Wednesday 28 January 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

ISIS warns of Jordanian pilot's execution

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AMMAN (AFP) - Islamic State militants say they will execute a Jordanian pilot immediately if Amman does not hand over a female suicide bomber by sunset Thursday, as Japan waits in anguish for news of a journalist the extremists are also holding.In a new audio recording, a voice identifying itself as Japanese freelancer Kenji Goto says his captors will kill Maaz al-Kassasbeh if an Iraqi woman on death row in Jordan is not handed over by the end of the day.If Sajida al-Rishawi is not ready for exchange for my life at the Turkish border by Thursday sunset, 29th of January, Mosul time, the Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh will be killed immediately, Goto said, in an unverified audio message distributed by IS-linked Twitter accounts.It was not clear from the message if either Goto or Kassasbeh would be freed.The recording was reported by monitoring group SITE Intelligence.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament: We are aware of the new message...(and) are verifying (its authenticity).The apparent communication breaks an anxious silence from the extremists since their previous 24-hour deadline for Rishawi expired, around 1400 GMT Wednesday.Amman had offered to free the Iraqi woman, who was convicted for her part in 2005 triple-hotel bombings in the Jordanian capital that killed 60 people, if the IS group released their airman.Jordan is ready to release the prisoner Sajida al-Rishawi if the Jordanian pilot is freed unharmed, state television quoted a government spokesman as saying Wednesday.From the start, the position of Jordan was to ensure the safety of our son, the pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh, it added.The government spokesman made no mention of Japanese hostage Goto.Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh wrote on Twitter shortly before 1500 GMT that his country was still awaiting confirmation that the pilot was safe.Wednesday passed in a maelstrom of conflicting reports on the fate of the three key players, complicated by linguistic and cultural misunderstandings, and by the high stakes on all sides.The atmosphere was tense in Jordan, where the countrys involvement in the US-led air raids against IS positions is contentious.The downing on December 24 of Kassasbehs F-16 fighter jet over northern Syria and his subsequent capture and humiliation by jihadists exacerbated the situation. This week the pilots father begged the government to save his son at any price.Japan, which plays no military part in the fight against jihadists, was thrust onto the front line last week when a video appeared in which Goto and Haruna Yukawa, a self-described contractor, were seen kneeling in the desert.A masked knifeman said Tokyo had 72 hours to pay a $200 million ransom if it wanted to spare their lives.When that deadline expired, new pictures appeared to show Yukawa had been beheaded, and a voice identifying itself as Goto demanded the release of Rishawi.That twist left Japan pleading with Jordan, whose trump card -- high-value Al-Qaeda operative Rishawi -- in the battle to get back its own captured airman had now been compromised.In their next communication, on Tuesday, the IS group demanded Rishawi be handed over in exchange for Goto within 24 hours or both he and Kassasbeh would be killed.Japan, a large donor to Jordan, has thrown itself on Ammans mercy, aware that they hold the key to Gotos safety, but also knowing that intense domestic pressure means the Jordanians must prioritise Kassasbeh.The Japanese public has rallied round Goto, a respected war reporter and humanitarian, and though they are largely supportive of Abes handling of the crisis thus far, may take a dim view if he does not come home alive.Gotos mother, Junko Ishido, was at Japans parliament Wednesday in a failed bid to meet Abe. After being refused an appointment, she issued a plea for her sons life through assembled media.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ishido said. Please continue your utmost efforts in negotiating with the Jordanian government until the last minute. There is not much time left.

New Zealand's central bank holds interest rates at 3.5%

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WELLINGTON (AFP) - New Zealands central bank held interest rates at 3.5 percent Thursday and hedged on whether the next move would be up or down.After previously forecasting a further increase, sentiment at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has softened with inflation expected to fall and possibly become negative for a period this year before rising back towards 2.0 percent.In the current circumstances, we expect to keep the OCR (official cash rate) on hold for some time, bank governor Graeme Wheeler said.Future interest rate adjustments, either up or down, will depend on the emerging flow of economic data.Falling world oil rices will have a significant impact on prices, increase household purchasing power and lower the cost of doing business, he said.However, in the agriculture-heavy economy, a reduced dairy payout, the risk of drought, and the high exchange rate will weigh on growth.

UN Security Council holds emergency meeting to discuss Israel-Lebanon situation

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UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) - The UN Security Council met Wednesday in an emergency session to discuss ways to defuse tensions between Israel and Lebanon after a deadly flare-up on the border.France requested the urgent talks in the 15-member council after two Israeli soldiers and a Spanish UN peacekeeper died in an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.The violence raised fears of another all-out conflict between the two countries, who fought a month-long war in 2006, in a region already wracked by fighting with Islamist fighters in Syria and Iraq.Our objective is to engage toward de-escalation and to prevent further escalation of the situation, French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters as he went into the meeting.France was to present a draft statement to council members urging restraint.Tension in the area has been building, especially after an Israeli air strike on the Syrian sector of the Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah fighters and an Iranian general on January 18.Israels ambassador to the United Nations told the Security Council in a letter that Israel will take all necessary measures to defend itself.Israel will not stand by as Hezbollah targets Israelis, wrote Ron Prosor in the letter also sent to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.The Israeli envoy demanded that the council condemn Hezbollah and take steps to press Lebanon to disarm the Islamist militants, as outlined in UN resolutions.The clashes began when Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at a military convoy in the Israel-occupied border area, prompting Israel to respond with air and ground strikes.A 36-year-old Spanish corporal serving in the UN interim force UNIFIL in southern Lebanon was killed in the exchange of fire.The 10,000-strong UNIFIL mission said it had observed six rockets fired towards Israel from southern Lebanon and that Israeli forces returned artillery fire in the same general area.The council was meeting behind closed doors to hear a report from a senior peacekeeping official overseeing UNIFIL operations.Israel occupied parts of Lebanon for 22 years until 2000 and the two countries are still technically at war.In 2006, Israel fought a bloody war against Hezbollah that killed more than 1,200 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and some 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Facebook's profit increased by at least 33.8%

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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Facebook on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit jumped 33.8 percent from last year to $696 million as ad revenue and membership grew at the leading social network.The California-based Internet titan said that revenue in the final quarter of last year hit $3.85 billion as the number of active monthly users increased 13 percent to 1.39 billion.We got a lot done in 2014, said Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.Our community continues to grow and were making progress towards connecting the world.A strong showing in ads served up on smartphones or tablet computers helped Facebook earnings beat analyst forecasts.Shares sank slightly more than a percent to $75.40 in after-market trades that followed release of the figures.Facebook saw its first quarter of taking in more than $3 billion overall from ads, with about two-thirds of that coming from mobile advertising revenue which soared 69 percent from the same period a year earlier.An average of 745 million Facebook members daily used mobile devices to visit the social network in December of last year, the company reported.Facebook said that its properties Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp recently topped 300 million, 500 million, and 700 million monthly active users respectively.The net profit including dividends paid to preferred shareholders was $701 million in the fourth quarter.For the full year, Facebooks profit nearly doubled to $2.9 billion and revenue jumped 58 percent to $12.8 billion.Investors may be concerned by an 87 percent jump in costs and expenses to $2.72 billion at Facebook that shrank the social networks profit margin to 29 percent from 44 percent in the same period a year earlier.Facebooks growth has helped it become a major player in online advertising. According to the research firm eMarketer, Facebook accounted for a 7.75 percent share of all global digital ad revenues last year, an increase from 5.75 percent in 2013. That compares with 31 percent for Google.In mobile, Facebooks share was 18.4 percent in 2014, the research firm said.Zuckerberg in prior earnings calls has laid out a long-term vision for Facebook that includes pouring resources into technology such as virtual reality and ways for Internet service to reach more people in developing countries.Facebook said Monday it is testing a lightweight version of its mobile app for mobile phones with poor-quality Internet connections in emerging markets.A spokesman told AFP that the Facebook Lite Android app is designed for people on 2G (second-generation) connections or in areas of limited Internet accessibility.Most of Facebooks growth is coming from emerging markets, but many people lack the phones or computers needed for the full-featured app.

McDonald replaces CEO with Steve Easterbrook

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Fast-food giant McDonalds replaced president and chief executive Donald Thompson on Wednesday, after the company turned in another poor quarter of sales and earnings last week.The firm behind the world-famous Big Mac had been under pressure from investors to take swift action after seeing the business weaken in the past year under Thompson, one of the United States top African-American executives and with 25 years at McDonalds.The board of directors said it had chosen senior executive vice president Steve Easterbrook to replace Thompson, voicing confidence he can effectively lead the company to improved financial and operational performance.The decision came five days after McDonalds reported a 2.4 percent decline in revenues last year and a hefty 19-percent drop in earnings per share, with falls in store traffic in all regions.With 36,000 outlets in over 100 countries, the burger chain has been challenged by changing consumer tastes, agile new fast-food chains and a slump in sales in China and Japan after supplier issues sparked a scare over food safety.Despite its growing woes, McDonalds remains the worlds largest burger chain, with $27.4 billion in revenues last year, and net income of $4.6 billion, down 15 percent from 2013.But after aggressively investing and expanding in numerous markets to fight back against rivals, McDonalds said last week that it would reduce capital investment and cut back on store openings this year to regain business momentum and improve profitability.The board said in a statement that Thompson, who was in only his third year as chief executive, was retiring effective March 1.Its tough to say goodbye to the McFamily, but there is a time and season for everything. I am truly confident as I pass the reins over to Steve that he will continue to move our business and brand forward, Thompson said.Andrew McKenna, McDonalds board chairman, called Easterbrook, also the companys chief brand officer, a strong and experienced executive who successfully led our UK and European business units.McDonalds is an outstanding company with talented employees and these management changes are aimed at speeding the companys movement to its next phase of innovation and growth, he said.Over the next 12 months, our charge is to ensure that we are adapting to the changing marketplace and maximizing the potential of our global growth priorities to serve our customers favorite food and drink, create memorable experiences, offer unparallelled convenience and become an even more trusted brand, McKenna said.The company is reducing the choices on its menu, cutting back to 11 burger-fries-drink combinations from 16, and reducing other offerings.Besides other chains -- from the aggressive Subway to the more upmarket Chipotle -- McDonalds is also facing challenges on the social front.Activists are pressing it and other fast-food chains to increase wages for workers, many of whom fall under the poverty line.Sriram Madhusoodanan of Corporate Accountability International called Thompsons departure yet another indication that this beleaguered brand is failing to adjust to the changing public climate.Until it addresses the marketing, health, labor, supply chain and other concerns raised by investors and patrons alike, no amount of marketing or staff shakeups will right the course.

Hong Kong stocks fall by at least 0.73%

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HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong stocks fell 0.73 percent in early trading on Thursday, in line with sharp declines across Asian bourses after the US Federal Reserve pledged to be patient in raising interest rates.The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 180.96 points to 24,680.85.

Chinese shares down by at least 1.15%

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SHANGHAI (AFP) - Chinese shares were down 1.15 percent in morning trade Thursday after state media said the market regulator would probe margin trading by brokerages, dealers said.The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 37.98 points to 3,267.76.The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on Chinas second exchange, eased 0.63 percent, or 9.72 points, to 1,529.14.The China Securities Regulatory Commission will launch an inspection of 46 securities firms for margin trading, the official Xinhua news agency reported late Wednesday, a practice that allows investors to trade stocks using borrowed funds.The regulator earlier this month punished 12 brokerages for violating rules governing the practice.

Sri Lanka win toss, bat in 7th ODI vs New Zealand

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WELLINGTON (AP) - Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat Thursday in the seventh limited-overs cricket international against New Zealand, which holds an unbeatable 4-1 lead in the seven-match series.Both teams are without their first-choice captains. Lahiru Thirimanne will lead Sri Lanka for the third time in the series in the absence of Angelo Mathews who has flu, while Kane Williamson takes over from Brendon McCullum who is being rested.New Zealand named Tom Latham to open the batting in McCullums absence and Tim Southee in place of Trent Boult.Sri Lanka made four changes, naming Seekkuge Prassana, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga and Dushmantha Chameera in place of Jeevan Mendis, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal. Chameera is making his one-day international debut.

Korda, Lewis, Munoz tied for lead at LPGA season opener

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OCALA (AP) - Jessica Korda, Stacy Lewis and Azahara Munoz each shot 6-under 66 in the opening round of the LPGA Tour season opener.All three teed off in windy conditions and finished in chilly temperatures just before dark Wednesday in the Coates Golf Championship.Korda straightened out an errant driver on the front nine and birdied six of her final 13 holes. Lewis birdied five of her final six holes, including one on an uphill, 6-footer just after the horn blew. Munoz was solid throughout her round and closed with consecutive birdies to make it a three-way tie atop the leaderboard.Twenty-three players failed to complete the opening round at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. They will finish early Thursday morning, when temperatures are expected to be in the mid-30s.Only 26 players out of 120 were under par when play was halted.

Kobe Bryant has surgery, expected to be out for 9 months

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EL SEGUNDO (AP) - Kobe Bryants season is officially over after having surgery to repair his torn right rotator cuff Wednesday.The Los Angeles Lakers also made it official that their superstar doesnt believe his career is finished.Bryant is expected to need nine months to recover from his third straight season-ending injury. If Bryant meets that timetable, he could return to basketball shortly before the start of the 2015-16 season and the Lakers expect to see him in purple and gold again.Neal ElAttrache and Steve Lombardo performed the two-hour surgery at the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.I expect Kobe to make a full recovery, and if all goes as expected, he should be ready for the start of the season, ElAttrache said in a statement provided by the Lakers.The Lakers formally declared Bryant out for the year by acknowledging the expected recovery time from his injury, but also effectively confirmed he wont retire and will attempt to play his 20th season in the fall. Bryant, who will be 37 years old this summer, is the NBAs highest-paid player at $23.5 million this season, and he is under contract for $25 million next year.In my mind right now, hes coming back next year, unless he tells me something different, coach Byron Scott said at practice Wednesday.Scott already had acknowledged Bryant was highly unlikely to play again this season for the flailing Lakers (12-34), who will match their franchise record for futility if they lose their 10th consecutive game when the Chicago Bulls visit Thursday. But if Los Angeles finishes with a top-five draft pick, the club wont have to give its first-round choice to Phoenix until next year to complete its brutal trade for Steve Nash in 2012.Bryant hurt his right shoulder while dunking last week in New Orleans, deciding on surgery shortly afterward. He is the third-leading scorer in league history and a five-time NBA champion.Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games, but made a career-worst 37.3 percent of his shots in a wildly inconsistent 19th season. He also passed Michael Jordan for third place on the NBAs career scoring list, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.Bryants popularity hasnt waned during his injury-plagued stretch. He was voted to the All-Star game for the 17th time this month, and he is still the Lakers public face despite his recent prolonged absences from the court.Bryant missed the 2013 playoffs after tearing his Achilles tendon late in the regular season, and he played in just six games last season before breaking a bone near his left knee. Although he has played through innumerable injuries in the past, the accumulated wear from nearly two decades in the NBA has caught up to him.Bryant sat out eight games to rest in the past month, and he played under a strict minutes limit. It wasnt enough to protect him from another major injury.Bryant joins Nash, first-round pick Julius Randle and swingman Xavier Henry with season-ending injuries already for the Lakers.

Karachi: MQM to observe day of mourning today

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KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced to observe a day of mourning today (Thursday) in protest against killing of its worker Sohail Ahmed in Karachi.Sohail Ahmed, in charge of Society Sector Unit 64, was found dead in Mushko area on Wednesday.MQM leader Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan stated that his party had raised the voice against target killings and are being punished for it today. A conspiracy has been started in the name of operation to corner MQM.Hassan told the media that Sohail Ahmed was found missing on 15th December in the previous year. MQM filed a missing person’s FIR on December 16 in this regard. A petition was also filed in the Sindh Assembly for him.Izhar-ul-Hassan said that the post mortem shows that Sohail Ahmed was murdered yesterday. One bullet was fired in his head and another in his neck. Ahmed’s body was dumped in the area of Mushko police station. Bodies of MQM activists have been found in that area in the past before as well.Izhar-ul-Hassan stated that Sohail Ahmed’s murder was not the first case of extrajudicial killing and that more than 35 of MQM’s activists have been martyred in these democratic times. He said that his party requests the Army Chief, District General (DG) ISI along with all army heads to take notice of these killings. Hassan stated that action should be taken against the black sheep present in the law enforcement agencies.The MQM has announced a peaceful shutter down strike in Karachi and Mourning day in whole country. Sindh Traders Union, All Karachi Traders union, Muttahida Ben al Muslameen Forum, Ghalla Mandi traders, United Goods Transporters Alliance and All Karachi Transport Ittehad also announced to support the strike.There will be no public transport on Karachi roads today, while petrol pumps and CNG stations will also remain closed. University of Karachi has also cancelled the exam.

PTIs Ijaz Chaudhry booked for not retuning BoP loan

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – According to details, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Punjab president Ejaz Chaudhry had acquired a loan worth Rs five million from Bank of Punjab (BoP) in 2010 but did not return it.The BoP requested FIA to register a case against Ijaz Chaudhry. The case was registered on January 23. Ijaz Chaudhry’s wife and Usman Ubaidullah have also been named in the case.

Dollar gains as Fed holds tight on policy

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The US dollar reversed two days of losses to head higher Wednesday after the Federal Reserve left its policy trajectory in place, noting the economys solid pace of growth.The dollar headed to $1.1284 per euro, up about 0.8 percent, as the Feds fresh policy statement suggested no deviation from its likely course to begin hiking interest rates around the middle of the year.Some analysts had speculated that given the weakness of the eurozone economy, turbulence in several places and the negative impact of the strong dollar on US businesses, the Fed might put a pause in its march to a rate increase.The short and sweet monetary policy statement from the Federal Reserve indicates that the central bank did not want to send any new signals to the market, said Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management. The only wrinkle was their comment that international developments could affect their policy decisions, but we dont think this affects their plans for 2015 tightening, she said.Between elections in Europe, the political upset in Greece and unexpected easing in many parts of the world, there are a lot of moving parts for the Fed to consider, and this comment is their way of telling us that they arent blind to what is happening abroad.However right now there are no immediate implications for the US economy or monetary policy.The Feds decision came after yet another country, Singapore, took the opposite path Wednesday, announcing an easing of monetary policy by intervening to slow the appreciation of its currency.The Singapore dollar dropped, with the US dollar buying S$1.3530, compared to S$$1.3394 ahead of the announcement.

Football: Barca edge nine-man Atletico in five-goal thriller

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MADRID (AFP) - Neymar bagged a double as Barcelona twice came from behind to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 3-2 win over nine-man Atletico Madrid to seal a 4-2 aggregate victory.Fernando Torres struck for the hosts inside the first minute to cancel out Lionel Messis winner in last weeks first leg, but Neymar grabbed a vital away goal just nine minutes later.Raul Garcia briefly restored Atleticos lead from the penalty spot, but Barca were in front by half-time thanks to a Miranda own goal and a wonderful counter-attack rounded off by Neymar.Atletico captain Gabi was then sent-off during half-time as players and coaches from both sides clashed at the end of the first period.The home side should have been reduced to nine men earlier when Arda Turan somehow escaped with just a yellow card after throwing his boot at one of the officials in the second-half, but did eventually see another red card when Mario Suarez picked up a second booking late on.Torres scored twice in the first minute of each half of the second leg as Atletico dumped city rivals Real Madrid out of the competition in the previous round and he repeated the trick after just 38 seconds.The former Chelsea striker latched onto Guilherme Siqueiras clearance and skipped past Javier Mascherano before volleying in off the far post to register his first goal at the Vicente Calderon since rejoining his boyhood club.Barca responded in fine style to that early blow, though, as a slick move sparked by Messi saw Luis Suarez release Neymar in behind the Atletico defence and he calmly slotted home for his 20th goal of the season.Antoine Griezmann missed a big chance to put Atletico back in front when he volleyed straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen after brilliant work down the left by Siqueira.However, moments later they did have a lifeline thanks to their other full-back as Juanfran was bodychecked by Mascherano and Jesus Gil Manzano pointed to the spot despite the contact appearing to take place outside the area. Garcia confidently stepped up to slam home the spot-kick.Atleticos lead again only lasted only eight minutes as Ivan Rakitics goalbound effort was deflected inches wide and from the resultant corner, Miranda could only turn Messis delivery into his own net.The game then turned definitively in Barcas favour when Manzano didnt award a second penalty when Griezmanns shot hit Jordi Alba on the arm. Barca then broke upfield and Alba squared for Neymar to dance round Jan Oblak before rolling home his second goal of the evening.Tempers flared when Manzano brought an exhilarating first-half to an end with Gabi failing to return for the second period having been sent-off in the tunnel.Diego Simeones men were extremely fortunate to not then go down to nine men when Turan incredibly threw his boot at an assistant referee for failing to award the hosts a free-kick.The Turkish international was shown a yellow card by Manzano, which should also mean he will escape retrospective punishment as the incident was seen by the referee.Barca comfortably saw out the remaining 40 minutes by dominating possession and should have added to their tally when Messi shot straight at Oblak 20 minutes from time.Suarez was then dismissed four minutes from the end when Messi was upended for the umpteenth time as Atletico continued to lose their discipline. Next up for Barcelona will be a semi-final meeting with Villarreal or Getafe, who play the second leg of their quarter-final on Thursday.

Football: Tottenham to face Chelsea in League Cup final

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SHEFFIELD (AFP) - Two moments of magic from Christian Eriksen helped Tottenham Hotspur reach the final of the League Cup with a 3-2 aggregate victory over resilient League One club Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.Dane Eriksens sublime first-half free-kick put Maurico Pochettinos team 1-0 up on the night and they looked to be in cruise control before two goals in as many minutes from 18-year-old substitute Che Adams levelled the tie overall.But a calm finish from Eriksen with three minutes left meant the Premier League side prevailed without the need for extra-time.With most of the 30,236 supporters roaring on the home team at a Bramall Lane lashed by wintry showers, it was the sort of night to expose any flaws in character and Tottenham only just survived.Their reward is a meeting with Chelsea in the final on March 1, Spurs first Wembley final since 2009, and a chance to win the League Cup for a fifth time.Sheffield United will point to marginal moments that mounted up and cost them the tie and, before Eriksens opener, they might have taken the lead and levelled the aggregate score.Michel Vorms late error led to Tottenhams FA Cup exit at the hands of Leicester City on Saturday and the goalkeeper endured another uncomfortable moment as the Blades made a bright start.The Netherlands international, under pressure from Marc McNulty, spilt Jamal Campbell-Ryces cross and McNulty prodded the ball to Jamie Murphy, only for the winger to see his shot blocked on the line by Kyle Walker, Tottenhams Sheffield-born defender.Tottenhams defeat came on the same day that Chelsea were stunned 4-2 by League One side Bradford City and Manchester City lost 2-0 against Middlesbrough, of the Championship.Nigel Clough, the Sheffield United manager, has criticised top-flight teams for deprioritising the FA Cup and League Cups and he is in a position to judge.This was only his third defeat in 20 FA or League Cup fixtures with the South Yorkshire club.The Blades beat Southampton in the last round and have beaten fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup this season.Even given their impressive record in knockout competitions, Sheffield United knew it they faced an uphill task to reach Wembley for a second time in two seasons, having reached the FA Cup semi-final last season.Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Clough had spoken of the need to prevent the Premier League side from scoring but, faced with Eriksens quality that is easier said than done.A momentary lapse in concentration from Jay McEveley cost Sheffield United in the first leg, with the defender conceding a penalty for handball. This time it was Bob Harris who gave Tottenham a helping hand.His poor clearance allowed Tottenham to break. Michael Doyle fouled Benjamin Stambouli and Eriksen whipped in a magical free kick to score his ninth goal of the season.It left the home team needing three goals to progress and it looked like a smooth ride into the final for Tottenham until the introduction of Adams as a substitute.Within five minutes of coming on, the teenager had scored his first two goals in professional football to stun TottenhamFirst, he met Ryan Flynns cross to fire the ball beyond Vorm to give the home fans hope. Two minutes later, Adams converted Jamie Murphys cross to give the supporters something to really shout about.With the aggregate score at 2-2, the match was heading for extra time but another moment of magic from Eriksen eased Tottenhams worries.The 22-year-old former Ajax midfielder latched on to Kanes through ball and clipped a delightful finish beyond Howard and into the bottom corner.
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