Mandela has sights set on the big stage June 10, 2010 NELSON MANDELA is determined to climb off his sick bed and make a brief appearance at today’s opening World Cup match – at the age of 91. The former South African president wants to sample a taste of the atmosphere at the showpiece event when the hosts take on Mexico at Johannesburg’s 94,000-capacity Soccer City. [...]
Hotshot Rooney is our City slicker June 10, 2010 THE CITY are backing Wayne Rooney to be a hit at this World Cup. No fewer than 32 per cent believe the England striker will follow in the footsteps of Gary Lineker in 1986 and claim the Golden Boot in South Africa. But the majority can’t see the Manchester United front man firing England to [...]
I’m a fan of Cole, admits Wenger June 10, 2010 ARSENE WENGER has thrown his hat in to ring to sign Joe Cole, admitting he is a huge admirer of the England midfielder. Cole has sparked a mass transfer scramble after it was confirmed on Wednesday that he is to be released by Chelsea at the end of the month. Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester [...]
New boy Hape is inspired by Robbo June 10, 2010 RUGBY League convert Shontayne Hape says he will be looking to Jason Robinson for inspiration when he makes his Test debut for England in tomorrow’s Cook Cup clash with Australia in Perth. The former New Zealand international becomes the third ex-Kiwi to play Test rugby for England, although his two predecessors, Henry Paul and Lesley [...]
Strauss takes captaincy stranglehold June 10, 2010 NATIONAL selector Geoff Miller insisted there was “never any doubt” that Andrew Strauss would continue as England’s one-day captain despite missing out the World Twenty20 triumph. Strauss was confirmed as skipper for the five-match series with Australia this month, fronting a 13-man squad, which includes a surprise selection for back-in-favour Ian Bell and the addition [...]
Italy dealt a Pirlo blow June 10, 2010 ITALY suffered a setback after influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo was ruled out of his country’s opening two games against Paraguay and New Zealand with a calf strain. The 31-year-old, named man-of-the-match in the 2006 final against France, will be replaced in the Azzurri side by Fiorentina playmaker Riccardo Montolivo. Pirlo is hoping to return in [...]
Spain boosted by Iniesta June 10, 2010 FAVOURITES Spain have been boosted by the news that Andreas Iniesta’s thigh injury is not as bad as first feared. The Barcelona midfielder had a scan on his right thigh on Wednesday after pulling up in the 6-0 warm-up win over Poland the previous night. But only slight swelling was detected and it is hoped [...]
Sven’s hopeful on Drogba June 10, 2010 SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON says star striker and captain Didier Drogba could be fit for the Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Portugal on Tuesday. The Chelsea hitman broke his arm in a warm-up match but has recovered in double quick time and could return for the Elephants sooner rather than later. Coach Eriksson said: “If the [...]
Cosgrave can maintain 100% record on gutsy Invincible Lad June 10, 2010 WITH just a handful of days to go until the start of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, this weekend’s racing is definitely the calm before the storm. That said, a 2/1 winner at Southwell on a wet Wednesday still pays the same as a 2/1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival and I hope I have [...]
England could stutter against USA tomorrow June 10, 2010 ENGLAND vs USA TOMORROW – 7.30PM ITV1 THE tension is building, the car flags are flying and the red and white face paint is out. World Cup 2010 is nearly here and, as always, every England fan is expecting a first major trophy since 1966. The boys have been given a relatively easy group and [...]