CAPITAL PAINS AND GAINS November 23, 2011 Chelsea and Villas-Boas face Euro exit after late goal sends them to fourth defeat in five BAYER LEVERKUSEN 2 vs CHELSEA 1 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas admits he faces the biggest challenge of his fledgling managerial career to lift the confidence of his ailing team, who are now in real danger of suffering an ignominious [...]
Arsenal secure top spot with a game to spare as Van Persie draws yet more superlatives November 23, 2011 ARSENAL 2 vs DORTMUND 1 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admitted his surprise after the Gunners became the first English team to reach this season’s Champions League knockout stage. Top scorer Robin van Persie netted twice — taking his tally to 17 from 18 games for Arsenal this term and 38 in 41 this calendar year [...]
Moody slams criticism in dossier leaks November 23, 2011 ENGLAND’S World Cup captain Lewis Moody has hit back at criticism of his conduct and leadership at the tournament, after leaked official reports laid bare the failings of the team’s disastrous campaign. Moody was accused by Rugby Football Union (RFU) elite rugby director Rob Andrew of leading a revolt by senior players over payments for [...]
Kompany: City would take Europa League seriously November 23, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY captain Vincent Kompany is confident Villarreal can offer his side a Champions League lifeline, but admits winning the Europa League now looks to be the most likely source of continental glory for the Premier League leaders this season. Napoli, following their 2-1 win over City on Tuesday, will qualify for the knockout stages [...]
Fairytale complete for Apoel November 23, 2011 MINNOWS Apoel Nicosia created Champions League history last night by becoming the first Cypriot club to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament following a 0-0 draw away against Zenit St Petersburg. The Cypriot champions, who regularly play in front of sub 10,000 crowds in domestic competition, had to withstand a second half onslaught [...]
Pakistan spot-fixing cheats have their appeals over jail sentences rejected November 23, 2011 DISGRACED former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and his erstwhile team-mate Mohammad Amir have failed in their appeals against the jail sentences they received following the spot-fixing trial. Butt, 27, was jailed for 30 months, while 19-year-old fast bowler Amir, one of the sport’s most precocious talents, was detained for six months for the parts they [...]
Classy Ferrer blows tired Novak away November 23, 2011 SPANIARD David Ferrer caused another shock at the ATP World Tour Finals last night, following up his victory over Andy Murray with a straight sets win against world No1 Novak Djokovic. After edging past Tomas Berdych in his tournament opener, a clearly fatigued Djokovic was blown away 6-3, 6-1 by Ferrer in just 75 minutes [...]
Pompey owner arrest warrant November 23, 2011 FOOTBALL: A Europe-wide warrant for the arrest of Portsmouth joint owner Vladimir Antonov has been issued in Lithuania. Antonov, the main shareholder in Snoras Bank, is accused of stealing property and forging documents.
Matfield to skipper Baa-Baas November 23, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Former South Africa captain Victor Matfield will skipper the Barbarians when they face Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. England outcast Danny Cipriani and rugby league star Sam Tomkins are also set to start.
England qualifiers announced November 23, 2011 FOOTBALL: England will begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to Moldova on Friday 7 September 2012. The final match is at home to Poland on 15 October 2013.