Thursday 19 June 2008

Tumbangkan Swedia 2-0, Rusia Lolos



Rusia akhirnya berhasil melaju ke perempatfinal Euro 2008 setelah dalam pertandingan terakhir Grup D mengatasi Swedia 2-0 lewat gol Roman Pavlyuchenko dan Andrei Arshavin.

Karena merupakan pertandingan penentuan siapa yang berhak melaju ke delapan besar, maka laga yang dipanggungkan di Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Kami (19/6/2008) dinihari WIB ini, berlangsung ketat dan berimbang

Rusia akhirnya menjadi tim yang lebih baik setelah Pavlyuchenko menjebol gawang lawan di menit ke-24 dan Arshavin menggandakannya di menit ke-50..

Jalannya pertandingan
Menit 19, playmaker Rusia Andrei Arshavin nyaris membawa timnya unggul. Dari sisi kiri lapangan, Arshavin melepas umpan silang yang mengarah ke gawang. Dengan sigap, Andreas Isaksson menepis bola keluar dan sepak pojok diberikan.

Dari tendangan sudut, bola disambut dengan sepakan voli kaki kiri dari Yuri Zhirkov. Namun bola deras dari Zhirkov masih menyamping di sebelah kiri gawang Swedia.

Rusia akhirnya mencetak gol pembuka di menit ke-23. Gol ini bermula dari pergerakan Andrei Arshavin di sisi kanan yang kemudian mengumpan kepada Alexander Anyukov. Sodoran bola dari Anyukov disambut Pavlyuchenko dengan tendangan yang menaklukkan Isaksson. Rusia memimpin 1-0.

Menit 26, Swedia hampir saja membalas. Bermula dari crossing Mikael Nilsson dari sisi kiri, Henrik Larsson menyambutnya dengan sundulan. Bola hasil tandukan Larsson menabrak mistar gawang Rusia yang dijaga Igor Akinfeev.

Rusia seharusnya sudah memimpin 2-0 di menit 36. Namun sepakan kaki kanan Pavlyuchenko yang bekerjasama dengan Arshavin, membentur mistar Swedia. Bola mental yang coba disambar Zhirkov pun masih ditepis Isaksson.

Tiga menit sebelum jeda, sebuah peluang Swedia juga gagal menjadi gol. Fredrik Ljungberg yang mendapat operan pendek dari Zlatan Ibrahimovich di dalam kotak penalti, melakukan sepakan keras ke arah gawang. Namun Akinfeev bertindak cepat dengan menepis bola.

Di masa injury time babak pertama, Nilsson juga gagal mencetak gol. Berada dalam situasi one on one menghadapi Akinfeev, bola tendangan Nilsson ditepis oleh kiper Rusia itu dan hanya menghasilkan tendangan penjuru.

Lima menit setelah kick-off babak kedua, Rusia menambah golnya. Lewat sebuah serangan balik, Zhirkov lolos di sisi kiri daerah pertahanan Swedia dan kemudian mengirim umpan mendatar untuk Arshavin. Dengan satu sodokan, Arshavin menjebol gawang Isaksson. 2-0 untuk Rusia.

Menit ke-58, sebuah umpan panjang dari Petter Hansson diteruskan oleh Larsson dengan tendangan gunting ke arah gawang. Namun Akinfeev mampu mencegah bola masuk ke gawangnya.

Arshavin seharusnya bisa menambah koleksi golnya di menit 65. Dari serangan balik, Arshavin mengejar bola hanya dengan kawalan Fredrik Stoor di dalam kotak penalti Swedia. Arshavin kalah cepat karena Stoor membuang bola. Sepak pojok.

Menit 79, Konstantin Zyrianov gagal menyegel kemenangan Rusia. Menguasai bola di luar kotak penalti, Zyrianov menembak dan bola yang membentur kaki bek Swedia membentur tiang kanan Isaksson.

Bola muntah memang masih dikuasai para pemain, tapi serangan para punggawa 'Beruang Merah' gagal saat Arshavin terjebak off-side.

Dua menit setelahnya, dua peluang dari Pavlyuchenko gagal bersarang di gawang Swedia. Yang pertama, tandukan dengan memanfaatkan umpan silang dari kanan jatuh tepat di pelukan Isaksson. Yang kedua, menerima bola dari Ivan Saenko, Pavlyuchenko yang berdiri bebas tidak tenang dan terburu-buru. Akibatnya, tendangan Pavlyuchenko masih menyamping.

Di menit ke-88, Arshavin lagi-lagi gagal mencetak gol tambahan. Mendapat umpan terobosan dari tengah, Arshavin tinggal berhadapan dengan Isaksson dan dikejar Hansson dari samping. Bola pelan ditembakkan Arshavin, namun Hansson dengan cepat menghadang bola dan membuangnya.

Saat wasit meniup peluit panjang tanda usainya pertandingan, Rusia tetap berhak atas kemenangan 2-0 sekaligus memastikan langkah ke perempatfinal untuk bersua Belanda.

Susunan pemain:
Rusia: Akinfeev; Anyukov, Kolodin, Ignashevich, Zhirkov; Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov (Saenko 66'); Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko (Bystrov 89')

Swedia: Isaksson; Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson (Allback 79'); Elmander, Svensson, Andersson (Kallstrom 56'), Ljungberg; Ibrahimovic, Larsson.

Sumber: detiksport

Tekuk Yunani 2-1, Spanyol Sukses




Superioritas Spanyol berlanjut di laga ketiga Grup D. Menghadapi Yunani di Salzburg, Matador unggul 2-1 dengan Daniel Guiza menjadi penentu kemenangan.

Hasil ini menempatkan Spanyol mencatat rekor 100 persen, dengan tak sekalipun kalah ataupun seri dalam perjalanan mereka di babak grup, sekaligus memastikan diri menjadi juara grup.

Berbeda dengan Spanyol, Yunani malah tak sekalipun mencatat hasil memuaskan selama menjalani tiga laga di Grup D. Tidak satupun poin bisa didapat, alias tim besutan Leo Beenhakker itu selalu takluk atas lawan-lawannya.

Dalam pertandingan tersebut, Spanyol sempat tertinggal 0-1 lewat gol Angelos Charisteas di menit 42. Baru di menit 60 Reben De La Red bisa menyamakan kedudukan, sebelum Daniel Guiza menentukan sukses 100 persen Spanyol di menit 88.

Melangkah ke perempatfinal, Spanyol akan menghadapi juara dunia 2006 Italia untuk memperebutkan tiket ke semifinal. Rusia, yang menjadi runner up akan menghadapi Belanda di babak delapan besar. (Mohammad Yanuar Firdaus)

Sumber: detikSport


technorati

Technorati Profile

Wednesday 18 June 2008

Obama Rebukes McCain Camp on Terrorism Criticism


A defiant Barack Obama said Tuesday he would take no lectures from Republicans on which candidate would keep the U.S. safer, a sharp rebuke to John McCain's aides who said the Democrat had a naive, Sept. 10 mind-set toward terrorism.

"These are the same guys who helped to engineer the distraction of the war in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned down the people who actually committed 9/11," the presumed nominee told reporters aboard his campaign plane. "This is the same kind of fear-mongering that got us into Iraq ... and it's exactly that failed foreign policy I want to reverse."

The rival camps engaged in a war of words Tuesday that echoed the 2004 presidential campaign in which President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and other Republicans argued that Democratic nominee John Kerry was soft on terror, a claim that resonated with voters and helped propel Bush to re-election. Democrats complained that the GOP was using the politics of fear.

The Republican argument proved less effective in 2006 when then Bush adviser Karl Rove said the Democrats had a pre-Sept. 11 view of the world and Republicans had a post-Sept. 11 terror attacks perspective. In November of that year, Democrats captured enough congressional seats to seize control of the House and Senate.

On his campaign plane, Obama told reporters that Osama bin Laden is still at large in part because President Bush's strategy toward fighting terror has not succeeded.

At issue were comments Obama made in an interview with ABC News Monday in which he spoke approvingly of the successful prosecution and imprisonment of those responsible for the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Obama was asked how he could be sure the Bush administration's anti-terrorism policies are not crucial to protecting U.S. citizens.

Obama said the government can crack down on terrorists "within the constraints of our Constitution." He mentioned the indefinite detention of Guantanamo Bay detainees, contrasting their treatment with the prosecution of the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.

"And, you know, let's take the example of Guantanamo," Obama said. "What we know is that, in previous terrorist attacks — for example, the first attack against the World Trade Center — we were able to arrest those responsible, put them on trial. They are currently in U.S. prisons, incapacitated.

"And the fact that the administration has not tried to do that has created a situation where not only have we never actually put many of these folks on trial, but we have destroyed our credibility when it comes to rule of law all around the world, and given a huge boost to terrorist recruitment in countries that say, 'Look, this is how the United States treats Muslims. ...

"We could have done the exact same thing, but done it in a way that was consistent with our laws," Obama said.

Obama agreed with the Supreme Court ruling last week that detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have a constitutional right to challenge their indefinite imprisonment in U.S. civilian courts. McCain derided the ruling as "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country."

McCain aides criticized Obama for talking about using the criminal justice system to prosecute terrorists.

"Senator Obama is a perfect manifestation a September 10th mind-set ... He does not understand the nature of the enemies we face," McCain national security director Randy Scheunemann told reporters on a conference call.

Former CIA director James Woolsey, who is advising the McCain campaign, concurred, saying Obama has "an extremely dangerous and extremely naive approach toward terrorism ... and toward dealing with prisoners captured overseas who have been engaged in terrorist attacks against the United States."

The Obama campaign countered with its own conference call in which Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Richard Clarke, a counterterrorism official in Republican and Democratic administrations, argued the McCain campaign was emulating Rove.

"I'm a little disgusted by the attempts of some of my friends on the McCain campaign to use the same old, tired tactics ... to drive a wedge between Americans for partisan advantage and to frankly frighten Americans," Clarke said.

Kerry accused McCain of "defending a policy that is indefensible" by siding with Bush's policies, particularly with respect to the Iraq war.

Obama said Republicans could be counted on to do "what they've done every election cycle, which is to use terrorism as club to make the American people afraid to win elections." He said he didn't think it would work this time.

By NEDRA PICKLER and BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer
From: Yahoo

Belanda Tundukkan Rumania 2-0

Belanda sukses menyapu bersih tiga pertandingan di Grup C dengan kemenangan. Lawan terakhir mereka, Rumania, mereka kandaskan dengan skor 2-0. Hasil tersebut juga membuat Tricolorii tersingkir dari Euro 2008.

Dua gol Belanda dilesakkan oleh Klaas-Jan Huntelaar di menit 54 dan robin Van Persie di menit 87. Sementara rumania tak mampu berbuat banyak untuk mengejar ketertinggalannya itu.

Hasil ini membawa De Oranje berhasil memnangi semua laga di Grup C yang dilabeli 'Grup Neraka'. Sedangkan Rumania terpaksa harus tersingkir dari Piala Eropa 2008 karena pada saat bersamaan Italia berhasil menundukkan Prancis 2-0. (Rossi Finza Noor/detiksport)

Susunan Pemain:
Belanda: Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Bouma, De Cler, Boulahrouz (Melchiot 58), Robben (Kuyt 61), Engelaar, De Zeeuw, Afellay, Van Persie, Huntelaar (Vennegoor of Hesselink 82).

Rumania: Lobont, Chivu, Contra, Contra, Dinca Rat, Tamas, Ghionea, Codrea, Nicolita (Petre 81), Cocis, M. Niculae (D. Niculae 59), Mutu.

Sumber: detiksport

Italia Depak Prancis 2-0




Italia tampil dominan atas Prancis yang berkekuatan 10 pemain sejak menit 24 dan memenangi duel di Letzigrund, Rabu (18/6/2008) lewat dua gol Andrea Pirlo dan Daniele de Rossi.

Baru tiga menit pertandingan berjalan, Luca Toni sudah mendapat peluang matang. Sayangnya, meski tinggal berhadapan satu lawan satu dengan Gregory Coupet, Toni terlalu terburu-buru melepas tendangan yang pada akhirnya tidak membuahkan hasil.

Menit ketujuh, petaka menimpa Franck Ribery setelah ia mendapat cedera yang diduga lumayan parah saat berebut bola dengan Gianluca Zambrotta. Ribery sendiri langsung ditarik keluar dan digantikan Samir Nasri karena insiden tersebut.

Di menit 10, Italia nyaris saja berada dalam posisi memimpin bila saja bola hasil sundulan Cristian Panucci tidak dihalau Claude Makalele tepat di garis gawang.

Sesaat kemudian Luca Toni berturut-turut mendapat peluang, namun gol baru bisa tercipta di menit 25 lewat penalti Pirlo. Tendangan 12 pas diberikan Lobos Michel setelah Eric Abidal melanggar Luca Toni saat striker jangkung Azzurri itu hendak menjebol gawang Gregory Coupet. Pirlo yang menjadi eksekutor sanksi untuk Prancis itupun tak kesulitan membawa timnya memimpin. 1-0 untuk Italia.

Diusirnya Abidal membuat lini belakang Prancis semakin gampang untuk ditembus. Toni beberapa kali memiliki peluang memperbesar keunggulan, namun selalu gagal karena kurang tenangnya Toni.

Memasuki menit-menit akhir babak pertama, Fabio Grosso nyaris mencetak gol brilian lewat tendangan bebas. Namun Coupet masih cukup sigap menepis bola yang membuat si kulit bundar berubah arah dan mengenai mistar gawang Prancis. Skor 1-0 bertahan hingga turun minum.

Di babak kedua, Italia langsung tampil menekan. Namun Prancis yang mendapat peluang pertama. Tendangan first time Karim Benzema di menit 49 nyaris saja menjebol gawang Gigi Buffon.

Thierry Henry juga tak ketinggalan menguji peruntungannya. Akan tetapi tendangan masih berhasil diredam Buffon, atau malah tidak tepat sasaran.

Sementara Italia memaksimalkan kesempatan mereka di menit 62. Berawal dari pelanggaran Francois Clerc atas Antonio Cassano di depan kotak penalti Prancis, Italia mendapat hadiah tendangan bebas. Daniele de Rossi yang menjadi eksekutor melepas sepakan keras, di mana bola mengenai kaki Henry, berbelok arah dan akhirnya mengecoh Coupet yang sudah bergerak ke arah berlawanan. 2-0 untuk Italia.

Gol tersebut semakin meruntuhkan mental bertanding Prancis. Skuad besutan Raymon Domenech itupun kerap kehilangan kontrol permainan.

Sementara Italia yang harusnya diuntungkan dengan kondisi tersebut juga tak jarang kehilangan sejumlah peluang. Coupet pun tak banyak kesulitan mengamankan gawangnya di beberapa kesempatan yang dimiliki Italia. Skor 2-0 pun bertahan hingga peluit panjang dibunyikan. (Mohammad Yanuar Firdaus/detikSport)

Susunan Pemain
Prancis: Gregory Coupet; Francois Clerc, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Patrice Evra; Sidney Govou (Nicolas Anelka 66), Jeremy Toulalan, Claude Makelele, Franck Ribery (Samir Nasri 10/ Alain Boumsong 26); Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema

Italia: Gianluigi Buffon; Gianluca Zambrotta, Giorgio Chiellini, Christian Panucci, Fabio Grosso; Andrea Pirlo (Massimo Ambrosini 55), Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso (Alberto Aquilani 81); Simone Perrotta (Mauro Camoranesi 64); Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano.

Sumber: detiksport


Obama Berencana Kunjungi Irak dan Afghanistan



Barack Obama mengungkapkan rencananya untuk melakukan kunjungan ke Irak dan Afghanistan. Lawatan itu akan dilakukan sebelum pemilihan presiden AS digelar November 2008 mendatang.

“Kami akan membuat pengumuman soal itu tapi seperti yang sudah saya katakan, saya tertarik untuk mengunjungi Irak dan Afghanistan sebelum pemilihan,” kata Obama seperti dilansir kantor berita AFP, Selasa (17/6/2008).

Obama sebelumnya pernah diejek rivalnya, John McCain dari Partai Republik karena baru sekali berkunjung ke Irak pada Januari 2006 lalu. Sedangkan McCain telah 8 kali pergi ke negeri itu.

Namun menurut Obama, kancah perang melawan teror yang sebenarnya adalah di Afghanistan. dikatakan Obama, keterlibatan AS di Irak merupakan bencana diplomatik dan finansial.

Obama mencetuskan, daripada menghabiskan ratusan miliar dolar untuk perang Irak, alangkah baiknya jika dana itu diinvestasikan untuk inovasi dan pembangunan. Apalagi saat ini kebanyakan warga AS tengah dipusingkan dengan keadaan ekonomi yang lesu.

“Bukannya menjangkau horizon baru, Presiden George Bush malah memasukkan kita ke lubang, dan kebijakan John McCain akan terus membuat kita berada di lubang itu,” kata Obama dalam pidatonya di Michigan, AS.

Sumber: plinplan

Obama Sangat Menghargai Negara-negara Asia




"Bangsa Amerika sebenarnya ingin perubahan, tapi mereka tidak mendapat kans itu dari Hillary Clinton". Hal tersebut mungkin hanya sebagian kecil dari pengamatan Mantan Presiden RI Abdurrahman Wahid seusai berkunjung selama 11 hari di Amerika Serikat untuk menerima beberapa penghargaan. Gus Dur berkesempatan menjadi tamu dalam edisi special Perspektif Wimar kali ini, yang membahas tentang pemilihan presiden di AS.

Dalam pandangannya, Gus Dur meyakini Obama punya kans besar di pemilihan presiden mendatang. Hal ini dikarenakan Obama selalu bicara tentang perubahan-perubahan. Dan yang lebih penting lagi bahwa Obama juga sangat menghargai negara-negara Asia yang telah banyak mengalami kemajuan terutama pada sektor pendidikan dan kesehatan. Sementara concern Clinton tentang politik luar negeri adalah tetap menjaga dominasi Amerika di dunia.

Gus Dur yang juga mendapat penghargaan dari Temple University dengan diabadikan namanya menjadi sebuah kelompok studi yang bernama Abdurrahman Wahid Chair of Islamic Study, juga khawatir tentang keselamatan Obama. Maksudnya?

Menurut Gus Dur, Presiden Kennedy pada waktu itu juga akan melakukan banyak perubahan tapi keburu ditembak. Nah, hal ini yang ditakutkan akan terjadi pada senator Illinois ini.Begitu juga dengan Richard Nixon yang keburu dilengserkan.

Bagi mantan ketua PB NU ini, Amerika sudah terlalu banyak meminta dari kita. Karena kita merupakan salah satu paru-paru dunia selain Brazil, maka menurut Protokol Kyoto semestinya Indonesia mendapatkan 4 US Dollar untuk setiap hektar dari hutan yang kita miliki. Bisa dibayangkan dana yang akan kita dapatkan kalau para Negara maju melakukan hal tersebut? Pasti akan sangat bermanfaat dalam pemulihan ekonomi.

Selain itu, dalam pertemuannya dengan anggota kongres dan Wakil Presiden Dick Cheney, Gus Dur berpesan satu hal. Yaitu agar mereka membuat pandangan terhadap Islam secara dialogis. (Didiet Adiputro)

Sumber: Perspektif Wimar

Sunday 15 June 2008

Luar Biasa Villa, Bawa Spanyol Unggul



David Villa memang luar biasa. Setelah melewatidua bek Swedia, ia memperdaya kiper Andreas Isaksson untuk mencetak gol bagi Spanyol, pada pertandingan grup D Euro 2008, yang baru saja berakhir di Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria.

Dengan gol Villa pada menit ke-90 tersebut, Spanyol kembali unggul 2-1 atas Swedia, sekaligus berpeluang besar memastikan tiket maju ke perempat final, karena sisa waktu sudah sangat sulit bagi Swedia untuk mengimbangi.

Sejak menit awal babak pertama, Spanyol lebih menguasai jalannya permainan. Hasilnya, pada menit ke-15 Fernando Torres berhasil memanfaatkan umpan David Silva dengan satu sentuhan kaki kanannya untuk membobol gawang Andreas Isaksson.

Tertinggal 0-1, Swedia tak putus asa. Meski hanya mengandalkan serangan balik, Zlatan Ibrahimovic mampu membuat skor berimbang 1-1, setelah aksinya memperdaya Sergio Ramos dan Iker Casillas untuk menceploskan bola ke gawang Spanyol pada menit ke-34.

Spanyol meningkatkan daya gedornya pada sisa watu babak pertama. Namun, Swedia dengan cepat memperbaiki sistem pertahanannya, setelah membuat kesalahan yang menyebabkan terjadinya gol Torres. Berbagai upaya Spanyol hanya menemui jalan buntu.

Pada menit ke-63, Spanyol nyaris mencetak gol melalui aksi David Villa. Umpanya diteruskan dengan tendangan David Silva, tapi berhasil diblok Isaksson. Villa langsung memanfaatkan bola rebound dan Isaksson kembali berhasil menghalau.

Bola mental ke arah Fernando Torres, tapi sayang tendangan striker Liverpool tersebut membantur tubuh Petter Hansson yang berdiri di depan gawang, sehingga bola memantul ke luar gawang. Selamatlah gawang Swedia, meski Isaksson sempat mendapat perawatan karena dagunya membentur dengkul Villa.

Dengan kemenangan tersebut, Spanyol memastikan tiket ke perempat final dengan nilai 6, hasil dari dua kemenangan. Seeangkan Swedia masih harus menunggu hasil pertandingan antara Yunani lawan Rusia.[S1]

Obama, Courting Ohio Seniors, Pledges No Cuts to Benefits


Democrat Makes 1st Ohio Visit Since Losing March 4 Primary

By JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

Returning to battleground Ohio for the first time since losing the state's March 4 primary, likely Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama yesterday used a retirement home as the backdrop for his call for higher Social Security taxes on wealthier Americans.

At the same time, he promised there would be no cut in Social Security benefits, no increase in the retirement age, and no income taxes on the first $50,000 collected in Social Security benefits.

He attacked Republican opponent John McCain for supporting private individual retirement accounts that could be invested outside the Social Security system, an idea that failed to gain momentum when President Bush proposed it several years ago.

"Privatizing Social Security was a bad idea when George Bush proposed it. It's a bad idea today,'' Mr. Obama told an invitation-only, mostly white group of 40 senior citizens at Oakleaf Village in north Columbus.

"It would eventually cut guaranteed benefits by up to 50 percent,'' he said.

"It would cost $1 trillion that we don't have to implement on the front end, permanently elevating our national debt," he said. "And most of all, it would gamble the retirement plans of millions of Americans on the stock market.

"Imagine if your Social Security right now were tied up in Dow Jones,'' he said.

The event was Mr. Obama's first campaign appearance with Gov. Ted Strickland, formerly a supporter of Hillary Clinton. Mr. Obama's wife, Michelle, later headlined a Cincinnati fund-raiser on behalf of her husband when his campaign took him to Philadelphia.

Mr. McCain has been back to Ohio three times since the state helped put him over the top in GOP delegates on March 4.

Mr. Obama has proposed subjecting all income over $250,000 to Social Security payroll taxes. Currently, Social Security taxes are applied only to the first $102,000 of income.

"Most middle-class families pay this tax on every dime they make, while millionaires and billionaires are only paying on a very small percentage of their income," he said.

Rob Portman, a former White House budget director and Cincinnati congressman, called Mr. Obama's plan to subject wealthier Americans to higher payroll taxes "a dangerous course."

"This will not provide the needed stimulus to the economy or create the jobs needed," the Republican said. "It will seriously risk further weakening our economy."

To date, Mr. McCain has provided few specifics on how he would ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security as retiring Baby Boomers task the system at a greater rate than younger workers pay into it. He has, however, generally endorsed the concept of private retirement accounts.

"His personal belief is that it is not necessary to raise taxes to [ensure Social Security's solvency],'' said Doug Holtz-Eakin, Mr. McCain's senior economic policy advisor. "He sees a role for private investment accounts as part of Social Security, but not as a substitute for taking on the fundamental challenges of the system.''

The intimate retirement home setting, in which audience members were outnumbered by members of the media, was a departure from the massive rallies Mr. Obama held on Ohio college campuses before the March primary election. Mr. McCain has challenged Mr. Obama to a series of small town-hall meetings, and Mr. Obama said he is looking forward to debates.

"When it comes to Social Security, he may want to finish the debate with himself first," said Mr. Obama.

The first time that Republican Bob Hinebaugh, 75, voted in a presidential election, he cast his ballot for Dwight Eisenhower. He has never voted for a Democrat, but he said he believes a change may be necessary this year.

"I'm not saying I'll vote for [Mr. Obama], but I do think he has some very good ideas," he said. "We've got to weigh this out very carefully, but he was very impressive. He said a lot of things I like."

The Republican, who lives near Oakleaf Village, did not commit to voting for him, but that didn't stop Mr. Obama from declaring him to be an "Obamacan."

Contact Jim Provance at:
jprovance@theblade.com
or 614-221-0496.

Rekor Indonesia di Mata Dunia


Republik Indonesia merupakan Negara kepulauan terbesar di dunia yang terdiri dari 17.504 pulau (termasuk 9.634 pulau yang belum diberi nama dan 6.000 pulau yang tidak berpenghuni) . Disini ada 3 dari 6 pulau terbesar didunia, yaitu : Kalimantan (pulau terbesar ketiga di dunia dgn luas 539.460 km2), Sumatera (473.606 km2) dan Papua (421.981 km2).

Indonesia adalah Negara maritim terbesar di dunia dengan perairan seluas 93 ribu km2 dan panjang pantai sekitar 81 ribu km2 atau hampir 25% panjang pantai di dunia.

Pulau Jawa adalah pulau terpadat di dunia dimana sekitar 60% hampir penduduk Indonesia (sekitar 130 jt jiwa) tinggal di pulau yang luasnya hanya 7% dari seluruh wilayah RI.

Indonesia merupakan Negara dengan suku bangsa yang terbanyak di dunia. Terdapat lebih dari 740 suku bangsa/etnis, dimana di Papua saja terdapat 270 suku.

Negara dengan bahasa daerah yang terbanyak, yaitu, 583 bahasa dan dialek dari 67 bahasa induk yang digunakan berbagai suku bangsa di Indonesia . Bahasa nasional adalah bahasa Indonesia walaupun bahasa daerah dengan jumlah pemakai terbanyak di Indonesia adalah
bahasa Jawa.

Indonesia adalah negara muslim terbesar di dunia. Jumlah pemeluk agama Islam di Indonesia sekitar 216 juta jiwa atau 88% dari penduduk Indonesia . Juga memiliki jumlah masjid terbanyak dan Negara asal jamaah haji terbesar di dunia.

Monumen Budha (candi) terbesar di dunia adalah Candi Borobudur di Jawa Tengah dengan tinggi 42 meter (10 tingkat) dan panjang relief lebih dari 1 km. Diperkirakan dibuat selama 40 tahun oleh Dinasti Syailendra pada masa kerajaan Mataram Kuno (750-850).

Tempat ditemukannya manusia purba tertua di dunia, yaitu : Pithecanthropus Erectus" yang diperkirakan berasal dari 1,8 juta tahun yang lalu.

Republik Indonesia adalah Negara pertama yang lahir sesudah berakhirnya Perang Dunia II pada tahun 1945. RI merupakan Negara ke 70 tertua di dunia.

Indonesia adalah Negara pertama (hingga kini satu-satunya) yang pernah keluar dari Perserikatan Bangsa Bangsa (PBB) pada tgl 7 Januari 1965. RI bergabung kembali ke dalam PBB pada tahun 1966.

Tim bulutangkis Indonesia adalah yang terbanyak merebut lambing supremasi bulutangkis pria, Thomas Cup, yaitu sebanyak 13 x (pertama kali th 1958 & terakhir 2002).

Indonesia adalah penghasil gas alam cair (LNG) terbesar di dunia (20% dari suplai seluruh dunia) juga produsen timah terbesar kedua.

Indonesia menempati peringkat 1 dalam produk pertanian, yaitu : cengkeh (cloves) & pala (nutmeg), serta no.2 dalam karet alam (Natural Rubber) dan minyak sawit mentah (Crude Palm Oil).

Indonesia adalah pengekspor terbesar kayu lapis (plywood), yaitu sekitar 80% di pasar dunia.

Terumbu Karang (Coral Reef) Indonesia adalah yang terkaya (18% dari total dunia).

Indonesia memiliki species ikan hiu terbanyak didunia yaitu 150 species.

Biodiversity Anggrek terbesar di dunia : 6 ribu jenis anggrek, mulai dari yang terbesar (Anggrek Macan atau Grammatophyllum Speciosum) sampai yang terkecil (Taeniophyllum, yang tidak berdaun), termasuk Anggrek Hitam yang langka dan hanya terdapat di Papua.

Memiliki hutan bakau terbesar di dunia. Tanaman ini bermanfaat untuk mencegah pengikisan air laut/abrasi.

Binatang purba yang masih hidup : Komodo yang hanya terdapat di pulau Komodo, NTT adalah kadal terbesar di dunia. Panjangnya bias mencapai 3 meter dan beratnya 90 kg.

Rafflesia Arnoldi yang tumbuh di Sumatera adalah bunga terbesar di dunia. Ketika bunganya mekar, diameternya mencapai 1 meter.

Memiliki primata terkecil di dunia , yaitu Tarsier Pygmy (Tarsius Pumilus) atau disebut juga Tarsier Gunung yang panjangnya hanya 10 cm. Hewan yang mirip monyet dan hidupnya diatas pohon ini terdapat di Sulawesi.

Tempat ditemukannya ular terpanjang di dunia yaitu, Python Reticulates sepanjang 10 meter di Sulawesi.

Ikan terkecil di dunia yang ditemukan baru-baru ini di rawa-rawa berlumpur Sumatera. Panjang 7,9 mm ketika dewasa atau kurang lebih sebesar nyamuk. Tubuh ikan ini transparan dan tidak mempunyai tulang kepala.

Saturday 14 June 2008

Belanda Benam Prancis 4-1


Setelah memukul Italia 3-0, kini giliran Prancis yang dihajar 4-1 dalam pertandingan grup C Euro 2008 di Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, dini hari tadi.

Gol pertama dibuat Dirk Kuyt ketika pertandingan baru berjalan sepuluh menit. Penyerang Liverpool ini menceploskan bola dengan sundulan kepalanya.

Hingga babak pertama berakhir, skor tak berubah, tetapi 1-0. Memasuki babak kedua, pelatih Der Oranje memasukkan Arjen Robben untuk menambah daya serang dari sayap.

Hasilnya, pada menit ke-59 Robben yang menusut jantung pertahanan Prancis dari sayap kiri, langsung melepaskan umpan kepada Robin van persie yang baru masuk menggantikan Dirk Kuyt.

Van Persie langsung melepaskan tendangan dengan kaki kirinya. Meski bola sempat ditahan tangan kiri kiper Gregory Coupet, tetapi memantul ke arah belakang dan bergulir masuk ke gawang.

Meski tertinggal 2-0, Prancis memiliki semangat untuk mengejar. Hasilnya, Thierry Henry yang berulang kali memiliki peluang emas, akhirnya mencetak gol pada menit ke-71, sehingga memperkecil ketinggalan 2-1.

Namun, diluar dugaan, ketika Prancis baru mulai membangun semangat dan kepercayaan dirinya, sebuah serangan cepat Belanda berhasil dituntaskan oleh Arjen Robben menjadi gol.

Gol Robben yang dibuat haya berselang satu menit seusai Henry membobol gawang Edwin Van der Sar, terbilang spektakuler karena dibuat dari sudut yang sangat sulit di sisi kanan gawang Caoupet.

Gol Robben rupanya benar-benar menghancurkan mentak Prancis. Terbuktinya, di menit terahir pertandingan, gawang mereka kembali kebobolan oleh tendangan jarak jauh Wesley Sneijder, sehingga kemenangan Belanda menjadi 3-1.

Dengan kemenangan tersebut Belanda dipastikan melangkah ke babak perempat final. Sementara tim asal 'Negeri Kincir Angin' itu memimpin grup C dengan nilai 6, diikuti Rumania dengan nilai 2.

Satu tiket lagi ke perempatfinal masih akan diperebutkan Rumania, Italia dan Prancis, karena ketiganya sama-sama memiliki nilai 1. Rumania akan menentukan nasibnya melawan Belanda, sedangkan Italia bertemu Prancis.[S1] 

sumber: inilah

Istri Obama Jadi Sasaran Tembak


Semakin dekat jadwal pemilihan Presiden Amerika Serikat, kian seru pula perseteruan di antara kubu Partai Demokrat dan Partai Republik. Black campaign pun mulai dimanfaatkan demi mengejar kemenangan.

Kondisi itulah yang kini terjadi di antara kedua kubu sebagai persiapan untuk pemilu mendatang. Yang menjadi sasaran kali ini adalah Michelle Obama, istri kandidat Partai Demokrat Barack Obama. Apa yang dilakukan terhadap Michelle?

Seperti yang terjadi dalam pertarungan antara Obama dengan Hillary Rodham Clinton dalam konvensi Partai Demokrat lalu, masalah ras menjadi isu yang paling panas bagi kedua kubu, bahkan hingga ke kalangan pemilih.

Masalah ras memang bisa menjadi ‘dagangan’ dan bisa juga sebagai bumerang. Hal ini terkait dengan munculnya Obama yang berpotensi menjadi presiden kulit hitam pertama Amerika. Hal positif yang diambil dari kulit gelapnya adalah, Obama mendapat dukungan melimpah dari pemilih kulit hitam.

Tapi masalah ras pula yang membuat pemilih Amerika terpecah belah antara kulit hitam dengan putih, menyusul pernyataan dari mantan pastor Obama. Itu sempat menjadi bumerang bagi Obama, karena banyak pemilih kulit putih yang mulai berniat meninggalkan senator Illinois itu. Namun, berkat kesigapan dan ketenangan Obama, masalah ras itu sedikit demi sedikit dihilangkan.

Setelah perseteruan soal ras antara kubu Obama dengan Hillary sirna seiring dengan kekalahan mantan Ibu Negara itu dalam konvensi partai, kini isu perbedaan warna kulit itu kembali mencuat. Dan lagi-lagi yang menjadi sorotan adalah kubu Obama.

Memang, di dalam hati sebagian rakyat Amerika, mereka belum siap menerima kehadiran seorang presiden negeri adidaya itu dari kalangan kulit hitam, karena selama ini kaum kulit hitam kerap dinilai sebagai komunitas kelas dua. Lantas, siapa saat ini yang menjadi sasaran tembak?

Ternyata bukan lagi Obama, melainkan istrinya, Michelle. Serangan terhadap Michelle itu terkait dengan ucapannya yang pernah menyebut kata whitey, yang mengacu pada kelompok kulit putih.

Rumors yang menyebutkan Michelle Obama pernah mencemooh kaum kulit putih dengan menggunakan kata whitey, dilakukannya saat ia berpidato di Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. Ucapan Michelle itu sempat tertayang di sejumlah blog di kubu Republik selama beberapa pekan dan kemudian diulang-ulang dalam talk show di radio yang diasuh oleh Rush Limbaugh.

Melihat hal itu, kubu Demokrat langsung bereaksi dengan mengatakan bahwa rumors itu hanya untuk menjatuhkan Obama menjelang pemilu nanti.

Tim kampanye Obama mengatakan bahwa Michelle Obama tidak pernah menggunakan kata whitey dalam pidato di gerejanya itu. Untuk meredam isu itu tak semakin merusak reputasi Obama dan istrinya, tim kampanyenya segera meluncurkan situs Web.

“Tak ada rekaman seperti itu,” kata kubu Obama dalam situsnya, http://www.fightthesmears.com. “Michelle Obama tidak pernah berbicara dari atas mimbar di gereja Trinity dan tak pernah menggunakan kata itu.”

Kejadian itu tentu saja tak mengenakkan hati Obama yang tengah mencoba membangun citra sebagai calon pemimpin masa depan. Ia perlu membangun citra itu karena selama ini ia selalu disudutkan sebagai kandidat presiden yang minim pengalaman dan tak punya latar belakang militer serta lemah dalam kebijakan luar negeri.

Upaya membangun citra itu bisa saja sia-sia jika kubunya tak segera melakukan klarifikasi melalui Web. Penjelasan melalui Internet ini mutlak dilakukan karena black campaign itu juga disebarkan melalui blog yang memanfaatkan komunitas netter.

Kampanye hitam lewat Web memang cukup ampuh karena daya sebarnya cukup luas dan menjangkau hampir semua kalangan yang mengakses Web.

Sebaiknya, kubu Obama tak hanya memberikan klarifikasi, tapi mulai menggiatkan kembali kampanye lewat Internet, seperti yang ia lakukan pada konvensi Demokrat melawan Hillary.

Ini perlu segera dilakukan, karena sebelumnya, lagi-lagi Michelle, yang dipertanyakan patriotismenya terhadap Amerika Serikat. Hal itu bermula ketika Michelle mengomentari kampanye suaminya, yang membuat ia bangga terhadap Amerika ‘untuk pertama kalinya’.

Fox News Channel ‘bahkan mengganggu’ Michelle Obama dengan ungkapan slang, “Obama’s baby mama”. Itu untuk menggambarkan seorang perempuan yang memiliki bayi di luar nikah.

Ini menjadi tugas utama Obama untuk ‘membersihkan’ nama keluarganya dari segala hal yang dapat menghambat upayanya menduduki Gedung Putih. Namun, counter attack tak perlu dilakukan dengan black campaign juga, karena hal ini justru akan mengganggu karismanya di mata rakyat Amerika.

Ia hanya perlu berkampanye dengan menyentuh segala permasalahan yang dihadapi rakyat Amerika kebanyakan. Mengapa? Saat ini Amerika masih dirundung duka kelesuan ekonomi. Dengan menyentuh isu-isu sosial dan ekonomi, sepertinya sulit bagi McCain untuk menghadang laju Obama. [Teguh Rachmanto ]

Sumber: Inilah

Buffon Selamatkan Italia


Andai saja Gianluigi Buffon gagal membendung penalti Adrian Mutu, Italia bisa jadi sudah tersingkir sekarang. Namun, dengan hasil 1-1 melawan Rumania, Gli Azzurri memang patut untuk merasa was-was.

Ya, setelah kalah 0-3 pada laga perdana melawan Belanda, kemenangan atas Rumania adalah hasil wajib. Tetapi, bukannya meraih kemenangan, mereka malah bermain imbang. Bahkan jika Buffon tidak memblok penalti Mutu, Alessandro Del Piero cs bukan tak mungkin menelan kekalahan dan tersingkir.

Kiper Juventus itu memang tampil cukup apik dalam laga yang berlangsung di Letzigrund Stadion ini. Beberapa penyelamatan berhasil ia lakukan untuk menjaga gawangnya dari kebobolan.

Kini Italia harus puas tetap menghuni posisi juru kunci Grup C dengan raihan poin satu. Nasib, mereka pun akan ditentukan pada matchday terakhir ketika berhadapan dengan Prancis 18 Juni mendatang.

Sementara itu Rumania tetap duduk di peringkat dua dengan nilai 2. Tim asuhan Victor Piturca itu pun memiliki kans yang lebih besar ketimbang Italia untuk lolos ke babak perempatfinal, kendati juga masih tergantung dari hasil pertandingan Belanda vs Prancis yang akan berlangsung sesaat lagi.

Jalannya Pertandingan
Rumania langsung memperoleh kesempatan di awal pertandingan. Umpan lambung dari sisi kanan berhasil diterima dengan sundulan oleh Adrian Mutu. Namun, tandukan striker Fiorentina itu masih melambung di atas mistar gawang Italia.

Balasan dari Italia datang pada menit delapan. Mereka hanya terpisahkan satu centimeter dari gol pertama setelah sundulan Alessandro Del Piero di depan gawang Bogdan Lobont hanya melenceng tipis.

Adrian Mutu kembali menguji pertahanan Italia pada menit 15. Ia melepaskan tendangan keras kaki kiri dari dalam kotak penalti yang kemudian berhasil diblok dengan baik oleh Gianluigi Buffon.

Dua menit kemudian giliran Gabriel Tamas yang memiliki peluang. Namun, lagi-lagi Buffon berhasil menyelamatkan gawangnya. Tendangan bebas Tamas dari luar kotak penalti berhasil ia blok.

Menit 19 sundulan Cristian Chivu yang membentur badan Christian Panucci nyaris mengubah kedudukan menjadi 1-0 jika saja menemui sasaran. Penyelamat Italia kali ini bukanlah Buffon, melainkan tiang gawang.

Luca Toni memiliki kesempatan pada menit 26. Berawal dari umpan crossing Mauro Camoranesi di sisi kanan, bola pun ditanduk oleh penyerang Bayern Munich itu. Sial baginya, bola sundulannya melenceng di sisi kiri gawang Rumania.

Italia kembali memiliki kesempatan untuk memperoleh keunggulan di menit 39, lagi-lagi melalui sundulan Toni. Kali ini dengan gemilang Lobont berhasil menepis tandukan Toni sehingga hanya menghasilkan sepak pojok, bukan gol.

Di penghujung pertandingan sebenarnya Italia berhasil mencetak gol melalui sundulan Toni. Namun, wasit menganggap striker jangkung itu sudah terlebih dulu terperangkap offside.

55 menit pertandingan berjalan, Rumania memimpin. Diawali tendangan bebas, bola kemudian dihalau oleh Gianluca Zambrotta, yang sialnya, ke arah gawang sendiri! Bola lantas diterima oleh Mutu yang tanpa ampun menghujamnya ke gawang Buffon.

Namun, semenit kemudian Italia berhasil menyamakan kedudukan! Adalah Christian Panucci yang menjadi penyelamat usai menyambar sundulan Giorgio Chielini didepan gawang Rumania. Gol tersebut diawali oleh sebuah sepak pojok.

Bogdan Lobont melakukan penyelamatan gemilang di menit 76. Kiper Rumania itu menghalau tandukan Daniele De Rossi yang dilakukan tepat di depan gawangnya sendiri. Refleks yang cukup bagus dari kiepr Dinamo Bucharest itu.

Italia selamat dari kebobolan yang kedua kalinya di menit 80 setelah Buffon berhasil menepis penalti Mutu! Penalti tersebut diberikan usai Christian Panucci menarik baju Daniel Niculae.

Susunan Pemain:
Italia: Buffon, Panucci, Zambrotta, Grosso, Chielini, Pirlo, Perrotta (Cassano 57), Camoranesi (Ambrossini 85), De Rossi, Del Piero (Quagliarella 76), Toni

Rumania: Lobont, Chivu, Contra, Dinca Rat, Tamas, Goian, Radoi (Dica 25), Codrea, Petre (Nicolita 59), Mutu (Cocis 87), Niculae

Sumber: detikcom

Thursday 12 June 2008

Daftar Objek Wisata di Sumatera Barat


(Tourism in West Sumatera)

Objek Wisata Sejarah :

Nama Objek Wisata : Menhir Mahat
a. Lokasi : Kec. Luhak Desa Mahat Kab. 50 Kota
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 40 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Batu Batikam
a. Lokasi : Kec. Batipuh Desa Batu Taba Kab. Tanah Datar
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 3 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Batu Basurek
a. Lokasi : Kec.Rambatan Desa Simawang Kab. Tanah Datar
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 3 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Pulau Cingkuak
a. Lokasi : Kec. IV Jurai Painan Selatan Kab. Pesisir Selatan
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : -

Nama Objek Wisata : Makam Mr.M.Yamin
a. Lokasi : Kecamatan Talawi Kota Sawahlunto
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 11 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Musium Imam Bonjol & Equator
a. Lokasi : Kec.Bonjol Desa Bonjol Kab. Pasaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 19 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Benteng Tuanku Imam Bonjol
a. Lokasi : Kec.Bonjol Desa Bonjol Kab. Pasaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 20 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Makam syeh Burhanuddin
a. Lokasi : Ulakan Kec.Ulakan Kab Padang Pariaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 12 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Diniyah Putri
a. Lokasi : Jl.Ramah el Yunusiah Kota Padang Panjang
b. Jarak dari ibukota
Kabupaten/Kota : 0,5 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Mesjid Asasi
a. Lokasi : Kel.Sigandho Kota.Pd.Panjang Timur
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 2 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Perkampungan Minang Kabau
a. Lokasi : Kel.Silaing Bawah Kota.Padang Panjang
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 2 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Bukit Sibaluik
a. Lokasi : Jl.Sukarno Hatta Kota Payakumbuh
b. Jarak dari ibu/
Kota Kab/Kodya : Lebih kurang 4 km

Mama Objek Wisata : Mesjid Tuo Koto Nan Ampek
a. Lokasi : Kel.Balai Nan Duo Kota Payakumbuh
b. Jarak dari ibu kota Kab/Kodya : Lebih Kurang 2 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Tugu Ratapan Ibu
a. Lokasi : Jl.A.Yani Kota Payakumbuh
b. Jarak dari ibu kota Kab/Kodya : Lebih kurang 1 km

Nama Ojek Wisata : Gedung Balaikota
a. Lokasi : Jl.Prop.M.Yamin Kota Padang
b. Jarak dari Ibu kota Kabupaten /Kodya : Pusat Kota


Objek Wisata Alam
Nama Objek Wisata : Pantai Arta
a. Lokasi : Desa Sei.Paku Kab. Padang Pariaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 16 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Pulau Sinyang-nyang
a. Lokasi : Siberut Selatan Kab. Mentawai
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : -

Nama Objek Wisata : Pantai Bercelona
a. Lokasi : Perw.Kec.Sungai Limau Kab Padang Pariaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 16 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Pulau Belibis
a. Lokasi : Kec.Pariaman Utara Kota Pariaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 5 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Pantai Tirta Bahari
a. Lokasi : Kec.Ulakan Tapakis Kab. Padang Pariaman
b. Jarak dari ibukota Kabupaten/Kota : 17 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Taman Nirwana
a. Lokasi : Jl.Padang - Painan Kota Padang
b. Jarak dari Ibukota/Kabupaten/Kodya : 12 km

Nama Objek Wisata : Pulau Pisang Gadang
a. Lokasi : Kec.Padang Selatan Kota Padang
b. Jarak dari ibukota/Kabupaten/Kodya : 1/4 jam P.Laut


Objek Wisata Religius

1.Nama Objek Wisata Makam Syekh Burhanuddin
Pengelola Kecamatan/Pemda Padang Pariaman
Fasilitas Tempat-tempat Ibadah
Alamat Desa Ulakan Kab.Padang Pariaman

2.Nama Objek Wisata Makam Tuanku Saliah
Pengelola Pemda Pariaman
Fasilitas - Tempat Ibadah dan Kedai Minuman
Alamat Desa Sungai Pariak

3. Nama Objek Wisata Kuburan Panjang
Pengelola Pemda Tanah Datar
Fasilitas Tempat Ibadah
Alamat Desa Pariangan Kab.Tanah Datar

4. Nama Objek Wisata Makam Abdul Manan
Pengelola Pemda Agam
Fasilitas - Tempat Ibadah dan Kedai Minuman
Alamat Desa Kamang Kab.Agam

5. Nama Objek Wisata Makam Pahlawan Situjuh Batur
Pengelola Dinas Sosial
Fasilitas - Tempat Istirahat dan Kedai Minuman
Alamat Desa Situjuh Kab.50 Kota

6. Nama Objek Wisata Makam M.Yamin
Pengelola Pemda kOta
Fasilitas Tempat Ibadah
Alamat Desa Talawi.

7. Nama Objek Wisata Makam Sikucuik
Pengelola Pemda Sawahlunto
Fasilitas Tempat Ibadah
Alamat Desa Talawi Sawahlunto

8. Nama Objek Wisata Makam Pahlawan Kusuma Negara
Pengelola Dinas Sosial
Fasilitas Tempat Istirahat
Alamat Jl.S.Parman Lolong Padang.

Sumber: www.sumbarprov.go.id

Daftar Hotel di Kota Padang


1. Hotel Sedona Bumi Minang Jl. Bundo Kanduang No. 20 Telp. 37555 Fax. 37567 Padang
2. Hotel Pangeran Beach Jl. H.Juanda No. 79 Telp. 51333 Fax. 54613 Telex. 55213 Padang
3. Pusako Sikuai Wisata Jl. Muara No.38 B. Telp. 37811, 22849 Fax. 22895 Padang
4. Natour Muara Jl. Gereja No. 34 Telp. 35600, 33741, Fax. 22895 Padang
5. Hotel Dipo Jl. Diponegoro No. 25 Telp. 34261, 33741 Fax. 34265, 27966 Padang
6. Hotel Bougainville Jl. Bagindo Aziz Chan No. 2 Telp. 32423 Padang
7. Hotel Tiga-tiga Jl. Pemuda No. 31 Telp. 32587 Padang
8. Hotel Dymens Jl. Prof.Dr.Hamka No.141 Telp. 53822 Padang
9. Hotel Femina Jl. Bagindo Aziz Chan No. 15 Telp. 34309 Padang
10. Hotel Carolin Beach Jl. Bungus Teluk Kabung Telp. 37863, 37900 Padang
11. Hotel Wisma Ransel Jl. Purus No. 2/13 Telp. 30291 Padang
12. Uncle Jack Home Stay Pasir Jambak Padang Telp. 39739 Padang
13. Hotel Mayang Sari Jl. Sudirman No. 19 Telp. 22647, 23555 Padang
14. Hotel Garuda Jl. Permindo No. 4 Telp. 31696 Padang
15. Hotel Putri Kemala Balqis Jl. Hangtuah No. 227 Telp. 28780 Padang
16. Hotel Carlos Jl. Pasar Laban Bungus Telp. 30353 Padang
17. Hotel Nuansa Jl. Samudra, Padang
18. Hotel Pangerans City Jl. Dobi No. 3-5 Telp. 31233 Padang
20. Hotel Padang Jl. Bagindo Aziz Chan No. 28 Telp. 31383 Padang
21. Hotel Putri Bungsu Jl. Permindo No. 40 Telp. 32230 Padang

Investasi Pariwisata di Kota Padang


Wisata Bahari

Pengembangan Pantai Padang

Pantai Padang
Pemb. Hotel, Restoran, Taman Bermain, Sarana Olah Raga Mini & Air (Jet Sky & Surfing), dan Tempat Parkir.

Padang Lama (Kota Tua)
Penyediaan Tempat Atraksi Budaya, Pusat Informasi Sejarah.

Batang Arau
Pemb. Pelabuhan Marina, Restoran Terapung, Sarana Olahraga Air, Dermaga dan Sandaran Kapal Pesiar.

Wisata Pantai

Rencana Pembangunan Hotel/Apartemen di Pantai Padang Gold Point

Pengembangan Objek Wisata Gunung Padang

Pelabuhan Muara
Gunung Padang

Pengembangan Objek Wisata Taman Siti Nurbaya

Taman Siti Nurbaya
Gunung Padang
Lobang Jepang
Makam Siti Nurbaya

Pengembangan Objek Wisata Pantai Padang

Pulau-Pulau kecil +/- 19 buah
Pulau Sauh
Pulau Air
Pulau Toran
Pulau Bindalang
Pulau Sinyaru
Pulau Pisang Gadang
Pulau Pisang Ketek
Pulau Sirandah
Pulau Sironjong

Taman Raya Bung Hatta
Prospek Pengembangan

Wisata Alam/Ekowisata
Wisata Rekreasi
Wisata Konvensi

Pembangunan Terowongan Pengambiran-Bungus


Sumber: www.padang.go.id

Tourism in Padang


Padang is the capital of West Sumatra. The town is quite nice and deserves a longer visit. The main sights in the city include Adityawarman Museum (close to the bus station) in a traditional Minangkabau house and featuring a good collection of antiques and the cultural center where we can see traditional dances on Sundays. It is an arts institute, which often stages Minang dance and pencak silat (martial arts) performance. The cultural center also offers free tours to the city.

Padang has several houses built in traditional architecture, including Padang Museum, which houses objects of cultural and historical interest. Its beach on Bungus bay with its white sands is good for swimming, boating or just watching the fishing boats going out to sea in the afternoon. Small boats can be hired from here to some small islands nearby: Sirandah, Sikoai, Pagang, Parsumpahan.

Padang is a prosperous city and major ports, which has retained the atmosphere of a market town. It is the third largest city of Indonesia with a population of more than 300,000. South of Padang, the massive Kerinci-Strait, Nature Reserve is Indonesia's largest national parks sprawls across a 345 sq km stretch of Jungle Mountain dominated by the volcanic core of Mount Kerinci, which is Sumatra's highest mountain.

Padang has some pretty beaches. The most popular ones are located south of Padang. The beaches are good for swimming, boating or just watching fishing boats going out in the afternoon. On Sundays, the beaches are usually crowded with families and youngsters enjoying their weekly day off. On other days, however, we will find the beaches deserted.

One of the most famous attractions in Padang is the renowned 'Nasi Padang'. Numerous restaurants serve it. One of the most famous is Simpang Raya, which has branches throughout West Sumatra and Riau, but also in other cities in Indonesia. When we sit down at a table, in no time the waiter will fill the whole table with plates, containing Kari, chicken and fish prepared in coconut curry, Rendang, meat in coconut gravy and Dendeng Balado, thin slices of dried and fried beef served with red chilies. 

History
Since the 16th century Padang has been a trade centre. During the 16th and 17th century pepper was cultivated and traded with India, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In 1663 the city came under the Dutch authority.

The city came under British authority twice, the first time during the war between United Kingdom and the Netherlands (1781-1784) and again when the United Kingdom managed the area for the Netherlands during the Napoleonic wars (1795-1815). Afterwards the city was transferred back to the Netherlands. Up to approximately 1780 the most important trade product was gold, originating from the gold mines in the region. When the mines where exhausted, the emphasis turned to other products such as coffee, salts and textiles

by: indonesia-tourism

Ronaldo Puts Portugal into Quarterfinals


(CNN) -- Cristiano Ronaldo rose above the frenzied speculation about his club future to fire Portugal to a second successive victory at Euro 2008, inspiring a 3-1 triumph against the Czech Republic in Geneva.

Deco, who is expected to leave Spanish club Barcelona after the tournament, had a chance to put Portugal back in front but blazed over the bar after cutting in from the right wing.

Sionko almost had a second goal in the 29th minute when goalkeeper Ricardo flapped at another corner, but Joao Moutinho cleared his header off the line.

Ronaldo, who is being courted by Spanish champions Real Madrid, twice tested Cech in the final minutes of the first half -- the Chelsea keeper denied the 23-year-old's long-range effort with a fine flying save and then smothered his dipping free-kick.

Captain Nuno Gomez had a chance to put Portugal ahead again 10 minutes after the break after robbing David Rozenthal, but the Lazio defender recovered to block his shot.

Cech then denied Simao Sabrosa, and at the other end Tomas Ujfalusi's header flashed past the past from another corner with Sionko and Milan Baros both just failing to make a vital connection.

Just a minute later, Ronaldo popped up to put Portugal in the lead for the second time with a sharp right-foot effort from just inside the penalty area after Deco cut inside and slid the ball into his path.

The Czechs battled bravely for an equalizer, but Sionko saw his 83rd-minute header tipped over by Ricardo from yet another set-piece when it seemed he should have scored.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner brought on giant striker Jan Koller, dropped to the bench after the win over the Swiss, but the country's all-time record scorer could not make the required impact.

Instead it was Ronaldo who settled the match, racing clear after beating the offside trap on the counterattack and unselfishly squaring the ball to Quaresma after drawing Cech out of his goal.

"It was a surprise for me because we had planned to play against a starting XI that would include Koller," Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari told reporters, before it was later announced the Brazilian had been named as the new manager of English Premier League club Chelsea.

"The fact Baros was there didn't make life easy. We faced difficulties because they had four or five in midfield and we had two wingers so we didn't know what to do."

Bruckner added: "In the second half, we saw the team get a bit tired and our opponents put in a perfect performance in attack. Portugal did not go for counter-attacking only -- they were able to make perfect transitions from attack to defence.

by: cnn

Obama’s Top Vetter Resigns


By Kate Phillips


James A. Johnson, a leading member of the vice-presidential search team for Senator Barack Obama, quit his post with the campaign today after he and the campaign came under sustained Republican fire in the last several days for several favorable loans he had received.

“Jim did not want to distract in any way from the very important task of gathering information about my vice presidential nominee, so he has made a decision to step aside that I accept,” Mr. Obama said in a statement released by his campaign. “We have a very good selection process underway, and I am confident that it will produce a number of highly qualified candidates for me to choose from in the weeks ahead. I remain grateful to Jim for his service and his efforts in this process.”

Mr. Obama’s rival, Senator John McCain, and the Republican party had been hammering away at mortgages Mr. Johnson received from Countrywide Financial, a troubled mortgage lender. The loans were first disclosed by The Wall Street Journal last Saturday. Day after day, both the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee issued release after release criticizing Mr. Obama’s connections to Mr. Johnson.

In some ways, the former chief executive of the Fannie Mae Corporation represented the type of Washington figure the campaigns have tried to keep a distance from as they both tried to rid their campaigns of ties to Washington lobbying ties. In addition, the McCain campaign reminded the media and others that Mr. Obama had repeatedly criticized this particular mortgage company during his primary campaign.

Bloomberg News posted this statement from Mr. Johnson today: “I would not dream of being a party to distracting attention from that historic effort. I believe Barack Obama’s candidacy for president of the United States is the most exciting and important of my lifetime.'’

Mr. Johnson, 64, said that he had done nothing wrong, saying “blatantly false statements and misrepresentations'’ had been written about him.

Just yesterday, Mr. Obama had dismissed the notion that Mr. Johnson’s business dealings should have received more scrutiny before he joined the search team, whose leading members also include Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder.

Earlier today, on a conference call with Obama campaign staff, Senator Kerry was asked about Mr. Johnson. Our colleague John Broder passed along Mr. Kerry’s remarks:

Jim Johnson is a very experienced, very discreet, very capable individual who is performing a voluntary function without pay, without any interest. He’s not seeking a job and, you know, he is acting completely independently to gather information about somebody. And that’s it. That is the full measure of this and it seems that this is one of those sort of Washington grab stories where people try to make something out of something it’s not.”

He has proven himself someone who has great skill in gathering that information and keeping it private.” Referring to the 2004 vice presidential vetting he performed for Mr. Kerry, he said, “There were no leaks from my process and he was handling unbelievably sensitive information.” He added, “He did an outstanding job in that capacity and I have no complaint about what he did for me.”

Mr. Johnson had just visited with top Congressional leaders to discuss the search matters earlier this week.

From : nytimes

Wednesday 11 June 2008

McCain, Obama Present Different Views on Taxes


By Jeff Mason
WASHINGTON (Reuters)-Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama staked out starkly opposing stances on taxes on Tuesday, with McCain promising corporate tax breaks and Obama pledging tax increases for many.

McCain in a speech in Washington accused Obama of seeking the single largest tax increase since World War Two while Obama, in a television interview, said he would increase taxes on the wealthy and on stock profits to pay for a middle-class tax cut of $1,000 a year.

"No matter which of us wins in November, there will be change in Washington. The question is what kind of change?" McCain told a conference for small businesses.

Obama told CNBC that he would raise taxes on Americans making $250,000 a year or more and raise the capital gains tax for those in higher income brackets while exempting small investors. He said the U.S. economy has been "out of balance for too long."

"The general principle of raising taxes on higher income Americans, like myself, and providing relief to those who haven't benefited as much from this new global economy, I think, is a sound one," Obama said.

But Obama, 46, said he would consider deferring some of the tax increases, depending on the economic situation he inherits from President George W. Bush should he win the November election.

The differences on how to spur new growth in the sluggish U.S. economy, at a time of rising unemployment, record-high gasoline prices and a persistent housing crisis, represented a key point of argument for the two candidates in their battle to determine who wins the presidency.

Obama and other Democrats believe economic conditions, including $4-a-gallon gasoline, will persuade many Americans to vote for them in November. McCain wants to fight the election on national security, which he considers his strength.

From: Reuters

Swedes See off Greeks 2-0 at Euro 2008


Sweden beat defending champions Greece 2-0 here on Tuesday in their opening Euro 2008 Group D match here with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Petter Hansson on target with quickfire second half efforts to get the Scandinavians off to a flier.

Greece stunned the world four years ago when, inspired by veteran coach Otto Rehhagel, they lifted their first silverware with a win over hosts Portugal in the final.

But although they qualified for this year's event in style - having between-times missed out on the World Cup finals in 2006 - they laboured to create much in the way of real chances against the Swedes.

Ibrahimovic, after netting his first international goal in three years, a piledriver, was jubilant.

"It was a difficult match, especially for the strikers, as the Greeks defended well.

"We did fantastically and played with intelligence. The important thing was to get the three points."

Sweden appeared hesitant in the first 45 minutes in Salzburg but their strong midfield snuffed out what little threat their rivals showed and then they hit their stride with two goals in quick succession.

The opener after 67 minutes of stalemate was a real belter, Inter Milan star Ibrahimovic smashing in a superlative drive on the half-volley past keeper Antonis Nikopolidis and into the corner of the net following a neat flick on from the evergreen Henrik Larsson.

Ibrahimovic's celebration was almost as fizzing, his joy palpable given that it was his first goal in his past 15 internationals, the drought extending back to an October 2005 World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

Rehhagel's reaction, in contrast, was to grimace and hold his head in his hands.

"The first half didn't go as we planned - we didn't play high enough up the pitch and then we lost Ibrahimovic for a moment, which left us a goal down," snorted Rehhagel afterwards.

"We will have to show a tougher side of us in the next match."

Minutes before his spectacular strike, Ibrahimovic had not quite hit the target, his header spinning just over after Freddie Ljungberg had swept a tantalising cross into the box.

Five minutes later, Hansson bundled home the second 18 minutes from time with Nikopolidis nowhere with the Greek defence all at sea after Ljungberg had seen an initial effort saved.


Ironically , seconds before the Swedes took the lead Hansson had almost scored an own goal as he nodded a Traianos Dellas cross from the right perilously close to his own net.

The Greeks, stunned by the opener, had no answer and with an effervescent Spain, as well as Russia, to come, they will struggle to make the last eight on this evidence.

Sweden beat defending champions Greece 2-0 here on Tuesday in their opening Euro 2008 Group D match here with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Petter Hansson on target with quickfire second half efforts to get the Scandinavians off to a flier.

Greece stunned the world four years ago when, inspired by veteran coach Otto Rehhagel, they lifted their first silverware with a win over hosts Portugal in the final.

But although they qualified for this year's event in style - having between-times missed out on the World Cup finals in 2006 - they laboured to create much in the way of real chances against the Swedes.

Ibrahimovic, after netting his first international goal in three years, a piledriver, was jubilant.

"It was a difficult match, especially for the strikers, as the Greeks defended well.

"We did fantastically and played with intelligence. The important thing was to get the three points."

Sweden appeared hesitant in the first 45 minutes in Salzburg but their strong midfield snuffed out what little threat their rivals showed and then they hit their stride with two goals in quick succession.

The opener after 67 minutes of stalemate was a real belter, Inter Milan star Ibrahimovic smashing in a superlative drive on the half-volley past keeper Antonis Nikopolidis and into the corner of the net following a neat flick on from the evergreen Henrik Larsson.

Ibrahimovic's celebration was almost as fizzing, his joy palpable given that it was his first goal in his past 15 internationals, the drought extending back to an October 2005 World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

Rehhagel's reaction, in contrast, was to grimace and hold his head in his hands.

"The first half didn't go as we planned - we didn't play high enough up the pitch and then we lost Ibrahimovic for a moment, which left us a goal down," snorted Rehhagel afterwards.

"We will have to show a tougher side of us in the next match."

Minutes before his spectacular strike, Ibrahimovic had not quite hit the target, his header spinning just over after Freddie Ljungberg had swept a tantalising cross into the box.

Five minutes later, Hansson bundled home the second 18 minutes from time with Nikopolidis nowhere with the Greek defence all at sea after Ljungberg had seen an initial effort saved.

Ironically , seconds before the Swedes took the lead Hansson had almost scored an own goal as he nodded a Traianos Dellas cross from the right perilously close to his own net.

The Greeks, stunned by the opener, had no answer and with an effervescent Spain, as well as Russia, to come, they will struggle to make the last eight on this evidence.

from: afp.google.com

Villa Grabs Hat-trick as Spain Shine


Spain 4-1 Russia

David Villa scored the first hat-trick of Euro 2008 as Spain lived up to their pre-tournament billing with a fine victory over Russia in Group D.

Russia started positively but were hit on the counter-attack with Fernando Torres squaring for Villa to roll home.

Konstantin Zyryanov saw a shot hit the post but then Villa prodded past Igor Akinfeyev to double the lead and after 74 minutes he drilled in a third.

Roman Pavlyuchenko nodded a consolation before Cesc Fabregas headed a fourth.

Spain wasted a number of openings to win by an even bigger margin and the standard of their performance would suggest a place in the quarter-finals is well within reach.

In Villa and Torres they appear to posses a forward partnership to match any at the tournament and the array of creative midfielders at Luis Aragones's disposal should ensure a regular supply line.

Russia's coach Guus Hiddink has a reputation of leading unfancied teams to the knockout rounds of major international competitions but the Dutchman has a task on his hands just to patch up a porous defence, let alone progress to the last eight.

Amid unrelenting rainfall in the mountainous city of Innsbruck, both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball early on and the opening exchanges.

But that failed to dim the attacking ambitions of either set of players and a free-flowing first half ensued.

Torres and Villa looked in menacing form from the outset and, inside 10 minutes, the strikers each had a decent sight of goal but produced weak finishes.

At the other end, Russia were working the channels well and Dmitry Sychev squared from the right for Igor Semshov to fire wide under a timely challenge from Villarreal's Joan Capdevila.

Although Russia were without the suspended Andrei Arshavin and injured Pavel Pogrebniak, Roman Pavlyuchenko looked dangerous as the lone striker and he was ably supported by Dmitry Sychev and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

But, uncharacteristically of a team sent out by Hiddink, it was in defence that they were exposed.

Aragones opted against including Arsenal's central midfielder Fabregas in his starting line-up, instead pairing the forward-thinking Xavi with more defensively-minded Marcos Senna.

Senna, a target of Manchester United after the 2006 World Cup, was in sensational form, turning defence into attack at every opportunity and allowing Xavi to pick out Torres and Villa whenever possible.

It was, however, a clearance from Capdevila which saw Torres outmuscle the hapless Denis Kolodin on 18 minutes and square for Villa to roll into an unguarded net.

Far from deflating Russia, who qualified for the tournament at England's expense, the goal merely encouraged them to throw more men forward and they were unfortunate not to equalise.

Alexander Anyukov overlapped Sychev and his low cross was missed by four Spanish defenders before Zyryanov saw his curled effort rebound off Iker Casillas's right-hand post.

Despite arriving off the back of a 16-game unbeaten run stretching to November 2006, Spain had scored more than once in just one of their previous five outings.

But Torres almost doubled Spain's lead only to flick wide under pressure from the Russia goalkeeper Akinfeyev when slipped through by Villa.

The warning signs were plentiful - Torres stepped inside only to see a shot parried and then Villa was denied by Akinfeyev at the near post - but still the Russian back four failed to get tight to their men.

And they were punished on the stroke of half time when, after inexplicably losing possession at a corner, Andres Iniesta moved into space and played a sumptuous through-ball to Villa, which the Valencia man needed little invitation to slot through Akinfeyev's legs.

The second half was even more open than the first.

Villa, now stripped of Torres who was replaced by Fabregas for tactical reasons, shot straight at Akinfeyev as the Russians backed off.

Two minutes later Diniyar Bilyaletdinov came in from the left and fizzed a left-footed effort narrowly wide.

It took a last-ditch Anyukov clearance to deny Villa his hat-trick from Sergio Ramos's centre but, after Senna saw a header will saved, the 26-year-old scored his third.

He collected Fabregas's sumptuous pass, turned Roman Shirokov and wrong-footed Akinfeyev.

Pavlyuchenko had shot just wide before he turned in a corner on 86 minutes.

But with Russia running on empty, Xavi's shot was parried and Fabregas headed in his first international goal to leave Spain well worth their victory.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Silva (Alonso 77), Senna, Xavi, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 63), Villa, Torres (Fabregas 54).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Juanito, Arbeloa, De la Red, Guiza, Sergio Garcia, Reina.

Goals: Villa 20, 45, 75, Fabregas 90.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Shirokov, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Sychev (Bystrov 46), Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov (Torbinsky 57), Bilyaletdinov, Pavluchenko, Bystrov (Adamov 70).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Ivanov, Saenko, Malafeev.

Goals: Pavluchenko 86.

Att: 30,000

Ref: Konrad Plautz (Austria).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Spain's David Villa 9.18 (on 90 minutes). Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.


From: bbc

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Netherlands stuns Italy 3-0


By Raf Casert
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BERN, Switzerland — The Netherlands stunned Italy 3-0 in their European Championship opener Monday, leaving the World Cup champions fighting to avoid elimination from the first round.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder scored in the first half, and standout defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst added the third on a counterattack in the 79th minute to give Italy its most lopsided loss in the history of the tournament.

The Dutch carried several injuries into the match, but the Italians started with nine players over 30 and could not match the Netherlands for creativity and doggedness.
Edwin van der Sar, the 37-year-old Netherlands goalkeeper, produced a stunning save on Andrea Pirlo’s free kick to prevent Italy from getting back in the game in the 78th minute.
Van Nistelrooy’s breakthrough goal may have been a disputed offside, deflecting a 20-yard low shot from Van Bronckhorst past Gianluigi Buffon, but overall the Dutch outplayed the Italians with stunning ease in an electric first half. The second goal was a perfect counter.

Van Bronckhorst first kicked a ball off his own line in a goalmouth scramble and immediately rushed up the left, where he took a long pass from Rafael van der Vaart.
The Italians had trouble dragging their aging feet back and were woefully out of position when Van Bronkhost sent a defence-splitting pass to Dirk Kuyt on the right.
The Liverpool player, who only started because of a groin injury to Arjen Robben, headed it perfectly into the path of Sneijder and the midfielder volleyed it past Buffon.
There may not be a better goal in the tournament.

The defeat left Italy last in Group C after France and Romania drew 0-0. A defeat against the Romanians could send the Azzurri out by Friday. The Italians may have had billboards saying “Spremuta d’Orange” — freshly squeezed orange juice — but it was a Dutch squeezing which left the Azzurri blue in the face.
Lineups:

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Christian Panucci, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Materazzi (Fabio Grosso, 54), Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, Mauro Camoranesi (Antonio Cassano, 75), Luca Toni, Antonio Di Natale (Alessandro Del Piero, 64).
Netherlands: Edwin van der Sar, Andre Ooijer, Joris Mathijsen, Khalid Boulahrouz (John Heitinga, 76), Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Orlando Engelaar, Nigel de Jong, Dirk Kuyt (Ibrahim Affelay, 81), Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Ruud van Nistelrooy (Robin van Persie, 70)

From: thespec

Netherlands 3-0 Italy


Netherlands took a firm grip on Euro 2008's so-called "Group of Death" by winning a classic encounter with Italy.

Ruud van Nistelrooy put the Dutch ahead in controversial circumstances after 26 minutes when he scored from close range - but looked suspiciously offside.

Wesley Sneijder swept in a second from Dirk Kuyt's header five minutes later.

Edwin van der Sar then denied Italy with stunning saves from Fabio Grosso and Andrea Pirlo before Giovanni van Bronckhorst headed in after 80 minutes.

Euro 2008 has made a low-key start, but this was a game to set any tournament alight as the Dutch played in a stunning counter-attacking style and Italy also showed flashes of brilliance, despite ending up well beaten.

Holland are in pole position to qualify after France's dismal goalless draw with Romania, but World Cup holders Italy - even in defeat - suggested they can still go through from this tough group.

Marco van Basten's side started the game accompanied by the usual question marks about fractured spirit with the Dutch camp, but answered in style with their first win over Italy in 30 years.

After the dreadful fare on offer in the earlier game between France and Romania, the opening 45 minutes produced by two of the tournament favourites provided a glorious contrast.

Italy created the first moments of danger, with Antonio di Natale's cross just failing to find Luca Toni as he closed in six yards out.

The giant Bayern Munich striker then headed Gennaro Gattuso's cross wide from a good position as all the early signs pointed to a fast, flowing and positive contest.

Van Nistelrooy posted the warning signals for Italy as early as the 17th minute when he collected Kuyt's pass and attempted to round keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Buffon made contact with Van Nistelrooy but the striker - who had a reputation for going to ground too easily when he was with Manchester United - chose to stay on his feet and the chance was gone.

Van Nistelrooy had better luck when he gave the Dutch the lead in hugely questionable circumstances after 26 minutes, standing in what looked like an offside position when he steered Sneijder's shot past Buffon.

Italy were understandably furious, and there had to be a measure of sympathy for Toni as he was booked by referee Peter Frojdfeldt amid the protests.

And Italy's agony increased when the Netherlands doubled their advantage five minutes later via a wonderful flowing move that swept the length of the field.

Van Bronckhorst had just made a vital clearance, but was then ambitious and energetic enough to attack and send a long crossfield pass to find the head of Kuyt.

The Liverpool forward was back-pedalling, but was still able to steer the ball into the path of Sneijder, who turned a neat close-range finish beyond Buffon.

Van Nistelrooy had the opportunity to kill the game off three minutes before the interval when he was picked out by a magical pass from Real Madrid team-mate Sneijder, but Buffon made a crucial stop.

Italy had not played badly, and it was no surprise that they stepped the pace after the break in a bid to put the pressure back on the Netherlands.

Veteran Alessandro del Piero was introduced for Di Natale, and he forced Van der Sar into a smart save after 65 minutes.

He then had another clear chance when he was picked out by Pirlo, but this time he was wastefully off target.

Toni had not been at his best in front of goal, and he wasted another clear opportunity with 15 minutes left, lofting substitute Antonio Cassano's pass over Van der Sar but also over the bar.

Van der Sar then came to the Netherlands' rescue twice in the space of seconds in a passage of play that eventually led to his side's third goal after 78 minutes.

The Manchester United keeper blocked crucially from Grosso and then saved acrobatically from Pirlo's free-kick before Holland once again demonstrated their ruthlessness on the counter attack.

Pirlo was still wondering how Van der Sar had stopped his effort when Van Bronckhorst surged forward once more to set up Kuyt.

Kuyt saw his original effort saved by Buffon, but he tirelessly retrieved the ball and crossed for Van Bronckhorst to head home, despite the best efforts of Italy defender Gianluca Zabrotta.

Italy could barely believe they were three goals down, but it could have been worse as Dutch substitutes Ibrahim Afellay and Robin van Persie were just off target with spectacular efforts.

The Dutch were worthy winners of a magnificent game - and made it clear they have the quality to have a major impact on Euro 2008.

Netherlands: Van der Sar, Ooijer, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 77), Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt (Afellay 81), De Jong, Van der Vaart, Engelaar, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy (Van Persie 70).
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, De Zeeuw, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Vennegoor of Hesselink. Booked: De Jong.

Goals: Van Nistelrooy 26, Sneijder 31, Van Bronckhorst 80.

Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Barzagli, Materazzi (Grosso 55), Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi (Cassano 75), Toni, Di Natale (Del Piero 64).
Subs Not Used: Amelia, De Sanctis, Chiellini, Gamberini, De Rossi, Borriello, Quagliarella, Perrotta, Aquilani.

Booked: Toni, Zambrotta, Gattuso.

Att: 31,500

Ref: Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder 8.53 (on 90 minutes).


From: bbc

Romania 0-0 France


France coach Raymond Domenech says his side must now beat both Italy and the Netherlands to qualify from group C after their 0-0 draw against Romania.

"Every match is now effectively a knockout match," he said. "I am neither pessimistic or optimistic."

Romania stifled a France attack including Lyon star Karim Benzema and Domenech critised their approach.

"We were playing against a team that didn't want to play, just wanted a draw."

Domenech said before the match in Zurich that the eastern Europeans - who finished ahead of the Netherlands in their qualifying group - would prove tough opponents but, despite their discipline, France failed to ask questions with any attacking creativity.

"We controlled the match without making many chances," said Domenech, who led France to the 2006 World Cup final.

"Now it leaves us to take six points from the remaining two matches."
With influential captain Patrick Vieira and main striker Thierry Henry absent through injury, Lyon's Jeremy Toulalan was ineffective in midfield and Nicholas Anelka woeful in attack.

"We were missing something today (Wednesday)," added Domenech.

Sciatic nerve victim Henry was on the bench for France's first game in the so-called 'Group of Death' though he could return to face the Netherlands on 13 June.

Vieira has stayed with the squad and is recovering from a thigh strain but it is highly doubtful whether he will return in time to play against Italy on 17 June.

From: bbc