Hounded by defeat, Atletico desperate to win clash against Juventus

Hounded by defeat, Atletico desperate to win clash against Juventus


Hounded by defeat, Atletico desperate to win clash against Juventus

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:51 PM PDT

Juventus' Claudio Marchisio (left) and his teammates celebrate their win against Cesena at the end of their Italian Serie A match at Juventus Stadium in Turin September 24, 2014. — Reuters picJuventus' Claudio Marchisio (left) and his teammates celebrate their win against Cesena at the end of their Italian Serie A match at Juventus Stadium in Turin September 24, 2014. — Reuters picMADRID, Sept 30  — Last season's Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid are in desperate need of three points to kick-start their European campaign when Italian champions Juventus visit the Spanish capital tomorrow.

La Liga champions Atletico were surprisingly beaten 3-2 in their first group match away to Olympiakos a fortnight ago, conceding as many goals as they did in the whole of the group stage last season in the process.

However, Diego Simeone's men appear to have rediscovered their defensive solidity in the past week with back-to-back wins and clean sheets, including an impressive 4-0 thrashing of the previously unbeaten Sevilla at the weekend.

Simeone's return to the touchline after a six-game ban in all competitions appeared to galvanise the team and supporters alike, and the Argentine has called on the fans to recreate the atmosphere for the visit of Juventus.

"The atmosphere is what we need in all the games at the Calderon," he said.

"There was a perfect communion between what the team offered and what the fans experience in the stadium. It felt like there was a mountain of us on the pitch."

Despite Atletico's Champions League struggles in Greece, they have managed to beat Real Madrid twice already this season in the league and Spanish Super Cup.

And Simeone believes those games should give his side heart that they can take down Massimiliano Allegri's side, who have won all six of their games so far this season.

"There is a difference when you are competing across a whole season compared to the situation in one game.

"When we play against Madrid, Barcelona or Juventus it is clear we have a chance because it is just one game."

Atletico were also aided by the return of striker Mario Mandzukic against Sevilla as the Croatian played with a mask protecting a broken nose he suffered just 11 days previously against Olympiakos.

However, Los Rojiblancos may have to do without influential captain Gabi as he limped off at half time at the weekend with an ankle injury.

Juventus' bid to make up for the disappointment of bowing out at the group stages last season got off to a good start on matchday one as two goals from Carlos Tevez gave them a 2-0 home win over Malmo.

Italian international Claudio Marchisio believes the match against the Swedish champions was an encouraging sign and is hoping to take a huge step towards winning the group in Madrid.

"We haven't been able to make the step up in Europe over the last three years. We started well in our first game at home, where in previous seasons we missed important opportunities," he told the club's website.

"Now we've got a tricky game in Madrid. We need to also try and pick up a result there because we'd gain a lot of confidence from beating a great team like Atletico.

"Opening up a six-point gap on them would represent a big step forward towards qualification, even though the result in Athens showed us there are no easy games in this group and that Olympiakos are also capable of giving us a run for our money."

Juve will once again be without Andrea Pirlo as he is yet to feature this season due to a thigh injury. — AFP

Bloomberg Video: Car2Go ― a city bike without the rack

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:50 PM PDT

Duration: 01:33, Published 30 Sep 2014

Car2Go CMO Paul Delong discusses the free-floating concept within the car-sharing arena. He speaks on "Street Smart." ― Bloomberg

Car2Go makes transportation flexible (VIDEO)

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:49 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 30 ― Car2Go CMO Paul Delong discusses the free-floating concept within the car-sharing arena. He speaks on "Street Smart."

Car2Go will offer a fleet of small cars made available for customers in Brooklyn. ― Bloomberg

Car2Go will offer a fleet of small cars made available for customers in Brooklyn. ― Bloomberg picCar2Go will offer a fleet of small cars made available for customers in Brooklyn. ― Bloomberg pic

Were cops involved? Mexico probes police role in disappearance of 57 students

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:47 PM PDT

A student from the Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College holds an effigy of Guerrero's Governor Angel Aguirre near others with mock coffins in Chilpancingo, September 29, 2014. — Reuters picA student from the Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College holds an effigy of Guerrero's Governor Angel Aguirre near others with mock coffins in Chilpancingo, September 29, 2014. — Reuters picIGUALA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA (Mexico), Sept 30 — Mexican prosecutors yesterday were investigating whether local police officers were involved in the disappearance of 57 students who vanished after deadly incidents in Guerrero state.

Inaky Blanco Cabrera, the state's chief prosecutor, said the military and state police have been searching for the students—on the ground and by helicopter—since the mass disappearance was reported on Sunday.

The students disappeared following a bout of violence in the town of Iguala late Friday and Saturday that left six people dead and 25 wounded in different parts of the southern state.

Fellow students from the rural teacher training school of Ayotzinapa broke windows and doors of the state legislature in Guerrero's capital, Chilpancingo, in a protest Monday demanding justice for the dead and the whereabouts of those missing.

Four people died in attacks by groups of unidentified gunmen wearing masks who shot at cars and a bus carrying a third-division football team, killing two players.

Authorities say another two died after municipal police fired at buses that were seized by students protesting against discriminatory hiring practices.

State authorities detained 22 municipal officers, including 16 who are believed to have fired their weapons. In all, investigators questioned 162 officers.

"It's undeniable that excessive use of force took place," Cabrera told reporters in Acapulco, adding that there was "no justification for the use of firearms."

He said that authorities are also investigating whether "forced disappearances" took place, a term used for the abduction of people by security forces.

Traffic cameras caught civilians in the back of a municipal police car while a witness said students were seen in the town's jail cells, the prosecutor said.

Mayor was at party

Cabrera said authorities are investigating whether an organized crime group was involved in the other shootings because some of the unidentified gunmen wore dark clothes and masks and drove black sport-utility vehicles.

The town of 140,000 people appeared calm yesterday, as shops and schools operated normally while military vehicles patrolled the streets.

Soldiers and state police manned checkpoints on the three roads leading to Iguala.

"We heard about the shootings but people are calm, without fear," said newsstand owner Rufina Mendez.

Mayor Jose Luis Abarca came under scrutiny after telling a radio station yesterday that he had not been aware of the shootings because he was at a ball with his wife.

Cabrera said prosecutors are "not ruling out" any possible involvement by the mayor or the town security chief in the police violence.

Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest and most violent states, marked by drug gang turf wars and frequent protests by teachers resisting reforms. — AFP

Cole relishes chance to play against Lampard Wednesday

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:46 PM PDT

Chelsea’s Ashley Cole acknowledges the Chelsea fans during their EPL match at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, May 11, 2014. — Reuters picChelsea's Ashley Cole acknowledges the Chelsea fans during their EPL match at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, May 11, 2014. — Reuters picLONDON, Sept 30 — Ashley Cole is relishing an unexpected opportunity to lock horns with former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard when Roma take on Manchester City in the Champions League tomorrow.

Cole and Lampard ended their long and illustrious spells with Chelsea when they were released at the end of last season and it's fair to say neither expected to come up against the other any time soon.

Former Arsenal left-back Cole chose to continue his career with Italian outfit Roma, while ex-England midfielder Lampard decided to accept an offer outside the European football elite with MLS newcomers New York City FC.

But, with New York's season not underway until next year, Lampard joined City on loan until January to keep match fit and the Premier League champions were then pitted against Roma in Champions League Group E — setting up the chance for the two old pals to be reunited at Eastlands this week.

"It will be great to play against people like Joe Hart and Lamps. I never expected to play against him. If I am selected and Lamps is selected it would be nice," Cole told reporters yesterday.

"Everyone knows what Lampard brings to any team, he's a great experienced player who scores goals.

"He even scored against Chelsea. They probably didn't like that and it was probably a little bit disappointing for him to score as well.

"But he's a professional and he has to do a job and that is scoring goals.

"I don't think Chelsea were wrong (to let us go) — a decision was made, I'm fine with it.

"I had eight great years there and I am really enjoying a new challenge."

Indian summer

Both Cole and Lampard have settled quickly at their new clubs after so long at Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old has started four games out of Roma's five consecutive victories in Serie A, including Saturday's 2-0 win over Verona.

Lampard, too, has being enjoying an Indian summer with four goals in the last week alone.

Cole admitted there are big differences in Italian football but said he is relishing the challenge of adapting to an unfamiliar environment.

"I'm loving Italy — of course it's different to the Premier League, most of the players have very good technique and the Prem is fast and furious at times," Cole said.

"But we play fast, we like to attack, don't sit back to defend, we have a good mentality and a good manager (Frenchman Rudi Garcia) who is always on at us to go forward and play.

"I'm getting used to it now and really enjoying playing Italian football. Of course I loved the Prem but this is something different for me now."

Cole insists it is Lampard and City who are favourites tomorrow, but he believes the pressure could trouble Manuel Pellegrini's team, who were beaten by Bayern Munich in their opening group match while Roma won against CSKA Moscow.

"There's a lot of pressure on City, not so much on us but I know they have big players and are hungry to win the Champions League," Cole said.

"If we win it will make it more difficult for them to catch up and will probably make us top of the group and put us in good stead for qualifying, but it's going to be a tough game and we don't want to look too far ahead." — AFP

Dollar on track to post biggest monthly gain, Asian investors eyeing Hong Kong protests

Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:42 PM PDT

The dollar index last stood at 85.605, not far from an overnight peak of 85.798 ― a high not seen since July 2010. — Reuters picThe dollar index last stood at 85.605, not far from an overnight peak of 85.798 ― a high not seen since July 2010. — Reuters picSYDNEY, Sept 30 ― The dollar hovered at a four-year peak against a basket of major currencies early today, on track to post its biggest monthly gain in well over a year even as some analysts warned its three-month long rally was at risk of running out of puff.

Trading in Asia is likely to be subdued with investors keeping a wary eye on the spreading pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and with a raft of holidays in the region this week.

The dollar index last stood at 85.605, not far from an overnight peak of 85.798 ― a high not seen since July 2010. It's monthly gain of 3.5 per cent, if sustained, would be the largest since February 2013.

In the past three months, the dollar index has surged more than 7 per cent, driven in part by expectations the Federal Reserve will start to hike interest rates well ahead of most other major central banks.

Data yesterday showing US consumer spending accelerated in August supported the upbeat outlook for the US economy.

"Looking ahead, we expect data this week to show continued divergence in economic fundamentals to support the USD," analysts at Barclays wrote in a note to clients.

As a result, US Treasury yields have risen with the two-year yield nearing 0.6 per cent, a high not seen since May 2011. That in turn has bolstered the appeal of the greenback against its low-yielding peers.

The dollar scaled a fresh six-year high of ¥109.75 overnight and last traded at 109.41. The euro came within a whisker of its November 2012 trough of US$1.2661 (RM4.1490) before edging back to US$1.2690.

Euro zone inflation data due later today will be closely watched by euro bears, but a bigger-than-expected rise in Germany's annual inflation could potentially help keep the euro zone rate stable.

One of the worst performing major currencies this month would have to be the New Zealand dollar, which is down nearly 7 per cent.

Data yesterday confirming the Reserve Bank of New Zealand had intervened to weaken the currency proved the central bank could talk the talk and walk the walk.

The kiwi last stood at US$0.7775, having plumbed a near 14-month low of US$0.7708 yesterday.

Doing nearly as badly is its Australian peer. It has suffered a drop of more than 6 per cent this month, a vicious turnaround for a currency that had been trading in a remarkably stable 92-95 cent range.

The Aussie fell out of favour as market volatility picked up following the end of the summer lull and as carry trades lost their lustre.

China's patchy economic growth and further declines in the price of iron ore, Australia's biggest export earner, then become excuses for selling the Aussie.

Momentum sellers joined the fray as key chart support levels gave way, handing the currency a one-way ticket to its 2014 trough of US$0.8660 set in January.

The Aussie fell as far as US$0.8684 overnight and last traded at US$0.8718. ― Reuters