Fussball » Vancouver, was less than satisfied with the come

LONDON - IOC President Thomas Bach defended the choice of Sochi as host of the Winter Olympics on Monday and said hes "sleeping very well" despite the terror threat hanging over the games. Bach reiterated his confidence that Russia will provide "safe and secure" games without taking away from a festive Olympic atmosphere. Russia is mounting a massive security operation for the games, which open Feb. 7 amid threats of attacks from Muslim insurgents from the North Caucasus region. "We have full confidence in the host country and we also know that Russia and the Russian (security) services are working closely with different international services in order to ensure that all the participants and spectators in the games can feel safe and secure," Bach said in a conference call with reporters. On a separate issue, Bach repeated that Russia has promised that athletes and spectators will not face any discrimination based on sexual orientation. Russia enacted a law last year banning gay "propaganda" among minors. Bach said athletes are free to speak out on any political issues at news conferences at the games, but are prohibited from doing so on the medal podium or other Olympic sites. "Its very clear that the games cannot be used as a stage for political demonstrations," he said. "The IOC will take, if necessary, individual decisions based on the individual case. On the other hand, the athletes, of course, enjoy the freedom of speech. So, if in a press conference they want to make a political statement, then they are absolutely free to do so." More than 50,000 police and military personnel are being deployed to guard Russias first Winter Games. An Islamic militant group in Dagestan claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed 34 people in late December in Volgograd and threatened to attack the games in Sochi. Russian security officials have been hunting for three potential female suicide bombers, one of whom is believed to be in Sochi itself. Bach said the International Olympic Committee remains in constant contact with Russia about the security measures. Asked whether hes worried, he said, "Im sorry to tell you Im sleeping very well." "Im really looking forward to the first Winter Games under my presidency and Im very confident they will be successful," said the German, who was elected head of the IOC in September, succeeding Jacques Rogge after 12 years in office. Bach compared the security situation to that of the 2002 Salt Lake City Games in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in the U.S. "In Salt Lake City there were thousands of security people around the place and people still felt fine and appreciated seeing that security was being taken seriously," he said. "I think the security forces can operate in a way that doesnt affect the atmosphere." Bach also defended Russias massive spending on the games. The $51 billion price tag — which includes the cost of roads, railways, hotels and other projects — is a record for any Olympics. Bach said Russia was using the Olympics as a "catalyst" to transform the region and create a winter sports complex for the entire country. Its up to host nations, he said, to decide how — and how much — they invest in long-term infrastructure projects. The spending on the Sochi Olympics has been engulfed in claims of kickbacks and other corruption. On Monday, anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny claimed that Russia spent twice as much as necessary to build at least 10 of the Olympic venues. Bach said the IOC stands "against any form of corruption," adding that he hopes people can differentiate "between just a general claim and concrete information." In general, Bach said, the Olympic atmosphere is building up in Sochi as the games approach. Referring to concerns about warm weather in the subtropical area, he said there was "plenty of snow" and more was forecast for later in the week. "I think overall we can say Sochi is ready to welcome the best winter athletes of the world," Bach said. Cheap Jordan 4 Retro . Bilbaos first victory in four rounds lifted it four points clear of Real Sociedad and kept it in command of Spains last Champions League berth for next season. In contrast, Betis was left 11 points from safety after a dismal performance that at times bordered on self-destruction amid some questionable refereeing decisions. Jordan 4 For Sale Cheap . Riethers apparent stamp on Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj during Saturdays Premier League match at Craven Cottage was missed by the match officials. A three-man panel of former referees reviewed the incident and all agreed that it was a sending-off offence. http://www.cheapairjordan4.com/ . During the furious first few hours of free agency Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with strong safety Donte Whitner, a Cleveland native who cant wait to play in his hometown. Wholesale Air Jordan 4 . Follow all the action live on TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, TSN Radio 690 in Montreal, TSN Radio 1260 in Edmonton and TEAM 1410 on Friday at 3pm et/Noon pt. Cheap Air Jordan 4 Clearance . PETERSBURG, Fla.VANCOUVER -- Carl Robinson got the start he wanted Saturday, but he was still left almost speechless. The delighted Vancouver Whitecaps coach was "lost for words" after his club scored three goals in the first 20 minutes en route to a 3-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. The Whitecaps (3-2-4) earned their first win in five games while the Earthquakes fell to 1-3-3. The game commemorated the first ever contest between Vancouver and San Jose, which was played May 5, 1974 when both teams were part of the original North American Soccer League. "I challenged them at the start of the game because it was a fantastic occasion today for the club and the tradition of the club," said Robinson. "I didnt want them to start slow where we have been in a few recent games." Despite the close score, the Whitecaps prevailed relatively easily after being forced to stage late comebacks in dramatic draws with Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles in their previous two games. Pedro Morales scored two goals a minute apart, with the first coming on a penalty-kick in the 19th minute and the second resulting from a shot from about 20 yards out in the 20th minute. "We got off to a great start, the team played very well, it was very exciting for the fan and we created a lot of (scoring) opportunities," said Morales. Kekuta Manneh also scored a goal and furnished an assist for Vancouver. "It was a big occasion for the club," said Manneh. "We all talked about it before the game and we had to come out and win the game. We were not that worried about the occasion, but weve got to do our job, and we did that, so it was great "We learned from our previous games." Chris Wondolowski, on a penalty-kick in the 45th minute and a lucky bounce in second-half stoppage time, scored both San Jose goals. "We did not come out with a good mindset," said Wondolowski. "Going down 3-0 against a very quality team, its way too big a hole to climb out of. We didnt do things right." Many fans wore 1970s-era clothing, including colourful bell-bottom pants that would make Norwegian curler Thomas Ulsruds crew envious, and donned long-haired wigs, fake handlebar moustaches and sunglasses. The attire was part of the Whitecaps tribute to the days of disco music. Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit started after being kept home from the previous weekends road game against San Jose for rest purposes. Meanwhile, Vancouver striker Kenny Miller began the game on the bench before coming on in the second half, as Robinson used a 4-2-3-1 alignment with Darren Mattocks deployed as the lone forward. As a result, Manneh, who has been used mostly as a substitute, started in midfield in a move that paid early dividends. Manneh gave the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute as he fired a first shot off the near post and then put his own rebound in off the far post. Crediting Morales passing prowess, Robinson said he did not have to say too much to his players about starting well after he had chewed them out at half-timme in the previous game.dddddddddddd "Obviously, after the reaction at Salt Lake at half-time, they got back in character," he said. Mannehs goal came after DeMerit checked the ball away from charging San Jose forward Yannick Djalo and sent the ball up the left flank. With Djalo injured in the process and kneeling on the turf, the Whitecaps were able to capitalize on an odd-man situation. "As soon a Yannick went down they scored the first goal. It was just 10 minutes where we couldnt cope with them," said Earthquakes coach Mark Watson. Morales put the Whitecaps ahead 2-0 on a penalty-kick after Mattocks was deemed to have been taken down while deking with the ball in the San Jose box. With the sellout crowd of 21,000 standing in anticipation, Morales rolled a shot into the left corner after San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch elected to go to his right. A minute later, Morales notched his second goal as he put a shot into the same corner from just outside the top of the San Jose box. After scoring the goal, Morales unwittingly doffed his jersey, waved it over his head, and excitedly ran bare-chested to the bench -- only to get an automatic yellow card for excessive celebration. Vancouver lost a shining Mattocks in the 30th minute after he pulled up with what Robinson described as a hamstring injury. Mattocks was replaced by second-year pro Erik Hurtado, but the change had little effect as Vancouver finished with 17 shots, including 13 in the first half, including nine on target. San Jose put just four of seven total shots on Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted, who was still sharp when necessary as the Caps continued mastery over a traditional powerhouse. The Earthquakes have yet to win in Vancouver in nine all-time MLS meetings with the Whitecaps. Overall, Vancouver holds a 4-1-4 edge in the series. Wondolowski, who now has nine career goals against Vancouver, was less than satisfied with the comeback attempt. He admitted his second goal, which redirected off DeMerit, was fortuitous after he did not get much behind the shot. "(The late rally) was too little, too late," said Wondolowski. "We cant be doing that. a This loss is unacceptable." Notes: San Joses Djalo was replaced by Alan Gordon in the 14th minute. a The Whitecaps had a goal disallowed in the 81st minute as Gershon Koffie was found guilty of a hand-ball just before he scored. a Whitecaps president Bobby Lenarduzzi became the first inductee into the clubs new ring of honour. During a pre-game ceremony, Los Angeles Lakers star Steve Nash, a Whitecaps minority owner, presented Lenarduzzi with a ring in conjunction with the honour. Nash jokingly dropped to one knee, like a hopeful groom proposing. a Lenarduzzi played on the original Whitecaps team, which was also honoured in the pre-game festivities, with many members taking part. a Gordon was cautioned in the 70th minute after he knocked Matias Laba in the back while the Cap played a header. a Former Whitecap Atiba Harris subbed in for San Jose during the second half. ' ' '