Coleman wary of risking Bale Wales manager Chris Coleman has promised that Gareth Bale will not be risked against Croatia if the Tottenham midfielder is not fully fit.
The 23-year-old lasted just 45 minutes against Scotland on Friday, having to be replaced at half-time after aggravating an ankle injury.
A win for Wales on Tuesday would put Coleman's side four points behind Croatia, who currently occupy second spot in Group A.
"We only had Gareth for 45 minutes - and albeit a jaded Gareth Bale," Coleman told reporters.
"He's been ill and had a knock on his ankl
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Category: News Views: 884 Added: SkyDate: 25.03.2013 - 01:30
Benzema lacking confidence, says Ribery France star Franck Ribery believes Karim Benzema's confidence is low as France prepare to face Spain on Tuesday.
The form of the Real Madrid striker has come under intense scrutiny in his homeland, with his goal drought in internationals stretching back to a friendly against Estonia last June, when he scored twice.
Speaking to Telefoot on Sunday, Ribery said his international team-mate was experiencing some doubts over his contribution but is still putting effort in for the team.
"He doubts a little right now but he also works a lot for the team," the 29-year-old said.
Category: News Views: 1042 Added: SkyDate: 25.03.2013 - 00:04
Sturridge grateful for Liverpool chance Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has expressed his gratitude to manager Brendan Rodgers for offering him a stage on which he can flourish.
The former Manchester City and Chelsea forward moved to Merseyside in January and believes he now has the chance to develop to his full potential.
Sturridge told the Liverpool website: "I'm very grateful - very grateful to the manager for giving me an opportunity.
"I was at Man City before Chelsea and everything was fine there, in fairness. I didn't have any problems, everything worked out, but I chose to leave because I didn't feel it was the best p
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Category: News Views: 1079 Added: SkyDate: 25.03.2013 - 00:04
Hamstrung Alba ruled out for Spain Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has been ruled out for up to 10 days after straining his hamstring, the Catalan club have confirmed.
The full-back suffered the injury in Spain's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Finland on Friday.
Barca released a statement on Sunday to confirm that the former Valencia man will need just over a week to recover from the injury, ruling him out of Spain's crucial World Cup qualifier with France.
"Jordi Alba will be off for between seven and 10 days," a Barcelona statement read.
Category: News Views: 1043 Added: SkyDate: 25.03.2013 - 00:03
Barzagli: Magath ´changed my level´ Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has paid tribute to ex-Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath, saying his influence changed his mental approach.
Barzagli joined Juventus from the Bundesliga outfit in January 2011 for a fee of around 300,000 euros and has gone on to make 94 appearances for the club so far.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 31-year-old Italian praised his former coach and highlighted the changes he made to his game under the German's tutelage.
"Magath was the coach who has changed my level mentally," the former Palermo defender said.
Category: News Views: 1138 Added: SkyDate: 24.03.2013 - 21:23
Podolski eyes starting place Germany forward Lukas Podolski is unhappy with his role as a substitute for his country and hopes to earn a starting spot.
Podolski came on as a replacement for the injured Julian Draxler after just 19 minutes in the 3-0 win over Kazakhstan on Friday, earning his 108th cap.
Speaking to Bild am Sonntag, the 27-year-old said he was unsurprised to be on the bench in Astana but would like to use it as a platform to once again become a regular for coach Joachim Loew.
"I've been training hard the last three weeks but missed the last game with Arsenal," the former Cologne forward said.
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Category: News Views: 998 Added: SkyDate: 24.03.2013 - 21:21
Mourinho hints at Real exit Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has hinted that he could return to one of his former clubs next season.
The 50-year-old, who guided Inter and Porto to Champions League glory, has been linked with a move back to Chelsea, the scene of his two Premier League triumphs as manager.
Speculation has grown over Mourinho's future in Spain after reports of friction between the coach and senior Real players, while the Portuguese has also endured a mixed relationship with the club's fans this term.
Mourinho admits his future is uncertain and says he might be willing to return to a former club.
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Category: News Views: 882 Added: SkyDate: 24.03.2013 - 21:18
