Joachim Loew Demands Tighter Performance From Germany Against Scotland After Downing Poland

Joachim Loew says Germany can improve further in Monday’s Euro 2016 qualifier away to Scotland after Mario Goetze’s goals sealed a 3-1 win over Poland to top their group.

Thomas Mueller gave the hosts an early lead in Frankfurt on Friday and Goetze scored twice as Germany avenged last year’s 2-0 away defeat in Warsaw to replace Poland at the top of group D

All four goals came from Bayern Munich players as Poland captain Robert Lewandowski pulled one back with a diving header as it finished 2-1 at the break.

Mueller and Goetze then combined for Germany’s third on 82 minutes to kill off hopes of a late Poland equaliser.

“We had one goal, to win the game, that was the most important thing,” said Germany head coach Loew after arguably his side’s best display since winning the 2014 World Cup.

 

“All in all, we can be very happy, the team were very focused over long stretches, but the chances Poland had came from our mistakes.

“It will be a different type of game against Scotland, much tighter and we have areas to improve.”

It was Poland’s first defeat in seven Euro 2016 qualifiers in an impressive display from the Germans after several below-par performances last season.

Scotland’s 1-0 defeat away by Georgia saw them drop to fourth in the table with Germany top on 16 points, Poland now second on 14 while Ireland go third with 12, one ahead of the Scots.

But Toni Kroos echoed Loew’s sentiments ahead of Germany’s next qualifier at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

“It was a deserved win, but on occasion we invited Poland to attack us, which we have to improve,” said the Real Madrid midfielder.

“All in all, it was a good win, but Scotland could be an unpleasant opponent to face [after their defeat] and we’ve been warned.” (Source:http://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer)

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U-M observations: Offense sluggish, defense struggles

Offense sluggish, defense struggles

SALT LAKE CITY -- The biggest question for the Michigan football team in Jim Harbaugh's first game had to wait to be answered.

After Utah marched for a field goal to open tonight's game, U-M fans finally got to see Devin Gardner's successor at starting quarterback … Jake Rudock.

As expected, the Iowa graduate transfer started the game, and his performance was the opposite of what was expected.

Rudock was supposed to be the safe, accurate choice. But by halftime, he had thrown two interceptions and missed a few huge opportunities, leading to the 10-3 halftime deficit.

He was 10-for-17 for 94 yards in the first half.

Junior quarterback Shane Morris, who was battling Rudock for the starting job, did not play in the first half.

The first interception came as U-M was marching on its first drive, with the 10th play being a third-down miscommunication where he threw to a spot and freshman receiver Grant Perry turned the opposite way. In the second quarter, he had another issue with Perry, on a deep out down the right sideline and threw it right to the Utah defender. Two interceptions in 17 attempts after having just five last year in more than 340 at Iowa.

That was enough to sour fans on Rudock. But he also blew the few chances he had for explosion plays.

Twice he had Jehu Chesson, one of the fastest Wolverines, streaking down the sideline, alone and open for a touchdown. Both times he overthrew Chesson by at least five yards.

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There were a few longer plays, leaning on tight end Jake Butt, but they had no impact as U-M went to the half 2-for-7 on third down.

(Source:http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan)
Expectations were that the veteran offensive line, with a new line coach in Tim Drevno, would transform the running game.

But although four U-M four running backs got a first-half carry — plus fullback Joe Kerridge — none of them went for more than five yards.

It looked awfully familiar to 2014, even with a different coach and quarterback.

The defense carried the Wolverines, getting pressure up front with six tackles for loss, three from Chris Wormley.

As bad as U-M was on offense, the Utes looked worse, going just 2-for-9 in the first half on third down. Though they had big turnovers, they couldn't finish.

Their only touchdown came on a drive where U-M redshirt freshman safety Jabrill Peppers struggled. Hailed as a possible breakout player on defense, Peppers was burned in coverage twice, including the pass to the one-yard line, setting up the one-yard score and Utah's 10-3 lead with 10:33 to play before halftime.

The specialists were Kenny Allen for kickoffs and field goals – he hit a 29-yarder in his first attempt – and Blake O'Neill dropped a beautiful pooch punt inside the five-yard line, pinning Utah deep.

But with a sluggish offense and a defense forced to carry them, the Wolverines looked familiar, which was the worst result. (Source:http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan)

Read more about : Tim Lincecum has possibly thrown his last pitch for the Giants

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Tim Lincecum has possibly thrown his last pitch for the Giants

Big League Stew

San Francisco Giants righty Tim Lincecum will miss the rest of the season following hip surgery. Team general manager Bobby Evans confirmed the news to KNBR on Thursday morning.

Lincecum hasn't pitched for the club since June 27. He left that start after being hit in the forearm with a line drive. As Lincecum was recovering from that injury, he was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition. He reportedly suffered a setback recently, which led Lincecum to seek a second opinion on his hips. It was recommended that he undergo surgery to fix the issue.


Further complicating issues is the fact that Lincecum is in the final year of his contract. In a little more than a month, he'll officially be a free agent. Given his recent struggles, and now this injury, it's possible that Lincecum's time as a member of the Giants has come to an end.

If so, that would be sad. Lincecum hasn't been a top of the line starter since 2011, but, boy, his peak seasons were incredible. After an average debut in 2007, Lincecum exploded onto the scene during his sophomore season.

He instantly became one of the best, and one of the most entertaining, starters in the game. Despite his size, Lincecum pumped a fastball that averaged 94 mph early in his career. His unorthodox, yet strangely beautiful, delivery was delightful to watch. Combine these traits, and it's no surprise Lincecum earned the nickname "The Freak."

The awards speak for themselves. Lincecum won two straight Cy Young Awards during his first two full seasons in the majors. He made the All-Star game four straight years. During that period, Lincecum posted a 2.81 ERA over 881 2/3 innings. He struck out an incredible 977 batters.

Then, injuries and ineffectiveness started to creep in. Lincecum's fastball velocity, which was already declining, averaged just more than 90 mph in 2012. His walk and home-run rate jumped, leading to a 5.18 ERA. Lincecum was somewhat able to salvage his poor season by turning into a relief ace in the playoffs as the Giants won their second World Series championship in three seasons, though.


Since then, he hasn't really been the same. Lincecum's velocity has continued to decline, and he was even briefly sent to the bullpen during the 2014 season. Over the past four seasons, Lincecum has a 4.68 ERA through 615 2/3 innings. He struck out 577 batters during that period.

There have been moments of brilliance, even as he's declined. Lincecum threw two no-hitters during this period. The first came in 2013, while the second happened the following season. Even through his struggles, he still managed to occasionally remind us of his past.

Lincecum's decline would have made him an interesting free agent this offseason. His surgery further complicates matters.

There's some reason for optimism, though. Jon Heyman of CBSSports noted that doctors believe Lincecum's lost velocity could be related to his condition. With surgery, there's a chance that will improve.

"Nonetheless, doctors are said to have told Lincecum that he could easily be ready for next spring training if he had the surgery, and they've further suggested that he should be able to return to form. They also are said to believe that his steep velocity decline is related to his current hip woes. The smallish righthander known as "The Freak" is a pitcher who relies on extraordinary torque and the drive of his legs to generate unreal arm speed for a sub-6-foot pitcher, or any pitcher really"

All of that is encouraging. Lincecum was likely to get an offer merely based on his past upside, but teams will certainly be more interested if he suddenly regains some life on his fastball.

In fairness, none of this means his time with San Francisco has come to an end. But given his current situation, Lincecum is going to hit the market for the first time in his career. While we have no idea what that market will look like, it's certainly possible another team will swoop in and make Lincecum a better offer.

A change of scenery might be for the best, too. Lincecum has spent the past few seasons in San Francisco trying to regain his old form. A fresh start isn't guaranteed to help, but it might provide a mental boost. (Source: by Chris Cwik :http://sports.yahoo.com)

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