South Africa denied on Wednesday it bribed Fifa officials with $10m to secure votes for its successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup, insisting the payment was “above board”. Fikile Mbalula, the sports minister, also admitted he was “shocked” by the resignation of Fifa’s president, Sepp Blatter. He said Blatter “has been a good …
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David Strettle stuns England by withdrawing from World Cup squad
England’s World Cup training camp has barely started but already they are a man down. David Strettle is not among the players who have reported to Bagshot for almost three months of pre-tournament activity, the wing having advised Stuart Lancaster of his decision to withdraw from the 50-man squad following his move from Saracens to …
World Cup host Canada start on right foot by winning opener against China
Lucky Canada.As the host country, Canada got a nice and easy draw for this 2015 Women’s World Cup and they eked out a 1-0 win in stoppage time on Saturday night — despite a very un-Canadian attack against a defensively stout China side. As a result, Canada keeps the dream alive. Best of all, Sarah …
FIFA suspends bidding for 2026 World Cup
“It was decided to place the administrative process on hold for the 2026 FIFA World Cup bidding due to the current situation,” a FIFA statement said. LAUSANNE: FIFA announced on Wednesday (Jun 10) it had suspended the bidding process to host the 2026 World Cup amid the furore surrounding corruption probes at the organisation. “It …
When Michael Campbell produced one of the great days in New Zealand sport with his US Open win
Youtube It’s been 10 years since New Zealand’s own Michael Campbell won the US Open after going toe-to-toe with one of the greatest golfers ever on the final day. June 19, 2005. It was 10 years ago on Friday and the date probably doesn’t mean a lot to you without context. It was the day …
Lucy Bronze fires England past Norway and into World Cup quarter-finals
Inspired use of substitutes allied to a stunning winning goal from Lucy Bronze ensured England finally won their first knockout game at a World Cup finals. No matter that Mark Sampson’s side were required to come from behind after an edgy, erratic start. More audacious tactics from the Lionesses’ young coach ultimately earned a quarter-final …
Women’s World Cup: is artificial turf to blame for a lack of goals?
It was a sunny but breezy Saturday afternoon in Vancouver, and the US women’s national team had just finished their morning training. The session, of course, took place on an artificial training pitch that had been plopped in the middle of a park with lush, green grass everywhere else. The Guardian asked USA forward Abby …
Germany, France to meet in women’s World Cup quarterfinals
MONTREAL (AP) France coach Philippe Bergeroo has had six months to worry about meeting top-ranked Germany in the quarterfinals of the women’s World Cup, and four days to prepare for the actual match.The No. 3 team in the world will play Germany, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, in a quarterfinal match being called an ”early …
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero ready to snub Real Madrid
Each day we’ll bring you the very latest tabloid rumors as the biggest clubs around look to splash the cash to bolster their rosters. True or not, they’re always entertaining…Liverpool are interested in signing the highly-rated Monaco winger Lucas Ocampos.Southampton are holding out for an offer closer to £15million for Nathaniel Clyne.No bids have yet …
Djokovic, Nadal to meet in French Open quarter-finals
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will clash in a French Open quarter-final blockbuster in one of the sport’s most-eagerly awaited clashes of recent times. PARIS: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will clash in a French Open quarter-final blockbuster on Wednesday in one of the sport’s most-eagerly awaited clashes of recent times. World number one and …