Dutch anti-football earns no sympathy from legend Cruyff July 12, 2010 DUTCH icon Johann Cruyff has torn into the Holland side, insisting they deserved to lose the World Cup final for adopting dirty, vulgar tactics. Cruyff is the poster boy for the Dutch concept of Total Football, having starred in the 1970s national team that wowed fans with their free-flowing style. And the former Barcelona coach [...]
Europeans are primed for Open success, says Gallacher July 12, 2010 THREE-TIME Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher believes British players have stolen a march on their American counterparts – and fully expects a home winner in this week’s Open Championship at St Andrews. Irishman Padraig Harrington is the only European to have lifted the Claret Jug in the last decade, with the United States claiming 11 [...]
Golf buggy shame Powell on course to join Wasps July 12, 2010 WASPS are poised to swoop for Wales and British Lions No8 Andy Powell after Cardiff Blues confirmed they are to terminate his contract early. The Amlin Challenge Cup winners said Powell had “lost his way somewhat” and cited the 28-year-old’s infamous golf buggy incident earlier this year. Powell was arrested and suspended from international duty [...]
Red Bull expect Webber to see out contract July 12, 2010 RED BULL chiefs expect Mark Webber to see out his contract despite fresh tension with team-mate Sebastian Vettel. Australian Webber raced to victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday and then immediately hit out at his team’s perceived favouritism towards Vettel. The friction has cast doubt on the future of Webber, who is contracted [...]
Wiggins hit by Gerrans exit July 12, 2010 CYCLING: Bradley Wiggins’ hopes of winning the Tour de France suffered a blow during yesterday’s rest day after his Team Sky team-mate Simon Gerrans withdrew from the race with a broken arm. Australian Gerrans, who had been selected to help Wiggins in the mountain stages, suffered the injury in a crash on Sunday. Wiggins struggled [...]
Rossi set for shock return July 12, 2010 MOTO GP: Valentino Rossi could be set for a dramatic comeback to racing on Sunday in the German Grand Prix. The six-time Moto GP champion was expected out for up to six months after suffering a compound fracture of his right shin at Mugello on 5 June. But the Italian rode in a private test [...]
Murtagh won’t appeal ban July 12, 2010 HORSE RACING: Top jockey Johnny Murtagh has decided not to appeal against the six-day ban he received for careless riding aboard winner Starspangledbanner in last Friday’s July Cup. The suspension would rule the Irishman out of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and indeed the first two days of Glorious Goodwood, [...]
Molinari breaks into top 20 July 12, 2010 GOLF: Edoardo Molinari has moved into the world’s top 20 for the first time after his victory in the Scottish Open on Sunday. The Italian finished three shots clear of Darren Clarke to claim his first European Tour title, and moves into 19th in the standings, back ahead of his brother Francesco in 30th. American [...]
Forlan dedicates Golden Ball award to team-mates July 12, 2010 DIEGO FORLAN yesterday dedicated his Golden Ball award to his Uruguayan team-mates following their fine World Cup campaign. The Atletico Madrid striker was named the best player of the tournament after his five goals fired the South Americans to the semi-finals before they were beaten by Holland. “It’s as great as it is unexpected. I [...]
ON TOP OF THE WORLD July 11, 2010 HOLLAND (0) vs SPAIN (1) after extra time ANDRES INIESTA capped a majestic performance with the winning goal deep into extra time to help Spain lift the World Cup for the first time. The midfield maestro rifled home with four minutes of added time remaining to break Dutch hearts in a bad-tempered game in Johannesburg. [...]