SPORT NEWS
BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY: Italy secure slim win over England
Italy held out against diligent England to earn a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, which leaves them second on goal difference in Group D at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Mario Balotelli scored the winner as Italy beat England 2-1 in their World Cup duel as theAC Milan striker Balotelli nodded past former Manchester City team-mate Joe Hart on 50 minutes to decide the tense Group D encounter at Manaus’s sweltering Amazonia Arena. Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio had fired the Azzurri into a deserved lead on 35 minutes, rifling home a low shot from outside the area after a well-worked corner routine wrong-footed the English defence.
England struck back with a fine goal on the counter-attack. Raheem Sterling released Wayne Rooney down the left and the Manchester United star’s cross was buried by Daniel Sturridge. The Italian victory leaves Cesare Prandelli’s side in pole qualifying position from Group D.
Shockwaves in Brazil: Colombia back with a bang
Colombia marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 win over Greece at a packed Estadio Minerao.
Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez scored the all-important goals in Belo Horizonte as Los Cafateros, back on the world stage for the first time since 1998, seized the initiative in Group C. The coach of the colombian side has however warned the team against the dangers of getting carried away.
Ivory Coast blitz past Japan
Two goals in two second-half minutes saw the Ivory Coast come from behind and beat Japan 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup Group C late Saturday encounter.
A fine Keisuke Honda strike after 16 minutes had put Japan in front at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife, but the Ivorians introduced Didier Drogba from the bench just after the hour mark before going on to turn the game on its head.
Within five minutes of the veteran striker’s arrival on the rain-soaked surface, the Elephants scored twice, both times from Serge Aurier crosses.
The result sees the Ivory Coast join Colombia — who beat Greece 3-0 earlier in the day in Belo Horizonte — on three points at the top of Group C, and Sabri Lamouchi’s side must face the South Americans next in Brasilia on Thursday, with Japan next taking on Greece in Natal.
World Cup: Robin van Persie credits Louis van Gaal as Holland maul Spain
Holland striker Robin van Persie paid tribute to manager Louis van Gaal for masterminding the stunning 5-1 victory over World Cup holders Spain.
Van Persie, who will work under his fellow countryman when he takes charge at Manchester United after this summer’s global showpiece, scored twice in the repeat of the 2010 World Cup Final clash on Friday night.
Arjen Robben also bagged two as the world and European champions were rocked by a scintillating display of second-half attacking football from the Netherlands, who were playing a new-look 3-5-2 formation.
Van Persie also admits his opener against Spain, when he converted an audacious diving header which left Iker Casillas rooted to the spot, is the finest he has ever scored.
Wenger in Brazil on scouting mission as Puma ready to fund move for World Cup forward
Arsène Wenger and Arsenal could be given a helping hand in their pursuit for a top class forward by sponsors Puma. They believe Puma, who Arsenal announced as a sponsor in January, could fund a move for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
Puma ready to help Balotelli bid.
It is believed Arsenal isn’t just targeting Balotelli but also two other high profile forwards at big European clubs.
Balotelli or someone else…
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has been linked with a switch to the Emirates and with the 26-year-old leading the line for France; Wenger will get plenty of time to scout the striker.
Another player muted with an Arsenal transfer is Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandžukić and though all three players listed are well known, it still seems Wenger wants to see them personally before making a decision over whom to sign.
If Puma are willing to help a move for Balotelli would he be the best option?
Usain Bolt ‘not ready’ to race yet after foot injury
Six-time Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt has delayed his return to competition after falling behind in training because of a foot injury.
The world record holder has withdrawn from this month’s Ostrava Golden Spike and Paris Diamond League meetings.
Bolt, 27, said he was “100% healthy” and back in full training after missing sessions in late March and early April.
But added: “Unfortunately due to the training that I missed I’m behind where I normally am at this time of year.”
The 100m in the Czech Republic town of Ostrava on 17 June would have been the Jamaican’s first race of the year. He had also received top billing for the 100m in Paris on 5 July.
“I hope to be back in competition soon, but how soon will depend on my training in the next few weeks,” said the double world and Olympic champion.
Glasgow 2014: Mo Farah to compete in 5,000 and 10,000m
Double Olympic champion Mo Farah intends to compete for England in the 5,000 and 10,000m at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Farah has not raced since the London Marathon in April, when he finished eighth on his debut in the event.
The 5,000m is the first men’s track title to be decided in Glasgow, before the 10,000m takes place five days later. Neither event has heats.
Farah, 31, is also the defending world champion over both distances.
Federer tops Nishikori, will face Falla for seventh Halle title
Six-time champion Roger Federer will play Alejandro Falla in the final of the Gerry Weber Open after they won their semifinals on Saturday.
Federer fired 10 aces and defeated the fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori 6-3, 7-6 (4) as he improved his record here to 45-5.
“It was played on a very fast court and a few shots were going to decide it. They went my way,” Federer said.
Nishikori rallied to force the second set to the tiebreak, where he made a mini-break at 4-2, only to let Federer off the hook with two consecutive forehand errors.
Federer miscalculated the score and hadn’t realized he won.
