Redknapp poison piles pressure on Roy

Harry Redknapp was spurned by the Football Association last year as the rulers of the domestic game appointed Roy Hodgson as manager of England.

Unsurprisingly, Redknapp did not walk quietly into the sunset, shrugging his shoulders and muttering "ah well, that's life". No, no, Redknapp has instead revealed all in his upcoming autobiograhpy - a raucous tale of backstabbing, contradictions and half-truths that has drawn pressure on Hodgson.

England face Montenegro on Friday night at Wembley before another home showdown, this time against Ukraine next week. Two wins will guarantee qualification for World Cup 2014 and ease the pressure on Hodgson - but with Redknapp waiting in the wings, perhaps it'd be more fun to watch this story play out a little more.

Friday, October 11, 2013 12:38

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African nations set for World Cup 2014 war

Saturday and Sunday sees the first legs of the final qualification round for the African nations as we gear towards World Cup 2014.

The first set of fixtures sees The Stallions (Burkina Faso) host The Desert Warriors (Algeria), while The Elephants (Ivory Coast) welcome The Lions of Teranga (Senegal) in Abidjan.

On Sunday The Black Lions (Ethiopia) take on The Super Eagles (Nigeria), The Eagles of Carthage (Tunisia) face The Indomitable Lions (Cameroon) and The Black Stars (Ghana) draw swords with The Pharaohs (Egypt).

All in all it promises to be colourful and entertaining at the very least.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 09:49

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Wenger drinking from Arsenal's fountain of youth

Arsene Wenger is on the verge of extending his contract with Arsenal following the club's superb start to the Premier League season.

The Frenchman is in his 18th year at the club but is set to sign a new two-year extension to his £7.5 million-a-year deal taking him to two decades with the Gunners.

Wenger has come under fire from the club's fans after overseeing eight barren years in which the club have failed to win a notable piece of silverware.

However, the deadline day signing of £45m Mesut Ozil and a fine start to their campaign has seen the Gunners arrive at the summit of the Premier League after seven matches and prompt a new deal for the 63-year-old.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013 07:42

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'Perfect' Atletico flex their muscles

Atletico Madrid continued their sensational start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday.

The victory sees Diego Simeone’s men maintain their 100 per cent record with star striker Diego Costa again on target, scoring both goals for the hosts.

Simeone described the first-half performance as “near perfect” and in stark contrast to neighbours Real Madrid who fell behind twice at Levante and needed a 94th minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo to snatch victory.

Monday, October 7, 2013 11:46

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Dream come true for Moyes as another Manchester United star is born

After going a goal down against Sunderland on Saturday, David Moyes and Manchester United were in desperate need of inspiration to rescue three points from the Stadium of Light.

Step forward 18-year-old midfielder Adnan Januzaj, whose well-taken double in the space of six minutes ensured the Premier League champions would not suffer back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.

Sunday, October 6, 2013 07:30

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Cut it out! Wenger soaks smoker Wilshere

Jack Wilshere made headlines after being pictured smoking on a night out earlier this week, and Arsene Wenger has moved quickly to discourage his young midfielder.

In his Friday press conference, Wenger urged Wilshere to cut it out, but may be forced to go one step further if he does it again...

Saturday, October 5, 2013 12:00

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El Matador: Diego Costa switches to Spain

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has confirmed he wants to switch national allegiances from Brazil to Spain.

The 24-year-old has never represented the Selecao at any level and now has Spanish citizenship which entitles him to play for La Roja.

While Costa is ineligible for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers he has agreed to link up with the world champions and Vicente Del Bosque for future internationals.

Friday, October 4, 2013 11:49

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Oktoberfest: Bayern celebrate Manchester City thrashing

Bayern Munich are celebrating after enjoying a 3-1 thrashing over Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s side raced into an early lead through Franck Ribery before two goals in four minutes in the second half, from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben, put the German side in cruise control.

Alvaro Negredo pulled a late goal back for Manuel Pellegrini’s men but it was scant consolation on a bad night for City, and goalkeeper Joe Hart in particular.

Thursday, October 3, 2013 11:49

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Don't touch Neymar!

Tuesday's Champions League fixtures saw plenty of action with protesters interrupting Basel's match with Schalke after abseiling into the stadium, while up in Scotland Barcelona inched past Celtic.

Cesc Fabregas was the hero for the Catalans heading home late on to secure victory for the Spanish champions and ensure heartbreak for Neil Lennon's men.

However, the main talking point was not Fabregas' goal but the red card which saw Scott Brown sent off on the hour mark for a kick at Neymar, a decision that did not go down well with the home fans.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 11:43

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Ghost buster: Wenger hopes to avoid being haunted by Napoli

Arsenal take on Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday with manager Arsene Wenger set to face Gonzalo Higuain, a man he tried, and failed, to sign in the summer transfer window.

The Argentine striker, is not the only familiar face for the Gunners as Rafael Benitez brings his Serie A side to the Emirates Stadium, including goalkeeper Pepe Reina another one-time transfer target of the Gunners.

Wenger's men go into the game in confident mood, two points clear at the top of the early Premier League table, but will be hoping the ones that got away do not return to haunt his men.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013 11:46

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Taco the net: De Gea criticised over diet & training mentality

The reasons behind David de Gea's unsettled start in the Premier League have been explained by Manchester United's former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.

The 22-year-old was criticised for some of his early performances at United and Steele has revealed the sub-par displays were down to a combination of poor diet and attitude in training.

"There were lifestyle issues," he told United We Stand fanzine. "He'd sleep two or three times a day. He'd have his main meal late at night. He'd eat too many tacos.

"We pushed protein drinks on him straight after training. We had him in the gym a lot. He hated it. They don't do the gym in Spain as much. We needed to build his core strength.

"He would finish training and want to go home. When I told him to come back in the afternoon he'd ask: 'Why?'

"There were times in his first season when he trained poorly. I told him that players made decisions for managers, not the other way around. That he should be first, not last out for training."

Monday, September 30, 2013 12:00

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من أجل توعية المرأة لفحص الثدي

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Iniesta: An emblem for Barcelona

Gerardo Martino has described Andres Iniesta as an "emblem" of Barcelona.

"In every club there are players who are images of their clubs. I see Iniesta as an image of Barca," said the Spanish club's boss.

"I think it's quite logical he should renew, I see him as one of the emblematic players at the club and we want him to stay."

Saturday, September 28, 2013 12:00

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Mourinho & Villas-Boas prepare for battle

Andre Villas-Boas pulled no punches in the assessment of his broken relationship with Jose Mourinho during his press conference on Thursday.

The two managers will meet on Saturday as Tottenham host Chelsea at White Hart Lane but Villas-Boas admits the bond he had with his opposite number during his time at Stamford Bridge, Porto and Inter has faded.

"We had a great personal and professional relationship before, that we don't have now,"said Villas-Boas.

"I don't think we need explanations on friendship and personal relationships. But our relationship broke down.

"I think we have the mutual respect for each other and we understand what we have been through cannot just disappear but it's not like it was before. I don't lose any sleep [over it]."

Friday, September 27, 2013 12:00

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Diego Costa the toast of Madrid after derby upset

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco, David Villa and Arda Turan were all on show in the first Madrid derby of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But it is Diego Costa who is the toast of the city after his goal saw Atletico upset their big spending rivals on Saturday night.

Costa broke free and stroked the ball past Diego Lopez after just 11 minutes at the Bernabeu to score his eighth goal of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Bale for his home debut at half time, but the former Tottenham man could not change the game as Atletico maintained their perfect start in La Liga.

Sunday, September 29, 2013 12:00

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Real 'robbery' gets Spain up in arms

Controversy reigned at Elche on Wednesday night as Real Madrid snatched the latest of winners from the penalty spot.

The home crowd, who had sang songs of Madrid's supposed cheating all evening, were incensed when referee Cesar Muniz pointed to the spot after Pepe took a tumble in the 94th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo duly converted, leaving Elche captain Albucar to brand it a robbery, Gerard Pique to make his disapproval known on Twitter, and the Spanish police to reveal that they had received more than 120 complaining tweets from disgruntled fans!

Thursday, September 26, 2013 12:00

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Suarez 'champing at the bit' to make Liverpool return

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is set to return from his 10-match suspension to face Manchester United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Uruguay international has missed the opening of Liverpool's campaign after he was suspended for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic but Brendan Rodgers insists the striker is "champing at the bit" to return to action.

“You’ll find out that once he gets that strip on, he’ll work his socks off. He’s received nothing but affection and love from the supporters," Rodgers told reporters.

“They deserve no less than 100 per cent and, knowing Luis, that’s what he’ll give them. He’s really champing at the bit to help the team. I am sure once he gets back on the field he will show his top quality.”

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 07:20

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Donkey derby for Moyes & Manchester United

David Moyes' first taste of a Manchester derby ended in defeat on Sunday as his United side were thrashed 4-1 by rivals City at the Etihad Stadium.

Moyes' men were never at the races as Manuel Pellegrini's City stallions raced ahead after just 16 minutes through Sergio Aguero.

The home side had a second goal on the stroke of half time as Yaya Toure stabbed home from close range, before Aguero added a third after the interval.

Samir Nasri scored a fourth to put the game well and truly beyond doubt and, despite Wayne Rooney's sublime free kick late on, Moyes and United were left with very little to cheer about.

Monday, September 23, 2013 11:45

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Flying pigs and hell freezing over: Mikel scores for Chelsea!

Jon Obi Mikel scored his first Premier League goal in seven years at Chelsea on Sunday, a rare feat indeed.

So look out everybody, because pigs might fly, hell may have freezed over, and aliens may be on their way!

Sunday, September 22, 2013 12:00

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Swans take flight in Europe

Swansea City's start to their Europa League group campaign could not have fared any better at the Mestalla on Thursday.

Michael Laudrup's side were given a boost in the 10th minute as Valencia saw Adil Rami sent off, while Wilfried Bony's opening goal four minutes later was added to by Michu and Jonathan De Guzman in the second half.

Friday, September 20, 2013 12:00

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Rooney & Ronaldo lead Champions League scoring spree

It was raining goals on Tuesday night as the Champions League returned to action with a bang, and European football's biggest names were all on song.

Real Madrid were rampant in Turkey, scoring six in a comprehensive victory over Galatasaray as Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick.

While at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2.

United's rivals Manchester City were also among the goals, as Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero led Manuel Pellegrini's side to a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen.

And the reigning champions Bayern Munich scored three of their own, cruising past CSKA Moscow at the Allianz Arena, with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain putting four past Olympiakos.

With the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund still to play, there could be plenty more to come on Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:30

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Mourinho left to mend his broken eggs

After Jose Mourinho claimed in the build-up to Chelsea's Champions League opener against Basel that his players were "young, beautiful eggs", he will no doubt have been crestfallen to see them broken so easily at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues looked out of sorts against the Swiss side, who put them to the sword with two second-half goals to really open up Group E even after one match day.

Thursday, September 19, 2013 12:00

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Europe's top clubs turn attentions to Champions League

With domestic football well and truly back underway across Europe, the continent's biggest clubs switch their focus to the Champions League as the illustrious competition returns on Tuesday.

Two of the Premier League's biggest hitters are on show as Manchester United host Bayer Leverkusen, while Manchester City face a tough trip to Plzen.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are in Turkey to face a Galatasaray side led by Didier Drogba, Carlos Tevez is expected to line up for Juventus against FC Copenhagen, and Pep Guardiola's star-studded Bayern Munich take on CSKA Moscow.

With the final set to take place at Benfica's Estadio da Luz in May, Europe's biggest names are drawn to the competition like moths to a flame.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013 09:00

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Ronaldo steals Bale's limelight with new Madrid contract

It didn't take Cristiano Ronaldo long to prove he is still top dog in Madrid.

Against Villarreal on Saturday, Ronaldo rose to the challenge scoring almost immediately after the world's most expensive footballer Gareth Bale was subbed. The Welshman had equalised for Madrid, before Ronaldo added a second in the 2-2 draw.

And now, the 28-year-old has been rewarded with a new five-year contract at the Bernabeu, firmly reinstating the Portuguese superstar as the main man in the Spanish capital.

Monday, September 16, 2013 12:48

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Bale & Ronaldo not enough to sink the yellow submarine

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo lined up together for the first time on Saturday as the Wales international made his Real Madrid debut at Villarreal.

It took the club’s new signing just 39 minutes to begin repaying his transfer fee as he equalised Cani’s opener, slotting home from close range.

Not to be outdone, Ronaldo put the visitors ahead in the second half, but it was not enough to deny a spirited Villarreal side who grabbed an equaliser through Giovani dos Santos.
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Me caricatured by Toni Soldado

My friend Toni Soldado surprised me with caricature of mine, which I was happy with it.

Toni is a great spanish caricaturest you can ask him for caricatures of you, give a look to his blog: http://tonicaturas.blogspot.com.es/

and here is his twitter account: @tonicaturas

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Ozil & Bale take centre stage as domestic football returns

It's back to school for domestic football as the curtain closed on another round of international fixtures and the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Europe's other top leagues open their doors once again.

Arsenal fans will be relishing seeing Mesut Ozil in action for the first time in a Gunners shirt, with the Germany international set to make his debut against Sunderland, while Marouane Fellaini is expected to line up for Manchester United against Crystal Palace.

Elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Gareth Bale will play some part against Villarreal, while Kaka could feature as AC Milan meet Torino following his return to the San Siro club.

Saturday, September 14, 2013 10:00

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Arsenal roll out the red carpet for Ozil

Arsenal fans had their minds collectively blown when Arsene Wenger sealed the club-record signing of Mesut Ozil on transfer deadline day - and they do not have to wait much longer, with a debut against Sunderland in line on Saturday.

The Germany international was officially unveiled in north London on Thursday and the Gunners could hardly be more accommodating of their latest star.

Ozil is set to be the biggest star in Arsene Wenger's midfield and he can expect to be treated like a prince for the foreseeable future...

Friday, September 13, 2013 11:58

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Ibra: Arrogant? I love my team-mates!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a whole lot of love to share - and he's certainly not arrogant, if you believe the man himself.

In an interview with the BBC, the PSG striker insisted he has a "big heart" and that the happiness of his team-mates, the fans and everyone else, even Pep Guardiola*, is all that matters to him.

"I read all the time that people think I'm arrogant," he said.

"They say I am cocky, a bad character. I had that from a young age but, when they meet me, they say: 'That image doesn't fit you.'

"Where I come from, you never judge a person until you meet them. I would never do that.

"Wherever I have played, I have won but I only feel satisfied if my team-mates, the fans, everyone is happy. I have a big heart."



*Possibly not Pep Guardiola

Thursday, September 12, 2013 12:00

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Netherlands & Italy settle in for World Cup party

Victories for Netherlands and Italy in their World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday ensured they both booked their spot at the 2014 showpiece in Brazil.

Louis van Gaal's side progressed from Group D following a 2-0 win over minnows Andorra, while the Italians came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in Turin.

Argentina, Costa Rica and the USA also sealed their passage to Brazil for next summer's international tournament as the beaches of Rio await!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 12:00

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الاردن تتأهل لملاقاة خامس امريكا الجنوبية Jordan to face the 5th place of CONMEBOL

تمكن المنتخب الاردني من الفوز على منتخب اوزبكستان بضربات الجزاء ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم ليلتقي خامس قارة امريكا الجنوبية.المبارة تخللها انقطاع في التيار الكهربائي و ظروف تكنولوجية سيئة.

Jordanian team managed to win over Uzbekistan on penalties in a World Cup qualifier to meet the fifth continent of South America.
Game interrupted by a break in the power supply and poor technological conditions.

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Rosell reveals Barca's Neymar battle

After claims that Neymar had a trial at Real Madrid at the age of 16, only to not be signed because of a €60,000 fee, Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has revealed that los Blancos fought until the end to sign the Brazilian superstar.

The Barca president, who was responsible for signing Neymar for €57 million (£50m), claimed that the Brazilian had already completed a medical for Madrid, and that the capital club were still trying to buy him even when he was penning his Blaugrana contract!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:00
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يا أمين عمان شغل الباص

#نقول_لامين_عمان الجديد عقل بلتاجي: المواصلات العامة هي عصب المدينة الحديثة. إذا أردنا أن تكون عمّان مدينة عادلة إجتماعيا يصل فيها كل الناس إلى أعمالهم ونشاطاتهم بكلفة معقولة، وإذا اردنا مدينة يتحرك فيها الإقتصاد، واذا اردنا عاصمة يتجول فيها الزائر والسائح بأمان، واذا اردنا أن نخفف من تلوث هوائنا، وإذا اردنا ترشيد تكلفة صيانة الشوارع، واذا اردنا أن نخفض فاتورة الطاقة، واذا اردنا أن نخفف على أعصاب المواطن.. فلا بد من اعطاء الأولوية لبناء نظام نقل عام منظم وحديث ومرن في عمّان.

نعم نتحدث عن استكمال مشروع الباص السريع، ولكن ايضا عن تحسين كل خطوط الباصات القائمة، وتفعيل مواقف الباصات، والالتزام بجداول منتظمة، ونشر خرائط واضحة لخطوط المواصلات، واطلاق خطوط للسرفيس.

نحتاج الى ثورة في مفهوم المواصلات العامة تجعل منها رمزا للمساواة في الفرص بين المواطنين في عمّان.

نحتاج الى "ثورة أرصفة" تنهي الواقع المخزي لتصميم الأرصفة في مدينتنا، لأن المشاة صغاراً وكباراً لهم حق التنقل الآمن في عمّان.

لذلك، فلنرفع اصواتنا معاً ونقول للأمين الجديد: نعم لمدينة عادلة نتحرك فيها بسهولة ونركب فيها معاً وسائل المواصلات العامة الحديثة المنظمة

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