Russia and Qatar toast success as tournament breaks new ground December 2, 2010 RUSSIA and Qatar celebrated last night after their vows to take the World Cup into uncharted territory earned them the right to stage the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Qatar, with a population of less than two million, were the shock winners, but Russia also prevailed having been almost written off just hours earlier. Prime Minister [...]
Beckham claims he and other big guns could not have done more for bid December 2, 2010 FORMER England captain David Beckham was left crestfallen last night claiming the bid team “did everything possible” to bring the World Cup home for the first time since 1966. A stellar charm offensive, led by Beckham, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William, had seen England’s odds of hosting the 2018 tournament shorten dramatically, but [...]
Henson lined up to make Saracens Wembley debut December 2, 2010 NEW SARACENS?recruit Gavin Henson is expected to make his eagerly awaited debut on Boxing Day against Wasps at Wembley. The Welsh centre’s involvement in BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing has delayed his first appearance for the London club, with whom he signed a contract until the end of the season in October. Saracens chief [...]
Birmingham to identify rioters December 2, 2010 FOOTBALL: Birmingham City’s acting chairman Peter Pannu has vowed to come down hard on those fans the club manages to identify as having caused trouble during Wednesday’s Carling Cup quarter-final win against Aston Villa. Hundreds of fans confronted riot police at the final whistle, and the club confirmed they will hold an impartial investigation in [...]
Schwarzer signs new Fulham deal December 2, 2010 FOOTBALL: Fulham goalkeeper Mark?Schwarzer has signed a new two-year deal. The 38-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer but has ended speculation about his future by commiting to the west London club. “I’m delighted to have finally signed a contract extension with Fulham after a great deal of speculation [...]
Harrington on fire in Sun City December 2, 2010 GOLF: Padraig Harrington carded a six under par round of 66 to lead the Nedbank Golf Challenge by one stroke after a rain-affected first day at Sun City. The Irishman fired seven birdies and had just one bogey as he produced an excellent back nine to move ahead of English duo Ross Fisher and Lee [...]
United can give the Tangerines red faces December 2, 2010 BLACKPOOL vs MANCHESTER UNITED TOMORROW, 5.30PM, ESPN AFTER a hugely impressive demolition of Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday, Manchester United fell back down to earth on Tuesday night when West Ham unceremoniously dumped them out of the Carling Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a heavily weakened side, but he will not have been happy [...]
Star trio turn England 2018 bid around as D-Day arrives December 1, 2010 ENGLAND’S hopes of winning today’s vote to host the 2018 World Cup surged last night after frantic schmoozing and some late hiccups from rival bidders appeared to turn the tide in their favour. A stellar cast of ambassadors including former England captain David Beckham, Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron led an impressive charm [...]
England kicked them in the teeth December 1, 2010 THE first punches have been thrown and, as England prepare to start the second Ashes Test tonight, it is Australia who are reeling from some body blows to their confidence. The Aussies are used to starting with a win and got themselves in a great position at the Gabba. England will have been disappointed not [...]
Riots mar Blues cup win December 1, 2010 BIRMINGHAM (2) vs ASTON VILLA (1) BIRMINGHAM are through to the Carling Cup semi-final after edging out local rivals Aston Villa at St Andrews, but victory was marred by scenes of fan violence which are set to be investigated by the Football Association. With Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron over in Zurich attempting [...]