Credit Crisis Demystified

This is first post on this blog which doesn't fall in Sports category. I hope to post frequently into this new category, ~sport.  ~ means Not, hence category is Not Sport.

This post is about the presentation created by Jonathan Jarvis, a designer based in Los Angeles, which explains credit crisis in very clearly.

Even after reading lots of news and articles, I was still confused about how did it actually happen. This explains it all. 

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Champions for ages: Federer and Nadal

Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in the final of Australian Open 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. This was the fifth time Federer was defeated by Nadal since start of 2008. Their head to head record now stands at 13-6. In Grand Slam finals it's 6-2.

Statistics courtesy: ATP WORLD Tour

Lets analyze their matches on each player's favorite surface. Nadal being a spanish player favours clay court (French Open) while Federer likes the grass court (Wimbledon). Out of 8 finals they have played, 4 were at French Open. Out of these 4 finals, none of them was a 5 setter. Nadal won 3 of them in 4 sets and 1 in straight sets. 3 were at Wimbledon. Federer won 1 final in 5 sets and another in 4 sets. Nadal won their memorable 2008 duel in 5 sets. Nadal won this year's Australian Open in 5 sets.

Somehow, Federer is getting frustrated by Rafa's tenacity. Federer's tendency to hit winners is playing to Rafa's strength which is, keeping the ball in play. Rafa, with age on his side, returns almost from anywhere on court. I think Federer is still not comfortable with that fact. Since his game is based on winners not on rallies, he is having tough time against Rafa.

If we consider the style of play, both have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, none of them possess a sure weapon like serve. Pete Sampras and Boris Becker both used to hit ace after ace on grass and hard courts which would give them confidence that they can hold their own serve. Federer has really good serve but his game is not based on that alone. Direct consequence of this is the fact that Rafa has more chances to break Fedrer's serve. In all of their matches, you will find that Break points saved % is in favour of Rafa. If Federer can hold on to his own serve, he definitely has a chance against Rafa.

On top of that Rafa is a left hander. Federer's forehand is returned with a double handed powerful backhand. Although one would argue that Federer has devastating single handed backhand against Rafa's forehand. More importantly, Federer's serve is taken on Forehand by Rafa.

Finally, out of 19 matches they have played against each other, winner of first set has went on to win the match fourteen times. Rafa 10 times and Fed 4 times.(5-2 For Grand Slam Finals) After losing the first set, Rafa has won thrice and Fed has won twice. Maybe, Fed needs to win first set to at least have a chance against Rafa.

Many people think that Federer has a mental block against Rafa. I am pretty confident that that's not the case. Federer has been World No.1 for consecutive 237 weeks. It's very difficult to get to No.1, staying there is even tougher. Fed definitely has got the mental strength.

I think It's more based on their style of play. I think he can beat Rafa by adding new dimension to his game like serve. Once he has a confidence on his own serve and Rafa can't break him, he will surely be more comfortable against him. At least, he can win their battles on grass and hard courts. Pete Sampras has mentioned in his autobiography, A Champion's Mind, that rivalry with Andre Agassi made him work on his game and it improved his game. I feel Fed, being a champion himself, will do the same thing. He will come out even stronger than before.

This debate about them can go on and on. To be honest, I am just a guy in front of a computer pulling up the stats from Internet, watching YouTube videos and staying up late to watch their matches live. I don't have slightest idea what goes on through a Pro's mind in a tennis match. Just being a tennis and Fed fan, made me write this post.

Lets just hope that this rivalry continues so that we can see them competing in grand slam finals for years to come.

Impenetrable defense of Man Utd

Manchester United kept their 11th successive clean sheet against West Brom on Tuesday, the 27th. In process, they broke Chelsea's long standing record of 10 consecutive clean sheets set 4 years ago in their championship season. It's a truly outstanding achievement.

They had to this with Rio Ferdinand and Wes brown injured, 2 of their regular back four. John OShea, Johny Evans, Gary Neville and Rafael all contributed in this run. However, the star of the show is Nemanja Vidic. The big Serbian defender was faultless in his reading of the game and dangerous in set play situations.

As they say offense wins you games, defence wins championships. Having a good defense, makes the other team frustrated since they can't break you down. This in turn, helps attacking players. Man Utd's defence has helped their attacking players like Ronaldo, Berbatov, Tevez and Rooney to score goals.

It's important to note that 6 of these matches had 1-0 score and one had 0-0. When the other team is playing their best game on a day, it's very easy to concede a goal and that puts pressure on your team and players can make a mistake in pressure situation. That's why, having a solid defence is important. Your team can be safe in knowledge that we don't concede and hence we can't loose.

Jose Mourinho applied the same philosophy to Chelsea team in 2004-05 and they were experts in 1-0 wins. It may not be the most effective and popular brand of football, but it's the safest way in a league tournament.

Call a spade a spade

Today Chelsea beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge by 2-1. Chelsea were awarded a penalty kick since Carrick handled the ball inside box. Sir Alex Ferguson, United Coach, was furious about it later in the press.

He said later: "It was absolutely diabolical, " he told MUTV. "It is a major decision.
"Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that."

Just two weeks ago, United won against Arsenal by 2-1. In that match, United were awarded a penalty when Gallas handled the ball. Gallas did no more than Carrick. Even he was trying to block the ball at his waist level. But Ferguson was more than happy to take it.

Thing to consider is: Its so easy to take unsporting (fair, in this case) decisions given in favour of your team and so hard to take them when they go against.

I don't want to criticize Sir Alex but all I want to say is Call a penalty a penalty.

Preview: Semi Final, Champions League

These 2 teams have contested 2 semifinals and Liverpool has come out winner both the times. However, there is one major difference this time. Chelsea will play second leg at home. Its crucial considering the fact that in previous 2 matches Liverpool have failed to score at Stamford Bridge(Chelsea's stadium).

Liverpool are always good defensively and are clever in grinding out victories over 2 legged matches. This time they have got Fernando Torres as their striker. He has got lightning pace and calm finishing, 2 rare qualities for a striker. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be involved in heavily as always.

Jose Mourinho, who was coach of Chelsea in previous 2 matches is out of equation since quitting job last fall. Currect coach Avaram Grant is not as good as tactician as Mourinho but has done a decent job in keeping chelsea in hunt for both, Champions League and Premiership. Chelsea are anxious about Drogba and Ballack to start. Its interesting to see who will start as Forward, Anelka or Shevchenko. Joe Cole and Frank Lampard will have to battle with Mascherano and Alonso in midfield and this battle holds the key to Chelsea's success. Chelsea will have Terry, Carvalho, Ashly Cole in defence. The last of defenders will be Alex/Balleti/Bridge/Ferreira. This might prove to be a week link in chain and Liverpool might take advantage here.

Critics have predicted tight encounter similar to previous 2 matches; goalless draw or 1-0 to Liverpool . I strongly feel that this won't be the case this time. Liverpool will try to score as many goals as possible. This will create spaces and Chelsea will try to get away goals.

Review: Champions League- Round of 16

Consider the draws: AC Milan Vs Arsenal & Real Madrid Vs AS Roma fighting for place in the Quarter-Finals of UEFA Champions League. At any point of time in last century, these draws will produce memorable contests.

In both the matches underdogs went and won in Lions Den in return leg matches. History was made in one match when Arsenal became the first English team to register a win at Mythical San Siro (AC Milan's stadium). In another hisory repeated when Real Madrid failed to go to quarter finals for 4th consecutive year.

Spaniard Cech Fegregas fought inch for inch with Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and came out winner. Arsenal were patient and determined not to loose ground initially in first half. Once they had done that, they grew in confidence. Fabregas's clearance of Maldini's header at the goal line was a moment bringing together two giants of European Football. One hanging up the boots and another anouncing proudly that he is ready to take on champions. Later in dying stages of the game, Fabregas went past Gattuso and fired a shot out of nothing to score the vital away goal. This man has got the potential to be one of the game's greats. This season he has taken first step by beating Milan.

Elsewhere Real lost to Roma. Roma have a very competitive and hard working team lead by classy Italian Francisco Totti. Their manager's astute substitutions to bring fresh legs in match had huge impact in this victory. Once again, we see why its important to have good bench strength.

Historic Win for India

Today India beat Australia in second consecutive final (match for that matter) and took the trophy in final version of CB series. Sachin scored 117 Not Out chasing in first encounter and played valuable 91 in setting up the target in second match.

In second final Pravin Kumar took 4 wickets, all at crucial points. Later Irfan Pathan held his nerve (even when he was beaten badly earlier)to bowl last over. Its one thing to bowl dot balls , altogether different thing to pick up 2 wickets to wrap up the match. Cheers for Piyush Chawla for holding on 2 catches in such pressure cooker atmosphere.

It was a monumental win by few young men, lead by cool, smart and intelligent captain who seems to have taken captaincy like fish taking to water.