World Cup: Colombia cruise to group win June 24, 2014 JAPAN 1 COLOMBIA 4 TWO goals from striker Jackson Martinez ensured Colombia progressed to the knockout stages with a 100 per cent record. The South American side, eighth in the world rankings, also profited from a first-half Juan Cuadrado penalty and James Rodriguez’s stunning late strike to set up a last-16 clash against Group D [...]
One year on, United to sign £29m Herrera June 24, 2014 MANCHESTER United are today expected to confirm £29m Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera as the first signing of the Louis van Gaal era. United are believed to have agreed to meet his buyout fee of €36m before it was due to increase to €40m (£32m) at the end of the month. Herrera’s signing comes almost [...]
World Cup in brief June 24, 2014 Spain plane struck by lightning SPAIN suffered another shock following their first-round elimination when the plane carrying the squad home was hit by lightning yesterday. The Iberia flight to Madrid was struck shortly before landing and nobody was hurt. Spain, who arrived in Brazil as one of the favourites having won their last three major [...]
Saracens sign Western Force prop June 24, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Saracens have signed Australian prop Kieran Longbottom from Super Rugby side Western Force. The 28-year-old is also eligible to play for England.
Godolphin’s Crisford goes it alone June 24, 2014 HORSE RACING: Former Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford is to set up his own training business. Crisford, 52, will rent stables from Newmarket-based trainer Clive Brittain.
Hodgson wields axe on old guard June 23, 2014 ENGLAND vice-captain Frank Lampard has told his young team-mates they must come of age against Costa Rica tonight and ensure they do not end their World Cup with a whimper. Manager Roy Hodgson has made nine changes to the side that started last week’s tournament-ending defeat to Uruguay, with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and Liverpool [...]
World Cup: Fred finally fires as hosts Brazil reach last 16 with Mexico June 23, 2014 CAMEROON 1 BRAZIL 4 CROATIA 1 MEXICO 3 UNDER-FIRE forward Fred ended his World Cup goal drought to send hosts Brazil through to the last 16 as Group A winners alongside Mexico last night. Fred’s place had come under scrutiny for his failure to impress in the first two matches, but his header early in [...]
World Cup: Holland execute Van Gaal plan to secure top spot June 23, 2014 HOLLAND 2 CHILE 0 AUSTRALIA 0 SPAIN 3 HOLLAND coach Louis van Gaal savoured a well-executed gameplan after his side struck twice against Chile in the last quarter of an hour to qualify as group winners and set up a tie with Mexico. Both goals came from substitutes – Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer and PSV [...]
World Cup in brief June 23, 2014 Suarez feels unloved in England URUGUAY striker Luis Suarez fuelled speculation he could be set to leave Liverpool for Barcelona, by claiming he is not respected in England. Suarez, whose team will reach the knockout stages should they beat Italy tonight, told English journalists in Brazil: “I did not want to attack anybody. Some media [...]
England staring at historic series loss to Sri Lanka June 23, 2014 BATSMAN Ian Bell last night admitted England had been outclassed after a disastrous fourth day of the second Test left them on the cusp of an improbable and humiliating series defeat to Sri Lanka. First the tourists piled on the runs, captain Angelo Mathews leading the way with 160, as they set a victory target [...]