Bryan Carrasco is cruelly fouled by Bryan Carrasco during an under-20 World Cup qualifier
Photo: Getty Images
Up here for thinking
Norwegian side Odd Grenland were leading Tromso IL in the final minutes of their club match when Tromso's keeper thought he might creep upfield in an attempt to salvage a point for his side. Fortune usually favours the brave in sport, as in life, but not so on this occasion. The ball was cleared upfield where, after a bit of ping-pong, Jone Samuelsen scored from inside his own half in what was believed to be the longest-range headed goal ever.
Just over a month later, there was a new contender. Ryujiro Ueda's goal for Fagiano Okayama in their J-League clash with Yokohama FC was perhaps even more extraordinary. Not only was Ueda also in his own half, but unlike Samuelsen he had to beat the keeper.
Who needs whites?
England wrested the no.1 Test ranking from India this year with a 4-0 whitewash on home soil. The tone for the series was laid down during the opening Test at Lord's. Kevin Pietersen scored a double century as the home side carved out a 188-run first-innings lead. Stuart Broad took 4-37, including Sachin Tendulkar's prize wicket. Only 12th man Tom Hampton really managed to make a goose of himself. And even Hampton did that very, very well, showcasing the discipline that took the Poms to the top by keeping his eye on the ball.
Luck of the Belgians
Serving for a 3-1 lead in the third set of her French Open second-round match against Belgium’s Kim Clijsters, Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands would have been feeling quietly confident, but well aware of what one of the best returners in women’s tennis was capable. Still, Rus couldn’t have expected this.
Hey hey self-abuser
Some players will do anything to gain an advantage on the football field. Unhappily for some cheats, referees have cracked down in recent years on the diving and fakery that at times has blighted the sport. It was up to Chilean under-20 player Bryan Carrasco to invent a successful new variation on the technique for deceiving officials. Carrasco showcased his invention during a qualifying match against Ecuador for the final South American spot in the under-20 World Cup.
World champion, animal lover
Bumpy surfaces, the wrong choice of tyres, steering problems - Moto GP riders battle many things in their quest for superior track speed. Casey Stoner was working on posting his fastest time during practice sessions for the Indianapolis Moto GP when he encountered a rather unexpected obstacle.
May contain traces of nuts
On a similar theme, the Womens Professional Soccer championship game between the Western NY Flash and the Philadelphia Independence was interrupted by a surprise pitch invader.
Who needs wings?
Aussie motocross star Chad Reed was going for broke on the opening lap of a championship event in Spring Creek. After grabbing the lead on the Minnesota track, Reed came spectacularly unstuck ahead of a jump. Incredibly, he escaped serious injury and continued racing. Restarting in last place, he passed 25 riders to finish 14th and collect seven valuable championship points.
And finally ...
How Carlos Tevez saved Christmas.
Next up: verbals (part 2)
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