Romelu Lukaku’s late show for Belgium sees off brave USA July 1, 2014 Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to decide a thrilling period of extra time and seal the final spot in the World Cup quarter-finals for Belgium. The burly Blues striker set up the opening goal just three minutes after his introduction from the bench, then fired past goalkeeper Tim Howard, immense throughout in [...]
World Cup: Di Maria brings Hitzfeld career to a cruel end July 1, 2014 ARGENTINA 1 SWITZERLAND 0 (After extra time) ARGENTINA coach Alejandro Sabella admitted he was delighted to avoid a penalty shoot-out after Angel di Maria’s dramatic late intervention swept his team into the World Cup quarter-finals. Real Madrid winger Di Maria made amends for a sub-par display with the winning goal in the 118th minute, booking [...]
Chelsea confirm £32m Diego Costa transfer July 1, 2014 Chelsea have confirmed one of football’s worst-kept secrets when they announced a deal to sign Atletico Madrid and Spain striker Diego Costa for £32m. The 25-year-old, who scored 36 goals for the Spanish league champions last season, is Jose Mourinho’s second high-profile signing of the summer following the £27m capture of former Arsenal captain Cesc [...]
Adam Lallana relishing first taste of Champions League at Liverpool July 1, 2014 Liverpool’s new £25m midfielder Adam Lallana says he is relishing the opportunity to play in the Champions League just three years after plying his trade in League One. Lallana helped Southampton gain promotion from English football’s second tier to a top-half finish in the Premier League. He said: “I’m grateful that Southampton accepted the offer [...]
World Cup in brief July 1, 2014 Barca happy with humble Suarez BARCELONA sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta believes disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez showed his softer side by apologising to Giorgio Chiellini, seemingly smoothing the way for a possible summer switch from Liverpool to Camp Nou. He said: “Suarez has shown he is humble enough to admit an error, which is very [...]
Andy Murray wary of Grigor Dimitrov strength July 1, 2014 British No1 Andy Murray believes Wimbledon quarter-final opponent Grigor Dimitrov is destined to soon trouble the world’s elite, but hopes a raucous home crowd can scare him into submission today. Dimitrov last saw off No21 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov in five sets during his best ever run at Wimbledon and has been widely tipped to be [...]
Virus prompts Williams’ retirement July 1, 2014 WORLD No1 Serena Williams was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon yesterday after the effects of a virus reduced her to tears while playing doubles with sister Venus on Court One. Having looked groggy in the warm-up, Serena, who bowed out of the single’s competition in round three, served an entire game of double faults against [...]
Shamed Vincent banned for life July 1, 2014 CRICKET: Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent has been given a lifetime worldwide ban from the sport after admitting 18 counts of fixing. The charges relate to his spells at Lancashire and Sussex and mean the 35-year-old cannot play, coach or participate in organised cricket. He said: “I could not live with my wrongdoing any [...]
Govt hand Ainslie project £7.5m July 1, 2014 SAILING: Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team project has been granted a £7.5m injection form the government. Britain’s most decorated competitive sailor is aiming to raise £80m to enter the contest in 2017, and the public money is set to go towards a team base in Portsmouth.
Orient drop Olympic dispute July 1, 2014 FOOTBALL: Leyton Orient have dropped their legal bid to prevent West Ham moving to the Olympic Stadium. The League One club is on the verge of being taken over by Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, who is thought keen to remain at the Matchroom Stadium.