United drawn with Celtic in British battle August 29, 2008 Holders Manchester United will lock horns with Celtic in another Battle of Britain as the Champions League season began with a fascinating group stage draw in Monaco. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who edged out Chelsea to take the trophy last season, will meet the Scottish champions for the second time in three seasons in Group [...]
Rose baffled by Poulter’s Ryder snub August 28, 2008 European number one Justin Rose admitted he was “a little bit surprised” to hear close friend Ian Poulter was staying in America this week rather than fight for his place in the Ryder Cup team. Captain Nick Faldo will announce the European team and his two wildcard selections after the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles [...]
Robinho will give us extra dimension, says Kenyon August 28, 2008 Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes transfer target Robinho will give the Blues “an extra dimension” in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title. The Brazilian striker is expected to end months of speculation by flying to west London and completing a £30m move from Real Madrid today. And Kenyon insists the skilful forward [...]
Kuyt saves lucky Liverpool August 28, 2008 A last-gasp strike from Dirk Kuyt helped saved the blushes of boss Rafael Benitez and earn Liverpool a Champions League windfall. Last season’s semi-finalists were just two minutes away from the lottery of a penalty shoot-out with Liege when the Dutch striker pounced with a clinical finish from Ryan Babel’s left-wing cross. Before that, Liverpool [...]
Owen goal is a timely reminder to Capello August 27, 2008 Michael Owen gave England manager Fabio Capello a gentle reminder of his form as he fired an extra time winner for Newcastle in the Carling Cup last night. Capello is due to name his England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia on Sunday night and Owen looks set to have earned [...]
Australia consider emulating British funding system after Olympic beating August 27, 2008 The Australian government has devised a plan to beat Great Britain at their home Olympics in 2012 – emulate its funding system. Australia finished behind Britain in the medals table for the first time in 20 years at the Beijing Games, winning 46 medals, including 14 golds, compared to Britain’s record haul of 47 medals [...]
Russian star Roman says: ‘I’m on my way to Spurs’ August 27, 2008 Pavlyuchenko heads to Tottenham as Berbatov’s United move looks back on Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko insisted he was on his way to Tottenham last night in a deal which would almost certainly bring an end to Dimitar Berbatov’s future at the club. Pavlyuchenko, a long-term target of Spurs boss Juande Ramos, told UEFA’s website he [...]
Wenger: ‘We will fight on’ August 27, 2008 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists current squad can still challenge for honours this season despite an unconvincing start to the new campaign. Wenger’s men slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday, sparking further claims that he needs to sign a creative midfielder in order to compete both domestically and in Europe. The [...]
England’s extra zip has South Africa seething August 27, 2008 While captain Kevin Pietersen and coach Peter Moores are able to deliver their easiest ever pre-match team talk at The Oval on Friday, the same can not be said for their South African counterparts in the opposite dressing room. “Same again lads” will undoubtedly be the rally cry after yesterday’s ten wicket drubbing at Trent [...]
Kev revels in Proteas woe August 27, 2008 Woeful South Africa were met with a chorus of boos from the Trent Bridge crowd after England completed their biggest-ever one-day victory. The Proteas were dismissed for just 83 inside 23 overs, allowing England to wrap up a ten-wicket win before the floodlights had even been turned on. Stuart Broad was England’s hero with the [...]