RvP latest: Robin van Persie set to play in Arsenal friendly on Sunday as Man United move stalls

The Dutchman is certainly in Arsenal's plans for the Cologne game and Arsene Wenger remains hopeful that they may even be able to keep him

Back in the Arsenal red: Robin Van Persie could be set to play in Arsenal's friendly with Cologne on Sunday

Alex Livesey

Most impressive: Arsene Wenger has been impressed with Robin van Persie in training

Robin van Persie is in line to play in Arsenal's friendly in Cologne tomorrow.
Dutch striker van Persie has been with the club's training camp in Germany this week and it is understood there have been no further developments about a potential move to Manchester United.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger does not want to sell to United, Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to come back with an improved offer and it means van Persie could yet start the season at the Emirates.
Van Persie is certainly in Arsenal's plans for the Cologne game and Wenger remains hopeful that they may be able to keep him, especially after splashing out big money on new signings Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.
Wenger is believed to be impressed with van Persie's training and it means he could be involved in the build-up to the season.

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  Arsenal are standing firm and there is no sign of a breakthrough.
Van Persie's agent Kees Vos has reached stalemate with the club who are keeping a dignified silence over some of his tactics and also Sir Alex Ferguson going public with the fact that he wants the Arsenal captain.
Relations have been at breaking point with Dutch agent Vos ever since a statement was released by van Persie saying he would not sign a new contract at Arsenal.
Barcelona are also tracking Alex Song but Arsenal are in no rush to sell the Cameroon midfielder whose contract does not expire until 2015.
Now read John Cross on why it's become a point of principle for Arsene Wenger NOT to sell van Persie to Man United
And Ed Malyon on how Robin van Persie would fit in tactically at Manchester United.
Plus: remind yourself of all the twists and turns in the van Persie saga with our transfer timeline, and check out Steve Stammers' column on why Arsenal fans should remember Robin's model pro conduct since that infamous contract statement.

Fail Cesar! Chelsea's bid for Azpilicueta is rejected by Marseille

French club want £8million for their right-back and Blues are expected to go back with an improved offer within days

The price is wrong: Chelsea will have to do better than their £5.4m offer for Azpilicueta

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Chelsea have had a £5.4million bid for Marseille's Spanish international right back Cesar Azpilicueta rejected.
Marseille want £8m for the 22-year-old and the European champions are likely to increase their offer for Azpilicueta in the next few days.
The Blues have already splashed out almost £70million this summer, bringing in midfielders Eden Hazard, Oscar and Marko Marin.
But they say they aren't finished yet.
Speaking at the end of their pre-season tour in the US, chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "While we ended with a very strong season, it was clear that there were some areas where we did have to strengthen, so we knew we were always going to have to do that.
"If the right players become available at the right time, we will sign them.
"We've done that and we are still continuing to look at one or two positions and we will see how that develops over the next couple of weeks."

London calling for Victor: Moses set for Chelsea switch as Wigan finally compromise on £9million fee

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has been after the gifted attacker for weeks and have now finally got their man after Dave Whelan consented to the move

At last! Victor Moses is finally set to seal his Chelsea move

Victor Moses is on his way to Chelsea in a £9million deal after Wigan supremo Dave Whelan finally let him leave at the end of weeks of talks.
The young Nigerian ­international will sort out personal terms and go through a medical as Whelan takes less than his original demand but accepts the player’s exit.
Moses will leap at the chance of joining the double winners as he goes back to London where he cut his football teeth with Crystal Palace.
Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has been after the gifted attacker for weeks, as MirrorFootball first revealed on June 18 – but the fee and terms proved a problem as Whelan rejected low offers and held out for more.

Mr Chairman: Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan has finally allowed Victor Moses to leave for Chelsea

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 In the end, Whelan relented because he told Moses he would let him go when the price was ­acceptable, and now boss Roberto Martinez will get a chunk of the cash to spend.
Moses’ old club Palace are due a slice of the deal – up to a possible £2m.
Chelsea also plan make-or-break talks with Marseille on Monday to try to land Spanish right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

This is getting silly now... England leave Italy trailing and move up to third in FIFA rankings

England have climbed to third place in the latest FIFA world rankings - their highest position.
Roy Hodgson’s side exited Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage and have failed to reach the last four of a major competition since 1996.
Yet they have moved above Uruguay into third in the standings, which are led by Spain with Germany in second place.

More misery: England crashed out of Euro 2012 to Italy in the quarter-finals

FIFA's Top 10

1 Spain
2 Germany   
3 England   
4 Uruguay   
5 Portugal   
6 Italy   
7 Argentina   
8 Netherlands   
9 Croatia   
10 Denmark

England were outclassed by Italy in their quarter-final in Kiev six weeks ago, yet bizarrely are ranked three places higher than the finalists.
Portugal, who reached the semis at Euro 2012, are also lower, as are Holland and Argentina.
In a further quirk of the standings, Brazil are 13th - one position below Greece and three beneath Denmark.
England’s lofty position asks significant questions of the way the rankings are calculated.
Apart from a friendly win over Spain last November and the 5-1 thrashing of Croatia in a qualifier for the 2010 World Cup, England fans have had precious little to celebrate in recent times.
The nation’s last victory against significant opposition at a major competition was the 1-0 win over Argentina at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
FIFA state their rankings are based on all international matches, including friendlies, played in the previous four years.
The criteria included are the outcome, status of the match, opponent’s strength and the strength of team’s confederation.

Odd: Italy reached the Euro 2012 final - but England are ranked above them

Wins against high ranking opponents in competitive matches are very valuable, while only results over the last 12 months count in full.
Those from the previous year count half, while games played up to three and four years earlier have even less significance.
Since the 2010 World Cup, England’s record reads a respectable won 13, drawn five and lost three.
But their inability to launch a meaningful challenge at tournaments, where they have consistently fallen short against quality opponents, will bemuse supporters surveying the last FIFA rankings.
FIFA stressed that England's poor record at major tournaments has little bearing on the rankings because only matches played within the last four years are taken into account.
Instead, England accumulated most of their rankings points during successful qualifying campaigns for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
FIFA explained that the anomaly of Roy Hodgson's side being placed higher than Italy, despite their clear inferiority in Kiev, is because they have amassed better results over the last four years.
At Euro 2012, England secured two wins and two draws in four matches, whereas Italy compiled two wins, three draws and one defeat in six matches. Wins or losses after penalty shootouts are considered a draw for ranking purposes.

FIFA to investigate Bin Hammam after CAS overturn bribery charges

FIFA's ethics committee have opened investigation proceedings against Mohamed bin Hammam.
The Qatari was banned from all football activity for life last year after being found guilty of bribery by a FIFA ethics committee panel during his campaign for the presidency of the sport's world governing body.
However, the 63-year-old's ban was annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on July 19 this year after his appeal was upheld on grounds of insufficient evidence.

Under fire: Bin Hammam is being investigated by FIFA

He was provisionally suspended by FIFA's ethics committee following the CAS ruling and a statement from FIFA read: 'The chairman of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA ethics committee, Michael J Garcia, today formally opened investigation proceedings against Mohamed bin Hammam.
'These proceedings follow the provisional banning of Bin Hammam for 90 days as established by the Ethics Committee on 26 July 2012 after a preliminary investigation of the case.'

Chelsea manager Di Matteo aims to go seven up this season

Roberto Di Matteo has challenged his Chelsea players to make history as they start the season with the chance to win seven trophies.

Chelsea begin the campaign against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Villa Park on Sunday, take on Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup in Monaco on August 31 and will travel to Tokyo in December to contest the World Club Cup.

All smiles: Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo

These are on top of their usual commitments of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Di Matteo said: ‘These are opportunities and it’s great to be involved in these competitions because we want to win trophies.
‘They don’t come around very often and that’s how we will look at it. We will deal with the fixture list.
‘The targets we have are made collectively because football is a tam game.
‘I talk to my players individually as well, but it takes a collective effort to achieve our ambitions.’
Di Matteo, who won the FA Cup and Champions League after a stunning second half to the season, has the full backing of owner Roman Abramovich.

New signing: Brazilian playmaker Oscar

He has spent £64m this summer recruiting Brazilian playmaker Oscar, former Lille winger Eden Hazard and Marko Marin from Werder Bremen.
Oscar will join up with his new team-mates for the first time after Brazil’s international friendly against Sweden on Wednesday.
Marin is unlikely to face City because of an injury, but Chelsea supporters will see Hazard line up at Villa Park.
This is the next generation of Chelsea players and Abramovich is determined to challenge City at the top of the Barclays Premier League this season.
Di Matteo added: ‘Roman’s will to win has never decreased at any moment. He wants to win and he backs it up.
‘Our aim, or ambition, is to challenge for trophies at the end of the season.
‘We are going to be in competitions that are new to us, but we have to do better than finish sixth in the Premier League.
‘There won’t be radical changes in the way we play, but with the influence of new players it will be different.
‘It will take a bit of time, but we need to win games as well, but I don’t think we will see a completely different Chelsea overnight.’
Despite a number of incoming transfers, Di Matteo also confirmed that Romelu Lukaku and Josh McEachran have been made available for season-long loans.

Bellamy heads back to Wales as striker lands two-year Cardiff return deal

Craig Bellamy has rejoined home-town club Cardiff, signing a two-year contract with the Bluebirds.
Striker Bellamy scored 11 goals in 36 appearances during a season-long loan at Cardiff from Manchester City in 2010-11, helping City reach the npower Championship play-off semi-finals where they lost out to Reading.
Bellamy returned to Liverpool last season but made no secret of his desire to be closer to his family as he approaches the end of his career.

Red alert: Craig Bellamy is unveiled as the Championship club's latest recruit by manager Malky Makay

 

Now 33, Bellamy has enjoyed a long, varied - and occasionally controversial - career that has seen him at Norwich, Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic, Blackburn and West Ham, as well as Manchester City and two spells with Liverpool.

It is at Cardiff, though, where Bellamy particularly revelled, resulting in manager Malky Mackay's pursuit this summer of the Wales international.
Initially hailing the influence of Cardiff's Malaysian owners as pivotal, chief executive Alan Whiteley said: 'Their support, commitment and confidence in the vision and ambition of the club has enabled us to attract and retain a squad containing the calibre of players we now have.

Talking point: Bellamy had a successful loan stint at Cardiff in 2010

Moving on: Bellamy enjoyed two stints at Anfield

'This, quite clearly, is demonstrated by Craig's confidence in joining us at this time.

'I would also like to thank our manager for his tenacity and single-mindedness in ensuring the transfer could take place - and for making my life a misery until such time as it could be completed.

'And of course to Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool Football Club - their assistance and support during the process of negotiations have been conducted in an extremely professional and amicable manner, of which we are grateful.

'Finally to Craig, for having the confidence and courage to buy into and wanting to be a part of the club's future.

'I am sure Liverpool will agree their loss is this club's gain and Craig's return will be met with huge excitement and enthusiasm by all Cardiff City fans - and as the perfect backdrop to the start of the new season.'

Bellamy can now expect to figure in Cardiff's league opener at home to newly-promoted Huddersfield next Friday.

Fuming Mancini is Eden for transfer bust-up with the Man City board

When Chelsea agreed to invest £32million in the young Belgium forward Eden Hazard and pay him £175,000 a week back in May, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was quite happy for his club to withdraw from that race.
It was, the City boss felt, just too much money for a 21-year-old from the French league.
Fast forward two months or so, however, and Mancini is feeling rather less phlegmatic about life.

The £32m man: Eden Hazard in pre-season action for Chelsea last month

MIND THE £64M GAP

Chelsea have splashed at least £64million this
summer, while Manchester City have spent
nothing! Sam Cunningham analyses the clubs’
recent spending patterns.
CHELSEA — 2012: E Hazard £32m (Lille), Marin £7m
(Bremen), Oscar (right) £25m (Internacional), T Hazard
(Lens). Total: £64m. 2011: Romeu £4.35m (Barcelona),
Lukaku £18m (Anderlecht), Mata £23.5m (Valencia),
Meireles free (Liverpool) Total: £45.85m. 2010: Ramires
£19.8m (Benfica) Total: £19.8m.
CITY — 2012: £0. 2011: Clichy £7m (Arsenal), Savic £6m
(Partizan), Aguero £38m (A Madrid), Nasri £24m
(Arsenal), Hargreaves free (Man Utd). Total: £75m.
2010: Boateng £10.46m (Hamburg), Silva £24m
(Valencia), Y Toure £24m (Barca), Balotelli £24m
(Inter), Milner £24m (Villa). Total: £106.46m.

On Sunday at Villa Park, City face Chelsea in the Community Shield. Chelsea have bought four players since winning the FA Cup and Champions League last season. Since they became Barclays Premier League winners, City haven’t bought anyone.
Mancini has occasionally endeavoured to disguise his frustration and his irritation. At other times, he hasn’t. All that is important — all that is relevant — is that City’s defence of their title is about to begin with this as its theme.
Asked yesterday about City’s progress in the transfer market, Mancini said: ‘I know that for you these questions are more important than the match but for this you should talk to Brian Marwood, not with me. I don’t want to talk about the market. Talk with Marwood please.
‘My talk today is for the game against Chelsea. That is more important. I’m not sporting director, I can’t say anything regarding players.’

Interest: But City won't sign Van Persie, according to Mancini

 

Listening to MancinI, his frustration was evident. By not saying much, he in effect said everything.

Privately he feels Marwood — the club’s football administrator — has been too slow to seal a deal for Arsenal’s Robin van Persie, his No 1 summer  target, thus letting neighbours Manchester United edge them out of the race.

Attack: Mancini is unhappy with Marwood

It’s unfair to blame one man, of course, or indeed to take sides. Marwood acts, after all, on the say-so of his chairman in Abu Dhabi, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and also has the ramifications of UEFA’s financial fair play rules to consider.
Nevertheless, when he was asked yesterday if he was happy with Marwood’s role, Mancini was categorical. ‘I’m not happy but I won’t say anything at the moment,’ he said. Behind the scenes at the  Etihad there is irritation at  Mancini’s persistent sparring. For his part, Marwood has — perhaps wisely — said nothing.
On the field, meanwhile, it  remains to be seen if the Italian’s suggestion yesterday that  Manchester United will start the season as favourites — the bookies prefer City — is justified.
‘I think United start as favourites this year,’ he said. ‘We are maybe second, third or fourth.
‘I’m confident with my players. We won the last championship because we deserved to win.
‘In my opinion we have a good team but we built this team two years ago.
‘I think that it is impossible that two years ago you did everything perfect. You still need to improve.
‘For example, I think that Chelsea needed new players because they lost Didier Drogba.
‘Probably they needed to buy  new players but also because  every team, every year can bring in one or two, three players, young players.
‘When you win it is important to bring in new players, young good players for the future. This is a good way to do it.
‘I think you should buy players not 10 days before the end of the transfer window but two months before the end because the  championship finished in May  and you need to buy players at  that time

Final preparations: City duo Mario Balotelli and Ya Ya Toure arrive at training on Friday morning

 

‘Now is difficult because the other teams that want to sell their players have no time to bring in other players and that makes it very difficult.’

City are no longer involved in negotiations for Van Persie, even if the door is never completely closed when you are the richest club in the world. ‘Van Persie is not our player,’ said Mancini. ‘He is an Arsenal or United player.’

As regards Liverpool’s Daniel Agger, Roma’s Daniele De Rossi and Swansea’s Scott Sinclair, negotiations have not progressed.
Something will move, of course.  It has to. Chelsea, though, will  perhaps start favourites tomorrow, if only because they have enjoyed a more settled build-up to the game.
For the London club this could be a pivotal season. Last year’s Champions League success will mean nothing this season if they cannot make progress in the Premier League while, as unfortunate as it is to suggest, Di Matteo may look rather vulnerable if his team do not hit the ground running.
The Chelsea manager will perhaps be glad once the season starts. At City, meanwhile, relief will come only when the transfer window closes.

Chelsea striker Lukaku snapped up by West Brom on season-long loan deal

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has completed a season-long loan move to West Brom.

The Baggies won the race for the 19-year-old Belgium star, who had attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Fulham.
Lukaku, who joined Chelsea for £18million last summer, will work under former Blues assistant manager Steve Clarke.

On the move: Romelu Lukaku is heading out on loan to West Brom

Boyhood Chelsea fan Lukaku struggled to break into the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge last season and was prevented from being loaned out under FIFA rules, having already played for Anderlecht.

 

But those barriers were lifted this summer, much to Lukaku's delight.

He told Chelsea TV: 'I'm very excited. After last season, where I was able to adjust and prepare for this season, I can't wait to start at West Brom.
'It's very important because, like Chelsea, West Brom play in the Premier League, but it will also be a good learning school for me where I need to work hard with the players around me.
'I've heard a lot of positives about Steve Clarke here and it will be important for me to listen and learn from him. He plays good football.'
Clarke, who was appointed to his first managerial post this summer, told his club's official website: 'I'm delighted to welcome Romelu to the club.
'He's a strong, powerful centre-forward who is young, enthusiastic and eager to learn. He was also desperate to come here.

Bright future: Lukaku (left) joined Chelsea last summer for £18m

'Romelu had a lot of Europe's top clubs chasing him when he joined Chelsea from Anderlecht for big money a year ago and also had several Premier League teams wanting to take him on loan this summer, so we've done well to get him.
'With the calibre of strikers Chelsea have got, he's found it difficult to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
'But he's had a season working at a top Premier League club and he now needs more minutes on the pitch.
'We're more than happy for Romelu to continue his development with us. I am sure he will be a big help to the squad over the course of the season.'

Glazers bag £75m even though Man United shares are publicly traded at half a billion less than planned

 The Glazer family banked £75million from Manchester United’s controversial flotation on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday — up to £30m less than expected.

Avram and Joel Glazer rang the opening bell on Wall Street as 16.6 million shares, equal to 10 per cent of the club, were publicly traded.
However, the opening share price of £9 was lower than the £10-£13 initially proposed by the Glazers’ advisers.
At the top end, that would have allowed the American owners and United to split profits of £210m.
Instead, the flotation is expected to raise a total of around £150m, with half going to the Glazers.
It gives United an overall market value of £1.5billion, which falls short of the £1.8bn the owners were believed to have quoted Qatar Holdings when they enquired about buying the club last year.

Money matters: United Executives David Gill (right), Joel Glazer (centre right) and Avram Glazer (centre) prepare to ring the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

Nice doing business: Joel (left) and Avram Glazer (right)

The Glazers have been criticised for keeping half the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering themselves after initially indicating all the money would be used to help pay off United’s debts of £423m.
Doubts have also been cast over the class A shares on offer because they are said to give investors little in the way of voting rights.
One New York financial trader said: ‘Clearly, investors who are looking for a return as well as a shareholder  voting right are steering clear. After opening positively, possibly caused by smaller retail investors looking to pick up a token share, the club’s share price slowly began to retrace and drop early gains.’
Having previously failed to gain sufficient support to sell shares on exchanges in Hong Kong and Singapore, United had delayed yesterday’s IPO.

 

Chief executive David Gill joined the Glazer brothers in applauding from a balcony at the New York Stock Exchange as shares in United were publicly traded for the first time in seven years while traders wore the team’s red kit.

Selling under the stock market ticker ‘Manu’, the share price rose before falling back to the opening £9 mark.
The news received a cautious welcome from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, who had called for a boycott of United’s sponsors in protest at the flotation.
Chief executive Duncan Drasdo said: ‘The experts say they don’t expect to see  anything special in the first week because underwriters will be pedalling furiously to keep the price up, but they’ve suggested it could drop next week to £6 or lower.
‘Exactly the same thing happened with Facebook.’

Say what? Manchester United shares will go for less than first planned

Issue: Some Man United fans have long disliked the Glazer ownership of the club

Gotcha! Liverpool boss Rodgers delighted after wrapping up £15m move for Allen

 Brendan Rodgers has paid Joe Allen the ultimate compliment by declaring he would have paid 'many more millions' to sign him.

The Wales international became Rodgers’ second acquisition of the summer on Friday when he agreed a long-term contract at Anfield that will treble his wages after Swansea sanctioned his £15million sale.
He is the one player Rodgers wanted to land more than any other before the start of the season and the Liverpool manager revealed the esteem in which he holds Allen, who has taken the number 24 shirt, when comparing his technique and ability to be akin to that of a Spaniard.

Gotcha! Brendan Rodgers with his new signing Joe Allen at Melwood training ground on Friday

Allen, who is match fit after playing for Team GB at the Olympic Games, could be handed an immediate Liverpool debut this weekend, when Rodgers’ side concluded their preparations for the new Barclays Premier League campaign against German team Bayer Leverkusen. 

And Rodgers, who will now look to make further additions to his squad now to accompany Allen and £11million Italian striker Fabio Borini, believes the money Liverpool have paid for the young man from Carmarthenshire will prove to be astute business.
'When you see this boy play you'd think he was a Spanish player, a real European player. I would have paid many more millions for this kid,’ enthused Rodgers, whose side have been handed a Europa League assignment against Hearts later this month.
‘Joe is a unique player in that he's a British player who doesn't give the ball away. When he comes into this team, you will see the difference he can make.

Done deal: Joe Allen watched Liverpool's Europa League tie on Thursday night

‘He's incredible on the ball; his intelligence for a 22-year-old is frightening. His game understanding is very, very good and he's in love with the football. He loves the ball.
‘He wants the ball all the time – he has so much courage to get on the ball and play and I think he'll fit in really, really well with all the other clever players we already have here.’
‘I'm excited about the prospect of Allen fitting in with our front four, because I think even at this early stage, their combination has been excellent.’

The midfielder was at Anfield on Thursday night to watch the Reds' 3-0 Europa League third qualifying round second leg win over FC Gomel.

Centre of attention: Allen has completed his protracted move to Liverpool

 

Allen told his new club's official website: 'I feel incredible.

'Everyone knows the history of this club, it's a massive club, and I'm delighted to have joined.
'The passion that people here have for football is something I share and I want to be part of that.
'I'm looking forward to being part of some great years ahead for Liverpool.'
Rodgers added: 'I'm absolutely delighted Joe has made the decision to come with us on this journey.
'He is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group.
'His ability to control and dominate the ball is an important ingredient in our attempt to gain success on the field.
'Joe has had a fantastic education at Swansea and will now begin the next chapter in his exciting career, and I wish him all the very best in what I'm sure will be a long and distinguished career here at Liverpool.'
Allen admitted the lure of working with Rodgers again was too much to resist.
Having worked with the Northern Irishman in South Wales, he cannot wait to get started.
'To join back up with him was definitely a big pull for me,' Allen said. 'Brendan is so passionate about his football. He works day in, day out to improve the team and everyone individually.
'Everyone wants to work alongside someone who has that way about them.
'One of his best things is his man management. He commands the respect of everyone.
'I have a lot of faith that Brendan can bring success.

Making a point: Brendan Rodgers

'I wanted to be part of this project and I've really got a good feeling this football club is going to go from strength to strength in the next couple of seasons.'
The move completes a remarkable rise for Allen, who joined the Swansea academy as a nine-year-old.
Allen was part of Swansea's surge to the Premier League from League One, winning international honours at all levels along the way.
He was one of the inspirations behind the club's return to the top flight, which earned him selection to the Great Britain Olympic squad.
Asked if he would have believed five years ago that this day would come, Allen replied: 'No, probably not.
'It was hard to believe at first and very flattering to be linked to a top club like this. It shows you're doing something right, I guess.
'I've always been ambitious and wanting to get to the top but getting there is a completely different thing. It's definitely hard to believe. It's been a quick rise for me.'
Allen becomes Rodgers' second signing following the arrival of another former Swansea player, Fabio Borini, who scored the opener last night.
And he believes that grounding in the lower league will help him in the months that lie ahead.
'If you look at the amount of games I've played for someone my age, that would probably only happen at a team that's come through the leagues,' he said. 'That experience has been vital for me.
'I blossomed and improved because of that and I wouldn't change it for the world.
'I feel proud. I am really thrilled and looking forward to my time here.'

London Olympic: Nigeria qualifies for 4x400m Women Relay final

Nigeria has qualified for the final of the 4x400m Women Relay at the London Olympic Games.
Nigeria’s quartet of Omolara Omotosho, Idara Otu, Bukola Abogunloko and Regina George posted a season best of 3 minutes 26 seconds to place fourth in the race.
Jamaica’s team of Christine day, Shereefa Lloyd, Shericka Williams and Rosemarie Whyte won the race in a season best of 3 minutes 25 seconds.
Hope for 4x100m finals
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s sprinter Damola Osayomi has admitted that there has been a lot tension as a result of Team Nigeria’s performance at the on-going Olympic games.
Osayomi however promised that Team Nigeria will do it’s best to win a medal in final of the women’s 4×100 metres later today.
She was part women’s 4×100 quartet that included Christy Udoh, Gloria Asumnu and Blessing Okagbare which qualified for the final after running a season best of 42.74 seconds, coming fifth in round one of the event.
After the top three teams in each round were picked, the next two fastest teams were chosen to make the final eight with the luck falling on Nigeria and Brazil.
Poor preparations
Notwithstanding, the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has stated that poor preparations has marred the country’s chances at the London Olympics.
Abdullahi who admitted that Nigeria had relied on luck for a long time, said the dismal performance of the country’s athletes at the games should serve as opportunity to rebuild.
The Minister also urged everyone involved in sports administration to find a way forward after such disappointing outing.
He however, praised Team Nigeria athletes for putting up a brave showing at the Olympics while pleading for understanding and encouragement from Nigerians.

U.S. men miss out on 4x400m gold as replacement runner anchoring relay gets passed by the Bahamas day after sprinter broke his leg during heat

The United States sprint team tried to put a braze face on their first competitive loss in the men's 4X400-meter relay final since 1972.
The day after Manteo Mitchell bravely finished his qualifying lap after hearing his own leg break, the unbeaten men's team were running for their fallen comrade.
However, they couldn't quite make it as replacement runner Angelo Taylor was passed by the Bahamanian team as they took their first gold medal in any sport in the Olympic games.

Angelo Taylor of the U.S. sits on the track after his team finished second in the men's 4x400m relay final to lose the event for the first time in 40-years

Bahamas' Ramon Miller, left, beats Angelo Taylor of the United States as he crosses the finish line to win gold in the men's 4x400-meter relay final

The day after Manteo Mitchell finished out his preliminary lap on a broken leg, the banged-up U.S. team made sure he would get something as a reward.
But it was a silver medal, not gold. Taylor got passed by Ramon Miller of the Bahamas on the final lap – marking the first Olympic men's gold medal in any sport for that island country and the first American loss in that race at the Olympics since 1972.

 

Instead of complaining about the color of their medal, the Americans celebrated their teammate's courage.
'Without him, this wouldn't be possible,' said Tony McQuay, Mitchell's roommate in the athletes village. 'He held it down for the USA. Sorry we couldn't give him the gold. But we want to thank him for getting us to the final.'

Bahamas' Demetrius Pinder (left) celebrates his team's first place win with Ramon Miller as Angelo Taylor of the U.S. reacts after the men's 4x400m relay final

USA's Bryshon Nellum, Joshua Mance, Tony McQuay and Angelo Taylor celebrate their silver medal in the men's 4x400-meter during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London

Bahamas' Ramon Miller, left, and Angelo Taylor of the United States compete in the men's 4x400-meter relay final that ended in victory for the Bahamas

The Bahamas won in 2 minutes, 56.72 seconds, .33 ahead of the U.S. Trinidad and Tobago finished third and the South African team, anchored by double amputee 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius, fell behind well before Pistorius received the baton and finished last.
Mitchell's selfless run kept the United States in the mix for a medal.
In the preliminaries Thursday, he felt a pop in his leg at the halfway point of his lap but stayed on the track to move the baton along to teammate Joshua Mance.
The U.S. qualified easily. Doctors later told him he had a broken left fibula that will take up to six weeks to heal.

Bahamas' men's 4x400-meter relay team Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller celebrate their victory during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium

Mitchell came to the stadium for the race Friday using crutches and wearing a gray walking boot that covered his foot and leg up to the knee. He was part of the celebration after Taylor crossed the line.
'I realize the significance,' said Mitchell, who will receive a silver medal because he ran in the preliminaries. 'But it's not about me. It's not about you.
That's how Team USA operates. A lot of people on outside looking in think that this is an individual sport. But in the end, we're here to serve our countries.'
Mitchell joined the last two Olympic 400-meter champions, Jeremy Wariner and Lashawn Merritt, on the sideline with injuries.

Members of USA's men's 4x400-meter team celebrate their silver medal during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium

That juggled the lineup and left Taylor, a 33-year-old with two Olympic golds in hurdles, to run the anchor leg. He couldn't hold off Miller, who closed out the race with a lap of 44.1 seconds to make history in the Bahamas.
'For me, it's a joyful feeling,' said Chris Brown, who ran the opening leg. 'It's been a long journey for me. I've been here for a long time and this is my first Olympic gold medal. I've gotten silver and bronze before. It took me a long time. The United States is a tough team to beat.'
Not quite as tough with Taylor running the anchor lap.

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius walks with teammate Lj van Zyl after the men's 4x400-meter relay final in which they finished last

He was handed a 10-meter lead when he received the baton, but Miller chipped away. By the final stretch, Miller had passed him and the rest of the race was academic.
The Americans had won gold the previous eight times they had competed, missing out only at the boycotted 1980 Moscow Games.
'I felt the second gear come on, but it came on too late,' Taylor said. 'I think I should have moved a little earlier. We gave our best.'
Taylor, running in his fourth Olympics, adds silver to his three golds: 400-meter hurdles in 2000 and 2008, and the 4x400 relay in 2008.
'We took some hits,' he said. 'But even though we took a hit, we were able to put together a team that could take home the silver.'

Flying with water wings: The beauty and stunning acrobatics of synchronised swimmers as they battle it out for Olympic gold

• Synchronised swimming is one of just two events at London 2012 in which all the competitors are female
• First time Great Britain has competed in the synchronised swimming team event in the Olympics
• Russia's synchronised swimmers swept to gold on today with an impeccably executed team routine
• China, an emerging force in the sport, pipped Spain to claim silver

As their glamorous costumes glistened in the water today, the Olympic synchronised swimmers made their sport look deceptively graceful from the poolside.
But they were using their strength, pinpoint precision and stamina to ensure their movements flowed against the backdrop of the aqua blue water at the Aquatics Centre.
Listening intently to the music played out through underwater speakers, they exercised their tremendous breath control, knowing execution is crucial to their success.

Double crab: Spain's team compete in the team free routine final during the synchronised swimming competition

Dancing on water:As their glamourous costumes glistened in the water today, the Olympic synchronised swimmers made their sport look deceptively graceful from the poolside

Graceful: One of the Spanish competitors back flips through the water elegantly

Mid-flight: A synchronised swimmier representing Egypt flies through the air like a bird

Perfection: The team from China hold a pose in the pool. The Chinese won a silver medal earlier in the week and are hotly tipped to be amongst the medalists once again

Synchronised swimming is one of two Olympic disciplines contested only by women - the other is rhythmic gymnastics.
After a closely-fought battle Russia's synchronised swimmers swept to gold today with an impeccably executed team routine punctuated by military drumbeats and spectacular acrobatic jumps, marking their fourth consecutive clean sweep at the Games.

 

China, an emerging force in the sport, pipped Spain to claim silver.
The Russians, who have won every duet and team gold since the Sydney Games, scored 98.93 points out of a possible 100 for their 'free' routine, a sequence which is not prescribed and in which swimmers show off their creative and technical skills.

Flipping and spinning: Teams took to the water today to show off their skills in the water

Made to move: An Egyptian swimmer throws her arms back in time with the music

Today's result was added to their top-scoring routine in the team technical round, taking them to a total of 197.03 points and an Olympic title.

Russia had already won gold in the synchronised swimming duet segment earlier this week.

China have shown dramatic improvement under Japanese-born coach Masayo Imura, known as the 'mother of synchro' and scored 194.01 points to take the country's first silver in the sport.

Spain, silver medallists in the duet segment, were denied second spot by a fractionally lower synchronisation score than their Chinese rivals, despite an ocean-inspired routine - swimmers in fish-scale suits - that had the crowd roaring approval at movements imitating crab pincers and ocean waves.

Japan missed out on the podium, ending the Games without a synchronised swimming medal for the first time since the sport was introduced at the Olympic Games in 1984.

Underwater fun: Australia's team are seen underwater as they perform in the Aquatic Centre

All together: Canada's team line up and point their toes in the air as they do a scissor moment in their routine

Britain's synchronised swimmers today came in sixth place in their first ever Olympics, meeting the target set by their coach.
The squad performed their Peter Pan-themed free routine today, achieving a combined score of 175.4 including yesterday's technical piece.
Jennifer Knobbs, 23, said she was pleased with how the ground-breaking team had done.
'It was an incredible performance, all our highlights functioned and we really felt as a team underwater. Hearing the crowd cheering, supporting us the whole way, really gives you the boost to perform that much more.'

Dress to impress: The costumes of all the competitors were deigned to glisten in the water and be eye-catching

Determined: Precision and strength are both key skills for competitors in the sport

Success: China have shown dramatic improvement under Japanese-born coach Masayo Imura, known as the 'mother of synchro' and scored 194.01 points to take the country's first silver in the sport

The eight-strong British team, pinning their medal hopes on Rio, could not compete with the all-conquering Russian team, who won gold today having done the same in Beijing. China took silver and Spain bronze.
Katie Skelton, 24, was also upbeat about the final result.
'It was a really strong performance, all our highlights worked and we got a really good score.
'We've shown how strong we are and we've improved so much over the last few years. It stands us in good stead for the future.'
British synchronised swimming was given a marked boost in 2007, with lottery funding granted after the successful bid for the London Games.

Great Britain show a team effort as they hold one of their competitors in the air

They are using their strength, endurance and flexibility to ensure their movements flow against the backdrop of the aqua blue water at the Aquatics Centre

Vicky Lucass, 21, said this was vital to the team, who were able to bring in Canadian coach Biz Price.
She said: 'It's made a huge difference. We've been able to bring in Biz Price, get the best coaches in the world, bring in their ideas and knowledge. We've centralised as well, training eight hours a day together every day and that's played a big part.'
The team are now focused on next year's World Championships and beyond that, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Price said: 'We have a couple of competitions this year, then it's preparing for the World Championships in Barcelona. We just want to keep building up.
'For us the weakest thing is artistic, that's what we really need to step up on in the future. That's what our lowest score was here, for the artistic side, so that's what we really want to work on.
'It's a really young group, the oldest is 24 and the youngest is 18. So now it's onwards to Rio.'

Smiles all round: Australia beam as they take to the water

Skill: The sport requires competitors to hold their beneath for long periods under the water

Unity: The Canadian team put on a show of underwater elegance much to the delight of the London crowds at the Aquatics Centre

Not rusty: The Spanish team dazzled the London crowds with their metallic style costumes

Toe-curling: The Russia girls try to hold a pose in the synchronised swimming despite some members of the team clearly having their faces submerged

Bird's eye view: The Egyptian synchro team - as seen from above - clearly enjoyed themselves in the pool despite the strenuous activity

High hopes: Russia had already won gold in the synchronised swimming duet segment earlier this week

Going for gold: Britain's team concentrate on their moves in the final

Best foot forward: Canada show their moves in their fluorescent pink costumes