Boro seal first win October 21, 2005 Middlesbrough made a competent, if somewhat nervy, start to the group stage with a win away at Grasshoppers. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the only goal scorer in Zurich to give Steve McClaren’s side the start they were hoping for in UEFA Cup Group D. McClaren decided to play two up front — partnering the Dutchman [...]
Rusedski out in Madrid October 19, 2005 Greg Rusedski was knocked out by Ivo Karlovic in the first round of the Madrid Masters yesterday — all three sets going to a tie-break. It was a disappointing and distracted performance from the British number two who allowed some poor line calls to affect his display. The first set went to serve but Rusedski [...]
Record return for King Henry October 19, 2005 Two goals for the returning Thierry Henry left Arsenal on the verge of qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League. The striker, not even sure of making the squad after returning from a groin injury, finished the match as the most prolific scorer in Arsenal’s illustrious history. Despite their domestic troubles, Arsene Wenger’s [...]
England need mental and physical strength October 19, 2005 I know summer doesn’t seem that distant a memory but in less than a week’s time England will be on their way to Pakistan for the first leg of their winter schedule. The fans, pundits but especially the players are still basking in the glory of winning back the Ashes and the national adulation that [...]
Old man Cole has an eye for goal October 17, 2005 Two goals for Andy Cole — on the day after his 34th birthday — gave Manchester City victory over West Ham at Eastlands and moved Stuart Pearce’s side up to fourth in the Premiership. The veteran striker was in fine form, scoring once in each half. The former Manchester United player said: “I’ve been through [...]
Improved England top World Cup Group Six October 13, 2005 England finished their World Cup qualifying campaign as group winners after victory against Poland at Old Trafford. Goals in each half from Michael Owen and Frank Lampard were enough to ensure they overtook the Poles at the top of Group Six. Coach Sven Goran Eriksson said: “I think on Saturday [against Austria] we did a [...]
Steady jog at Adidas October 13, 2005 German sporting goods company Adidas-Salomon said it was on course to meet its full year targets, despite its proposed €3.1bn (£2.1bn) acquisition of rival Reebok. Adidas chairman and chief executive Herbert Hainer told investors yesterday that the group remains on course to produce a 20 per cent increase in net income, operating margins of 11 [...]