Deschamps praise for West Ham’s Payet as France leave it late but qualify for Euro 2016 knockout phase June 15, 2016 France manager Didier Deschamps insists a more feisty approach is paying dividends for Dimitri Payet after the West Ham playmaker scored one of two late goals as Les Bleus eventually dispatched minnows Albania in Marseille. A second successive win propelled hosts France into the tournament’s knockout phase as victory was sealed courtesy of strikes from [...]
Australia’s Adam Scott determined to rail against Oakmont worries in bid for US Open June 15, 2016 Former world No1 Adam Scott intends to “challenge” the complexities of the Oakmont course as he bids to land the second Major of his career at the US Open, which starts on Thursday. Tournament officials have been moved to cut the course’s rough after it was considered too punishing, especially when the traditionally fast greens [...]
Russia 1, Slovakia 2: Slutsky dodges flare probe as defeat pushes Russia closer to Euro 2016 elimination June 15, 2016 Russia boss Leonid Slutsky refused to debate the consequences of the lighting of a flare within a section of the ground populated by his side’s supporters after a potentially pivotal defeat to Slovakia in Lille yesterday. Governing body Uefa are not expected to enact Russia’s suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 following yesterday’s events, a sanction [...]
Iceland’s Kari Arnason returns fire on Cristiano Ronaldo after Portuguese skipper’s scathing attacking on European Championship debutants June 15, 2016 Iceland defender Kari Arnason has hit back after Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo criticised his side’s tactics in the wake of their Euro 2016 draw, claiming his petulant outburst proved why Lionel Messi has a superior standing in the game. Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo poked fun at Iceland’s post-match celebrations after the least populated nation to [...]
Portugal 1, Iceland 1: Minnows stifle Cristiano Ronaldo as their European Championship debut ends in draw June 14, 2016 Iceland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson had qualification to the knockout phase at the forefront of his mind after his side battled back to earn a point against Portugal on their European Championship debut in Saint-Etienne. Former Manchester United winger Nani fired Portugal into a first-half lead, only for midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who plays for Swiss champions FC [...]
Austria 0, Hungary 2: Magyars in wonderland after marking tournament return by stunning neighbours June 14, 2016 Hungary manager Bernd Storck described his side’s surprise victory over 10-man Austria as a dream come true as the Magyars celebrated their first appearance at a major tournament for 30 years in style. Striker Adam Szalai, who spent last season on loan at Hannover 96 from 1899 Hoffenheim, gave Hungary the lead with his first [...]
World No2 Andy Murray gives Ivan Lendl perfect welcome back gift by progressing to Aegon Championships second round June 14, 2016 Britain's Andy Murray ensured Ivan Lendl began his second stint as the world No2’s coach with a win after beating France’s Nicolas Mahut in the first round of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club. Defending champion Murray was required to save set points in both sets but prevailed 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (7-1) and will now [...]
Gareth Bale turns up heat on Three Lions and claims no England players would get into Welsh side June 14, 2016 Wales forward Gareth Bale has cranked up the pressure on Group B rivals England as the two teams prepare for their crunch Euro 2016 clash in Lens on Thursday. Bale last week suggested that England “big themselves up before they’ve done anything”, which prompted a retort from Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson who suggested the [...]
Usain Bolt targets Olympic boost after confirming he will compete at London Anniversary Games June 14, 2016 Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt intends to use his latest visit to the capital as a stepping stone to Rio de Janeiro gold after confirming he will contest the 200m at this year’s London Anniversary Games. The 29-year-old Jamaican holds the 200m world record with a time of 19.19 seconds and will line up at [...]
Winger Sofiane Feghouli eager to sample delights of Premier League after joining West Ham on free transfer June 14, 2016 New West Ham signing Sofiane Feghouli admits the lure of playing Premier League football was too attractive a proposition to decline after completing a move to the Hammers on a free transfer. The three-year deal, which was announced today, will see the 26-year-old Algerian international officially join West Ham on 1 July, having seen out [...]