champions League and a whopping 42 goals in La Liga. Stupendous!

Bayern now needed a goal to equalise and to force extra time. Lo and behold, their prayers were answered in the 27th minute! Dutch international, Arjen Robben popped in the aggregate equaliser from the penalty spot as Mario Gomez was pushed in the area by Real defender Pepe. 3-3 on aggregate!

It ended 2-1 at the end of regulation and needed extra time to decide the encounter. After the added 30 minutes, the match terminated with no goals poached by either side. Off to the dreaded PKs we go!

The Germans were up first and sent 19-year old Austrian youngster, David Alaba who converted successfully. 1-0 Bayern!

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo remarkably had his penalty saved. Still 1-0 Bayern!

Mario Gomez was up next and converted with ease putting Bayern up 2-0!

Second half Madrid substitute, Kaka, placed the ball low and firm but was also stopped by Manuel Neuer – the Bayern ‘keeper. Still 2-0 Bayern at this point!

Kroos side-footed his effort but was directed low and was stopped easily by Iker Casillas. It remained 2-0 Bayern!

Next was Spanish playmaker, Xabi Alonso, who converts and finally puts the Merengues on the scoreboard. 2-1 Bayern!

Bayern captain, Philipp Lahm had the chance to put the Germans up by 2 goals but failed to penetrate the goal line as he was denied by a comfortable save by the Madrid No 1. 2-1 Bayern!

Here it is! Madrid’s final chance. Sergio Ramos steps up to take it. He runs, stutters, runs again, winds up, and……blasts it over the net! 2-1 Bayern!

It all comes down to Bayern’s last shot. None other than German-born Bastian Schweinsteiger is chosen to shoot last. If Casillas stops it, Real has a chance to tie. If it is converted, the Germans go through. Schweiny steps up and drives the ball high and to the right leaving Casillas no chance as he dives the wrong way! 3-1Bayern!

This result sets up a Bayern Munich v Chelsea final at the Allianz Arena in Germany on May 19.

The Spanish giants are out! Who would have thought?!

…and that’s the last word!

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #20: Pontus Aberg

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 37th Overall by the Nashville Predators.

 

Pontus Aberg (Åberg) is the third of the trio of Swedish “berg’s” we have ranked in the first round.  He follows the previously profiled Filip Forsberg and Sebastian Collberg.  Aberg is a left winger who has spent the majority of this season playing for Djurgardens in the Swedish Elite League.  Aberg was nominated for the Elitserien rookie of the year award but eventually lost out to Minnesota Wild Prospect Johan Larsson.

Left Wing
Born Sep 23 1993 – Stockholm, Swe.
Height 5.11 — Weight 187 — Shoots R

2011-12 Djurgardens IF Stockholm SEL 47 8 7 15 6 -3

Aberg burst onto the scouting scene at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka tournament, and never looked back.  He also played for Sweden at the 2011 IIHF World Under 18 tournament.  Aberg combined to score 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points over just 9 games in the two tournaments.   Aberg also made this year’s Swedish World Junior Championship Team, however he suffered an injury in the pre-tournament exhibition games and was forced out of the tournament.

They say that speed kills, and if thats true then Aberg is a stone cold killer.  He’s an extremely fast skater, with great top end speed.  He’s agile and shifty, has great balance, good acceleration, and excellent edgework.  Aberg combines this skating with an excellent arsenal of shots.  He has a hard, heavy wrist shot which he gets off quickly thanks to a great release.  He also has a heavy slapshot and a good one timer.  Aberg is a good stickhandler who makes creative moves and is able to beat defenders off the rush.  Aberg is a much better goal scorer than a set up man.  He definitely prefers to shoot rather than pass.  As a set up man, he lacks ideal vision and passing instincts.

Aberg is courageous player, how loves to get involved involved in physical play.  He is willing to battle hard on the boards and works hard to get to the front of the net.  Aberg is an aggressive forechecker who just loves to get in and hit the man with the puck.  He’s an absolute fearless player.  Aberg will need to put on more size and strength to continue to play this style at the next level.

Aberg is a hard working defensive player, and a willing backchecker.  However he lacks natural defensive instincts, and often has a tendency to get out of position by running around in his own end.  His defensive game can best be described as a work in progress.

We compare Aberg’s game to a cross between Brian Gionta of the Montreal Canadiens, and Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders.  We feel he has the potential to become a goal scoring top 6 winger at the next level.

… and thats the Last Word.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Big Night, Big Guests

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

I was fortunate enough to be invited to a dinner banquet put on by the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats in celebration of the accomplishments of various minor football teams in the area. Also honoured were the 2011 McMaster Marauders for their dramatic Vanier Cup victory over Laval Rouge et Or, in what some call “The Greatest Game Ever Played”. (See the article here: http://old.lastwordonsports.com/2011/11/29/the-greatest-game-ever-played/ )

The night began with a meet and greet in the lobby with many current and former Ti-Cats players. After some light fare and refreshments, we took our seats in the banquet room and awards were handed out. Meanwhile there was a silent auction with many great prizes, proceeds going to support minor football, allowing underprivileged kids the opportunity to play.

We were then introduced to the night’s guest and keynote speaker, TV personality and host of Off the Record, Michael Landsberg. Joining him on stage were the newly signed Henry Burris, Andy Fantuz, head coach George Cortez of the Ti-Cats and Stephan Ptaszek of the McMaster Marauders.

After some back and forth banter regarding such topics as the New Orleans Saints’ “bounty program” and the issue of fighting in hockey, Landsberg questioned WR Andy Fantuz.  When asked why he chose Hamilton, Fantuz alluded to the great fans, which was reciprocated by QB Henry Burris when the same question was asked of him.  Burris took it one step further by mentioning the atmosphere at Ivor Wynne when he has visited as an opponent.

The host also asked the other guests to ask a question of Fantuz.  The Marauders coach wanted to know who the best wide receiver he every played with was.  After some hesitation, he answered Roughriders WR Weston Drexler.  Burris asked him who he looked up to when he was younger, with the WR answering “Andre Rison was my favourite receiver growing up.”  Finally, his head coach, George Cortez, asked of him who the best Western Mustang (Fantuz’s alma mater) wide receiver was, to which he quickly answered that it was Dave Sapongis.

Also brought to the stage was Pete Dyakowski recently coined “Canada’s Smartest Person” by CBC.  After a few jabs back and forth, and some calls for aid to Ti-Cats Centre, Marwan Hage, the host had Dyakowski snap the ball to Burris, who delivered a spiral to Fantuz, waiting some 15 yards across the room.  Perhaps a sign of things to come. After a long off-season the fans are certainly getting ready to welcome back the Tiger-Cats.

In the closing remarks, it was announced that the Tiger-Cats are set to honour Willie Bethea and Bob Krouse on their Wall of Honour later this season.

What made the evening is how the Tiger-Cats have embraced the community, and how it in turn has embraced their Cats.  Also, a lot of money was raised for a very good cause, and that can never be a bad thing.

…and that is the last word.

Champions League Shocker: Barcelona Eliminated by Short-Handed Chelsea

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Chelsea has overcome all odds to advance to the Champions’ League Final following a stunning 2-2 draw (3-2 aggregate victory) at the Camp Nou.

The mighty Barcelona team that has been called one of the best club teams of all-time have been eliminated.

Things didn’t look good for Chelsea as they were down 2-0 and down to 10 men following a red card to John Terry in the 37′ minute. However a late first half goal by Ramires drew Chelsea level on aggregate and ahead on away goals at half time.

Still playing an entire half, leading merely on away goals, at the Camp Nou is no easy task, just ask Arsenal.  It seemed Barca would break through in the 49′ minute as they were awarded a penalty following a trip of Cesc Fabregas in the box by Didier Drogba.  Chelsea would survive though as Messi put one off the crossbar.

It would be another 40 minutes of furious defence by the Chelsea squad before Fernando Torres would give them the insurance goal in the 92nd minute and book Chelsea a trip to the Champions League Final.  Barcelona and their stars can only sit and watch.

This is a stunning result and we’ll have more for you later, including a special expose regarding pro-Barcelona officiating.

… and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #19: Malcolm Subban

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 24th overall by the Boston Bruins.

Our top ranked goalie prospect for this June’s NHL draft clocks in at #19 overall in our rankings.  Malcolm Subban of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls is the brother of Montreal Canadiens’ defenceman P.K. Subban.  Malcolm has been the Belleville’s go to guy between the pipes, and has also been an important part of Team Canada playing in the 2011 and 2010 World U18 Tournaments and winnng a gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament.  Subban is also the second Belleville Bull in our rankings following Brendan Gaunce.

Goalie
Born Dec 21 1993 — Rexdale, ONT
Height 6.01 — Weight 190 — Shoots L — Catches L
Season Team GP Min GA SO GAA W L T Pct
2010-11 Belleville 32 1785 94 0 3.16 10 17 2 0.900
2011-12 Belleville 39 2258 94 3 2.50 25 14 0 0.923

Subban burst on to the scene with a flourish late in 2011, stealing the Belleville Bulls starting goaltender job for the playoffs and has never looked back.  While his Bulls were overmatched and unable to pull off an upset over the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Mississauga/St.Mike’s Majors, Subban was greatly praised for keeping the games closer than they should have been.

Subban is a tremendously athletic goalie.  He has fabulous reflexes, and is extremely agile.  He is particularly quick sliding post to post and is able to make some very nice saves on one timers as a result.  He is also extremely quick with his pads, and effectively uses his quick feet to put up a wall in the bottom half of the net.  Subban’s great skating ability allows him to come out of the net and challenge shooters, as he’s able to back up very quickly should they attempt to come in for a deke.  Subban is also very quick with his glove hand and blocker and effectively covers the top of the net as well.

Subban shows excellent technique in the net.  Subban is almost always square to the shooter and in position to make the first save.  His movements in the crease are controlled and smart.  This allows Subban to recover quickly and to get himself in position to make a second save.  It also ensures that he covers the maximum amount of net possible.

Unfortunately Subban has been hit by a number of nagging injuries this season including a high ankle sprain, and a pulled groin.  This hurt the Bulls as Subban has the ability to steal games and we’ve seen that his teammates are more confident with him between the pipes.  Subban excudes a calm demeanor that makes him a natural leader, and he rarely gets flustered, bouncing back quickly from goals against.

Like many young goalies, Subban does need to work on his rebound control, as he can sometimes have trouble with low shots.  However we don’t think this is a major issue.  Its definitely something that should improve with maturity, and we’ve heard that Malcolm possesses the same Subban family work ethic that helped PK transform himself from a draft prospect with defensive question marks, to a top pairing defensive defenceman in the NHL  We also think Subban could work on his handling the puck when he leaves the crease.

Subban projects as a future starting goalie in the NHL, however the team drafting him will need to be patient as it often takes goaltenders time to develop into effective pros.  We think that he will make some NHL team very pleased on draft day.  We know Habs fans would love to see him re-united with his brother in Montreal, however we don’t see him lasting until Montreal’s 2nd round pick (currently 33rd overall).  We believe Subban will be taken in the first round and will be the first goalie off the board.

… and thats the Last Word.

Champions League Preview: Can Chelsea and Bayern do the Unthinkable?

Posted on by Luciano Giuliano

amThe second leg of the Champions League semi-final come underway Tuesday and Wednesday as Chelsea travel to Spain to challenge Barcelona at the Camp Nou, while Real Madrid will take on German giants Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu in Madrid.

Barcelona – Chelsea (Agg. 0-1)

 Last time, Chelsea played an extremely sound defensive match against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge even though the Blues were under siege from the Blaugrana attack. It all comes down to the fixture at the Camp Nou where it is never easy to win, but still possible. Just ask Real Madrid – 2-1 winner of El Classico this past weekend. Barca again imposed their play on Los Blancos but could not score. It was the first time Guardiola’s men have lost at home in 55 matches.

This will be a very tough encounter for the Blues and the slim 1-0 score line is exactly that – slim. Barcelona will aim to get back on their feet as their desire to defend their crown is evident. The Spanish giants will be desperate to score, though, which may cause the defence to be vulnerable to counter attacks. Pep Guardiola has complete confidence that his men will make it to Munich for a second consecutive final stating “believe me, we will make it.” Bold words, but when you are the coach of the best team in the world, then it is easy to talk and back up your statement. Chelsea will need to play as a solid unit if they are to get past this round.

Real Madrid – Bayern Munich (Agg. 1-2)

 It took a last gasp Mario Gomez goal to down the Merengues at the Allianz Arena last week which shows the Jose Mourinho’s side knows not to ever give up. The Madrid giants are ecstatic and full of confidence after their 2-1 triumph in the Spanish derby over La Liga title rivals, Barcelona – a feat that Jose Mourinho has not been able to accomplish since his arrival in Madrid. Next on the menu for the Portuguese tactician is his 3rd Champions League final with a 3rd team.

This may be the less defensive game of the two as Bayern Munich will want to add to their tally with an away goal seeing that Ozil scored that crucial goal in Germany for Real. A 1-0 score line is enough for Madrid to make it through. However, the Germans will be tough to beat as they are keen on featuring in the final since it will be played in their home stadium.

The English and the Germans are currently in the running for the final, but do not count out the Spanish giants who have dominated European and International football in recent years. In 2003, the first-ever all Italian final took place at the Old Trafford in Manchester between Juventus and AC Milan. In 2008, the first-ever all English final took place in Moscow with Chelsea and Manchester United battling it out. Perhaps this year is the year of the all Spanish final – an El Classico in the Champions League final! What an historic event that would be between two of the world’s top clubs. We shall soon find out the outcome.

…and that’s the last word.

Serie A: Juventus Extends Lead to 3 Points!

Posted on by Frank Giuliano

Serie A Review of Week 34

Well another weekend has past in the Serie A and it is one step closer to the Scudetto for Juventus. The fixture with rivals AS Roma could not have gone any better for the Old Lady of Italian Football as she ran rampant all over the Giallorossi winning with authority, 4-0. Within 8 minutes, Chilean star Arturo Vidal unleashed two powerful strikes that Roma ‘keeper Maarten Stekelenburg had no chance stopping.  At this point, it was all Juve – pure dominance from beginning to end. Andrea Pirlo added the third off a rebound from a saved spot kick while Claudio Marchisio popped in the fourth in the second half. Juventus remain unbeaten in 33 matches dating back to the final game of last season. Roma now fall five points off the final Champions League spot.

AC Milan took on Bologna at the San Siro with the objective to keep Juventus under pressure. However, it was Bologna who took the lead on 26 minutes when Rossonero midfielder Mark Van Bommel coughed up the ball in the middle of the park for a Rossoblu counter attack that ended with Uruguayan International Gaston Ramirez to slide in for the 1-0 lead. In the second half, the Diavoli fought back and will feel hard done by as there was a controversy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic sprang the offside trap and lobbed a precise ball over Agliardi – the Bologna ‘keeper – only for Bologna defender Cherubin to clear off the line. However, the play was stopped early for an incorrect offside. Video replays show that the ball crossed the line entirely as well. The Rossoneri are now three points behind the Old Lady in the race for the title: Juventus 71, Milan 68 with 5 games remaining.

Genoa was slaughtered at home against Siena 4-1. In the second half after the fourth goal was scored, the Ultras rioted and protested against the Genoa players. The games was stopped for 40 minutes as the leader of the Ultras demanded Malesani’s men to surrender their jerseys as the players were deemed ‘unworthy’ of the clubs colours. Genoa captain Marco Rossi gave into the demands as he collected all the shirts while Genoa winger Giuseppe Sculli confronted the Ultras informing them that the side has been and will do everything they can to remain in Serie A. The game was allowed to continue at this point. Italian Players’ Association president, Damiano Tommasi and FIGC president Giancarlo Abete deem the situation as unacceptable. It is confirmed today that the Genoa Ultras have been dealt a five-year ban from Genoa home games.

Other results: Catania 2-0 Atalanta; Cesena  2-2 Palermo; Chievo 0-0 Udinese; Fiorentina 0-0 Inter; Lazio 1-1 Lecce; Napoli 2-0 Novara; Parma 3-0 Cagliari.

Preview of Week 33

Week 33 will be recovered in midweek due to the on-pitch death of Piermario Morosini.

Five matches remaining in the Serie A: three points separating the title contenders, three teams fighting for the third and final Champions League spot, and six teams tussling to survive relegation. This is what the Italian League is all about!

Week 33 starts off at the San Siro where AC Milan welcomes Genoa. The Rossoneri will aim to continue to put Juventus under pressure as a win here will temporarily tie the men in black and red stripes to first place with Juventus who have the advantage due to a better head-to-head record. Genoa occupies the fourth relegation spot and will hope to provide stiff competition for their counterparts as the Grifone continue their battle for safety.

The other Saturday game has Udinese hosting Inter. A lot is at stake here for these two sides as both clubs are in a battle for a third spot finish, currently held by Lazio. With both in need of the three points, this is promising to be an exciting affair to view. Udinese has only lost one game in their stadium, which came at the hands of Milan. Inter has been very inconsistent this year, but new and young head coach, Andrea Stramaccioni will want to prove that he can handle the Inter hot seat with a Nerazzurri resurgence.

Inter and Udinese will have an eye on the Lazio and Novara game. The Biancocelesti are under real pressure battling desperately to hold third place. Novara will most likely be relegated back to Serie B.

Lecce welcomes Napoli to the Stadio del Mare. Recently, Lecce have really turned on the jets as the side is currently on a 3-game undefeated streak with surprising victories over Roma and Catania. The Puglia side are hoping to stay out of the relegation zone. Walter Mazzarri’s Napoli is desperately looking to collect the 3 points and now needs help in order to finish third, which looks really unlikely to happen.

Roma will be up against ACF Fiorentina at the stadio Olimpico in the Sunday afternoon game. The Giallorossi of Roma is also in striking distance of the final Champions League position. The Viola, also aiming to remain in Serie A next season, are coming off a huge win at the San Siro against the Milan and 2 consecutive scoreless draws against Palermo. Will Fiorentina get the three crucial points? Will Fiorentina survive relegation?

Finally and absolutely not least, current table leaders Juventus FC travel to Cesena. This will be a match-up between top and bottom of the standings as Juventus have no intensions of losing any points to Serie B-bound Cesena. However, this is not an encounter to scuff as it is these teams that have nothing to play for that will be dangerous in this part of the season.

Other fixtures: Atalanta v Chievo; Siena v Bologna; Palermo v Parma

….and THAT’S THE LAST WORD.

Spygate 2 – New Orleans Saints Caught Eavesdropping on Opponents !

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

Things just went from bad to worse for the New Orleans Saints – much worse!

ESPN has just released information alleging the New Orleans Saints have been caught spying on opponents from 2002 to 2004.

In a year where the team’s on the field antics have caused considerable embarrassment, the report dubbed Spygate Part Two has left the organization reeling once again.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis apparently wired rooms in the Superdome from 2002-2004 for the purpose of listening to opposing coaches’ conversations. Loomis, who faces an 8-game ban for involvement in the Bounty Program, faces league and federal charges in the Spygate 2 scandal.

Saints’ management have described the allegations as “1000% false.” However given their repeated denials of bountygate and their attempts to cover it up which led to harsher suspensions for Loomis, and current Head Coach Sean Payton (not on the team between 2002-04), the GM lacks credibility right now.

To all Saints fans:

Sorry. There is no shame in abandoning ship.

…and that is the last word.

Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen in the NHL!

Posted on by Grant Alexander

How can you not love playoff hockey? So far this year we’ve seen; big hits, upsets, fights, goaltender duels, goaltender blow-ups, questionable reffing, and lots of controversy. We’ve also seen records set for; points by a player, goals in a series, suspensions, and consecutive overtimes. All this has happened, and we’re still in the first round! But the most shocking thing that has happened so far is that the top two contenders to win the Stanley Cup have been eliminated!

Pittsburgh was a 4-1 favorite to win the cup this year. They are now out after playing only 6 games.

Vancouver was a 6-1 favorite to win the cup this year. They are now out after playing only 5 games.

These teams were the top two picks by far, and they are both out. Not only that, but the third and fourth consensus picks (the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins) can also each be eliminated with one more loss respectively. So who does that leave?

Well, here’s how the teams were ranked to start the playoffs.

#1 Vancouver – out

#2 Pittsburgh – out

#3 New York – down 2-3

#4 Boston – tied 3-3

#5 St. Louis – won

#6 Nashville – won

#7 Detroit – out

#8 Philadelphia – won

#9 Chicago – down 2-3

#10 New Jersey – down 2-3

#11 San Jose – out

#12 Los Angeles – won

#13 Washington – tied 3-3

#14 Phoenix – up 3-2

#15 Ottawa – up 3-2

#16 Florida – up 3-2

Needless to say it’s wide open right now, and anyone has a shot at winning this thing. The playoffs have always been unpredictable, but this year more than most. This is also what makes hockey so great, because anything can happen, and usually does.  Rest assured that we are all in for one hell of a ride over the next three rounds!

…and that is the last word.