France deserved three points, says Evra June 11, 2012 FRANCE defender Patrice Evra insisted his side deserved to beat England last night and accused Roy Hodgson’s men of adopting negative tactics. The spiky Manchester United full-back drew unflattering comparisons between England’s approach and that of Chelsea in their Champions League defeat of Barcelona. “I think we played much better than England, but in the [...]
Schalke want Van der Vaart and Kalou June 11, 2012 FOOTBALL: Schalke manager Huub Stevens has revealed he hopes to sign Tottenham’s Rafael van der Vaart and Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou this summer. “I would love to work with him [Van der Vaart] again,” said Stevens. He added of Kalou: “I know he wants to move away from England.”
Ireland ready ahead of Spain challenge June 11, 2012 FOOTBALL: Republic of Ireland striker Simon Cox says they will play without fear against world champions Spain on Thursday. “We’re going to go out and enjoy it,” he said.
A solid start, now let’s beat the Swedes June 11, 2012 NOW the dust has settled on their opening match, England should be delighted with the draw. The circumstances were difficult, with players missing and Roy Hodgson only enjoying a short preparation period, and they were facing strong opposition, but they got their noses in front and, even when France equalised and took control, they deserved [...]
Shevchenko hails historic victory June 11, 2012 UKRAINE 2 SWEDEN 1 ANDRIY Shevchenko praised his side’s “historic” performance after showing a glimpse of his prime to inspire joint hosts Ukraine to a vital opening European Championship victory. Two goals from the prolific predator secured the win after Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic had scored the game’s opener before failing to extend his side’s lead. [...]
Strauss demands England improve for South Africa June 11, 2012 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss conceded his team would need to raise their intensity to face South Africa after their third Test against West Indies ended in a draw. Three of the Test’s five days were impeded by heavy rain but even before yesterday’s downpours the final meeting of the series – with England previously possessing [...]
Top four in form but Tiger the man to beat at US Open June 11, 2012 WERE it not for Rory McIlroy slipping up in Memphis on Sunday, we would be in the extraordinary position of heading into the US Open with the world’s top four all celebrating wins in their most recent tournaments. Lee Westwood fulfilled his part of the bargain by completing an exemplary victory at the Nordea Masters [...]
ROYALTY CONFIRMED FOR LONDON OLYMPICS June 11, 2012 THE QUEEN’S granddaughter Zara Phillips is set to compete at London 2012 after being selected in Team GB’s eventing line-up. Phillips, who missed out on the 2004 and 2008 Games due to injury to her horse Toytown, will partner High Kingdom this summer. She had boosted her chances by finishing third at the weekend’s Bramham [...]
Nadal extends French Open love affair with seventh title June 11, 2012 KING of Clay Rafael Nadal hailed the French Open as the “most special tournament in the world” after the Spaniard cemented his unique bond with Roland Garros by lifting the trophy for a record seventh time. Nadal completed a rain-delayed four-set victory over world No1 Novak Djokovic yesterday to overtake six-time winner Bjorn Borg and [...]
SEVENTH HEAVEN: HOW RAFA MATCHES GREATS June 11, 2012 Rafael Nadal’s seventh French Open victory enabled him to bypass Bjorn Borg’s (right) record of six titles at Roland Garros. The Spaniard also equalled Chris Evert’s record of winning the women’s tournament seven times The Spaniard’s feat also equalled the best performance of any man at a single grand slam: Pete Sampras’s seven titles at [...]