Blatter: Qatar World Cup will be in summer February 7, 2011 FIFA president Sepp Blatter has given the strongest indication to date that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played during the summer. Concerns over extreme temperatures in the Gulf region, which can rise up to 50 degrees centigrade in July, led to suggestions that the tournament could be staged in winter. Despite the [...]
Liverpool ruin Torres’ Blues bow February 6, 2011 CHELSEA (0) vs LIVERPOOL (1) CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti defended Fernando Torres and insisted the Spaniard needs time to settle into his new surroundings after his miserable debut ended in defeat against his former club. The Spaniard, who signed for a British record £50m a week ago, was substituted after 65 minutes and could only watch [...]
Kubica’s F1 career in doubt after accident February 6, 2011 ● Renault driver breaks his hand, arm and leg in rallying crash in Italy ● Surgeons considered amputating right hand RENAULT driver Robert Kubica’s Formula One career remains in the balance after he underwent surgery on the serious fractures to his right hand, arm and leg last night. The 26-year-old Pole suffered the horrific injuries [...]
Barton sticks knife into ‘stupid’ Diaby February 6, 2011 NEWCASTLE midfielder Joey Barton has taunted Arsenal by branding Abou Diaby “stupid” for earning a red card in Saturday’s historic 4-4 draw. The Gunners spectacularly capitulated, becoming the first team in the Premier League ever to squander a four-goal lead, after Diaby was sent off for lashing out at Barton following a challenge. Title-chasing Arsenal’s [...]
Zigic gives Grant a miserable birthday February 6, 2011 WEST HAM (0) vs BIRMINGHAM (1) WEST HAM boss Avram Grant admits that defeat to relegation rivals Birmingham ruined his birthday. Grant, who turned 56 yesterday, watched his side lose 1-0 at Upton Park as a 65th minute goal from Nikola Zigic gave Birmingham a vital three points. “How can I celebrate?” Grant said after [...]
Wood can be our new Hill, says Tindall February 6, 2011 ENGLAND captain Mike Tindall has hailed Tom Wood as the heir to World Cup-winner Richard Hill after the flanker enjoyed a dominant debut in Friday’s 26-19 victory over Wales. Wood, 24, was not included in the initial 33-man squad for the RBS 6 Nations but was thrust straight into the starting XV for a full-blooded [...]
Robinson wants ruthless Scots February 6, 2011 SCOTLAND head coach Andy Robinson has demanded his team be more ruthless against Wales next weekend after losing their RBS 6 Nations opener 34-21 in France. “I was delighted with the attitude shown and the way we went out to play, but we’re here to win Tests and we’ve got to have a ruthless edge [...]
O’Gara relishing Sexton rivalry February 6, 2011 IRELAND fly-half Ronan O’Gara insists the rivalry between him and Jonathan Sexton for the No10 shirt is good for the side, after coming off the bench to kick the winning drop goal in Saturday’s 13-11 RBS 6 Nations triumph in Italy. “Jonny played well, but I got backed to come on and try to win [...]
Worries mount for Strauss February 6, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss admits he is facing some tough selection decisions this week as poor form and injuries continue to plague his side’s preparations for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Eoin Morgan was missing with a broken finger as England’s dismal one-day international series with Australia ended with yet another defeat. The tourists lost [...]
Spot-fixing bans will help ensure World Cup is clean, says Lorgat February 6, 2011 WORLD cricket chief Haroon Lorgat has hailed the punishments handed out to the three Pakistan players found guilty of spot-fixing as proof the game is serious about rooting out corruption. Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned on Saturday for between five and 10 years over allegations they deliberately bowled no-balls during the [...]