Hodgson rues rain delay after England fail to retain their lead October 17, 2012 POLAND 1 ENGLAND 1 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson said that their interrupted build-up to yesterday’s game had hampered his side’s performance after their surrender of a one-goal lead in the 2014 World Cup qualifier away to Poland. England were once more a disappointment in labouring to a predictable draw against the world’s 54th best side [...]
FA chiefs mull Serbia boycott over race row October 17, 2012 FOOTBALL Association chiefs have threatened to boycott matches in Serbia in protest after England defender Danny Rose complained of racist abuse during Tuesday’s bad-tempered Under-21 clash. Serbia responded to the allegations by denying “any occurrences of racism” during the Euro 2013 play-off second leg and accused Rose of “inappropriate, unsportsmanlike and vulgar” behaviour. Sports minister [...]
Nike accuses Armstrong of lying and ditches doping-row cyclist October 17, 2012 SPORTSWEAR giant Nike finally severed ties with cyclist Lance Armstrong yesterday, a week after the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) published its avalanche of claims that he masterminded a doping conspiracy. Nike cited the “seeming insurmountable evidence” against Armstrong, who stands to lose his seven Tour de France titles after declining to contest the USADA charges. [...]
Borini out for three months October 17, 2012 FOOTBALL: Liverpool forward Fabio Borini has been ruled out for three months and requires surgery on a broken foot aggravated while with Italy’s U21s last week. Following Andy Carroll’s loan move to West Ham, Luis Suarez is the club’s only fit front man.
Groves to fight Johnson October 17, 2012 BOXING: George Groves is to fight former world light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson in London on December 15, and has admitted that he in future would like to fight fellow Briton and IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch.
Roofs and rain cause big pain October 16, 2012 ENGLAND’S vital World Cup qualifier away to Poland was last night postponed until 4pm today because of a torrential downpour that left the surface of the £400m national stadium unquestionably unplayable. Upon his first inspection, England manager Roy Hodgson was visibly unhappy with the pitch’s condition after significant storms around Warsaw, and the officials’ damaging [...]
Wales return to losing ways October 16, 2012 CROATIA 2 WALES 0 WALES’S World Cup qualification hopes took a significant blow with defeat away to second-placed Croatia. It had been hoped that Friday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Scotland would inspire some momentum but a goal for each of Mario Mandzukic and Eduardo gave the home side a lead that would not be threatened. [...]
Scotland keep bad Kompany October 16, 2012 BELGIUM 2 SCOTLAND 0 SCOTLAND last night lost again to effectively end their hopes of qualification for the 2014 World Cup. Under-pressure manager Craig Levein has now led his side to only two points from four matches to leave them bottom of Group A after goals from Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany for an under-strength [...]
Ireland ease Trap’s pain October 16, 2012 FAROE ISLANDS 1 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 4 REPUBLIC of Ireland last night got their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign back on track with a victory that eased the pressure on manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Marc Wilson gave the away side the lead with a header immediately after half-time and Jonathan Walters added another headed goal less [...]
Stubborn Northern Ireland resist powerful Portugal for vital point October 16, 2012 PORTUGAL 1 NORTHERN IRELAND 1 NORTHERN Ireland produced a defiant defensive display to secure an equally surprising and impressive point in their World Cup qualifier away to Portugal. Niall McGinn chipped Michael O’Neill’s team ahead after 30 minutes before Helder Postiga’s equaliser 10 minutes from time rescued the home side from an embarrassing defeat. Northern [...]