Moneybags Mancini leaves Russia in the cold

 

Roberto Mancini's new Manchester City contract has kept Russia from luring him away from the Premier League champions.

The World Cup 2018 hosts are currently looking for a top-class manager to take over from Dick Advocaat, who parted ways with the nation after their group stage exit at Euro 2012.

Mancini was rumoured to be top of their list, alongside the likes of Fabio Capello and Pep Guardiola, after the Italian took the Blues to their first league title in over 40 years last season.

The Italian's side beat Manchester United on goal difference in the end after two dramatic stoppage-time goals allowed them to beat QPR and snatch the title from the Red Devils' grasp, something that City are keen to build on with the Italian manager...

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Fans fly the Irish flag while players wave white ones

 

After a 3-1 defeat to Croatia in their opening game of Euro 2012, Republic of Ireland took on reigning world and European champions Spain, hoping to pull of a shock and keep their Euros dreams alive.
Unfortunately for the Irish, those dreams quickly turned into a nightmare as an early goal from Fernando Torres set the tone for a difficult evening for the Boys in Green.

Goals by David Silva, Cesc Fabregas and a second for Torres followed as Spain ran out 4-0 winners to put an end to Giovanni Trapattoni's hopes of a quarter-final berth, despite the magnificent backing from the Irish fans.
 

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Noisy neighbours

 

It had been billed as the biggest Premier League fixture of all time, and whilst there may not have been the drama and incident to match the hype, Roberto Mancini's men's 1-0 victory over Manchester United signalled another turning of the tide in the title race.

Vincent Kompany's first-half header set City on their way to a vital three points at the Etihad Stadium, and while tensions flared between Sir Alex Ferguson and his Italian counterpart, the Scotsman was unable to inspire his side.

Instead, the Red Devils were left to return to Old Trafford with their tails between their legs and their noisy neighbours are starting to become deafening.

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