Berlin – Germany captain Michael Ballack on Thursday urged the Euro 2008 finalists to raise their game for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein to banish the memories of their recent defeats.The 32-year-old Chelsea star is demanding a raised effort in Leipzig from his side who have lost their last two home games: a 2-1 defeat to England...
Russia and Qatar Selections Challenge the Past and Future of Global Game
By Rob HughesThe World Cup in Russia in 2018 will be spread across by far the biggest country in Europe. Then, four years later, the tournament in Qatar, an oil-rich land of only 1.7 million people, will be the most compact ever.The selection of the two countries on Thursday by FIFA, football’s world governing body, surprised the audience of politicians,...
Liverpool Plans to Build Indonesian Football Academy
Jakarta - Indonesia could be in line for Southeast Asia’s first permanent football academy to develop youngsters’ talent under plans being considered by English Premier League Club Liverpool. The club is eager to boost its presence in Asia through its youth wing, the Liverpool International Football Academy. Should the plan take off, Indonesia will...
Taufik Blasts Badminton Body Over Failure to Find Young Guns
Jakarta - Eight years after he won his first gold medal in the Asian Games, Taufik Hidayat is still Indonesia’s best hope for victory in the quadrennial meet. And that doesn’t sit well with the country’s leading men’s singles shuttler. Taufik, who topped the podium in the event during the 2002 and 2006 Games, is looking to complete a hat-trick of gold...
Australia Superbike Test Yamaha Wrap Up
Yamaha World Superbike Team riders Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri completed their three--day test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia on Thursday.The two new signings for the 2011 World Superbike season spent the three days testing out various parts including new Ohlins (TRVP25) front forks on both the 2010 and 2011 Yamaha racebike.A large...
Ferguson eyes key wins over Arsenal and Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can take a giant step towards regaining the Premier League title if they win this month's crunch clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea. United moved two points clear at the top of the table last weekend after Chelsea's latest stumble at Newcastle dropped them to second place and Ferguson's side can extend...
Newcastle defender Williamson signs new deal
Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson signed a new five-and-a-half year contract with the Premier League club on Friday. Williamson has played a key role in Newcastle's solid start to life back in the English top-flight after last season's promotion from the Championship. Magpies manager Chris Hughton rates the 27-year-old as one of the finest...