PERMUTATIONS: HOW DRAWING LOTS MAY DECIDE FATE June 22, 2010 Q. WHAT DO ENGLAND NEED TO DO TO GO THROUGH? A.A win would guarantee their progress to the last 16, although not necessarily in first place. England could theoretically scrape through with a draw, but they would need Algeria to hold USA to a draw – and then it starts to get complicated. Q. HOW [...]
Fabio has to use players in best positions June 22, 2010 PEOPLE say, ‘international players should be able to play in any position’. That is simply not the case. If you are a central midfielder week in, week out, then you will immediately be up against it if asked to play on the left wing, against a right back who knows his job and is a [...]
know your enemy: slovenia June 22, 2010 HOW HAVE THEY DONE SO FAR? Matjaz Kek’s men followed a somewhat fortunate 1-0 win over Algeria in their opening fixture with a dramatic 2-2 draw against USA. They led 2-0 against the Americans before crumbling in the second half and only dodged defeat thanks to a dubious disallowed goal. WHAT RESULT DO THEY NEED? [...]
Red kit boost but pitch fears rise June 22, 2010 ENGLAND have been handed a good omen for their crunch match against Slovenia after it emerged they will wear lucky red. The Three Lions wore red shirts in their finest hour – the 1966 World Cup final victory over West Germany – and will don an all red kit this afternoon in Port Elizabeth. England [...]
Bafana Bafana show spirit as France’s disastrous World Cup campaign comes to a humiliating end June 22, 2010 FRANCE (1 VS ) SOUTH AFRICA (2) OUTGOING France coach Raymond Domenech admitted he felt “a great sadness” after his side crashed out of the World Cup in ignominy with defeat to hosts South Africa. In a humiliating campaign, dogged by controversy and infighting, Les Bleus finished bottom of Group A with just one goal [...]
Messi leads the way as Argies cruise June 22, 2010 GREECE(0) VS ARGENTINA(2) DIEGO MARADONA saw his Argentina side sail through Group B with a 100 per cent record as they finally broke down strong Greek resistance to end their World Cup hopes in Polokwane. The much-fancied Argentines took 77 minutes to break the deadlock when Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis fired home from close [...]
Morgan’s ton hands England the initiative June 22, 2010 EOIN MORGAN was the hero once again as his magnificent unbeaten century helped England ease into a 1-0 series lead against Australia at the Rose Bowl. The Irish-born one-day specialist smashed 16 fours for a third ODI century in just 85 balls as the hosts chased down Australia’s 267-7 with four wickets and four overs [...]
Murray’s hurry for a date with the Queen June 22, 2010 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray admitted he was looking forward to his date with the Queen tomorrow after cruising through his first round match at Wimbledon. The British No1 recovered from dropping his serve early on to ease past Czech Jan Hajek on a sweltering Court One. It earned him a second round clash with Jarkko [...]
Nonchalant Nadal enjoys happy return June 22, 2010 WORLD No1 Rafael Nadal marked his first Wimbledon appearance in two years with a comfortable win to waltz into the second round. Second seed Nadal clinched his first grass-court title in 2008, but missed the chance to defend his title last year through injury. But the Spaniard showed he’s not lost any of his flair, [...]
Suarez crowns Uruguay group winners but beaten Mexico still reach last 16 June 22, 2010 MEXICO (0) VS URUGUAY (1) URUGUAY will meet South Korea in the last 16 after a header from striker Luis Suarez earned them victory over Mexico and top spot in Group A. Ajax hot-shot Suarez struck just before half-time when he nodded home Edison Cavani’s superb floated cross at the back post. Defeat was not [...]