World Cup
Ronaldo key to Portugal recovery as US challenge looms
A wounded Portugal, still smarting from a 4-0 defeat by Germany, are fervently hoping that talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo is fit when they take on the United States in their second World Cup Group G game on Sunday. The thrashing was the biggest ever loss the Portuguese have suffered at a World Cup and their …
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Five-star France crush sloppy Swiss
France crushed Switzerland 5-2 in the World Cup Group E match in Salvador on Friday to move closer to knockout phase four years after one of their darkest days. France, who beat Honduras 3-0 in their opening game, top the standings with six points and will advance if Ecuador and Honduras draw later. France blasted …
Costa Rica stun Italy to enter last 16; England ousted
Costa Rica stun Italy, England, Costa Rica, World Cup, hampions Italy, England, PSV EindhovenCosta Rica continued their giantkilling spree in the World Cup as they defeated four-time champions Italy 1-0 to make it to the Round of 16 in the process knocking England out of the tournament. Skipper and PSV Eindhoven striker Bryan Ruiz headed …
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Valencia brace fires Ecuador to victory over Honduras
A goal in each half by striker Enner Valencia gave Ecuador a 2-1 victory over Honduras in World Cup Group E on Friday to boost their hopes of making the last 16. France top the group with six points while Ecuador and Switzerland each have three. Honduras have now lost twice and face elimination. Honduras …
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Nehra ruled out of World Cup final
NEW DELHI: India suffered a blow ahead of the World Cup final when left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra was ruled out due to an injury he suffered during the semi-final against Pakistan at Mohali on Wednesday. Nehra, who needed medical attention on the field when he attempted to catch Shahid Afridi at midwicket, is learnt to …
Afridi’s speech won hearts, says Pakistani daily
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi “was able to win millions of hearts across the border”, a Pakistani daily said Friday, adding that his post-match speech and press conference was graceful and full of sportsman’s spirit. Pakistan was defeated Wednesday by India in the World Cup semifinal match held in Mohali that was witnessed …
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Wankhede pitch will be a slow turner: Curator
MUMBAI: The Wankhede Stadium wicket for Saturday’s World Cup final will be a slow turner, like most wickets in the subcontinent during this time of the year, says curator Sudhir Naik. Naik, a former India player, however, insists the pitch will still be full of runs and the team batting first should have the advantage. …
Don’t judge Dhoni by the result of WC final: Kapil
NEW DELHI: Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is on the threshold of creating World Cup history but former captain Kapil Dev, who has been there and done that, hopes that the maverick cricketer is not judged by the result of just one final. “I will never doubt Dhoni’s credentials as a captain irrespective of the …
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Sri Lankan President to watch WC final in Mumbai
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will fly to Mumbai to watch his country’s match against India in the cricket World Cup final on April 2. “The President wants us (Sri Lanka) to win the World Cup as a tribute to Muttiah Muralitharan who retires from international cricket after this World Cup,” Rajapaksa’s spokesman Bandula …
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