De Guzman eyes Swansea stay
Jonathan de Guzman has underlined his desire to remain at Swansea City and maintain his place in the Netherlands set-up.
The 25 year-old is on a season-long loan from Villarreal and made his debut for the Oranje against Italy in a friendly last month.
The attacking midfielder revealed that he had made the decision not to join his older brother Julian in playing for Canada and hopes to keep his place in Louis van Gaal's thoughts by securing regular football permanently at the Liberty Stadium.
"My brother Julian put some pressure on me and stated that he would love to play with me," De Guzman tol
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Category: News
Views: 726
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:13
Farina sees red over Emerton dismissal
A furious Frank Farina blamed referee Kris Griffiths-Jones for costing Sydney FC a memorable derby win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Alessandro Del Piero's first-half goal had the Sky Blues on course for a victory over their city rivals on Saturday, until Brett Emerton saw red for a lunging tackle on Shannon Cole 10 minutes after the break.
Griffiths-Jones had no hesitation in showing the stand-in Sydney skipper a straight red card, with Cole coming back to haunt his former club soon after with a superb equaliser, as the match finished 1-1.
Sydney did well to hold on for a point with just 10-men
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Category: News
Views: 799
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:11
Popovic settles for shared spoils
Tony Popovic could not have been prouder after his under-manned Western Sydney Wanderers fought out a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC on Saturday.
With four first-team regulars unavailable – including skipper Michael Beauchamp who was a late scratching – the Wanderers overcame a half-time deficit to snatch a draw and inch closer to the minor premiership.
The only way the Wanderers can lose top spot is if Central Coast win their final two matches, while the A-League newcomers will need to lose to Newcastle in their last game next weekend.
While the result stops the club's winning streak at 10 and means th
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Category: News
Views: 661
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:08
Mourinho grateful for Pandev gesture
Jose Mourinho has backed Goran Pandev for disputing the validity of his voting slip for the 2012 Coach of the Year award.
Real Madrid coach Mourinho last week suggested at a possible fix in determining the winner of the accolade, won by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.
Napoli forward Pandev said he voted for Mourinho but football's governing body, FIFA, insisted that the Macedonia captain nominated Del Bosque, releasing an image of his ballot paper suggesting the same.
"Pandev was one of those that called me. Others prefer to remain anonymous, and I can only respect that. I appreciate Goran's hon
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Category: News
Views: 724
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:06
Hodgson notes Ukraine threat
England manager Roy Hodgson insists that Ukraine are still a threat to England's World Cup qualification campaign.
Montenegro top Group H, leading England by two points, and will host Hodgson's men in Podgorica on Tuesday.
But Hodgson is wary of overlooking the Ukrainians, who sit third in the group after a 3-1 win over Poland in Warsaw on Friday.
"I know Ukraine had a bad start but they are a good team," Hodgson told reporters.
"I would certainly put them up there as one of the serious rivals, especially on the basis of what we
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Category: News
Views: 656
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:03
Edwards elated with victory
Jubilant Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards has flown home to Perth knowing his side have what it takes to be a threat in the A-League finals.
The Western Australian club have endured a bumpy year but their hopes of a top-six finish are alive after a stunning 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday.
In one of the games of the season, Josh Risdon scored a sensational winning goal in the 94th minute after Victory looked to have rescued a draw when substitute Christopher Cristaldo made it 2-2 only moments earlier.
"For a neutral, I think it was a really good game of football, a great
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Category: News
Views: 661
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 23:01
Ba welcomes Premier League interest
Le Havre midfielder El-Hadji Ba has opened the door to a Premier League move by admitting he would love to play in England.
The talented youngster is rumoured to have attracted the attention of a host of top-flight English sides including Sunderland, Tottenham, Wigan and Newcastle.
Sunderland scouts watched Ba in action for the France Under-20s on Thursday, and the 20-year-old admits he feels flattered by the interest being shown in him.
"It is very good to hear clubs have been scouting me," Ba told the Daily Mail.
Category: News
Views: 660
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 22:59
Martinez accepts Spain omission
Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez insists he bears no ill feeling toward Vicente del Bosque after being left out of Spain's squad.
Spain coach Del Bosque overlooked the versatile midfielder for World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France, and Martinez is determined to win back his place in the national team.
"I am not angry with Del Bosque at all. He was the one who took me to the World Cup at the age of 20 and I owe a lot to him," he told TZ.
"I will not get upset all of a sudden because he said I'm not in my best form. I know that he said those things in order to motivate me to get ba
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Category: News
Views: 635
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 22:56
Bermuda prospect set for Stoke trial
Chea Brangman, an 18-year-old striker for the Bermuda club Devonshire Cougars, is set to join Stoke City for a one week trial.
Brangman has scored 18 goals this season, including an 18-minute hat-trick as a substitute against Robin Hood, a late equaliser against Wolves and a vital winner when facing PHC Zebras.
Brett Mosen, the coaching director at Devonshire, expressed his delight at Brangman being given the opportunity to move to the Premier League.
Mosen told reporters: "I spoke with my colleague Barry MacLean who represents a number of players within the MLS and English Premier League. <
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Category: News
Views: 636
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 22:54
Milito focused on recovery
Diego Milito has stressed he is not thinking about retiring or leaving Inter and is completely focused on returning to full match fitness.
The Argentine striker sustained a serious knee injury in the Europa League match against Cluj in February, leading to speculation that he could hang up his boots or leave the Serie A club for a return to his native country.
But Milito says returning to the pitch is the only thing on his mind for now.
"My future? I expect to start playing again. There's just one goal in my head right now and that's to try and make a good recovery and get back on the pitch," Mili
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Category: News
Views: 627
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 22:52
საფრანგეთი 3:1 საქართველო
ტაბლოზე რა ციფრებიც ეწერა, ზუსტად შეესაბამებოდა თამაშის სურათსა და შინაარსს. გამომდინარე იქიდან, რომ საქართველოს ნაკრებს რამდენიმე კარგი შეტევა ჰქონდა, გოლს ნამვილად ვიმსახურებდით. ცუდია, რომ ეს გოლი გვიან გავიდა - ალბათ, სულ სხვა თამაში იქნებოდა, ტაიმის ბოლო 15-წუთიან მონაკვეთში უგო ლიორისს ან ალეკო ამისულაშვილის, ან სანდრო კობახიძის დარტყმული ვერ მოეგერიებინა.
საფრანგეთი უტევდა, საქართველო თავს იცავდა და მაქსიმალურად ცდილობდა, ზონები გადაეკეტა. როცა ბურთი ფრანგებს ჰქონდათ, საქართველოს ნაკრების სქემა ექვსმცველიანი იყო. სხვაგვარ თამაშს არც ველოდით.
მუდმივად ისმის კითხვა - კარგია თუ ცუდი, როდესაც ნაკრები ასე მ
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Category: ახალი ამბები
Views: 1308
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 17:08
Hangeland contract impasse continues
Brede Hangeland's agent has played down Fulham manager Martin Jol's suggestion that the defender is close to signing a new deal at the club.
Hangeland arrived at Craven Cottage in 2008 and has been a key player for the west London club.
But Fulham fear the 31-year-old will not sign a new deal, which means they could risk losing their captain on a free transfer.
While Hangeland's agent admits that negotiations are still ongoing, he believes that the longer it takes for a deal to be struck, the likelihood of the Norwegian international's departure increases.
Category: News
Views: 819
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:59
O´Neill keeping the faith
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill insists his side must keep believing they can turn their disastrous Premier League campaign around.
O'Neill's side lie 15th, just four points above the relegation zone, and are without a win in seven matches following last Sunday's 1-1 draw at home with 10-man Norwich.
Things appear little better off the field with the club this week posting losses of 27 million pounds for the last financial year.
But O'Neill is remaining positive.
"Things have not gone our way recently but we are certainly not l
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Category: News
Views: 744
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:48
Vidal relishing ´fight to the death´ against Inter
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal can't wait for next weekend's match against Inter and expects a heated encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Both sides have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, and Andrea Stramaccioni's men prevented the Bianconeri from going 50 league games unbeaten back in November.
It seemed like Inter's challenge for the title was beginning to take shape but a dip in form has left them well off the pace.
However, Vidal believes Juve face a tough task as the Nerazzurri still have everything to play for in Serie A as well.
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Category: News
Views: 793
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:46
Spain desperate to beat France, says Villa
David Villa says Spain's shock 1-1 draw with Finland will not change their attitude ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against France.
The reigning European and world champions are trailing France by two points following Friday's results and desperately need victory on Tuesday.
However, Villa has made it clear that his side would have gone to Paris with the aim of bagging three points regardless of the result against Finland.
"This is a very bad result for us and we did not expect to spill points here," Villa told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 675
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:44
Zaha out to prove he´s not over-rated
Wilfried Zaha has vowed to silence his critics who are questioning why Sir Alex Ferguson purchased the 20-year-old.
The Premier League side immediately loaned the England Under-21 international back to Crystal Palace as part of the deal, but Zaha said that he is determined to justify his transfer fee when he joins up with the Red Devils.
"It means a lot to me because, for all the good stuff I hear about me, people saying I'm a good player, there are many that say I'm over-rated, said Zaha, who was signed by United for 15 million pounds in January,
"So this is a great chance for me to show what I'm a
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Category: News
Views: 700
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:41
Reina happy with life under Rodgers
Pepe Reina has dismissed reports questioning his Anfield future and said that he's happy working under Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
The 30-year-old Spaniard is rumoured to be a summer target for his former club Barcelona, following reports that Rodgers is unsure about the goalkeeper's long-term future.
However Reina, who has been sidelined for the previous two Liverpool games, insists that he's happy - on Merseyside and with his boss.
"My relationship with the manager is very good, I think we have got a lot of ideas in common. There is understanding about tactics, and the way we see football
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Category: News
Views: 612
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 16:39
Ramsey sorry for red card
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey admitted he was disappointed with himself after being sent off in their World Cup qualifying win over Scotland.
The Arsenal playmaker had helped Chris Coleman's side come from a goal down at half-time by smashing a penalty home after Robert Snodgrass brought down Chris Gunter, before Hal Robson-Kanu claimed the winner.
"It was very disappointing, it's something that I need to learn from; I should have looked up at the clock and let the keeper take the free-kick," the 22-year-old told reporters.
He added: "It was disappointing to do what I've done after a great perform
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Category: News
Views: 774
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 15:51
Lots of players in the frame for Montenegro
Chris Smalling believes a number of England players earned starts against Montenegro after impressing in Friday's 8-0 rout of San Marino.
The Three Lions dispatched FIFA's joint lowest-ranked side with ease in Serravalle to record their biggest win since 1987, with Roy Hodgson opting to name a number of fringe players to face the minnows.
Jermain Defoe netted twice, with Ashley Young, Daniel Sturridge and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all also among the goalscorers.
And with a top-of-the-table clash against Group H leaders Montenegro up next, Smalling believes some of his team-mates may have earned
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Category: News
Views: 742
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 14:30
Bale hopeful of facing Croatia
Gareth Bale has confirmed illness forced him off at half-time of Wales' 2-1 victory over Scotland and not a muscle injury as first feared.
Tottenham's talisman, who has scored a combined 25 goals for club and country this season, joined up with his international team-mates later than the rest of the squad after suffering from a virus earlier in the week, but returned trained on Thursday.
And Bale impressed during the opening 45 minutes of their World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park but felt he could not carry on as he struggled to overcome the illness - with initial rumours being of a lower-back injury.
Category: News
Views: 713
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 14:26
Stadium switch fuels Nolan´s ambition
Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium can put the club "amongst the big boys" in the English Premier League.
It was announced on Friday that West Ham would be main tenants to the east London venue, with a 99-year lease set to start at the beginning of the 2016/17 season.
And club captain Nolan hopes the added revenue could turn West Ham into regular competitors at the top of English football.
"You can see that this is a club that has always had the up-and-downs because they haven't been able to splash the cash," Nolan told reporters.
Category: News
Views: 828
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 13:02
Ferdinand expects to feature for England
Rio Ferdinand claims Roy Hodgson will still consider him for selection despite withdrawing from the England squad on Monday.
Ferdinand, 34, looked set to end a two-year wait for international football when he was called up by Hodgson for England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
The Manchester United veteran then withdrew from the squad, citing a need to follow a detailed pre-planned training programme to maintain his fragile fitness.
Ferdinand's decision provoked criticism from many observers, particularly when it was revealed he would be travelling to Qatar during the
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Category: News
Views: 644
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 12:58
UAE, Malaysia rally
The United Arab Emirates arrested a deficit to beat Uzbekistan to make it six points from two Asian Cup qualifying matches.
UAE top Group E after cancelling out Shohruh Gadoev's 16th-minute opener for the Uzbeks in Abu Dhabi with two goals three minutes apart.
Ahmed Khalil hit a well-taken volley into the Uzbekistan net on 58 minutes, before Ali Mabkhout scored the winner shortly after.
In other results on Friday, China beat Iraq 1-0 courtesy of a 90th-minute goal to Yu Dabao.
Hong Kong also produced a late show to deny Vietnam
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Category: News
Views: 914
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 12:56
Trapattoni proud of battling Ireland
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni feels his team fully deserved a point following their 0-0 draw away to Sweden on Friday.
Ireland needed a positive result in Stockholm to try and keep pace with second-placed Sweden and top side Germany in Group C of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Austria's 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands saw Ireland slip to fourth in the group, and they remain hard-pressed to book a spot at the tournament in Brazil next year.
Nevertheless, veteran Italian coach Trapattoni was proud of his players' performance against their more-fancied opponents. <
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Category: News
Views: 662
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 12:54
World Cup: France 3:1 Georgia
France comfortably saw off the threat of Georgia in their World Cup qualifier in Paris on Friday, securing a 3-1 victory.
Marseille star Mathieu Valbuena was to the fore of many of the hosts' best moves at the Stade de France, and it was his free-kick that produced the opening goal for Olivier Giroud in first-half stoppage-time.
Valbuena's delivery was met by a textbook header from the Arsenal forward that picked out the corner of the net.
It was only moments after the restart before the home side added to their tally. Giroud and Franck Ribery combined down the left to set up Valbu
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Category: News
Views: 756
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 06:57
World Cup: San Marino 0:8 England
England registered a routine 8-0 win away to San Marino in World Cup qualifying on Friday, to keep pace with Group H leaders Montenegro.
The visitors showed exactly why they are ranked 203 places above one of football's minnows in the FIFA rankings, enjoying complete domination over the home side and boosting their goal difference ahead of Tuesday's crucial clash with Montenegro.
England took an early lead through Alessandro Della Valle's own goal, who skewed Leighton Baines' cross into the far corner of the net, before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled the Three Lions' advantage.
Category: News
Views: 624
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 06:55
World Cup : Spain 1:1 Finland
Finland have sensationally denied world champions Spain in Gijon, with the unfancied visitors earning a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw.
Following the script, Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos scored in his 100th international appearance on 49 minutes, heading home from a David Silva corner.
But the Finns made Spain pay on the counter with little over 10 minutes remaining, as a low left-footed cross from Alexander Ring found Teemu Pukki in front of goal, and the Schalke man poked home past Victor Valdes to send the away bench into raptures.
Finland held out in the face of some late Spai
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Category: News
Views: 637
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 06:51
World Cup: Sweden 0:0 Ireland
Sweden were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to the Republic of Ireland in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Stockholm on Friday.
It was a result which the Irish would have taken before kick off but there was a feeling that Giovanni Trapattoni's men could have come away from this Group C qualifier with more than a point.
However, the hard-fought goalless draw means Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 tournament in Brazil are still alive ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Austria.
Much of the talk ahead of the game was about the attacking threat which Sweden posses
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Category: News
Views: 652
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 06:48
World Cup: Netherlands 3:0 Estonia
The Netherlands extended their 100 percent record in 2014 World Cup qualifying on Friday, beating Estonia 3-0 in Amsterdam.
Hamburg playmaker Rafael van der Vaart opened the scoring for the hosts two minutes into the second half at the Amsterdam ArenA, with Manchester United's Robin van Persie adding a second on 72 minutes.
Substitute Ruben Schaken bagged a third goal with six minutes to go.
The routine victory made it five wins from five matches played for the Netherlands, who top Group D with 15 points.
Category: News
Views: 636
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 06:46
Segunda Division: Girona - Mirandes
Preview & Betting Tips
Girona - Mirandes Both teams are in a hard struggle this season, but the domestic Girona struggles to reach the Primera, while Mirandes fights for survival in the Segunda. Girona is currently the fourth and the first place is unreachable, but the second is and is just three points away. Mirandes is positioned exactly one place above the relegation zone, and has three points more than the Racing that is behind them. The form of both teams has varied recently. In the first part of the season they played 1-1. Both goals were scored in the game finish and it was their first match with each other, because Mirandes only from this season plays in the Segunda. Begins: 23.0
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Category: Betting Tips
Views: 972
Added: Better
Date: 23.03.2013 - 03:09
UEFA ban Nani, fine Ferguson
Nani has been handed a one-match ban from UEFA for his red card against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
And Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined 8,500 pounds for refusing to fulfil media obligations after the defeat.
United lost the tie 2-1 after the Portuguese winger was sent off on the hour mark, sparking widespread fury that was typified by his manager's decision not to speak to the media after the game.
However, UEFA have backed the decision - made my Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir - as well as handing Ferguson a hefty fine for his reaction.
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Category: News
Views: 747
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 01:18
Villa: Abidal, Vilanova are ´incredible´
Barcelona and Spain star David Villa says the health struggles of Tito Vilanova and defender Eric Abidal have provided valuable life lessons.
Vilanova is battling parotid gland cancer, which has culminated in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while the France defender was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver.
And Villa says his own battle to come back from a broken leg has been put into perspective by the pair's respective struggles with illness.
"When you compare my injury to the diseases Tito and Abidal have had, their problems have been a lesson in life – two incredible people," Vill
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Category: News
Views: 835
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 01:16
Adam: ´No problem´ with Bale
Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam insists his feud with Wales attacker Gareth Bale is over ahead of the World Cup qualifier between the teams.
Tottenham star Bale was sidelined with ligament damage in May 2011 after a challenge with Adam, then at Blackpool, during an English Premier League clash.
And the row escalated after Adam caught the 23-year-old with a similarly late tackle during Tottenham's pre-season game against Liverpool prior to his move to Stoke.
But the Scot said the duo have put the past behind them, and does not expect any bad blood when they face off at Hampden Park. 
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Category: News
Views: 789
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 01:11
Loew draws praise from Fringer
Former Stuttgart coach Rolf Fringer admires Germany boss Joachim Loew and feels he has revolutionised the side since taking charge.
The Austrian believes Germany are no longer mainly known for their impressive work-rate like before, but have become a team that is all about attractive football.
"The national team were always known for the typical German virtues. Loew has revolutionised German football, though, and has given the team an entirely new identity and football culture than it had before," Fringer told Goal.com.
"Ever since Jogi has taken charge of the team, German football has been value
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Category: News
Views: 699
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Date: 23.03.2013 - 01:07
Goetze targets move to big club
Borussia Dortmund attacker Mario Goetze says Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are 'attractive' and hinted at a possible future move.
The talented 20-year-old was linked heavily with a move away from Dortmund at the end last season, with several European heavyweights looking to sign him.
The Germany international extinguished that speculation when he extended his contract at the club to 2016, but he remains open to a switch in the future.
"Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United are attractive and you could develop at those clubs," Goetze told Sport1.
Category: News
Views: 1072
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 00:51
United should sign Yilmaz, says Arveladze
Kasimpasa coach Shota Arveladze has praised Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz by saying he is good enough to be a success at Manchester United.
The Turkey international has been in fine form this season and is the top goalscorer in the Super Lig with 16 goals in 21 games.
Yilmaz is tied atop the scoring charts in the Champions League this season alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with eight goals.
With the form he has shown domestically and in Europe this season, Arveladze has no qualms about Burak's ability and has called on Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him for Manchester United.
Category: News
Views: 835
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 00:47
Simeone tips Dortmund for Euro title
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has tipped Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League.
BVB are a long way off the pace in the Bundesliga, but the Argentine fancies Jurgen Klopp's side's chances in Europe.
"I think Dortmund will win the Champions League," the 42-year-old coach told Marca.
The former Inter midfielder signed a contract to keep him in the Spanish capital until 2017 and says that he intends to stick around for the long term.
"I have renewed because I'm crazy. I've renewed hope. The contract is four years becau
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Category: News
Views: 746
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 00:38
Snow postpones Northern Ireland match
Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Russia has been postponed due to heavy snow.
The clash was due to take place on Friday night but has been moved to 3pm on Saturday instead after both country's Football Associations agreed that the match could not go ahead as initially planned.
The Irish FA tweeted: "The game against Russia has been postponed by the match officials. After agreement between both FAs, the game will be played tomorrow, 3pm."
Category: News
Views: 648
Added: Sky
Date: 23.03.2013 - 00:34