class_athletics	claxton hunting major medal  british hurdler sarah claxton confident win major medal month s european indoor championships madrid   25 year old smashed british record 60m hurdles season  setting mark 7 96 seconds win aaas title   i confident   claxton   but race comes   as long training chance medal   claxton won national 60m hurdles title past years struggled translate domestic success international stage  now  scotland born athlete owns equal fifth fastest time world year  week s birmingham grand prix  claxton left european medal favourite russian irina shevchenko trailing sixth spot   time  claxton preparing campaign hurdles   explain leap form  previous seasons  25 year old contested long jump moving colchester london re focused attentions  claxton training regime pays dividends european indoors place 5 6 march  
class_athletics	o sullivan run worlds  sonia o sullivan participate month s world cross country championships st etienne   athletics ireland hinted 35 year old cobh runner included official line up event france 19 20 march  provincial teams selected saturday s nationals santry officially announced week  o sullivan present preparing london marathon 17 april  participation o sullivan  currentily training base australia  boost ireland team won bronze years agio  santry saturday  jolene byrne  maria mccambridge fionnualla britton  automatic selections form part long course team  o sullivan part bupa great ireland run 9 april dublin  
class_athletics	greene sets sights world title  maurice greene aims wipe pain losing olympic 100m title athens winning fourth world championship crown summer   settle bronze greece fellow american justin gatlin francis obikwelu portugal   it hurts medal  mistake  lost things did   greene  races birmingham friday   it s happen again  goal   win worlds   greene crossed line 0 02 seconds gatlin  won 9 87 seconds closest fastest sprints time  greene believes lost race title semi finals   in semi final race  won race conserving energy   that s francis obikwelu there   i put lane final and  lane seven  feel race    i felt running alone   i middle race react people ahead me   greene denied olympic gold 4x100m men s relay catch britain s mark lewis francis final leg  kansas star set head to head lewis francis friday s norwich union grand prix  pair contest 60m  distance greene holds world record 6 39 seconds  indoor meeting france resuming training outdoor season task recapturing world title helsinki august  greene believes gatlin prove biggest threat ambitions finland  admits faces rival world crown   there s coming  coming ato  boldon  young crowd   greene said   now young guys coming time   
class_athletics	iaaf launches fight drugs  iaaf   athletics  world governing body   met anti doping officials  coaches athletes co ordinate fight drugs sport   task forces set examine doping nutrition issues  agreed programme  de mystify  issue athletes  public media priority   nothing decided change things   forum stakeholders allowing express themselves   iaaf spokesman   getting gave lot food thought   60 people attended sunday s meeting monaco  including iaaf chief lamine diack namibian athlete frankie fredericks  member athletes  commission   i happy all  members athletics family  respond positively iaaf call sit discuss fight doping   diack   we leading federation field duty sport clean   task forces report back iaaf council  april meeting qatar  
class_athletics	dibaba breaks 5 000m world record  ethiopia s tirunesh dibaba set world record winning women s 5 000m boston indoor games   dibaba won 14 minutes 32 93 seconds erase previous world indoor mark 14 39 29 set ethiopian  berhane adera  stuttgart year  compatriot kenenisa bekele s record hopes dashed miscounted laps men s 3 000m staged sprint finish lap soon  ireland s alistair cragg won 7 39 89 bekele battled 7 41 42   i sit back out kicked   cragg   so pace  plan 500m matter what  bekele made mistake it  race mine   sweden s carolina kluft  olympic heptathlon champion  slovenia s jolanda ceplak winning performances  too  kluft long jump 6 63m  ceplak easily won women s 800m 2 01 52  
class_athletics	isinbayeva claims world  pole vaulter yelena isinbayeva broke indoor world record clearing 4 89 metres lievin saturday   russian s 12th world record career days cleared 4 88m norwich union grand prix birmingham  olympic champion attempt 5 05m meeting france failed clear height  men s 60m  olympic 100m champion maurice greene finish leonard scott  greene s consecutive defeat hands fellow american  won birmingham week   i ran race perfectly   scott  won 6 46secs  time indoors   i happy maurice long peak start season   
class_athletics	o sullivan commits dublin race  sonia o sullivan seek regain title bupa great ireland run 9 april dublin   35 year old beaten fourth year s event  won year earlier   i understand she s solid winter s training australia recovering minor injury   race director matthew turnbull  mark carroll  irish record holder 3km  5km 10km  make debut mass participation 10km race  carroll stepped form recent weeks late january scored impressive 3 000m victory leading american alan webb boston  carroll facing stiff competition australian craig mottram  winner dublin years  
class_athletics	hansen  delays return 2006   british triple jumper ashia hansen ruled comeback year setback recovery bad knee injury  reports   hansen  commonwealth european champion  sidelined european cup poland june 2004  hoped return summer  wound injury slow heal  coach aston moore told times   we re sooner 2006  triple jumper   moore hansen return sprinting long jumping sooner  short term prospect involved specialist event   there problem wound healing set back rehabilitation months  solved push ahead now   said   the aim fit athlete   start sprinting long jump introduction back competitive arena   moore confident hansen make back top level competition  unclear time commonwealth games melbourne march  34   it s frustrating time her  fazed determination   added  
class_athletics	off colour gardener storms win  britain s jason gardener shook upset stomach win 60m sunday s leipzig international meeting   gardener clocked 6 56 seconds equal meeting record finished ahead germany s marc blume  crossed line 6 67 secs  world indoor champion said   i airport stomach upset vomiting  home   i felt sunday morning decided run main race  perfectly   gardener  part great britain 4x100m quartet won gold athens olympics  turn attention weekend s norwich union european indoor trials sheffield    given off colour plenty tank expect faster weeks   said   it s case chipping previous years results come   scotland s ian mackie action leipzig  stepped favoured 400m 200m finish 21 72 secs  germany s alexander kosenkow won race 21 07 secs dutchman patrick van balkom 21 58 secs  plenty senior british athletes showing indoor form weekend  promising 60m hurdler  clocked uk record 7 98 seconds meeting norway  24 year old reached mark heat settle joint place aaa champion diane allahgreen final     broke international scene olympic games season  set indoor personal 16 50m triple jump meeting ghent  leap   37cm short brazilian winner jadel gregorio s effort   good qualify european indoor championships  meeting   finished 7 27 seconds high class women s 60m  event won european medal favourite christine arron france belgium rival kim gevaert second  britain s joice maduaka finished 7 35  olympic bronze heptathlon medallist  made low key return action indoor meeting birmingham  28 year old cleared 1 76m win high jump threw 13 86m women s shot put  
class_athletics	collins compete birmingham  world commonwealth 100m champion kim collins compete 60m norwich union grand prix birmingham 18 february   st kitts nevis star joins british olympic relay gold medallists jason gardener mark lewis francis  sydney olympic 100m champion world indoor record holder maurice greene athens olympic 100m silver medallist francis obikwelu part  collins ran birmingham 2003 world indoor championships   i m forward competing strong field   said   i great reception form crowd nia won 60m world indoor silver medal 2003 exciting return venue   world champion good shape underestimating home competition   jason gardener mark lewis francis olympic gold medallists aiming win front home supporters   i m forward competing britain s sprinters 60 metres exciting races evening   collins sixth olympic final athens hoping result world championships finland summer   this big year plan defend 100m world title helsinki august  perform 60m indoors start year winning form   
class_athletics	radcliffe answer gb call  paula radcliffe granted extra time decide compete world cross country championships   31 year old concerned event  starts 19 march france  upset preparations london marathon 17 april   there question paula huge asset gb team   zara hyde peters uk athletics   but working accommodate worlds compromise marathon training   radcliffe make decision tuesday   deadline team nominations  british team member hayley yelling team understand radcliffe opted event   it fantastic paula team   european cross country champion   but remember athletics basically individual sport achieved team bonus   she messing around  understand problem   radcliffe world cross country champion 2001 2002 missed year s event injury  absence  gb team won bronze brussels  
class_athletics	edwards tips idowu euro gold  world outdoor triple jump record holder bbc pundit jonathan edwards believes phillips idowu gold european indoor championships   idowu landed 17 30m british trials sheffield month lead world triple jump rankings   it s him  jumps sheffield win gold medal   edwards   his ability undoubted performances happen domestic meetings    idowu made breakthrough years ago commonwealth silver medal name  edwards idowu top spot manchester games  believes european indoors madrid represent chance 26 year old prove credentials britain s top triple jumper   he start producing international level beginning   edwards   phillips consistent  victory madrid build confidence self belief world   qualifying round men s triple jump madrid takes place friday final scheduled saturday  olympic champion christian olsson taking part entire indoor season ankle injury  
class_athletics	kenya lift chepkemei s suspension  kenya s athletics body reversed ban marathon runner susan chepkemei made official apology   athletics kenya  ak  suspended two time london marathon runner up failing turn cross country team training camp embu   we withdrawn ban  chepkemei reason absence   ak chief isaiah kiplagat   she explained contract organisers race puerto rice accepted apology    kenyan coaching team decide chepkemei included team month s world cross country championships  29 year old strong contender event france hopeful granted place 32 strong squad   i satisfied saga brought end   chepkemei said   i ready prepared represent country   i disappointed chance compete world cross country championships   ak insisted making chepkemei banning competition end 2005  organisation intense international domestic pressure reverse decision  29 year old part 2002 2003 london marathons edged radcliffe epic york marathon contest year   two time world half marathon silver medallist back challenge radcliffe year s london event april  ak dropped harsh stance three time world cross country 4km champion edith masai  masai missed kenya s world cross country trials ankle problem ak insisted disciplinary action prove injured   subject doctor s confirmation  decided clear masai   added kiplagat  
class_athletics	mcilroy aiming madrid title  northern ireland man james mcilroy confident win major title weekend s spar european indoor championships madrid   28 year old great form recent weeks 800 metres favourites   i wins abroad trial race sheffield  run race front  back middle   mcilroy  coach tony lester helped mcilroy s career back track  28 year old 800 metres runner matched promise performances believes decision change coaches move base bring rewards  mcilroy lives windsor feels career transformed no nonsense leadership style army sergeant lester  lester work 400m runners roger black mark richardson past guidance mcilroy secured wins indoor season   mcilroy claims shape finishing fourth ireland outdoor european championships 1998   that decent year   mcilroy  temporarily retired august returning sport lester s shrewd guidance   before  race climb mount everest own   trying succeed standing half dead terrified starting line  bit much   mcilroy  compared likes sebastian coe  steve cram steve ovett younger days  competing benefit national lottery funding  situation change maintains current form repeats world class times produced 800m 1000m major races erfurt stuttgart earlier season  russian dmitriy bogdanov won madrid venue week claimed european championship race himself  dutchman arnoud okken antonio reina spain mcilroy unfazed   admitted   he looked good win fair opinion   i write face it  looked beaten season   mcilroy  time minute 46 68seconds erfurt elevated sixth place uk all time list  madrid  said   i ve focused year career good team important   ultimately course  weekend means end prepared summer s world championships   that ambition meant nights august  rest time concentrating rebuilding career   
class_athletics	uk athletics agrees kit deal  uk athletics agreed deal adidas supply great britain squads ages kit years   german based firm kitted team gb 2004 olympics deals 20 national olympic bodies  uk athletics chief david moorcroft said   the athens experience extended major championships   in year ahead include european indoor world outdoor championships  delighted   moorcroft added   it hugely beneficial sport adidas commitment provide officials personnel world class series live televised events   week  uk athletics agreed four year deal energy drink company  red bull  supplying product athletics major domestic meetings high performance centres  
class_athletics	verdict delay greek sprinters  greek athletics  governing body postponed weeks judgement sprinters costas kenteris katerina thanou missing doping tests   pair facing lengthy bans missed tests  including eve year s athens olympics  set learn fate end february  late evidence pushed date back   a decision expected mid march   lawyers  michalis dimitrakopoulos  kenteris  31  won men s 200m title 2000 sydney games thanou  30  won women s 100m silver medal sydney  face maximum two year ban found guilty  athletes  spectacularly withdrew athens olympics  suspended international association athletics federations  iaaf  missing tests  iaaf sprinters failed provide samples tests tel aviv  chicago athens ordered greek athletic s governing body  segas  hold disciplinary inquiry  athletes face criminal hearing greece missed drugs tests charged faking motorcycle accident day athens test  led spending days hospital  final hearing late january  athletes sounded confident acquitted   i confident optimistic   thanou time   we presented evidence committee aware of   clear evidence was  
class_athletics	call kenteris cleared  kostas kenteris  lawyer called doping charges greek sprinter dropped   gregory ioannidis submitted evidence greek athletics tribunal claims proves olympic champion case answer  kenteris compatriot katerina thanou provisional suspensions december failing drugs tests athens olympics  greek tribunal expected give verdict early week  kenteris thanou withdrew athens olympics august missing drugs tests eve opening ceremony  alleged avoided tests tel aviv chicago games   ioannidis said   everything overwhelmingly shows charges dropped   ioannidis presented evidence throw light events leading pair s sensational withdrawal athens games  lawyer added proof authorities  knew  kenteris germany time alleged missed test chicago  nick davies  spokesman athletics  ruling body iaaf  handed provisional bans  said   we comment present hearing closed doors   we expect verdict greek athletics federation end february making statement then   kenteris won 200m gold 2000 sydney olympics  thanou won silver 100m  
class_athletics	merritt close indoor 400m mark  teenager lashawn merritt ran fastest indoor 400m time fayetteville invitational meeting   world junior champion clocked 44 93 seconds finish clear fellow american bershawn jackson arkansas  michael johnson quicker  setting world record 44 63secs 1995 running 44 66secs 1996  kenyan bernard lagat missed world record 1 45secs ran quickest indoor mile beat canada s nate brannen 10secs  olympic silver medallist s time minutes 49 89secs inferior 1997 world record moroccan hicham el guerrouj world record holder eamonn coghlan ireland s 3 49 78  lagat break el guerrouj s record 1200m maintain pace final 400m  ireland s  continued excellent form winning tight 3 000m 7 40 53  cragg  recently defeated olympic 10 000m champion kenenisa bekele boston  held bekele s ethiopian colleague markos geneti 0 19secs secure victory  mark carroll  join cragg european indoor championships month  finished solid 7 46 78  olympic 200m gold medallist  jamaica ran fastest women s 60m world year equalled personal 7 09secs  world indoor 60m hurdles champion  won  improving season leading time 7 51secs  
class_athletics	london hope chepkemei  london marathon organisers hoping banned athlete susan chepkemei part year s race 17 april   chepkemei suspended competition end year athletics kenya failing report national training camp   we watching closely   london race director david bedford   there long race hoping situation satisfactorily resolved   camp embu prepare iaaf world cross country championships month  chepkemei part finished sunday s world 10k race puerto rico  29 year old finished paula radcliffe 2002 2003 london races november s york city marathon  
class_athletics	edwards tips idowu euro gold  world outdoor triple jump record holder bbc pundit jonathan edwards believes phillips idowu gold european indoor championships   idowu landed 17 30m british trials sheffield month lead world triple jump rankings   it s him  jumps sheffield win gold medal   edwards   his ability undoubted performances happen domestic meetings    idowu made breakthrough years ago commonwealth silver medal name  edwards idowu top spot manchester games  believes european indoors madrid represent chance 26 year old prove credentials britain s top triple jumper   he start producing international level beginning   edwards   phillips consistent  victory madrid build confidence self belief world   qualifying round men s triple jump madrid takes place friday final scheduled saturday  olympic champion christian olsson taking part entire indoor season ankle injury  
class_athletics	chepkemei hit big ban  kenya s athletics body suspended two time london marathon runner up susan chepkemei competition end year   athletics kenya  ak  issued ban chepkemei failed turn cross country training camp embu   we banned local international competitions   ak chief isaiah kiplagat   we communicate decision iaaf meet directors world   29 year old finished paula radcliffe 2002 2003 london races  edged epic york marathon contest year   ban prevent two time world half marathon silver medallist challenging radcliffe year s london event april  global sports communications  chepkemei s management company  wanted run world cross country championships march  ak maintained making chepkemei warning kenyan athletes   we taking action order salvage pride   kiplagat   we accused teeth bite agents ruling us   ka threatened three time women s short course champion edith masai similar ban reports feigned injury avoid running cross country world championships true  masai missed national trials early february  included provisional team proviso ran regional competition  failed run event  citing leg injury  
class_athletics	holmes secures comeback victory  britain s kelly holmes marked appearance home soil winning double olympic gold 1500m victory norwich union international   holmes hit front bell front sell out crowd glasgow cruised victory time minutes 14 74 seconds   it nice way  nervous round   i felt good  relax racing knowledge   holmes   it winning front home crowd  time irrelevant   i round piece disgrace myself  forward   the reception olympics amazing wanted running year  buzz crowd   holmes ran tactically perfect race finish clear france s hind dehiba russia s svetlana cherkasova  olympic 800m 1500m champion s time inside qualifying mark european indoor championships madrid march  34 year old reveal intended run not  previously leave decision birmingham grand prix 18 february  
class_athletics	greek pair attend drugs hearing  greek sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou appeared independent tribunal decide bans stand   provisional suspensions athletics  ruling body iaaf december failing drugs tests athens olympics  pair arrived coach christos tzekos give evidence hellenic olympic committee s offices  decision expected announced end february  ruling  parties appeal court arbitration sport  yiannis papadoyiannakis  head greek olympic team athens games year  testified tribunal  greek sports officials athletes   i tribunal reach decision uphold standing institution   papadoyiannakis   whatever athletes done  forget offered great moments   kenteris won 200m gold 2000 sydney olympics  thanou won silver 100m   withdrew athens games august missing drugs tests eve opening ceremony  pair spent days hospital  claiming injured motorcycle crash  five member tribunal  assembled hellenic association amateur athletics  examining allegations kenteris thanou avoided tests tel aviv chicago games  tzekos banned years iaaf  faces charges assisting prohibited substances tampering doping inspection process  three  repeatedly denied allegations  charged greek prosecutor face trial doping related charges  trial date set  imposing two year suspensions duo 22 december  iaaf explanations missing tests  unacceptable   kenteris  lawyer gregory ioannidis told bbc sport earlier week confident sprinters cleared charges failing give information location refusing submit testing   we refute charges unsubstantiated illogical   said   there breaches correct application rules behalf sporting authorities officials  procedural breaches violated client s rights   there evidence proves fact client persecuted   
class_athletics	chepkemei joins edinburgh line up  susan chepkemei decided fit run month s great edinburgh international cross country   kenyan initially unsure recovered gruelling tussle paula radcliffe york marathon time compete  declared task joins field headed world cross country champion benita johnson  race director matthew turnbull said   susan add strength depth world class line up   chepkemei  won kilometre event years ago staged newcastle  endured epic battle radcliffe big apple briton outsprinted final 400m  tirunesh dibaba ethiopia defend title won year tyneside   race moved north border  recently crowned european cross country champion briton hayley yelling competes edinburgh 15 january  in form scot kathy butler  
class_athletics	el guerrouj targets cross country  double olympic champion hicham el guerrouj set make rare appearance world cross country championships france   moroccan  raced cross country 15 years  decide weeks event starts 19 march   if compete it  feel win   30 year old  retiring 2006   otherwise point going   el guerrouj achieved lifetime ambition august clinched olympic titles 1500m 5 000m  four time world 1500m champion hungry success calling time career  30 year old set sights clinching world 5 000m crown helsinki summer  aiming break 10 000m olympic champion kenenisa bekele s 5 000m 10 000m world records   el guerrouj meet bekele march ethiopian defending world cross country champion long short courses  moroccan commit st galmier event assesses winter training going   the return training difficult accepted lot invitations past months   el guerrouj   i month track       britain s paula radcliffe ruled competing world cross country championships   i decided events compete prior london world cross country event special definite possibility   two time champion  
class_athletics	collins appeals drugs ban  sprinter michelle collins lodged appeal eight year doping ban north american court arbitration sport  cas    33 year old received ban month result connection federal inquiry balco doping scandal  athlete banned positive drugs test admission drugs use  cas ruling months appeal  collins suspended anti doping agency based patterns observed blood urine tests evidence balco investigation  hit ban  collins stripped 2003 world indoor 200m titles  san francisco based balco laboratory centre scandal rocked sport  company accused distributing illegal performance enhancing drugs elite athletes  
class_athletics	holmes feted honour  double olympic champion kelly holmes voted european athletics  eaa  woman athlete 2004 governing body s annual poll   briton  made dame year honours list taking 800m 1 500m gold  won vital votes public  press eaa member federations  british woman land title after  sally gunnell won world 400m hurdles win 1993  swedish triple jumper christian olsson voted male athlete year  accolade latest long list awards holmes received success athens  addition dame  named bbc sports personality year december  gutsy victory 800m earned international association athletics federations  award women s performance world 2004  scooped awards british athletics writers  association annual dinner october  
class_athletics	campbell extend sprint career  darren campbell set sights running quicker deciding retire sprinting   campbell  won olympic 4x100m relay gold  unsure future  told live s sportsweek   i back training decide hunger walk away   i ve started back enjoying it  forward it  run 10 seconds  for 100m  20 seconds  for 200m    campbell part british quartet shocked americans win relay gold athens august   newport based athlete team mates jason gardener  marlon devonish mark lewis francis rewarded mbes year honours list  campbell s relay triumph made disappointing displays individual 100m 200m events athens  failed reach finals  31 year old  won olympic 200m silver sydney 2000  games hamstring injury stopped running best   criticised time olympic champion michael johnson  cast doubt campbell s injury claims   to athens finally gold 24 years big relief   campbell   it chance prove fit challenging  individual  medals   every season challenge medals season different   it s unfortunate picked injury olympics   campbell set 100m personal 10 04secs won european title budapest 1998  ran 20 13secs quarter finals 200m sydney olympic silver  
class_athletics	isinbayeva heads birmingham  olympic pole vault champion yelena isinbayeva confirmed part 2005 norwich union grand prix birmingham 18 february    everybody enjoy competing britain  break records there   isinbayeva   as olympic champion attention year  respond record birmingham   kelly holmes carolina kluft athens winners competing  organisers hoping isinbayeva s main rival  fellow russian svetlana feofanova  part event  pair thrilling battle athens ended isinbayeva finally jumping world record 4 91m claim gold medal  isinbayeva  22  set 10 world records pole vault  british soil  
class_athletics	2004  irish athletics year  2004 remembered irish athletics  great years   year began optimism invariably unaccountably  herald upcoming olympiad  late august  hot days magnificent stadium athens told true strength irish athletics   accurate  lack it  sonia o sullivan s olympic farewell apart  stir emotions irish athletics watchers  disastrous build up games  surprised  start year  o sullivan earmarked ireland s medal prospect turned out  walker gillian made start line injury  week olympics  sport rocked news 10 000m hope cathal lombard tested banned substance epo  lombard s shattering mark carroll s national 10 000m record april set tongues wagging cynical observers  surprised rumbled irish sports council sting operation  corkman quickly held hands admission promptly handed two year ban sport   back pre olympic ranch greece  things worse walker jamie costin lucky escape life involved car crash athens  track field action began athens  familiar pattern underachievement emerged alistair cragg s performance athlete european nation qualify 5 000m final offer hope future  beloved sonia scraped women s 5k final fastest loser couple days  country attempted delude believing medal shake up  happened  back door early final undignified insisted finishing race minute winner meseret defar  transpired sonia suffering stomach bug 48 hours final typically  cobhwoman played effects illness  amazingly  back action couple weeks beating world class field flora lite 5k road race london major championship days over  competition  sonia managed make athens  start year  northern ireland athletes genuine hopes qualifying games august  out of form injured paul brizzel lone standard bearer province  ballymena man gave lash achilles problem  bad lane draw  meant time 21 00 early exit   james mcilroy  gareth turnbull  zoe brown paul mckee content watching athens action television screens  800m hope mcilroy summer fourth place british trials effectively ended hopes making plane  injury plagued turnbull gamely travelled round europe search 1500m qualifying mark 3 39 achieve  missing months training previous winter  lingering hamstring probem virus wrecked mckee s athens ambitions turnbull deserve slice fortune 2005  pole vaulter brown hoped vote confidence british selectors achieved athens standard call came  summer ended  stalwarts catherina mckiernan dermot donnelly hung competitive spikes  mckiernan candidly acknowledge time crept injury ravaged years  donnelly annadale striders team mates suffered tragedy friend clubman andy campbell found dead home 18 december  large turnout athletics loving folk turned west belfast offer respects campbell family andy s friends  death can  put year s athletics happenings sharp perspective  
class_athletics	sprinter walker quits athletics  european 200m champion dougie walker retire athletics series operations left struggling fitness   walker hoped compete year sprint staged musselburgh racecourse edinburgh tuesday wednesday  31 year old scot suspended years 1998 testing positive nandrolone   i intended race running goon   walker  told herald newspaper   i m great shape  missing month training   i missed big chunk speed work weeks  week working america   if half decent mark motivated more  racing   i enjoy training  feel time move on  concentrate career   
class_athletics	bekele sets sights world mark  olympic 10 000m champion kenenisa bekele determined add world indoor mile record february s norwich union grand prix birmingham   22 year old chasing record held compatriot mentor haile gebrselassie  set mark meeting 2003   i hungry sport   bekele   and aiming mile world record birmingham targets   gebrselassie s current record stands minutes  04 69 seconds  bekele stranger overhauling world marks national indoor arena  ethiopian broke world indoor 5 000m record debut meeting year  compatriots mulugeta wondimu  abiyote abate markos geneti  world indoor bronze medallist 3000m  race bekele 18 february  meet attracted crop olympic talent  britain s 800m 1500m champion kelly holmes taking part 1000m  swedish heptathlon gold medallist carolina kluft contest 60m hurdles  men s 4x100m relay gold medallists jason gardener mark lewis francis head to head 60m  
class_athletics	greek sprinters suspended iaaf  greek sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou suspended failing drugs tests athens olympics   athletics  ruling body iaaf explanations pair coach missed tests  unacceptable   added kenteris thanou  provisionally suspended pending resolution cases   face two year bans found guilty greek athletics federation  suspension covers athletes  controversial coach  christos tzekos  kenteris  2000 olympic 200m champion  thanou  women s 100m silver medallist games sydney  face criminal hearing greece missed tests  failed give samples chicago tel aviv shortly athens games athens 12 august  eve opening ceremony  greek prosecutors charged faking midnight motorcycle crash led spending days hospital  medical staff charged writing false medical reports  wednesday s statement greek federation  segas  convene disciplinary hearing trio determine doping violations    there final appeal decision greek federation court arbitration sport   iaaf said  tzekos insisted runners hide   the iaaf s decision means nothing   said   we ll presenting arguments segas   innocent   
class_athletics	athens memories soar lows  well  goodbye olympic year usual plenty highs lows athens   obviously  differing fortunes kelly holmes paula radcliffe  remind events made 2004 year remember   forget   athletics     favourite olympic moments kelly s success 800m   winning race key success won 1500m bit formality  kelly full  should i  i   thoughts double athens  thought 800m  event  good fun commentate 1500m nice part athens story     victory british men s 4x100m relay team bit surprise great climax games    jason gardener  darren campbell  marlon devonish mark lewis francis   knew deep chance medal  lads run poorly individual sprints lift game knew stake     hicham el guerrouj s olympic double bigger achievement kelly s global scale   man 80 years win 1500m 5 000m titles  added 5 000m crown finished commentating  jumped up  ran stairs  pushed gave big hug  african runners embraced tradition mile loves hear roger bannister stories  hicham enjoy bit time with  french english good     happened paula athens year obvious low personal level expectations nation well  set circumstances athens conspired produce dramatic ending greatly misunderstood  dropping marathon thing starting 10 000m days wise  heart head reacting  paula lot things wrong preparation day   things niggling injuries  running sessions feeling pressure race looming ahead her  start line athens physically emotionally drained  smallest thing feel preparing race marathon  10 miles road hit brick wall  positive thing paula s olympics learned lot lot people   including me     purely race  paula s victory york marathon thrilling  nip and tuck kenya s susan chepkemei kind excitement marathons  real delight athletics fans because  favourite words  paula showed real  bouncebackability   bit rarity genuinely inkling race pan out     kelly 4x100m boys  victories papered cracks general performance british team  concerned producing people capable reaching finals senior level   individual men s finalist track michael east 1500m  beginning breed  things begin gloomier british athletics win medals world junior championships italy  dani barnes fourth 1500m highest finisher team gb  thing athletes finals junior level good beijing olympics beyond     enjoyed year  benita johnson winning world cross country championships back march  absence paula  tend event african preserve  australian deliver surprise special     honest  bored drug scandals  balco  thing head move on   that  pleased drugs cheats caught shows sport standing turning blind eye anymore  positive things balco people starting blow whistle  people forward authorities kick cheats  case greek sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou  suspicions hanging kenteris while  bottom line letting drugs damage sport stops enjoying it  
class_athletics	collins banned landmark case  sprinter michelle collins received eight year ban doping offences hearing north american court arbitration sport  cas    america s world indoor 200m champion athlete suspended positive drugs test admission drugs use  collins  ban result connection federal inquiry balco doping scandal  33 year old found guilty performance enhancing drugs  anti doping agency  usada  decided press charges collins summer  sprinter consistently protested innocence cas upheld usada s findings   the usada proved  reasonable doubt  collins epo  testosterone epitestosterone cream thg   cas statement   collins substances enhance performance elude drug testing time   total 13 athletes sanctioned violations involving drugs balco doping scandal  world record holder tim montgomery facing lifetime ban charged usada  hearing csa rescheduled june year   drug enforcement chiefs vowed crack cheats  usada chief executive officer terry madden action collins proof that   the cas panel s decision confirms violate rules sanctioned part usada s ongoing efforts protect rights overwhelming majority athletes compete drug free   madden  usada built cases verbal evidence federal investigation balco test results  san francisco based balco laboratory faces steroid distribution money laundering charges  trial expected open march  
class_athletics	jones doping probe begins  investigation doping claims marion jones opened international olympic committee   ioc president jacques rogge set disciplinary body claims victor conte  balco laboratories  jones  innocent  lose olympic medals conte gave performance enhancing drugs sydney olympics  rogge early speculate that  hoping  the truth emerge    decision medals ioc s executive board hinge interpretation rule stating olympic decisions challenged years games closing  sydney olympics ended years ago  world anti doping agency chief dick pound rule apply allegations coming now   we find deal that   pound said  statement released attorney rich nichols  jones repeated innocence vowed cleared   victor conte s allegations true truth revealed world legal process moves forward   said   conte federal indictment record issuing contradictory  inconsistent statements   
class_athletics	johnson accuses british sprinters  olympic champion michael johnson accused britain s top sprinters lacking pride ambition    at moment  biggest factor mind british sprinters number britain   world 200m 400m record holder told live   athletics moment international competitions show pride   however  linford christie countered   it s easy criticise system here   johnson involved verbal spat britain s darren campbell earlier year  american cast doubt campbell s claims torn hamstring wake failure reach olympic 100m 200m finals   american remains highly critical aspects british sprinting   the time british sprinters upset riled debate other   claimed   athletes compete uk  focus world top british sprinter   speaking elite coaches  conference birmingham  johnson argued investment sport britain  necessarily reaped rewards   you fix money   admitted   you contrast situation athletes funding   those funded hungrier motivated road success lot difficult challenging   so top appreciative   
class_athletics	radcliffe proves doubters wrong  greatest marathons paula s career  test character  toughest race she s part in   win york marathon make disappointment athens shape form  offer hope reassurance year  paula s experience year athens  difficult forward optimism  draw line year make plans future  she d lost race  lot positives it  dig deep to  strong field  number girls race expectations winning  hours 23 minutes paula s times  record difficult course   speaking paula lead up race ways facing no win situation  thought won  people  why athens   lost  people career over  lot people wondering happen paula forced drop race  marathon 10 000m athens  cards  beaten  running  reasons forced pull athens   niggling injuries  lack energy oppressive conditions   play here  question position finish in  important all  hype media ahead race  doubts paula s mind  confident  run  all  world event  expectations winning   paula part run london 10km race london end year  well earned rest christmas year lot optimism  
class_athletics	jones medals  must guilty   world anti doping agency  wada  chief dick pound marion jones stripped medals found guilty taking banned substances   victor conte  balco laboratories  claims american sprinter regularly drugs enhance performance   if found guilty stripped medals banned years   pound  asked timescale medals taken  pound said   that issue all   however  international olympic committee  ioc  rules  athletes stripped medals caught years event  jones  won medals 2000 olympics  denies drugs legal action conte s allegations  balco laboratories firm centre wide reaching investigation doping us  pound continued   if drugs big disappointment lot people   
class_athletics	radcliffe tackles marathon tasks  paula radcliffe faces arguably biggest test career york city marathon sunday   back spotlight public scrutiny attempt erase double disappointment athens olympics  failed finish marathon 10 000m  bbc sport examines challenges facing radcliffe ahead big race   ability run gruelling 26 2 miles relies largely athlete s belief it  runner hit wall stage written it   are strong finish    question hit radcliffe hard unable complete races high profile emotional circumstances  sports psychologist hugh richards 30 year old draw past achievements conquer potential crisis confidence   there adage   get straight back horse threw you    richards told bbc sport   paula great runs history upsets athens   she lose faith proven effective strategy distance running   if change preparation tactics madness   she start rebuilding confidence performance accomplishment    watching media public outcomes york   win lose  radcliffe crosses line proved critics wrong  fails triumph  risks labelled has been profile suffer  athlete repercussions terms sponsorship  appearance fees esteem issues    athletes stay focused internal controls ignore external questions   explains richards  worked past olympians   she caught else s agenda   radcliffe s friend fellow distance runner liz yelling revealed 30 year old aware exposing public scrutiny york   she thought   well  worse now    yelling told bbc sport   she s thinking consequences it    radcliffe decision enter york marathon  impulsive  tick list personal goals  aims simple completing race making enjoying running richards avoid emotional targets  redemption   you change history   warned richards   only person win marathon lots people successful   paula figure sort things feel satisfied achieving end race    staten island central park renowned toughest world  kind fast suit radcliffe better  undulating finish park testing legs  final reserves   radcliffe raced enter unknown 77 days athens marathon   it s suggested major marathon full month start building again   yelling  marathon runner   but long term health fitness   when finish marathon fit recover quickly  physically paula   richards points conditions york conducive strong physical display radcliffe   the heat stress primary factor tripped athens   said   and york  equation      radcliffe concedes learn lot bad experiences athens time  richards yelling agree turn trauma advantage  starting york   how respond adversity marks elite not   argues richards    one challenges massive set backs turn opportunities   yelling says   i make paula    i drive she ll athlete   
class_athletics	gatlin hayes win owen awards  american olympic stars justin gatlin joanna hayes named winners 2004 jesse owens awards  usa track   field s  usatf  top honour   gatlin  22  won closest 100m final games history career best time 9 85 seconds athens  won bronze 200m silver 4x100m relay  male athlete win athletics medals summer  hayes  27  set olympic record 12 37 winning 100m hurdles  established 1981  jesse owens awards   named honour late olympic great won gold medals 1936 berlin games   presented annually outstanding male female track field performers   2004 awards presented 3 december conjunction usatf annual meeting portland   it great honour win jesse owens award   gatlin   it biggest honours track field great end great year    hayes said   knowing great people won award knowing represents  feel sense accomplishment pride lets worked worth it   
class_athletics	radcliffe enjoys winning comeback  paula radcliffe made triumphant return competitive running victory york marathon   briton  running time dropping olympic marathon 10 000m  held kenyan susan chepkemei thrilling finish  pair locked miles radcliffe finally sprinted clear win hours  23 minutes 10 seconds   it s good end year   said   i m ready good rest now   radcliffe decided recently run race doubted sufficiently recovered olympic ordeal 11 weeks ago  world record holder prominent head field race rivals slowly dropped pace  chepkemei radcliffe left contention race final miles  kenyan put bursts speed throw radcliffe briton managed hang in  runners looked suffering reached final mile central park  radcliffe managed dredge final sprint chepkemei closest finish race s history process make huge step erasing disappointment suffered athens    
class_athletics	collins named uk athletics chief  uk athletics ended search performance director appointing psychologist dave collins   collins  worked british teams 2000 2004 olympics  takes max jones  candidates interviewed job  including denise lewis  coach charles van commenee british triple jumper keith connor   we ve searched long hard ensure found person   uka chief executive david moorcroft   we tested candidates  david make great leader great faith achieve   collins said   it s great challenge  months spend time listening make significant contribution athletics elite sports uk   collins  worked javelin thrower steve backley past  started career royal marine pe teacher  professor physical education sport performance edinburgh university  helps competitors sports  including rugby  athletics  judo football   specialised helping competitors fulfil potential psychology worked great britain women s curling team  won gold 2002 winter olympics  mark lewis francis sought collins  advice athens inspiration ran final leg britain s surprise triumph 4x100m relay  collins played rugby regional level  captain great britain american football team  competed national level judo karate  arrives british athletics crossroads  kelly holmes  golden double success sprint relay squad  gb team failed live expectations athens  older competitors retired coming end careers  britain failed win single medal world junior championships italy year  collins day to day coaching contact athletes  expected make system coaching set up order secure medals beijing olympics 2008  appointment performance director main recommendations sir andrew foster s review sport  published may  commissioned uk sport sport england  wanted uk athletics justify funding £40m government failure hang 2005 world championships  held helsinki  van commenee dropped selection process role dutch olympic committee  connor s application rejected arduous interview process  foster  however  declared satisfied appointment made   the appointment david collins  strong mix leadership skills managerial experience  testament professional detailed recruitment process   said  
class_athletics	white admits balco drugs link  banned american sprinter kelli white knowingly steroids bay area lab co operative  balco  president victor conte   conte faces federal trial year charges distributing steroids tax evasion  white cover doing   he s told was   white san francisco chronicle  added   it decision him  else s   white conte told substance flaxseed oil  change story later  white failed drugs test winning 100m 200m titles 2003 world athletics championships  subsequently handed two year ban year admitted taking stimulant modafinil  first  white claimed drug combat narcolepsy takes full responsibility actions    my belief victor selling product   white la times   whether good product bad product  selling product   white introduced conte coach remy korchemy  defendant balco case  27 year old believes doping common sport felt compelled cheat chance winning   i clue change that   white   i made mistake never  back   i recommend route   
class_athletics	trial date set balco case  judge set preliminary trial date balco steroid distribution case rocked athletics   district court judge susan ilston rejected attempt defence team case dismissed pre trial hearing san francisco  set march date case men accused distributing illegal performance enhancing drugs elite athletes heard  firm decision trial takes place expected january  judge conduct hearings january federal agents illegally searched balco headquarters wrongfully obtained statements company s founder victor conte vice president james valente  men   personal trainer greg anderson athletics coach remy korchemny   indicted earlier year pleaded innocence  outcome hearings result charges dismissed  conte telling side story american tv show friday    the world deserves truth performance enhancing drugs   said  balco  the bay area laboratory cooperative  company centre scandal  company accused united states anti doping agency  usada  source banned steroid thg modafinil  usada claims 10 athletes received sanctions testing positive thg modafinil  double world champion kelli white olympic relay star alvin harrison banned basis materials discovered balco investigation  britain s european 100m champion dwain chambers serving two year ban testing positive thg out of competition test 2003  
class_athletics	radcliffe eyes hard line drugs  paula radcliffe called athletes found guilty drugs charges treated criminals   marathon world record holder believes rid athletics  suspicions innuendoes  greet fast time   doping sport criminal offence treated such   30 year old told sunday times   it cheats athletes cheats promoters  sponsors general public    radcliffe s comments time american sports stars suspicion steroid use   being caught possession performance enhancing drugs carry penalty   added    the current system detect substances abused athletes   this means athletes competing level playing field  hard work sacrifice trumped easier scientific route   often  athlete puts good performance  subjected suspicions innuendoes praise   having receiving end accusations testify hurts   
class_athletics	kenteris denies faking road crash  greek sprinter kostas kenteris denied claims faked motorbike crash avoid doping test days start olympics   kenteris fellow sprinter katerina thanou set learn face criminal charges week  part investigation centred staged crash  kenteris insisted   the accident happened  crazy found supposedly missed test wanted rush olympic village   kenteris  speaking greece s alter television station  claimed asked tested banned substances hospital crash   i told hospital  olympics accredited hospital  call ioc tested spot no one came    drama dominated newspaper headlines greece athens prepared start athens games  kenteris thanou eventually withdrew  kenteris continually protested innocence   sunday blamed greek olympic committee officials coach christos tzekos failing inform test  31 year old insisted happy charged clear name   if decision charges filed me  accept gladly   a prosecution means case cleared    end isn t   kenteris  greek hero winning gold 200m 2000 olympics sydney  confirmed due light flame athens opening ceremony   i rehearsed lighting cauldron   said  
class_athletics	greek pair set hearing  kostas kenteris katerina thanou fight provisional two year bans imposed iaaf independent tribunal weekend   athletics  ruling body action pair failing drugs tests athens olympics  independent tribunal greek track field federation meet decide ratify sanction  sprint duo face charges failing give information location refusing submit drugs test  kenteris  lawyer gregory ioannidis told bbc sport   we refute charges unsubstantiated illogical   there breaches correct application rules behalf sporting authorities officials  procedural breaches violated client s rights   there evidence proves fact client persecuted   ioannidis  law lecturer university buckingham  added   one important rights foundations law justice   accused presumed innocent proved   tarnished   panel decide two year ban imposed athletes  controversial coach christos tzekos iaaf  kenteris  2000 olympic 200m champion  thanou  women s 100m silver medallist games sydney  quit olympics 18 august failing give samples eve opening ceremony   testers find olympic village duo admitted hospital claiming involved motorcycle accident  missed tests tel aviv  chicago athens games  imposing two year suspensions duo 22 december  iaaf explanations missing tests  unacceptable   findings independent tribunal  parties appeal court arbitration sport  tribunal hearing place hellenic olympic committee building  start 1200 gmt saturday expected finish early week  tribunal panel consist members   president konstantinos panagopoulos panagiotis dimakos  haralabos hrisanthakis  stilianos perakis ioannis karmis  kenteris thanou face criminal charges greece allegedly faking motorcycle accident  criminal charges laid sprinters tzekos  eyewitness accident hospital officials  speculation charges dropped  
class_athletics	jones files conte lawsuit  marion jones filed lawsuit defamation balco boss victor conte allegations gave performance enhancing drugs   sydney olympic gold medallist conte damaged reputation seeking  25m  £13m  suit  conte  company centre doping investigation  made claims television programme  indicted february federal grand jury variety alleged offences  email press wednesday  conte said   i stand said   jones won gold medals bronzes sydney 2000  lawsuit  filed district court san francisco  sprinter passed lie detector test  has banned performance enhancing drugs   conte s statements  suit added   false malicious   abc television program earlier month  jones  lawyer richard nicholls said   marion steadfastly maintained position throughout  never  performance enhancing drugs   victor conte man facing 42 count federal indictment  marion jones america s decorated female athletes  mr conte s statements wildly contradictory   mr conte chose make unsubstantiated allegations television  marion jones demanded passed lie detector examination    mr conte simply credible  challenge submit lie detector procedure marion jones passed   sport s ruling body  iaaf  taking cautious approach conte s allegations contacted anti doping agency  communications director nick davies iaaf seek contact conte  for information   davies stressed american authorities decide action jones light conte s television interview world governing body monitor situation closely   if felt case answer  national governing body  usa track field  disciplinary action   added   the anti doping agency proved diligent anti doping war   and sure  ourselves  watching television programme great interest   jones  investigation steroid anti doping agency  continually denied taking illegal substances investigated balco scandal  praised zinc supplement conte marketed  jones  win medals athens august  failed drugs test  meanwhile  conte  charged men distributing illegal steroids money laundering  due face trial march  
class_athletics	iaaf awaits greek pair s response  kostas kenteris katerina thanou respond doping charges international association athletics federations  iaaf    greek pair charged missing series routine drugs tests tel aviv  chicago athens  midnight 16 december iaaf spokesman said   we re responses way   respond explanations rejected  provisionally banned competition  face hearing front greek federation  ultimately determine fate  coach christos tzekos charged distributing banned substances  iaaf rules  athletes receive maximum one year suspension  kenteris thanou face criminal trial charged avoiding drug test eve athens olympics faking motorcyle crash   date trial set tzekos facing charges  iaaf issued official warning trio year discovered training qatar crete  be  athletes inform national federations times  out of competition drugs tests  kenteris thanou skip tests tel aviv chicago  decided fly back greece early  olympics  pair dramatically missed test athens withdrew games  
class_athletics	iaaf rule greek sprint pair  greek sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou expected find wednesday banned missing drugs tests summer   international association athletics federations  iaaf  council held conference call tuesday set announce decision  kenteris thanou suspended years  duo withdrew olympics missing test claimed suffered motorcycle crash  greek authorities brought criminal charges sprinters avoiding drugs test faking accident  coach christos tzekos facing charges awaiting trial date   however  iaaf determine sprinters  future track carefully evidence  sport s ruling body expected direct greek federation action sprinters  kenteris thanou appeal decision court arbitration sport  sprinters written explanations iaaf  account  iaaf official warning sprinters coach tzekos discovered training qatar crete  be  kenteris thanou skip tests tel aviv chicago  decided fly back greece early  olympics  pair dramatically missed test athens withdrawing games  kenteris  31  won gold 200m sydney olympics 2000  thanou  29  won silver 100m  
class_athletics	holmes starts 2005 gb events  kelly holmes start 2005 series races britain   holmes make track appearance home soil winning double olympic gold january s norwich union international glasgow  run grand prix birmingham february defend indoor aaa 800m title sheffield earlier month   i competitive win   said   i m athlete wait back track   added   these events great opportunity british public enormous levels support moment stepped plane greece   glasgow meeting holmes compete 1500m five way match sweden  france  russia italy  
class_athletics	gebrselassie london triple bid  double olympic 10 000m champion haile gebrselassie race london marathon years   ethiopian legend won sunday s almeria half marathon spain return operation achilles tendon  london 2002 attempt marathon   it coup secure haile s presence years guarantees quality race   race director david bedford  gebrselassie face olympic champion stefano baldini  world champion jaouad gharib  arch rival paul tergat  current world record holder   if win here   gebrselassie  set world records 18 occasions illustrious career keen add marathon record collection   there lot fantastic runners race utmost upset them   
class_athletics	thanou bullish drugs hearing  katerina thanou confident fellow sprinter kostas kenteris punished missing drugs tests athens olympics   greek pair appeared hearing saturday determine provisional bans athletics  ruling body iaaf stand   after months finally chance give explanations  confident optimistic   thanou   we presented evidence committee aware of    athletes  lawyer grigoris ioanidis believed independent disciplinary committee set greek athletics federation  segas  find innocent   we charges dropped   ioanidis    we presented  a case  charges unreasonable   thanou  2000 olympic women s 100m silver medallist  sydney 200m champion kenteris suspended iaaf missing drugs tests  supposed place eve athens games august  pair found athletes  village  hospital claiming involved motorcycle accident  thanou s coach christos tzekos suspended iaaf   we asked  by disciplinary committee  kinds questions night 12 august   tzekos   we leave gaps  concerned issue  of refusing tested   optimistic   tzekos  thanou kenteris  denied charges  expect decision month   deliberations start additional documents brought thursday   committee chairman kostas panagopoulos   i estimate final ruling issued end february   
class_athletics	holmes hit hamstring injury  kelly holmes forced weekend s european indoor athletics championships picking hamstring injury training   double olympic champion said   i disappointed forced withdraw   i walk moment running weeks keeping fit can   holmes intensive treatment south africa   34 year old made cautious start season looked back stormed 1 000m title birmingham grand prix 10 days ago  race progress training  holmes revealed decided compete european indoors plans wrecked weekend   on saturday night pulled hamstring running bend final 200m night   holmes   i really  felt massive spasm left leg hamstring blew   i doctor frustrating missing madrid knew great shape   holmes advised coach margot jennings rush back training compete summer  helen clitheroe madrid british competitor women s 1500m representative 800m  
class_athletics	kluft impressed sotherton form  olympic heptathlon champion carolina kluft full admiration britain s kelly sotherton pair prepared clash birmingham   action friday 60m hurdles long jump ahead european indoor championships month madrid  sotherton finished swede athens  kluft said   i knew her  she s great girl   she looked good early season competing well   kluft showed impressive early season form tuesday stockholm s ge galan meeting  winning sprint hurdles  long jump 400m  sotherton displayed promise  high jump personal sheffield combined norwich union european trials aaa championships  place long jump jade johnson  
class_athletics	kelly holmes   april  kelly holmes spoke bbc sport website loneliness  fight stay fit decision contest 800m 1500m olympics   show meticulous measured athletes predict fate store them  months later  holmes stormed double olympic gold made dame  won bbc sport personality year written book whilst finding time coach aspiring athletes  time spent spotlight  holmes increasingly dropped hints ambition track begun wilt  asked plans indoor outdoor seasons ahead  34 year old repeatedly chosen tick  don t know  box  holmes pulled weekend s european indoor championships  selected 800m 1500m  hamstring injury  surprised olympic champion distances decides feel racing anymore   well  lot easier double olympic champion  feted everybody  training top middle distance running   points olympian bbc pundit steve cram   you real strong desire carry talented    holmes  drive determination unquestionable   reason battled back string injuries threatened finish career empty handed  alarm bells start ringing kent athlete begins questioning herself   will commitment  desire energy major championship   holmes asked year   that know   34  holmes aware time running out  400m 200m legend michael johnson  five time olympic gold medallist  retired shortly 34th birthday britain s double olympic champion decathlete daley thompson  physical demands day to day grind harder holmes  admitted  doesn t training anymore   whilst circuit allure defeating double olympic champion spur opponents on  holmes needlessly suffer indignity beaten  strong chance winning race  step track  kent athlete finds form fuelled ambitions summer  prizes grabs  day completing double athens  34 year old revealed win indoors title   holmes  easily met madrid prepare outdoor season scores settled  gold world championships helsinki  small truth gnaw holmes  motivation   realisation matter hard trains  wins surpass achievements athens  hand  achievements matched shared celebrated   you chance career step track double olympic champion   agreed cram   you bow front fans fantastic feeling   i deep kelly run  compete run races circuits runs major championships certain    athletics fans reason new look kelly holmes tearing track again  olympic glory emphatically denied planned retire  so  holmes dragging heels making decision where  bother competing again   that s kelly   explains cram   she s that   she enjoys people guess next  time makes pronouncement headline news   kelly figure based athletics decisions  competitive  fit put neck line   and decides run again  no one turn round  you re making wrong decision    
class_athletics	gardener battles narrow win  jason gardener fought line narrowly claim men s 60m title norwich union indoor trials aaas championships   world 60m champion rolling start dig deep dip ahead mark findlay darren chin  set personal bests   it close race   admitted gardener   i stumbled blocks experience told through   i feel life faster   gardener s performance sheffield affected news  heard semi final  european record broken frenchman ronald pognon  real threat european championships  set time 6 45  one hundreth faster gardener s previous mark  favourite  delivered powerful performance women s 60m title 7 27 seconds   you ll madrid feel lot along   22 year old  katherine endacott battled hard dip european qualifying mark  defending champion joice maduaka pulled final chest infection   record breaking form stormed women s 60m hurdles crown  25 year old set british record time days  clocking 7 96 seconds finish ahead rival diane allahgreen   i m happy   tearful claxton told bbc sport   all years running recognition   claxton s time good qualify european championships   men s 800m form sheffield  dominated race start finish  northern ireland athlete startling pace hold challenge welshman jimmy watkins final 200m win minute  47 96 seconds  mcilory watkins  set life time 1 48 32  booked places madrid qualifying time   i gears europeans run then   mcilroy   reach european mark women s race crossed line win 2 04 45  olympic bronze heptathlon medallist  rounded weekend personal bests sheffield  28 year old reached 1 80m high jump clocked 8 47secs heats 60m hurdles   i ve surprised myself   sotherton   i m starting thrive pressure perform end world   pole vaulter  made winning return major competition drugs ban  trafford athlete  served two year ban testing positive anabolic steroids  clinched title championship record 4 25m   set championship mark men s triple jump title sheffield  26 year old  training australia winter  landed 17 30m final effort   longest leap world year   i clue   idowu   i ve jumped indoors wanted qualifying mark   but bad start back madrid gold medal   nathan douglas continued steady progress season set life time 16 76m jonathan moore third     resumed rivalry long jump competition  achieving european standard  commonwealth champion morgan reached personal 7 96m jump promptly retired bruised heel  olympian tomlinson play catch jumps settle season s jump 7 91m   i advised jump doctor pleased qualifying mark   tomlinson     based loughborough  sprinted past front runner catherine murphy final 100m steal women s 400m title  21 year old ran personal 53 45 seconds win indoor title  wall s time short qualifying mark   murphy has  ireland s  men s title 46 46 ahead promising channel islands decathlete dale garland  sudanese 18 year old rabah yusuf  seeking british citizenship  showed raw talent burst third   cleared required 1 90m qualify european championships claim aaas title women s high jump  men s 3 000m   powered personal minutes  56 86 seconds defend aaas title style  time 11 years eight minute barrier broken championships european mark   women s 1500m aaas title absence kelly holmes  time 4 19 11 good qualify madrid ovens opted championships  men s race won    fight closing pack claim title 3 45 87  
class_athletics	european medal chances improve  european indoor trials told us  well  heading european championships half dozen medal prospects   good athletes beginning make steps forward  faces lots personal bests kicking around   performance track sarah claxton s win 60m hurdles  running sub eight seconds week puts repeats madrid close picking medal  great sunday s performance pressure produce goods counted  diane allahgreen hurdler time surprised beaten sarah  knowing diane head to head race give sarah confidence  men s race saturday  allan scott him  fact  men s 60m hurdles strong  selectors pick hurdlers madrid   phillips idowu lit field events  hair  leap 17 30m  puts top world rankings  chat competition forward there  feels great shape big jumps inside   phillips has  lot athletes runway helpful  phillips jump good performance  huge talent consistency   big jumps further  board thought kelly sotherton great weekend continued show developing  picked personal bests long jump  high jump 60m hurdles that  kelly carolina kluft pentathlon european championships chance medal basis far   complicated training regime people disciplines working well  good news sheffield  thought 60m races disappointing ways  jason gardener won best  chatted off day him  shot lads big scalp there  women s race  jeanette kwayke hoping run defending champion joice maduaka  pair enjoying bit rivalry joice pull chest infection  made final jeanette bit quicker   janine whitlock competed pole vault return two year drugs ban  disappointing thing wider view pole vaulter long case  event moved immensely janine domestic competition her  couple interesting topics citizenship issues surrounding mark findlay rabah yusuf  findlay londoner chosen represent trinidad tobago run compete great britain  yusuf  400m  sudan gain british citizenship  britain high jumper damaged toe  started running found talent  them  
class_athletics	mcilroy wins 800m indoor title  james mcilroy motored aaa s indoor 800m title sheffied sunday time minute  47 97 seconds   larne athlete dominated race start finish hold late challenge welshman jimmy watkins final 100 metres   i gears europeans run then   mcilroy    i lucky close british record blew end    mcilroy superb form start season start build up european indoors madrid 4 6 march  meanwhile  paul brizzel anna boyle reached semi finals 60m hurdles boyle setting season s 7 48  women s 60m final  ailis mcsweeney broke michelle carroll s long standing irish record clocking 7 37 left place  david gillick showed genuine medal contender european indoor championships claiming impressive 400m victory  gillick half a second clear taking gold 46 45    02 personal set saturday s semi finals   irishman fastest european season  derval o rourke broke irish 60m hurdles record clocking 8 06 left british record holder sarah claxton  7 96   james nolan  3 46 04  men s 1500m neil speaight  3 45 86  offaly man european indoor standard  colin costello seventh 1500m final 3 48 82   deirdre ryan women s high jump clearance 1 87m aoife byrne silver 800m personal 2 06 73  lisburn s kelly mcneice reid  4 31 34  seventh women s 1500m gary murray  8 11 22  11th men s 3000m  meanwhile  stephen cairns jill shannon claimed individual titles saturday s northern ireland cross country championship coleraine  cairns ahead paul rowan allan bogle men s race  willowfield claimed men s team title 72 years shannon helped lagan valley win women s team honours  
class_athletics	johnson edges rival sotherton  jade johnson edged rival kelly sotherton effort claim aaas long jump title norwich union european indoor trials   olympic heptathlon bronze medallist  sotherton  led event leap 6 43m   personal best  johnson  competed indoors years  leapt life time 6 50m jump  fouls  johnson sotherton passed european championships qualifying mark  sotherton s main aim madrid month pentathlon olympic heptathlon champion carolina kluft  ireland s  delivered shock men s 200m stormed major title 21 01 seconds  british favourite chris lambert settle place defending champion ireland s paul brizzel third  consolation lambert set personal 20 94 round   good qualify europe   two time aaas champion allyn condon ian mackie luck disqualified heats  plenty hot action men s 60m hurdles scotland s  vying top spot olympian andy turner  scott  22  smashed personal final  broke win aaas title 7 58 seconds  turner finished 7 82 previously setting personal 7 83 semi finals  damien greaves finish final  trio athletes reached european qualifying mark season set miss call up british squad   comfortably defended 3 000m title  clocking minutes  49 87 seconds easily surpass european qualifying mark  european cross country bronze medallist ranked number europe season madrid high hopes  helen clitheroe agonisingly close 9 05 00 qualifying mark claimed runners up spot personal 9 05 73  men s 800m heats   qualified fastest 800m heats lay challenge in form    welsh runner attacked 200m ahead james thie minute  49 87 seconds  mcilroy  european rankings  eased finish 1 50 87 set showdown sunday s final sheffield  watkins mcilroy achieved european qualifying mark  scotland s susan deacon stole   s thunder final women s 200m  fraser fastest british woman distance season qualified final 23 68 seconds   time european standard  deacon claimed aaas title distance  edging fraser 23 67  women s shot put veteran  claimed fourth aaas title throw 15 27m  mark good 39 year old book place month s european indoor championships madrid  sotherton finished producing throws 13 77m  absence injured british number carl myerscough   claimed men s shot put title throw 17 64m  qualifying mark   sale s robert mitchell climbed season s 2 20m   3cm short european standard   claim british indoor high jump title   clear 2 16m finish fourth 27 year old s disappointment tempered achieved qualifying mark meeting slovenia tuesday  bad luck british number  pole vault failed clear bar deciding 5 45m  aaas indoor title ashley swain  climbed season s 5 25m ireland s taniesha scanlon set national record 13 28m women s triple jump  
class_athletics	brizzel run aaa s sheffield  ballymena sprinter paul brizzel ireland s european indoor hopefuls competing weekend s aaa s championships   us based alistair cragg mark carroll irish athletes selected europeans run sheffield  brizzel defend 200m title british trials  in form james mcilroy hope confirm place british team madrid winning 800m title  mcilroy tremendous form european circuit recent weeks  fastest 800m runners world winter assured place madrid  corkman mark carroll confirmed midweek join cragg european championships  carroll ranked number world 3000m ranking moment cragg occupying top spot  meanwhile  nine times champion dermot donnelly coming retirement compete northern ireland cross country championships coleraine saturday  injury crisis annadale striders squad led donnelly entered coach john mclaughlin athlete told bbc sport friday evening running  willowfield s paul rowan individual favourite annadale tough job holding team title andrew dunwoody noel pollock run  
class_athletics	holmes urged compete worlds  jolanda ceplak urged britain s kelly holmes continue competing major championships   double olympic gold medallist holmes strongly hinted run year s worlds undecided month s european indoors  world indoor 800m record holder ceplak said   there easy race field  excitement happen   it good sport  fetches everyone   ceplak great rival holmes  briton s career pair fell holmes questioned manner slovenian s runaway 800m victory 2002 european championships  controversy forgotten  ceplak acting pacemaker holmes  failed attempt british indoor 1500m record norwich union grand prix birmingham 2003   ceplak added   i running   race fast   that sort competition like  special me  idol beginning career   meanwhile  ceplak follow saturday s win boston fast time victory friday s night athletics erfurt  germany  britain s jason gardener expected defend 60m title erfurt save competition leipzig sunday  gardener s decision means scotland s 400m man ian mackie carry british hopes tough preparation weekend s norwich union european trials sheffield  
class_athletics	mcilroy continues winning streak  james mcilroy stormed international victory week  claiming men s 800m teag indoor meeting erfurt   northern ireland runner set personal minute  46 68 seconds   time good qualify european indoor championships   i m qualified matters most   28 year old  mcilroy hoping gain late entry sunday s international indoor meeting leipzig  northern irishman hoping manager ricky simms swing compete initially withdrew contracting cold  successive wins past fortnight  mcilroy brimming confidence   i ve waiting years happen career turned corner   friday  mcilroy delivered impressive run suffering bad cold  aaa indoor outdoor champion accelerated field final 300m  beating german wolfram mulle 0 90 seconds  mcilroy set world leading mark 1 000m sparkassen cup stuttgart weekend  time erfurt makes fastest 800m world year  
class_athletics	radcliffe compete london  paula radcliffe compete flora london marathon year deciding schedule 2005   31 year old won race 2002 marathon debut  defended title 12 months seek title 17 april race   it 25th anniversary   race director david bedford   after announcing greatest men s field greatest women s distance runner ever   years ago radcliffe smashed women s world record hours 18 minutes 15 seconds   bedford star returned london 12 months later  lowering mixed race world record 2 17 18  set chicago october 2003  minute 53 secs  radcliffe s career setback failed complete olympic marathon dropped athens 10 000m august  31 year old bounced back win york marathon november  radcliffe  however  passed chance  big city  marathon grand slam  wins chicago  london york  boston marathon remains conquered takes place day london   boston race point  london special me   radcliffe   i pick races thinking things pressure  pick heart do   i love atmosphere  crowds great quality race   it 25th anniversary year adds occasion   
class_athletics	britain boosted holmes double  athletics fans endured year mixed emotions 2004 stunning victories hand in hand disappointing defeats drugs scandals   kelly holmes finally fulfilled potential storming double gold track olympic games  holmes helped erase gloom hanging team gb biggest medal hope  paula radcliffe  dropped marathon 10 000m  britain s men s 4x100m relay team bit taking shock gold  holmes started year disappointing style  falling final 1500m world indoor championships favourite  olympic build up clouded doubt proved unfounded overhauled rival maria mutola win 800m   global title  days later  34 year old made double gold 1500m  time 84 years briton achieved olympic middle distance double  holmes left athens star team gb  radcliffe carried expectations august games   30 year old marathon world record holder athens event favourite exhausted radcliffe dropped 23 miles tears  decision enter 10 000m days backfired pulled laps remaining   radcliffe helped put olympic trauma thrilling win november s york marathon  4x100m team grabbed last gasp glory british men s olympic squad poor start games   athens games men fail win medal michael east individual track finalist 1500m  darren campell  jason gardener  marlon devonish mark lewis francis made amends sprint relay  quartet held favourites usa win britain s relay medal 1912 38 07 seconds  gardener added olympic relay crown world indoor title 60m and  holmes  finally lived promise 2004  kelly sotherton completed team gb s athletics medal haul athens surprise bronze heptathlon  28 year old won championship medal full time athlete 2003   story britain s defending champion denise lewis  withdrew day competition poor results  lewis  troubled injury  ruled retiring sotherton tipped build success  athens olympics proved landmark occasion steve backley  retired competition finishing fourth javelin  battling 35 year old leaves sport vast medal haul including silvers olympic bronze   backley s departure balanced return injury hit decathlete dean macey  fourth athens   continued improvement sprinter abi oyepitan long jumper chris tomlinson boosted team gb  sadly  2004 olympics escape problems drugs misuse  eve games  greek sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou missed drugs test claimed involved road crash   kenteris  200m champion 2000  thanou charged greek authorities await trial  games  adrian annus  hammer   robert fazelas  discus  irina korzhanenko  shot  stripped titles doping issues  hungarian compatriots annus fazelas refused give urine samples russian korzhanenko tested positive steroid stanozolol   fallout thg scandal  rocked sport 2003  continued impact olympic year  britain s 4x100m team gold services dwain chambers  handed two year ban february testing positive steroid thg   american kelli white suspended stripped world 100m 200m titles failing drugs test  world 400m champion jerome young landed life ban chiefs doping offence  russian pole vaulter yelena isinbayeva provided light relief smashing world record times world indoor olympic titles  rivalry compatriot svetlana feofanova livened field events  morocco s hicham el guerrouj delighted fans racing historic olympic double 1500m 5 000m   paula radcliffe london marathon  plenty drama kenyans evans rutto margaret okayo titles  rutto held win slipping cobblestones tumbling barrier  okayo battle back mistiming tactics clinched victory debut  
class_athletics	lewis francis eyeing world gold  mark lewis francis olympic success made determined bag world championship 100m gold 2005   22 year old pipped maurice greene leg 4x100m relay athens top honours team gb  individually  birchfield harrier build world junior championship win years ago   the gold medal athens made realise top level again  happen  not   said  lewis francis decided events feature build up worlds   exception  confirmed participation norwich union grand prix birmingham 18 february  member britain s victorious men s relay team   jason gardener   60m  added   it s bit early make predictions helsinki  eyes open world   
class_athletics	gb select holmes double bid  kelly holmes chosen 800m 1500m month s european indoor championships   confirming availability   double olympic champion undecided compete european indoors madrid  uk athletics chief max jones believes holmes race  said   it s worth punt  it  she s back training  she s confident pick  distance   programme permit both   holmes place gb side  1500m favoured distance  championship rules  decide 24 hours event begins madrid 4 march  jones added   she pleased run birmingham  at weekend s grand prix    i inclined  compete   depend training close top form   admitted holmes  presence great boost rest norwich union gb team   she good team member good there   added  meanwhile  surprises rest great britain team announced tuesday   defending 60m champion jason gardener included chasing successive gold medal  joined event mark lewis francis   runner up years ago vienna   boy darren chin  kelly sotherton invited championship organisers compete carolina kluft pentathlon  sotherton finished olympic heptathlon athens  swede gold  16 newcomers level competition gb s 46 strong team  championships attended jones retires succeeded dave collins  jones said   the olympic games overwhelming target uka beneficial start four year cycle not so pressurised major games   the european indoor championships provide chance young inexperienced make current indoor season produced exciting talent   madrid small step long journey beijing 2008 olympics emerging athletes  important step    60m  chin  belgrave harriers   gardener  wessex bath   lewis francis  birchfield harriers    abeyie  woodford green essex ladies   lambert  belgrave harriers    garland  channel islands ac    mcilroy  windsor  slough  eton hounslow ac   jimmy watkins  cardiff aac    ed jackson  aldershot  farnham district   speaight  belgrave harriers   thie  cardiff aac    baddeley  harrow ac   farah  windsor  slough  eton hounslow ac   mayock  barnsley ac    greaves  newham essex beagles   scott  shaftesbury barnet harriers   turner  notts ac    challenger  belgrave harriers   pole vault  buckfield  crawley ac    morgan  birchfield harriers   tomlinson  newham essex beagles    achike  shaftesbury barnet harriers   douglas  oxford city ac   idowu  belgrave harriers    cossins  birchfield harriers   davenport  gloucester ac   garland  channel islands ac   preddy  gloucester ac   warburton  cardiff aac    endacott  city plymouth ac   kwakye  woodford green essex ladies   maduaka  woodford green essex ladies    wall  basildon ac    holmes  ealing  southall middlesex ac    clitheroe  preston harriers   holmes  ealing  southall middlesex ac    pavey  exeter harriers    allahgreen  trafford ac   claxton  belgrave harriers    crane  sale harriers manchester   jones  trafford ac    whitlock  trafford ac    johnson  herne hill harriers    sotherton  birchfield harriers    fraser  croydon harriers   mcconnell  shaftesbury barnet harriers   murphy  woodford green essex ladies   purkiss  southampton ac   
class_athletics	holmes back form birmingham  double olympic champion kelly holmes back comfortably won 1 000m norwich union birmingham indoor grand prix   34 year old  running competitive race season  shook rust win minutes  35 39 seconds  undecided competing european championships madrid 4 6 march   i ll entered make mind minute   said   my training expected weeks decide   i time make feel good doing   i felt good crowd you  feel anything   american  eventual winner men s 60m race ended farce  athletes disqualified false starting  including britain s mark lewis francis  man guilty coming blocks quickly  world 100m champion kim collins clinched spot ahead world 60m record holder scott s training partner maurice greene  jason gardener s unbeaten run end improve defend european title madrid   you win all   gardener afterwards   and disappointed capable better   russian  back record breaking form pole vault national indoor arena   olympic champion set world mark 4 88m break record   set days ago   beat russian rival svetlana feofanova  isinbayeva s 11th world record   indoors   july 2003   i m happy break 5m barrier soon   22 year old told bbc sport  jamaica s  stormed personal 7 13 seconds claim women s 60m sprint  belgian kim gevaert  favourites month s european title  american muna lee third  disappointment british pair jeanette kwakye joice maduaka finished seventh eighth respectively   jamaican  stretched unbeaten record 25 races effortlessly claimed 200m  olympic champion set indoor personal 22 38 seconds   fastest time world season   fought fellow briton tim abeyie men s 200m personal 20 88   continued outstanding start season  beating strong international field  included two time olympic 100m hurdles bronze medallist melissa morrison  claim women s 60m hurdles  25 year old briton clocked 7 98 seconds pre european championships favourite russian irina shevchenko finished sixth  ethiopia s  failed bid smash compatriot berhane adere s world 3 000m record won event emphatic style  olympic 5 000m champion inside record pace dropped final third  finishing minutes  33 05 seconds   fourth fastest time recorded event  britain s jo pavey bravely decided defar strode field season s 8 41 43  kenyan  missed indoor 1500m world record  hicham el guerrouj held years   lagat settled silver el guerrouj athens seconds short moroccan s world best  clocking 3 35 27 birmingham   struggling find form death fiancee year  olympic 10 000m champion comfortably led men s mile race younger brother tariku set pace  fellow ethiopian  appeared ominously bekele s shoulder laps surging past bell win 8 14 28  jamaican  made blistering start men s 400m title 45 91 seconds  world indoor champion  alleyne francique  faded badly finished fourth american duo jerry harris james davis respectively  swede  showed class long jump stole top spot jade johnson jump competition  olympic heptathlon gold medallist reached 6 66m johnson s mark 6 52m   personal inside week   i surprised end place   johnson  wore london s 2012 olympic bid slogan   back bid   shorts   but pleased bit europeans  win medal    won men s event season s 7 95m  taking scalp world indoor champion savante stringfellow usa  
class_athletics	record fails lift lacklustre meet  yelena isinbayeva produced world pole vault record  achievement hide fact meet birmingham   hey  meets russian breaking world record   apparently  isinbayeva cleared metres training love put misery extending indoor record centimetre time  athletics pushing barriers can  5m competition  mind you  time breaks record  30 000 afford deliberate it  world records aside  thought encouraging evening s work kelly holmes  looked good positive  agnes samaria  second  good shape world s top 800m runners season  yes  samaria kelly away  coming back 200m kelly dominated race  beating samaria bit benchmark kelly  gut feeling kelly run european indoor championships  convinced fit so  hand  jason gardener struggling required win men s 60m madrid  started final stay front runners  jason lot experience indoors reason struggling maintain pace finish   nice mark lewis francis final  disqualified  blatantly playing false start game advantage  tripped made bit silly  view meant gun before  unsettle rivals employing false start tactic remember false start again  that  mark shape  mark jason suggests france s ronald pognon   run 6 45 seconds   threat europeans  british point view  sarah claxton s victory 60m hurdles thing meet   unnoticed melanie purkiss winning women s national 400m race personal 52 98 seconds  aaas champion kim wall lifetime strong 4x400m squad european championships  scotland s lee mcconnell run too  real prospect medal  international perspective  thought meseret defar disappointing 3 000m  pace making great  canadian heather hennigar set fast early pace maintain jo pavey year s shape defar real run money  hang there  expecting bit bernard lagat men s 1500m  usa  sharp great shape  kenenisa bekele  beaten markos geneti  half expectations bekele struggling season  hot national indoor arena felt uncomfortable commentary box  conditions affected distance runners fact defar complained coach race breath properly  
class_athletics	tomlinson stays focused europe  long jumper chris tomlinson cut schedule ensure fully fit european indoor championships   23 year old minor injury pulled international meets madrid lievin week warm weather training lanzarote   it s serious   coach peter stanley   he strained muscle abdomen birmingham meeting back full training   sprinter mark lewis francis compete madrid thursday  birmingham athlete  clocked season s 6 61 seconds 60m birmingham week  prefers focus attentions month s european indoor championships   lewis francis  runner up british team mate jason gardener europeans years ago  continue training home  meanwhile  tomlinson searching major medal season shown sort form grab spot podium madrid  middlesbrough athlete jumped season s 7 95m birmingham grand prix   good push world indoor champion savante stringfellow second  
class_athletics	running olympics  back official duties week role ambassador london s 2012 olympic bid  managed marathon training   sporting people capital s bid team mad taking part london marathon  bid chairman  lord coe  admitted dream running marathon  olympic middle distance runner   kelly holmes  hurdler alan pascoe sprinter frankie fredericks   ioc member   wanted run far  thought athletes  running lives  bad  person positive intentions tanni grey thompson  won london marathon wheelchair race times  busy week entertaining international olympic committee s  ioc  evaluation commission  found running schedule easier follow  home  distracted sorts things days london  pressurised situation  found easy relax running   wednesday  presentations ioc team finish early evening  managed squeeze 45 minute run  early start thursday visit olympic sites london  pretty shattering  back hotel  back treadmill  friday evening special dinner buckingham palace nice occasion  feel guilty eating  exercising  rest day feel bad missing training either  anyway  managed quick run saturday ahead final ioc presentations  heading home daughter s birthday   london runs treadmill  exercising outdoors  ioc s technical staff australia ran alongside day  talked sydney olympics made time past quickly  find comfortable running gym cushioning  gearing running road body jarring feeling feet hit pavement  good road long run sunday  week bit concerned complete it  coped and  bitterly cold  put 15 and a half miles   11 then     year steve donate proceeds london marathon efforts victims tsunami steve writing regular column ups downs marathon training bbc sport website he raising money steve redgrave trust supports association children s hospices  children leukaemia charity  trust s project aims provide inner city schools rowing equipment  
class_athletics	johnson uncertain euro bid  jade johnson undecided contest month s european indoor championships madrid winning aaas long jump title saturday   24 year old delivered personal 6 50m win european trials wait final jump failures   i medal   johnson   i jumping competition conversation coach   johnson  finished seventh year s olympic games  competed indoors 2000  commonwealth european silver medallist believes lack experience early part season knocked confidence   it s stress   johnson   i feeling this  early  training   but kind thing  goes   johnson competes high class birmingham grand prix 18 february  
class_athletics	pavey focuses indoor success  jo pavey miss january s view great edinburgh international cross country focus preparing european indoor championships march   31 year old hayley yelling justyna bak week s european cross country championships prefers race track   it great winning bronze wary injuries concentrate indoor season   said   because previous injuries run hills training   pavey  5 000m athens olympics  helped british cross country team win team silver medal heringsdorf week  start 3 000m season race boston stuttgart end january  
class_athletics	gardener wins double glasgow  britain s jason gardener enjoyed double 60m success glasgow competitive outing won 100m relay gold athens olympics   gardener cruised home ahead scot nick smith win invitational race norwich union international  recovered poor start race beat swede daniel persson italy s luca verdecchia  times 6 61 6 62 seconds short american maurice greene s 60m world record 6 39secs 1998   it s hard record break  trained well   world indoor champion  hopes closer mark season   it important make maximum points  race olympic final lot expectation   this needed sharpen race fitness  excited couple months    double olympic champion  marked appearance home soil winning 1500m 800m gold athens victory  success britain  edged russia s olga fedorova sweden s jenny kallur win women s 60m race 7 23secs  maduaka unable repeat feat 200m  finishing fourth  win russia  31 year old missed podium place 4x200m relay british quartet fourth  russia setting world indoor record  setback jade johnson suffered recurrence back injury long jump  russia won meeting final total 63 points  britain 48 france point third   led russia producing major shock high jump beat olympic champion stefan holm place end swede s 22 event unbeaten record   won triple jump leap 16 87m  britain s tosin oke fourth 15 80m   won men s pole vault competition clearance 5 65m  britain s nick buckfield 51cm adrift personal third   won women s 800m  britain s jenny meadows third  russian victory women s 400m  finished clear britain s catherine murphy  chris lambert settle fourth fading closing stages men s 200m race sweden s  held leslie djhone france  france s  won men s 400m  brett rund fourth britain   victory sweden women s 60m hurdles ahead russia s irina shevchenko britain s sarah claxton  set personal best  italy grabbed victory men s 1500m  kicked 200 metres hold britain s james thie france s alexis abraham  botched changeover 4x200m relay cost britain s men chance add points france claimed victory  
class_athletics	african double edinburgh  world 5000m champion eliud kipchoge won 9 2km race view great edinburgh cross country   kenyan  newcastle hosted race year  front outset  ethiopian duo gebre gebremariam dejene berhanu made last gasp efforts overtake him  kipchoge responded burst speed clinched victory  gavin thompson briton 12th place nick mccormick held british rivals win 4km race  morpeth harrier led end lap ended mike skinner andrew baddeley s hopes surge lasp lap   my training worried opposition asi knew great shape   mccormick  hopes earn 1 500m place british team world championships helsinki  women s race  ethiopia s tirunesh dibaba won battle world cross country champion benita johnson retain title  australian johnson  shocked african rivals brussels march  looked win 6 2km race  world 5000m champion dibaba make telling strike finishing line final 20 metres  britons kathy butler hayley yelling contention early on  
class_athletics	yelling takes cardiff hat trick  european cross country champion hayley yelling completed hat trick wins reebok cardiff cross challenge bute park sunday afternoon   part time maths teacher beat irish international jolene byrne 40 metres six kilometre race  great britain international  louise damen  finished part contingent representing england  peter riley  secured bronze gb men s team month s european championships  won men s 9km race  riley  representing england  moved kilometres win 25 metres ireland s gary murray  glynn tromans   reigning uk inter countries england cross country champion   place continues comeback five month injury lay off  
class_athletics	butler strikes gold spain  britain s kathy butler continued impressive year victory sunday s 25th cross internacional de venta de banos spain   scot  led gb world cross country bronze earlier year  moved field ines monteiro halfway 6 6km race  shrugged portuguese rival win 20 minutes 38 seconds  meanwhile  briton karl keska battled bravely finish seventh men s 10 6km race time 31 41  kenenisa bekele ethiopia   reigning world long short champion   troubled opposition  winning leisurely 30 26  butler success   i felt great race hope good beginning marvellous 2005 season me   elsewhere  abebe dinkessa ethiopia won brussels iaaf cross country race sunday  completing 10 500m 33 22  gelete burka crowned great day ethiopia claiming victory women s race  
class_athletics	wada appeal ruling  world anti doping agency  wada  appeal acquittal kostas kenteris katerina thanou doping charges  iaaf not   pair cleared charges relating missing dope tests greek athletics federation week  wada chairman dick pound said   i convinced iaaf appeal decision  support them   but accept federation s ruling court arbitration sport   added  kenteris s lawyer  gregory ioannidis  reacted angrily pound s comments   comments embarrass sporting governing bodies  create hostage situation iaaf strengthen case further   told bbc sport  kenteris  31  thanou  30  charged avoiding drugs tests tel aviv  chicago athens failing notify anti doping officials whereabouts olympics  withdrew athens games missing drugs test olympic village 12 august   independent tribunal ruled duo informed needed attend drugs test athens   however  coach christos tzekos banned years tribunal  kenteris thanou face trial charges brought separately greek prosecutors missing drugs tests faking motorcycle accident avoid testing athens games  
class_athletics	greek sprinters  won t run again   careers sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou over  boss organisation cleared missing drugs test   greek athletics federation boss vassilli sevastis told country s parliament   i kenteris thanou race again   the damage commercial interests done   added  athletics bosses reponse ruling  athletes face trial greek court  greek prosecutors brought spearate charges missing drugs test faking motorcycle accident  speaking greek parliament tuesday  sevastis evidence international olympic committee athletics governing body iaaf strong greek association find sprinters guilty    we task snake hole evidence with   said   so greek hand heart athletes   added  athletes technically free compete iaaf reviews response decision clear kenteris thanou  sevastis said   it matter found guilty court arbitration sport current decision reversed   
class_athletics	iaaf contest greek decision  international association athletics federations appeal acquittal greek athletes kostas kenteris katerina thanou   high profile duo cleared doping offences greek athletics federation  segas  month  iaaf lodge appeal court arbitration sport  cas  suspended athletes  iaaf statement said   the doping review board concluded decision erroneous   statement continued   both athletes  cases refered arbitration cas  decision cases final binding    segas iaaf appeal  expected   understandable    now await final result  prejudge   segas chairman vassilis sevastis  kenteris  won olympic 200m gold 2000 olympics  thanou suspended iaaf december failing routine drugs tests athens games  however  independent tribunal overturned bans  clearing sprinters avoiding tests tel aviv  chicago athens failing notify anti doping officials whereabouts olympics   kenteris  lawyer gregory ioannidis iaaf s decision  not unexpected  told bbc sport expect organisation action quickly   the iaaf s timing extremely surprising creates concerns questions   ioannidis   the iaaf received complete file proceedings include statements  testimonies  closing speeches defence counsel    audio tapes    we evidence time world discovered truth   kenteris thanou dramatically withdrew summer s olympics missing drugs test olympic village 12 august  pair spent days hospital  claiming injured motorcycle crash  international olympic committee demanded iaaf investigate affair  thanou kenteris face criminal trial year allegedly avoiding test faking motorcycle accident 
class_athletics	greek duo cleared doping case  sprinters kostas kenteris katerina thanou cleared doping offences independent tribunal   duo provisionally suspended iaaf allegedly missing drugs tests  including eve athens olympics  greek athletics federation tribunal overturned bans   decision iaaf contest court arbitration sport  pair s coach  christos tzekos  banned years  kenteris  31  thanou  30  charged avoiding drug tests tel aviv  chicago athens failing notify anti doping officials whereabouts olympics  withdrew olympics missing drugs test olympic village 12 august   pair spent days hospital  claiming injured motorcycle crash  international olympic committee s demand iaaf investigate affair led hearing greek tribunal  head tribunal  kostas panagopoulos  proven athletes refused test athens   the charge substantiated   said   in  kenteris  informed doping test  thanou   kenteris s lawyer  gregory ioannidis  said   the decision means mr kenteris exonerated highly damaging unfounded charges extremely harmful career    he consistently maintained innocence substantiated evidence submit tribunal deliberations january   this evidence shows mr kenteris asked submit test international olympic committee possibly guilty deliberately avoiding one  shows case answer   mr kenteris opportunity deserves rebuild career full knowledge stain character   he suffered greatly ordeal exposed family enormous pressures   iaaf  very surprised  verdict  spokesman nick davies said   we note decision greek authorities interest   our doping review board english version decision   
class_athletics	johnson strong gb runners  britain s kathy butler hayley yelling match benita johnson 51st cross international zornotza amorebieta  spain   butler yelling finished fourth australian world champion johnson romped five second victory 6km race ahead edith masai  masai s fellow kenyan alice timbilil finished third  johnson said   i ran comfortably 3km leave easy task   butler clocked time 22 minutes 45 seconds   22secs winner ahead yelling  month succeeded paula radcliffe european champion  johnson  star attractions great edinburghinternational cross country 15 january  
class_athletics	holmes starts 2005 gb events  kelly holmes start 2005 series races britain   holmes make track appearance home soil winning double olympic gold january s norwich union international glasgow  run grand prix birmingham february defend indoor aaa 800m title sheffield earlier month   i competitive win   said   i m athlete wait back track   added   these events great opportunity british public enormous levels support moment stepped plane greece   glasgow meeting holmes compete 1500m five way match sweden  france  russia italy  
class_athletics	tulu caledonian run  two time olympic 10 000 metres champion derartu tulu confirmed part bupa great caledonian run edinburgh 8 may   32 year old ethiopian star enter event  tulu won boston  london tokyo marathons  world 10 000m title 2001   we delighted secured services decorated competitors sport seen   race director matthew turnbull   her record speaks women distance runners dare compare pedigree tulu s   added   she 33 month  stop winning olympic 10 000m bronze medal summer  she s ultra consistent championships racer   
class_athletics	disappointed scott solid start  allan scott confident winning medal week s european indoor championships solid debut international circuit   22 year old scot finished fourth 60m hurdles jose cagigal memorial meeting madrid   it learning curve ruled challenging medal week   east kilbride athlete  race won felipe vivancos  equalled spanish record   sweden s robert kronberg second  haiti s dudley dorival third  scott slightly disappointed run final  won heat 7 64secs ran 0 04secs slower iaaf indoor grand prix circuit final   i that   said   i felt won it  poor start   felt ran faster   vivancos slashed personal equal spanish record time 7 60secs kronberg dorival clocked 7 62secs 7 63secs respectively  
class_athletics	gb quartet cross country call  british athletes pre selected compete world cross country championships march impressive starts season   hayley yelling  jo pavey  karl keska adam hickey represent team gb event france  yelling clinched women s european cross country title month pavey bronze  keska helped men s team place hickey finished 10th place junior debut   winning european cross country title meant me   yelling   and pre selected worlds means focus preparing possible   32 year old race alongside olympic 5 000m finalist pavey women s 8km race 19 march  keska  made successful return long term injury lay off  contests men s 12km race 20 march  16 year old hickey junior men s 8km day  rest team named trials wollaton park nottingham  place 5 march  
class_athletics	jones files lawsuit conte  marion jones filed lawsuit defamation balco boss victor conte allegations gave performance enhancing drugs   sydney olympic gold medallist conte damaged reputation seeking  25m  £13m  suit  conte  company centre doping investigation  made claims television programme  indicted february federal grand jury variety alleged offences  email press wednesday  conte said   i stand said   jones won gold medals bronzes sydney 2000  lawsuit  filed district court san francisco  sprinter passed lie detector test  has banned performance enhancing drugs   conte s statements  suit added   false malicious   abc television program earlier month  jones  lawyer richard nicholls said   marion steadfastly maintained position throughout  never  performance enhancing drugs   victor conte man facing 42 count federal indictment  marion jones america s decorated female athletes  mr conte s statements wildly contradictory   mr conte chose make unsubstantiated allegations television  marion jones demanded passed lie detector examination    mr conte simply credible  challenge submit lie detector procedure marion jones passed   sport s ruling body  iaaf  taking cautious approach conte s allegations contacted anti doping agency  communications director nick davies iaaf seek contact conte  for information   davies stressed american authorities decide action jones light conte s television interview world governing body monitor situation closely   if felt case answer  national governing body  usa track field  disciplinary action   added   the anti doping agency proved diligent anti doping war   and sure  ourselves  watching television programme great interest   jones  investigation steroid anti doping agency  continually denied taking illegal substances investigated balco scandal  praised zinc supplement conte marketed  jones  win medals athens august  failed drugs test  meanwhile  conte  charged men distributing illegal steroids money laundering  due face trial march  
class_athletics	thanou desperate make return  greek sprinter katerina thanou eager compete cleared missing drugs test independent greek tribunal   thanou  30  provisionally suspended missing test olympics  decision overturned   the iaaf decide compete greece abroad   thanou told vima newspaper interview athens olympics   if green light run   thing want   thanou  30  compatriot kostas kenteris provisionally suspended iaaf december missing drugs tests  alleged eve opening ceremony athens olympics   independent tribunal greek athletics federation overturned provisional ban 18 march  iaaf    very surprised  decision greek tribunal   deciding appeal decision court arbitration sport  however  dick pound  chairman world anti doping authority  appeal decision iaaf not  thanou kenteris face criminal trial year allegedly avoiding test faking motorcycle accident  thanou said   i people accident childish excuse   i deny made lot mistakes time  needed pr person   an athlete stupid illegal substances undergo tests moment   i champion  risk achieved silly way   
class_athletics	relay squad thrilled honours  jason gardener made mbe year honours list underlines achievement great britain s 4x100m relay squad olympics   gardener  darren campbell  marlon devonish mark lewis francis awarded mbes beating pre race favourites usa gold   i award reinforces fantastic night   said   this recognition inspiring makes success   lewis francis  british sprint quartet produced string faultless baton final put pressure americans   usa stumbled poor switch justin gatlin coby miller 300m stage  britain edged ahead final bend  then  cue  lewis francis ran textbook final leg  holding maurice greene bring team gb home 38 07 seconds   hundredth ahead rivals   winning gold medal highlight athletics career far   birchfield harrier   this award me  friends  family people helped level sport   gardener added   all worked hard long  long time carry believed impossible task   of award special  winning olympic gold medal  wanted   all life dreamed doing  life fantastic   campbell agreed receiving honour capped difficult year sprinter   i mbe important people closest journey   newport based athlete   i ve stumbled this   it lot joy satisfaction stuff country something      recognition james clarke  chairman london marathon  obe  
class_athletics	balco case trial date pushed back  trial date bay area laboratory cooperative  balco  steroid distribution case postponed   judge susan illston pushed back preliminary evidentiary hearing   due place wednesday   6 june  official trial date set expected begin september  balco founder victor conte james valente  coach remy korchemny trainer greg anderson charged distributing steroids athletes   anderson s clients include barry bonds  baseball stars asked congressional inquiry steroid major leagues  balco defence team lost appeal case dismissed pre trial hearing san francisco argue case trial  hearing june focus admissibility evidence gathered police raids balco s offices anderson s home  conte anderson arrested point federal agents obtain statements them  defence expected challenge legality interviews ilston agrees reject evidence raids  balco accused united states anti doping agency  usada  source banned steroid thg modafinil   double world champion kelli white olympic relay star alvin harrison banned basis materials discovered balco investigation  britain s european 100m champion dwain chambers serving two year ban testing positive thg out of competition test 2003  american sprinter marion jones filed lawsuit defamation conte allegations gave performance enhancing drugs  
class_athletics	collins calls chambers return  world 100m champion kim collins suspended sprinter dwain chambers allowed compete olympics again   chambers banned years testing positive anabolic steroid thg suspension runs november year  collins british olympic association reverse decision ban olympics life   it harsh   collins told radio live   they reconsider   chambers america learning american football ruled return track  collins added   he great guy problems him  friends   i dwain back compete again  good person   even made mistake understands chance more   
class_athletics	costin aims comeback 2006  jamie costin paralysed   matter of fact recalls car accident occurred days scheduled step olympic stadium athens 50k walk  ironic chuckle talks thoughts lorry  driving wrong side road  ploughed rental car   i lot pain guessed toes broken   waterford man   but thinking cortisone injection know   in back  felt muscles ripped pelvis thinking laser therapy ultra sound race   10 hours jamie knew certainty competing olympics   my back broken places vertebrae  bottom part exploded fierce lucky paralysed   i d fractured big toe brake   jamie finally arrive hospital athens half hours accident    for hours  pain killers ridiculous 35 degrees heat   but scans case moving thinking  ok  set circumstances now    days arriving back ireland air ambulance  doctors athens wanted operate jamie s back immediately insisted delaying surgery arrived back home   relieved about   the greek doctors put inch titanium rods side spinal cord vertebrae   that fused lower back race again  putting lot pressure agree surgery   but mater dublin heal totally naturally giving chance back competition important me  people mater absolutely fantastic   jamie wear body cast half months accident spent time flat back   progressed crutches weeks finally walk unaided 10 january   walking crutches finally measurable terms recovery   physio sessions johnston mcevoy limerick vital part recovery   johnston advanced type acupuncture effective   needles put close spine  half inch needle yesterday fairly incapacitated today result   jamie travelled receive treatment polish training centre spala trained triple olympic champion robert korzeniowski past years   i fortnight earlier month underwent fair extreme treatment called cryotherapy   basically  small room cooled liquid nitrogen minus 160 degrees centigrade promotes deep healing    jamie heads poland sunday daily cryotherapy addition twice daily physio sessions pool work  sessions small steps jamie hopes return racing 2006   it s mobility back  lying half months strength   there s lot work involved recovery  hours day physio pool work   i m gym lift light weights build muscles  fairly full do   i d hope training regularly march  training part process back   at moment  time big bit movement  pelvic area lower back tightens up   it s case waiting reacts  hopefully  months back tighten much   
class_athletics	lewis francis turns christie  mark lewis francis stepped preparations season taking advice british sprint icon linford christie   22 year old set compete sheffield weekend maurice greene kim collins birmingham 18 february   training wales advice linford christie broadening mind   lewis francis  sprinter shed weight winning relay gold athens games   last year 91kg  86 9kg   times down   said   this brought eating foods cutting snacks  discipline focused doing    i keeping weights work improvement running   playing part britain s successful 4x100m relay team  lewis francis feels frustration missing individual 100m final 2004 olympics   that heartbreaking  made semi final me  personal level  achievement   i patient build olympics  goal geared making final   
class_athletics	greene compete birmingham  maurice greene head to head britain s olympic gold medallists mark lewis francis jason gardener 60m birmingham month   race national indoor arena 18 february give greene chance avenge america s 4x100m relay defeat british team  greene  set 60m world record 6 39 seconds 1998  won bronze 100m athens  beaten line relay anchor leg lewis francis   i m forward competing birmingham again   greene   the support crowd nia fantastic rise occasion produce great performance    double olympic gold medallist kelly holmes signed race birmingham  olympic heptathlon champion carolina kluft  pole vault world record holder yelena isinbayeva kenenisa bekele  5 000m 10 000m world record holder  compete  
class_athletics	kluft playing record chance  sweden s carolina kluft fears jackie joyner kersee s world record heptathlon points total 7291 set 1988 olympics surpassed   olympic champion  set 7001 win 2003 world title  begins 2005 season reebok indoor games boston saturday   her record unbeatable   kluft   i good can   how go  idea  she s great record   kluft  american joyner kersee russia s larisa nikitina woman broken 7000 points barrier  meanwhile  year s world indoor champion determined add gold european indoor championships collection  meeting held madrid march   it s good experience compete sweden europe   kluft   it s great competition boston  great preparation european indoors championships   
class_athletics	pittman drops coach uk base  australia s world 400m hurdle champion jana pittman split coach phil king training british fiance chris rawlinson    the opportunity live train europe jana courted   king said   i enjoy working well   pittman working rawlinson s coach nick dakin loughborough  denied coach   i m helping continue   dakin told bbc sport  rawlinson pittman met summer s olympic games engaged november  pittman working alongside rawlinson dakin s group elite athletes includes 400m runner iwan thomas jamaican hurdler kemel thompson  dakin told bbc sport arrangement means permanent   jana mixture methods worked past sessions setting chris   dakin explained   she back australia early february long for  back warm weather programme easter  her    she s incredibly strong trainer benefit group people chase motivate her   pittman finished place olympic final rawlinson failed semi finals hitting hurdle  rotherham athlete s build up games affected stomach upset  dakin believes couple s relationship track make stronger season ahead   i positive both   dakin   they re world class athletes understanding takes understand pitfalls   their relationship good source reassurance advice them   jana continuing focus defending world title helsinki chris planning commonwealth games melbourne  defending champion   but year commonwealths european medal possibility him  decision finalised yet   pittman rawlison plan marry 2006 commonwealth games  
class_athletics	lewis francis shakes injury  sprinter mark lewis francis determined indoor campaign back track hamstring problem affected season opener saturday   olympic relay gold medallist pulled 60m final bad cramp birmingham games   i hope fully fit european indoor trials end week   lewis francis   i m back jogging treatment resume full training couple days   22 year old head to head relay team mate jason gardener place great britain s european championships squad trials sheffield   lewis francis set re match american maurice greene  edged olympic 4x100m final  norwich union grand prix birmingham 18 february  birchfield harrier confident replicate form boards   i m forward competing jason maurice   added lewis francis   my winter training improve 60m personal weeks   
class_athletics	holmes facing fine trials  double olympic champion kelly holmes faces fine £25 000 opting miss weekend s trials european championship   rules brought year state athletes miss trials proof injury illness forfeit quarter fee season  spokesman fast track  sport s promoters britain  told times holmes exception  paper set earn £100 000 domestic indoor term  holmes  won 800m 1500m gold athens  opened british indoor campaign winning 1500m norwich union international glasgow month  set race grand prix birmingham 18 february  governing body uk athletics  uka  trials sheffield plans   it kelly s plan indoor season prioritise uk televised meetings glasgow birmingham   uka statement said    she intended compete european indoor trials  uk athletics confirm kelly holmes compete sheffield   fast track spokesman said   kelly fined 25  indoor earnings   it policy applies gb athletes kelly accepts that   during contract talks  resulted kelly taking part glasgow birmingham  explained happen participate trials   holmes decide compete european indoor championships madrid march birmingham  to  problem decision miss trials  uka selection criteria  selectors pick athletes compete trials basis  exceptional circumstances   
class_athletics	freeman considers return track  olympic champion cathy freeman return action relay year s commonwealth games melbourne   31 year old make team felt backing move   if overwhelming support back it  myself   told australia s sun herald   it motivation again   freeman  retired july 2003  ruled return individual event   i top felt sydney  pride   if part relay it  individual   the preparation fit easy  lose competitiveness killer instinct  channelled things   coach raelene boyle public back freeman return track questioned wisdom move   it fantastic cathy run retire  retire  unique talent has  work again   but prove races selected run relay   
class_athletics	event devised nurture athletes  uk athletics launched outdoor series aimed creating extra competitive events athletes great britain standard   uk challenge consist 10 high standard meetings series final 3 september  athletes compete events gain series ranking top athletes discipline contesting final  scheme coincides plans introduce uk ranking system  list top 100 athletes event compiled updated weeks outdoor season  uk athletics chief executive david moorcroft hoped initiatives stimulate sport levels   we building development domestic competition started indoor season affect careers thousands british athletes   moorcroft   this athlete driven programme identifies strata competitors provide depth club profile   
class_cricket	hayden sets australia win  one day international  christchurch australia 314 6  50 overs  beat zealand 208  40 4 overs  106 runs  ricky ponting  53  damien martyn  58  provided main support hayden  hit sixes 12 fours  eventually totalled 314 6 game good zealand slumped 73 6 reply  adam gilchrist taking catches  daniel vettori made rapid 83 208 41st over  zealand win remaining matches series  turn round looked remote possibility jade stadium  skipepr stephen fleming chose put australia winning toss  rugby star jeff wilson included zealand team one day international march 1993  taught harsh lesson overs cost 57 runs  left arm spinner vettori  0 31 10  exercise measure control australian batsmen   gilchrist caught daryl tuffey ball match hayden ponting set putting things stand 99 wicket  ponting cleared ropes raced 50 51 balls  added run hamish marshall  then  hayden stride martyn added 133  24 overs  martyn run final ball 41st over  final cost kiwis 82 runs australia raised tempo  hayden s century 110 balls eventually fell catch wilson kyle mills  leaving michael clarke add 23 13 balls mike hussey 32 20 total mounted past 300   ball pairing brett lee glenn mcgrath made short work zealand s top order  claiming wickets   catches wicket gilchrist  claimed andrew symonds found edge craig mcmillan s bat chris cairns 22  caught hayden  home side danger embarrassed  vettori brendon mccullum  20  halted decline sharing stand 62 mccullum gave return catch symonds  finished 3 41  wilson made 22 eighth wicket stand 62 end quickly caught ponting jason gillespie  passed fifty time limited overs international  vettori denied century caught deep square leg gillespie hitting 10 fours 77 ball knock  mills go  run clarke  setting quick single back tuffey   fleming  astle  sinclair  wilson  mcmillan  marshall  cairns  mccullum  mills  vettori  tuffey  hayden  gilchrist  ponting  martyn  symonds  clarke  hussey  hogg  lee  gillespie  mcgrath 
class_cricket	pietersen england chance  lunch  england 240  49 5 overs   innings 116 rest batsmen failed dismally 68 6 mid innings point  pietersen  blasted 10 fours sixes 110 deliveries  added 104 runs seventh wicket ashley giles  41   darren gough ruled cold replaced steve harmison   hall bowls harmison duck   hall bowls ali pads   ali hits boundary nel fine leg misfields  middles long off   hall finally revenge bowling pietersen   hall returns fray deposited straight pietersen  ball steered vacant man area four   pietersen clobbers nel square leg midwicket four   ali pietersen hit fours ntini deposited high long hampshire batsman reaches 99  scrambled single century series   pietersen drives kallis full toss nicks ball wide boucher boundary   pietersen drives ntini wide mid off four  ntini  starting spell  yorks giles   over  giles reaches score  pietersen brings 100 partnership hall   pietersen launches nel long on six  giles drives extra cover four   boundary batsman hall underlines quality centurion pitch   pietersen drives nel wide mid off giles plays square leg side four   boje finishes 1 34   pietersen collectes one day fifty single pollock finishes 1 36   pietersen slog sweeps boje massive sixes cow corner   giles thumps pollock mid on bring england s 100 adds boundary slashing gully   batsmen continue trade singles   singles pollock respite tedium partnership drinks brought on   17 overs remain 89 6  england hoping bat overs   pollock returns attack england trade singles   dots balls boje  single giles   england singles ntini   boje concedes runs bat single wide   ntini runs spell   pietersen garners solitary single boje s fourth over   giles pietersen batting together  england mountain climb   collingwood run umpire misunderstanding pietersen   collingwood takes runs hall   singles boje s over   cover drive collingwood nel brings batsman runs   boje s over  solanki contrives top edge sweep short fine leg   nel good over   pietersen single brings england team half century perform heroics set challenging total   pietersen pulls nel long hop four   pietersen whips straight ball hall wide mid on four   jones top edges pull shot nel dolly catch kemp square leg   hall bowls maiden pietersen   nel single over   hall economical over   nel strikes strauss under edge attack short ball pull shot   strauss plays smart leg glance pollock four   strauss boundary pulls ntini four   15 dots balls  jones square cuts pollock four   ntini maiden england s run rate declines desparate proportions   boje misses golden opportunity run strauss non striker sold dummy jones   strauss dropped kemp gully   singles pollock  strauss jones playing watchful cricket   ntini bowls maiden strauss   pollock s costs two   jones flicks ntini high square leg four  vaughan loses middle leg stumps beaten pace ntini   trescothick plays flat footed drive pollock half volley strsight gully   smith  capt   boje  kallis  gibbs  prince  kemp  boucher  wkt   pollock  ntini  nel  hall   vaughan  capt   trescothick  jones  wkt   strauss  pietersen  bell  solanki  collingwood  giles  kabir ali  harmison  wharf  
class_cricket	south africa strong  one day international  durban south africa 329 6 beat zimbabwe 198 7 131 runs  south africa lead three match series 2 0  smith s 117 set total durban 25 one day internationals  fine support herschelle gibbs   added 134 justin kemp hit 53 21 balls  zimbabwe finished 198 7 lose 131 runs barney rogers  47  top scorer  south africa lead series 2 0 play  rogers put 71 wicket stuart matsikenyeri  partnership soaked 17 3 overs   matsikenyeri labouring 79 minutes innings 16 offering catch bowling albie morkel   bowler struck rogers clipped fullish delivery wide mid on  nicky boje adam bacher brace wickets middle order simply played pride  telling bacher  military medium pace experimented england  finished 2 36 full allotment 10 overs  zimbabwe won toss start day ball early on  reducing south africans 67 3 15th over  smith gibbs  form powerful partnership tests one day internationals  backwards coming forward  launching barrage boundaries spinners  zimbabwe hampered strike bowler tinashe panyangara left field fourth back strain   spinners plenty work result them  prosper utseya  60 overs  gibbs liking eventually falling rogers 75 73 balls  seam bowler christopher mpofu 3 59 overs  impressive main bowl final innings  disappeared 17 justin kemp equalled fastest half century south african  hit fours towering sixes brutal display hitting  afterwards  kemp knew record   i idea   admitted   i thinking smashing ball six    graeme smith  captain   adam bacher  jacques rudolph  herschelle gibbs  ashwell prince  justin kemp  mark boucher  albie morkel  nicky boje  andrew hall  charl langeveldt   stuart matsikenyeri  barney rogers  hamilton masakadza  alester maregwede  brendan taylor  tatenda taibu  captain   gavin ewing  sean williams  tinashe panyangara  prosper utseya  christopher mpofu  
class_cricket	pakistan revenge mission  pakistan s cricketers depart delhi monday captain inzamam ul haq beseeching side make 2004 defeat india home soil   india outplayed pakistan 12 months ago  beating 2 1 tests 3 2 one day internationals  inzamam ahead pakistan s full tour india years   we make amends year   the australian tour big learning experience position reap benefits india   series india pakistan eagerly awaited  largely politics restrict amount cricket teams play other  engagement  include tests one dayers  threatened  schedule put back days dispute centred pakistan s refusal play test ahmedabad   test mohali 8 march  then  protracted row television rights  madras high court issued interim orders ensure matches broadcast live state owned channel doordarshan  2004 series sides  pakistan sacked coach javed miandad  inzamam believes replacement  bob woolmer  improved side string positive results come  said   a lot changed series  woolmer helped change attitude boys positive professional pressure playing india   pakistan strike bowler shoaib akhtar  hamstring   leaving recalled off spinner arshad khan leg spinner danish kaneria work do  inzamam said   shoaib s absence felt  strength playing unit    khan kaneria  big role play india  depending lot test matches   we expecting slow  turning tracks practicing conditions   pakistan s match three day warm up indian board president s xi dharamsala march 3   salman butt  yasir hameed  taufeeq umar  younis khan  inzamam ul haq  captain   yousuf youhana  asim kamal  kamran akmal  wkt   abdul razzaq  shoaib malik  shahid afridi  arshad khan  danish kaneria  muhammad sami  rana naved  muhammad khalil  
class_cricket	russell instruct keeper jones  england gloucestershire wicket keeper jack russell called give coaching current national team gloveman geraint jones   jones tours south africa  dropping catches conceding byes  england coach duncan fletcher sought 54 test veteran  russell told daily express   duncan captain michael vaughan asked build relationship geraint give needs   pair worked closely russell heavily involved countdown ashes begins  said   geraint ability play 100 tests england  attitude    people remember raw  things work case smoothing rough edges   in terms winning ashes  important role play  real damage doubt stomach fight  meanwhile  steve harmison reflected disappointing tour south africa  harmison told news world   it high intensity  high pressure cricket tour mentally physically draining   it environment hit bad patch   
class_cricket	england roll victory  one day tour match  sharjah  england uae  prior top scored 84 stand 100 helped england 280 sharjah solanki making 55 michael powell 42  glamorgan s david harrison struck early leave uae reeling 22 two  usman saleem restored respectability 50 uae ran steam close 219 nine  tourists won saturday s game 42 runs   rashid khan  amjad javed  usman saleem naeemuddin aslam  khuram khan  capt   ahmed nadeem  fahad usman sameer zia  mohammad taskeen  wkt   ali asad  rizwan latif   solanki  prior  wkt   bell  capt   shah powell  gidman  swann  franks  dawson harrison  lewis   iftikhar ali tariq butt 
class_cricket	kaif absence wrong   azharuddin  india wrong leave mohammad kaif squad test pakistan  captain mohammad azharuddin   azharuddin  serving life ban match fixing  feels middle order batsman deserves chance   kaif batted australia tough wicket   azharuddin told bbc sport   he s lot talent held back  omission good confidence   kaif scored fifties year s home series loss aussies  yuvraj singh failed badly opponents squad berth mohali test starting 8 march   azharuddin reckons vangipurappu laxman bat drop struggling form   laxman played number three   said   lower order  lot pressure captain  played number three   spinners harbhajan singh anil kumble  india pacemen choose naming ashish nehra  lakshmipathy balaji  irfan pathan zaheer khan 14 man squad   all pace bowlers deserve team   azharuddin added  pakistan  minus injured paceman shoaib akhtar  due arrive india monday ahead warm up match indian board president s xi starting thursday   shoaib akhtar s absence pakistani side make difference   azharuddin opined   he wicket consistent  also  indian batting strong now    azharuddin maintains innocence central involvement match fixing scandal 2000 pakistani salim malik late hansie cronje south africa receive life bans  99 tests india 1984 2000  azharuddin scored 6 215 runs average 45 22 centuries  
class_cricket	bracewell worried lee  zealand coach john bracewell furious australia paceman brett lee bowled beamers batsmen current one day series   brendon mccullum struck arm waist high full toss auckland sunday  match australia won  bracewell said   he s apologetic time it   he apologetic chris harris  paul wiseman  apologised brendon  lot apologies    bracewell view lee bowled beamer pakistan s abdul razzaq vb series  sunday  furious mccullum confronted lee mid pitch struck arm  incident resolved  bracewell happy  lee  2 24 overs saturday michael papps hospital bouncer  contrite afterwards   heavy dew caused feet shift delivery stride lost control mccullum   unfortunately ball hit   god hurt him   lee   i beamed accidently razzaq  also vb series  impression crazy    mccullum  lost 15 20 seconds apologised  i that    australia captain ricky ponting refuses admit animosity sides bracewell s disquiet   teams well   ponting said     we ve other s rooms game  relations good   the thing full toss brett bowled  everything s great  good series played great spirit   laws game  bowler removed attack umpires bowling beamers match  accidental not  delivery passes batsman waist height bouncing deemed no ball  
class_cricket	pakistan accept venues compromise  doubts surrounding pakistan s tour india receded boards agreed move test ahmedabad calcutta   return switching test  pakistan agreed play extra one day international ahmedabad   the tour delayed days   pakistan cricket board chairman shaharyar khan  ahmedabad scene religious riots 2002 pakistan s cricketers wary playing there  compromise solution reached friday  day tour schedule due confirmed  sixth one day international played ahmedabad appease gujarat cricket association  pakistan cricket board initially suggested mumbai alternative ahmedabad test  agreed played calcutta  kolkata    khan met india s external affairs minister natwar singh islamabad thursday held telephone talks jagmohan dalmiya  patron board control cricket india   we hope final itinerary announced bcci friday   khan   we constant touch agree dates tour start lot work do   i happy matter resolved tour smoothly    tests place mohali bangalore  cochin  vishakapatnam  delhi  jamshedpur kanpur stage one day internationals  indian government confirmed 8 000 visas granted pakistan supporters attend mohali test  seven week tour pakistan s india years squad due announced saturday  due arrive delhi 24 25 february begin three day warm up match 27th  however  tv rights awarded  counter petition zee due heard madras high court thursday  bcci backed four year deal zee september espn star sports challenged court  salim altaf  pcb s director cricket operations  appointed team manager tour  replaces test batsman haroon rashid   it s big responsibility importance tour best   altaf said  
class_cricket	tuffey pays price profligacy  zealand dropped seam bowler daryl tuffey woeful display one day international australia   tuffey no balls wides 14 ball opening 25 runs overs removed attack  zealand lost 86 runs australia wrapped series matches remaining  lance hamilton replaces tuffey fourth odi wellington tuesday  kiwi captain stephen fleming disappointed tuffey s performance eden park   there lot faith put game   told sunday star times   there question marks form games performance international standard   you pretty disappointed bowled past puts performance that   michael papps  hit head brett lee bouncers saturday  missing scan revealed avoided injury  otago batsman craig cumming called replacement  andre adams ready return side continues struggle viral infection plagued season   stephen fleming  captain   nathan astle  craig cumming  hamish marshall  james marshall  craig mcmillan  chris cairns  brendon mccullum  daniel vettori  jeff wilson  kyle mills  lance hamilton  
class_cricket	tendulkar eyes test return  star batsman sachin tendulkar hopeful fit india s home series pakistan month   31 year old poised make return long term elbow injury tuesday domestic four day match   i m prepare way   tendulkar  played competitively bangladesh tour december   i match  happen feel fully fit   tendulkar captain west zone south zone duleep trophy hyderabad  india paceman irfan pathan  missed domestic games month due side strain  set make comeback game  tendulkar s injury problems attributed wear tear caused non stop cricket emerged international scene 1989 16 year old  pakistan arrive delhi 28 february tour india years  includes tests one day games  
class_cricket	tudor fresh start essex  england paceman alex tudor joined essex one year contract   27 year old  10 test caps  released surrey end season 10 years oval  played championship game 2004 side injury agreed  performance related  terms essex treatment specialist   i determined repay essex faith shown me  start itching field   said    essex captain  ronnie irani phoned heard released surrey wanted fit  sign wanted back cricket field   i ve spinal problem essex put touch people germany owe lot   added  tudor performer bat overnight hero 1999 innings 99 zealand england test victory edgbaston  played england 2002 03 ashes tour when  ironically  joined squad replacement essex team mate darren gough  irani tudor  world class signing    told club s website   he role model professional first class attitude great asset team   there question mark alex s fitness record late extreme measures order back track   if talking alex tudor future essex england player   signing welcomed coach graham gooch  england manager tudor s tour australia 1998 99   i praise conducted   field performed disciplines dressing room   gooch   alex international quality player good team man motivated prove doubters wrong   
class_cricket	england slump defeat  fourth one day international  cape town  south africa 291 5  50 overs  beat england 183  41 2 overs  108 runs  home side tallied massive 291 5  gibbs making 100  jacques kallis 71 justin kemp 57 36 balls  reply  england wickets inside overs  bowled 183 41 2 overs  kevin pietersen smashed 75 85 balls caught deep tempo  all  13 sixes hit sun baked newlands  kemp accounting gibbs pietersen  gibbs kallis  play home side western province  set mark wicket ground beat record   set week   wicket england stand 143   set pace  notching half centuries successive deliveries  looked par kallis run brilliant direct throw paul collingwood point  however  kemp helped add 98 10 overs south african innings  building brutally platform  kemp s darren gough  drive pavilion long on  gough hanging gibbs  maximums  momentum carrying boundary rope  england looked keeping pace sixth reply  geraint jones edged ntini 32 board   captain michael vaughan  returned illness replaced vikram solanki line up  duck over  edging shaun pollock slip  marcus trescothick balls later  playing ntini yorker middle stump  andrew strauss  made 17  paul collingwood  11  settled failed move on  pietersen left stage firework display  falling successive slog sweep spinner nicky boje flown square leg boundary   pietersen  sporting hairstyle diagonal streak bleached blond  series figures 238 runs average 119  ntini ashley giles caught cover 20 finish 3 29  ignoring fact team batting won 17 25 one day internationals cape town ground  vaughan opted put home side winning toss  forced making early  though  steve harmison struggled match back calf injury  pace bowler  replaced matthew hoggard line up  conceded 24 runs overs  including wides   darren gough dismissed ab de villiers lbw  wayward early  arrival kabir ali first change bowler apply brakes  ali  hero wednesday s tie bloemfontein dismissed graeme smith  hero friday s victory  lbw straight delivery high  collingwood support six over spell brought figures 1 11  ali s early figures decimated  though  closing stages gibbs kemp blazed put match reach  teams meet east london wednesday instalment seven match series   smith  capt   de villiers  kallis  gibbs  prince  kemp  boucher  wkt   pollock  boje  ntini  nel   mp vaughan  capt   trescothick  jones  strauss  pietersen  bell  collingwood  giles  kabir ali  gough  harmison  
class_cricket	streak ends zim dispute  captain heath streak signed contract play zimbabwe ending 10 month dispute country s cricketing authorities   streak sacked april criticising zimbabwe cricket s selection policies   i finalise aspects contract warwickshire ties international commitments   30 year old said   otherwise ready play zimbabwe selected   streak  join zimbabwe squad south africa  added   i putting weight fully captain tatenda taibu rest lads   warwickshire  meanwhile  expect streak play summer planned  club spokesman keith cook told bbc sport   we e mail heath overnight agent states co ordinate international commitments warwickshire incorporate views thinking   theory major conflict interests summer zimbabwe s tour south africa ends mid march action september  play host zealand  streak s situation discussed warwickshire committee meeting monday  streak s sacking zimbabwe  14 players resigned protest gavin ewing  barney rogers andy blignaut returned fold follow suit  zc negotiations remaining  rebels   believed grant flower  essex  ray price  worcestershire  sign deals committing playing county cricket england season  
class_cricket	aussie mcgrath match  one day international  auckland  zealand australia  match begins 0100 gmt  opener matthew hayden sit match shoulder injury suffered game tuesday  mcgrath s place michael kasprowicz simon katich replaces hayden  open batting preference michael clarke  zealand trail 2 0 win auckland five match series alive  black caps dropped batsman mathew sinclair opening defeats  calling opener michael papps all rounder andre adams  adams ruled due illness  adding home side s woes scott styris injured knee  batsman james marshall make international debut acting 12th man game   marshall identical twin hamish marshall  zealand s batsman match  news batsmen spent time team psychologist wednesday added air desperation zealand camp  captain stephen fleming played down  emphasised pride stake games left series   we re pretty determined  importance match series alive   said   but importantly play standard 12 24 months    australia won 10 11 one day matches zealand  captain ricky ponting mood loosen side s grip series local rivals   sure great position played pretty good cricket improving   said   all win improve  means psychological hold zealand good    fleming  capt   astle  marshall  mcmillan  cairns  mccullum  wkt   vettori  wilson  mills  tuffey  papps  marshall   ponting  captain   gilchrist  katich  martyn  clarke  hussey  symonds  hogg  lee  gillespie  kasprowicz  
class_cricket	batsman van jaarsveld joins kent  south african batsman martin van jaarsveld ended international career sign contract kent   30 year old move england kolpak ruling  meaning classed overseas player  kent chief executive paul millman refused disclose length deal told bbc sport joining  at years    we ve talking time contract stay silent   continued   now released that  happy joining committed playing kent    van jaarsveld played tests south africa england december  fallen pecking order   you continuity dressing room  overseas players year freed season   millman added   when tours world difficult pinpoint talent long period time solution   kent chairman cricket graham johnson added   while present plan engage overseas player  option remains short term basis   van jaarsveld hit 484 runs county championship matches northamptonshire year opportunity return county cricket good turn down   having understood future international prospects limited  needed weigh options make decision interests long term future   explained  van jaarsveld s domestic side south africa  centurion based titans  batsman play future  however  classed overseas player republic  
class_cricket	jayasuriya set join somerset  somerset expected announce thursday sri lankan batsman sanath jayasuriya join county start 2005 season   chief executive peter anderson told bbc sport club release statement matter 1600 gmt  jayasuriya fill place graeme smith temporary basis south african due arrive late captain team  jayasuriya  35  rejected offer play scottish saltires  jayasuriya played 94 tests  averaging 43 45 bat taking 89 wickets left arm spin  played one day internationals players world cricket 334 appearances  attack minded left hander played county cricket before  shaping golden summer sri lankans english domestic cricket  upul chandana  gloucestershire   chaminda vaas  worcestershire  muttiah muralitharan  lancashire  contracted  kumar sangakkara mahela jayawardene reported opportunities  
class_cricket	streak happy comeback  heath streak pleased performance zimbabwe comeback  defeat south africa   streak made 68 bu home side won final one day international wickets port elizabeth  said   i nervous  situation in  important thing chip in   i stay end play ball merit  important thing ball ground play special shots   main streak  zimbabwe recovered 35 5 post 206 8 50 overs reduced home side 79 4   justin kemp  lucky adjudged caught ball  dropped twice  smashed unbeaten 78 steer south africa victory  nicky boje  standing south africa captain graeme smith s absence  praised tourists  streak   we made hard zimbabweans back well   said   streaky campaigner play situations   zimbabwe captain tatenda taibu said   it important fight hard carry fighting test series   back to back tests begins cape town friday  
class_cricket	auckland set fortwenty20  twenty20 international  auckland  zealand australia  starts thursday 0600 gmt   black caps injured daniel vettori  play saturday s match 50 over one day series  rugby union international jeff wilson included 12 man squad historic encounter  australia boost matthew hayden overcame pleurisy scare matches  double black wilson  returns international line 12 year lay off  secret australia viewed toughest opponents black caps face   the aussies world s premier team  pretty accomplished one day side too  forward part challenge   wilson   as team  illusions tough good are  simply matter playing consistently grabbing chances   tour focus remains firmly fixed opening one day international  zealand coach john bracewell twenty20 match good opportunity early  sighter  other    the twenty20 match chance psychological points long series ahead   bracewell  statistics favour zealand  lost home series years  statistics count compared current form australia aura invincibility  australia  meanwhile  flew sydney wednesday tour  dismissing suggestions minds ashes series england summer  tour australia s final workout ahead ashes trip england looming potentially greater threat  captain ricky ponting team worried zealand   i lot media talking ashes series  big vital series play first   ponting   new zealand good side hard beat australia lot harder beat there    fleming  cpt   adams  astle  cairns  mccullum  wkt   mcmillan  marshall  mills  sinclair  styris  tuffey  wilson  ponting  cpt   gilchrist  wkt   hayden  martyn  symonds  clarke  katich  hussey  hopes  hogg  lee  gillespie  kasprowicz  mcgrath 
class_cricket	batting prospects excite vaughan  england skipper michael vaughan excited potential middle order allegiance andrew flintoff kevin pietersen summer   provided flintoff fully recovered ankle operation  pietersen pose big threat australia ashes test series   if helmets crowd   vaughan big hitting duo   they re destructive game opposition   amazingly flintoff play test australia  progressing recovery operation left ankle  plaster cast surrounding joint removed  ashes encounters england decimated injury  vaughan hoping burden summer   pietersen s one day centuries south africa recently ushered front queue batting place  dislodge rob key mark butcher waiting list  ian bell staked claim place   when play australia character bit arrogance kevin attributes   vaughan continued   but kevin pietersen available   we options batting department players disappointed  disappoint players enough   england buoyed 2 1 test series victory south africa  vaughan pragmatic australia benchmark side judged  vaughan added   it challenge forward face biggest challenges relish team thinking way   
class_cricket	jayasuriya set join somerset  somerset expected announce thursday sri lankan batsman sanath jayasuriya join county start 2005 season   chief executive peter anderson told bbc sport club release statement matter 1600 gmt  jayasuriya fill place graeme smith temporary basis south african due arrive late captain team  jayasuriya  35  rejected offer play scottish saltires  jayasuriya played 94 tests  averaging 43 45 bat taking 89 wickets left arm spin  played one day internationals players world cricket 334 appearances  attack minded left hander played county cricket before  shaping golden summer sri lankans english domestic cricket  upul chandana  gloucestershire   chaminda vaas  worcestershire  muttiah muralitharan  lancashire  contracted  kumar sangakkara mahela jayawardene reported opportunities  
class_cricket	pakistan batsmen make edgy start  tour match  dharamsala  day  stumps  pakistan 165 5 indian board president s xi  stumps day three  tourists 165 5 dharamsala  45 overs rain  important 72 run stand wicket inzamam ul haq asim kamal pakistan collapsed 54 0 83 4  kamal close 43 captain inzamam  35th birthday  dismissed 35  pakistan cruising early salman butt taufeeq umar losing wickets 29 runs barely 10 overs cricket  11th misunderstanding umar run resulted downfall   gagandeep singh hitting stumps throw fine leg  gagandeep job ball younis khan caught slip two ball duck  yousuf youhana batted brightly hitting 18 deliveries fell tea inside edging drive shib paul wicket keeper parthiv patel  moments umar held short midwicket bat pad give rudra singh wicket  pressure on  inzamam kamal produced dogged effort final session venugopal rao trapped skipper lbw  wicket fall spinner chilly day city foothills himalayas  match pakistan s warm up game tests india begins mohali 8 march   mohammad kaif  capt   dheeraj jadhav  satyajit parab  venugopala rao  suresh raina  parthiv patel  wkt   ramesh powar  gagandeep singh  shib shankar paul  rudra pratap singh  neeraj patel   inzamam ul haq  capt   salman butt  taufeeq umar  yousuf youhana  younis khan  asim kamal  abdul razzaq  kamran akmal  wkt   danish kaneria  mohammad sami  rana naved ul hasan  
class_cricket	pakistan question warm up venue  pakistan voiced concern choice dharamshala stage warm up game india   tuesday s practice session cancelled rain forecast gloomy weekend  worried travel schedule disrupt practice mohali  venue test   if back came  flights  practice sunday   team manager salim altaf   we day s nets mohali   pakistan due begin three day game indian board president s xi altitude dharamshala thursday  players watch skies hotel hour long drive kangra airport arrived planes short runway   we helpless nature   anurag thakur  president local himachal pradesh cricket association   everybody keeping fingers crossed   added    we play test series short match practice   i rain away   altaf  meanwhile  chief selector wasim bari hopeful shoaib akhtar s absence inspire mohammad sami level tour  akhtar miss test series hamstring trouble  hoping return one dayers   he ll missed player 25  extra overcome loss  hopes responsibilty  sami out   bari said    they spring surprise india  talented side   bari feels team capable responding favourably disappointment tour australia  heavily beaten three day tests  lose final triangular one day series   obviously made mistakes tour australia  capitalise lessons learnt   bari observed   good results pave young team path attain maturity   tour pakistan s india 1999 atone year s home defeat arch rivals  dalai lama  lived exile dharamshala fleeing china 1959  inaugurate thursday s match originally planned  reports pakistan cricket board concerned presence country s good relations china   the decision dalai lama inconvenience anyone   spokesman  tenzin takla  
class_cricket	india s top secure   ganguly  captain sourav ganguly revealed india tempted tinkering batting order test pakistan    our batting order tests fixed  number six   ganguly told bbc sport  means rahul dravid remain number vvs laxman six  averaging 53 5 drop test cricket   to honest  dravid batted laxman three   ganguly added   if batsman  bat higher up  greater opportunity score   while batting lower order  play tail   ganguly gave backing gautam gambhir  banishing speculation yuvraj singh asked open batting failed experiment australia year    i feel born opener   team find one   stated   look justin langer  opener  aussies groomed him  virender sehwag settled opener tests one dayers  gambhir well   in year s time  settled opening pair   sachin tendulkar  bat number ganguly five  received support skipper concerns fitness form   when sachin 100 percent fit  is  talk form man 70 international hundreds   wicket keeper dinesh karthik number seven  india left spots bowlers   suggesting yuvraj miss out   mohali  host test starting 8 march  seam friendly pitch india included pacemen 14 man squad  addition spinners anil kumble harbhajan singh  india forced choose pace quartet irfan pathan  zaheer khan  ashish nehra lakshmipathy balaji   in kumble harbhajan  world class spinners moment place one   ganguly said   our seam attack pakistan tour year  select final eleven wickets mohali  record seaming track   ganguly refused carried fact pakistan s pace attack depleted absence shoaib akhtar injury    i feel pakistan young fit team  hungry success  view thing bringing fit team  bringing injured players   said   it fully fit team injured shoaib akhtar don bradman matter   i agree pakistan s team weak india walkover   it tough series 50 days treat fans sides   
class_cricket	harbhajan action all clear  indian spinner harbhajan singh s bowling action cleared regulations introduced international cricket council   bowler s action deemed legal providing arm straightens 15 degrees  icc statement harbhajan s orthodox off break doosra fell  within tolerance threshold   reported icc match referee chris broad test bangladesh december  result  underwent tests supervised biomechanics expert bruce elliott university western australia month  reported back panel experts set indian board  passed findings icc  circulated members elite panel umpires match referees  harbhajan  action scrutiny 1998  189 test wickets claimed 117 victims one day internationals  elliott confident bowled similar intensity test matches camera test   we make comparison video match reported   things ball speed  arm rotation  position body technique   explained   we arbiters daryl foster harbhajan give ranking delivery confident quality deliveries   
class_cricket	pakistan arrive tour india  pakistan arrived delhi monday amid tight security full tour india years   16 man squad  coach bob woolmer support staff  met heavily guarded indira gandhi airport 45 minute flight  armed guards vigil tourists hotel six mile route lined security men  hindu fundamentalists threatened protest perceived pakistani backing militancy kashmir   i delighted back india   captain inzamam ul haq said   i enjoyed playing people crazy cricket   i worried security  concern team plays tour   series india pakistan eagerly awaited  largely politics restrict amount cricket teams play other   engagement  include tests one dayers  threatened  schedule put back days dispute centred pakistan s refusal play test ahmedabad  test mohali 8 march  then  protracted row television rights  madras high court issued interim orders ensure matches broadcast live state owned channel doordarshan  inzamam beseeched side make 2004 defeat india home soil  lost 2 1 tests 3 2 one day internationals  said   we make amends year   the australian tour big learning experience position reap benefits india   2004 series  pakistan sacked coach javed miandad replaced woolmer  inzamam believes woolmer improved side string positive results come   said   a lot changed series  woolmer helped change attitude boys  positive professional pressure playing india   pakistan strike bowler shoaib akhtar  hamstring   leaving recalled off spinner arshad khan leg spinner danish kaneria work do  inzamam said   shoaib s absence felt  strength playing unit    khan kaneria  big role play  depending lot test matches   we expecting slow  turning tracks practicing conditions   pakistan s match three day warm up indian board president s xi dharamsala march 3   sourav ganguly  captain   virender sehwag  gautam gambhir  rahul dravid  sachin tendulkar  vvs laxman  yuvraj singh  dinesh karthik  wicketkeeper   irfan pathan  anil kumble  harbhajan singh  zaheer khan  ashish nehra  lakshmipathy balaji   salman butt  yasir hameed  taufeeq umar  younis khan  inzamam ul haq  captain   yousuf youhana  asim kamal  kamran akmal  wkt   abdul razzaq  shoaib malik  shahid afridi  arshad khan  danish kaneria  muhammad sami  rana naved  muhammad khalil  
class_cricket	south africa crush zimbabwe  one day international  johannesburg  south africa 301 7 bt zimbabwe 136 165 runs  makhaya ntini andrew hall wickets apiece tourists bundled 136  adam bacher  56   graeme smith  50  jacques rudolph  50  laid basis south africa mark boucher hit rapid 49 home side s 301 7  poor bowling allowed hosts add 70 overs  spinner prosper utseya 3 40  south africa game build recent 4 1 win england shaun pollock  ankle   andre nel  hamstring  jacques kallis  rested ahead tests  zimbabwe  gave debut teenager sean williams  chose field skipper tatenda taibu won toss  wait 16 overs success smith bacher put 87 wicket  breakthrough smith trapped lbw missing full toss stuart matsikenyeri swing ball leg  bacher s fifty 65 balls faced holing hamilton masakadza utseya  rudolph herschelle gibbs put 56 wicket  runs freely spinners found purchase cracked surface  utseya accounted rudolph 37th justin kemp quickly easily stumped taibu  gibbs caught barney rogers 40 boucher punished inexperienced zimbabwe attack denied half century elton chigumbura  albie morkel weighed 16 deliveries innings drew close  reply  zimbabweans rocked burst new ball pair ntini hall  reduced 55 4  worse morkel claimed wickets   match effectively over   gc smith  capt   bacher  ja rudolph  hh gibbs  ag prince  jm kemp  mv boucher  wkt   ja morkel  boje  aj hall  ntini   taibu  capt  wkt   matsikenyeri  bg rogers  masakadza  brm taylor  maregwede  chigumbura  sc williams  utseya  panyangara  cb mpofu  
class_cricket	hodge earns aussie test call  australia named prolific batsman brad hodge 13 man squad test series zealand   30 year old victorian tour india year play test consistent performances domestic cricket  veteran batsman darren lehmann shoulder surgery misses out  all rounder shane watson recovered torn side muscle  tests christchurch 10 14 march  hodge played warm up match tour india heavy scoring recent weeks victoria earned nod ahead mike hussey andrew symonds   chairman selectors trevor hohns said   he presented irresistible case part tour opportunity  feel confident good job australia   we indian series  missed spot test xi  line national selection  domestic form ensured case   hohns small size squad pose problems tourists  zealand  won one day internationals   opening batsman justin langer leg spinner shane warne join monday 7 march   we feel balanced squad extend size touring party 13 players   hohns added   we plenty options bat ball and  close proximity countries  option flying players series progresses   pace bowler brett lee hoping play test january year impressing one day game  hohns hinted faces tough task displace glenn mcgrath  jason gillespie michael kasprowicz  combined total 149 test wickets 2004   everyone s singing praises period results   there s sides who ve scored runs three pronged attack    ricky ponting  capt   adam gilchrist  michael clarke  jason gillespie  matthew hayden  brad hodge  michael kasprowicz  simon katich  justin langer  brett lee  damien martyn  glenn mcgrath  shane warne  
class_cricket	weather worry pakistan  pakistan voiced concern choice dharamshala stage warm up game india   tuesday s practice session cancelled rain forecast gloomy weekend  worried travel schedule disrupt practice mohali  venue test   if back came  flights  practice sunday   team manager salim altaf   we day s nets mohali   pakistan due begin three day game indian board president s xi altitude dharamshala thursday  players watch skies hotel hour long drive kangra airport arrived planes short runway   we helpless nature   anurag thakur  president local himachal pradesh cricket association   everybody keeping fingers crossed   added    we play test series short match practice   i rain away   altaf  meanwhile  chief selector wasim bari hopeful shoaib akhtar s absence inspire mohammad sami level tour  akhtar miss test series hamstring trouble  hoping return one dayers   he ll missed player 25  extra overcome loss  hopes responsibilty  sami out   bari said    they spring surprise india  talented side   bari feels team capable responding favourably disappointment tour australia  heavily beaten three day tests  lose final triangular one day series   obviously made mistakes tour australia  capitalise lessons learnt   bari observed   good results pave young team path attain maturity   tour pakistan s india 1999 atone year s home defeat arch rivals  dalai lama  lived exile dharamshala fleeing china 1959  inaugurate thursday s match originally planned  reports pakistan cricket board concerned presence country s good relations china   the decision dalai lama inconvenience anyone   spokesman  tenzin takla  
class_cricket	denness leads luckhurst tributes  kent england skipper mike denness paid tribute team mate brian luckhurst death cancer age 66   luckhurst  kent president year  played club 1958 1976  international career consisted 21 tests scored hundreds ray illingworth s england side win ashes australia 1970 71   he great buddy loyal servant   denness told bbc sport   in cricketing terms  lot natural gifts  gifts had  worked hard deserved reach top opening batting england    kent chairman carl openshaw luckhurst  loved  admired respected  club   brian luckhurst heart kent cricket past 50 years  firstly outstanding player  variety administrative capacities finally immensely popular president   throughout time  caring  loyal totally committed kent   continued  born sittingbourne  luckhurst joined staff canterbury age 15 first class career made 22 000 first class runs average 38  including 48 centuries   member kent team dominated county cricket 1970s won trophies outright shared county championship 1977  luckhurst 31 chance play england home series rest world xi 1970  named ashes squad winter marked official test debut  geoff boycott s opening partner  scoring 74 20 draw australia brisbane  game perth bat hours score 131 made 109 test melbourne england series 2 0   it terrific performance he  geoff boycott john edrich  scored runs   in match  melbourne  glove break thought damaged knuckle  fact  fractured knuckle hundred   denness   luckhurst made unbeaten 108 test english soil pakistan added century india 1971 season  appeared one day internationals  style suited test cricket  lost place 1974 75 tour australia pace ferocity dennis lillee jeff thomson proved england  lost 4 1   it torrid time us   added denness  england captain tour   he great tourist  great man  around  great performer  test record  good record    retiring kent team  luckhurst captained xi moving coaching spell sports centre manager  1985  made unexpected return action kent suddenly found 10 players touring australians  recent years worked club s commercial department taking presidency  diagnosed cancer 2004   over 50 years faced challenges   biggest   time  luckhurst s death international cricket fraternity space 24 hours west indies batsman allan rae ex new zealand wicket keeper ian colquhoun  
class_cricket	streak return lift zimbabwe  one day international  port elizabeth  south africa zimbabwe   starts wednesday 1230 gmt  trailing 2 0 one day series  news streak s return tourists lift  12 months international appearance rely heavily past experience  boje leads south africa absence graeme smith  resting ankle problem ahead tests  home side jacques kallis  shaun pollock  makhaya ntini andre nel  absence offers zimbabwe hope achieving win 21 one day meetings sides  home side give opportunity paceman monde zondeki  wicket ball international cricket december 2002  favour year s tour england  share ball charl langevedlt  all rounders albie morkel  boje  justin kemp adam bacher providing bowling back up   boje  capt   bacher  boucher  wkt   ab de villiers  gibbs  kemp  langeveldt  morkel  prince  rudolph  zondeki   taibu  capt  wkt   rogers  matsikenyeri  masakadza  taylor  williams  ewing  mupariwa  chigumbura  utseya  panyangara  hondo  mpofu  cremer  streak  
class_cricket	india s top secure   ganguly  captain sourav ganguly revealed india tempted tinkering batting order test pakistan    our batting order tests fixed  number six   ganguly told bbc sport  means rahul dravid remain number vvs laxman six  averaging 53 5 drop test cricket   to honest  dravid batted laxman three   ganguly added   if batsman  bat higher up  greater opportunity score   while batting lower order  play tail   ganguly gave backing gautam gambhir  banishing speculation yuvraj singh asked open batting failed experiment australia year    i feel born opener   team find one   stated   look justin langer  opener  aussies groomed him  virender sehwag settled opener tests one dayers  gambhir well   in year s time  settled opening pair   sachin tendulkar  bat number ganguly five  received support skipper concerns fitness form   when sachin 100 percent fit  is  talk form man 70 international hundreds   wicket keeper dinesh karthik number seven  india left spots bowlers   suggesting yuvraj miss out   mohali  host test starting 8 march  seam friendly pitch india included pacemen 14 man squad  addition spinners anil kumble harbhajan singh  india forced choose pace quartet irfan pathan  zaheer khan  ashish nehra lakshmipathy balaji   in kumble harbhajan  world class spinners moment place one   ganguly said   our seam attack pakistan tour year  select final eleven wickets mohali  record seaming track   ganguly refused carried fact pakistan s pace attack depleted absence shoaib akhtar injury    i feel pakistan young fit team  hungry success  view thing bringing fit team  bringing injured players   said   it fully fit team injured shoaib akhtar don bradman matter   i agree pakistan s team weak india walkover   it tough series 50 days treat fans sides   
class_cricket	harbhajan action all clear  indian spinner harbhajan singh s bowling action cleared regulations introduced international cricket council   bowler s action deemed legal providing arm straightens 15 degrees  icc statement harbhajan s orthodox off break doosra fell  within tolerance threshold   reported icc match referee chris broad test bangladesh december  result  underwent tests supervised biomechanics expert bruce elliott university western australia month  reported back panel experts set indian board  passed findings icc  circulated members elite panel umpires match referees  harbhajan  action scrutiny 1998  189 test wickets claimed 117 victims one day internationals  elliott confident bowled similar intensity test matches camera test   we make comparison video match reported   things ball speed  arm rotation  position body technique   explained   we arbiters daryl foster harbhajan give ranking delivery confident quality deliveries   
class_cricket	pakistan promised tough warm up  tour match  dharamshala  indian board president s xi pakistan  match starts 0400 gmt thursday  batsman kaif lead board president s xi three day game dharamshala overlooked india week s test  ground 1 300 feet sea level pakistan expect conditions problem   we played johannesburg  altitude issue   team manager salim altaf commented  pakistan number selection issues  paln field xi plays president s xi test  salman butt  yasir hameed taufeeq umar competing places top order  room seamers mohammad sami  naved ul hasan mohammad khalil danish kaneria arshad khan chosen form spin bowling partnership mohali   we expect pitches turn india players learn adapt themselves  talented batting line up  good team making   coach bob woolmer   we effective spinner kaneria  leg spinners world cricket  potential type leg spinner   match pakistan s warm up start test series disrupted weather  tuesday s practice session cancelled rain downpours forecast weekend  woolmer  has  meanwhile  pressure players ahead tests   cricket game  pressure alleviated play enjoy it   said   essentially cricket create pressure    mohammad kaif  capt   satyajit parab  dheeraj jadhav  shikhir dhawan  venugopala rao  suresh raina  neeraj patel  parthiv patel  ramesh powar  shib shankar paul  rudra pratap singh  gagandeep singh  ranadeb bose  ram kumar   inzamam ul haq  capt   salman butt  yasir hameed  younis khan  yousuf youhana  shoaib malik  abdul razzaq  kamran akmal  rana naved ul hasan  mohammad sami  danish kaneria  mohammad khalil  asim kamal  taufeeq umar  shahid afridi  arshad khan  
class_cricket	west indies opener rae mourned  west indies test batsman allan rae died kingston  jamaica  age 82 long illness   rae scored 1 016 runs 15 tests opener 1948 1953  averaging 46 18 making centuries  part windies team defeat england test series 1950  quitting first class game focus legal career  rae president west indies cricket board  position held 1981 1988  book  history west indies cricket  jamaican prime minister michael manley rae  brought presidency important characteristics finest administrative leaders  deep sense tradition mind open change   praised rae s scenes work sir don bradman bring west indies australia players involved kerry packer s world series back cricket establishment  time president  number west indies players life bans unauthorised tours south africa  rae s playing career began 1946 47 earned place west indies team  marking series centuries india bombay  now mumbai  madras  chennai   part strong opening partnership jeff stollmeyer  remembered part 1950 tour england made 106 lord s 109 oval west indies won series 3 1  played tests thereafter  india port spain february 1953   allan meant cricket  player  hard working administrator   bryan breese  chief executive jamaica cricket association   he neglected legal practice times dedication cricket jamaica   
class_cricket	streak set make return  zimbabwe captain heath streak recalled national squad wednesday s final one day match south africa   streak  ended disagreement zimbabwe cricket  said   i m forward back   obviously element concern played level while  playing cricket   i good season warwickshire playing club cricket   sunday  captain tatenda taibu streak andy blignaut considered test series south africa starting 4 march    case streak   comeback immediate  zimbabwe s team manager babu memen said   it s play wednesday  stay test series   captain streak  30  sacked april 2004 criticising zimbabwe cricket s selection policies  streak s dismissal  14 white players resigned protest gavin ewing barney rogers returned fold blignaut streak poised likewise   streak announced put differences zc friday  board s managing director ozias bvute announced   heath immediately selection   now  streak happy play regime  taibu captain  said   i ve played captain not  give stepping tatenda s toes  lend experience gained   rebels   stuart carlisle  trevor gripper  neil ferreira charles coventry   decided make selection team  five match one day home series zimbabwe s string bangladesh starts thursday  remaining rebels  craig wishart gary brent revealed interested returning  ray price  sean ervine  travis friend grant flower opted county cricket england  position richard sims remains unclear  
class_cricket	india  confident  deal  president indian board insisted home series pakistan ahead ongoing legal wrangle tv rights    we confident worked out  hear courts  work war footing   ranbir singh mahendra  zee tv  challenging board s decision scrap £241m deal  offered compromise  offered screen series one off  letter board  wrote   ztl risks costs equity favour   this prejudice respective contentions parties madras court   zee require paid  mutually agreed  production costs  pakistan cricket board  meanwhile  expressed concern earlier news reports series postponed court case resolved  move  highly disappointing  fans countries  eagerly awaiting series   read pcb statement   it lead severe loss revenue boards dislocation logistics postponed tour    moreover  postponement tour difficult pakistan touring west indies early may   statement continued  pakistan squad due arrive india monday play tests one day internationals  tour postponed boards revised itinerary pakistan refused play test ahmedabad security concerns  losing series massive blow prestige mahendra  replaced jagmohan dalmiya bcci president september  told agence france presse   the tour ahead scheduled   yes  delay tv rights  matter court   zee awarded four year contract year board reopen bidding process espn star sports rupert murdoch s news corporation challenged original decision  espn indian state broadcaster doordarshan talking board attempt ensure series ahead  
class_cricket	lara injury worry west indies  vb series  perth  match nine  west indies pakistan  play starts friday 0315 gmt  lara expected play perth wrist injury  winners taking hosts australia  pedro collins  thigh strain  ramnesh sarwan  bruised elbow  injury concerns windies  pakistan leading bastman younis khan  flown home death father  skipper inzamam ul haq believes three wicket victory australia perth sunday give side upper hand  said   definitely advantage played test match played perth 15 16 days that   this track totally west indies playing time here   this win helped coming games  play final win   added  inzamam wary in form lara belted 156 138 balls victory pakistan adelaide friday   team bowled australia warned lara top game medium pace bowler naved ul hasan all rounder abdul razzaq showing form   i realises bowling good game  naved razzaq worked hard nets good here   lara conceded pakistan advantage pointed plenty players west indies squad  including himself  played waca ground before   we ve batsmen played track doing   lara    it mental game physical side experience waca   what worried pakistan playing games days   said   hopefully play mind tired bunch    inzamam ul haq  captain   shoaib malik  yousuf youhana  salman butt  kamran akmal  wkt   abdul razzaq  shahid afridi  naved ul hasan  yasir hameed  rao iftikhar  mohammad khalil   gayle  hinds  sarwan  lara  capt  chanderpaul  powell  bravo  browne  wkt  bradshaw  king  collins  
class_cricket	bashar delighted series win  bangladesh skipper habibul bashar thrilled win decider zimbabwe gave country first ever one day series triumph    yes  morale losing matches   said  eight wicket victory dhaka   but knew back win series   we worked hard rectify mistakes happy won match chasing target  easy   taibu s counterpart  tatenda taibu  left reflect losing early initiative five match series    it us   zimbabwe captain   i play spin lost wickets crucial stages  played well  boys good job  worked hard fought out   bangladesh won 106 matches making one day debut 1986 clinched maiden test series zimbabwe earlier january  
class_cricket	injured butcher tour  mark butcher ruled rest england s tour south africa sprained left wrist   andrew flintoff prove bowling fitness fourth test  starts thursday  suffering abdominal muscle tear  flintoff batted nets attempt bowl tuesday play solely batsman  butcher fly home week  replaced ian bell  played single test year   mark specialist johannesburg fly home days   england media manager dave clarke   he bat nets morning unable grip bat   butcher endured year beset back neck trouble   i despondent things summer injuries  feels worse   said   i hopeful swelling down  chance match   i struggling throw downs tennis balls  chance played cricket balls discomfort    flintoff bowl  england call seamer james anderson xi expense spinner ashley giles  include paul collingwood  batsman bowls medium pace  robert key  replaced butcher test  missing out  england days cape town 196 run defeat  test reverse december 2003  flying johannesburg sunday  michael vaughan revealed sending member team pre match coin toss  vaughan won 22 tosses skipper   i designate to   vaughan   i m giving thought no one worse me   
class_cricket	world xi win tsunami match  tsunami appeal match  melbourne  icc world xi 344 8 beat asian 232 xi 111 runs  ricky ponting hit 115 massive total 344 8 electing bat front crowd 70 101  rahul dravid top scored 75 asian xi reply  virender sehwag s brisk 45  daniel vettori 3 58 england s darren gough wicket catch  shane warne 2 27  game  broadcast 122 countries estimated global television audience billion  began minute s silence victims tsunami   australian prime minister john howard tossed coin start match  international cricket council chief executive  malcolm speed  paid tribute players taking part  said   this signifies game s compassion commitment provide enable survivors tsunami rebuild lives possible   ponting entertained fans early hitting big shots anil kumble abdul razzaq world xi s run rate ticking healthy rate  chris cairns  69  brian lara  52  enjoyed middle order packed stars delivered goods   plenty time unorthodox   australia tailender glenn mcgrath batted number six  fell golden duck  muttiah muralitharan captured wicket figures 3 59  comeback performance sri lankan injured months caught 26 december tragedy  sehwag gave asian xi good start reached 59 0 10th over  wickets regularly tumbled fell catch deep hit warne s ball six   vettori stuck middle order dravid played lone hand kumar sangakkara   gough s sole victim   providing meaningful support  world xi boosted presence steve waugh substitute fielder end match  wrapped 40th run murali duck  man match ponting said   the day very  special   it s great cricket community world play huge part raise money put smile faces world   asian xi captain sourav ganguly said   i hope contributed people suffered disaster    sourav ganguly  ind capt   sanath jayasuriya  sl   virender sehwag  ind   rahul dravid  ind   yousuf youhana  pak   kumar sangakkara  sl   abdul razzaq  pak   chaminda vaas  sl   zaheer khan  ind   anil kumble  ind   muttiah muralitharan  sl   alok kapali  ban  12th man  sachin tendulkar  ind  13th man   ricky ponting  aus capt   matthew hayden  aus   adam gilchrist  aus   stephen fleming  nz   brian lara  wi   chris gayle  wi   chris cairns  nz   shane warne  aus   glenn mcgrath  aus   darren gough  eng   daniel vettori  nz   dwayne bravo  wi  12th man   rudi koertzen  sa   billy bowden  nz  
class_cricket	flintoff fit bowl wanderers  fourth test  wanderers  south africa england  plays starts 0830 gmt  fourth test begins wanderers thursday  trescothick said   we re allowed odd blip there   you win row special team   england s main concern continues fitness andrew flintoff  recovering torn side muscle bowl test  trescothick england appreciated days cape town  to chill relax  intense tour players experienced  voiced concern flintoff   side strains difficult big area  for fast bowlers  generate pace bowling   said    he s days react  nets he ll unscathed   any time lose bowlers difficult all rounder creates bit gap team situation   form pace spearhead steve harmison concern  trescothick said   steve s fine throughout   the ball s  coming well   everyone dips form   depends quickly pepole back those  he ll back that  waiting happen   the guys generally good spirits  needed time off    graeme smith  capt   nicky boje  mark boucher  hashim amla  ab de villiers  boeta dippenaar  herschelle gibbs  andrew hall  jacques kallis  charl langeveldt  makhaya ntini  shaun pollock  jacques rudolph  dale steyn   england  marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  robert key  michael vaughan  capt   graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  wkt   ashley giles  simon jones  matthew hoggard  steve harmison  paul collingwood  gareth batty  james anderson  chris read  ian bell  
class_cricket	flintoff fit bowl wanderers  fourth test  wanderers  south africa england  plays starts thursday  0830 gmt  concerns rib muscle injury restrict playing specialist batsman match  captain michael vaughan said   he s bowl fine fully fit play all rounder   we bowls  cape town thought bowler durban best   flintoff 20 deliveries three quarter pace wednesday s practice session  27 year old incurred side strain 196 run defeat cape townlast week bowl eve johannesburg test  vaughan necessarily shield flintoff bowling heavy workload endured tests  skipper commented   we judge bowling day surface him    but concerned play role required   opening batsman marcus trescothick team remained confident defeat cape town left series evenly poised 1 1 play  said   we re allowed odd blip there  win row special   the guys generally good spirits  needed time off   flintoff happily fit play england unchanged  form pace spearhead steve harmison main concern  trescothick said   steve s fine throughout   the ball s  coming well   everyone dips form   depends quickly people back those  he ll back that  waiting happen   graeme smith  capt   nicky boje  mark boucher  hashim amla  ab de villiers  boeta dippenaar  herschelle gibbs  andrew hall  jacques kallis  charl langeveldt  makhaya ntini  shaun pollock  jacques rudolph  dale steyn   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  robert key  michael vaughan  capt   graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  wkt   ashley giles  simon jones  matthew hoggard  steve harmison  
class_cricket	australia build imposing lead  test  nagpur  day  stumps   australia 202 3   398 india 185  india bowled 185 morning session  paceman gillespie returning 5 56   eighth five wicket haul test cricket  katich made 99 aussies established intimidating 415 run lead reaching 202 3 stumps  places australia brink series win india 35 years  murali kartik showed spirit wickets evening  damien martyn  41  michael clarke  10  crease batting australia set push friday  india s tail fared top order nagpur s lively pitch  losing wickets 39 morning resuming play 146 5   balls day  shane warne claimed 539th test victim fading parthiv patel taking edge en route slip  skipper adam gilchrist delayed taking ball overs  rewarded instantly did  firstly  gillespie gave clarke catches slip rid agit agarkar  india s line defence dismantled glenn mcgrath slip warne combined oust kaif 55   successive test match fifty  india kartik fell gillespie   perish catches edge bat   remained paceman bag five wicket haul india dismissal man zaheer  plenty time left test opportunity rest attack presenting itself  gilchrist chose enforce follow on australia s 213 run first innings lead   early loss matthew hayden   bowled excellent zaheer khan spell   proved decision  largely one way traffic australia negotiated tough  run free 40 minute period lunch  justin langer surviving couple close lbw appeals put 80 wicket katich  langer s scratchy stay end tea hit kartik park succeeding holing deep mid wicket  meaningful partnership offing  however  katich in form martyn upped scoring rate deflating period india  katich supreme spinners  playing patiently square wicket feet move 90s sucessive on driven boundaries hugely disappointing anil kumble  0 62   fate   kartik   conspired katich  stepped back crease plumb lbw register 74th score 99 test cricket history  martyn clarke untroubled closing overs tiring attack  announcing arrival crease glorious boundaries kumble over  
class_cricket	australia dominate india  test  nagpur  day  stumps   australia 398 india 146 5  home side closed 146 5  252 runs arrears 53 short avoiding follow on  glenn mcgrath  playing 100th test  2 18 20 overs mohammad kaif  47 out  propped innings crawled runs over  australia earlier dismissed 398  michael clarke falling zaheer khan  4 95  short ton  india long wrapping australia s innings start day  claiming remaining overnight wickets 36 runs  jason gillespie  lbw zaheer  kasprowicz  bowled agit agarkar  fell cheaply  leaving mcgrath clarke s hope test century  veteran enjoyed stay crease hooked boundaries  end remained unbeaten clarke edged end entertaining knock included 13 boundaries   india typically blustery start virender sehwag  boundaries gillespie s over  forced skipper adam gilchrist protect boundary sweeper overs  forced australia defensive sehwag gave wicket away  flashing hard mcgrath  opener aussie paceman s 447th victim edging gloves athletic gilchrist  diving high right  gillespie  belted attack sehwag  returned end struck immediately aakash chopra caught warne slip eight   left india 35 2 lunch  quiet period interval rahul dravid returning sachin tendulkar block india parity  pair put 15 runs ball shy 13 dawdling overs tendulkar trapped front stumps gillespie  2 47  eight  grassy nagpur pitch meant shane warne s introduction delayed 36th over  balls test cricket s leading wicket taker add tally  vvs laxman caught clarke gully  warne ousted time series reduced india perilous 75 4 process  dravid s stay crease lengthy largely unproductive  consuming 140 balls 21 runs edged mcgrath slip  predictable end veteran paceman worked india s stand in skipper array balls leapt seam pitch akin australian grounds   103 5 india looked vulnerable  kaif parthiv patel   fresh century stand test   showed heart fading light  plain sailing kaif   spurned run out chance catch no ball offered reprieves   grew task managed warne long off  india s sixth wicket offered home side hope  australia strong position push victory award series victory india 35 years   chopra  sehwag  dravid  capt   tendulkar laxman  kaif  patel  wkt   agarkar  kumble kartik  khan   hayden  langer  katich  martyn lehmann  clarke  gilchrist  capt  wkt   warne kasprowicz  gillespie  mcgrath   aleem dar  shepherd  
class_cricket	aussies unhappy pitch  australian skipper ricky ponting raise smile side s 13 run defeat india fourth test mumbai   win border gavaskar trophy victories bangalore nagpur  series success india 1969 70   i thought all time great series tests turned way   this test pitch  terribly disappointing   thrilled  however  pitch mumbai 38 wickets fall days bring match early resolution   australia needed 107 final innings bowled 93 30 5 overs indian spinners made conditions   it gettable  played bat today   full credit india though  batted tough conditions game won ball  do   groundsman polly umrigar defended pitch  saying   my verdict batsmen apply themselves   the wicket difficult made be  batsmen play shots ample opportunities   ponting paid tribute vice captain adam gilchrist  led side tests recuperating broken thumb   when back series  contributed another  pleasing thing   good side   added    it s great tour  short time enjoyed   players enjoy touring india   it s place lot years  time back enjoy helps win well   michael clarke 6 9 final day contributed 400 runs test series  man series award team mate damien martyn  made 444 runs average 55  ended duck   i d 10 runs innings today   martyn joked   we win fight hard  bit disappointing finish won  the series  guiys made fantastic effort month   we hard here  true test batsman   
class_cricket	boycott slams  chucking  plan  geoff boycott condemned international cricket council s proposal relax rules chucking   england batsman move made benefit sri lanka spinner muttiah muralitharan   doosra  ball legal   i brought pressure sri lanka murali s supporters   boycott told bbc sport   it s sad day cricket pressure muralitharan bowl wants   15 degree flexing arm permitted extensive research programme conducted biomechanics experts  previously  10 degrees fast bowlers degrees spinners permitted  murali s arm measured 14 degrees bowling  doosra  prior delivery s banning   sri lanka cricket accusations wide mark  rule change made benefit bowlers   it bit unfair   spokesman told bbc sport   we things considered pressured icc decision murali   all    we happy means murali bowl  doosra    sri lanka cricket appreciates icc making decision   icc executive asked ratify recommendations made panel comprising aravinda de silva  angus fraser  michael holding  tony lewis  tim icc s david richardson  panel met dubai studied video evidence bowlers hearing opinions biomechanical experts    the scientific evidence overwhelming   holding said   when bowlers naked eye pure actions analysed sophisticated technology place  shown straightening arm 11 cases 12 degrees   under strict interpretation law  players breaking rules   the game deal reality make judgment accommodates fact   de silva tipped fellow sri lankan murali  second highest test wicket taker 532 victims  raise bar higher   he cricket left doubt murali reach 700 wicket mark test cricket   said   the icc thing ahead usual repertoire bowling   i glad murali  relieved man now   
class_cricket	vaughan ready south africa  skipper michael vaughan relieved england s tour zimbabwe passed major incident relishing prospect south africa   vaughan s men  fly johannesburg monday  cruised series win zimbabweans  expect tough tests graeme smith s side   the zimbabwe tour start it   said   but happy leaving johannesburg exciting leg winter   england captain hoped batting form shown zimbabwe long tour south africa  vaughan man series zimbabwe swept 4 0  211 runs average excess 100  said   i realise improve one day stats  form test series south africa one day games   it convincing series win  boys difficult situations   vaughan youngsters filled notable absentees acquitted well  said   it tour gave opportunity players good job   it makes selectors  job bit harder producing good pool players   england s one day specialists   kevin pietersen  darren gough  vikram solanki  ian bell  matt prior alex wharf   fly home heathrow monday night   remainder party link members test squad johannesburg  preparation test  starting port elizabeth 17 december  vaughan admitted disappointed   baffled saddened  absence zimbabwe rebels controversial series   when heath streak sitting watching stands disappointing zimbabwe putting team field   vaughan said   i d played flower brothers  andy grant   heath streak  stuart carlisle  guys   streak felt zimbabwean cricket shape rebels involved   there talented players team formed strong combination them  enjoy watching country lose badly   said   i lot friends changing room  issues players   my issues zimbabwe cricket behaviour board members   zimbabwe captain tatenda taibu admitted   we yet  bit experience games play become   we individual performances day play good cricket 100 overs game work that   i m lucky bunch young guys play country give best   
class_cricket	wilson back kiwi cricket squad  blacks winger jeff wilson back zealand cricket squad 12 year absence   wilson included kiwis face world xi one day series aid tsunami victims  outing national team 1993 gave cricket concentrate rugby union career  end 2002   now chance forward making it   wilson  wilson set sights returning zealand side resuming domestic class cricket team coach john bracewell one day matches chance ex all blacks winger re establish himself    his match turning ability undoubted step level again   nz coach bracewell   the selectors watched jeff doubt dynamic cricketer   march 1993  wilson played day international matches australia  scored match winning 44 final game series concentrating rugby union making debut blacks year  wilson takes place fast bowler ian butler  suffering bulging disc back  limited overs series world xi side led australian leg spinner shane warne begins christchurch 22 january matches taking place wellington 24 january hamilton 26 january  9 000 tickets sold day made available   given limited lead time matches  public respond quickly today good start   zealand cricket marketing manager peter dwan   stephen fleming  captain   nathan astle  chris cairns  hamish marshall  brendon mccullum  kyle mills  jacob oram  mathew sinclair  scott styris  daryl tuffey  daniel vettori  jeff wilson  
class_cricket	england stutter zimbabwe win  one day international  harare  england 196 5  47 4 overs  beat zimbabwe 195  49 3 overs  wickets  choosing bowl  dismissed home side 195  darren gough 3 34  elton chigumbura making 52  18 year old shared stand 82 13 3 overs dion ebrahim  45   michael vaughan made attractive 56 debutant ian bell 77 late wickets created tension victory sealed 14 balls left   vaughan chose open attack gough james anderson  found difficult attain good line early stages  anderson conceded wides eighth openers recorded boundaries when  ninth over  slower ball gough accounted stuart matsikenyeri score 36  overs alex wharf picked fortuitous wicket delivery brendan taylor dragged wide timbers   dangerous delivery accounted vusi sibanda  unable rising ball  hosts period consolidation ruin run out mark vermeulen left short ground direct throw andrew strauss  tatenda taibu batsmen drag on  special required  briefly chigumbura  lissome right hander launched series clean  straight bladed shots  hammering fours magnificent straight wharf 56 minute innings  ebrahim beaten flight ashley giles  chigumbura lofted drive caught deep covers   crowd 3 000 delighted efforts  departed 172 7 tail  gough wrapping innings yorker final over  england s reply began smoothly vikram solanki mis timed drive looped mid off seven  vaughan gradually unveiled trademark strokes classic nature 75 ball innings featuring fours six  departed 30th 64 needed  caught deep midwicket chigumbura  position spilled chance offered bell overs earlier  andrew strauss back pavilion  offering simple return catch matsikenyeri leave england 146 3   set guide team home  bell s composed innings ended 26 runs short victory target edged 115th delivery taibu  paul collingwood needlessly pressed run fell sharp throw utseya leg gully  ball geraint jones joined hesitation kevin pietersen  debutant content edge england home conservative fashion  won boundary straight ground  tourists finally secured ninth successive win zimbabwe   
class_cricket	scotland small step big time  winner s cheque offer increase status  trip sharjah  shiny trophy prestige considered 11th best team world cricket   scotland celebrating heartily winning icc intercontinental cup  beating kenya canada final stages united arab emirates  men suits talk long infrastructure development pathways  sport winning  scotland mattered  pace bowler john blain  man match final taking wickets  fully realised importance innings victory canada   we ve moving number years now  narrowly missing world cup next best thing   told bbc sport   we ve confident ability results   victory means silverware cabinet  however  team appeared 1999 world cup made highlight reels since  majority side amateurs and  blain pointed out   it s difficult guys world cup back jobs standard up    international cricket council keen improve strength depth 10 test playing nations  part development programme  associate member countries 2007 world cup authorities keen provide second round bye bigger sides  senior coach bob woolmer suggested three day format hone skills limited overs game  blain idea thumbs up believes scotland s exposure english county cricket s national league  ncl  helped   the guys played cricket playing couple years ncl longer version game   said   they ve learned ruthless victory   controversy  tournament first class status  handful players   including blain durham s gavin hamilton   play level   kenya lacking 13 players pay dispute canada losing world cup star john davison australian domestic duty  standard county level  however  blain argued   i ve seven wicket hauls county cricket rate   international cricket top tree   win strengthen scotland s claim full time one day international status  saving qualification process  prove april icc trophy ireland act world cup qualifier blain believes consistency building   results starting show  squad boys compete   continued   we ve exposure standard moved fantastically  stand good stead qualifiers   intercontinental cup end significant milestone way  
class_cricket	south africa recall boje  south africa recalled spinner nicky boje test england  begins 17 december   boje missed recent tour india fears called questioning indian police match fixing allegations  pace bowler dale steyn opening batsmen ab de villiers faces 13 man squad  suffering poor form india  wicket keeper thami tsolekile preferred mark boucher  place opener herschelle gibbs  struggling finger injury missing india trip  spin all rounder justin ontong dropped  nicky boje  underwent minor surgery remove growth neck  pass fitness test match  port elizabeth  test held  south africa s spin friendly venue   graeme smith  capt   nicky boje  hashim amla  zander de bruyn  ab de villiers  boeta dippenaar  andrew hall  jacques kallis  makhaya ntini  shaun pollock  jacques rudolph  dale steyn  thami tsolekile  wkt   
class_cricket	south africa recall spinner boje  south africa recalled spinner nicky boje test england  begins 17 december   boje missed recent tour india fears called questioning indian police match fixing allegations  pace bowler dale steyn opening batsmen ab de villiers faces 13 man squad  suffering poor form india  wicket keeper thami tsolekile preferred mark boucher  place opener herschelle gibbs  struggling finger injury missing india trip  spin all rounder justin ontong dropped  nicky boje  underwent minor surgery remove growth neck  pass fitness test match  port elizabeth  test held  south africa s spin friendly venue   graeme smith  capt   nicky boje  hashim amla  zander de bruyn  ab de villiers  boeta dippenaar  andrew hall  jacques kallis  makhaya ntini  shaun pollock  jacques rudolph  dale steyn  thami tsolekile  wkt   
class_cricket	butt boost pakistan  tour match  perth  pakistan 256 9  50 overs  cricket australia chairman s xi  135 ball innings included 11 fours gave side lift surprise defeat western australia s xi week  medium pacer mike hussey proved effective bowler home side  taking 3 28  pakistan opted leave pacemen shoaib akhtar mohammad sami  held back four day game western australia  starting thursday   final warm up test  all rounder shoaib malik rested hurting arm playing table football   it s serious  bowl couple days   skipper inzamam ul haq  chairman s xi led justin langer included fast bowler geoff lawson  180 test wickets australia 1980 1989   langer  capt   casson  dodemaide  edmondson  goodwin  hussey  lawson  north  rogers  ronchi  thornely  worthington   inzamam ul haq  capt   imran farhat  salman butt  yasir hameed  younis khan yousuf youhana  shahid afridi  karan akmal  naved ul hasan  mohammad khalil  danish kaneria  
class_cricket	murali miss one dayers nz  sri lanka put back plans spinner muttiah muralitharan one day leg zealand tour   muralitharan travelled team part rehabilitation shoulder surgery prove fitness joining them  aim play practice match sri lanka 27 december  weeks test auckland  spinner resumed bowling week bowling 24 balls day nets  sri lanka begin tour zealand 21 december  playing tests one day internationals  surgeon david young operated muralitharan august treat lesion caused build up fluid nerves shoulder  time injury  muralitharan held world record 532 test wickets  surpassed australia s shane warne  
class_cricket	australia return winning ways  one day international  sydney  australia 261 7  50 overs  beat zealand 244  47 1 overs  17 runs  adam gilchrist  60  darren lehmann  52  played leading roles home side totalled 261 7  zealand crumbled 86 6 reply chris cairns hit 50 40 balls kyle mills daniel vettori put 70 side hunt  eventually 244 three match series decided brisbane friday  game end start 48th chris harris  bravely bat 250th one day game shoulder injury  bowled yorker glenn mcgrath  mills left high dry 44 magnificent 26 ball innings  featuring big sixes  plenty anxious faces australian fans ninth wicket stand vettori  33   finally run ricky ponting s underarm throw  home skipper ponting earlier chosen bat winning toss rewarded adam gilchrist attack zealand seamers  struck fours reach half century 37 deliveries  perishing 60 cavalier fashion pull shot scott styris caught nathan astle deep square leg   ponting maintained tempo quickfire 32 exit  caught mid off bowling mills  sparked slump australia decline 140 2 161 6  matthew hayden  43  run mathew sinclair  damien martyn lbw mills andrew symonds faced balls trapped front vettori  michael clarke edged ball chris cairns keeper brendon mccullum  darren lehmann brad hogg prevented innings freefall  adding 74 17 overs seventh wicket  lehmann run out  leaving hogg  41 out  brett lee  10 out  total past 250 leave kiwis facing tough target   made poor start astle caught brett lee 11 sinclair fell victim jason gillespie 17  matthew hayden taking catch  captain stephen fleming fell lbw 34 left arm spinner hogg  proved successful australian bowler figures 3 45  middle order quick succession looked home side wrap things double quick time  cairns counter attacked sixes fours gillespie brought innings end  leaving mills vettori secure victory  required rate run ball mills  big hitting exploits  harris greeted short pitched ball aimed chest ferocious full toss lee vettori dismissed  veteran  suffered torn rotator cuff fielding earlier game  collected singles gallantry vain mcgrath produced perfect delivery bring game end   hayden  gilchrist  wkt   ponting  capt   lehmann  martyn  symonds  clarke  hogg  gillespie  lee  mcgrath   fleming  capt   astle  sinclair  styris  marshall  oram  cairns  harris  mccullum  wkt   vettori  mills  
class_cricket	ganguly plays fears  india captain sourav ganguly attempted play safety fears tour bangladesh   indian squad arrived dhaka wednesday 19 day tour featuring tests one day matches  test put back day friday indian embassy received threats purporting islamic militants   security important factor team concentrating cricket else   ganguly insisted  hand written fax allegedly harkat ul zihad group threatened kill indian cricketers  dismissed hoax bangladesh authorities  suspected carrying assasination poet shamsur rahman years ago  group s hostility india stems riots western state gujarat 2002  left 2 000 people dead  muslims  board control cricket india leaving chance sending security experts assess situation chittagong  test due start 16 december   bangladesh s mediocre record 29 defeats 32 matches test level 2000  ganguly team granted   i bangladesh pushovers  respect opposition bangladesh exception   i side played bangladesh sense complacency   india bangladesh s test opponents years ago  winning wickets dhaka home side making 400 innings  
class_cricket	india clear chittagong games  indian cricket officials clearance national team play chittagong tour bangladesh  began wednesday   team received alleged death threats radical muslim group  foreign ministry satisfied security arrangements dhaka  test begins friday  team green light games scheduled chittagong  stage test one day international   we received assessment indian security team chittagong   they made full assessment security arrangements  consultation bangladesh authorities   on basis security team s report  government advising bcci ahead matches chittagong   foreign ministry spokesman navtej sarna   inspection covered venue  hotel areas indian cricket team present  specific recommendations tightening security arrangements accepted bangladesh authorities  letter  apparently previously unknown islamic group harkat ul jihad  arrived indian embassy thursday  threatened kill players revenge riots gujarat india years ago left muslims dead  however  bangladesh high commission threats hoax  explosions attacks uncommon bangladesh   20 people killed grenades thrown opposition rally august  blasts cinemas  arrests made  islamic extremists widely blamed  indian cricketers visited bangladesh times  recently 2003 triangular tournament involved south africa  
class_cricket	hayden ruled kiwi showdown  one day international  brisbane  australia zealand  match starts 0315 gmt friday  left hander failed recover hamstring strain suffered sydney  australia won 17 runs level series 1 1  kiwis added all rounder tama canning squad replacement veteran chris harris  27 year old made one day appearances pakistan year ago  good form bat ball domestic cricket  making highest first class score 115 taking wickets game auckland beat northern districts state championship  zealand breathed sigh relief brendon mccullum scott styris cleared code conduct charges thursday   finalise line up shortly game persistent bad weather brisbane forced gabba groundsman kev mitchell change pitch game  rain forecast friday  duckworth lewis calculations big outcome   we keeping options open rushing side confident knowledge wicket play on   coach john bracewell commented  run australia close sydney reduced 86 6  chris cairns  kyle milss daniel vettori showing depth batting talent   i thought showed considerable guts determination   bracewell added  simon katich replacement hayden australian team  face dilemma open adam gilchrist  katich one day game india start year prefers middle order opt promote darren lehmann instead  lehmann opened times 110 limited overs internationals  scores role 92 out  50 119  state pitch major factor deciding make up attack  michael kasprowicz return place spinner brad hogg part four pronged pace attack  tough hogg  made 41 wickets match  leave hosts long tail   ponting  capt   gilchrist  wkt   martyn  lehmann  katich  clarke  symonds  hogg  lee  watson  gillespie  mcgrath  kasprowicz   fleming  capt   astle  sinclair  styris  marshall  mcmillan  oram  cairns  mccullum  wkt   vettori  adams  canning  mills  butler  
class_cricket	kumble breaks kapil s record  test  dhaka  day  stumps   bangladesh 184 india  kumble overtook mark set kapil dev mohammad rafique lbw  wicket ball bangladesh bowled 184 58 overs dhaka  session lost rain  irfan pathan wickets reduce hosts 106 7 mohammad ashraful dug in  ashraful ended unbeaten 60  hit fours faced 135 balls  kumble chance hat trick removing tapash baisya catch slip mashrafe mortaza safely defended ball 12th over  run ended innings long afterwards   india chance begin reply openers virender sehwag gautam gambhir immediately offered light stepping wicket  india won toss pathan stuck top order  dismissing javed omar lbw nipped back  nafis iqbal rajin saleh ajudged lbw umpire jeremy lloyds consecutive balls pathan s over  captain habibul bashar pulled zaheer khan straight square leg bowler khaled mashud caught behind  bangladesh 50 5 16 overs  ashraful  largely partnership rafique  47   build recovery india expect amass huge lead saturday  kumble all time list  aged 34  reach 500 mark  passed men  fellow leg spinner shane warne tops list 552 wickets   habibul bashar  capt   nafis iqbal  javed omar  mohammad ashraful  rajin saleh  khaled mashud  wkt   mushfiqur rahman  mohammad rafique  tapash baisya  mashrafe bin mortaza  manjurul islam rana   ganguly  capt   sehwag  gambhir  tendulkar  dravid  kaif  karthik  wkt   pathan  kumble  harbhajan singh  khan  
class_cricket	kumble overtakes kapil s record  test  dhaka  day  stumps   bangladesh 184 india  kumble overtook mark set kapil dev mohammad rafique lbw  wicket ball bangladesh bowled 184 58 overs dhaka  session lost rain  irfan pathan wickets reduce hosts 106 7 mohammad ashraful dug in  ashraful ended unbeaten 60  hit fours faced 135 balls  kumble chance hat trick removing tapash baisya catch slip mashrafe mortaza safely defended ball 12th over  run ended innings long afterwards   india chance begin reply openers virender sehwag gautam gambhir immediately offered light stepping wicket  india won toss pathan stuck top order  dismissing javed omar lbw nipped back  nafis iqbal rajin saleh ajudged lbw umpire jeremy lloyds consecutive balls pathan s over  captain habibul bashar pulled zaheer khan straight square leg bowler khaled mashud caught behind  bangladesh 50 5 16 overs  ashraful  largely partnership rafique  47   build recovery india expect amass huge lead saturday  kumble all time list  aged 34  reach 500 mark  passed men  fellow leg spinner shane warne tops list 552 wickets   habibul bashar  capt   nafis iqbal  javed omar  mohammad ashraful  rajin saleh  khaled mashud  wkt   mushfiqur rahman  mohammad rafique  tapash baisya  mashrafe bin mortaza  manjurul islam rana   ganguly  capt   sehwag  gambhir  tendulkar  dravid  kaif  karthik  wkt   pathan  kumble  harbhajan singh  khan  
class_cricket	australia unchanged pakistan  australia named unchanged squad test pakistan perth friday   matthew hayden missed one day international zealand hamstring strain selectors decided standby player  paceman brett lee 12th man brought team week s contest  lee 12th man tests impressed zealand one day series  australia enter pakistan game full confidence beating zealand 2 0 recent test series   ricky ponting  captain   adam gilchrist  justin langer  matthew hayden  damien martyn  darren lehmann  michael clarke  shane warne  jason gillespie  michael kasprowicz  glenn mcgrath  brett lee  
class_cricket	rain holds england  test  centurion  south africa england  start delayed  rain  england lead series 2 1 final test remaining south africa desperately win  officials hoped play noon local time downpour led early lunch players  england  simon jones expected replace james anderson hosts play andrew hall andre nel  batsman boeta dippenaar dropped  dale steyn released squad centurion means south africa seamers spin bowler   friday  england captain michael vaughan important team targeted victory simply draw  said   you set days draw game  win  mindset draw attitude   we ll set positive manner put south africans lot pressure   england  won series south africa 40 years  play green pitch endured long spell wet humid weather  weather forecast saturday onwards fine  early starts days ensure plenty time achieve result   middlesex opener andrew strauss  stunning aggregate 612 runs tests played date  south africa incentive throw caution wind  said   it s great series me  satisfying   but realise game important afford foot pedal now   sometimes lead hard motivated    we pretty south africans back hard us  lot motivation week   south africa captain graeme smith colour pitch misleading  said   the pitch played pretty year  bit juicy play pretty good   added team capability bouncing back   we back zealand 1 0 level series wellington situation before   we ve play good cricket days  lot iffy performances far   with bit luck playing cricket times easily round   it s sort series  ebb flow  again    graeme smith  capt    herschelle gibbs  jacques rudolph  jacques kallis  ab de villiers  mark boucher  wkt   andrew hall  nicky boje  shaun pollock  makhaya ntini  andre nel   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  robert key  michael vaughan  capt    graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  wkt   ashley giles  matthew hoggard  steve harmison  simon jones  
class_cricket	england brink defeat  tour match  potchefstroom  day  rain   england 225   190 south africa 281   101 3  martin van jaarsveld removed duck over  andrew puttick made 45 fours  justin ontong  hit fours 23  fell consecutive overs break lightning  34 needed win  heavy rain arrived  england dismissed 190  adding 36  michael vaughan ninth fours en route 100  home side moving serenely 70 1  faint hopes escape england arrived form violent clap thunder  players field  lightning struck field ground  rain play resumed 10 minutes  beneficial effect tourists wickets fell balls   puttick caught ontong hooked steve harmison fine leg boundary  ashley giles impressive running catch left  vaughan began day 82 out  team 98 ahead wickets intact  signalled intentions mid on long on spin ontong  hopes long partnership county colleague matthew hoggard ended fourth morning seamer caught slip  failed add overnight three  pulled charl willoughby mid wicket clipped reach figures  vaughan chased wide left armer end edged keeper mark boucher  spent 226 minutes crease faced 151 balls   trescothick  mp vaughan  capt   aj strauss  ma butcher  gp thorpe  flintoff  jones  wkt   af giles  sp jones  sj harmison  mj hoggard   ashwell prince  capt   justin ontong  mark boucher  wkt   jp duminy  charl langeveldt  ethy mbhalati  albie morkel  andrew puttick  alfonso thomas  martin van jaarsveld  charl willoughby  
class_cricket	india wrap victory dhaka  test  dhaka  bangladesh 184   202 india 526  india win innings 140 runs  left arm paceman irfan pathan removed tapash baisya 29 finish figures 6 51  11 96 overall  zaheer khan claimed final wicket diligent manjural islam rana caught 69  home side  170 8 overnight  subsided 202 slump defeat innings 140 runs  bangladesh left daunting task sachin tendulkar s record unbeaten 248 helped india total 526  lead 342   nafis iqbal  54  islam rana offered real resistance hosts routed double quick time  33 tests 2000  bangladesh accumulated 30 defeats  draws credit  final test series starts chittagong friday   habibul bashar  capt   nafis iqbal  javed omar  mohammad ashraful  rajin saleh  khaled mashud  wkt   mushfiqur rahman  mohammad rafique  tapash baisya  mashrafe mortaza  manjurul islam rana   ganguly  capt   sehwag  gambhir  tendulkar  dravid  kaif  karthik  wkt   pathan  kumble  harbhajan singh  khan  
class_cricket	richardson ends short  zealand batsman mark richardson bowed forms cricket age 33 short 10 000 first class runs   richardson needed 41 runs auckland canterbury reach milestone  finished 9 994  made 35 side s innings bat auckland won innings 60 runs  opener richardson made debut 2000 played 38 tests  scoring 2776 runs average 44 77  impressing england  making century lord s  struggled late  48 runs test defeats australia  announced retirement week  saying   i feel left park lord s lost drive play richardson way   i m hanging boots good  year s south african series started struggle game emotionally mentally   richardson began career spin bowler gained reputation patient accumulator runs  scoring test centuries   highest score 145 india chandigarh october 2003  zealand s recent tour bangladesh richardson complete set visits 10 test playing nations  however  batting approach fielding ability suit one day game played internationals  nicknamed  rigor mortis  slowness field  richardson established tradition racing slowest member opposition teams recent seasons   have color hair big bald spot top head   quipped   i m 33 agility 55 year old   auckland native  written regular column bbc sport years  intends pursue career media  zealand captain stephen fleming michael papps favourite richardson s place forthcoming series sri lanka australia  
class_cricket	england require extra  intensity   batsman graham thorpe acknowledged england raise game ahead test south africa  starts friday   team arrived port elizabeth wake up call seven wicket loss south africa a   we lacked intensity rise level south africa at   thorpe commented   we re fraction short scrap hard test   england seam bowler angus fraser criticised itinerary gave team single first class match ahead test series  team played september   in ideal world  batsmen spent time crease  important ourselves   we re dig deep memory banks remember times them   thorpe  faced 13 balls potchefstroom making 0 11    the good thing spending long crease bad form not   surrey left hander  england s experienced player 93 tests  team nerve   the key panic find balance enjoyment wanting win   you put state mind position enjoy match  competitive    you enjoy challenge bed roses there   you re creaming part enjoying challenge feeling bit pressure wanting perform    south africa  meanwhile  preparations disrupted clutch illnesses injury problems   skipper graeme smith  batsman boeta dippenaar all rounders andrew hall zander de bruyn suffering stomach problems recent tour india wicket keeper thami tsolekile shake throat infection  worrying  however  fitness spin bowler nicky boje recently underwent surgery remove tumour neck  give long recover finalising test xi   we re working him  day by day process   team physio shane jabaar  
class_cricket	england claim historic series win  test  centurion  day five  south africa 247   296 6d drew england 359   73 4  england win five match series 2 1  centuries jacques kallis ab de villiers allowed south africa declare 296 6  setting england target 185 win 44 overs  tourists chose chase runs  however  finishing 73 4  plenty nervous moments lost early wickets captain michael vaughan held firm secure 2 1 series triumph  brilliant andrew strauss scored duck  denis compton scored runs series south africa won man of the series award centuries  kallis man of the match de villiers occupation crease day started  south africa trailing 53 runs  time parted  added 227 wicket  scoring rate sensational  however  vaughan declined set over attacking fields batsman refused undue risks   hour lead wiped off  de villiers hit arguably shot day   pull matthew hoggard six  remaining hour and a half extended morning session 100 runs added  right handers quick pull drive opportunities presented themselves  kallis lucky survive  point edged hoggard inches short marcus trescothick slip then  76  looked lucky survive lbw appeal simon jones  de villiers reached half century square drive ashley giles four  continued play spinner great certainty  afternoon session  widely assumed south africa throw bat everything  first  however  batsmen needed reach centuries   kallis first  cutting jones   test ton england 20th all  20 year old de villiers youngest south african hit test century boundary area bowler  perished holing man jones  made 109 169 balls  oddly  kallis stock launching boundaries shortly declaration  finally finishing unbeaten 136  hunt quick runs  graeme smith  jacques rudolph mark boucher perished single figure scores  grateful steve harmison wickets cape town hoggard added single victim finish 26 series  set 185 44 overs  england position target strauss caught ntini s over   things looked dicey robert key provided 40 minutes uncertain resistance edging pollock boucher  skipped heartbeats england dressing room trescothick inexplicably missed straight ball ntini bowled  left 29 overs remaining south africa find wickets  vaughan graham thorpe  however  proved adept blunting impressive spells bowlers ntini returned thorpe caught herschelle gibbs close slip  england game ended bad light two and half overs early vaughan 26 andrew flintoff unbeaten 14  england s series win south africa mjk smith led 1 0 win 1964 65  earned basil d oliveira trophy  named player south african apartheid regime refused tour country england 1968  ultimately resulting exclusion international sport   graeme smith  capt    herschelle gibbs  jacques rudolph  jacques kallis  ab de villiers  mark boucher  wkt   andrew hall  nicky boje  shaun pollock  makhaya ntini  andre nel   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  robert key  michael vaughan  capt    graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  wkt   ashley giles  matthew hoggard  steve harmison  simon jones   sa bucknor  wi   aleem dar  pkn  
class_cricket	bskyb lands england deal  live coverage england s home test matches longer terrestrial tv 2006 onwards   england wales cricket board awarded exclusive four year contract bskyb  run 2009  highlights day s play test matches will  however  screened five  replaces channel 4 cricket s sole terrestrial broadcaster  bbc retained exclusive rights radio coverage home tests one day internationals  england wales cricket board chairman david morgan deals worth £220m  10  real terms increase previous agreements 2002 2005   we understand decision place live cricket coverage satellite cable television emotive issue people   continued   we made agreement offer highlights package peaktime audience   five broadcast highlights 7 15 8 00pm  time popular slot tv viewing children time average 21m people watch television   bskyb s package covers one day  twenty20 women s internationals county cricket   channel 4 screened england s home test matches 1999  ended bbc s 61 year tenure  decision prevent cricket live terrestrial tv audience calculated gamble ecb   england captain alec stewart  speaking tuesday  said   young girls boys cricket pay it   the ecb picture  big cheque long term  english cricket suffer   morgan s predecessor  lord maclaurin  called  balance  satellite terrestrial tv   i big danger    of depriving awful lot people watching test cricket   commented   ecb believes strong financial base essential game s well being    the bids accepted invest development england team grass roots cricket   other proposals included live coverage international cricket terrestrial tv but  accepted  resulted significant financial shortfall game decided interest sport   explained morgan   this good deal cricket guarantees wide accessibility watch listen action secures future development game playground test arena   commenting bbc s renewed agreement ecb  director sport  peter salmon  said   with england team top form  pleased provide listeners comprehensive radio coverage test match special   bbc non exclusive rights cover c g trophy twenty20 cup   shared wireless group  owns talksport radio      test series covered contract    2006 sri lanka pakistan   2007 west indies india   2008 zimbabwe south africa   2009 zealand australia 
class_cricket	langer century deflates pakistan  test  perth  day  stumps   australia 357 8 pakistan  local opener steered australia 357 8 181 out  264 ball knock included 17 boundaries sixes  langer put 152 runs sixth wicket adam gilchrist  69  hosts slumped 78 5  shoaib akhtar revelled pacy pitch return figures 4 89  shoaib fellow paceman mohammad sami  2 94  held sway early pakistan won toss inserted australia  langer stood firm day wrest back initiative  displaying rare flair 21st test century fourth pakistan  reached 41  langer passed west indies skipper brian lara  1 178 runs  leading test run scorer 2004  remain unbeaten australia s innings finishes friday  42nd batsman test history carry bat   shoaib claimed early victim trapping matthew hayden lbw rapid  overpitched inswinger  skipper ricky ponting langer put 50 ponting fell sami  bowled gate playing expansive off drive  sami struck damien martyn caught behind  shoaib removed darren lehmann  bowled  michael clarke  caught  cheaply australia reeling 78 5  langer found ally vice captain gilchrist  long handle hosts  predicament  gilchrist struck 10 boundaries 78 ball stay  helping australia 230 stumps levelled all rounder abdul razzaq  razzaq accounted shane warne  caught   bringing jason gillespie crease marked start deflating period pakistan   gillespie  24 69 balls  langer put 80 runs  langer finding middle bat occasions punish pakistan  brutal on driven sami late day shot  gillespie s departure shoaib stumps raise pakistan s spirits  langer s partner resumption play day mike kasprowicz  preferred fast bowler brett lee   ricky ponting  c   justin langer  matthew hayden  damien martyn  darren lehmann  michael clarke  adam gilchrist  shane warne  jason gillespie  michael kasprowicz  glenn mcgrath  12th man  brett lee   inzamam ul haq  imran farhat  salman butt  younis khan  yousuf youhanna  abdul razzaq  kamran akmal  shoaib akhtar  danish kaneria  mohammad sami  mohammad khalil  12th man  yasir hameed  
class_cricket	england attempt create history  test  port elizabeth  south africa england  match starts 0830 gmt  whitewashes zealand west indies  tourists attempt put week s seven wicket defeat south them   the guys mentally aware required   coach duncan fletcher said  mark butcher pip robert key number simon jones james anderson contest seam duties  south africans  dropped sixth test rankings year  spinner nicky boje  recovering surgery remove growth neck weeks ago  fast bowler dale steyn poised make test debut  all rounder jacques kallis troubled ankle injury expected play batsman only  opener ab de villiers expected make debut  place injured herschelle gibbs   england coach duncan fletcher contacts south africa study players study flaws   duncan lives cape town ear ground lot players   captain michael vaughan   with amount technology days generally lot opposition  video replay ideal vaughan warned   we react pitch   home skipper graeme smith believes team advantage action recently england  tour india november december   the cricket play battle hardened become  aware technically   said  smith feels england benefitted additional warm up game  provide strong test team   we thing  only warm up match  sri lanka paid price series   said   england  lost game  lot confidence key performers   i strongest sides ever  south africans plans combat england s influential players  andrew flintoff steve harmison   smith said   harmison  pace height  potential   he s confidence bowler important put pressure   durham bowler teams met england 2003  taking wickets 45 88 matches  flintoff  contrast  scored fifties magnificent 142 weighed 10 wickets  leaving smith doubts capability   freddie s pulverised attacks ideas him   i m forward bringing all rounders kallis pollock    smith  captain   ab de villiers  rudolph  kallis  amla  de bruyn  hall  pollock  tsolekile  ntini  steyn  dippenaar   vaughan  captain   trescothick  strauss  butcher  key  thorpe  flintoff  jones  giles  jones  hoggard  harmison  anderson  
class_cricket	kiwis recall tuffey sri lanka  zealand recalled seam bowler daryl tuffey squad one day series sri lanka   tuffey  missed recent tours bangladesh australia leg injury  fully fit kiwis  coach john bracewell  middle order batsman craig mcmillan dropped  change bowlers andre adams tama canning  match series december 26  teams play two match test series january  squad reduced 12 games one day series players play domestic class competition   all rounder chris harris feature operation repair shoulder injured match australia   stephen fleming  captain   nathan astle  mathew sinclair  hamish marshall  scott styris  chris cairns  jacob oram  brendon mccullum  daniel vettori  kyle mills  ian butler  daryl tuffey  
class_cricket	strauss ton boosts england  test  port elizabeth  day two  close   south africa 337  england 227 1  strauss 120 days port elizabeth england closed inexorably hosts  337 out  put 152 wicket marcus trescothick added runs mark butcher england batsman prepared miss out  earlier  boeta dippenaar converted overnight 79 century own  day began south africa 273 7 hoping reach 350 dippenaar thami tsolekile batting together  tsolekile initially looked uncomfortable short pitched andrew flintoff bowling  steve harmison s radar awry runs slowly  penetration england s seamers   dippenaar eventually lifted shackles driving harmison covers four  drive area 98 put harmison high gully more  reaching test century  finally  hour  michael vaughan turned freshest bowler  simon jones  welshman struck immediately dippenaar edged safe hands marcus trescothick slip  tsolekile  hit excellent boundary ashley giles  rashly attempted loss dippenaar   big mistake  though  slogging line spin  skewed ball covers andrew flintoff run round slip catch  giles removed man  dale steyn  324 7 south africa tumbled 337 out  strauss trescothick potentially awkward overs lunch negotiate  managed that  rarely looked troubled session day   strauss  series cuts pulls  attacking partner  trescothick seeking play form  south africa severely limited right arm seamers disposal spinner score rattled 152 0 shortly tea looked deep trouble  debutant steyn  bowled rash no balls nervous spell  suddenly found extra pace bit reverse swing bowl trescothick 47  ball crashing middle stump  shaun pollock ball reverse air  runs dried mark butcher find feet strauss worrying century  strauss drove ntini immaculately ground reach figures  butcher cashed crisp cover drives boundaries andrew hall  weary south african fielding side marched park stumps   smith  captain   ab de villiers  rudolph  kallis  dippenaar  de bruyn  hall  pollock  tsolekile  wk   ntini  steyn   vaughan  captain   trescothick  strauss  butcher  thorpe  flintoff  jones  wk   giles  jones  hoggard  harmison  
class_cricket	aussies tighten grip  test  perth  day three  australia 381   361 5 dec  pakistan 179   18 1  close   home side declared innings 361 5  lead 563  pakistan 18 1 close  martyn made mistake ricky ponting stumped 98 justin langer bowled abdul razzaq 97  left survive overs close  pakistan lost imran farhat  lbw glenn mcgrath one  pakistan s helped absence skipper inzamam ul haq paceman shoaib akhtar afternoon  inzamam stayed dressing room suffering stomach upset  shoaib hurt left shoulder make diving save field   wicket fall morning  bowling matthew hayden 10 inswinger australia advanced score 15 0 110 1  langer s fifty arrived 84 balls struck 14 fours ponting shared wicket stand 163  looked odds man make hundred innings test waca razzaq found attempted drive   langer  made 191 innings  highest run scorer tests 2004 1 426  including centuries  ponting 92 tea interval set reach figures time year  denied  however  missed attempted sweep danish kaneria keeper kamran akmal whipped bails   dismissal confirmed tv umpire  darren lehmann bowled kaneria five  michael clarke joined martyn stand 79 wicket caught revived inzamam mohammad sami 27  martyn reached figures over  121 ball knock featuring 11 boundaries  ponting immediately made declaration  pakistan openers walked middle intense pressure proved farhat  shouldered arms inswinging delivery mcgrath  partner salman butt survived reach stumps younis khan drove day s penultimate delivery jason gillespie extra cover finish seven   ricky ponting  c   justin langer  matthew hayden  damien martyn  darren lehmann  michael clarke  adam gilchrist  shane warne  jason gillespie  michael kasprowicz  glenn mcgrath  12th man  brett lee   inzamam ul haq  imran farhat  salman butt  younis khan  yousuf youhanna  abdul razzaq  kamran akmal  shoaib akhtar  danish kaneria  mohammad sami  mohammad khalil  12th man  yasir hameed  
class_cricket	south africa back contention  test  port elizabeth  day  stumps   south africa 337   99 2 england 425  england  resumed play 227 1  bowled 425 losing wickets 29 runs 12 separate mini collapses  makhaya ntini wickets balls returning 3 75  south africa lost ab de villiers jacques rudolph closing 99 2  lead 11 runs  hosts emerged day s play renewed zeal listless display field saturday  andrew strauss add overnight score 120 cutting shaun pollock picking de villiers point   michael vaughan  fresh run hungry deeds zimbabwe south africa a  broadcast levels confidence man andrew hall  prove false dawn balls england captain dallied off stump fuller delivery caught slip  graham thorpe unimpressive 45 minutes middle  scoring bowled legs sweeping graeme smith s amateur off breaks   strikes morning good return hosts  butcher keeping score ticking array pulled cut boundaries  favours continually no balling  entire innings  south africa conceded national record 57 extras  including 35 no balls  debutant dale steyn chief culprit  overstepping 16 times  butcher andrew flintoff built promising 79 run stand side lunch  former s 12th boundary midway afternoon recovering visitors lead  ntini  unthreatening point  turned game head wickets balls orchestrate one time familiar middle order collapse  butcher s demise   faint edge impressive keeper thami tsolekile   soft end 23rd test fifty looked ninth ton   departure unthinking  flintoff s plain mindless  powerful all rounder ridden difficult period move 35  threw wicket despatching deliberate short ball throat rudolph deep square  geraint jones misread sluggishness pitch caught short extra cover ball  matthew hoggard hat trick ball fell hall duck reduce team 358 8  ashley giles emphasized worth order brisk 26  putting 36 simon jones edging pollock slip  31 runs added final wicket  time steve harmison dropped caught steyn no ball   steyn foot popping crease eventually rid jones 24 end england s innings  hoggard  industrious ball innings  served team snatching wonderful  low down catch bowling remove de villiers 14  sizeable first innings deficit hung hosts 26 1  hoggard seemingly straining side harmison  0 29 overs  colour england fully cash in  introduction giles oust rudolph  caught slip  nicely crafted 29  smith  33  jacques kallis  10  comfortably south africa red safety stumps  day belonged home side  repeat dose monday ensure beaten series  opener   smith  captain   ab de villiers  rudolph  kallis  dippenaar  de bruyn  hall  pollock  tsolekile  wk   ntini  steyn   vaughan  captain   trescothick  strauss  butcher  thorpe  flintoff  jones  wk   giles  jones  hoggard  harmison  
class_cricket	england  could win ashes   england stalwart alec stewart believes michael vaughan s team capable beating australia year   england held ashes 1987 won tests row past year stewart said   they re strength strength   we ve remember australia side  gap closed gap played them   if maintain form fitness home conditions know   opened innings times test level england  stewart hugely impressed impact made andrew strauss   it s incredible   enthused   when start international cricket slight question mark back mind looked depth stage   now wicket full confidence    stewart feels south africa problems  field  bid 1 0 five match series   i played tough play against  south africa old   said   they picking side  doubt make mark boucher back in  world class cricketer  england move durban wednesday prepare test  begins boxing day    england play best   stewart test  tourists won wickets   england play improving  michael vaughan driving home players   at start series thought test win that   
class_cricket	kaif shines india win  one day international  chittagong  india 245 8  50 overs  bangladesh 234 8  50 overs  11 runs  mohammad kaif  80  rahul dravid  53  shared stand 128 tourists posted total 245 8  skipper habibul bashar bangladesh hunt 65  departure left do  khaled mashud hit unbeaten 50 sridharan sriram 3 43 home side restricted 234 8  winning test series 2 0  india opportunity rest batsman virender sehwag fast bowler zaheer khan give debuts wicket keeper mahendra dhoni seamer joginder sharma  skipper sourav ganguly lost toss opposite number bashar s decision put paid initially india reduced 45 3  ganguly bowled nought ball match tapash baisya 17 year old nazmul hossain claimed prized scalp sachin tendulkar  caught 19   mushfiqur rahman trapped yuvraj singh lbw 21  kaif dravid steadied innings bangladesh wait 28 overs success  batsmen reached half centuries 74 balls  dravid edged catch keeper khaled mahmud sriram stumped spinner mohammad rafique  dhoni s innings india lasted delivery run nought kaif gave return catch nazmul 47th over  total passed 200  ajit agarkar made 25 irfan pathan hit sixes 21 11 balls  runs ultimately made difference   bangladesh trouble reply rafique  eight   nafis iqbal  nine  mohammad ashraful  two  failed   sharma s international victim caught ganguly  bashar aftab ahmed put 64 14 overs fell victim sriram s left arm spin  rajin saleh  14   home side slumped 108 3 156 6  mushfique lbw agarkar mashud mahmud revive side  adding 40 eighth wicket overs  target reach  however  mahmud perished 21 catch man match kaif bangladesh s hopes finally extinguished  mashud consolation reaching one day half century baisya drove final ball game extra cover four  late bangladesh   nafis iqbal  habibul bashar  capt   mohammad ashraful aftab ahmed  khaled mashud  wkt   mushfiqur rahman  khaled mahmud manjural islam rana  mohammad rafique  tapash baisya nazmul hossain   sriram  tendulkar  ganguly  capt   dravid yuvraj singh  kaif  dhoni  wkt   pathan  harbhajan singh sharma  agarkar   aleem dar mahbubur rahman 
class_cricket	windies australia tour proceed  west indies set tour australia row sponsorship deals individual players neared resolution   dispute began conflicts west indies cricket board sponsor digicel cable   wireless  endorse number players  sides accepted ruling players deals  disclosed   we convinced resolution tour proceed   arbiter keith mitchell said  mitchell  prime minister grenada  appointed judge adrian saunders make binding ruling issue  refused reveal ruling was  impasse delayed announcement west indies  14 man squad play limited overs tournament australia pakistan  competition part winning icc champions trophy england months ago  due play warm up match victoria 5 january  
class_cricket	england hopeful jones  england hopeful simon jones fit boxing day test south africa stomach bug   glamorgan paceman left friday s practice session early return team hotel   he s slight bug bit bowl  fine test   captain michael vaughan commented  jones 4 39 test england seven wicket victory  coach duncan fletcher hopes return bowling express pace lengthy rehabilitation knee injury  jones bowled reduced speed tearing cruciate ligament start 2002 03 ashes tour   now confidence speed bit   fletcher told bbc sport   and strong bowling unit there    welshman showed glimpses recent one day series zimbabwe   there balls 140  kph   87 5 mph  out   fletcher continued   and back he ll back shock bowler   he s played first class cricket   played games glamorgan  played tests us   jones fail recover time test  lancashire s james anderson obvious replacement  
class_cricket	england left tatters durban  tea  day one  england  125 8  graham thorpe trapped lbw  andrew flintoff looped catch square leg  michael vaughan fell plumb lbw geraint jones hooked deep  marcus trescothick england lost toss  caught makhaya ntini  3 41   mark butcher played andrew strauss caught mid off 25   pollock task capturing final england wickets   england 125 8  authentic boundary ball  lashed cover more   ball jones duck bouncer ball barely stump height  glancing top head bringing leg byes   jones stands steyn pushes gap mid off two   boje tosses wicket jones dart it  finding middle bat smearing vacant mid on single   pace barrage  boje returns hoggard finds single leave man simon jones strike   giles vigil ends disappointing fashion as  severely hampered  hooks steyn man deep square leg move   favouring back foot steyn continues steam in  hoggard glad fullish length push single   single scrambled  hoggard moves firing line manages avoid rapidly rising bouncer   part unprotected giles anatomy battered 85mph  steyn s skidding short catching armpit   hoggard jabs final moment yorker kallis destined timbers   appeal begun keeper caught giles legside increases volume  darrel hair impressed   hoggard full fast delivery  inside edges fine leg single     giles hooks uncomfortably hand bat  single temporary reprieve hostile steyn   return kallis warmly greeted giles  clips loosener neatly pads four   matthew hoggard latest casualty  short aggressive steyn thwacking arm guard   ball short giles plays unconvincing hook  hand coming bat  contact made giles grateful stutter single   giles thumped short one   giles ducks brutal low bouncer steyn  ball crashes elbow loops slip leg byes   steyn returns pollock south africa wrap innings   hook proves undoing jones  picks rudolph deep ntini   jones edges low gap fourth slip been  bringing urgently needed runs england   hook high space front square  determined fielding rudolph restricts jones two   persisting hook shot  jones fully control single deep square leg pollock   jones hooks uppishly ntini 10 yards carrying fielder fine leg boundary   aiming expansive drive off side inside edge escapes single   jones pummels cut shot pollock boards four   vaughan rapped pads bang front skidding delivery ntini umpire taufel confirms worst fears   pollock unsettles vaughan bouncer catches glove   controlled thick edge jones finds gap slip gully races four   ntini returns  delivery legside easily turned single vaughan   geraint jones picks short pollock ball soars ropes maximum open wicketkeeper s account emphatic fashion   vaughan rocks back guide forcing shot needed boundary boje   flintoff beaten pace pollock hook shot loops tamely splice square leg leave team turmoil   vaughan appears lose sight short pollock  planned leave fends awkwardly glove  scrambling risky single   vaughan pinch single gentle push side defeats fielder bounce   thorpe trapped plumb front metronomic pollock   boje resumes interval  vaughan crashes jacques rudolph silly point slices ball gully four   england 58 3  vaughan thorpe safely lunch required afternoon   vaughan  badly needing play major innings  strikes fluent boundary boje   kallis switches ends produces maiden england safety luncheon interval   man graham thorpe clips single final ball over   single proves effective key man strauss takes strike lofts catch extra cover  ntini swoops low cap fine morning home side   boje finds early spin delivery catches edge vaughan s bat england captain pushes forward  de villiers spills chance ball falls safety   kallis replaced overs spin nicky boje 13 minutes lunch   stop strauss cut shot brings england 50 24th over   strauss denied boundary pull shot strikes square leg umpire simon taufel   kallis escapes maiden sumptuous drive vaughan straight ubiquitous amla covers   strauss strokes ball gloriously ground fourth boundary   vaughan pirouettes pull steyn stylishly single distinctive figure amla fields square leg fence   strauss eases pressure bisecting field trademark drive boundary  kallis struggles find rhythm early on   jacques kallis introduced  unable bowl test india  delivery easily clipped legside vaughan s run   conviction pull shot strauss  steyn dispatched boundary   single over  hook strauss  moves nine   michael vaughan bouncer survives optimistic shout lbw   inside edge stumps steyn ends butcher s innings disappointing fashion again   nicely timed cover drive brings butcher runs  intrepid amla cutting ball yard inside ropes   ntini replaces pollock  left fume outfield  face light shade crimson   steyn completes maiden  restricting butcher accurate off stump line   pollock hurls ball back strauss throws choice words good measure   extra bounce durban uncertainty strauss  attempted cut hook bouncing high him   dale steyn brought attack herschelle gibbs maiden agile diving stop gully   butcher scamper attempts quick single amla  quicker left hander credit for  luckily throw fraction high   elegant drive tips toes strauss mid off boundary   mark butcher nudges ntini legside open account   pollock maintains south africa stranglehold offering easy runs   stunning one handed catch de villiers inside edge ends trescothick s bright innings   strauss ntini s end happy receive ball pads clips neatly square leg three   trescothick slashes wide ntini middle  clear nicky boje gully race four   strauss single driving hashim amla  fielder ensures maiden   wild ntini produces maiden  final ball keeping low bouncing front wicketkeeper ab de villiers   strauss  keen mark  attempts drive pollock off stump misses maiden   ntini asks question darrell hair trescothick long forward  clips ball pads more   probing maiden pollock  strauss content remain nought leave off stump   trescothick thumps final ball ntini s covers boundary boards   pollock maintains tidy line off stump strauss  mark   trescothick picks gap mid off  punching ntini day s boundary   ntini  bowling wicket  angles short ball trescothick  bait   pollock overpitches trescothick scoring england off drive runs   graeme smith  captain   herschelle gibbs  jacques rudolph  jacques kallis  martin van jaarsveld  hashim amla  ab de villiers  shaun pollock  nicky boje  makhaya ntini  dale steyn   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  mark butcher  michael vaughan  captain   graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  ashley giles  matthew hoggard  simon jones  stephen harmison  umpires  hair  taufel  aus   
class_cricket	lee runs windies  vb series match 6  adelaide  australia 269 8 beat west indies 196 73 runs  paceman pedro collins one day five wicket haul australia wriggled trouble post healthy 269 8 adelaide  paceman brett lee wickets consecutive deliveries figures 4 38 west indies folded 196 45th over  collins  5 43  removed top order batsmen aussies recovered  simon katich s 76 86 balls began fightback  turning point jason gillespie  44  brett lee  38  put 73 runs  unbroken  ninth wicket 12 overs  gillespie  scored maiden test fifty australian summer  registered highest one day score 42 balls  striking fours six   katich gillespie aussie side  brad hogg joining expense shane watson  michael kasprowicz damien martyn  west indies stuck side beat australia friday brisbane rain stopped play  collins struck home side won toss hot humid sky australia day  left armer out of sorts opener matthew hayden caught bottom edge ousting skipper ricky ponting  caught  duck reduce 24 2  michael clarke blasted 21 15 balls misjudged drive clean bowled collins  darren lehmann perished paceman s catch stumps  andrew symonds  promoted number ducks previous digs  helped australia recover 38 4 caught wavell hinds 31 49 balls   windies top middle order exposed  katich brad haddin made failed push home advantage  pair put 82 14 overs haddin bowled dwayne bravo  2 71   lee gillespie brought collins  removal katich 39th australia top  losing openers inside 13 balls reply  west indies control run chase  lee struck ball ball catches wicket haddin  brilliant one handed take  ramanaresh sarwan shivnarine chanderpaul added 92 wicket 22 overs  sarwan feathered edge hogg brilliant direct hit clarke ran chanderpaul 55   momentum wickets tumbled marlon samuels drilled lehmann extra cover  brian lara gave lee catch bowling courtney browne fell lbw bowler  gillespie mopped tail west indies left adelaide oval hunting win vb series matches  afterwards  lee said   i make fully fit opportunity give that   i ve lot bowling nets training partner andrew symonds  working balls   i ve felt game bit better    ricky ponting  matthew hayden  michael clarke  darren lehmann  andrew symonds  simon katich  brad haddin  brad hogg  brett lee  jason gillespie  glenn mcgrath   brian lara  chris gayle  wavell hinds  ramnaresh sarwan  shivnarine chanderpaul  marlon samuels  dwayne bravo  courtney browne  ian bradshaw  mervyn dillon  pedro collins 
class_cricket	youhana leads front  test  melbourne  day  close   pakistan 318 6 australia  stand in captain yousuf youhana led melbourne  smashing superb ton putting 192 younis khan  australians hit back late youhana missed shane warne full toss stumped 111  jason gillespie  pick bowlers 3 72  ousted younis shoaib malik quick succession  younis caught adam gilchrist gillespie s delivery ball 87   paceman struck malik caught slip ricky ponting seven  pakistan losing wickets 15 runs  abdul razzaq kamran akmal unbeaten 16 close play  earlier  salman butt hit maiden test half century put 85 wicket imran farhat   michael kasprowicz claimed wicket fall lunch farhat brilliantly caught ponting slip 20  hosts struck straight interval yasir hameed trapped leg gillespie two  butt s brave knock end run superb throw michael clarke run  opener made 70 dismissal left pakistan struggling 94 3  youhana  filling captain injured inzamam ul haq  younis steadied ship  australia  lifted start play news in form opener justin langer fit place side  won test perth 491 runs  overall  pakistan won times 27 tests played australia  successes mcg   langer  hayden  ponting  capt   martyn lehmann  clarke  gilchrist  wkt   warne gillespie  kasprowicz  mcgrath   salman butt  imran farhat  younis khan yousuf youhana  capt   yasir hameed  shoaib malik  abdul razzaq kamran akmal  wkt   mohammad sami  shoaib akhtar  danish kaneria   koertzen lloyds 
class_cricket	england duo hit centuries  test  durban  day  close   england  139   281 1 south africa 332  hit 132   strauss unbeaten   england finished day 88 ahead 281 1  started 163 behind  16th 200 run opening stand england s history  time trescothick bowled shaun pollock country s ever  mark butcher strauss s partner stumps durban  unbeaten one  trescothick bludgeoned 20 fours sixes 261 ball innings  strauss hitting 16 boundaries 272 balls faced  duo s fourth stand 150 return tests together  bettering 190 shared zealand lord s summer  low scoring game  england started day 30 0 seemingly mountain climb  but  allied loose bowling  vagaries pitch hindered day disappeared make life easier england   first wicket pair circumspect opening 30 minutes play  feasted tripe served dale steyn  three over spell cost 31 runs  rookie paceman bowled short wide  inviting strauss hook trescothick successive boundaries off side  transformation england   pitch   illustrated lunch score 137 0  runs fewer entire first innings effort  south africa looked bereft options afternoon  skipper graeme smith fruitlessly turning himself  steyn returning attack nicky boje failing threaten   pollock bother england s rampant openers  beating edge batsmen  moving batsmen rose ranks england s greatest first wicket stands  england s previous durban   160 wally hammond bob wyatt 73 years ago   fell away  31 runs record teams ground set  200 run mark passed  time england s opening wicket graeme gooch mike atherton australia 1991   openers reached triple figures moments other  trescothick ninth time strauss fourth   tests  carried vein tea  trescothick hoicking boje mid wicket strauss striking successive fours over  south africa s hope looked ball  dependable pollock finally gave hosts cheer trescothick edged simple catch late on  strauss  chanceless day  gave south africa sniff edging ntini low slip  martin van jaarsveld spilled tough one handed chance  bad light ceased play 11 overs ahead schedule  play start 30 minutes early day four   graeme smith  captain   herschelle gibbs  jacques rudolph  jacques kallis  martin van jaarsveld  hashim amla  ab de villiers  shaun pollock  nicky boje  makhaya ntini  dale steyn   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  mark butcher  michael vaughan  captain   graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  ashley giles  matthew hoggard  simon jones  stephen harmison   hair  taufel  
class_cricket	england eye win thorpe ton  test  durban  day  close   england  139   570 7d south africa 332   21 1  thorpe shared stands 114 andrew flintoff  60  132 geraint jones  73  england lost 21 morning  left hander s 16th test ton 209 balls included 15 fours  hosts fell 21 1 stumps  matthew hoggard trapping home skipper graeme smith lbw five  win  south africa break chasing record ground  set 2002 scoring 340 beat australia  day south africa waited day wicket  play resumed fourth  makhaya ntini man ignite flame  tempting andrew strauss dalliance off stump pouched martin van jaarsveld slip   prolific opener added runs overnight 132 departing  ntini wicket michael vaughan  poor run continued cramped short ball gloved 10  taking four innings aggregate series 53  shaun pollock fine job tying end  england fell 314 4 jacques kallis put end mark butcher s painful 70 ball 13  left visitors  leading 121 middle order exposed  lack depth south africa s attack gave england chance stabilise  graeme smith forced rely support acts dale steyn  1 122  nicky boje  1 163   england reasserted thorpe partnerships flintoff jones  flintoff  careful avoid pair ducks  indecisive early on  edging streakily struck shoulder steyn over  all rounder ended session full blooded cover drive steyn fence  carried similar vein interval  pollock long on ntini square leg  flintoff emulated thorpe reaching 50 boundary  south africa s strike afternoon smith offered long hop flintoff enticed edge  ab de villiers gloved stumps  england s scoring rate increased jones crease  complemented thorpe s grafting approach abrasive strokeplay  keeper blazed 73 82 balls  10 fours sixes  england chased quick runs prior declaration  joining thorpe top edging hapless steyn keeper s head numerous occasions  south africa forced place fielder long stop  runs continued flow jones holed long on give boje sole strike  ashley giles  fit bowl day suffering back spasms  bat  swift removal steyn prompted declaration   graeme smith  captain   herschelle gibbs  jacques rudolph  jacques kallis  martin van jaarsveld  hashim amla  ab de villiers  shaun pollock  nicky boje  makhaya ntini  dale steyn   marcus trescothick  andrew strauss  mark butcher  michael vaughan  captain   graham thorpe  andrew flintoff  geraint jones  ashley giles  matthew hoggard  simon jones  stephen harmison   hair  taufel  
class_cricket	sri lanka cancel tour  sri lanka cancelled cricket tour zealand tsunami disaster ravaged country  confirmed   tour put hold one day international game played 26 december  day tidal wave struck island country  sri lanka cricket initially postpone tour wednesday decided pull out   we fully understand decision   icc chief executive malcolm speed  latest death toll sri lankans caught disaster stands 22 000  statement sri lanka cricket stated   the sri lankan cricketers stood people country good times bad times   the cancellation tour enable cricketers board assist victims disaster   speed said   the impact tsunami sri lanka devastating   in situation members agreed postpone series issue fines compensation   the sri lankan players return families series replayed date future confirmed   tour  comprising one day internationals test matches  rescheduled cricket boards mutual agreement   sri lanka squad lost family members disaster  mothers sanath jayasuriya upul chandana believed injured  star spin bowler muttiah muralitharan  meanwhile  minutes caught huge tidal waves swept sri lankan coastline galle   i missed wave 20 minutes  left galle lucky alive   said  miss early part tour due injury  zealand cricket chief executive martin snedden said   we give sri lankan cricket team assistance return home possible   as magnitude recent events sri lanka unfolded difficult sri lankan team remain zealand   
class_cricket	australia control  test  sydney  day  close   australia 568  pakistan 304   67 1  put 153 wicket gilchrist fell spinner danish kaneria 113  120 ball innings included sixes  ponting bowled naved ul hasan kaneria worked tail figures 7 188  australia 568  lead 264  pakistan 67 1 stumps  home side anxious make lost time rain prevented play morning session  ponting resumed 155  content play fiddle gilchrist  set bowling customary forthright manner  passed 4 000 test runs australia added 169 afternoon reached 13th century spectacular style sixes mohammad asif reach 92 successive fours shahid afridi  captain  meanwhile  registered highest score australian batsman sydney cricket ground passed greg chappell s 182 196 tea  lost gilchrist then  stumping victims kamran akmal  newcomer shane watson looked solid test innings added 58  ponting s 200 arrived 311 balls boundary naved  bowler gained revenge australian skipper chopped ball stumps   13 batsmen history score double centuries tests   australian sir don bradman chappell  departure heralded rush wickets overs watson caught 31 kaneria  ended innings wicket shane warne 16  time 24 year old leg spinner wickets test innings  facing sizeable deficit  pakistan needed good start innings yasir hameed salman butt began flurry boundaries  put 46 overs  introduction spin led butt s undoing flashed wide ball stuart macgill caught slip warne 21  hameed progressed 40 46 balls  partner younis khan made five  offer bad light umpires brought play end   matthew hayden  justin langer  ricky ponting  capt   damien martyn  michael clarke  shane watson  adam gilchrist  wkt   shane warne  jason gillespie  glenn mcgrath  stuart macgill   salman butt  imran farhat  yasir hameed  younis khan  yousuf youhana  capt   asim kamal  kamran akmal  wkt   mohammad asif shoaib akhtar  naved ul hasan  danish kaneria  umpires  bowden  nz   shepherd  eng   
class_cricket	australia complete sweep  test  sydney  day  result   australia 568   62 1 bt pakistan 304   325  pakistan  continuing 67 1 overnight  posted 325 innings home team quickly scored 62 runs needed victory  asim kamal top scored visitors well made 87  australia control building first innings lead 264  turning wicket shane warne 4 111 stuart macgill 3 83  australia wickets morning session reduce pakistan 172 4  92 runs home team s first innings total  point stubborn resistance limit visitors loss yasir hameed session day  lunch approaching australians swung balance session favour wickets balls  yousef youhana bowled macgill 30 younis khan trapped lbw shane watson all rounder s test victim   lunch shahid afridi run typically aggressive innings dimissal sparked fall wickets 32 runs pakistan lower order threatened capitulate  point reduced 270 9 steadily losing wickets afternoon session  shortly scheduled tea interval australia claimed extra half hour search victory  asim kamal  partnered mohammad asif  scored runs test cricket  put 55 wicket set australia meagre target victory  jason langer matthew hayden wasted time setting victory target  thrashing series boundaries  victory runs langer bowled sweeping legs batsman ricky ponting smashed delivery boundary seal victory   matthew hayden  justin langer  ricky ponting  capt   damien martyn  michael clarke  shane watson  adam gilchrist  wkt   shane warne  jason gillespie  glenn mcgrath  stuart macgill   salman butt  imran farhat  yasir hameed  younis khan yousuf youhana  capt   asim kamal  kamran akmal  wkt   mohammad asifshoaib akhtar  naved ul hasan  danish kaneria  umpires  bowden  nz   shepherd  eng   
class_cricket	australia complete series sweep  test  sydney  day  result   australia 568   62 1 bt pakistan 304   325  pakistan  continuing 67 1 overnight  posted 325 innings home team quickly scored 62 runs needed victory  asim kamal top scored visitors well made 87  australia control building first innings lead 264  turning wicket shane warne 4 111 stuart macgill 3 83  australia wickets morning session reduce pakistan 172 4  92 runs home team s first innings total  point stubborn resistance limit visitors loss yasir hameed session day  lunch approaching australians swung balance session favour wickets balls  yousef youhana bowled macgill 30 younis khan trapped lbw shane watson all rounder s test victim   lunch shahid afridi run typically aggressive innings dimissal sparked fall wickets 32 runs pakistan lower order threatened capitulate  point reduced 270 9 steadily losing wickets afternoon session  shortly scheduled tea interval australia claimed extra half hour search victory  asim kamal  partnered mohammad asif  scored runs test cricket  put 55 wicket set australia meagre target victory  jason langer matthew hayden wasted time setting victory target  thrashing series boundaries  victory runs langer bowled sweeping legs batsman ricky ponting smashed delivery boundary seal victory   matthew hayden  justin langer  ricky ponting  capt   damien martyn  michael clarke  shane watson  adam gilchrist  wkt   shane warne  jason gillespie  glenn mcgrath  stuart macgill   salman butt  imran farhat  yasir hameed  younis khan yousuf youhana  capt   asim kamal  kamran akmal  wkt   mohammad asifshoaib akhtar  naved ul hasan  danish kaneria  umpires  bowden  nz   shepherd  eng   
class_cricket	england pondering line up  one day international  johannesburg south africa england  play starts sunday  0800 gmt  ian bell  kevin pietersen kabir ali performed warm up win south africa give captain michael vaughan dilemmas  vaughan admired pietersen s 97 84 balls thursday  said   the players talking innings special   you guy clear ropes team   vaughan  set bat pietersen spot lower order  added   kevin character  confident mind word  that   but sunday s big selection make ian bell pietersen played kimberley  kabir ali bowled well   we players sunday big opportunity establish team   it great experience build world cup couple years time    bell anchored england s win kimberley accomplished unbeaten 87  chance playing dislodge vikram solanki provide marcus trescothick opening partner  england shown long term patience solanki inconsistent  kabir  4 40 thursday  features squad rich seam bowlers  matthew hoggard simon jones rested warm up  vaughan predicted seven match one day series tightly contested  south africa fallen seventh icc rankings   it s tough good team  home  bat deep  all rounders   but record great year  aim at    south africa captain graeme smith defended team s recent record  fact won 13 one day internationals  said   it s difficult  playing lot sub continent  conditions good record one day cricket   captain confirmed open batting herschelle gibbs  smith team  not fussed  probable inclusion england team batsman kevin pietersen  born kwazulu natal   he enjoys attention  knock early   smith   it easier sitting changing room banned abuse him    vaughan  capt   kabir ali  anderson  batty  bell  collingwood  giles  gough  harmison  hoggard  jones  wkt   jones  pietersen  solanki  strauss  trescothick  wharf   smith  capt   bacher  boje  boucher  wkt   ab de villiers  gibbs  hall  kallis  kemp  langeveldt  nel  ntini  prince  pollock  rudolph  
class_cricket	bangladesh build platform  test  chittagong  day  stumps   bangladesh 488 zimbabwe 84 4  began extending overnight 280 4 208 sessions  highest test total 488  rajin saleh led 89 mohammad rafique hit sixes 69  sharing stands 69 62 khaled mashud mashrafe bin mortaza  zimbabwe lost wickets inside 21 overs slight recovery  home side passed 400 previously 34 tests  scoring 400 india inaugural match 2000 416 west indies year  suffered early setback aftab ahmed lbw christopher mpofu play   saleh  60 overnight  progressed score tests departing total 341  mashud s innings sedate tempo  taking 120 balls featuring boundaries  denied half century 18 year old graeme cremer s test victim  leg spinner cremer found edge mluleki nkala  sole slip fielder  made mistake  mashud s departure signalled end niceties rafique mortaza tore tiring bowlers   contrast opening session 66 runs scored  duo rafique caught mpofu  mortaza struck fours past previous 29  reaching 40 tea  mpofu bowled tapash baisya re start  mortaza responded hoisting matsikenyeri mid wicket six  innings finally end mortaza  48  cut ball cremer hands vusi sibanda backward point  mpofu finished 4 109 zimbabweans debut test appearance  matsikenyeri zimbabwe fluent start  fours 28 30 balls caught slip eighth over  vusimuzi sibanda scored 12 runs boundaries trapped mohammad rafique  left arm spinner snaring cremer ball duck  opener barney rogers watchful  taking 28 deliveries open account  run non striker s end enamul haque diverted ball stumps  hamilton masakadza remained undefeated  fours 28  sharing unbroken 25 brendon taylor hit fours out  boundaries final overs   habibul bashar  captain   khaled mashud  nafis iqbal  javed omar  mohammed ashraful  rajin saleh  aftab ahmed  mohammed rafique  enamul haque  tapash baishya mashrafe bin mortaza   tatenda taibu  captain   elton chigumbura  stuart matsikenyeri  barney rogers  vusimuzi sibanda  hamilton masakadza  brendan taylor  graeme cremer  christopher mpofu  douglas hondo  mluleki nkala  umpires  wijewardena  sri   asad rauf  pkn  
class_cricket	kenya cricket boss fights sacking  kenya cricket association president sharad ghai obtained court order preventing dismissal government financial allegations   ghai accused failing account sponsorship money  resolve player disputes hold regular elections  sports minister ochillo ayacko appointed caretaker committee  headed issac kalua  serve months elections place  order prevents kalua moving 21 days  pending judicial review  ghai insisted committee submitted receipts audited accounts expenditure   refused hand office keys kalua angered interim committee broke building police supervision   what ina dignified manner   protested   there supposed date time set office handover  expected happen civil society   time government made accusations financial mismanagement board  2002 disbanded committee  court reinstated officials  
class_cricket	union contest vaughan penalty  hefty fine imposed england captain michael vaughan fourth test south africa challenged players  union   vaughan lost match fee £5 500 referee clive lloyd ruled wrong complain  inconsistent  umpiring day  captain felt umpires erred play poor light  pca chief executive richard bevan said   to impose 100  fine ridiculous proportion    vaughan charged breach level international cricket council s code conduct  levels offences ranging serious  punished level offences opportunity contest   if impose maximum fine appeal procedure   bevan continued   we calling icc receive common sense legal action european laws   vaughan made comments umpires steve bucknor aleem dar ended day bad light  vaughan  crease time  wanted on    the icc expect players promote game talk tv media michael answer questions honestly   bevan explained   he swear abuse anyone  politely suggested consistent umpiring  bring cricket disrepute   it strikes umpires poor test field match   bevan due meet ecb monday backing  
class_cricket	vaughan endures day forget  england s worst day long time  capped captain michael vaughan fined 100  match fee   match referee clive lloyd s decision criticism vaughan umpires  handling bad light decisions day   bowling day awful and  balls close  geraint jones dived directly front marcus trescothick slip dropped herschelle gibbs 136  declared  sacrificed possibility reaching century  michael vaughan horrified manner bowlers responded  briefly conditions ideal  low cloud hanging ground  replaced clear blue sky made batting easier  direction steve harmison woeful  overs conceded runs  simply batsmen reach ball  deliveries leg side matthew hoggard best  wickets notwithstanding   understandably james anderson rusty played match 4 december harmison s day made complete hobbled calf strain  graeme smith gibbs flier separated 16th smith trapped lbw hoggard 29  disappointing series south african captain demise embarrassing fell flat ground umpire bucknor finally raised painfully slow finger  bowling erratic  hoggard struck overs rudolph laced wide half volley gully ashley giles stinging catch dislocated thumb   jacques kallis looked set  stand gibbs afternoon ominous hoggard found extra bounce kallis  aiming force back foot  chopped ball stumps 33  boeta dippenaar exciting batsmen test cricket  37 minutes  fell low catch slip duck  ball low ground trescothick dippenaar reluctant go  tv replays   umpires unsighted   batsman benefit doubt  mr dar chorus boos crowd  ab devilliers joined gibbs  strangely becalmed 65 runs scored afternoon session  devilliers hooked hoggard caught long leg 19  gibbs reached 14th century half hours  ball failed force breakthrough gibbs boucher launched counter attack added 120 crucial runs boucher caught point 64  
class_cricket	sri lankans cleared misconduct  sri lanka cricketers cleared misconduct dating back icc champions trophy 2004   avishka gunawardene kaushal lokuarachchi subject official disciplinary inquiry allegations drunken misconduct  colombo newspaper made claims defeat england southampton led sri lanka exiting tournament early  disciplinary panel find evidence players  sri lanka cricket chief executive duleep mendis said   nobody prepared give evidence absolutely evidence substantiate article s allegations   gunawardene  27  hard hitting opener  lokuarachchi  22 year old leg spinning all rounder  dropped national squad sri lanka s tour pakistan october  
class_cricket	kallis keen glamorgan return  south africa s star batsman jacques kallis relish return county cricket glamorgan    i break west indies tour  future return county cricket glamorgan choice   kallis   i enjoyed time cardiff hope back   29 year old  rated number one batsman world stunning year  spent successful season welsh county 1999  starred south africa series england  averaging 60 85 bat  job side 2 1 heading final test pretoria   we re lot pressure england  determined draw series   kallis told bbc sport wales   england final test series sides  turn win game   losing test frustrating  batting down  bowled sessions type wicket good enough   we d played good cricket felt chance win game   desire return county cricket future  kallis admitted demands international game taking toll called reassessment fixture calendar  keen carry bowling  though  sees future all rounder   i enjoy bowling   said   i ve worked hard hope years yet   
class_cricket	england victory tainted history  england attempt secure series victory south africa  venue previous match stuff test cricket folklore   south africa s meeting england centurion park january 2000 thought enthralling spectacle  tourists claiming remarkable win days lost bad weather  short months reveal unfortunate truth  bookmaker home skipper hansie cronje money   leather jacket   influence outcome match  cronje  killed years plane crash  subsequently found guilty match fixing banned test cricket life  opening bowling england andy caddick  told bbc sport   they 2 0 series  lot english supporters south africa wanted make game it  thought   at time start put together  events happened afterwards   england captain nasser hussain put south africans winning toss  early reward  purely cricketing nature  gary kirsten edged darren gough slip duck over   cronje fell gough duck home side closed day 155 6  days wiped competely due combination rain damp ground conditions cronje approached hussain suggestion manufacture result  south africa secured series won johannesburg cape town  cronje  and friends  wanted create interest final day centurion  idea side forfeit innings each  leaving tourists run chase  south africa reached 248 8 final morning set england 249 76 overs  kirsten players opposed move  explained bbc sport   hansie changing room day said   i m keen forfeit innings set total     he asked team mixed reception   some guys felt give england chance winning   mess test matches   nothing   hansie decided  hindsight  bit resistance guys good idea all   england s 12th man day phil tufnell  recalled   everyone thought good gesture spirit game   the game meandered sudden fashioned three day county game chase   reasons   emerged cronje s part simply ensure draw   led fascinating cricket match   england needed final balls yorkshire tailenders chris silverwood darren gough hit boundaries give two wicket victory   it ended great day cricket   kirsten conceded   one argue good people frustrated watched cricket suddenly great day   but player s point view worked hard months win test series give test matches away  create opportunity make easy win one   tufnell favourable memories cronje  played county cricket leicestershire 1990s   he nice bloke   spinner said   he  hi  intelligent captain  good competitor good ambassador south african cricket   kirsten recalls positive images cronje   we condoned circumstances   said   but view huge amount career   i thought outstanding captain made mistakes life position judgemental   
class_cricket	ashes defeat  won t hurt aussies   australia great rodney marsh country harm return england september lost ashes    in big picture  england strong   marsh  steps director england s national academy september   so  australia game harm lose ashes   if people back home understand that  tough   told daily telegraph newspaper  marsh flew wednesday dubai coach england team tour united arab emirates sri lanka  employed england wales cricket board academy director 2001  subsequently selector   by time leave ecb  played small part making england competitive  players work   said  australia won past ashes series world s top ranked team  five test ashes series begins lord s 21 july  
class_cricket	pakistan edge   mushtaq  mushtaq ahmed believes pakistan verge test series win india 18 years   imran khan pakistan captain return home victorious  india favourites three test series starting 8 march  test spinner mushtaq told bbc sport   pakistan advantage confidence gained playing australia   they showed one day series learned mistakes   losing test series 3 0  pakistan improved triangular vb series  beating australia group game advancinhg finals expense champions trophy winners west indies   i pakistan win   mushtaq added   but good games   the amount cricket played team world serve india   i play freedom good chance    mushtaq  185 wickets 52 test career pakistan  concerned absence fast bowler shoaib akhtar  pulled tour hamstring injury   shoaib akhtar match winner sure  bowlers great job australia   said   i danish kaneria play big role  mohammad sami  so  shoaib there  pakistani team balanced   view shared captain mushtaq mohammad  told press trust india squad  weakest ever  pakistan produced   the team visited england 1978 79 wasim bari weak  unavoidable ban cricketers signed kerry packer   said   i pakistan team club team me   barring couple them  quality batsmen side  faulty techniques  flashy  footwork  temperament inconsistent   i desperately country india win test series series means lot people pakistan   but sadly  cricket played emotions  played talent skill   i hope assessment team incorrect prove wrong  happiest man planet   
class_cricket	zealand step security  zealand cricket officials review security australia players hit missiles saturday s opening one day international   match stopped times australian fielders complained hit plastic bottles  zealand cricket chief executive martin snedden labelled missile throwing  unacceptable    it number security guards  fact needed proactive   said  australia captain ricky ponting complained immediately side s 10 run win   someone s hurt  security guys players boundary   said  however  kiwi coach john bracewell accused australia crowd delaying tactic   claimed missile throwing treatment players australia  australia skipper steve waugh threatened players field similar crowd disturbances zealand years ago   i tactical awareness learned steve waugh passed on   bracewell said  hit missile point  aussie bowler glenn mcgrath star show  returning figures 4 16   glenn outstanding win   ponting said   it s hard place win found tonight   zealand skipper stephen fleming praised hamish marshall  76 rescued match   we it  back   hamish outstanding   lost end   
class_cricket	shoaib ruled test series  fast bowler shoaib akhtar miss pakistan s test series india troubled hamstring injury considered   suffered injury australia month recovery weeks  squad india named saturday quoted saying   i play half fit   news 24 hours fined £265 breaching terms contract australia  accused visiting nightclubs talking media permission  denies charges lodged appeal decision disciplinary panel  however  shoaib insisted decision pull test series outcome disciplinary hearing   my decision linked fine warning   said   it honest decision half fit india   shoaib s absence huge blow pakistan s chances avenging year s home test series defeat india  hopes one day internationals follow test matches   i informed pakistan cricket board decision inform fit team stage available    i love play one day series provided team me   added  29 year old  rawalpindi express  quickest bowler world cricket clocked 100mph  fitness record poor missed 30 66 tests pakistan played made debut november 1997  shoaib believes injuries inevitable part game fast bowlers amount international cricket nowadays  critics point fact increased workload agreeing contracts english counties  spells durham 2003 04 due play worcestershire half 2005 season tour west indies  pakistan  meanwhile  awaiting fitness reports fellow seamers mohammad sami  mohammad khalil shabbir ahmed finalising squad india  paceman  umar gul  make trip undergoing rehabilitation stress fractures back  
class_cricket	icc ponders one day alterations  rules one day cricket changed fielding side wickets single ball   striking batsman dismissed lbw caught partner run out  international cricket council idea modify 15 over period fielding restrictions set innings start  instead  batting side choose slots overs fielders permitted cover boundaries  sunil gavaskar heads icc committee recommended proposal bid inject interest one day game india captain  predictable    we ve looked double play situation   explained interview melbourne age   if batsman s lbw ball ricochets gully fielder picks throws non striker s end  dismissals ball   same ball s air   icc discussing proposals meeting melbourne  
class_cricket	icc relaxes bowling regulations  international cricket council  icc  agreed relax rules bowling actions bid defuse divisive issues cricket   bowlers allowed straighten arms 15 degrees   amount visible naked eye  bowler found illegal action suspended immediately  shortening current review process   this process game forward   icc chief executive malcolm speed saturday   this issue afflicted game 60 years   every time emotional reactions people world based fear ignorance doubt time    15 degree limit extensive research programme conducted biomechanics experts  previously  levels 10 degrees fast bowlers degrees spinners  icc ordered review laws throwing top international players  including sri lankan muttiah muralitharan  reported suspect actions  muralitharan s  doosra  leg break delivery found involve flexion 14 degrees   expert panel comprising aravinda de silva  angus fraser  michael holding  tony lewis  tim david richardson found modern bowlers broke rules way  added laws determine action legal murky unworkable   these recommendations people played game highest level deep appreciation issues   icc cricket committee chairman sunil gavaskar  
class_cricket	holding slams twenty20  rubbish   west indies great michael holding branded twenty20 cricket  rubbish  international future debated   holding refused watch month s twenty20 match australia pakistan adelaide  told voice   it saddens hear people real contest bat ball  simple slogging good cricket   it place domestic cricket introduced international competition    international cricket council chief executives  committee discuss format  proved massive success domestic level  melbourne friday  twenty20 cricket  features games lasting hours  launched county cricket 2002  domestically south africa  australia planning state competition january  zealand stage men s international australia month  aussies play england rose bowl june  however  holding told television employers commentate shortened game   what point telling youngsters watch game copy players  techniques   continued   there good twenty20 cricket  people disagree talking about   
class_cricket	pakistan  to host asia cup   pakistan host asia cup one day tournament march  pakistan cricket board chairman shaharyar khan   khan told reuters agency decision made monday s meeting asian cricket council dubai  india  sri lanka bangladesh confirmed participation  qualifiers feature  teams  including hong kong  played eighth asia cup  sri lanka year  hosts triumphing  pakistan hosted previous tournaments  dating back 1984 poor diplomatic relations neighbours india  
class_cricket	windies women optimistic mood  west indies hopeful making impression women s world cup south africa financial problems overshadowing build up    our major strength bowling  very  tight   coach ann browne john   the batting sound team spirit togetherness girls developing make strong unit   play holders zealand game 22 march   teams face league format  top progressing semi finals  bad weather forced west indies indoors weekend s training camp  lasting weeks  begin 19 february  played international cricket india pakistan year  winning series 5 2 outplayed games india   these matches exposed women s cricket playing game   i think  experience us  well   captain stephanie power commented  
class_cricket	usa cricket threat  world cricket bosses threatened pull plan spread game poor organisation   letter icc cricket association leaked website   we sporting organisation combines great potential poor administration usaca   letter   we question current administration usaca play constructive role taking game forward united states   project usa  joint venture icc  usaca west indies cricket board  brought full one day internationals involving leading teams country  revenue gained fund development improve standard national team  beaten heavily zealand australia september  letter  signed icc president ehsan mani chief executive malcolm speed  addressed usaca president gladstone dainty  on   we copied numerous letters usaca plunged disarray   further  witnessed abysmal performance usa cricket team icc champions trophy    we approached countries replace usa preferred partner icc deliver international cricket matches    usaca 1 february sign memorandum understanding project usa  icc threatening move country otherwise  second tier nations  netherlands staged rain hit one day series involving australia  pakistan india august  morocco united arab emirates non test playing nations successfully hosted international matches past  number cricketers grown massively past decade 16 000 larger 10 test playing countries  estimated million immigrants cricket playing countries potential audience pay per view television  mani made expansion key aims office  plans stage matches 2007 world cup abandoned logistical difficulties  icc spokesman told bbc sport   the letter seeking influence domestic governance   simply expressing view   
class_cricket	england fail finish job  england series suggest vulnerable and  rain hit day centurion  batsmen again   michael vaughan horribly mis pulled shaun pollock square leg four ball duck  england lost tame wickets runs overs  game open utmost close down  marcus trescothick run misjudgement andrew strauss  trescothick   non striker s end   responded strauss s call drove makhaya ntini straight mid off  strauss suddenly changed mind trescothick desperately regain ground  nicky boje swooped one handed threw stumps direct  robert key fell overs caught leg side single  key glared umpire bucknor raised finger  dragged ground  replays suggested had  indeed  touched ball   balls later  vaughan caught england reeling 29 3  andrew strauss appeared completely lose touch and  frankly  graham thorpe occasionally form series  left handers scratched about  barely laying bat ball  survived  close lbw appeals  managed add 85 interruptions strauss uncharacteristically chased ball wide stump andre nel edged boucher 44  moments later  lightening drove players ground  time ticking and  days go  remarkable south africans win match here  england s fallibility  growing tendency opposition chance concern supporters  anticipating close  exciting ashes series summer  but  completely honest  england improve enormously efforts tour close threatening aussies  
class_cricket	cricket coach moves tsunami  tsunami crashed sri lankan coastline  cricket coach stephen jones middle catching practice   minutes entire playing area galle stadium covered water  jones boys harrow school team made safety time  thousands lucky now  month later  jones coming terms experience  whilst concentrating coaching assignment prepare south african team women s world cup  starting march  jones admits memory events galle  a blur   told bbc sport   we half hour starting game warming up   fortunately fielding drills front pavilion   field trouble   i remember level noise colleague s wife daughter screamed watch out  told  remember  locals told field   it minutes  10 minutes  water metres deep    harrow party refuge viewing area changing rooms proved high enough   the boys terrified   terrified    also  amazingly calm   jones   i thought panicked set domino effect trouble   if happened beginning tour different  fact team counted favour   team ethic fore   49 year old cape town believes perspective life changed  conscious significance women s world cup  south africa hosting  utmost focus fully helping team played international cricket year    i m aware fact women s cricket bit infancy countries  bit go   this world cup critical  success exposure hope does  elevate women s cricket brand level   said   perhaps bit relaxed bigger context  bigger picture   but nice achieve things important girls make good it  make special occasion   
class_cricket	pietersen handed one day call up  kevin pietersen added england squad forthcoming one day series south africa   hampshire batsman  born south africa  made england debut zimbabwe november   it prudent add squad team face one day internationals 15 days   chairman selectors david graveney   his inclusion give captain coach option side requires balance   pietersen spent years qualifying play england beginning career south african provincial cricket kwazulu natal  prolific scorer seasons nottinghamshire star england tour india early year scored centuries  introduction senior side controversial tour zimbabwe  showed potential innings 77 76 balls match england achieved 4 0 clean sweep  rough ride south africa  skipper graeme smith accused pietersen running  when things tough  magazine interview autumn   if here  here   smith quoted saying   we south africa transformation wasimportant country   we apartheid move on  difficult stage  fantastic cricketers haveemerged   one day series starts johannesburg 30 january  days england s sole warm up game south africa a   vaughan  capt   kabir ali  anderson  batty  bell  collingwood  flintoff  giles  gough  harmison  jones  wkt   pietersen  solanki  strauss  trescothick  wharf  
class_cricket	pakistan slump twenty20 debut  twenty20 tour match  adelaide  australia 185 5  20 overs  beat pakistan 129 7  20 overs  56 runs  hussey  made 50 43 deliveries  joined white joined fifth wicket stand 79 adelaide  white upped pace end  ending 58 38 balls hosts posted 185 5 21 254 fans  pakistan crashed 17 4 reached 129 7  taufeeq umar top scoring 31 20 balls  australia s start  opting bat first  similarly inauspicious  shoaib akhtar  pain killing injections earlier thisweek back hamstring injuries  37 hisfour overs  captain brad haddin  scored 129 wednesday s 50 over match sides  fell two  james hopes bowled pace man s over  scoreline 27 2   brad hodge mike hussey  veterans twenty20 cricket england  unable capitalise blazing starts younger hussey brother calmed proceedings  tasmanian damien wright struck wickets space balls pakistan reply tourists disarray  umar played fluently  hitting boundaries  find partner batsmen fell single figures  inzamam ul haq added 50 wicket pakistan captain run 21  younis khan  28  iftikhar anjum  21  pace brisk  required pace unbeaten partnership 58   sides penalised runs slow over rates  twenty20 cricket  involves batsmen sitting boundary edge waiting bowlers reduced time overs  launched county cricket 2002  domestically south africa women s cricket  international involved england zealand year  zealand sri lanka planned play twenty20 international tour cut short tsunami disaster  australia s senior team taste shortened format june  tour england  cricket australia chief executive james sutherland twenty20 cricket state sides possibility year   it s happening parts world embraced domestic cricket level   said   the signals days fans interested of   and introduce formal basis season   inzamam predicted twenty20 popular form sport worldwide   i years popular game   compared to  50 over games test matches   said   now popular  years popular game   haddin said   i test cricket popular form game    jr hopes  bj haddin  bj hodge  mek hussey  dj hussey  cl white  dj thornely  nw bracken  dg wright  sw tait  yasir hameed  taufeeq umar  shahid afridi  mohammad hafeez  abdul razzaq  inzamam ul haq  azhar mahmood  younis khan  iftikhar anjum  mohammad khalil  shoaib akhtar  
class_cricket	zimbabwe bowlers endure hard toil  tour match  chittagong  stumps  day three   bangladesh cricket board xi 316 7d  zimbabwe 41 0  stumps day three day match  bangladesh cricket board xi declared 316 7  zimbabwe replying safely 41 0  tourists  leg spinner matsikenyeri  generally regarded batsman  figures 4 58  tushar imran compiled unbeaten 102  nafees ahmed contributing 97  fringe test player rajin saleh  captaining bcb xi  helped put 112 wicket nafees  wickets fell addition 34 runs matsikenyeri  sixth bowler tried  major impact  tushar tareq aziz  19 out  added 123 unbroken partnership eighth wicket  point declaration zimbabwe s openers matsikenyeri barney rogers survived 10 overs stumps drawn   shahriar nadees  shamsur rahman  saqib al wasan  rajin saleh  capt   tushar imran  al sahariar  mushfiqur rahim  mohammad sharif  tareq aziz  shahadat hossain  shafaq al zabir   barney rogers  stuart matsikenyeri  brendan taylor  vusi sibanda  tatenda taibu  capt wk   elton chigumbura  tinashe panyangara  douglas hondo  prosper utseya  tawanda mupariwa  ano  
class_cricket	icc press dubai switch  international cricket council expected confirm move london dubai announcement made january   british sports minister richard caborn met icc president ehsan mani monday attempt persuade cricket s governing body making move  icc remains keen move united arab emirates advantage tax breaks offer britain  december  uk treasury ruled tax breaks sports federations  icc impressed long british government seek meeting mani  mooted move lord s june year  mani told caborn circumstances changed prepared members remain london  department culture  media sport offer  biggest factor icc   tax breaks   remains treasury rule on  icc recently voted 11 1 abstention move dubai  final details arranged place switch  
class_cricket	sri lanka reschedule nz test tour  sri lanka rescheduled test series zealand april cutting short original tour asian tsunami disaster   team play warm up game embarking tests kiwis  starting 4 11 april  members sri lankan squad zealand month play world xi one day games  place 22  24 26 january money raised tsunami relief appeal  australian shane warne captain world side  south african jonty rhodes acting player coach  matches raise prospect warne bowling tandem sri lankan spinner muttiah muralitharan time  england batsmen nick knight graeme hick part squad   we hope break series run manageable loss   zealand cricket chief martin snedden   it expensive benefits home cricket season black caps  benefit fund raising activities  make series worthwhile    series backed federation international cricketers  associations  world xi play   we responsibility support members cricketing community   in forming inaugural fica world xi  support icc member countries larger community difficult time   the series give opportunity raise valuable funds related charitable activities ensure zealand international cricket height summer   fica chief executive tim may  venues sri lanka s tests zealand decided  concern weather factor series  snedden said  the climatic conditions early april similar march confident test cricket played time year   a decision venues re scheduled tests made weeks   we working sri lankan cricket board reschedule unplayed one day international matches hope play four match odi series season s christmas new year period    warne  capt   bevan  bichel  elliott  flower  harvey  hick  jayasuriya  klusener  knight  muralitharan  rhodes  sangakkara  streak  vaas  
class_cricket	world xi triumph tsunami match  tsunami appeal match  melbourne  icc world xi 344 8 beat asian 232 xi 112 runs  ricky ponting hit 115 massive total 344 8 electing bat front crowd 70 101  rahul dravid top scored 75 asian xi reply  virender sehwag s brisk 45  daniel vettori 3 58 england s darren gough wicket catch  shane warne 2 27  game  broadcast 122 countries estimated global television audience billion  raised £6 million relief effort   australian prime minister john howard tossed coin start match  international cricket council chief executive  malcolm speed  paid tribute players taking part  said   this signifies game s compassion commitment provide enable survivors tsunami rebuild lives possible   ponting entertained fans early hitting big shots anil kumble abdul razzaq world xi s run rate ticking healthy rate  chris cairns  69  brian lara  52  enjoyed middle order packed stars delivered goods   plenty time unorthodox   australia tailender glenn mcgrath batted number six  fell golden duck  muttiah muralitharan captured wicket figures 3 59  comeback performance sri lankan injured months caught 26 december tragedy  sehwag gave asian xi good start reached 59 0 10th over  wickets regularly tumbled fell catch deep hit warne s ball six   vettori stuck middle order dravid played lone hand kumar sangakkara   gough s sole victim   providing meaningful support  world xi boosted presence steve waugh substitute fielder end match  wrapped 40th run murali duck  man match ponting said   the day very  special   it s great cricket community world play huge part raise money put smile faces world   asian xi captain sourav ganguly said   i hope contributed people suffered disaster    sourav ganguly  ind capt   sanath jayasuriya  sl   virender sehwag  ind   rahul dravid  ind   yousuf youhana  pak   kumar sangakkara  sl   abdul razzaq  pak   chaminda vaas  sl   zaheer khan  ind   anil kumble  ind   muttiah muralitharan  sl   alok kapali  ban  12th man  sachin tendulkar  ind  13th man   ricky ponting  aus capt   matthew hayden  aus   adam gilchrist  aus   stephen fleming  nz   brian lara  wi   chris gayle  wi   chris cairns  nz   shane warne  aus   glenn mcgrath  aus   darren gough  eng   daniel vettori  nz   dwayne bravo  wi  12th man   rudi koertzen  sa   billy bowden  nz  
class_cricket	bangladesh delighted test win  bangladeshi players fans celebrated side s historic test victory  zimbabwe chittagong   thousands fans  armed drums flags  ran streets capital dhaka minutes end game  halting traffic   it s day life  forget day member bangladesh s winning team   i remember hard days  victory   captain habibul bashar  bangladesh president iajuddin ahmed  prime minister khaleda zia opposition leader sheikh hasina congratulated team  win 226 runs chittagong bangladesh s test win 35th attempt granted test status 2000  bangladesh managed draws previous 34 matches   zimbabwe west indies  bangladesh coach dav whatmore victory  a wonderful feeling    you joy relief lots people   whatmore told bbc world service   we ve share hammerings year half and  putting win perspective  track   but sense bit self belief play tougher opposition    whatmore led sri lanka victory 1996 world cup compare  continued   it important country sport cricket stand show progressing   there s lot frustration long time bangladesh team pushing opposition enough   australia test batsman played status zimbabwe  weakened side returned seven month suspension test status   yes  opponents ranked pretty moment outset suggest chance winning   added   but matter   zimbabwe captain tatenda taibu  made 92 innings  dismissed duck second  disappointed performance   there bad cricket side good cricket bangladeshis   said   our top order batsmen party dropped catches   final test series zimbabwe begins friday dhaka  
class_cricket	scotland closing coach  scotland cricket officials announced team s coach named month   recent press reports original short list reduced two  andy moles  kenya coach  south african peter kirsten thought running  cricket scotland spokesman roddy smith declined names   it s unfair people contract people   said  moles thought preferred choice decided coach s role full time  previous incumbent tony judd chose apply permanent post club commitment  smith confirmed interviews place edinburgh confirm candidates be  commenting scottish newspaper reports said   press speculation helped   
class_cricket	ecb defends england tour schedule  england wales cricket board defended role scheduling tour south africa   criticism itinerary intensified england s defeat cape town  back back tests  ecb director cricket operations john carr said   we raised eyebrows received draft south african board   unfortunately  south africa incredibly condensed programme november end may   south africa toured india prior england s arrival follow departure series zimbabwe west indies   we play test matches 10 one day internationals home programme generate revenue helps fund english cricket   we expected reciprocate similar amount cricket winter months    most years manage workload acceptable terms cricket played   it logistics international cricket moment  south africa s programme particular  meant ther tour condensed narrow period   we position demand reduction number test matches one day internationals   explained carr  acknowledged schedule  far ideal  players subject workload  troubling  boards world   we hold hands up  south african board  winter satisfactory situation   carr added   england opening batsman geoffrey boycott playing tests back back  madness  carr england coach duncan fletcher agreed it  graham thorpe  35 oldest member england test squad  told bbc point complaining schedule   three test matches half weeks tough schedule  doubt that   said   in half career tour weeks bar playing couple warm up games   this different  basically playing test matches games between  modern tours now   it s exciting  games thick fast time find form   it s case it  knew tour scheduled   it s test matches  beating cape town reason it  things happen sport   
class_cricket	batsman law gains uk citizenship  australian born batsman stuart law granted british citizenship play lancashire non overseas player 2005   played domestic cricket england past seasons   essex lancashire  law said   i m glad happened quickly problems  benefit lancashire   law theory play england s test side 36 selection backward step  said  record 23 000 first class runs  68 centuries average 51 21  make test candidate injury crisis   april england s chairman selectors david graveney said   we deal runs wickets wrong respect   law played test australia  sri lanka  scored unbeaten half century innings  appeared 54 one day internationals  
class_cricket	england regroup  south africa duly levelled series mid afternoon england s top scorer  steve harmison  caught gully 42   england days relaxation cape town contemplate defeat 14 matches heading johannesburg fourth test  coach duncan fletcher s main problem handful players pulling weight  bowlers  matthew hoggard plugging manfully  andrew flintoff seam bowlers michael vaughan feels trust present  simon jones bowling steadily enough  vaughan bring resort harmison remains shadow bowler who  tour  topped world rankings  spinner ashley giles consistent cape town previous test  rarely looked threatening  lack application batsmen  however  principle reason england lost lead  andrew strauss marcus trescothick excused criticism  admit that  others  wickets easily   frustrate fletcher south africa s bowling attack workmanlike  dismissed england 139 innings durban 163 innings here  wearing pitch  needed 124 overs bowl england time  wicket pair harmison hoggard add 51 difficulty  news andrew flintoff s injury encouraging  mri scan revealed problem abdominal strain  intercostal  latter  ended tour stroke  belief that  treatment  fit bowl johannesburg  injury recover time  england face nightmare choose balanced team  mark butcher s prognosis promising  wearing cast left wrist removed week  time running him  neutral observers england team  avoided defeat durban scored resounding victory here  south africa force them  
class_cricket	sri lanka squad sets home  sri lanka s cricketers set home cancellation tour zealand   decision boards wake devastating tsunami south asia claimed lives 27 000 sri lankans   there lot work done  couple days   months  years   we can   vice captain mahela jayawardene said  sri lanka played series one day internationals zealand test matches called off  tour rescheduled time agreed boards    the general feeling thing do  cricket important moment   team manager brendon kuruppu   no one thinking cricket  players staying hotel rooms watching television phone home information    star spin bowler muttiah muralitharan minutes caught huge tidal waves swept sri lankan coastline galle  recuperating shoulder surgery   i missed wave 20 minutes  left galle luck alive   told sydney morning herald newspaper  zealand cricket  meanwhile  agreed world vision charity raise funds website  plan donate nz 1  £0 37  ticket sold twenty20 match australia 17 february disaster appeal  kiwi players donating signed shirts wear game auckland auction  
class_cricket	sri lanka decide continue tour  sri lanka continue cricket tour zealand five day period mourning killed tidal waves south asia   death toll 23 000  half sri lankans  missing   cricket thing minds moment   team manager brendon kuruppu  wednesday s game napier postponed sri lankan board decided tour on  one day series resume 2 january queenstown  match napier played 11 january test series  due begin 15th  rescheduled   new zealand cricket great compassion people sri lanka suffered terrible time   nzc chief executive martin snedden   it testament strong relationship boards worked quickly find workable solution   john bracewell  coach zealand team  players deeply moved disaster thoughts sri lankan squad   it s shock sympathies them   said   i ve doubt guys talk guys it  pretty rough   sri lanka under 19 team s tour pakistan postponed   we understand current state affairs position play cricket series   pakistan cricket board chairman shaharyar khan  indian australian women s teams will  however  play one day match madras planned tuesday  
class_cricket	ecb reveals county one day revamp  england wales cricket board announced major structural domestic one day competitions  board resisted calls cut number four day games  county championship format unchanged  2006  50 over c g trophy divided conferences scotland ireland added  played half season  august final  totesport league occupy end summer  40 over format   however  scottish saltires  finished bottom seasons division two  removed competition 2005  teams totesport league division play   home   automatic two up two down promotion relegation spots  third placed team division host seventh placed team division one off match decide final top flight berth  expansion twenty20 cup planned 2005  ecb explore adding foreign teams future   class forum chairman mike soper headed working party responsible changes  initial suggestions ecb rejected county bosses   i extremely pleased outcome report unanimously acclaimed recent fcf meeting   said   we strong competition c g trophy reflects international cricket   our highly successful twenty20 competition 40 over competition immediately it   model set australia south africa  england team face touring sides summer  playing first class matches combination four  one day games  
class_cricket	ireland happy c g format  ireland guaranteed c g trophy matches 2006 competition straight knock out league format   skipper jason molins structure great boost development irish cricket   it pushing for  play unit opposition   irish captain   the opportunity play sort cricket exciting   competition played half season  final  ireland southern conference first class counties   scotland invited part northern section   world cricket moment tams playing one day internationals   added molins   if ireland aspire level playing one day matches good teams   irish cricket invested heavily national coach chief executive  playing games   ireland lot young players coming give platform profile      part ireland  191 s preparation icc trophy july   irish cricket union secured fixture current english county champions warwickshire  match played edgbaston sunday 24 april  
class_cricket	pakistan urged show fight  head pakistan cricket board warned national team playing places remaining tests australia   pakistan suffered 491 run thrashing perth  bowled 72 innings   pakistan proud cricket nation continuity team   but current lot pick reserve talent future tours   pcb chairman shaharyar khan   we coach bob woolmer  players time adjust system method   but expect put good fight   added   crowd 150  burnt effigies woolmer  captain inzamam ul haq  vice captain yousuf youhana chief selector wasim bari karachi tuesday  coach javed miandad renewed criticism woolmer  charge team months ago   the team talented players make minor adjustments techniques play heart australian wickets   but coach stop blaming players making excuses poor performance   woolmer highly regarded coach back players give confidence times   pakistan lost tests played year  test australia begins melbourne sunday  
class_football	man utd stroll cup win  wayne rooney made winning return everton manchester united cruised fa cup quarter finals   rooney received hostile reception  goals half quinton fortune cristiano ronaldo silenced jeers goodison park  fortune headed home 23 minutes ronaldo scored nigel martyn parried paul scholes  free kick  marcus bent missed everton s chance roy carroll  struck missile  saved feet   rooney s return potential flashpoint  involved angry exchange spectator kick off  rooney s touch met deafening chorus jeers crowd idolised 19 year old  everton started brightly fortune needed alert scramble header bent goal line  cue united complete control supreme passing display goodison park pitch cutting up  fortune gave united lead 23 minutes  rising meet ronaldo s cross yards portuguese youngster allowed time space hapless gary naysmith  united dominated creating clear cut chances  paid price making domination minutes half time  mikel arteta played superb ball area bent  played onside gabriel heintze  hesitated carroll plunged fee save  united doubled lead 48 minutes ronaldo s low drive 25 yards deflection tony hibbert  martyn dived save brilliantly  martyn everton s rescue minutes rooney s big moment arrived raced clean through  veteran keeper outstanding form  martyn united doubled lead 57 minutes doubled advantage  scholes  free kick deflection  martyn parry ball ronaldo  reacted score easily  everton s problems worsened james mcfadden limped injury  trouble ahead everton goalkeeper carroll required treatment struck head missile thrown goal  rooney s desperate search goal return everton halted martyn injury time outpaced stubbs  martyn denied england striker     manchester united coach sir alex ferguson   it fantastic performance us  fairness everton missed couple players young players out   the boy ronaldo fantastic player  persistent in   i fouls ball again  fabulous player   everton  martyn  hibbert  yobo  stubbs  naysmith  osman  carsley  arteta  kilbane  mcfadden  bent  subs  wright  pistone  weir  plessis  vaughan  manchester united  carroll  gary neville  brown  ferdinand  heinze  ronaldo  phil neville  keane  scholes  fortune  rooney  subs  howard  giggs  smith  miller  spector  referee  styles  hampshire  
class_football	van nistelrooy set return  manchester united striker ruud van nistelrooy make comeback achilles tendon injury fa cup round tie everton saturday   action months targeted return champions league tie ac milan 23 february  manchester united manager sir alex ferguson hinted back early  said   there chance involved everton training   28 year old training holland ferguson said   ruud back tuesday assess is   the training holland perfect satisfied it   van nistelrooy  united made 13 wins 15 league games 2 0 derby victory manchester city sunday  boosted return dutch international  club s top scorer season 12 goals  played aggravating injury 3 0 win west brom 27 november  ferguson unhappy van nistelrooy revealing carrying injury  united hit injuries alan smith louis saha van nistelrooy s absence  meaning wayne rooney play lone role front  teenager responded goals games  including goal city sunday  
class_football	moyes u turn beattie dismissal  everton manager david moyes discipline striker james beattie headbutt chelsea defender william gallas   scot initially defended beattie  dismissal put everton back foot game ultimately lost 1 0  gallas overreacted  rethink video evidence again  said   i set record straight conceding dismissal correct   moyes added   my comments saturday immediately final whistle point opportunity one  quick re run incident    club website reported beattie  unrepentant saturday s match  insisting gallas  would stayed lot longer  headbutted him  apologised  moyes continued   although incident totally character   james suspended career   actions unacceptable detrimental effect team mates   james issue formal apology myself  team mates everton supporters immediately game thing done  subjected normal club discipline   he competitive player fair player upset happened  however  chelsea player question easily   speaking immediately game  moyes said   i sending off  centre half time ashamed easily that    not million years john terry way  heard butting running them   what happened big  strong centre halves  thought push initially sending off   angry beattie initially said   he  gallas  stayed lot longer headbutted him   i intentional headbutt  chasing ball corner william gallas shoulder blocking off   he stopping running  if stay straight you   heads barely touched intentional headbutt   
class_football	ronaldo contract  manchester united winger cristiano ronaldo close agreeing contract trafford   portugal star  joined august 2003 five year deal  regular united first team   the united board made offer renew contract it   told news world   my agent spoken club resolved soon  reach good agreement sides   ronaldo refused commit long term future club    nobody tomorrow  here  knows   added   there bigger clubs one  ambition big club  happy future   
class_football	smith keen home series return  scotland manager walter smith backing reinstatement home international series   plan proposed chief executive northern irish fa  howard wells  meeting home countries  english fa expressed doubt fixtures accommodated end season  smith said   bringing back add meaning friendly games needed   home international series 1984  traditional scotland england fixture continuing 1989  game smith delighted reinstated   the scotland england match highlight end season   added   i italy friendly russia week made substitutions 20 000 fans turned watch   england criticised 0 0 draw holland   scotland slammed past poor results friendlies   you put performance friendly games  don t  de motivating   it dangerous road down  players apply manner should   so support return home internationals   problem fitting fixture schedule   
class_football	mido makes apology  ahmed  mido  hossam made apology egyptian people attempt rejoin national team   21 year old told news conference cairo sunday problems led exclusion pharaohs july year  mido said   there today  specially england egypt rejoin national team apologise mistakes   mido axed coach marco tardelli failing answer national call up  claiming groin injury  played friendly club roma 24 hours world cup qualifying match home cameroon september  mido added   it s give orders play     time make put national s team s matches top priority   i feel national players playing spirit play belgium  egypt won 4 0 wednesday  simply add success   i confess rude egyptian press times gained experience press s support   many international stars david beckham  zinedine  zidane press opposing them   so fact press times overreact happens  meanwhile  egypt fa spokesman methat shalaby welcomed apology exerted pressure mido apologise   mido s apology today negatively affect mido anyway  contrary makes bigger star role model football players   shalaby said  shalaby earlier apology mido national side coach hassan shehata chose him  mido joined tottenham 18 month loan deal end january transfer window  scoring debut portsmouth  
class_football	man city 0 2 man utd  manchester united reduced chelsea s premiership lead points scrappy victory manchester city   wayne rooney met gary neville s cross post low shot  deflection richard dunne  put united ahead  minutes later  unfortunate dunne hooked volley david james  head net  steve mcmanaman wasted city s chance shot wide yards half  opening 45 minutes united looked earn win needed maintain chance catching chelsea title race  approach play laboured patient managed fashion chance   paul scholes header bar  city content sit back hit rivals break game settled tepid pattern  shaun wright phillips appeared capable interrupting monotony  lively causing gabriel heinze problems   wes brown found wright phillips difficult opponent tricky winger embarrassed touchline  wright phillips  sublime skill pace past brown delivered pin point centre feet mcmanaman  liverpool player demonstrated scored united side footing easy chance wide  john o shea forced earlier clash sylvain distin cristiano ronaldo replace him  immediately caused ben thatcher discomfort looked set inject much needed pace united attack  rooney marshalled dunne   change  break  united poured forward renewed urgency play  neville delivered cross carbon copy city s first half chance  rooney showed mcmanaman   needed dunne s leg  worse dunne  fine match  75 minutes  scored horrible goal attempting volley clear rooney s cross united home dry  however  city fight back fowler missed great chance close range  united keeper roy carroll saved kiki musampa  united late substitute ryan giggs hit post     manchester city boss kevin keegan   we great chance lead goal crucial   we started good tempo allowed dictate pace bit much   but good chances  2 0 down  mcmanaman missed similar wayne rooney scored from     manchester united boss sir alex ferguson   it performance months deserved winners   at times  half  play speed   cristiano  ronaldo  ryan  giggs on  speed improved   derby games that  scrappy  dull  horrible that   man city  james  mills  bradley wright phillips 83   dunne  distin  thatcher  shaun wright phillips  barton  macken 68   sibierski  mcmanaman  musampa  fowler  subs used  weaver  onuoha  flood  booked  fowler  sibierski  man utd  carroll  gary neville  ferdinand  brown  heinze  o shea  ronaldo 33   keane  fortune  fletcher  giggs 64   rooney  scholes  phil neville 84   subs used  howard  bellion  booked  rooney  scholes  keane  goals  rooney 68  dunne 75 og  att  47 111 ref  bennett  kent   
class_football	gerrard plays european hopes  steven gerrard admitted liverpool chance winning champions league season   24 year old reds skipper spoke ahead tuesday s leg home bayer leverkusen 16  miss suspension   let s realistic  fantastic teams left champions league   told bbc radio live   we stay long realise year year   gerrard made secret desire involved europe s premier club competition   season qualification champions league  be end all    rumours persist leave anfield reds fail secure place competition  consistently linked move liverpool  chelsea favourites snap england midfielder  blues boss jose mourinho backed gerrard s view rafael benitez s team struggle progress season   rafa time front build team  bit  right now    told bbc radio live   gerrard  fired liverpool 16 season s competition brilliant goal december s win olympiakos  insisted fully focused helping liverpool glory season  reds premiership table  points crucial fourth spot  brings champions league qualification   face chelsea sunday s carling cup final   it s big couple months liverpool   added   we re fighting fourth spot champions league season involved cup competitions  important   we confident upset chelsea carling cup final champions league because  financially  big club and  personally myself  good   
class_football	duff ruled barcelona clash  chelsea s damien duff ruled wednesday s champions league clash barcelona nou camp   duff sustained knee injury fa cup defeat newcastle manager jose mourinho said   he run  injury painful  out   mourinho revealed defender willian gallas striker didier drogba starting line up  blues boss unusual step naming side day match  jole cole named midfield  mourinho said   we session drogba play  gallas play   drogba trained monday problems tuesday  gallas feels play play  protecting play   drogba  chelsea s £24m striker  missed weeks injury   cech  ferreira  carvalho  terry  gallas  tiago  makelele  lampard  cole  drogba  gudjohnsen  
class_football	chelsea clinch cup extra time   after extra time   score 90 mins 1 1   john arne riise volleyed liverpool ahead 45 seconds steven gerrard scored 79th minute goal  blues boss jose mourinho taunting liverpool fans goal watched television side win game  drogba kezman scored close range antonio nunez s header made tense finale  amazing climax gave mourinho silverware chelsea manager  controversial too  mourinho s sending off  apparently putting finger lips hush liverpool fans  hushing extraordinary opening reds stunning lead inside minute   riise connected morientes  cross smashed left foot volley past petr cech  goal  quickest ever league cup final  stunned blues side previously rock solid confidence shaken consecutive losses newcastle barcelona previous week  blues  attacking chances limited  jerzy dudek equal frank lampard s powerfully struck drive drogba s low shot  frustration  chelsea began dominate midfield threatening break liverpool s well organised defence   joe cole shot blocked promising damien duff break halted good tackle djimi traore  reds reached half time major scares  blues began half urgency pegged liverpool back  nevertheless  liverpool living dangerously needed fantastic double save dudek 54 minutes  full stretch gudjohnsen s header  smother william gallas  follow up  chelsea s possession  liverpool fashioned clear opportunity luis garcia fed dietmar hamann shot forced superb save cech  blues  increasingly adventurous approach liverpool earn chance break 75 minutes paulo ferreira denied gerrard last ditch tackle  gerrard scoresheet minutes   unfortunate fashion   inadvertently deflected ferrerira s free kick past keeper post bring chelsea level  prompted mourinho s reaction off  chelsea pressed duff chance win game minutes remaining  dudek saved bravely irishman s feet  milan baros shot wildly end ensure extra time  drogba headed chelsea front minutes extra time striker ball rebound post  seconds half time interval  drogba made mistake  picking ball glen johnson s long throw inside six yard box sidefooting home  kezman appeared made game safe netted close range gudjohnsen s cross 110th minute  drama nunez beat cech high ball minutes remaining head side level  liverpool s desperate attacks  chelsea clung win   dudek  finnan  carragher  hyypia  traore  biscan 67   luis garcia  gerrard  hamann  riise  kewell  nunez 56   morientes  baros 74    subs used  pellegrino  carson   hyypia  traore  hamann  carragher   riise 1  nunez 113   cech  paulo ferreira  ricardo carvalho  terry  gallas  kezman 74   jarosik  gudjohnsen 45   lampard  makelele  cole  johnson 81   drogba  duff   subs used  pidgeley  tiago   lampard  kezman  drogba  duff   gerrard 79 og  drogba 107  kezman 112   78 000  bennett  kent   
class_football	newcastle 2 1 bolton  kieron dyer smashed home winner end bolton s 10 game unbeaten run   lee bowyer put newcastle ahead fed stephen carr flank  sprinted area power home header resultant cross  wanderers hit back stelios giannakopoulos  ended fluid passing move well struck volley  dyer word game chances  pouncing loose ball alan shearer s shot blocked firing top corner  side lacked urgency early stages game  plenty tackles flying in  opportunities front goal harder by  bolton keeper jussi jaaskelainen make saves quick succession midway first half   keeping shearer s low shot dyer s close range header   goalmouth action note  magpies lead 35 minutes  bowyer found space neat turn half way line striding forward picked carr right  continued run perfect timing made box met carr s cross downward header corner  bolton produced forward point responded well   level minutes smart finish giannakopoulos  jay jay okocha twisted turned edge area neat exchange passes involving kevin davies gary speed  greek striker found bottom corner first time strike  magpies opened half time davies set giannakopoulos space block post  home side survived  re taken lead meaningful attack half  fernando hierro cynically chopped dyer edge area midfielder clean through  veteran defender escaped booking defenders nearby  resultant free kick laurent robert curled ball wide  bolton creating forward content frustrate magpies  strategy working 69th minute  alan shearer s snap shot charged dyer reacted smash ball past despairing jaaskelainen yards     bolton boss sam allardyce  i bitterly disappointed result  disappointed second half performance   in half put lot pressure  goal matched quality   i thought lift tired playing lot games  battle half   we allowed heap pressure us  end cracked     newcastle boss graeme souness  we deserved win  good half   bolton difficult side play  match physically that  played football   we slow 45 minutes looked bit tired that  scoreline flattered goals   newcastle  given  carr  boumsong  bramble  babayaro  dyer  faye  bowyer  robert  jenas 77   ameobi  shearer  subs used  butt  harper  milner  hughes  goals  bowyer 35  dyer 69  bolton  jaaskelainen  hunt  fadiga 14   n gotty  ben haim  candela  giannakopoulos  okocha  vaz te 77   hierro  campo 64   speed  gardner  davies  subs used  jaidi  poole  booked  ben haim  hierro  goals  giannakopoulos 41  att  50 430 ref  dunn  gloucestershire   
class_football	middlesbrough 2 2 charlton  late header teenager danny graham earned middlesbrough battling draw charlton riverside   matt holland put visitors ahead 14th minute shot deflection franck queudrue  middlesbrough peppered charlton goal break chris riggott stroked home equaliser  shaun bartlett s strike put charlton back front lead lasted minutes graham rushed queudrue s pass head home  match burst life whistle charlton defender hermann hreidarsson sight open goal minutes  hreidarsson received danny murphy s free kick crashed free header wide post  iceland international looked danger boro bench heard issuing frantic instructions mark him   charlton s early pressure paid bartlett received long ball talal el karkouri box laid holland buried right footed strike  szilard nemeth  recalled place joseph desire job  denied chance middlesbrough back level terms dean kiely  striker played great one two jimmy floyd hasselbaink kiely smother shot directing header straight keeper s arms  boro plenty time ball addicks comfortably mopped pressure   kiely tipping hasselbaink header bar   lead half time   one way traffic break riverside middlesbrough poured forward kiely saved hreidarsson s blushes palmed ball prevent charlton goal  addicks keeper riggott s equaliser 74th minute  boro defender looked suspiciously offside end gareth southgate s misdirected effort  charlton protests goal stood  addicks heads drop bartlett left boro defence standing  picking hreidarsson s cross easily sink right footed strike  substitute graham hand grab share points home side  19 year old striker nodding home equaliser   premiership goal   minutes left clock    i felt win game half lacklustre   we dominated break  players showed fantastic response win   but  charlton goalkeeper  dean kiely  made tremendous saves  scored six     to lead penned back  feels bit defeat   admitted kiely   we winning middlesbrough knocking door  stood credit capitulate   we ll kick now  short term ambition progress seventh place finish year    nash  reiziger  graham 82   riggott  southgate  queudrue  parlour  job 86   doriva  nemeth  parnaby 87   zenden  downing  hasselbaink   subs used  cooper  knight   riggott 74  graham 86   kiely  hreidarsson  perry  el karkouri  young  konchesky  murphy  euell 78   holland  kishishev  thomas  johansson 72   bartlett   subs used  fish  jeffers  andersen   konchesky  hreidarsson  perry   holland 14  bartlett 80   29 603  riley  w yorkshire   
class_football	dundee utd 4 1 aberdeen  dundee united eased semi final scottish cup emphatic win aberdeen   alan archibald prodded united ahead 19 minutes james grady made close range 10 minutes later  richie byrne s header gave aberdeen back game  stevie crawford restored united s lead 18 yards half time  scoring completed grady break   superb shot turn making 4 1  tony bullock united goal called action time quarter of an hour clock  noel whelan laid ball jamie winter edge box  first time effort gathered united keeper  moments though  home side lead  barry robson whipped free kick right  stevie crawford caught volley  russell anderson failed deal whelan s clearance line landed kindly feet archibald  poked ball net  united doubled lead 29 minutes grady tapped ball empty net robson headed mark wilson s cross angle post bar  minutes aberdeen clawed back match  free kick left winter met powerfully head byrne back post  leaving bullock helpless   united restored two goal lead minutes end highly entertaining half  jason scotland played perfectly weighted pass path onrushing crawford coolly beat ryan esson 18 yards  united ended game contest minutes interval  grady received pass crawford back goal edge box taking touch  spun volley ball past despairing dive esson  home side complete control required good stop esson robson s drive 62 minutes  keeper denied player 10 minutes later  beating fierce shot left penalty area  robson long range effort tipped round post cute lob headed line   bullock  duff  wilson  ritchie  archibald  scotland  samuel 63   brebner  kerr  cameron 87   robson  crawford  grady   colgan  dodds  kenneth   brebner   archibald 19  grady 29  crawford 41  grady 47   esson  hart  anderson  diamond  byrne  morrison 75   mcnaughton  heikkinen  foster 27   winter  clark  stewart 51   mackie  whelan   blanchard  mcguire     anderson  diamond   byrne 33   8 661  clark 
class_football	clyde 0 5 celtic  celtic brushed clyde secure place scottish cup semi final  nervy testing half   home side s craig bryson goal chopped stan varga headed celtic lead  alan thompson scored penalty spot start half shaun maloney fouled  stilian petrov slid third  varga tapped craig bellamy completed rout fine drive  bryn halliwell busier keeper early on  saving bellamy  chris sutton juninho  clyde ball net half an hour tremendous strike bryson  referee blown foul petrov  resulting free kick  darren sheridan curled ball round celtic wall post deny him  back end  halliwell line block bellamy s effort lift ball him  keeper misjudged corner stephane henchoz headed wide  similar scenario minutes break led opening goal  ball delivered left halliwell left floundering varga glanced ball net   maloney replaced injured sutton half time marked competitive appearance year injured helping side two goal lead break  young striker fired free kick straight clyde wall collected rebound  tripped bryson thompson converted penalty  sheridan bellamy involved flare up led booked intervention assistant referee  juninho brought good save halliwell petrov tremendous effort top bar  petrov juninho combined brilliantly bulgarian make 3 0 hour mark   quick one two giving time space steer ball past halliwell 12 yards  varga goal game celtic drove home advantage   thompson whipped corner unmarked defender simply tapped ball line couple yards out  celtic utterly dominant stage bellamy opened scoring account club fine move involving aiden mcgeady  jackie mcnamara maloney culminated welshman hammering ball net  halliwell deficit pushing mcgeady shot wide game petered out   halliwell  mensing  bollan  balmer  potter  sheridan  burns 61   arbuckle  gilhaney 61   gibson  bryson  jones 78   malone  harty   morrison  wilson   mensing  sheridan   douglas  henchoz  mcnamara  balde  varga  juninho paulista  thompson  lennon  lambert 70   sutton  maloney 45   petrov  mcgeady 70   bellamy   marshall  laursen   thompson  bellamy     varga 40  thompson 48 pen  petrov 60  varga 68  bellamy 72   8 200  thomson 
class_football	hearts 2 1 livingston  hearts wrapped scottish cup quarter final tie livingston goals 10 minutes   lee miller scored inside opening 60 seconds  heading colin meldrum net jamie mcallister free kick  mcallister scored met saul mikoliunas  cross back post put game visitors  craig easton headed controversial goal hour hearts held on  opening goal gus bahoken clumsily fouled miller 35 yards goal  mcallister floated free kick livi box miller outjumped static visiting defence loop header 10 yards meldrum  10 minutes clock  home side doubled lead  mikoliunas sprinted right  crossed back post mcallister raced head past meldrum  moments miller close grabbing first time drive 16 yards  skimmed bar   mcallister picked pass stephen simmons drove angled shot 20 yards narrowly past meldrum s post  impressive mikoliunas close half time   low drive comfortably gathered meldrum curled left footed shot past keeper s right hand post  livi manager richard gough made interval  bringing defender goran stanic  midfielder gabor vincze  striker ferenc horvath bahoken  derek lilley mark wilson  but  opening stages period  changed  however  west lothian side gave lifeline controversial goal  eric deloumeaux jason dair give ball mcpake  looked offside position  livi striker pass  however  dair ran played easton back post headed home close range  home side called offside mcpake referee alan freeland claims pointed centre circle  livi equaliser  87th minute  burton o brien hauled back edge box neil macfarlane  dair shot inches wide   gordon  webster  miller  hartley  neilson  mcallister  simmons  macfarlane 64   berra  burchill  wyness 82   mikoliunas  cesnauskis 77   wallace   moilanen  kizys   berra  webster   miller 1  mcallister 10   meldrum  mcnamee  bahoken  stanic 45   deloumeaux  strong  dair  easton  mark wilson  vincze 45   lilley  horvath 45   o brien  mcpake   mckenzie  hand     vincze  horvath   easton 60   9 796  freeland 
class_football	kenyon denies robben barca return  chelsea chief executive peter kenyon played reports arjen robben return champions league match barcelona    he s responding treatment started running friday  wait see   told bbc live s sportsweek   we re back possible  he ll back us   there s plans moment barcelona game   comments contradict chiropractor jean pierre meersseman treated dutchman fractured foot start february  robben expected weeks  meersseman hinted winger fit vital stamford bridge game 8 march   i hope back make happen   meersseman told mail sunday   i put arjen s foot time 12 days ago  obvious correction easy perform   i pleased running again  due time days   meersseman medical co ordinator italian side ac milan  
class_football	bridge miss rest season  chelsea left back wayne bridge miss rest season suspected broken ankle   england international  24  hurt innocuous challenge alan shearer londoners  fa cup defeat newcastle sunday   we big injury   jose mourinho  chelsea team week meet barcelona champions league liverpool carling cup final  william gallas damien duff miss barcelona game  france defender gallas ireland winger duff picked injuries closing stages chelsea s 1 0 defeat st james  park   bridge mourinho substitutes  knocks carlo cudicini s red card meant chelsea finished game able bodied players  cudicini played barcelona  promised game carling cup final  miss cardiff showpiece suspension  manager planning add names squad ahead trip barcelona  options replace bridge left back   celestine babayaro left club january  ironically join newcastle  gallas deputised left back before  struggling fit himself  paulo ferreira  right back  switched left back glen johnson  ended newcastle game goal  playing right  youngsters ben hudell  joe keenan sam tillen options mourinho decide call replacement  risk untried prospect champions league tie  bridge s injury means mourinho  reportedly sign ashley cole arsenal  specialist  senior left back run in season    he  bridge  chance playing barcelona  play liverpool  in carling cup final  rest season   said   the medical department recover gallas duff  wait see  cry injuries 11 players play tuesday   shearer unsure caused bridge s injury   i happened   said   it shame  touched other   by accounts pretty serious  dressing room game wished best   mourinho  team chasing trophies  lost winger arjen robben injury  
class_football	parry firm gerrard  listen full interview sport bbc sport website 1900 gmt   parry  speaking exclusively bbc sport  admits gerrard  constantly linked chelsea  final future  told bbc live   steven money  future liverpool   it matter £30m  £40m £50m  accept offers  realistic steven will   subject liverpool s finances  parry revealed club ready explore possibility sponsorship deal proposed stadium   responding criticism bbc sport pundit liverpool stalwart alan hansen  insisted talks investment ongoing  added door closed shareholder lifelong fan steve morgan  parry joined liverpool chief executive july 1998 similar role premier league  highs lows time charge anfield   busy summer  overseeing arrival manager rafael benitez managing hold steven gerrard   subject liverpool s captain prize asset  parry revealed real madrid    option england midfield man negotiations striker fernando morientes  said   they ways deal fernando morientes  response real madrid   steven sale   asked gerrard liverpool player day season  parry said   i sincerely hope be  steven views  rafa s views   we re affirmed recently steven build team him  crave success does  ambitious argue that    i steven dearly love win things liverpool he d else   we progress season  that  lot players feel same  common aim   expected chelsea test liverpool £30m plus bid summer   parry claims mood listen   there lot open secrets steven  complete myths  suggested deal tied summer  offer summer   parry explained   we told chelsea concerned sale sell him  reality that   maybe offer summer  won t    our position steven stay  realistic respect steven   respect   decision crucial   you player steven will  work  idea accept offers steven  by decided sell you  agenda  forget that   parry process finalising funding liverpool s stadium stanley park  set open 2007  confessed arsenal s £100m deal emirates sponsor ground   complete naming rights   anfield club food thought  said   i historically against  record that  size arsenal deal real eye opener    i past deals frankly cheaply worth contemplating   but arsenal deal sort deal draw breath  wow   interesting    my personal point view find hell lot palatable shared stadium   liverpool fans find move highly controversial  parry countered   i recognise emotive issue supporters  amount money team   if partner strong issue it  time tell   i stadium anfield  is  investigate possibilities sponsorship  remiss to   that s made decision road  explore    subject investment  parry revealed liverpool negotiations mystery investor  rumours interest middle east  prompted withdrawal tycoon steve morgan  frustrated failed bids claimed indecision board  accused liverpool  a stalking horse  attract bids  parry explained   steve stalking horse  need  business   we discussions steve 2004  close concluding deal summer happen   quite genuinely  interest late day prior agm december  potential magnitude  potential exciting  felt evaluate it  evaluating it   steve s interest merits  enthusiasm club months hold   the door closed anything  perfectly dialogue steve year   we common interest making liverpool successful  dream share  concerned door closed    £50m investment  did  him  stadium  cash difference make really   £50m gerrard  care are  directors money be  sum money go  gerrard s quality   cleverly worded statement  club effectively forced gerrard publicly make decision himself  thing do   critical time liverpool gerrard  ideally secure future club long term  hoping walk club michael owen cash   £50m realistically rafa completely rebuild squad  however  afford gerrard it  happy gerrard s transfer fee £35m   parry s statements clever future gerrard transfer construed lack ambition club players  upping ante smart move parry   gerrard  amount money replace obvious love club determination succeed   key gerrard happy  clearly  isn t  foolish sell  worrying thing buy  or come  pending non champions league football  
class_football	wright phillips start  england coach sven goran eriksson revealed shaun wright phillips start netherlands   wright phillips make start england playing left  widely expected   shaun wright phillips start game   eriksson   but start wright phillips left   eriksson revealed wes brown start alongside jamie carragher injury hit centre defence  asked brown carragher start eriksson replied   i yes   it s blow central defenders injuries   on hand good carragher brown show level  positive   england coach impressed wright phillips  form manchester city   he deserves chance  playing season forward him   added andy johnson stewart downing   players squad   chance impress   wright phillips  downing johnson start chance play part   johnson plans year ago great season scoring lot goals   downing making great season  young  talented left footed players squad   
class_football	robben sidelined broken foot  chelsea winger arjen robben broken metatarsal bones foot weeks   robben mri scan injury  sustained premiership win blackburn  monday   six weeks average time heal injury weeks completely fit again   told dutch newspaper algemeen dagblad   i feeling swelling impossible make final diagnosis   21 year old missed months season similar injury challenge roma s olivier dacourt  added   it felt summer injury foot   then walk days stayed sidelined long period  hope weeks   chelsea physio mike banks hopeful robben return point march   the fractures tiny playing month   banks told club s website   one chip side foot  small break metatarsal   but traditional metatarsal famous world cup scott parker months    david beckham suffered broken metatarsal build 2002 world cup korea japan  robben  key part blues  push trophies  claims knew instantly wrong felled blackburn midfielder aaron mokoena   i felt leg go   said   i felt straight mokoena hit wild kick left foot   
class_football	giggs handed wales leading role  ryan giggs captain wales wins 50th cap wednesday s friendly hungary cardiff   john toshack  game coach succeeding mark hughes  admits surprised giggs reached landmark   with games played united  proportionately wales   toshack said   but greatest welsh internationals 50th cap captain   giggs admits briefly considered retirement international game  targetting playing wales 2008 european championships  manchester united wing revealed club manager sir alex ferguson talked extending wales career   i briefly discussed international future sir alex  urged carry on   giggs said   he feels  myself  weight problems fit  years  time play european finals there   the manager wanted play club country keen continue fit enough    giggs admits wavering joining likes wales skipper gary speed united team mate paul scholes committing remaining years career club football  giggs focussed making toshack era successful time hughes spent helm  manchester united winger won cap 17 year old 1991  loss germany  faces landmark appearance age 31  giggs leading wales hungary  chance permanent successor speed  however  toshack refused reveal sees giggs long term option   for game ryan giggs captain  50th cap time that   toshack said  wednesday night toshack takes charge match replacing hughes  giggs said   it s 50th cap forward it  hope play lot times in   it s important here  players feel same  start top players important   i leading example  wales united past seasons   the john things  aiming build side experienced lads tournament  euro 2006 event   i told john european tournament  35 okay   a lot happen  hoping around   giggs  personal future trafford air reach agreement contract  manchester united offering extra year giggs seeking two   i put contract thing back mind moment   giggs   it important period club concentrated that   i ve heard suggestions  two year deal offered for  sorted out   i m enjoying football  united playing form  enjoy it   we massive games coming up  manchester city week  everton cup tie  ac milan champions league  wales game john toshack  important time   
class_football	bosvelt optimistic deal  manchester city s paul bosvelt find  within month  offered one year deal   34 year old dutch midfielder contract summer and  age count him  feels play season   i told club stay year  promised answer month waiting see   said   the main concern age proved fit enough  bosvelt joined city feyenoord 2003 struggled adapt life england  professionalism dedication impressed manager kevin keegan   he realised pace game faster drove back team  unsung hero   keegan  
class_football	sociedad set rescue mladenovic  rangers set loan out of favour midfielder dragan mladenovic real sociedad  closure january transfer window   sociedad special permission spanish fa sign player due injury crisis  mladenovic effectively replace rangers midfielder mikel arteta  loaned everton  sociedad pay rangers £150 000  option buy serbia   montenegro international  mladenovic s loan move subject passing medical  28 year old  joined rangers red star belgrade £1 2m close season  expected san sebastian week national side s game bulgaria  sociedad 15th place 20 strong primera liga  points relegation zone  special permission spanish fa injury central defender igor jauregi  versatile mladenovic play back four  agent month rangers told find player club  mladenovic s time ibrox plagued injury made starts months glasgow club  
class_football	parry relishes anfield challenge  bbc sport reflects future liverpool exclusive interview chief executive rick parry   chief executive parry man helm liverpool reach crucial point recent history  parry deliver 60 000 seat stadium stanley park 2007 amid claims costs spiralling £120m  searching investment package size stature restore liverpool place european football s top table  challenge appears sit easily parry  forged reputation football s respected administrators days fledgling premier league   liverpool won championship 1990  fact deep discomfort inside anfield attempt muscle top chelsea  manchester united arsenal  throw small matter warding top club world football eye captain steven gerrard  parry man lot plate  comfort conference room deep inside liverpool s heartbeat   kop end   parry spoke brutal honesty crucial months ahead  dodged question   asked reveal mystery investor courting liverpool  polite smile deflected inquiry  credit  met head measured tones underscore belief liverpool business   business means title challengers again  locking pieces return trophy liverpool parry s mission  parry successfully put planks place form manager rafael benitez  enthusiasm spaniard s personality methods indication clear feeling struck gold  benitez s early work parry renewed optimism years ahead  remains massive task club unique history expectations  news parry  lifelong liverpool supporter  quiet determination suggests mood found wanting     captain gerrard central liverpool s plans parry s insistence offers refused firm statement intent  ever  player final say  parry acknowledges that  determined provide framework environment liverpool gerrard flourish   terms search investment  hawkpoint appointed advisors flush interest march 2004  thailand prime minister thaksin shiniwatra went  statement intent tycoon lifelong fan steve morgan  morgan succession bids rejected  close summer talks break potential costs stadium  bbc sport understands morgan ready invest liverpool  parry door ajar seeking investment elsewhere   morgan  however  formal contact liverpool advisors december  blaming indecision board level publicly withdrew £70m offer  convinced interest lure others  approach liverpool  morgan making call  speculation continues benefactor  trails leading middle east america  met understandable veil secrecy anfield   parry sees ground crucial liverpool s future  refusing emotionally attached idea  determined ground built affordable basis make future liverpool management hostages stadium  parry pull back moment figures stack up  vital development north london re shaped liverpool s thinking   liverpool publicly refused entertain idea stadium sponsorship potential naming rights   realism arsenal s stunning £100m deal emirates stadium ashburton changed landscape  parry labelled deal  an eye opener  admits liverpool missing trick explore possibilities  traditionalist liverpool fans reel attempt call stadium  anfield   maths modern day football decree multi millions stadium team ease pain   £50m investment  did  him  stadium  cash difference make really   £50m gerrard  care are  directors money be  sum money go  gerrard s quality   cleverly worded statement  club effectively forced gerrard publicly make decision himself  thing do   critical time liverpool gerrard  ideally secure future club long term  hoping walk club michael owen cash   £50m realistically rafa completely rebuild squad  however  afford gerrard it  happy gerrard s transfer fee £35m   parry s statements clever future gerrard transfer construed lack ambition club players  upping ante smart move parry   gerrard  amount money replace obvious love club determination succeed   key gerrard happy  clearly  isn t  foolish sell  worrying thing buy  or come  pending non champions league football  
class_football	time tough friendlies   international manager  friendly important opportunity work players   problem game farce  people players week  90 minutes end   50 50 games not  so  club managers happy  reduce risk players returning domestic duty injured  international bosses scrapping friendlies counterproductive team playing  play together  easier crunch games world cup quarter finals brazil  friendlies  though  manager play strongest side 45 minutes send half  difficult player substitute side changes  team s worth  debate rage on  satisfactory solution  manager week walter smith  scotland manager decided training camp friendly international week replacing berti vogts  sort move expect walter  canny manager   players hard time recently relaxed atmosphere generate team spirit world cup qualifiers  wednesday badly beaten  good whatsoever  john toshack game charge wales  important decent result hungary  ideas individuals play performance  public results  extremely difficult balance friendlies  win  people forget them  lose stat you  england s game holland good example  good opportunity players middlesbrough winger stewart downing crystal palace striker andy johnson  remember sven goran eriksson s side lesson spain game played   injury problems defence give likes wes brown jamie carragher chance impress  club managers  simply case waiting home fingers crossed  
class_football	barcelona title hopes hit loss  barcelona s pursuit spanish title blow sunday fell 2 0 defeat home atletico madrid   fernando torres gave athletico ideal start goal minute  ronaldino wasted second half chance equalise barca put penalty wide  torres made mistake last minute spot kick  defeat  coupled real madrid s 4 0 win espanyol saturday  reduces barca s lead points  everton midfielder thomas gravesen scored goal real comfortable victory bernabeu  zinedine zidane opened scoring raul bagged brace  gravesen  replaced zidane  completed scoring 84th minute low shot  david beckham  watched sven goran eriksson  67th minute shoulder injury fit england s game holland  england team mate michael owen raul 76 minutes game won  real won consecutive primera liga games coach wanderley luxemburgo charge  
class_football	parry puts gerrard  above money   listen full interview sport bbc sport website 1900 gmt   parry  speaking exclusively bbc sport  admits gerrard  constantly linked chelsea  final future  told bbc live   steven money  future liverpool   it matter £30m  £40m £50m  accept offers  realistic steven will   subject liverpool s finances  parry revealed club ready explore possibility sponsorship deal proposed stadium   responding criticism bbc sport pundit liverpool stalwart alan hansen  insisted talks investment ongoing  added door closed shareholder lifelong fan steve morgan  parry joined liverpool chief executive july 1998 similar role premier league  highs lows time charge anfield   busy summer  overseeing arrival manager rafael benitez managing hold steven gerrard   subject liverpool s captain prize asset  parry revealed real madrid    option england midfield man negotiations striker fernando morientes  said   they ways deal fernando morientes  response real madrid   steven sale   asked gerrard liverpool player day season  parry said   i sincerely hope be  steven views  rafa s views   we re affirmed recently steven build team him  crave success does  ambitious argue that    i steven dearly love win things liverpool he d else   we progress season  that  lot players feel same  common aim   expected chelsea test liverpool £30m plus bid summer   parry claims mood listen   there lot open secrets steven  complete myths  suggested deal tied summer  offer summer   parry explained   we told chelsea concerned sale sell him  reality that   maybe offer summer  won t    our position steven stay  realistic respect steven   respect   decision crucial   you player steven will  work  idea accept offers steven  by decided sell you  agenda  forget that   parry process finalising funding liverpool s stadium stanley park  set open 2007  confessed arsenal s £100m deal emirates sponsor ground   complete naming rights   anfield club food thought  said   i historically against  record that  size arsenal deal real eye opener    i past deals frankly cheaply worth contemplating   but arsenal deal sort deal draw breath  wow   interesting    my personal point view find hell lot palatable shared stadium   liverpool fans find move highly controversial  parry countered   i recognise emotive issue supporters  amount money team   if partner strong issue it  time tell   i stadium anfield  is  investigate possibilities sponsorship  remiss to   that s made decision road  explore    subject investment  parry revealed liverpool negotiations mystery investor  rumours interest middle east  prompted withdrawal tycoon steve morgan  frustrated failed bids claimed indecision board  accused liverpool  a stalking horse  attract bids  parry explained   steve stalking horse  need  business   we discussions steve 2004  close concluding deal summer happen   quite genuinely  interest late day prior agm december  potential magnitude  potential exciting  felt evaluate it  evaluating it   steve s interest merits  enthusiasm club months hold   the door closed anything  perfectly dialogue steve year   we common interest making liverpool successful  dream share  concerned door closed    £50m investment  did  him  stadium  cash difference make really   £50m gerrard  care are  directors money be  sum money go  gerrard s quality   cleverly worded statement  club effectively forced gerrard publicly make decision himself  thing do   critical time liverpool gerrard  ideally secure future club long term  hoping walk club michael owen cash   £50m realistically rafa completely rebuild squad  however  afford gerrard it  happy gerrard s transfer fee £35m   parry s statements clever future gerrard transfer construed lack ambition club players  upping ante smart move parry   gerrard  amount money replace obvious love club determination succeed   key gerrard happy  clearly  isn t  foolish sell  worrying thing buy  or come  pending non champions league football  
class_football	bees handed potential man utd tie  brentford face home tie holders manchester united fa cup sixth round replay southampton   league side held saints st mary s fifth round tie rewarded potential draw sir alex ferguson s side  newcastle home tottenham nottingham forest  bolton host arsenal sheffield united leicester visit winners burnley blackburn replay  ties played weekend 12 13 march   delighted paired united  admitted plenty work set dream tie   we ve work cut tuesday deny exciting   said    it sell out  television  financial problems revenue bring situation   we re happy draw beat premiership team   we ve beat southampton hard game celebration    welcomed opportunity face united   we re counting yet   said   it difficult replay judging brentford back saturday fact united hat give incentive   but drawn united times cups beaten bournemouth west ham   there easy ties fa cup counting one    newcastle tottenham nottingham forest  southampton brentford manchester united  bolton arsenal sheffield united  burnley blackburn leicester 
class_football	england s defensive crisis grows  england s defensive worries deepened withdrawal tottenham s ledley king squad face holland   chelsea s john terry wayne bridge out  leaving coach sven goran eriksson real problem wednesday s match villa park  injured rio ferdinand sol campbell left squad  matthew upson pulled out  wes brown jamie carragher makeshift partnership  terry  captain chelsea push premiership title  starter absence campbell ferdinand  pulled bruised knee replaced carragher  alongside brown   manchester united s brown played england defeat australia upton park february 2003  25 year old called squad sunday night cover enforced withdrawal upson  hamstring injury  brown add tally senior appearances england  king forced pull groin injury assessed england s medical staff  eriksson decided call back up  summoned phil neville bridge pulled foot injury  
class_football	ferdinand casts doubt glazer  rio ferdinand unsure malcolm glazer s motives american billionaire launched offer buy manchester united   club confirmed glazer family partnership submitted proposals bid   a lot people club s interest people grown club interests heart   ferdinand   no guy bringing table   central defender added bbc radio live   we wait glazer with   i situation resolved way   i people bored coming news proposals   the stuff pitch takes shine pitch    glazer  owns 28 1  stake club  united s statement stock exchange said   the board noted recent press speculation subject   the board confirm received detailed proposal subject pre conditions form basis offer manchester united glazer   a announcement made due course   glazer s previous bids club  united supporters opposed  rejected board high level debt incur  believed glazer substantially reduced borrowing required latest move  approval major shareholders john magnier jp mcmanus  28 9  club succeed  irish duo cut talks glazer proposed sale stake  fans remain opposed involvement  
class_football	premier league planning cole date  premier league attempting find mutually convenient date investigate allegations chelsea made illegal approach ashley cole   chelsea arsenal asked give evidence premier league commission  deadline put meeting convene   it s hard put date it   premier league spokesman confirmed bbc sport   it s formal situation time respond   arsenal england defender cole reportedly met blues boss jose mourinho chief executive peter kenyon london hotel 11 days ago  chelsea officially confirm deny meeting  breach premier league rule k3   gunners asked inquiry claims player  tapped up   clubs pledged co operate inquiry conducted single day opposed run ongoing evaluation  cole negotiations gunners extending current deal ends 2007  arsenal team mate robert pires urged england left back stay highbury  pires told evening standard   he arsenal ever  attacking left back enjoying football arsenal plays offensive team   i pleasure chelsea  moment   i built fantastic playing relationship ashley   we play   eyes shut   but respect decision player  right   
class_football	mccall earns tannadice reprieve  dundee united manager ian mccall won reprieve sack  chairman eddie thompson calling end speculation future   understood mccall sacked sheffield wednesday manager paul sturrock return tannadice  sturrock distanced position   we re difficult situation  efforts current personnel   thompson   ian mccall long detailed talk number areas including current league position manner exit league cup   added   however  continuing speculation good  crucial games coming up   the minds coaching staff players games games only   our season improve considerably weeks achieved improved league results potential cup semi final  subject draw    all matters present time   total focus games ahead positive series results achieved   dundee united players expressed solidarity mccall side s 3 0 scottish cup win queen south   we boss stay  coming in   jim mcintyre   hopefully chance stay   keeper tony bullock echoed mcintyre s sentiments   i boys ian mccall   added   at moment speculation rise job pitch    saturday  sturrock insisted unfinished business wednesday  fourth league one   i ve months expect leaving very  soon   said   i rumours emphasised thoughts ambitions back dundee united   i assure timescale one   it  dundee united  team  years coach  player  years manager   kind thing  result for   the important thing job finish it   
class_football	kewell waits injury drags  liverpool winger harry kewell struggling recover achilles tendinitis problem recover march  claims agent   kewell  26  hoped play fulham weekend ready champions league tie bayer leverkusen 22 february  bernie mandic said   he s scans show substantial   but efforts moment simply shake discomfort back park    mandic continued sydney morning herald   harry s struggling bit club right   harry desperate fit fulham game part plan play leverkusen match   kewell played december 19 misses international duty week  australia facing south africa durban wednesday  
class_football	smith aims bring back respect  scotland manager walter smith restore national team s respectability world football   smith joined squad three day get together manchester preference playing friendly  qualification 2006 world cup appears scotland  smith anxious remainder campaign positive   i bit respectability back can   said   we approach game differently  approach italian game home manner moldova home   we meet challenge match   smith  meeting number squad time  brought monday outline ideas improving nation s fortunes   said   i pointed international team forward main topic   this relaxed gathering lot doom gloom squad lot people exists   25 man squad spend days based mottram hall hotel cheshire train manchester united s nearby carrington complex  smith absent final sessions  however  due fly sardinia wednesday watch italy s friendly russia  
class_football	injury doubts beset wales squad  wales clutch injury worries wednesday s international friendly hungary cardiff   west ham s gavin williams  ankle  out  uncapped wrexham defender stephen roberts drafted in  defenders danny gabbidon gareth roberts  ryan giggs hamstring concerns  doubts robbie savage  groin   however  manchester united winger giggs expected recover time earn 50th cap millennium stadium  doubts gabbidon s fellow cardiff defender rhys weston  full back appears shrugged knock picked bluebirds  1 0 loss west ham sunday  news leaves wales boss john toshack short defence game charge  aston villa s mark delaney injured james collins under 21s  clear faces danny collins dave partridge make wales debuts   coyne  burnley   jones  wolves   roberts  wrexham   collins  sunderland   edwards  wolves   gabbidon  cardiff   page  cardiff   partridge  motherwell   ricketts  swansea   roberts  tranmere   weston  cardiff   davies  tottenham   fletcher  west ham   giggs  man utd   koumas  west brom   robinson  sunderland   savage  blackburn   williams  west ham   bellamy  newcastle   earnshaw  west brom   hartson  celtic   
class_football	weir poised sunderland move  larne s teenage star robbie weir poised join sunderland turning move stoke city   17 year old irish league midfielder chased rangers fulham  mick mccarthy s side won race  larne boss jimmy mcgeough confirm weir inver park   i heard sunday joined sunderland  lad himself   said    robbie agreement larne negotiate interested clubs     personally  making impact local level build physique moving full time game    he trial number clubs  great making sunderland    
class_football	newry fight cup exit courts  newry city expected discuss legal avenues friday overturning ejection nationwide irish cup   ifa upheld original decision throw newry cup andy crawford registration row    a law firm put case forward newry fc  legal implications are    newry boss roy mccreadie    this big issue  appeal pending    wednesday  fresh ifa hearing crawford registration saga  ruled week s original verdict correct  meant bangor  beaten 5 1 newry field  portadown sixth round  newry claimed uncovered  fresh evidence   respect dates relating registration  mccreadie annoyed full details wednesday s meeting relayed club    even day  information happened meeting wednesday told media  dark    mccreadie told  news letter      we explanation  good sending fax message press people received    it s real sad case  back irish cup appeal  guided legal advise  seek lodge injunction courts stop bangor playing portadown    
class_football	republic face china italy  republic ireland arranged friendlies china italy place lansdowne road march august   brian kerr s side face 54th ranked chinese 29 march   days world cup qualifier israel tel aviv  italy visit 17 august warm up game ahead autumn world cup qualifiers  meeting  irish beat italy 1994 world cup finals  however  republic s victory attempts italians won games  29 march game time republic played china   previous encounter back june 1984 irish winning 1 0 sapporo  japan  brian kerr said   china made great progress years provide difficult opposition   we witnessed performances asian teams world cup  china play similar type football   as italy  make return dublin massive attraction great traditional powers world   the game ideal preparation important world cup qualifiers autumn   ireland round world cup campaign games france 7 september  cyprus 8 october switzerland 12 october  
class_football	finnan irish win group  steve finnan believes republic ireland qualify directly world cup finals   saturday s superb display draw paris  ireland face minnows faroe islands dublin wednesday  versatile finnan  starred french  confident group ireland s taking   there chance on  win home games win group  tough one   liverpool player  switzerland  ireland  france israel tied points matches   republic slight edge claiming draws basel paris   in basel play great football  places teams majority game   in paris  looked good team point deserved number chances    looking back  opportunity points  happy point give confidence wednesday s game   on paper  toughest matches set standards ourselves   automatic qualification there  good avoid play off  back couple good results win group   manager brian kerr keen mention contribution stephen carr finnan ireland s flank stade de france  finnan s normal position right back looked assured advanced position french   as play club natural right back   kerr  looked france play strongly left hand side   so happy play stephen carr enjoyed game  defence midfield held nullified attacks   
class_football	irish finish home game  republic ireland manager brian kerr granted home game final world cup qualifier   ireland close bid reach 2006 finals playing switzerland dublin 12 october 2005  republic met swiss final euro 2004 qualifier  losing 2 0 missing place finals portugal  group fixtures hammered meeting dublin tuesday  irish open campaign 4 september home cyprus wrap 10 match series 12 october 2005  visit switzerland  manager brian kerr fai officials met representatives switzerland  france  cyprus  israel faroe islands arrange fixture schedule  kerr hoped finish clash france  reigning european champions penultimate home match 7 september 2005  manager avoid repeat finishing bid qualify matches   republic ireland cyprus  france israel  switzerland faroe islands   switzerland republic ireland  israel cyprus  faroe islands france   france republic ireland  israel switzerland  cyprus faroe islands   republic ireland faroe islands  cyprus france   cyprus israel   france switzerland  israel republic ireland   switzerland cyprus  israel france   republic ireland israel  faroe islands switzerland   faroe islands republic ireland  august 17   faroe islands cyprus   france faroe islands  switzerland israel   republic ireland france  cyprus switzerland  faroe islands israel   switzerland france  israel faroe islands  cyprus republic ireland   france cyprus  republic ireland switzerland  
class_football	israeli club africa  african players  including zimbabwe goalkeeper energy murambadoro  ready play israeli club hapoel bnei sakhnin uefa cup   bnei sakhnin arab side play european competition play english premiership side newcastle united round  warriors  goalkeeper murambadoro  made african nations cup finals tunisia  helped bnei sakhnin overcome albania s partizani tirana 6 1 previous round  murambadoro moved israel recently stint south african club hellenic  club won israeli cup final season based sakhnin  haifa  club strong ethic high profile promoters peace co operation israel  africans club cameroon defender ernest etchi  dr congo s alain masudi nigerian midfielder edith agoye  stint tunisian side esperance  
class_football	iranian misses israel match  iranian striker vahid hashemian travel israel bayern munich s champions league match maccabi tel aviv wednesday   german club player pulled back injury  iran refuses recognise israel s exist citizens travel country  bayern spokesman monday decision hashemian israel motivated physical condition   he s back pain train   spokesman said   it made sense go   iran gave judo world champion arash miresmaeili  125 000 reward refused fight israeli athens olympics  international judo federation considered taking action miresmaeili concluded overweight fight part  
class_football	highbury tunnel players clear  football association bringing charges tunnel incident prior arsenal manchester united game   arsenal s patrick vieira earlier denied accusations threatened gary neville 4 2 defeat  vieira clashed opposing skipper roy keane referee graham poll separate them   the referee confirmed satisfied dealt incident time   fa statement  means united s win pass intervention governing body  chief executive brian barwick highbury stands    i threaten anybody  big players handle themselves   vieira   i talk roy keane it  gary neville big lad  handle himself   they played deserved win   neville admitted incidents game  insisted distracted focus   there couple things happen game disappoint you   said   especially players calibre  tough game long time   neville admitted enjoyed match  punctuated fouls sending mikael silvestre head butting freddie ljungberg    i thought horrible game half  second   said   there happened football match    match  keane accused vieira starting row   patrick vieira 6ft 4in gary neville  said   have me    said   if intimidate players thinks gary neville easy target  it   manchester united manager sir alex ferguson added   vieira wound it   i ve heard stories  patrick vieira apparently threatened players things that   
class_football	bellamy fire  newcastle boss graeme souness reopened dispute craig bellamy claiming welshman  not good enough  magpies  bellamy left newcastle join celtic loan major row souness  souness   refused refer 25 year old   bellamy score goals  the chap scored 9 3 goals season time senior football   half top flight   souness   that s good striker club this   we strikers 20 goals regular basis    bellamy turned move birmingham favour joining celtic disagreement welsh international playing position quickly escalated  earlier week  souness risked losing confidence players damaging reputation hard line bellamy accused lying    there things forgive forget   souness   but weak case future players dressing room job newcastle   return st james  park   to  however  play newcastle long souness remains charge  
class_football	chelsea denied james heroics  brave defensive display  led keeper david james  helped manchester city hold leaders chelsea   quiet opening  james denied damien duff  jiri jarosik mateja kezman  paul bosvelt cleared william gallas  header line  robbie fowler scored visitors header wide  chelsea possession half james frank lampard s free kick superbly tipped player s volley wide  city game proud record domestic team beat chelsea season  alarm 30 minutes chelsea   deprived arjen robben didier drogba injury   struggled pose threat  indeed  visitors looked likelier enliven drab opening played lethargic pace  shaun wright phillips   watched england boss sven goran eriksson   showed customary trickery burst area deliver dangerous ball  blocked john terry  chelsea suddenly stepped gear created flurry chances  first  duff round ben thatcher blasted shot james parried kezman  turned ball wide   afterwards  jarosik found space area powerfully head lampard s corner goalwards james tipped ball over  chelsea premiership leaders james kezman s fierce drive bosvelt james combined clear gallas  header duff s corner  city broke swiftly field chance frenetic spell resulted fowler celebrating 150th premiership goal  wright phillips raced left crossed fowler city s lone man front  left free terry s slip  contrived head wide breakthrough certain  half started quietly first  james forced divert cross lively duff eidur gudjohnsen s path  nasty moment petr cech  ninth straight clean sheet league  series ricochets fowler chase loose ball area collide accidently czech republic stopper  quiet spell followed  duff interrupted surging run halted illegally edge penalty area bosvelt  lampard stepped blast shot wall james blocked legs  timely challenge  time richard dunne time added on  prevented gudjohnsen shot  time james produce sensational save tip lampard s volley round post   cech  paulo ferreira  gallas  terry  bridge  jarosik  tiago 56   lampard  makelele  duff  gudjohnsen  kezman  cole 63    subs used  johnson  smertin  cudicini   makelele  gudjohnsen   james  mills  distin  dunne  thatcher  shaun wright phillips  bosvelt  barton  sibierski  mcmanaman 85   musampa  fowler   subs used  macken  weaver  onuoha  jordan   bosvelt   42 093  webb  s yorkshire   
class_football	chelsea ridiculed complaint  barcelona assistant coach henk ten cate branded chelsea s expected complaint uefa  pathetic    blues poised complain alleged half time incident wednesday s 2 1 loss nou camp  source chelsea s anger alleged talk barca boss frank rijkaard referee anders frisk  dismissed didier drogba   to react chelsea pathetic  mourinho lied line ups  this   ten cate said  uefa tunnel representative witnessed unusual ordinary half time break  spokesman william gaillard said   frisk rijkaard greeted apologised opportunity game   we uefa officials witnessed it  referee s dressing room locked assistants people allowed in   indeed  londoners receiving end punishment failing turn compulsory press conference defeat   uefa delegate thomas giordano added   the unusual thing happened concerned chelsea failed present press conference   referee expected include alleged incidents report uefa   weakening chelsea s case  rijkaard critical mourinho s decision speak media match   there lot talking game surprisingly lot talking game  good behaviour match   said   maybe start make worse is  understand it  calm it    barca midfielder deco  managed mourinho porto  agreed typical fellow portuguese lodge protest   it s normal behaviour part  logical give news conference   said  rijkaard added   chelsea team conceded fewest goals english league defend pleased win   my men deserved victory pleased won match  congratulate players   
class_football	benitez issues warning gerrard  liverpool manager rafael benitez ordered captain steven gerrard play champions league ambitions positive   gerrard told bbc liverpool win trophy year  benitez responded   i spoke steven future win champions league  not   said   we winners thinking winning  win    benitez added   when lose solutions  winning game  draw be   if win game  draw side strong  side injuries suspensions   benitez hoping win trophy arriving liverpool valencia play chelsea carling cup sunday cardiff  
class_football	owen determined stay madrid  england forward michael owen told bbc happy spain plans quit real madrid return premiership future   25 year old  spent time coming bench la liga  rule return premiership stage   i m pleased start made here   told bbc radio live   england country  part whether  playing again   owen  moved bernabeu liverpool summer  grabbed 11 goals real unable replace raul ronaldo starting line up  however  delighted time spain dismissed criticism decision join real   when lot scepticism back england  here   said   people  fourth choice striker  for  sat bench time     but press build permanently backside bench  played games team year   for fourth choice striker start happy settled in   recent speculation linked owen move back england  newcastle expressing interest  england striker ready return home  added   i ve premiership  performed  made name    i eyes premiership television home   asked liverpool returned owen said   i ve thought   i ve great memories liverpool  matter club fond memories place heart   it s flattering linked top clubs england   glad no one forgetting me   but wished start madrid      listen full interview garry richardson bbc radio live s sportsweek 0900 gmt sunday  
class_football	wenger handed summer war chest  arsenal boss arsene wenger guaranteed transfer funds boost squad summer   club s managing director  keith edelman  stressed development £350m stadium affect wenger s spending power   the money there  worry it   edelman told bbc sport   hopefully  spend summer coming years  arsene attends board meetings finances strong    edelman added pointless brand stadium team match surroundings   its great nice  surroundings  team performing pitch  great respect fabulous stadium   said   it s important sufficient funds team place  began stadium   
class_football	souness delight euro progress  boss graeme souness felt newcastle danger uefa cup heerenveen   early goal alan shearer strike earned 2 1 win place uefa cup 16   obviously winning leg gave great advantage   4 2 aggregate victory   we goals early minds players job goal made bit nervous   shearer s goal moved 12 jackie milburn s club scoring record 200 magpies  souness beating record bearing decision retire end season   i year stay year anyway   added    he struck ball     power pace beat goalkeeper   souness paid tribute laurent robert  heart united s attacking play   in half wide player  future please   said  
class_football	downing injury mars uefa victory  middlesbrough boss steve mcclaren hopes stewart downing damage hamstring 2 1 uefa cup win graz ak   winger carried stretcher closing stages boro booked place 16  mcclaren said   stewart tweaked hamstring  blow us  assess morning   but delighted match result  sport win ugly   did   mcclaren relieved make tough encounter riverside    to fair graz  gameplan   knocked ball forward  half  struggled deal it   in half frustrating goal   slip back it   boro face sporting lisbon place quarter finals portuguese side feyenoord thursday  mcclaren added   sporting technically good   portuguese sides are   but journey magnificent stadium   game   forward it   goalscorer jimmy floyd hasselbaink added   it beautiful match watch   made difficult us   we play all  bit luck shot legs goalkeeper   i play holland   bit special me   but back portugal   playing lads played boavista   
class_football	rangers seal firm win  goals gregory vignal nacho novo gave rangers scrappy victory celtic park moves points clear champions   rangers rarely threatened celtic goalkeeper rab douglas defender vignal s 25 yard drive slip grasp net  opposite number ronald waterreus rangers  hero  saving superbly craig bellamy john hartson  striker novo secured victory  lobbing douglas minutes remaining  ended celtic s 11 game unbeaten run home firm derbies gave rangers manager alex mcleish victory home glasgow rivals  celtic won meetings home pitch  including season  started confidently  signing bellamy  loan newcastle united  celtic debut front wales international colleague john hartson chris sutton dropping midfield  bellamy minutes threaten  taking marvin andrews delivering low drive held waterreus attempt  chance hartson dispossesed sotiris kyrgiakos strike partner clear goalkeeper beat  waterreus beat bellamy s disappointing low drive 16 yards  waterreus rescue ball fell hartson inside box dutch goalkeeper made brave block  firm return barry ferguson mcleish stuck side thumped goals past hibernian  rangers found celtic harder break douglas threatened 10 minutes break  dado prso turned inside neil lennon celtic goalkeeper beat powerful 18 yard drive  great defensive header andrews prevented hartson pouncing yards out  hartson foxed vignal edge rangers box  striker s shot turn beaten waterreus  rangers beginning dominate midfield vignal  collecting knock back fernando ricksen  broke deadlock  douglas letting frenchman s dipping drive slip grasp  novo pounced moments  hesitation celtic defence latch long ball ricksen lob ball advancing douglas  ricksen appeared hit coin  prevent rangers  celebrations final whistle     douglas  mcnamara  balde  varga  laursen  petrov  lennon  sutton  thompson  bellamy  hartson   subs  marshall  henchoz  juninho paulista  lambert  maloney  wallace  mcgeady     waterreus  hutton  kyrgiakos  andrews  ball  buffel  ferguson  ricksen  vignal  prso  novo   subs  mcgregor  namouchi  burke  alex rae  malcolm  thompson  lovenkrands     mccurry 
class_football	sfa awaits report mikoliunas  scottish football association awaiting referee hugh dallas s report acting hearts winger saulius mikoliunas   mikoliunas  20  barged linesman andy davis  advised dallas award rangers injury time penalty hearts s 2 1 defeat tynecastle   he violent conduct 90th minute whistle   we red cards shown   sfa statement  hearts face action fans arrested throwing coins pitch  rangers  striker dad prso incident received yellow card wrestling ball craig gordon leaving hearts keeper ground  sfa said   once referee s report immediately things    we reports couple days game aware happened here   prso cautions  one match suspension   sfa hard mikoliunas southampton s david prutton banned 10 games wednesday english fa shoving referee alan wiley  hearts  boss john robertson said   mikoliunas thrown chest assistant referee s chest red card it   the officials account fact young lad   but people account incensed  10 000 hearts fans incensed   why rangers  bench claim penalty kick   rangers  boss alex mcleish accepted referee dallas option send prso off  mcleish said   i m glad spirit players fighting end   literally dado ball back craig gordon   but over zealousness hugh option   
class_football	palace threat cantona masks  manchester united fans wearing eric cantona masks allowed selhurst park saturday   united fans planning mark 10th anniversary cantona s infamous kung fu kick crystal palace fan matthew simmons wearing masks  palace stadium manager kevin corner warned   if wear inside selhurst park immediately rejected safety grounds   and fans wearing cantona masks allowed entry stadium   united fans declared saturday  cantona day  planned wear masks  popular frenchman s time player trafford club  cantona received nine month ban incident palace keen avoid incident stir ill feeling sets supporters  months cantona incident palace fan  paul nixon  killed prior fa cup semi final villa park  
class_football	legendary dutch boss michels dies  legendary dutch coach rinus michels  man credited developing  total football   died aged 77   referred netherlands  the general   michels led dutch 1974 world cup   reached final lose 2 1 germany  however  guided side 1988 european championship title 2 0 win soviet union final  michels played ajax coached side national titles 1965 71 european cup 1971  1970s dutch team built johan cruyff johan neeskens introduced concept  total football  world  strategy foster team coherence individual imagination   players possessing skills play part pitch  cruyff on field organiser team players rotated defence encouraged play creative attacking football  michels recently undergone heart surgery dutch football federation  knvb  spokesman frank huizinga said   he coaches history   no nonsense coach enjoyed spells barcelona  spanish title 1974  fc cologne bayer leverkusen  michels  named coach century world football s governing body fifa 1999  won caps netherlands bruising centre forward  dutch sports minister clemence ross van dorp said   he man who  cruyff  made dutch football big   
class_football	jol joy  professional  cup win  tottenham manager martin jol acclaimed players patience 3 0 fa cup fifth round victory determined nottingham forest side    we initiative easy  professional sort performance   dutchman said   forest played lot players ball half  2 0 dead buried   ahead quarter final  jol said   newcastle good side difficult   however  added side  places magpies premiership   not afraid anyone   robbie keane  skipper night scorer crucial goal  echoed manager s sentiments last eight match   they re high  confident games played win   said   conceded win forest  included goals noe pamarot mido  pretty watch   it display result   irishman said   we knew difficult conditions  pitch pass it   we dug gaffer half time patient goal come   forest manager gary megson conceded team deserve poor performance   if play concede goals corners uphill battle good team   said   if defend championship point   we organised felt times thought system scoring   
class_football	owen delighted real display  michael owen revelled return real madrid starting line up inspired 3 1 win real betis wednesday scoring goal   said   i happy play game start again   i felt good game obvious happy scored goal   people talked lot performances months good good   owen  starting successive la liga match  converted low cross santiago solari  robert carlos made 2 0 break  smashing home indirect free kick  midfielder reduced deficit half time ivan helguera headed past keeper antonio doblas seal victory team  victory real points leaders barcelona owen confident real close gap  added   we chances betis back touch barcelona   it points barcelona nothing  beat bernabeu  on 10 april   three   owen scored league goals  real s top scorer ronaldo  real lost previous league games  
class_football	ferguson fears milan cutting edge  manchester united manager sir alex ferguson side s task ac milan made easier absence andriy shevchenko   milan s talismanic european footballer year misses wednesday s champions league first leg tie fracturing cheekbone   it s loss  to milan   worse quality bring in   ferguson said   how miss tomorrow night   ferguson milan s front line represent formidable challenge defenders   they play rui costa play kaka forward  bring serginho play  jon dahl  tomasson   said  ferguson s goalscoring talisman ruud van nistelrooy fit again  scot admitted unsure start dutchman  played months    ruud striker europe  judge struggle early pace long   said   his ability puts big shout major decision   ferguson  though  confident young players  wayne rooney cristiano ronaldo  task   we opportunity win cup year  question that   declared   with maturity week ronaldo rooney  return van nistelrooy form roy keane  paul scholes ryan giggs  fantastic chance   view shared rooney  believes  if past milan  great chance    as knew playing milan  excited  draw  anyone s trophy chance   hopefully  final turkey bring cup back manchester   milan coach carlo ancelotti team forward returning venue lifted europe s prestigious club title seasons ago  milan beat juventus penalty shootout 0 0 tie trafford ancelotti said   we happy return  to trafford  play champions league give great motivation   ancelotti aware threat united posed hopes champions league glory   it s fundamental control game  intention adapt play play game   said   they great quality attack  wings lot make stop them   
class_football	rush future chester uncertain  ian rush s future chester manager uncertain assistant mark aizlewood refused severance package   chester won 10 league games chairman steve vaughan claims afford sack 43 year old liverpool legend  vaughan said   i offered financial settlement resign dignity obvious action dismiss them   i finances  technically employees   vaughan claimed aizlewood  verbally agreed  offer  chester chairman added   after discussed offer solicitor  acts agent  decided withdraw verbal agreement  disappointing   rush appointed end august departure liverpool team mate mark wright  guided chester conference title season  chester bottom league rush liverpool striker enjoyed impressive start managerial life  taking club round fa cup winning manager of the month award october  chester s downturn form culminated 5 0 defeat shrewsbury leaves hovering league relegation zone  
class_football	reyes tricked real admission  jose antonio reyes added speculation linking move arsenal real madrid falling victim radio prank   spaniard believed talking real madrid sporting director emilio butragueno allegedly berated team mates  bad people    i playing real madrid   21 year old told cadena cope   hopefully happen  love madrid play  happy things are   striker joined gunners seville £17m start 2004  frequently reported homesick  began season superb form struggled maintain high standards arsenal gradually lost premiership initiative manchester united chelsea   if  playing real  carry playing bad people   added    i m real dressing room   i m happy madrid interested dream play there   story surfaced  reyes moved play reports linking spanish giants  issuing statement arsenal describing speculation  flattering    i stories media linking real madrid   thursday lunchtime   but contract arsenal  happy committed helping team win trophies   butragueno  meanwhile  angry impersonated radio disc jockey   it disgrace  foundation this   said   he arsenal player respectful  careful rumours news   
class_football	benitez joy reds control  liverpool boss rafael benitez satisfied team s 3 1 win bayer leverkusen conceding goal minute    before game score 3 1 happily accepted that   benitez   but realise concentrate seconds game level   i confidence complete task germany  confident positive    benitez defended goalkeeper jerzy dudek  failure hold dimitar berbatov s weak drive allowed franca score kick game   give german team lifeline leg   for jerzy dudek s fault   added benitez   he played good game   scored chances  talking goal  mattered   if scored chances worth remembering goal   in opinion jerzy played well  made fine saves   happy him   if lose 2 0 score germany   one  make difference   liverpool boss forward skipper steven gerrard  suspended anfield leg  back return germany    steven gerrard key player us   benitez   when pitch makes play   opposition pay special attention   space others   steven players world  team player  11 players pitch well   
class_football	souness eyes summer move owen  newcastle boss graeme souness lining summer move england real madrid striker michael owen   sees owen ideal replacement alan shearer  due retire summer  hopes persuade shearer carry on   michael category players excite fans monitoring him   told bbc newcastle   he great centre forward 25 monitoring situation real   souness hinted thinks shearer carry stated intent retire end season  believes prospect breaking jackie milburn s club scoring record influence striker s decision   milburn scored 200 league cup goals 1946 1957  shearer 187 goals name   without giving away  confident season   souness   i imagine leaving breaking jackie milburn s scoring record   souness revealed bring back nolberto solano january transfer window  peruvian international sold aston villa year ago phone in bbc newcastle  souness re sign him  villa interested selling   rangers liverpool boss bring number acquisitions current campaign completed   i m three  players summer   lots targets   said   don t wait day season say   who target now    
class_football	wenger dejected arsenal slump  arsenal manager arsene wenger claimed display 3 1 defeat bayern munich  our worst peformance champions league    kolo toure s late goal gunners hope leg  wenger said   the positive tie   the players dressing room  feel turned bad performance   at 3 0 faced real struggle  3 1 chance    goalscorer toure fault goals  wenger said   we toure rebuild confidence low moment   wenger stay upbeat himself  adding   but time crying  cry   easier   life on   in job  good bad nights  bad night   confidence quality players  spirit desire   wenger s bayern counterpart felix magath mood celebrate either  said   i happy win  players failed score fourth kill tie conceded late goal    arsenal fully capable scoring goals turf   arsenal keeper jens lehmann  personal rivalry bayern goalkeeper oliver kahn helped result  said   do blame goal  goalkeeper  blame myself   i goals easy us  time here  conceded easy goals   happens   it impossible 3 0   goal chances  possible   
class_football	stam spices man utd encounter  ac milan defender jaap stam manchester united  know made mistake  selling 2001   sides meet trafford champions league game wednesday 32 year old s dutchman s presence add spice fixture   united made mistake selling me   stam told uefa s champions magazine   i settled manchester united  wanted sell me  club sell you  do  sold cattle   sir alex ferguson surprised football world   stam   selling dutchman lazio £16 5m august 2001  decision shortly stam claimed autobiography ferguson tapped psv eindhoven  ferguson insisted sold defender transfer fee good refuse player past prime  affair rankles dutchman    i settled manchester united  ordered kitchen  wanted sell me   said   in industry good employee ushered door wishes   of course  refuse go  club power put bench  agree players control game   there opportunities confront newspapers  turned down  point    wednesday s game trafford provide intriguing confrontation united s young attackers wayne rooney cristiano ronaldo milan s veteran defence stam  paolo maldini  cafu alessandro costacurta  stam rooney s teenage stardom stark contract start game   we wayne rooneys   age training electrician thought chance professional footballer gone   said   starting late good thing  kids start early bored   i youth   fun  drinking beers  blowing milk cannisters  sounds strange tradition grew kampen   things wanted do   
class_football	mourinho defiant chelsea form  chelsea boss jose mourinho insisted sir alex ferguson arsene wenger swap places him   mourinho s side knocked fa cup newcastle sunday barcelona secure 2 1 champions league first leg lead nou camp  denied club suffering dip form league rivals arsenal manchester united exploit   they speak blips position us   mourinho said   do change positions us  top league points carling cup final   the thing position fa cup   in champions league teams team position chelsea    mourinho important team s results perspective   don t put pressure pressure   warned   we lost important game week   newcastle   fa cup defeat first leg tie real defeat  2 1 half time   asked chelsea honeymoon over  mourinho replied   i 20 years honeymoons wife   the day club happy day go   
class_football	hodgson relishes european clashes  blackburn boss roy hodgson premiership follow rest europe winter break   insists gruelling domestic schedule damage english elite s bid champions league glory   hodgson   charge viking stavanger   liverpool s clash bayer leverkusen anfield tuesday member uefa s technical committee  hodgson fierce advocate winter break employed europe  england   champions league contenders ploughed heavy fixture list  hodgson told bbc sport believes premiership embrace idea  expect cost english representatives 16 champions league   i feel difficult certainty teams break definite edge   i fervent supporter break  players chance recharge batteries midway season  suggest give teams advantage champions league   the school thought suggests break coming back puts disadvantage   the bigger discussions winter break nature football today  football players premiership developed  matches champions league february   hodgson believes winter break carries advantages  explaining   as said  perfect chance recharge batteries    and manager england supporting calls introduction   in pre season lot enthusiasm energy time christmas players  played plenty international matches club country travelled lot  find jaded   the break chance recover energy enthusiasm and  importantly  recover mental strength break ready games ahead   the mental side important thing   hodgson added   the length breaks vary  italy break short  christmas year   it short anything  gave players week 10 days off  training week 10 days game   if longer  important responsible physical fitness give players programme follow ensure physical strength accumulated stays them   hodgson believes winter break positive step premiership  said   if talk football elite level  premiership is  support winter break   if examine demands premier league and  players play international football club country  break world good   physically mentally   
class_football	coach ranieri sacked valencia  claudio ranieri sacked valencia coach months taking charge primera liga club time career   decision board meeting side s surprise elimination uefa cup   we understand  understands  results weeks appropriate   club president juan bautista  assistant antonio lopez coach  italian ranieri valencia job june 2004 replaced chelsea jose mourinho   things began spanish champions extended winless streak losing racing santander weekend  defeat uefa cup exit hands steaua bucharest  ranieri charge valencia 1997  guiding king s cup helping qualify champions league  54 year old moved atletico madrid 1999  joining chelsea year  
class_football	cole faces lengthy injury lay off  aston villa s carlton cole weeks knee injury   striker  season long loan chelsea  picked knock england under 21 match holland earlier month   carlton action weeks bad challenge   villa boss david o leary   i operation week  operation left chelsea   cole  struggled ankle problem earlier season  unable rest o leary shortage strikers  return fitness darius vassell months broken ankle emergence luke moore alleviated villa s manager s problems department  
class_football	arsenal penalties  arsenal win 4 2 penalties  spanish goalkeeper saved alan quinn jon harley arsenal sealed quarter final trip bolton 4 2 victory penalties  lauren  patrick vieira  freddie ljungberg ashley cole scored arsenal  andy gray phil jagielka target blades  michael tonge harley wasted chances underdogs  paddy kenny inspired arsenal bay  arsenal  stripped attacking talent thierry henry dennis bergkamp  partnered 17 year old italian striker arturo lupoli ljungberg front  revamped arsenal line up  goal seconds tonge wasted glorious chance  gray ran free flank  cross left tonge simplest chances  blazed top yards   arsenal barely attacking force opening 45 minutes  ljungberg turned half chance wide good work cesc fabregas  arsene wenger introduced quincy owusu abeyie ineffective lupoli half time  pacy dutch youngster impact  ran clear good work mathieu flamini  finish tame kenny saved easily  owusu abeyie fired testing cross  met fabregas  needed desperate clearance kenny s legs save blades  arsenal totally dominant  desperately unlucky lead 62 minutes fabregas crashed rising drive bar 20 yards  brilliant tackle jagielka deny ljungberg poised strike  arsenal continued press  kenny called action minutes left  diving low clutch close range effort fabregas  neil warnock s side snatched victory dying seconds derek geary s cross found harley post  diving header brilliantly turned almunia  owusu abeyie s pace causing sorts problems blades  extra time began  surging run penalty area set chance ljungberg  pascal cygan missed arsenal s chance 106 minutes  blazing face goal unmarked post  arsenal jeremie aliadiere minutes extra time left  broke deadlock touch  kolo toure s misplaced free kick landed feet  kenny blocked tight angle  arsenal laid siege sheffield united s goal dying minutes  held force penalties  almunia arsenal s hero brave blades cup campaign losing end   kenny  geary  morgan  bromby  harley  liddell  montgomery  jagielka  thirlwell  tonge  quinn 97   gray   subs used  francis  kabba  shaw  haystead   morgan   almunia  lauren  cygan  senderos  cole  fabregas  toure 90   vieira  flamini  aliadiere 113   clichy  lupoli  owusu abeyie 45   ljungberg   subs used  eboue  taylor   clichy  lauren  senderos   27 595  dowd  staffordshire   
class_football	ajax refuse rule jol move  ajax refused reveal tottenham s boss martin jol dutch champions  shortlist amsterdam club s coach   jol  coached native holland  guided spurs premiership s top eight  ajax spokesman told bbc sport   the coach fit profile   coach understands dutch league offensive distinctive football   we find solution soon  place season   ronald koeman quit ajax boss week exit uefa cup  jol linked vacant post ajax  reports fallen spurs  sporting director frank arnesen  statement spurs  website  jol said   i m happy here  discussion else  elsewhere   ajax enlisted dutch legend johann cruyff  consultant barcelona  find head coach  cruyff admitted impressed rfc waalwijk coach jol turned round spurs  fortunes taking jacques santini  tonny bruins slot ruud krol charge ajax  dutch league  
class_football	unclear future striker baros  liverpool forward milan baros uncertain remains part boss rafa benitez s plans dropped carling cup final   baros  liverpool s leading scorer season  denied reports row benitez claims mystified left bench  told czech newspaper daily sport   i play sunday  argue anybody   i disappointed thinking leaving now   czech international substitute 74 minutes prevent side losing 3 2 chelsea extra time   baros denied suggestions wanted leave millennium stadium match learning omission starting line up  admission  guessed happen saturday   quell claims falling out benitez  baros insisted thoughts quitting anfield  not mind now   admitted  everything possible   
class_football	prutton poised lengthy fa ban  southampton s david prutton faces seven match ban football association   23 year old admitted charges improper conduct dismissal arsenal  charge relates failure leave field promptly  pushing referee alan wiley remonstrating assistant referee paul norman  charge threatening words and or behaviour match official 1 1 draw   paolo di canio seven match suspension pushed referee paul alcock premiership game sheffield wednesday arsenal 1998  prutton joined wednesday s hearing saints boss harry redknapp  believes fa throw book player  redknapp sprinted touchline physio jim joyce coach denis rofe shepherd enraged prutton referee s assistant norman   david made big mistake it  condone done  order that   redknapp   he s decent lad  over reacted badly reason   rush blood somewhere  pitch meet nicer lad   prutton apologised publicly actions arsenal s robert pires  injured wild tackle saints  midfield man   said   it s horrendous situation  apologise ref linesman  job   i ve happened pires  leg well    i apologise people it  lots kids match pay money sort thing   it s cop out  bit blur  react control    added prutton  
class_football	robben plays european return  injured chelsea winger arjen robben insisted 10  chance making return barcelona champions league   21 year old sidelined breaking foot blackburn month  chelsea face barcelona home 8 march lost 2 1 leg  robben told daily star   it impossible play barcelona very  small chance   10     robben inspirational player chelsea season switch psv einhoven summer  added   my recovery expected weeks ago barcelona game soon   i risks back soon   
class_football	adriano s chelsea link rejected  adriano s agent gilmar rinaldi insisted contact chelsea striker   chelsea reported made inquiries inter milan s 22 year old brazilian star  rinaldi told bbc sport rio de janeiro   i assure chelsea dealings whatsoever adriano   parma real madrid interested there  interest time   adriano scored 14 goals 20 serie appearances season  chelsea boss jose mourinho claimed milan talking adriano day alleged held clandestine meeting arsenal defender ashley cole  mourinho  just practising portuguese strikers   rinaldi told bbc sport   i chelsea london club contacted me   if to  fine  situation is   if chelsea interested make offer   inter reported slapped price tag region £40m head adriano  joined year ago parma  real madrid view natural replacement compatriot ronaldo  rinaldi said   i give price inter accept adriano  negotiated interested clubs   
class_football	fa decides punish mourinho  football association action chelsea boss jose mourinho sending off sunday s carling cup final   mourinho  touchline appearing taunt liverpool fans   reminded responsibilities game   fa confirmed   there action matter   mourinho claimed  silence  gesture aimed media  side ground  porto coach forced watch climax side s 3 2 victory liverpool television ushered touchline fourth official phil crossley  gesture chelsea s equaliser 79 minutes courtesy steven gerrard goal  mourinho faces fa investigation allegation manchester united s players  cheated  january s carling cup semi final stamford bridge   uefa launch disciplinary action mourinho s failure attend compulsory post match press conference chelsea s champions league defeat barcelona week  addition  time month  chelsea answer charge failing control players premiership win blackburn february  charge failing control supporters carling cup meeting west ham earlier season heard  premier league continuing investigations allegations chelsea officials tapped arsenal defender ashley cole january  
class_football	aragones angered racism fine  spain coach luis aragones furious fined spanish football federation comments thierry henry   66 year old criticised 3000 euros  £2 060  punishment maximum penalty   i guilty  accept judged actions image sport   said   i m racist lacked sporting decorum  medals sporting merit   aragones handed fine tuesday making racist remarks henry arsenal team mate spanish international jose reyes october   spanish football federation declined action aragones  requested spain s anti violence commission  fine expected amount £22 000 suspension coaching licence  arsenal boss arsene wenger  fined £15 000 december accusing manchester united striker ruud van nistelrooy cheating  believes aragones  punishment lenient   you compare fine fine  racist abuse  spain should   wenger said   he said  money enough  big punishment   however  aragones insists fine unjustified unfair   i treated islero  the bull killed famous bullfighter manolete    aragones hearing fined actions   i thing affair agree sanction  looked scapegoat   spain s anti violence commission ratify spanish fa s decision week announce verdict  aragones 10 days appeal  commission appeal  alberto flores  president spanish fa s disciplinary committee  no one committee felt aragones racist  acted racist way    a fine  highest apply  sufficient punishment  suspension bit exaggerated   flores told sports daily marca  
class_football	boro suffer morrison injury blow  middlesbrough midfielder james morrison ruled weeks operation tuesday   18 year old  played 13 club s 14 games  surgery repair double hernia  club spokesman confirmed   it bilateral sportsman s hernia  operated yesterday   morrison scans substituted half time boro s 2 1 uefa cup win graz ak scored equaliser  injury latest blow teessiders  gaizka mendieta  george boateng mark viduka extended periods  meanwhile  kick off time boro s uefa cup match sporting lisbon 17 march brought forward 2115 gmt 1945 gmt  
class_football	mourinho receives robson warning  sir bobby robson offered chelsea boss jose mourinho advice coping pressure   pair worked barcelona porto robson word warning protege   it marvellous  bit humility learn lose   robson   it bit bad luck learn  he ll straight   robson speaking formally granted freedom city newcastle   jose moment   robson added man worked years   he pot   possibly follow   big game barcelona losing lead premiership   they good position expect win it  wonderful achievement    what occurred couple weeks stand good stead future  intelligent  board   intelligent   he learned fortnight months  that  winning   robson admitted relish chance back management test skills mourinho   i hurry wrong job  ready job feel job me   added   i area capable working job premiership available   it worry pit wits jose   but case another  team team   afraid that   
class_football	qpr keeper day heads preston  queens park rangers keeper chris day set join preston month s loan   day displaced arrival simon royce  month loan charlton  qpr signed italian generoso rossi  r s manager ian holloway said   some risk recalled month simon royce recalled charlton   but irons fire   yes  couple them    day s rangers contract expires summer  meanwhile  holloway hoping complete signing middlesbrough defender andy davies   permanently loan   saturday s match ipswich  davies impressed recent loan spell loftus road  holloway chasing bristol city midfielder tom doherty  
class_football	cudicini misses carling cup final  chelsea goalkeeper carlo cudicini miss sunday s carling cup final club dropped appeal red card newcastle   italian bringing shola ameobi final minute sunday s match  blues boss jose mourinho promised pick cudicini final first choice keeper petr cech  31 year old serve one match suspension commencing effect   cudicini club record 24 clean sheets season chelsea  petr cech established choice mourinho moving stamford bridge summer 2004  22 year old czech republic international set premiership record 961 consecutive minutes conceding goal  mark running  mourinho cudicini regularly carling cup  italian goal appearances chelsea s run final  
class_football	beattie return calms attack fears  everton striker james beattie declared fit training tuesday  suffering alleged assault saturday   beattie  27  believed hurt reports suggested  the victim unprovoked assault  birmingham  night girlfriend friends everton s 3 1 win aston villa   he shaken badly injured   everton spokesman ian ross  added   he speak police pressing charges   he spoken manager david moyes happened   beattie suspended win aston villa red card chelsea merseyside derby liverpool 20 march  
class_football	keegan hails comeback king fowler  manchester city boss kevin keegan praised striker robbie fowler landmark return form   29 year old  favour city earlier season  premiership goal tally past 150 brace monday s 3 2 win norwich   he quality player net   supply ammunition and  end  did   keegan said   he worked hard back now   liverpool striker  moved city 2003 poor stint leeds  battled back first team contention struggling fitness start season   fowler overtook les ferdinand tuesday evening highest scorer time premiership  151 goals  trails alan shearer  250  andy cole  173   keegan believes england forward   he supply better   added keegan   people write articles people written throw back left bit egg face   fowler s double strike helped city back goals clinch dramatic win carrow road keegan sympathised norwich boss nigel worthington afterwards   i feel bit nigel worthington   said   his team great character  lot drive enthusiasm   i killer blow norwich brought premiership   the stadium atmosphere great  tough league stay   finding know   
class_football	thompson gerrard stay  liverpool legend phil thompson pleaded steve gerrard reject overtures chelsea   ex reds assistant boss warned honours won chelsea cheapened bid buy success  told bbc radio live   liverpool bid made steve end   but sweet feeling chelsea  money orientated simply buying best   thompson reacted sharply liverpool supporters  criticised gerrard s performance carling cup final chelsea  number fans questioned gerrard s commitment sarcastically branded goal liverpool s 3 2 defeat goal chelsea   thompson added   i heard comments so called supporters diabolical  absolutely outrageous   stevie carried club year year  put liverpool first   thompson  savoured title winning seasons european cup triumphs anfield playing career  confident lure champions league football gerrard anfield   i hope champions league football beckon liverpool   winners finishing fourth premiership   commit himself   there lot soul searching things lately   i hope hardening fact big decisions make hope benefit steven gerrard hope worthwhile liverpool   
class_football	cole refuses blame van persie  ashley cole refused blame robin van persie leaving arsenal fully fit strikers fa cup round replay sheffield united   van persie suspended alongside dennis bergkamp jose antonio reyes southampton arsenal numerical advantage  thierry henry ruled achilles tendon injury cole said   no one putting blame robin   it s spur moment   cole added   i ve hope blame anything   of he ll learn  couple times things bit crazy seconds  freddie ljungberg emergency striking role partnered arturo lupoli  quincy owusu abeyie jeremie aliadiere  gunners boss arsene wenger said   freddie option striker   i decide aliadiere  quincy lupoli start front  involved   arsenal winger robert pires  sustained ankle injury st mary s  wenger added   it fractured  good ankle sprain   it pires ready weeks   
class_football	blackburn burnley  ewood park  tuesday  1 march  2000 gmt  howard webb  south yorkshire   home leicester quarter finals  defender andy todd suspended replaced dominic matteo   recovers hamstring injury  burnley major injury concerns frank sinclair john mcgreal  michael duff set continue right back john oster midfield micah hyde expected recover knee injury     blackburn boss mark hughes   burnley resolute individual talent fully expect progress   i thought comfortable game thought pressure   it s competition progress okay  beat burnley  home tie lower league club  leicester      burnley boss steve cotterill   they fresh tired  honest opinion lads big game   the atmosphere game hot   good verbal contest   our fans whipping game  positive way   key match stats   blackburn rovers bolton part east lancashire hotpot turn spicy staged sunday lunchtime weekend last  resulted scrappy goalless draw    rovers  aiming win cup seventh time history time 77 years  face replay championship opposition eventually disposing cardiff ewood park round  beaten competition club premiership years  ipswich   tier   defeated 0 1 extra time round replay ewood park 16 january 1996  history rovers side  met neighbours fa cup 45 years ago  required ewood park replay  home side won 2 0  met league  rovers double  won nationwide division trip turf moor 0 2 seasons ago  thrashed clarets home soil 5 0    manager mark hughes  won cup times player  aiming steer rovers quarter finals time 12 years  time 2000 2001 season  success here  victory home leicester round  rovers semi finals played premiership opposition    burnley make mile journey fierce rivals  determined send blackburn liverpool round  failed pull shock turf moor  championship outfit   17 places inferior league ladder   missed opportunity  that  burnley concede goal cup run    steve cotterills  clarets knocked round times years  made appearance sixth round 21 years  season last  disposed premiership fulham round stage    blackburn played round tie  burnley league outings home  drawing 1 1 derby losing 1 0 preston  takes winless run games  combatants one time prosperous mill towns  founder members football league  head head  16th prem  winners  six times   13th championship  winners  once  
class_football	brentford southampton  griffin park  tuesday  1 march  1945 gmt  barry knight  kent   home manchester united quarter finals  midfielder andrew frampton striker deon burton slight doubts hamstring injuries  fit saints missing entire first choice midfield jamie redknapp  graeme le saux  nigel quashie david prutton  anders svensson matt oakley replacements kevin phillips scheduled start  henri camara rested     brentford boss martin allen   after conceding goals matches  admit confident   there s doubt underdogs defending poorly recently good   southampton drawn premiership champions makes task harder already     southampton boss harry redknapp   we give problems   brentford premiership side players   staying premiership priority  win  do  battle football match win   key match stats   brentford lowest ranked club left fa cup  run competition reaching quarter finals fourth time history 16 years ago  carrot plum draw dangling them  victory premiership strugglers southampton  bring mighty manchester united griffin park gigantic pay day sole league survivors    martin allen s brave side back goals st mary s earn deserved replay  southampton striker henri camara scored close range put saints command  isaiah rankin hit back half time  sam sodje headed past creaky defence 58 minutes    londoners conceded goals subsequent league outings   losing hartlepool drawing home sheffield wednesday  lost league cup games home turf   winning drawing reverse torquay boxing day    southampton tie back eventful premiership match arsenal saturday  angry david prutton pushed referee alan wiley shown red card  side back draw 1 1  saints  fourth stalemate succession competitions  lift relegation zone  retention present premier league status number priority  irrespective rewards success brentford bring    victory set repeat 1976 final  saints astounded football world defeating tommy docherty s manchester united courtesy bobby stokes  famous winner  knocked red devils 1991 penalties fourth round  write chapter fa cup history  solent side avoid succumbing lower division opposition time rotherham  level  beat 2 1 round tie millmoor 16 january 2002  southampton humbled club tier years ago  fulham division  won round replay craven cottage 1 0 13 january 1999    matches visit millennium stadium years final  harry redknapp guide side past club 36 places inferior league ladder  manager 19 years junior  played west ham  head head  10th league  quarter finals  four times   18th prem  winners  once  
class_football	desailly backs blues revenge trip  marcel desailly insists chance history repeating chelsea barcelona wednesday   french star part chelsea side crushed 5 1 nou camp champions league quarter final leg 2000   things totally time   told bbc sport   now chelsea bit afraid them  major clubs europe pressure barcelona   chelsea played barcelona quarter final tie years ago  blues looked destined progress winning leg stamford bridge 3 1  courtesy goals tore andre flo gianfranco zola  collapsed leg  strikes rivaldo  2   luis figo  dani patrick kluivert   chelsea captain desailly  playing al gharafa qatar  comparison side current blues team  top premiership   mentally stronger  lot players young   36 year old said   we made mistakes nou camp 2000   lot individual mistakes   it happen now  team motivation mentality   world cup winner desailly huge time stamford bridge  signed £4 6m ac milan 1998 ruud gullit play gianluca vialli claudio ranieri  biggest change occurred billionaire roman abramovich bought club 2003  desailly russian s arrival helped instil winning mentality club demand success   the chelsea   chairman  manager players   said    everything huge determination win   since game 2000  chelsea gained experience europe close reaching champions league final season   desailly decorated players history football  won 1998 world cup 2000 european championship france  champions league 1993 marseilles 1994 ac milan  serie titles fa cup 2000 chelsea  winding career qatar  alongside likes frank lebeouf  josep guardiola  titi camara  gabriel batistuta christophe dugarry  full admiration colleagues great milan side mid 90s line manchester united wednesday   paolo maldini alessandro costacurta   i m happy managed play long high level   said   i made vow costacurta long plays  continue play   and amazing paolo managed play high level long time   
class_football	desailly backs blues revenge trip  marcel desailly insists chance history repeating chelsea barcelona wednesday   french star part chelsea side crushed 5 1 nou camp champions league quarter final leg 2000   things totally time   told bbc sport   now chelsea bit afraid them  major clubs europe pressure barcelona   chelsea played barcelona quarter final tie years ago  blues looked destined progress winning leg stamford bridge 3 1  courtesy goals tore andre flo gianfranco zola  collapsed leg  strikes rivaldo  2   luis figo  dani patrick kluivert   chelsea captain desailly  playing al gharafa qatar  comparison side current blues team  top premiership   mentally stronger  lot players young   36 year old said   we made mistakes nou camp 2000   lot individual mistakes   it happen now  team motivation mentality   world cup winner desailly huge time stamford bridge  signed £4 6m ac milan 1998 ruud gullit play gianluca vialli claudio ranieri  biggest change occurred billionaire roman abramovich bought club 2003  desailly russian s arrival helped instil winning mentality club demand success   the chelsea   chairman  manager players   said    everything huge determination win   since game 2000  chelsea gained experience europe close reaching champions league final season   desailly decorated players history football  won 1998 world cup 2000 european championship france  champions league 1993 marseilles 1994 ac milan  serie titles fa cup 2000 chelsea   winding career qatar  alongside likes frank lebeouf  josep guardiola  titi camara  gabriel batistuta christophe dugarry  full admiration colleagues great milan side mid 90s line manchester united wednesday   paolo maldini alessandro costacurta   i m happy managed play long high level   said   i made vow costacurta long plays  continue play   and amazing paolo managed play high level long time   
class_football	mourinho expects fight finish  chelsea manager jose mourinho expects champions league clash barcelona fight finish   mourinho relishing leg tie club 16 nou camp  said   i surprised decided minute return leg match extra time   i defend mine champions league mine moment  manager won it   mourinho coached barcelona  assisting sir bobby robson louis van gaal  envious  insisting   i jealous barcelona 100 years history won european cup once    i managing years amount champions league trophies name   barcelona star ronaldinho admitted   i difficult match chelsea good team full big stars   i chelsea times television  tactically good strong counter attack   they pressure possession ball important play game   i strongest teams europe  nevertheless  barcelona accustomed playing big games nou camp  face likes real madrid season   it special game  atmosphere city changes  lots journalists inside dressing room lot difference   ronaldinho added   we thinking winning match respect opposition   
class_football	cup holders man utd visit everton  holders manchester united premiership leaders chelsea face difficult ties premiership opposition fa cup round   united drawn everton  chelsea face trip newcastle  brentford hartlepool   sides left top divisions   replay travel southampton  burnley s reward place 16 home tie lancashire rivals blackburn  tie manchester united everton return teenage striker wayne rooney club time acrimonious £27m move   nottingham forest boss gary megson face trip back club west brom fourth round replay tottenham  arsenal handed potential home tie fellow londoners west ham  providing hammers replay sheffield united  charlton play leicester bolton await winners derby fulham replay     bolton derby fulham  west bromwich albion tottenham nottingham forest  everton manchester united  charlton athletic leicester city  burnley blackburn  southampton brentford hartlepool  newcastle chelsea  arsenal west ham sheffield united  ties played 19 20 february  
class_football	candela completes bolton switch  bolton boss sam allardyce signed roma defender vincent candela five month deal   31 year old france international gave press conference roma player monday  anouncing move bolton   i signed five month contract bolton   candela  travel england tuesday   in june decide continue play bolton retire professional football   allardyce hopes candela s arrival relieve bolton s injury crisis defender nicky hunt limped injured oldham s 1 0 win oldham fa cup sunday   in light happened nicky hunt  injury  blessing disguise bring highly experienced full back injuries back   allardyce said   he outstanding pedigree game won honours highest level including world cup 1998   he played regular football year eager impress premiership   he play position back predominately right footed played majority career left back   candela  member roma side won title 2001  made league appearances season luigi del neri s side  
class_football	stuart joins norwich addicks  norwich signed charlton midfielder graham stuart end season undisclosed fee    it easy decision make   34 year old told norwich s website   the attraction continue play premiership   canaries boss nigel worthington added   i m delighted graham joining end season   he s wealth experience  hopefully  part keeping premier league   stuart extensive top flight experience everton  chelsea charlton play midfield positions  joins norwich norfolk club second from bottom premiership  stuart confident carrow road outfit bright future   i ve impressed facilities here  run football club excellent facilities enjoyed playing carrow road   added   it s nice compact ground good atmosphere give fans cheer    stuart  england under 21 international  made 110 appearances chelsea  scoring 18 goals  joining everton  won fa cup toffees 1995 remains hero goodison park 81st minute winner wimbledon saved everton relegation 1994  stuart spent years goodison park  making 125 senior appearances scoring 25 goals  signing sheffield united   scored 12 goals 68 appearances  signing charlton made 164 appearances  scoring 23 times  recently battling back problem played londoners months heading norwich  
class_football	celtic make late bid bellamy  newcastle striker craig bellamy discussing short term loan move celtic  bbc sport understands   welsh striker rejected move birmingham falling magpies manager graeme souness  toon boss vowed bellamy play bitter row exclusion game arsenal  celtic position match birmingham s £6m offer stay end season suit bellamy considers future  bellamy s agent  player dismissed permanent move birmingham  newcastle player loan premiership club   bellamy fined weeks  wages live tv interview accused souness lying  public dispute position bellamy play side  souness said   he play again  disruptive influence minute walked football club   he television accuse telling lies   chairman freddy shepherd bellamy s behaviour  totally unacceptable totally unprofessional   
class_football	campbell lifts lid united feud  arsenal s sol campbell called rivalry manchester united gunners  bitter personal    past encounters stirred plenty ill feeling sides meet highbury tuesday   it bitter personal united   defender told guardian newspaper   there s edge   after happened  beat sweetest wins  lost there   october  arsenal lost 2 0 trafford  ended record 49 match unbeaten league run sparked mini crisis  gunners winning 10 games    it psychological impact us  defeated   added 30 year old  referring controversial penalty award united s goal   that upsetting  losing that  it  balance season rough decisions begin wonder   tensions spilling   united boss sir alex ferguson allegedly pelted pizza players  tunnel   surprise riding return encounter on   everyone arsenal waiting game   campbell   we one    speaking long term plans  campbell signalled intent move abroad turns 35   i m 30 years  time country   definite   italy good suit kind football  spain option idea tasting culture learning language excites most  starting french  course   
class_football	rovers reject ferguson bid  blackburn rejected bid rangers scotland captain barry ferguson  bbc sport learnt   thought blackburn £6m midfielder chief executive john williams confirmed club  in dialogue  rangers  26 year old handed transfer request ewood park seeks return ibrox  clubs unable reach agreement fee ferguson  moved lancashire 2003 £6 5m  thursday rangers increasing offer £4m   blackburn £6m midfielder williams rejected proposals rangers player swap deal  williams said   we dialogue glasgow rangers agreement   negotiations concluded midnight monday  winter transfer window shuts  williams conceded deal ferguson  unlikely  close transfer window rangers chance seal deal   we comment make agreement glasgow rangers   added   the things looking  to   the ball court offer acceptable moment   understood blackburn accepted £5m offer ferguson everton weekend  player determined return scotland rejected move goodison park  ferguson play fa cup win colchester saturday recovering groin injury rovers boss mark hughes claiming  emotional difficult time  player  
class_football	sa return mauritius  top seeds south africa return scene embarrassing failures face seychelles cosafa cup month   year bafana bafana humbled minnows mauritius beat 2 0 curepipe  coach stuart baxter squad return curepipe face seychelles game new look regional competition  format event changed year entry seychelles  number participants 13  teams divided group play knock out matches successive days determine group champions  mauritius host group  opponents madagascar  seychelles south africa  bafana bafana play seychelles mauritius madagascar double header 26 february  winners return george stadium day victor group decider advances august s final mini tournament  group hosted namibia april  comprises zimbabwe  botswana  mozambique hosts  june  champions zambia host lesotho  malawi swaziland group lusaka  group winners join title holders angola mini tournaments august  winners crowned   seychelles south africa  mauritius madagascar  winners meet final match  mozambique zimbabwe  namibia botswana  winners meet final match  lesotho malawi  zambia swaziland  winners meet final match 
class_football	tottenham bid   163 8m forest duo  nottingham forest confirmed received £8m bid tottenham andy reid michael dawson   reid rejected move southampton forest accepted cash plus players offer spurs made previous bids 22 year old  spurs made undisclosed offer 21 year old defender dawson  forest chief executive mark arthur said   we ve received £8m bid spurs players offer   southampton s offer republic ireland international reid comprised £3m plus players   brett ormerod darren kenton   spurs previous bids £3m  £4m £5m reid rejected championship club  
class_football	redknapp s saints face pompey tie  southampton manager harry redknapp faces reunion club portsmouth drawn fa cup fourth round   exeter city face home tie middlesbrough holders manchester united replay  oldham s reward beating manchester city home tie bolton  yeovil charlton  chelsea host birmingham  tottenham travel west brom arsenal entertain championship side wolves  saints boss redknapp upbeat draw face club walked weeks ago   i ve before  walk portsmouth head held high  proud me   redknapp   maybe stick  game football   birmingham manager steve bruce admitted trip stamford bridge face premiership leaders chelsea toughest draw possible  bruce said   i m shock  good accounts chelsea past played lost 1 0 home start season   past   but competition world concerned give shot   brentford boss martin allen remained cautious side s favourable draw   home tie hartlepool boston   the thing is  home game  however  play tough game   allen   but opposition  us  round face massive team  is    meanwhile  bbc confirmed televising exeter s replay man utd live wednesday 19 january  1930 bbc one   derby watford fulham  man utd exeter middlesbrough  cardiff blackburn colchester  chelsea birmingham  west ham sheff utd  oldham bolton  arsenal wolverhampton  everton sunderland  nottm forest peterborough  brentford hartlepool boston  reading swansea leicester blackpool  burnley liverpool bournemouth  southampton portsmouth  west brom tottenham  newcastle coventry  charlton yeovil 
class_football	real talks gravesen move  real madrid closing £2m deal everton s thomas gravesen dane s agent travelled spain hold talks move   john sivabaek told bbc sport   i m listen real say  agreed  big opportunity player   28 year old s contract expires summer  real quick deal  sivabaek added   i meeting real wednesday  interest  everton s hands   everton decide cash denmark midfield man  risk losing summer  manager david moyes defiantly claimed expects gravesen everton transfer window closes end january   moyes said   i speak tommy regularly at   there s contact  lose him   real madrid general manager arrigo sacchi driving force move  convincing vice president emilio butragueno coach wanderley luxemburgo gravesen man bernabeu  everton weigh worth taking money offer real risk ambitions european football  gravesen outstanding everton established premiership s top season  
class_football	klinsmann issues lehmann warning  germany coach jurgen klinsmann warned goalkeeper jens lehmann quit arsenal world cup dreams alive   lehmann understudy oliver kahn german squad  lost place manuel alumnia highbury  klinsmann said   it difficult players first choice club   if jens arsenal s number keeper  problem me  playing regularly   lehmann desperate place germany squad country hosts world cup 2006  klinsmann added   if playing regularly germany s number keeper  number keeper   the situation jens number keeper arsenal  critical remains season   
class_football	juninho demand o neill talks  juninho s agent confirmed player hoping talks martin o neill brazilian midfielder closer departing celtic   brian hassell official approach received manchester city english club earmarked destination  stressed bbc sport juninho prefer remain scottish champions  juninho assurances return o neill s first team plans  frustrated lack first team action move middlesbrough summer  hassel juninho  bought home   desperately stay celtic  seek move made clear wanted   agent stressed read 30 year old s father scotland talk move back botafogo brazil  juninho s father simply country son grandchildren   i interest brazilian club  juninho there   hassel   he stay britain  fact  stay celtic   hassall made clear move manchester city  badly midfield play maker  possibility botafogo  mexican outfit red sharks veracruz  expressed interest   it thought stage   said   if game manager  style play suits you   he fan kevin keegan s style play  bad move him   juninho earlier told daily record   the manager lot chances put team happened   if case opportunity go  good club good me   if part plans  point remaining waiting chance comes   attacking midfielder claims backing boss martin o neill move celtic park   i understand situation   continued   when manager brings player club  player support   
class_football	wenger signs deal  arsenal manager arsene wenger signed contract stay club 2008   wenger ended speculation future agreeing long term contract takes opening arsenal s stadium years  said   signing contract rubber stamps desire club forward fulfil ambitions   i achieve target drive club on  exciting times arsenal    55 year old frenchman told arsenal s website www arsenal com   my intention clear  love club happy here   wenger won title fa cup times reign  chairman peter hill wood said   we absolutely delighted arsene signed extension contract   since arrival 1996  revolutionised club pitch   as major honours won time here  arsene leading influence major initiatives club including construction training centre stadium    the club continued reap benefits arsene s natural eye unearthing footballing talent   we fantastic crop young players coming ranks number world class players playing wonderful brand football   meanwhile  arsenal director danny fiszman wenger stay 2008   when end contract review situation  stay hope too   fiszman  
class_football	fa probes crowd trouble  fa action trouble marred wednesday s carling cup tie chelsea west ham   police riot gear confronted section west ham support match blues won 1 0  mateja kezman  scorer chelsea s goal  needed treatment head injury match hit missile  believed coin  spokeswoman chelsea club await referee s report deciding action  kezman forced field receive treatment cut eye continue   chelsea assistant boss steve clarke said   i talk football thrown crowd  require stitches   west ham boss alan pardew said   it s shame thought good english banter crowd   there s big rivalry clubs shame happened  standing trouble   hammers star joe cole plastic bottle thrown him  frank lampard pelted coins preparing penalty  lampard s spot kick saved delight hammers  fans  forgiven leaving upton park  fa seek reports clubs police  review video evidence referee s report  police riot gear battled west ham fans matthew harding stand supporter required treatment  fans thought clashed ground game  scotland yard 11 arrests alleged public order  drugs offensive weapon offences   fa trouble tuesday s heated carling cup tie millwall liverpool  
class_football	describes tunnel fracas  arsenal s lifted lid scenes manchester united s win gunners   brazilian confirmed tempers flared shed light reports food thrown united boss sir alex ferguson   i people pulled apart  people pushing  pointing shouting   told uefa s official website   the united players wind result soup thrown anyone   however  play incidents  adding   there brazilian derbies   derby matches brazil worse  play games intense rivalry   highly critical ferocity united s challenges game  jose antonio reyes   i lot fairer tackles united   said   reyes kicked park   beating boy gary neville tackling off   game  football association events tunnel  charged ruud van nistelrooy foul play arsenal boss arsene wenger asked explain comments made referee  
class_football	chelsea sack mutu  chelsea sacked adrian mutu failed drugs test   25 year old tested positive banned substance   denied cocaine   october  chelsea decided write transfer fee mutu  15 8m signing parma season  face two year suspension  statement chelsea explaining decision read  we make clear chelsea tolerance policy drugs   mutu scored goals games arriving stamford bridge form decline frozen coach jose mourinho  chelsea s statement added   this applies performance enhancing drugs so called  recreational  drugs  place club sport   in coming decision case  chelsea believed club s social responsibility fans  players  employees stakeholders football drugs important major financial considerations company   any player takes drugs breaches contract club football association rules   the club totally supports fa strong action drugs cases   fifa s disciplinary code stipulates doping offence six month ban  sport s world governing body re iterated stance mutu s failed drugs test  maintaining matter domestic sporting authorities   fifa position make comment matter english fa informed disciplinary decision relevant information it   fifa spokesman  chelsea s move won backing drug testing expert michelle verroken  verroken  director drug free sport uk sport  insists blues sack mutu enhanced reputation so   chelsea rest players fans situation prepared tolerate   it difficult decision expensive decision terms contract breached decision make   it clear stance chelsea strong boost reputation club   emerged mutu failed drugs test october 18 and  initially reported banned substance question cocaine  romanian international suggested substance designed enhance sexual performance  football association act mutu s failed drugs test refuses discuss case  
class_football	ferguson urges henry punishment  sir alex ferguson called football association punish arsenal s thierry henry incident involving gabriel heinze   ferguson believes henry deliberately caught heinze head knee united s controversial win  united boss worse ruud van nistelrooy s foul ashley cole three game ban   we present fa do  tackle heinze terrible   said  clubs permitted fa examine specific incidents information expected provided 48 hours game  clash occurred moments half time freddie ljungberg challenge left heinze ground left touchline  henry  ball  attempted hurdle argentine knee collided back heinze s head   striker protested innocence   referee mike riley deemed collision accidental  ferguson upset arsenal s discipline heated encounter arch rivals praised side s behaviour   edu produced terrible tackle scholes potential leg breaker   said   there 24 fouls game arsenal  heinze  ronaldo  vieira   sixth foul booked  phil neville booked challenge   i proud players handled pressure   we good gracious defeat  happened sunday overshadowed achievement  time  they   
class_football	wenger offers mutu hope  arsenal boss arsene wenger signing adrian mutu striker served drugs ban   mutu sacked chelsea friday testing positive cocaine   move wenger backed  said   i happen suspended long period   but served suspension  start zero  meet player tells me   mutu faces ban months years football association decides punishment  chelsea decided act case heard sacked striker grounds gross misconduct revealed failed drug test   mutu hit club s decision  saying   chelsea destroyed me   told sunday mirror   i do  shocked surprised decision   i expect pay suspended thought sack either   why wait this  career ruins   i walk football  left me    chelsea criticised stance  professional footballers  association accusing club failing duty care player  mutu agreed  adding   it unfair  sack afterwards   why public  make me  makes difficult now   
class_football	santini resigns spurs manager  tottenham manager jacques santini resigned  personal reasons    france manager moved white hart lane summer return france  santini said   my time tottenham memorable deep regret leave  club supporters best   private issues personal life arisen caused decision  hope wonderful fans respect decision   added   i  sporting director  frank arnesen  chairman  daniel levy understanding   assistant coach martin jol put temporary charge care team affairs saturday s premiership match charlton   arnesen club sad santini go   we disappointed jacques leaving us  fully respect decision   i assure club act swiftly minimise impact jacques  departure   our priority ensure season s performance remains unaffected move   i make statement monday  clarifying position  jacques well   
class_football	mutu hold talks juventus  disgraced chelsea striker adrian mutu begin talks juventus club    mutu club s main stand watch match juventus fiorentina   juventus official  declined named   then meet important people club   added  mutu  25  sacked chelsea banned months taking cocaine  represented alessandro moggi  son juve manager luciano moggi  mutu  banned english fa  resume playing may  undergo drug education rehabilitation programme  mutu train romanian side dinamo bucharest whilst serving ban  bucharest side  
class_football	uefa approves fake grass  uefa european matches played artificial pitches start season   european football s governing body made decision meeting executive committee wednesday  uefa explained move  follows comprehensive studies sporting medical aspects artificial playing surfaces   subject complying uefa quality criteria made obligatory  luton  preston  queens park rangers clubs plastic pitches 1980s but  two year study  uefa insists surfaces moved on  international matches played pitches  games major tournaments contested grass  uefa spokesman rob faulkner said   people england bad memories artificial pitches luton qpr 1980s  latest generation completely grass   we sanctioned start season long latest generation artificial turf meets series standards   leading clubs scandinavia  russia eastern europe   play champions league uefa cup matches winter   expected instal artificial pitches  
class_football	yeading face newcastle fa cup  premiership side newcastle united face trip ryman premier league leaders yeading fa cup round   game   arguably highlight draw   potential money spinner non league yeading  beat slough round  conference side exeter city  knocked doncaster saturday  travel trafford meet holders manchester united january  arsenal drawn home stoke chelsea play host scunthorpe  non league side draw hinckley united  held brentford goalless draw sunday  meet league leaders luton win replay martin allen s team griffin park   number premiership teams face difficult games championship sides weekend 8 9 january  third placed everton visit plymouth  liverpool travel burnley  crystal palace sunderland  fulham face carling cup semi finalists watford  bolton meet ipswich  aston villa drawn sheffield united  premiership strugglers norwich  blackburn  west brom west ham  cardiff preston north end respectively  southampton visit northampton  beaten league side carling cup earlier season  middlesbrough drawn swindon notts county  spurs entertain brighton white hart lane   arsenal stoke  swindon notts middlesbrough  man utd exeter  plymouth everton  leicester blackpool  derby wigan  sunderland crystal palace  wolves millwall  yeading newcastle  hull colchester  tottenham brighton  reading stockport swansea  birmingham leeds  hartlepool boston  milton keynes dons peterborough  oldham man city  chelsea scunthorpe  cardiff blackburn  charlton rochdale  west ham norwich  sheff utd aston villa  preston west brom  rotherham yeovil  burnley liverpool  bournemouth chester  coventry crewe  watford fulham  ipswich bolton  portsmouth gillingham  northampton southampton  qpr nottm forest  luton hinckley brentford  matches played weekend 8 9 january  
class_football	anelka  eyes man city departure   striker nicolas anelka reportedly leave manchester city search champions league football   anelka  25  talks contract extension 2007 city believed fear career stale stays club  news world reports anelka told french magazine   i decide win titles easy life   i choose football  great club makes offer   added   to win titles players capability so  stagnate eighth 15th place impossible progress   if score goals win  risk create feeling fed up   anelka earned reputation difficult character handle spells arsenal  real madrid paris st germain feels coming back haunt him    i talks sign extension contract   said   i sporting aspect account   playing eighth place good miss champions league   i won real madrid 2000 playing   playing it   i m things happened past football   but blame anyone  bit fault   
class_football	arnesen denies rift santini  tottenham sporting director frank arnesen denied coach jacques santini resigned clash personalities white hart lane   newspaper speculation santini felt undermined arnesen s role club   it absolutely true   arnesen told bbc radio live   there thing made resign personal problems   he talked recently matter absolutely himself   arnesen unable throw light problems caused santini quit 13 games charge  added   jacques was  trust that  accept it  respect it    the plan weekend talks board monday clarify situation   arnesen countered criticism timing announcement  coming 24 hours tottenham s premiership fixture charlton   when personal problems  talk timing   said  denied reports santini £3m pay off   that absolute nonsense   i go  went    spurs sporting director  tottenham s structure sporting director working alongside coach based continental model arnesen sees reason change it    i confidence structure  confident started july lot confidence tottenham doing   said  however  spurs england defender gary stevens surprised system caused rift   i problems lot deeper  director football white hart lane santini   stevens told live   on paper worked together  frank arnesen creative  forward thinking expansive player   santini opposite  case organised  disciplined happy conceding goals   that sort arrangement work people principles ideals work closely  happened   
class_football	souness backs smith scotland  graeme souness believes walter smith perfect choice succeed berti vogts scotland manager   souness s assistant rangers hot favourite vogts  resigned monday   walter ideal candidate job  he d perfect it   souness told bbc sport  scottish football association appointed tommy burns provisional caretaker boss friendly sweden 17 november   he fits bill knowledge understanding scotland team football  experienced successful   souness added   walter real football person  working ibrox   on top proper human command instant respect players involved scottish football   souness joined sir alex ferguson backing smith s claims  scottish football association embark search vogts successor appointing tommy burns caretaker capacity  ferguson said   he  smith  outstanding candidate concerned   you walter bring wealth experience job   man utd boss continued   i credentials needed job job lot experience   he assistant scotland manchester united managed glasgow rangers   he change shape scottish football radical needed   smith assistant ferguson world cup mexico 1986  everton rangers boss game spell manchester united assistant term  bbc sport understands smith discuss taking approached scottish fa   tempted over  smith s long time right hand man archie knox play part national team set up  smith backing pundits fans  including scotland manager craig brown  brown said   walter outstanding candidate doubt   he admirable choice  spoke sunday impression it  positive   candidates job include scotland midfielders gordon strachan gary mcallister vogts  assistant tommy burns  
class_football	gallas sees two horse race  chelsea s william gallas believes battle arsenal premiership coming months    it ll two horse race end season give everything   told bbc sport   you good lot luck  bit hard arsenal players chelsea boys    we power hands now   added gallas    but happen football   seasons ago manchester united picked points end season won title   obviously  chelsea football   we challenging arsenal player challenging first   gallas extra confidence impact manager jose mourinho taking manager summer   french international defender believes mourinho perfectly suited boss squad chelsea stars managerial expertise prevent player revolt   it s normal team put big names put finishing touch finishing touch chelsea fantastic manager mourinho   said   he icing cake club  fantastic knack thinking everything   another incredible quality mourinho player  fans stars  dressing room absolutely equal   mourinho reminds created wonderful atmosphere playing laughing day   it changed dressing room atmosphere year    
class_football	tevez   argentine brazil  65 years ago bernardo gandulla left boca juniors native argentina headed brazil   arrived vasco da gama club considerable prestige   failed live to  left impression  reasons wanted  thing note throw ball back play  today   gandula  term brazil ballboy  brazilians delighted failure gandulla then  delight history repeated  boca juniors player coming brazil   the maradona    carlos tevez   joining corinthians  20m strong candidate strangest move year  corinthians   london based company entered partnership   paid odds tevez  strange   week   tevez big brazil  argentine championship shown   financial logic move  harder work tevez interested heading north  atlantic  argentina s brightest star hit top form august spearheaded charge olympic gold medal  subsequent months easy tevez  boca re signed martin palermo  forcing tevez vacate favoured centre forward role  pitch gave press plenty report   atletico madrid gave declaring private life  disorganized   hounded press  tevez grew tired life buenos aires  heading corinthians search  tranquillity   acquainted city s  227 o paulo relish nonsense declaration  brazil s biggest city sprawling  ugly  restless metropolis  shared buenos aires melancholy air city italian immigrants   world lies buried skyscrapers  turbulent place frenetic city sport club corinthians  passionately supported club brazil  pel  233  scored reams goals them  reasoning special corinthians fans capable winning game own  passion turned team   nowadays  level urban violence hysterical edge life brazil s big cities  corinthians fans invaded dressing room ambushed team coach attack players  tevez  then  kiss tranquillity goodbye  farewell copa libertadores  south america s champions league  corinthians qualified  indeed  long wait worthwhile match  year s brazilian championship underway end april  make foolish s  227 o paulo state championship  appalling waste talent  matches small towns poor pitches plenty defenders keen kick back argentina  top south american players  tevez gift surprise   feint left  pass expected dribble  shoot catch goalkeeper unawares  choice destination biggest surprise all  
class_football	blasts arsenal  arsenal s brazilian midfielder hit club stalling offering contract   edu s deal expires summer linked spanish trio real madrid  barcelona valencia  told bbc sport   i m stay club situation far   if wanted sign offer months indicating wanted sign made think   edu s brother representative amadeo fensao previously arsenal s current offer midfielder short seeking  edu  26  added   my brother due london thursday    there meeting planned 6 7 january sort arsenal   now choice stay go  sort possible  interests club myself   i m make decision meeting week   begin negotiations clubs fifa regulations players start talks months contracts expire  midfielder  broke brazilian national side 2004  admitted flattered linked spanish giants  said   i ve heard stories news madrid president florentino perez  valencia people  barcelona interested    that s nice  talked them  sign 100    month wenger hopeful sign deal played suggestions lure club real madrid strong edu  added encouraged wenger s support him   i good relationship arsene wenger   sign   
class_football	smith work scottish wonders   worst secret scottish football revealed thursday walter smith named national manager   moment berti vogts  miserable tenure charge scotland ended  rangers everton boss overwhelming favourite post  smith man hardest jobs football  56 year old takes time national side doldrums  scotland reached major finals world cup 1998 reaching germany 2006 impossible  picked points opening games qualifying race  fifa rankings scotland listed time low 77th  likes estonia  ghana  angola thailand  scotland blessed quality players experience top level  smith meagre resources  smith s track record make impressive reading widely respected game  man alex ferguson s assistant scotland played 1986 world cup won league titles rangers  appointment widely endorsed games  top names  including ferguson graeme souness  ibrox assistant 1986  characters souness  ferguson current ibrox manager alex mcleish cite smith s experience expansive knowledge scottish game   made vogts  inability express players media  case smith  dundee united dumbarton full back managerial school   straight talking slow players expects  often colourful invective   remembered vogts scotland impressive curriculum vitae   world cup winner player european championships winner manager  smith inherit problems vogts   callow squad players exceptional talents  remains smith experience rash call offs blighted vogts  preparation work  fresh start scottish national team imperative smith widely regarded safe pair hands  safe pair hands adroit hands magician required    
class_football	jansen suffers setback  blackburn striker matt jansen faces weeks surgery treat cartilage problem   central defender lorenzo amoruso moving closer fitness knee operation  rovers  assistant manager mark bowen said   matt small operation trim knee cartilage   it s tiny piece work  fairly quick recovery  lorenzo jogging time  kicking ball   jansen s career dogged injury freak scooter accident years ago   returned first team action mark hughes  appointment blackburn boss marked goal portsmouth appearance season  bowen added   i m guessing  reckon weeks back action completely   rovers assistant boss forecast longer time spell amoruso s availability first team duties  bowen said   there s scar tissue present weeks   it s case goes  put real time comeback  progresses   
class_football	mansfield 0 1 leyton orient  second half goal andy scott condemned mansfield ninth successive game win   early half wayne carlisle s cross met scott blasted ball home penalty area  orient chased second  mansfield clear alan white s header line kevin pilkington saved michael simpson  end mansfield fans chanting head chairman keith haslam   pilkington  talbot  buxton  dimech  artell  corden  murray  curtis  neil  warne  barker  subs used  white  mcintosh  wood  lloyd  herron   harrison  lockwood  donny barnard  white mackie  scott  saah  simpson  carlisle  lee barnard  ibehre  subs used  morris  wardley  newey  zakuani  mcmahon   scott 51   3 803  mathieson  cheshire   
class_football	zambia confident cautious  zambia s technical director  kalusha bwalya confident cautious ahead cosafa cup final angola saturday lusaka   bwalya said   nothing short victory do   bwalya warned side complacent   i team comfortable victory difficult game   for main aim game enjoy win   zambia shown determination win final recalling foreign based players  41 year old bwalya  oldest player competition played scored mauritius  uncertain field not  chipolopolo fans cautious  victory  concert scheduled match featuring country s top musicians  sides hoping win competition record time  trophy good  chipolopolo won editions regional tournament southern african nations 1997 1998  prevented straight win angola knocked zambians semi final stage 1999  victory angola marked defeat 14 years zambia lusaka s independence stadium  saturday s game played  angola named overseas based players preliminary squad  palancas negras unable secure release portugal based players  
class_football	reaction spanish press  england s 1 0 defeat spain wednesday dominated back front pages country s press thursday   controversy short supply  racist abuse england s black players  wayne rooney s petulance england s inept performance  spanish press make affair  bbc sport reaction     coverage racist chanting wednesday night s game  cover english reaction pre match comments spain coach luis aragones  highlighted britain s colonial past probed remarks thierry henry october  journalist guillem balague writes   in country  multi culturalism thing  nappies dealing things  naivety makes english nervous    marca refers passing booing england s black players   referring cheers  ole  greeted long periods spanish possession  aragones   no comment  questions racism match highlighted  marca focuses spanish coach s praise players  serbia   montenegro s 2 0 world cup qualifying win belgium   make qualification tougher spain   greater importance   elsewhere  spanish media criticises english counterparts stoking racism issue   were racist chants players  happened spanish league spain years   spanish federation press officer fernando garrido   so  english reporters  contribute this   spanish daily abc accuses english reporters launching witch hunt aragones   perhaps team played poorly wanted divert attention muddled issue   paper says      what boy bernabeu odd    rooney intent kick spanish player approached him   rooney worst england miscreants  gary neville criticised continuing feud manchester united arsenal tackles jose reyes  ashley cole s treatment joaquin  frank lampard foul reyes lambasted  ugliness    marca s headline all   wayne rooney se volvi  243  loco en el bernab  233 u  wayne rooney crazy bernabeu   rooney s display alarms writer   chilling  fouls joaquin  casillas marchena   could left infirmary   as  marca criticises gary neville  leaving message reyes  ankle  remind manchester united arsenal clash month     spain s first half performance showered praise  xavi singled biggest star   xavi things wednesday worthy maradona   paper beams  adding   what work rate  dynamism  vision  leadership  midfield player   controversial evening  offers seemingly undeniable viewpoint   spanish football players played football english    plaudits home team  jaime vargas lauding manner  spain dominated england order quality   paper adds   the bad thing spain england lasted 65 minutes succession prevented real competition   vargas mention england s galacticos  simply adding ps   i forgotten speak beckham owen  forgot play   
class_football	kerr frustrated victory margin  republic ireland manager brian kerr admitted frustrated side score goal friendly win croatia   robbie keane republic record 24 first half goal proved victory   we good chances  shame technically gifted team   kerr   but  conditions standard croatian team  happy win   republic side clean sheet eighth time 11 matches unbeaten 14 home games kerr succeeded mick mccarthy  kerr applauded decisive move earned victory   it brilliant goal  fantastic skill damien duff  robbie scuffed good goal   matchwinner keane full praise duff s role goal   it great play damien   tottenham striker    i sniffing times 10 duffer box   playing different  brian kerr wanted good young stephen elliott run out   the conditions difficult future  nice young players coming through   man of the match duff explained wrong fluffed chance make 2 0 midway half  opted bring steve finnan s cross shoot bar close range header looked option   i headed time completely lost lights   chelsea star   i desperate scoresheet result important thing   we good year nicely qualifiers  continue 2005   
class_football	mourinho plots impressive  chelsea s win fulham   confirming position premiership summit   proves place mount challenges fronts season   strength depth  great players  outstanding manager jose mourinho finances club world match  add big prizes which  know  difficult part all  thing   put position make leap success impressively indeed  beat tough everton stamford bridge  won newcastle carling cup  won 4 1 fulham  great result showing good form  said  winning major honours hardest task all  mourinho manager make lot easier handle anticipation expectation now  mourinho won biggest club prize all  champions league  track record confidence transmits top players  priceless commodity  no one highly impressed mourinho  regarded touch arrogant people  way  silverware back talk  mourinho simply talk good game   won big games champions league final porto  criticise talk  words backed actions  found realistic heard him  spent lot money working  remember lots managers spent money worked  buys integrating  arjen robben player giving extra dimension   early games slaughtered defensive tactics  winning games  win titles early season  lose points board vital  thought criticism harsh  scoring goals creating chances hatful  taking chances  double threat robben damien duff  things good  lack predator  didier drogba injured  starting part sidelined  feel chelsea ruud van nistelrooy safe bet title  chelsea tools champions league  felt chance season  swept europe season  interesting mourinho prioritises things  life made easier size chelsea s squad  believed chelsea win league season  arsenal flying start  make change mind   anything  confirmed early impressions  chelsea encouragement arsenal s rocky defensive display spurs  ran 5 4 winners  mourinho game  complaining   five four hockey score  football score   in three against three training match  score reaches 5 4 send players back dressing rooms defending properly   so result game 11 11 disgraceful    note  game confirmed importance sol campbell arsenal  criticism aimed pascal cygan  problem lies absence campbell effect arsenal s defence  confidence crucial factor defending  start conceding goals  suddenly chill bones time ball penalty area   oh no    find worst fears confirmed  arsenal reverse process  campbell  clean sheets board  return campbell key  solidifies unit  pace powerful air deck  vastly experienced calming influence him  campbell pulls back defence playing unit  chelsea problems present  place money edge arsenal champions season  
class_football	hearts oak 3 2 cotonsport  hearts oak set ghanaian confederation cup final 3 2 win cameroon s cotonsport garoua accra sunday   win hearts means play asante kotoko two leg final  kumasi team qualified group saturday  group game cameroon s  beat  south africa 3 2 douala  side qualified final  hearts oak started game needing win qualify final cotonsport needed avoid defeat through  louis agyemang scored goals hearts side half time ben don bortey scored third  hearts looked set comfortable win cotonsport staged late fight back scoring late on  boukar makaji scored 89th minute 3 minutes injury time end game andre nzame iii target  late cameroonians hearts held win game place final  leg final played accra weekend 27 28 november leg weeks 11 december kumasi  group game cameroon s sable batie lead 35th minute kemadjou santos equalised hour mark thokozani xaba   bernard ngom put sable ahead minutes ernest nfor settled game 68 minutes  ruben cloete scored south african sides consolation minutes left clock  
class_football	curbishley delight johansson  charlton manager alan curbishley paid tribute two goal striker jonatan johansson beating norwich   curbishley 4 0 win   there talk norwich interested summer lot faith jonatan   when talk clubs told nowhere   he s part squad couple important goals early on  happy here  delighted players   curbishley subjected criticism charlton fans recently  said   the thing club pulling direction   that s happened long people taking sides   
class_football	lennon brands rangers favourites  celtic s neil lennon admits rangers considered  slight favourites  firm cis cup clash  insists side win   lennon concedes rangers good form moment  failed beat celtic meetings   rangers good run recent weeks   said   but game capable winning play best   told evening times   all boys forward brilliant games involved in   without playing top game  winning matches   at minute  top league chance staying europe  crisis people make out   of course  concern losing goals  notorious team hard beat keeping clean sheets  wee run   considering lost henrik larsson end season  scoring lot goals  pleasing   
class_football	mcclaren hails boro s uefa spirit  middlesbrough boss steve mcclaren praised side grips european football 2 0 uefa cup win lazio   boro  playing europe time 128 year history  top group maximum points   i europe well   mcclaren   we lazio  settle play  possession  controlled looked threatening time forward   match  mcclaren win italian giants put boro firmly european footballing map  said   it perfect european night  team give fans performance icing cake   there good performances special    you experience squad showing  win europe defend well  conceded goal games   we score goals  performances had  good balance  mcclaren s criticism side dominance resulted goals   it convincing   mcclaren   but watched lazio recent weeks score late equaliser inter milan saturday knew needed goal    no matter says  lazio favourites win competition   middlesbrough forward boudewijn zenden expect comfortable match scored goals   we expect one sided   zenden   we half  pressured cope that   i played good game  half   holland international boro confident progressing competition winning group games   we ve good feeling  good spirit  lads work hard squad friendly players  pitch   added  
class_football	benitez delight crucial win  liverpool manager rafael benitez admitted victory deportivo la coruna vital tight champions league group   jorge andrade s early goal gave liverpool 1 0 win  benitez said   we started high tempo chances  important win scored goals   we good defensively good counter attack  pleased move game   igor biscan outstanding midfield replacing injured xabi alonso  benitez said   he played well   it important players ready good squad play games high level   benitez added   it back hands now  great win delighted feel liverpool seen   as feelings winning spain  important   i win matches champions league  spain consideration   as concerned important liverpool win  important country in   benitez added  benitez said   we problem start  decided xabi play 45 minutes   but end  dietmar  hamann  igor  biscan performed  change things end match   depor good team possession dangerous indeed   but knew hit counter attack make nervous  worked out   deportivo coach javier irureta said   liverpool played break down   i games home europe scoring  reflect performances   but time play lacked imagination   the goal bad mistake big blow confidence  players ball stage it   i bottom group  long hope qualifying  hang that   
class_football	bristol city 2 1 milton keynes  leroy lita goal tally 13 season double earned city ldv vans trophy win   striker finished scott murray cross close range seconds half time  lita made 2 0 52 minutes  dons  substitute serge makofo netted great volley make 2 1  visitors tie extra time late 30 yard bullet richard johnson held steve phillips   phillips  amankwaah  coles  hill  fortune  murray  anyinsah 59   doherty  harley 45   dinning  bell  lita  cotterill 72   gillespie  subs used  orr  brown   hill   lita 45  52   bevan  oyedele  ntimban zeh  crooks  puncheon  kamara  makofo 64   chorley  herve  mckoy 45   tapp  johnson 45   mackie  pacquette  subs used  martin  palmer   pacquette  chorley  johnson  mckoy   makofo 66   3 367  ross  essex   
class_football	hereford 1 1 doncaster  hereford win 3 1 penalties   rovers lead 59 minutes michael mcindoe s corner found adriano rigoglioso  stunning volley soared top net  danny williams equalised hosts 72 minutes crisp finish insist penalty box  mcindoe extra time penalty saved  giving mills chance net winning penalty   mawson  travis  mkandawire  james  robinson  daniel williams  stanley  hyde  pitman 105   purdie  mills 83   brown  stansfield  green 102   subs used  smith  scott   james   daniel williams 72   ingham  mulligan  fenton  morley  priet  ryan 79   mcindoe  ravenhill  price 90   rigoglioso  tierney  jackson 79   beardsley  coppinger  subs used  warrington  maloney   rigoglioso 59   1 375  parkes  w midlands   
class_football	wolves appoint hoddle manager  glenn hoddle unveiled wolves manager tuesday   club confirmed england coach unveiled successor dave jones news conference molineux 1100 gmt  hoddle linked return club southampton wolves won race services  game sacked spurs september 2003 worked alongside wolves caretaker boss stuart gray southampton  hoddle began managerial career player boss swindon moving chelsea taking england job   spell charge national side end 1998 world cup made controversial remarks disabled newspaper interview  47 year old returned management southampton  succeeded jones   wolves  engineered upturn saints  fortunes lured white hart lane tottenham   club made player  relationship turned sour start campaign left london club early season  applied unsuccessfully post france manager linked return southampton  wolves 17th championship home game millwall tuesday  
class_football	wenger keeping faith almunia  arsene wenger pledged faith stand in keeper manuel almunia crunch week define arsenal s season   almunia start tuesday s champions league group tie rosenborg face chelsea sunday  wenger said   you goalkeeper game  you  that   i give run games  make story bigger is   wenger insists complete faith 27 year old spaniard  signed summer celta vigo back up jens lehmann    if career  left big players long time  dennis bergkamp  kanu  everybody   it s goalkeeper  all  usual situation me  put team out  matter is   for me  big mistake trafford alarmed happened birmingham either   it s lehmann  great keeper  almunia  play them   these people robots   good periods good periods  lehmann play weeks  longer shorter  lost faith him    arsenal keeper david seaman believes lehmann harshly treated  seaman told daily mail   jens fantastic keeper  deserves chance   he made mistakes form deserves first team choice   arsenal hit injuries suspension  inexperienced midfield pair mathieu flamini cesc fabregas line rosenborg wenger confident prove capable   it puts lot pressure good learning process   wenger   i m worried mentally strong put needed workrate    gunners game boosted news defender sol campbell verge signing deal club  30 year old  current contract runs summer  made clear determined achieve champions league success arsenal  campbell said   it means lot through  everything  carry competition   that s teams europe are  there  playing guys win trophy  thing mind    meanwhile  thierry henry believes blamed arsenal fail qualify stage champions league  henry captain side place suspended patrick vieira gunners seek required victory rosenborg  striker said   if win competition  not  fault  is   if team win criticised  matter play   
class_football	houllier praises benitez regime  liverpool manager gerard houllier praised work anfield successor rafael benitez   houllier angry reports critical benitez spaniard liverpool  houllier told bbc sport   in private public  stressed rafa good job  man place   rafa good coach good man  spoken liverpool criticised him   houllier revealed ready return game leaving liverpool years anfield   france boss linked host jobs pulled race succeed mark hughes wales national coach  working uefa  covering premiership french television coaching brazil national coach carlos alberto perreira  houllier said   if good club time yes  ready back   it interesting watch games perspective learned things   i involved football leaving liverpool batteries recharged    houllier impressed quality premiership watching pundit   jose mourinho s work leaders chelsea  said   chelsea well  good creative players damien duff arjen robben didier drogba showed change face game newcastle   they good team spirit strong mentally  shown cope pressure put expectations cope jose s principles   jose results chelsea impact premiership manages team cleverly   houllier  liverpool  hugely impressed premiership  said   it exciting league  entertaining  goals scored teams win   it interesting watch game perspective   games switch end to end pace premiership leagues  good product   
class_football	mcclaren targets champions league  middlesbrough boss steve mcclaren believes side clinch top four spot premiership secure qualification champions league   3 2 win manchester city  mcclaren said   we playing exciting football  magnificent result top five   but depends team out   once goal paid end   mcclaren praised winger stewart downing strikers jimmy floyd hasselbaink mark viduka  ended barren runs front goal  added   if stewart playing sven goran eriksson pick him   and strikers scored great goals  combination play shows play trying   
class_football	hitzlsperger waiting o leary  aston villa s thomas hitzlsperger waiting learn future manager david o leary committing contract club   o leary talks deal said   i message thomas  agent news myself   he find discussions thomas   the reason thomas speaking club agent outcome me   hitzlsperger s current deal expires summer offered deal midlands club  german international understood keen remain villa  interest native country hamburg  assurances o leary committing long term negotiations three and a half year contract stalled   o leary backroom staff   assistant manager roy aitken fitness coach steve mcgregor   satisfactory deals  tie villa summer 2008  
class_football	mourinho escape fa charge  chelsea boss jose mourinho face football association action comments made carling cup tie manchester united   mourinho intimated united boss sir alex ferguson influenced referee neale barry duo walked tunnel half time  fa spokesman told bbc sport   we taking action mourinho   we looked comments decided action required  end it   mourinho concerned ferguson s conversation barry inconsistent display official   i referee half second   mourinho   if fa happened  them  felt made easier understand things    maybe turn 60 managing league 20 years respect power speak people make tremble bit   the referee controlled game half dozens free kicks  fault fault  dive dive   but referee walk dressing rooms half time  assistants fourth official him  else   referees chief keith hackett believes mourinho retract comments ferguson barry believes blues boss questioned integrity   i m hoping reconsider comments  nature game   hackett   i referees psychological warfare managers  leg experienced referee  talking quality game refereeing   sometimes managers grounds comments  note that  referees integrity questioned  offensive avoided  mr mourinho facts   mourinho added match entertaining goalless draw insisted team reach final   it s 0 0  win draw extra time   said   we chance game   we confident result manchester united is  footballing power  difficult us  them   
class_football	wolves appoint hoddle manager  glenn hoddle unveiled wolves manager   ex england coach six month contract succeed dave jones  sacked club s poor start season  wolves chairman rick hayward said   we re delighted glenn here  six month contract test works   hoddle  work alongside stuart gray  game sacked spurs 2003  gray  caretaker manager  assistant boss hoddle manager southampton   i m delighted here   hoddle    i massive potential wolves desire amibition back premiership parallels ambitions   stuart gray fantastic job caretaker manager  worked southampton delighted back him   wolves chief executive jez moxey defended decision give hoddle short term contract   we hope work parties extend long term   said   most managers four year contract expect paid work out   for glenn s calibre short term contract put reputation line  demonstrates commitment self belief potential thinks here   hayward revealed hoddle approached jones  departure   he time things   explained   five weeks back track tremendous opportunity wolves    hoddle began managerial career player boss swindon moving chelsea taking england job  spell charge national side end 1998 world cup made controversial remarks disabled newspaper interview  47 year old returned management southampton  succeeded jones   wolves  engineered upturn saints  fortunes lured white hart lane tottenham   club made player  relationship turned sour start campaign left london club early season  applied unsuccessfully post france manager linked return southampton  wolves 17th championship home game millwall tuesday  
class_football	redknapp poised saints  southampton set unveil harry redknapp manager news conference 1500 gmt wednesday   portsmouth boss replaces steve wigley  relieved first team duties win 14 league games charge  redknapp  57  quit fratton park position 24 november vowed   i road   chance   pompey coach kevin bond poised join redknapp  saints  boss season  redknapp s game charge home middlesbrough saturday  portsmouth chairman milan mandaric  disappointed  news claimed redknapp talks southampton  some time     it negotiations time   mandaric portsmouth s official website   i surprised shocked chairman southampton picked phone informed   mandaric  redknapp vowed join south coast rivals left portsmouth   i harry  i hope southampton   told  absolutely not    said   i m bitter  disgusted angry  disappointed  harry s life decision   redknapp cult hero leading portsmouth premiership time  masterminding survival debut season  left club claiming needed break football  believed upset mandaric s decision bring velimir zajec executive director   southampton chairman rupert lowe desperate give academy director wigley  replaced paul sturrock games season  chance succeed st mary s  results wigley poor southampton deep trouble foot table  redknapp s appointment confirmed  saints  ninth manager years  
class_football	fa charges liverpool millwall  liverpool millwall charged football association crowd trouble carling cup match 26 october   millwall  lost match 3 0  charged alleged racist behaviour supporters  match millwall s den stadium  seats ripped people ejected ground  disabled fan injured perimeter pitch riot police needed control situation  liverpool fans claimed trouble sparked chants hillsborough disaster  96 supporters crushed death april 1989  lions chairman theo paphitis denied claims  cctv footage showed catalyst trouble liverpool fan attacking millwall fan west stand  however  millwall charged breaches fa rules  charged failing ensure fans refrained racist and or abusive behaviour failing prevent spectators throwing missiles pitch  liverpool charged breach failing prevent fans conducting threatening and or violent and or provocative behaviour  clubs 23 december respond  
class_football	wenger steps row  arsene wenger stepped feud sir alex ferguson claiming manchester united manager guilty bringing football disrepute   pair s long running row put back headlines saturday ferguson arsenal counterpart  a disgrace   wenger initially refused bite back  only   i answer questions man   claims ferguson punished football association  latest twist ferguson wenger saga saturday united boss  interview independent newspaper  discussed events game sides october  united won 2 0 day  trafford  game notorious food fight ferguson s clothes covered soup pizza  sides meet highbury 1 february   in tunnel wenger criticising players  calling cheats  told leave behave himself   ferguson saturday   he ran hands raised  what it    to apologise behaviour players manager unthinkable  disgrace  expect wenger apologise  type person    allegations put wenger saturday s game bolton  arsenal lost slip 10 points chelsea title race  only   i ve consistent story told happened   if talk  talks  make newspaper article  makes newspaper article   he interest matter all  answer provocation more   he likes england anyway  abroad day is   saturday  independent  wenger spoke smaller group reporters expanded reaction   i diplomatic relations him   arsenal boss quoted saying   what understand  the press  feet    the situation  concerning food fight  judged game month   the managers responsibility protect game game  england punished game   now story starts again  game  play football  football manager love football     matter people say   reminded ferguson called  a disgrace   wenger added   i respond anything  england good phrase   bringing game disrepute    but game  game    ferguson claimed united chief executive david gill arsenal vice chairman david dein agreed boardroom level discuss incident public  ferguson added   in ensuing weeks diatribe arsenal kicked pitch nonsense  gill phoned dein times complain done   the return 1 february diatribe   david gill feel set record straight arsenal written apologise happen here   meanwhile  league managers association offered act peacemakers hope resolving on going row  stormy game october  united striker ruud van nistelrooy caught arsenal s ashley cole strong tackle  wenger accused van nistelrooy  cheating  fined £15 000  severely reprimanded  football association  ferguson admitted saturday van nistelrooy s tackle  earned dutchman ban   could  cole  injury   believes arsenal main aggressors    wenger complaining match played spirit   added   they worst losers time  lose  manchester united  lose games teams   we tend forget worst disciplinary record time arsenal s season  fairness improved paragons virtue   but wenger happens  dream nightmare   
class_football	liverpool revel night glory  liverpool manager rafael benitez qualification stage champions league  one proudest nights career    reds beat olympiakos 3 1 late steven gerrard strike benitez said   it great night   the players ran hard time means fans   we knew game important club gain extra finances  liverpool  result very  important   benitez hailed gerrard match winning strike minutes time anfield crowd sticking side fallen goal interval  reds scored second half goals sensational comeback capped gerrard s 20 yard drive  added   steven play pitch influences part game    i times freedom talent important us   i felt difference sides supporters  enough   i thank you supporters  magnificent achieve result   gerrard admitted thought champions league trailing 1 0 half time  said   i d lying thought losing half time    we mountain climb  climbed credit everyone   that goals scored  caught sweet  caught ages  massive night team   liverpool s win means england s champions league representatives reached knockout stages time  
class_football	english clubs make euro history  england s champions league representatives reached knockout stages time   arsenal chelsea seeded group winners  runners up manchester united liverpool not  rules stipulate teams country group draw 17 december  favourites chelsea barcelona  real madrid  milan sides  juventus bayern munich 16 hat   steven gerrard s last gasp wonder strike secured qualification  olympiakos wednesday evening   ac milan  bayer leverkusen  internazionale  juventus  lyon   qualified  fielded second string side 3 0 fenerbahce   ac milan  bayer leverkusen  internazionale  juventus  monaco   tuesday   finished top group 5 1 win rosenborg drawing matches   barcelona  bayern munich  porto  real madrid  werder bremen    qualified lost 2 1 porto jose mourinho made unhappy return club   barcelona  bayern munich  psv eindhoven  real madrid  werder bremen  
class_football	ferguson puts faith youngsters  manchester united manager sir alex ferguson regrets second string side lost 3 0 fenerbahce champions league   ferguson said   the good thing manager control team pick   i care united  important  disappointed result team selected   this game important young lads  remember time better   ferguson admitted side well beaten turks  result meant finished group lyon  added   they ll play again  showed lack strength  complaints scoreline   in half good moments attack  situation  chance   but that  game petered us   i made difference won group finished don t   we inter  ac milan juventus bayern  barcelona real madrid runners up  fate decide works out   
class_football	beckham relief real  david beckham expressed relief real madrid s passage champions league knockout phase   real s 3 0 win roma  england skipper admitted season under achievement tolerated bernabeu stadium  beckham said   it s expected madrid through  relief club players won   we lost momentum season afford season winning anything   real s finish runners up champions league group means face club manchester united round  real drawn premiership hopefuls  arsenal chelsea  won respective groups   it s great play  english teams   
class_football	man utd exeter test  manchester united avoided fa cup upset edging past exeter city round replay   cristiano ronaldo scored opener  slipping ball paul jones  legs minutes  united wasted host chances make safe jones made great saves  wayne rooney put tie doubt late cool finish  exeter chances own  sean devine volleying wide andrew taylor forcing tim howard save  united boss sir alex ferguson taking chances 0 0 draw game handed starts paul scholes ryan ronaldo rooney  exeter began brightly devine steve flack plenty ball  united long assert authority hosts found goal down  scholes played lovely pass ronaldo left hand side six yard box portuguese winger slid ball legs jones open scoring   united sensed chance finish tie contest early ronaldo blazed jones saved scholes rooney  visitors  pressure incessant rooney shot blocked ronaldo slammed bar good position  break giggs golden chance double advantage  welshman dragged left foot effort badly wide 10 yards  stoppage time exeter created chance alex jeannin swung cross left devine managed flick goalwards  ball flew wide howard s goal  grecians break determined fashion howard show safe hands collect searching crosses united box  rooney looked sealed result turn shot ball stuck st james park mud jones raced back gather goalline  moments devine chance make hero  volley jeannin s brilliant cross wide howard s goal left unmarked yards out  rooney completely messed free kick 20 yards taylor showed done  stunning drive distance forcing flying stop howard  home crowd baying goal ball net devine s low effort ruled obvious offside  persistent rooney eventually rounded jones minutes slotted empty net book home tie middlesbrough fourth round   jones  hiley  sawyer  gaia  jeannin  moxey  taylor  martin 89   ampadu  afful 69   clay  flack  edwards 74   devine  subs used  rice  todd   ampadu  clay   howard  phil neville  gary neville  o shea  fortune  giggs  saha 70   miller  fletcher 66   scholes  djemba djemba  silvestre 80   ronaldo  rooney  subs used  ricardo  bellion   ronaldo 9  rooney 87   9 033   dowd  staffordshire   
class_football	hamm bows  women s football legend mia hamm played final game   hamm  32  officially retired year s athens olympics  field time claim 5 0 win mexico  hamm ends career prolific scorer   male female   international football  158 goals 276 games us  fifa women s player year won world cup 1991 1999 olympic golds  retirement  hamm said   there mixed emotions  things life put back burner focus time energy now   i commit beginning   friendly end julie foudy joy fawcett s careers  hamm embark life husband  chicago cubs shortstop nomar garciaparra  stands watch final game  agreed deal cubs joining july  
class_football	wenger rules keeper  arsenal boss arsene wenger plans sign goalkeeper january transfer window   wenger brought manuel almunia games out of form jens lehmann   spaniard prone mistakes  suggestions wenger swoop high quality shot stopper year  told evening standard   i feel bring goalkeeper january   gunners manager refused comment difficult start 27 year old almunia made career highbury  drawn lehmann return top of the table clash chelsea sunday   almunia fault rosenborg s goal arsenal s 5 1 champions league win tuesday hairy moments week s win birmingham  wenger earlier week indifferent form pressure caused scrutiny media   the debate long  opinion add it   wenger added  arsenal linked middlesbrough keeper mark schwarzer  fulham s edwin van der sar parma s sebastien frey  wenger plans recall england under 21 international stuart taylor loan spell leicester  
class_football	liverpool pledge gerrard  liverpool chief executive rick parry insists club sell steven gerrard amid reports chelsea renew bid lure anfield   gerrard reiterated desire win trophies reds superb champions league winner wednesday  parry moved scotch claims chelsea launch £35m bid   there chance stevie january   parry   that happen  intention go   gerrard scored spectacular late goal give liverpool 3 1 win olympiakos book place knockout stages   of ambitious we   parry added   we firmly satisfy ambition remain liverpool player   we open straightforward relationship  stand played big part decision stay summer  committed liverpool now   gerrard wednesday s game leaving club knocked europe  real madrid believed monitoring situation    the main point made liverpool side challenges champions league title time   afterwards   i winning things liverpool  else   i fan supporters agree with   we build wins that  settle great win progress further   my goal important scored hope turns important club long time   i put lot pressure said  felt needed big performance  telling lies feel    reds manager rafael benitez believes gerrard win moving clubs   steven win him  good team things future   benitez   but win games  important games  steven team   we strength  strong mentality quality  likes responsibility leading team   
class_football	pearce keen succeeding keegan  joint assistant boss stuart pearce admitted succeed kevin keegan manager manchester city   keegan decided step city manager contract end 18 months   you einstein realise manager s job good club   pearce told bbc gmr   i applying it  board deem good it  know   pearce initially joined city player keegan 2001 part coaching staff  promoted joint assistant manager departure arthur cox summer   england defender year player boss nottingham forest seasons ago made secret desire crack job  linked manager s job oldham keegan stated pearce wanted leave  appears pearce keen wait chance city  added   by time  years good aware feelings regard kevin s successor   obviously  issue hands fantastic job   hope me   
class_football	bomb threat bernabeu stadium  spectators evacuated real madrid s bernabeu stadium sunday bomb scare game hosts real sociedad   70 000 people abandoned ground score 1 1 minutes left play  basque newspaper gara apparently received telephone call bomb due explode 2100 local time  searching stadium sniffer dogs  police explosive device found    the police completed search found anything   real madrid president florentino perez   the thing put nightmare us   madrid midfielder guti told private spanish radio station cadena ser   i sport all   real lead break brazilian striker ronaldo cracked home left foot  sociedad levelled match midway half turkish striker nihat kahveci smashed home acrobatic finish  clear remaining minutes game played date result allowed stand   result remains 1 1  real drop place standings  11 points leaders barcelona  snatched late 2 1 win albacete saturday  initial reports suggested basque separatist group eta responsible bomb threat issuing similar warnings series small explosions recent days  bernabeu targeted eta 1 may  2002  madrid play fc barcelona champions league semi final  car bomb exploded street stadium 17 people slightly injured  
class_football	chelsea hold arsenal  gripping game arsenal chelsea ended honours finishing highbury   thierry henry produced sublime strike put arsenal ahead john terry levelled powerful header  henry s quickly taken free kick put arsenal back front eidur gudjohnsen equalised header william gallas  knockback  henry missed golden chance blazed shot high late arsenal penalty appeal rejected  henry s opener arsenal perfect start set enthralling affair  french striker headed long cesc faregas ball back jose antonio reyes edge chelsea area immediately headed back path spaniard  and  back goal  henry finished aplomb touch  turned struck angled strike past despairing dive keeper petr cech  henry epitomised determination arsenal side chelsea appeared unruffled equalised 16 minutes   gunners keeper manuel almunia  nod ahead jens lehmann  save well struck frank lampard shot  terry s powered header resultant corner arsenal s weakness set pieces exposed  immediately  henry close chelsea gathered loose ball straight end gudjohnsen fluffed effort  gudjohnsen make error minutes struck sweet shot almunia equal task save  homes side regained lead controversial fashion robert pires won dubious free kick  and  option 25 yard set piece quickly  henry curled shot cech organising wall   time arsenal chelsea level break ahead  chelsea brought striker didier drogba partner gudjohnsen front interval move reaped reward  lampard swung cross gallas knocked back goal deft header gudjohnsen levelled matters again  chelsea s main threat coming crosses lampard missed great opportunity headed wide left unmarked post  half failed live thrilling pace opening period flashes brilliance  enigmatic robben jinked arsenal defenders poked shot saved almunia   arsenal ended match stronger worked excellent chance henry put left foot shot high yards  subtitute robin van persie nicked win highbury outfit frustratingly sidefooted wide  matthieu flamini late penal appeal waved final whistle maintained chelsea five point premiership lead arsenal   almunia  lauren  toure  campbell  cole  pires  flamini  fabregas  reyes  clichy 82   bergkamp  van persie 82   henry  subs used  senderos  hoyte  lehmann   cole   henry 2  29   cech  paulo ferreira  ricardo carvalho  drogba 45   terry  gallas  duff  tiago  bridge 45   makelele  lampard  robben  gudjohnsen  parker 77   subs used  kezman  cudicini   robben  drogba  lampard   terry 17  gudjohnsen 46   38 153  poll  hertfordshire   
class_football	real finish abandoned match  real madrid real socieded play final minutes match  abandoned sunday bomb scare   bernabeu evacuated score 1 1 minutes normal time remaining game  teams play final minutes  minutes injury time  5 january  brazilian ronaldo england captain david beckham wait street kit abandonment  real sociedad president jose luis astiazaran said   we thought thing play time remaining    hundreds fans streamed pitch exits game called off  tourists fans advantage opportunity photograph famous stadium s goalposts  clubs met spanish fa monday astiazaran added   we thought giving game concluded talking fa decided precedent thing play time remaining   real madrid director sport emilio butragueno praised spectators inside ground conduct   i d highlight behaviour fans  showed great maturity good citizenship   said  butragueno confirned  confirming tuesday s charity match   billed  ronaldo s friends zidane s friends    ahead planned   i d chance tomorrow s game place   butragueno declared  partido contra la pobreza   game poverty   added   football important society show that   we football fiesta  programmed people deserve enjoy game   
class_football	poll explains free kick decision  referee graham poll applied laws game allowing arsenal striker thierry henry s free kick sunday s 2 2 draw chelsea   keeper petr cech organising defensive wall henry s quick free kick flew in  angered chelsea   the whistle blown  asked henry  do wall     can please   polite   yes    poll   i deal laws game  deal fact   poll added   i gave signal it  did   the thing happened refereed chelsea west ham fa cup replay years ago   jimmy floyd hasselbaink scored   remember complaining that   henry explained paused striking ball goal  put arsenal 2 1 ahead   henry told bbc radio live   the ref asked wanted 10 yards wanted straight wanted straight away  me   go    it bit strange time  waiting eidur gudjohnsen move give space   at point  turned it   referees  chief philip don backed poll s decision strike   the advantage non offending team  occasion arsenal   don told bbc radio live   referees told player  do quick free kick    do wall back 9 15 metres    if  quick   referee move kick   don head referees premier league revealed clubs informed free kick options   we spoke premier league clubs football league clubs summer 2003 explaining situation was   added  we gave option quick free kick  ceremonial  free kick  players clubs aware referees doing   
class_football	solskjaer raises hopes return  manchester united striker ole gunnar solskjaer hoped return season career threatening injury knee   31 year old norway international surgery sweden august transplant cartilage joint   i m doubt play again   solskjaer told aftenposten daily   the problem speed talking months  time  knee  slavishly programme   solskjaer played united late substitute may s fa cup final win millwall  contract united runs 2006  time premier league club 10 years  
class_football	dunne keen commit man city  richard dunne ready commit long term future manchester city turning career around   threatened sack city boss kevin keegan responded impressive performances  prompting interest clubs  early talks place defender said   hopefully sorted possible   i stay city improved player here   newcastle boss graeme souness impressed dunne s turnaround form ready make bid big stopper january transfer window  25 year old dubliner underlined intention stay eastlands  added   it s nice linked top clubs important thing do   i enjoy city going   keegan expected told funds bring fresh faces january  dunne s professionalism famously questioned keegan  ordered defender home allegedly turned training dishevelled state   dunne keen put period life said   i ve grown lot manager sees experienced players squad   i ve played games outfield players season regarded kid more   i added pressure perform games newcastle middlesbrough  defensively well   keegan set boost goalkeeper nicky weaver makes long awaited return reserve game blackburn tuesday  england under 21 keeper weaver missed full seasons succession knee injuries  eventually needed pioneering transplant surgery earlier year  
class_football	bates seals takeover  ken bates completed takeover leeds united   73 year old chelsea chairman sealed deal 0227 gmt friday  bought 50  stake club  said   i m delighted stepping mantel fantastic club  recognise leeds great club fallen hard times   we lot hard work ahead club back belongs premiership  fans can   bates bought stake guise geneva based company forward sports fund  revealed part plan buy back leeds  elland road stadium thorp arch training ground due course    it s tough jon task stabilise cash flow sort remaining creditors   bates added   but light end long tunnel  past year matter firefighting   start running club again   outgoing leeds chairman gerald krasner said   this deal ensures medium long term survival club mr bates  proposals totally benefit club   we content mr bates  leeds united continue consolidate move forward   when leeds united march 2004  club debt £103m  date  board succeeded reducing debt £25m   we worked tirelessly solve problems leeds united   eighty percent problems overcome agreement mr bates secure ongoing success   krasner revealed consortium asked remain background club undisclosed period ensure smooth hand over  stay unpaid capacity peter lorimer continue role director point contact fans peter mccormick serve consultant incoming board  outgoing directors agreed leave loans £4 5m company years  leeds  new look board understood lorimer joined chelsea finance director yvonne todd bates  lawyer mark taylor   krasner refused give details finances involved takeover  told bbc live   i figures  ken give him  money for   this dea money current board  months cheques week person  stretching figures  discuss internal arrangements   bates stepped chelsea chairman march year roman abramovich s £140m takeover stamford bridge  may  made proposal invest £10m sheffield wednesday  rejected club  sebastien sainsbury close takeover leeds withdrew £25m offer week   efforts failed revealed £40m stage takeover  club lose £10m months  club brink administration   deduction 10 points football league   bates  arrival investment spared prospect  
class_football	ferguson rues failure cut gap  boss sir alex ferguson left ruing manchester united s failure close gap chelsea  everton arsenal side s 1 1 draw fulham   premiership leaders chelsea gunners endured 2 2 stalemate sunday  giving united chance make ground league  ferguson said   i makes bad rivals dropped points weekend   it great opportunity   delivered   united ahead alan smith 33rd minute bouba diop s superb 25 yard strike cancelled visitors  lead 87th minute  ferguson result  absolute giveaway  united earlier missed host opportunities finish encounter  said   it good performance   football fantastic   finish off   in fairness  fantastic strike fulham player   result leaves ferguson s side fourth league 31 points   points arsenal back chelsea  
class_football	firm pair handed suspensions  celtic s henri camara nacho novo rangers suspended offences missed referee recent firm game   automatic one match bans 12 additional disciplinary points actions  means novo miss games prior record  camara miss additional game  novo found guilty stamping celtic s stephen pearson  camara punished kicking gregory vignal   i m extremely disappointed  lot add that   rangers manager alex mcleish novo s punishment   but loss incident picked highlighted incidents game   players miss weekend s games celtic host dundee united rangers visit kilmarnock decide appeal   additional bans effect 28 december meaning camara unavailable home game livingston novo miss meetings dundee united dunfermline  sfa spokesman said   they days appeal matches coming weekend friday   but appeal heard weekend takes bit time seat appeals tribunal   meanwhile  bob malcolm rangers informed letter outcome hearing reaction rangers awarded penalty game  malcolm  substitute day  rangers dug out spoken police alleged gesture made  sfa detail what  any  punishment malcolm receive   once rangers receive letter position make comment findings   added spokesman  
class_football	anelka apologises criticism  manchester city striker nicolas anelka issued apology criticising ambitions club   anelka quoted french newspaper play champions league bigger club  chairman john wardle said   i ve spoken nicolas apologised mistakenly french press   we big club  nicolas told agrees big club   wardle speaking club s annual general meeting  confirmed club received bids arsenal real madrid striker  club owe french club psg £5m purchase anelka 2002  linked move barcelona liverpool  reds skipper steven gerrard revealed admirer time loan anfield  wardle added   there s bids nicolas anelka  no one buy nicolas anelka    if bid nicolas anelka speak board speak kevin keegan   if bid bid substance worth taking decide   we owe money nicolas clear out  that   wardle stress club inviting offers england winger shaun wright phillips  added   i ve intention selling shaun wright phillips   if silly bid discuss it   but putting shelf sell  heart soul club heart sole club  upset put shop window   he academy kid here  signed four year deal  he d wanted play manchester city football club   city recently announced debts £62m  wardle confirmed find funds bring players january transfer window  said   like kevin players in    bosman not   we creative generate funds  start clubs everton bolton dealing transfer market similar type thing   
class_football	ferguson rues failure cut gap  boss sir alex ferguson left ruing manchester united s failure close gap chelsea  everton arsenal side s 1 1 draw fulham   premiership leaders chelsea gunners endured 2 2 stalemate sunday  giving united chance make ground league  ferguson said   i makes bad rivals dropped points weekend   it great opportunity   delivered   united ahead alan smith 33rd minute bouba diop s superb 25 yard strike cancelled visitors  lead 87th minute  ferguson result  absolute giveaway  united earlier missed host opportunities finish encounter  said   it good performance   football fantastic   finish off   in fairness  fantastic strike fulham player   result leaves ferguson s side fourth league 31 points   points arsenal back chelsea  
class_football	everton s weir cools euro hopes  everton defender david weir played talk european football  team lying place premiership beating liverpool   weir told bbc radio live   we rest laurels achieved yet   i start taking eye ball make statements future   if start making predictions fall back trouble  thing matters game   said   we hard work long league  shown that   also injuries suspensions cost badly lot self belief place   
class_football	spain coach faces racism inquiry  spain s football federation initiated disciplinary action national coach luis aragones racist comments thierry henry   found guilty aragones lose job face fine £22 000  federation initially declined action aragones comments made national team training session october  president angel maria villar changed mind request spain s anti violence commission  aragones insisted comments  made henry s arsenal club mate jose antonio reyes  meant motivate player  intended offensive    i intended offend anyone  reason easy conscience   time   i m obliged motivate players results   as part job  colloquial language  understand framework football world    england s players made point wearing anti racism t shirts training friendly spain madrid month   storm increased racist chanting spanish fans england s black players game  spain won 1 0  spain s minister sport jaime lissavetzky quick give backing federation s decision   everyone public function declarations  make give negative image   said   we tolerance questions racism   
class_football	spain coach faces racism inquiry  spain s football federation initiated disciplinary action national coach luis aragones racist comments thierry henry   found guilty aragones lose job face fine £22 000  federation initially declined action aragones comments made national team training session october  president angel maria villar changed mind request spain s anti violence commission  aragones insisted comments  made henry s arsenal club mate jose antonio reyes  meant motivate player  intended offensive    i intended offend anyone  reason easy conscience   time   i m obliged motivate players results   as part job  colloquial language  understand framework football world    england s players made point wearing anti racism t shirts training friendly spain madrid month   storm increased racist chanting spanish fans england s black players game  spain won 1 0  spain s minister sport jaime lissavetzky quick give backing federation s decision   everyone public function declarations  make give negative image   said   we tolerance questions racism   
class_football	benitez deflects blame dudek  liverpool manager rafael benitez refused point finger blame goalkeeper jerzy dudek portsmouth claimed draw anfield   dudek fumbled cross lomana lualua headed home injury time equaliser  levelling steven gerrard put liverpool ahead  benitez said   it difficult jerzy  unlucky moment   he expecting cross matthew taylor ended shot  blame happened   benitez admitted costly loss points liverpool  derby defeat everton disappointing draw  said   we opportunities score and  end  1 0 lead enough   if chances things  creating chances players  pity   we lost points  point table  difficult game newcastle recover quickly that   
class_football	bellamy fined row  newcastle fined welsh striker craig bellamy weeks  wages   £80 000   row manager graeme souness   bellamy  25  put transfer list  train team tuesday  magpies chairman freddy shepherd told newcastle evening chronicle   it money  player thinking bigger club   no individual is  chairman  manager player   souness dropped bellamy sunday s game arsenal  claiming welshman feigned injury asked play position   when heard manager shock   bellamy said   i thought  not back  lying    response souness  remarks  wales international refused apologise   i apologise wrong   told evening chronicle   there s doubt it  here   difficult relationship souness bellamy boiled weekend  led war words media   bellamy s claim souness lied background bust up strongly denied shepherd  accused striker  cheating  club   i put record straight bellamy situation   shepherd   craig walked training ground hamstring tight  on friday   failed reveal told members squad training intended feign injury   when graeme discovered immediately ordered bellamy attend meeting office   at meeting bellamy admitted graeme told players  fake  injury training walk off   he agreed meeting apologise team mates behaviour  resulted action manager weekend  fully support   in book cheating club  supporters  manager team mates   he paid extremely behaviour totally unacceptable totally unprofessional    bellamy s latest outburst make chances first team recall remote  newcastle player sold  bellamy insisted intention handing transfer request   i fans minute play club   said   i d play club  goal   it s difficult situation moment leave club   this club means me  back play newcastle  hurt much   
class_football	mcclaren eyes uefa cup top spot  steve mcclaren middlesbrough team win uefa cup group beating partizan belgrade   boro qualified knockout stages alongside partizan villareal  expense lazio  boss mcclaren victory avoid team played champions league friday s third round draw   to win finish top fantastic  tough one   mcclaren said   when draw made  thought toughest group   proved   lazio favourites  villarreal semi finalists  partizan fantastic experience europe   the pleasing thing business games   winning put great position fantastic experience playing teams   
class_football	spurs sign iceland u21 star  tottenham primed snap iceland under 21 international emil hallfredsson impressed trial white hart lane   20 year old midfielder  plays fh hafnarfjordur  starred uefa cup match scottish side dunfermline earlier season  spurs agreed fee player  agree personal terms   he offers clubs decided tottenham   spurs sporting director frank arnesen   he left sided player  position showed talent time decided him   it s road bringing talent  good prospects giving place tottenham improve   
class_football	mcleish ready criticism  rangers manager alex mcleish accepts criticised disastrous uefa cup exit hands auxerre ibrox wednesday   mcleish told bbc radio live   we pole position stage blew it  absolutely blew it   there s burying head sand  lot criticism   we past bounce back   mcleish admitted team s defending amateurish watching lose 2 0 guy roux s french side    i m disappointed give chance  losing goal corner  amateur   added   the early goal half gave mountain climb created kind chances half   it s difficult positives game  fans down   
class_football	o leary agrees villa contract  aston villa boss david o leary signed three and a half year contract extension thursday  securing future club summer 2008   o leary s future question  villa chairman doug ellis happy secure deal   david s record arrival 2003 excellent shares board s amibitions taking club forward   told villa s website   for reason important right   o leary put pen paper deals sorted right hand men roy aitken steve mcgregor   it important roy steve  integral part team  stay time   o leary thursday ahead signing deal   someone put aston villa back belong challenge  earlier december  rumours o leary quit offered deal end season   denied that  happy challenge improving villa s fortunes long term   i make end years charge villa achieving top finishes premiership regular basis   o leary  villa park 2003   but achieve that  step forward  bring quality players   i couple month set way   meanwhile  o leary rapped skipper olof mellberg comments sunday s derby birmingham   mellberg spoke dislike villa s rivals ahead match  steve bruce s side won 2 1   i ve quiet word olof  group  one to one   told villa s website   you leave open shot down  give people chance cheap shots set that   
class_football	gronkjaer agrees switch madrid  jesper gronkjaer agreed move atletico madrid birmingham city   27 year old winger spent months st andrews £2 2m move chelsea july playing denmark euro 2004  set move january transfer window deal rumoured £1 4m  subject medical   we meet player s representative finalise contract decide sign   atletico sporting director toni munoz  gronkjaer targeted blues fans sarcastically applauded everton month  boss steve bruce happy danish international price right  added   i m decision fans  reaction him    he tough time summer loss mother finding difficult adjust club area   he terrific missed day s training daughter brought home delighted   it worked him  back spent   
class_football	benitez  to launch morientes bid   liverpool launch £8m january bid long time target fernando morientes  reports   real madrid striker linked move anfield summer raul  ronaldo michael owen bernabeu  liverpool boss rafael benitez keen bolster forward options djibril cisse season   if attractive propostition keen leave   admitted 28 year old morientes  added   unfortunately  control situation  contract real make decisions   fee put liverpool prospective deal real keen net cash reported preparing massive summer bid inter milan striker adriano  reds sixth premiership  15 points leaders chelsea  
class_football	robertson retain euro lure  hearts manager john robertson hopes place knock out stages uefa cup out of contract players club    it help  european tie encourage players stay end season   said   if manage shows club s progressing   they clubs decide move on   win robertson s side ferencvaros put 32 basle fail beat feyenoord   it s player s prerogative fact playing european football years incentive   added robertson   but players play football club  committed run europe helps bit   game played murrayfield tynecastle uefa regulations  robertson sees positive negative aspects change venue    the pitch greatest condition  heineken cup game weekend pitch bit threadbare   said   it s ideal teams perform  important thing   added   if tynecastle hosted 30 000 fantastic benefits murrayfield   bring supporters it   there good atmosphere hearts fans important role play   we encouragement  side make good atmosphere possible   hopefully players respond fantastic european night club   
class_football	campbell rescues arsenal  sol campbell proved match winner earn arsenal hard fought win portsmouth   england defender lashed home 25 yard shot goal 16 months arsenal back spot  points chelsea  campbell scored chances game fell pompey striker ricardo fuller  half blasted wide clear  control half placed  portsmouth plenty bodies ball deny arsenal space early stages  marking slack corner patrick vieira ball fell 16 yards out  mistake arjan de zeeuw thierry henry pompey defence 17 minutes bore goal linvoy primus saving tackle  fuller out and out striker  portsmouth s shape made life difficult arsenal  delightful touch robin van persie gave henry sight goal  angle tight shot trouble jamie ashdown   ashdown caused hearts flutter 28 minutes missed punch corner kolo toure headed wide and  arsenal began press  van persie blasted good opportunity henry set up  henry quick return pass vieira ashdown quickly block  anxious seconds pompey ball ran loose matthew taylor cleared  playing fiddle  portsmouth lead 34 minutes  referee howard webb played good advantage steve stone send gary o neil but  shrugged toure  pompey midfielder planted shot wide 10 yards  half time approached  henry teased shot ruck players inches wide  end  fuller broke clear failed hit target toure closed down   fuller chance match 48 minutes patrik berger s break slipped pass played clear  poor touch lost opportunity checked back vieira s challenge  referee webb interested  fuller paid price gave 55 minutes aiyegbeni yakubu  returned weeks knee injury  needed alert reflexes safe handling ashdown cling van persie s shot henry sniffed scraps   portsmouth growing confidence keeper manuel almunia stand ground beat powerful shot berger  arsenal struggling find rhythm lead source campbell  england defender needed invitation pompey backed stride forward lash ferocious shot past ashdown  arsenal stretched lead minutes mathieu flamini escaped marker flash header wide henry s free kick  almunia full length grab berger s long range shot  ashdown palmed substitute dennis bergkamp s shot   ashdown  griffin  de zeeuw  primus  taylor  stone  o neil  faye  berkovic 83   berger  lualua  fuller  yakubu 55    subs used  hislop  quashie  cisse   almunia  lauren  toure  campbell  cole  pires  flamini  vieira  clichy  van persie  bergkamp 68   henry   subs used  lehmann  fabregas  senderos  hoyte   cole   campbell 75   20 170   webb  s yorkshire   
class_football	reds sink 10 man magpies  titus bramble s goal put liverpool comeback trail injury hit newcastle beaten anfield   patrick kluivert s close range finish put newcastle ahead 31 minutes  pegged back bramble headed steven gerrard s corner  neil mellor gave liverpool lead half time milan baros  pass czech added rounding shay hour  newcastle lee bowyer bookable offences  liverpool brought back luis garcia hamstring injury  newcastle forced draft kluivert craig bellamy late withdrawal back injury sustained warm up  garcia crowned return goal inside opening minute pass baros shot wildly top yards  olivier bernard inches giving newcastle lead 20 minutes  fired wide free kick 25 yards out  souness s side ahead 11 minutes highly controversial circumstances   kluivert looked suspiciously offside kieron dyer set bowyer free  dutchman perfectly score yards  lead lasted minutes  liverpool back terms bramble headed gerrard s corner net pressure sami hyypia  liverpool ahead 37 minutes baros slid perfect pass mellor s path youngster slip slide rule finish given s bottom corner  garcia s finishing wayward  wasteful first half injury time  shooting tamely good work xabi alonso  hopes newcastle recovery looked snuffed hour brilliant turn pass harry kewell set baros free rounded score  jermaine jenas missed glorious chance throw newcastle lifeline  shooting yards shola ameobi s cross  bowyer  booked foul alonso  deservedly shown red card referee graham poll wild challenge liverpool substitute florent sinama pongolle   dudek  finnan  hyypia  carragher  riise  luis garcia  nunez 73   gerrard  alonso  kewell  traore 85   baros  mellor  sinama pongolle 75    subs used  hamann  harrison   bramble 35 og  mellor 38  baros 61   given  andrew o brien  elliott  bramble  bernard  bowyer  dyer  ambrose 80   jenas  milner  n zogbia 72   kluivert  robert 58   ameobi   subs used  harper   bowyer  77    bowyer  elliott  bernard   kluivert 32   43 856   poll  hertfordshire   
class_football	strachan turns pompey  southampton manager gordon strachan rejected chance portsmouth s boss   scot pompey chairman milan mandaric s choice replace harry redknapp  left fratton park rivals saints earlier december   i fantastic job southampton manager   strachan told bbc  club director terry brady held initial talks strachan saturday  scotland international added joining southampton s local rivals wise move   it s memories side sour memories   said   everything s   10 minutes away  good players there  good set up  good atmosphere ground   there s lots southampton manager   redknapp s departure  executive director velimir zajec coach joe jordan overseen first team affairs   duo matches unbeaten sunday s 1 0 defeat home champions arsenal  club respectable 12th place premiership table  strachan left st mary s february  earlier announcing intention break game end 2003 04 season  previous managerial experience coventry  led years 1996 2001  
class_football	henry tipped fifa award  fifa president sepp blatter hopes arsenal s thierry henry named world player year monday   henry fifa shortlist barcelona s ronaldinho newly crowned european footballer year  ac milan s andriy shevchenko  blatter said   henry  me  personality field  man run organise game   winner accolade named glittering ceremony zurich s opera house  shortlisted candidates women s award mia hamm united states  germany s birgit prinz brazilian youngster marta   hamm  recently retired   regain women s award  lost year striker prinz  fifa changed panel voters year s awards  male female captains national team vote  coaches fipro   global organisation professional players  
class_football	newcastle join morientes race  newcastle joined race sign real madrid striker fernando morientes scupper liverpool s bid snap player  reports   liverpool reported bid £3 5m 28 year old spanish international week  liverpool echo newspaper anfield boss rafa benitez avoid bidding war turn attentions nicolas anelka  real believed £7m selling morientes  monaco race player loan season  reports suggest liverpool lift offer £5m   highest bowing deal   tuesday  morientes said   i liverpool pleased club stature buy me  told madrid happen   madrid situation me  sort situation sensible   i position play  that  madrid interests realistic    i spoken rafa benitez appreciated work play him  benitez turn attentions younger anelka morientes reluctant pledge future liverpool  anelka previously played anfield gerard houllier sealing permanent switch manchester city  
class_football	blues slam blackburn savage  birmingham confirmed blackburn made bid robbie savage   managing director karen brady called  derisory    rovers reportedly offered £500 000 front wales star  30  fee rising £2 2m  brady told sun bid  a waste fax paper time   added   the things affect relationship clubs  robbie s head  sale   savage s future birmingham source speculation weeks  fans criticising performances club earlier season  however  good displays west brom aston villa impressed blues fans   the crowd gave massive standing ovation saturday nice   said   it fantastic criticised number recent weeks saturday showed them   it s  about transfer rumours   clubs   i created speculation myself  phoned national newspaper saying   blackburn buy me   me   birmingham manager steve bruce insists sell savage   a lot written sav terrific birmingham city half years   said    the fans love epitomises them  works hard  people him   and hell sell else  interested   
class_football	gerrard happy anfield  liverpool captain steven gerrard reiterated desire stay anfield win trophies club   24 year old england midfielder determined contract  reported interest chelsea  said   i m signed season situation  lot speculation me   as club captain back table champions league again   gerrard looked set move chelsea summer speculation switch stamford bridge arisen  january transfer window approaching  raised doubts reds future wanted club prove title challengers future leave  liverpool boss rafael benitez insisted gerrard promised stay anfield  benitez said   i steven wanted stay  i do     i  look  win titles  medals liverpool things help    i stay make squad stronger him   meanwhile  gerrard urged anfield board sign real madrid striker fernando morientes january transfer window  morientes  28  expressed willingness england  gerrard added   he s great player  scores goals league  cup competitions champions league   i he d play europe season hold him  great player    he d spanish coaches  spanish manager spanish players settle in   rafael benitez strengthen squad players price strengthen   it nice faces january freshen things up   
class_football	beckham rules management move  real madrid midfielder david beckham plans manager playing career over    i interested coach football schools   england captain television station canal plus   i wanted bobby charlton school  open london la   my passion charity work   ambassador unicef great pride   beckham revealed priority winning spanish league title real madrid   real slipped 13 points leaders barcelona 1 0 defeat hands sevilla wednesday  beckham admitted   it s disappointing frustrating results  team have   i win la liga real madrid   years it   wide ranging interview  beckham revealed sending off argentina   resulting media storm   significant moment career  asked worst memory  said   to argentina   sending off happened afterwards   i lucky manager  sir alex ferguson  supported strong family changed me   i changed better   
class_football	mexicans tracking unhappy juninho  mexican outfit red sharks veracruz hope sign juninho brazilian decides leave celtic frustrated lack first team action   president  gustavo parente sanchez  juninho  does remain scottish football anymore   agent brian hassell insists 31 year old brazilian midfielder determined win back place   but  manager pick him  ball game   told sun   that s at  juninho deserves respect  kid   hassell warns juninho reconsider future celtic run games end january transfer window   juninho signed middlesbrough summer  failed live high expectations lost place 18 year old aiden mcgeady   he 50 caps brazil signing celtic made   insisted hassell   he play martin o neill  martin o neill play him   juninho celtic ranks  deserves respect   sanchez bullish hopes prising juninho scottish champions  hassell believes mexico preferred destination   we spoken juninho said  firm offer club spain  veracruz destination   sanchez told club s official website  celtic manager o neill respecter reputations   the onus juninho force team   said   players game merit  case celtic park   
class_football	celtic unhappy bulgaria date  martin o neill hopes block stilian petrov s call up bulgaria celtic s busy festive programme   celtic manager view friendly valenciana   region spain   28 december important   i overly pleased fixture played christmas   o neill   we speak bulgarian fa  prerogative arrange fixture prerogative handle it   bulgaria s game celtic s boxing day meeting hearts 2 january fixture livingston  o neill believes extra game midfielder season affected injury   they organised game awkward time   added   when playing barcelona  spoke bulgarian manager  hristo stoichkov  mentioned game me   we pay wages  awkward fixture played stage benefit  else   i before  bulgaria nation organise lot friendly games   
class_football	robben cole earn chelsea win  cheslea salvaged win battling portsmouth side looked premiership leaders settle point   arjen robben curled late deflected left footed shot side pompey s box break home side s brave resistance  chelsea continually frustrated joe cole added 20 yard shot injury time  nigel quashie pompey s chance effort tipped over  fratton park crowd good voice usual and  portsmouth held own  chelsea managed carve early chances  striker didier drogba snapped angled shot force home keeper shaka hislop smart save unmarked frank lampard strike blocked arjan de zeeuw  pompey chased  harried unsettled chelsea side south coast side started gain upper hand lead quashie   midfielder struck swerving long range shot keeper petr cech tipped full stretch  pompey stretched arsenal limit recently providing similarly tough obstacle overcome chelsea team struggling exert pressure  velimir zajec s players stood firm visitors lively fashion break but  stranglehold match  visitors launched counter attack  drogba spun sight goal struck fierce shot rocked keeper hislop back blocked arjan de zeeuw cleared danger   home side left breathing sigh relief glen johnson header fell gudjohnsen back goal crowded pompey goalmouth  icelandic forward acrobatically direct ball goal put effort over  but  arsenal  portsmouth late goal robben s shot deflection matthew taylor past wrong footed hislop  cole put bit gloss hard fought win put low shot bottom pompey net   hislop  griffin  primus  de zeeuw  taylor  stone  cisse 76   quashie  berkovic 83   faye  o neil  kamara  fuller 65   yakubu   subs used  berger  ashdown   kamara   cech  paulo ferreira  gallas  terry  johnson  duff  makelele  smertin  cole 73   lampard  robben  geremi 81   drogba  gudjohnsen 58    subs used  cudicini  bridge   paulo ferreira  robben  lampard   robben 79  cole 90   20 210  wiley  staffordshire   
class_football	newcastle line babayaro  newcastle manager graeme souness closing signing chelsea defender celestine babayaro transfer window reopens   souness bidding bolster defence and  reports  contract negotiations advanced stage player  babayaro premiership 1997 moved chelsea £2 25m anderlecht  26 year old surplus requirements season  souness drawn specifics individual players   said   all chairman worked hard couple months deals   we day strengthen  hoping coming weeks   
class_football	mourinho takes swipe arsenal  chelsea boss jose mourinho attempted pile pressure title rivals arsenal ahead gunners facing newcastle wednesday   arsenal play magpies day chelsea beat portsmouth busy festive programme  mourinho said   they days  rest recover  television schedule   all players tired  john terry    chelsea boss jose mourinho admitted side  lucky  win fratton park unhappy amount games short space time time year  added   we play matches days foreign players and  understand traditions football time year  good health it    you sit back smoke cigars  another  good life  good you   playing games healthy  teams european commitment   
class_football	wenger shock newcastle dip  arsenal manager arsene wenger admitted loss explain newcastle languishing bottom half table   gunners travel st james  park wednesday  newcastle 14th premiership troubled season  wenger said   at beginning season expect fighting top four   i are  injuries    arsenal game back 2 0 victory fulham sunday  wenger added   the prepare game win previous one  newcastle good shape   fatigue play big part weeks players coming back rotate bit more   we play season 11 players squad deserve chance team   striker thierry henry  robert pires  scored fulham  henry display  beautiful watch   said   what matters winning points  course  thing matters  enjoyable play fulham   we playing team important games team suffered that  games lost   
class_football	ferguson hails man utd s resolve  manchester united s alex ferguson praised players  gutsy performance 1 0 win aston villa    that hardest game season fantastic game football  end to end lots good passing   trafford boss   we showed lots character guts lose   i fixture won  arsenal chelsea villa players back do   ferguson hailed senior stars ryan giggs roy keane  bench injured john o shea   roy brought bit composure midfield needed player got   giggs tremendous threat brings tremendous penetration   all maintain form  play rewards   
class_football	tv calls carroll error  spurs boss martin jol team  robbed  manchester united pedro mendes  shot crossed line given    the referee wearing earpiece stop game decision right   jol 0 0 draw   but end day obvious pedro s shot line incredible   we feel robbed difficult linesman referee it   mendes shot 50 yards united goalkeeper roy carroll spilled ball net hooking clear  jol added   we talking ball couple centimetres inch line  metre inside goal   what annoys 2005  watching tv monitor seconds incident occurring referee told it    we play pleased     point  three   mendes  goal  replay  said   my reaction pitch celebrate   it nice goal  line   line career   it s really  over  laugh it  nice goal memory count   it s game score halfway line   manchester united manager sir alex ferguson sympathised tottenham incident highlighted video technology   i hammers home lot people technology play part game   ferguson told mutv   what originally time factor video replays   but read article day suggested referee make mind 30 seconds watching video replay game carry on    thirty seconds amount time takes organise free kick corner goal kick  wasting lot time   i start goal line decisions  opening area football   arsenal boss arsene wenger incident highlight video technology   when world referee goal trafford  reinforces feel   video evidence   wenger   it s great referee asked replay seconds goal   
class_football	fa charges mourinho  chelsea manager jose mourinho charged improper conduct football association   move comments chelsea tv carling cup semi final leg draw manchester united  mourinho suggested united boss sir alex ferguson put pressure referee neale barry half time  chelsea boss  14 february respond  said   in half whistle whistle  fault fault  cheat cheat   however  fa action comments issue chelsea defender john terry match  terry said   with refs captain  word  listen disappointing   statement  fa  reviewed content context comments   and  decided formal disciplinary action   
class_football	clean sweep impossible   mourinho  chelsea boss jose mourinho side chance winning major trophies season   blues points clear league beating middlesbrough  carling cup semi finals champions league knockout stages   we win something  impossible win trophies   mourinho admitted   but good squad trying  fa cup saturday carling cup week   long injury list demanding schedule  mourinho insists competition seriously  chelsea face scunthorpe saturday added   we watched watch team   we change players game  find change  butwe play win fa cup  play win carling cup   winning premiership champions league important wewill turn trophy down   premiership leaders conceded goals 22 games assistant boss steve clarke put title   we big threat great attacking players  based solid defence   said   it s standard set ourselves  christmas period set target 12 points  12 points happy   we ve start season aim   champions   there s long go  front  enjoying front focused do   
class_football	wenger refuses give title  arsene wenger refused concede title  arsenal falling points chelsea 1 1 draw manchester city highbury   said   we back give game  give chelsea won criminal   i concerned chelsea dropping points   but give end season   wenger blamed side s mounting injury list  sol campbell dennis bergkamp unavailable  failure beat city   we inexperienced   added   that qualities team played settled   we played half half caught   but mental qualities half outstanding  chance chance feel team  points   gunners field youngsters justin hoyte  philippe senderos robin van persie standing first team regulars  wenger reiterated intention stay transfer market maintained team continue push chelsea top table   we fight championship   added   sometimes draw that  over  that  win games give up   arsenal found support attempts overhaul seven point gap chelsea city boss kevin keegan   i arsenal champions  moment   said   six points quality sides arsenal run 30 40 games   amazing side   
class_football	henchoz prefers england gers  rangers miss liverpool defender stephane henchoz continue playing england   ibrox club offered deal swiss international  30  contract end season linked southampton  talks planned rangers player s agent wednesday  henchoz said   actually stay premiership   rangers  offer them   henchoz leave liverpool recently criticising manager rafael benitez  rangers replacement jean alain boumsong  moved newcastle £8m  however  blackburn defender reported rejected initial six month contract offer 18 month deal  henchoz played times liverpool season play league benitez  
class_football	keane returns republic squad  manchester united skipper roy keane back republic ireland squad 9 february friendly portugal lansdowne road   keane rested game croatia november recalled boss brian kerr prepares world cup qualifier israel  clinton morrison  stephen carr  andy o brien  matt holland  andy reid jon macken back injury  chelsea winger damien duff set win 50th international cap  kerr named 27 man squad emphasis blend experience youth   this match perfect preparation world cup game israel tel aviv 26 march   kerr   the likes stephen elliott aiden mcgeady made excellent progress sunderland celtic months   it good players fit squad system injuries suspensions   republic top group home wins cyprus faroe islands draws france switzerland    newcastle   kenny  sheffield united   murphy  walsall   carr  newcastle   finnan  liverpool   o brien  newcastle   breen  sunderland   doherty  norwich   cunningham  birmingham   dunne  manchester city   o shea  manchester united   maybury  leicester   miller  manchester united   quinn  sheffield united   roy keane  manchester united   kavanagh  cardiff   holland  charlton   kilbane  everton   reid  nottingham forest   duff  chelsea   barrett  coventry   lee  cardiff   elliott  sunderland   mcgeady  celtic   robbie keane  tottenham   macken  manchester city   morrison  birmingham   
class_football	newcastle move boa morte  newcastle manager graeme souness confirmed fulham striker luis boa morte latest transfer target   souness add £3m rated portugal international revamped squad transfer window  said   we declared interest him  chairman working hard bring body window past   souness offer olivier bernard  titus bramble lee bowyer bait deal 27 year old  newcastle boss unveiled jean alain boumsong  £8m buy ranger  defender celestine babayaro  £1m capture chelsea  revamps squad  fulham insisted boa morte sale hope agree contract   souness determined land man  
class_football	sanchez targets ni win warsaw  northern ireland manager lawrie sanchez targeted 30 march game poland important world cup qualifying campaign   fans savouring prospect playing england trafford days earlier  sanchez polish clash holds key place   if beat poland group dead  pretty second   sanchez   i beat england poland game important   sanchez s side fourth group points poles nine  so  games left  northern ireland make ground warsaw    i qualifying world cup closed beat poland open   sanchez   if make time  european championship  closer closer qualifying   i northern ireland back finals major competition aim top 100 fifa rankings  capable that   world cup qualifiers  canada visit belfast 9 february friendly sanchez giving fringe players opportunity catch eye   we injuries suspensions moment   added sanchez   stuart elliott injured michael hughes james quinn suspended england game chance players equation   it nice back belfast home game time put end run home win   northern ireland won home sanchez  indeed  windsor success back september 2001 beat iceland world cup campaign  
class_football	fai secures   163 7m sponsorship deal  football association ireland signed £7million  six year sponsorship deal umbro   deal largest sponsorship fai history  bring £4 8m cash worth £2m kit supplies bonus payments linked performance major competitions   it brings lasting benefits development generation people play football   fai chief john delaney   this umbro deal stable platform long period provide football community support need   football association ireland set announce major sponsorship deal week  statement football governing body  a multi million euro sponsorship agreement   news boost fai recent decision irish sports council restore 350 000 euro funding association  john delaney agreed interim chief executive fai fran rooney s departure november  delaney s leadership  fai agreed irish government demands adhere recommendations genesis report  genesis report detailed chaotic organisation fai published 2003  
class_football	highbury cup final  arsenal special place games remember boy   remember year young short trousers  father worked english steel corporation  crane driver worked 12 hour shifts  year trip london year london watch arsenal play   remember smuggling bus imperial hotel  remember vividly  smuggling turnstiles highbury  remember massive clock memory forget  marvellous game  arsenal fans absolutely brilliant sheffield united fans mixed them   lost 1 0 centre half joe shaw was  me  player world day  saturday son  three and a half years similar age was  pitch game  daughter mascot  effect   forget things that  time highbury team there  notts county top flight lost 2 0  huddersfield leg league cup draw  expected cricket score beat 5 0 leg  ian wright team george graham made comments made pretty determined equalised late won leg  club admire lot  played arsenal semi final 2003 number letters messages arsenal fans behaviour fans team outstanding shows great set supporters  making issue game trafford  felt personally hard by  mind beat case goal   scored freddie ljungberg   travesty allowed  fined comments made referee graham poll  back  us  higher means premier league referees them  football league official neale barry  experienced referee  awarded game it  said  referee saturday watching demolish crystal palace monday   turned scored goals minutes watched bambi kids  watched premiership number players absolutely world paid watch  eric cantona gianfranco zola  thought absolutely fantastic  arsenal type players  dennis bergkamp s touches  movement  footballing brain awareness   36   incredible  adjective good describe thierry henry  rolls royce arsenal premiership itself  doubt thinking resting players champions league game tuesday  championship game plymouth  important game us  arsenal cup final  feel final   earned money set earn club enjoy day out  plymouth big game ready that  team arsenal play hell difficult task   thinking respectable  palace night odds 100 1 win   two horse race   people preparations week  have   nothing  players exhausted playing hour 10 men sunday anything  stretches warm downs football tiredness  thursday work dealing bergkamp henry defenders close eyes fingers crossed  game them  
class_football	beckham defends form england  england captain david beckham insists concerned criticism displays club country    as long happy form real madrid england  matter   beckham   the important thing comfortable playing   admit  month month while   there lot important games coming up  real england    midfielder feels coach wanderley luxemburgo s arrival madrid lifted spanish giants   since turn year  exciting manager in  playing attractive football months   beckham explained   he s totally changed things   working lot harder training organised games    that s shown games played   six minute game  great start him   it s pushed players bit  confidence  great team  forward 2005   points barcelona things us   in season  win trophies possible  play football can  stay healthy fit   ask   ahead week s england game 2005  beckham keen test form international stage   it s important involved games   tough game holland  friendly   said   it s nice play england games  important friendlies  good prepared qualifiers coming up   it s important team starts qualifying games play possible  manager younger players out    beckham gripped excitement premiership title race season   there leagues world   exciting intense  top clubs close   said   chelsea running bit  manchester united winning  no one forget arsenal pitch  interesting   there s plenty talent chelsea team  arsenal team   player catches eye thierry henry   great player good person   john terry frank lampard exceptional chelsea  big part chelsea year   
class_football	beckham hints man utd return  england captain david beckham return manchester united leaves real madrid   beckham left united july 2003 falling sir alex ferguson linked return london decided move back england   if leave back united work sir alex again  definitely   told daily mirror   manchester united club grew felt career   however  beckham insisted happy real  plenty prove spain    i year half played football past months   said   but happy  playing players world win top prizes spanish league champions league   meanwhile  beckham fight international place amid pressure manchester city s rising star shaun wright phillips   he deserves chance playing genuinely pleased well   said    people worried him  worried proud england team it   i m captain  interests players team well   i jealous person pleased young kids coming through  talking team mates mine   shaun threat plays position  play positions   i england team 2006  england captain world cup   
class_football	beckham s chat reigns spain  england captain david beckham won spontaneous round applause journalists made real attempt speaking spanish public   real madrid midfielder curious mix spanish english news conference   el partido con atletico mucho mejor para todos   declared  yes   was   course  english translates  the game atletico us   smiling beckham  wearing large white woolly hat  talking side s recent victory fierce city rivals   29 year old blushed fielded questions stilted spanish won people provided evidence beginning language  however  beckham s spanish lessons remains   dare rehearsing moment  beckham wanderley luxemburgo s appointment coach helped real recover confidence  brazilian s arrival  added  reasons real narrowed barcelona s lead top table points  manchester united player address questions poor run form 2004  allegations private life surfaced    the criticism there   said   if bad game career finished  29   i m enjoying football years left  played suppose european championship missing couple penalties   people reason play  well  personal things life working hard   beckham insisted intention returning england future happy extend contract  runs 2007   beckham   a rough translation   minus ummms aahs england skipper  fancy learning more   spanish steps    language pointers     the players  feel cutting barcelona s lead points beating real sociedad atletico   el partido con atletico mucho mejor para todos  siete puntos es mucho mejor para los jugadores  es dificil pero estamos mejorando  tenemos trabajar mucho   game atletico us  points players  difficult  improving  work hard   madrid win league   es posible  podemos ganar la liga  pero es muy dificil  juntos podemos ganar titulos   possible  win league difficult  together  win titles   feel appointment arrigo sacchi director football   sacchi   la estabilidad es muy importante   sacchi   stability important   prefer play   para mi  es importante mi posici  243 n   me  position important  
class_football	gerrard future decided cardiff loss  steven gerrard s goal liverpool s carling cup defeat chelsea sparked round speculation anfield future   denying irony gerrard s mishap  coming cup final club paid £30m summer  irony missed media   chelsea s supporters  suggest incident  defeat  shape stays liverpool  wrong  things happened time  place game  mistake  mistake liverpool defenders ball  pull sub plot conspiracy theory goal  combined liverpool s defeat  finally put gerrard road stamford bridge nonsense  inevitable chelsea  speculation  gerrard concentrating thing thing alone  ensuring liverpool qualify champions league fourth place premiership  decision made  influenced happened cardiff sunday  liverpool hope clinch fourth place persuade massively influential captain stay   liverpool s point view  defeat bitter disappointment  disappointment subsided  heart week encouragement home abroad  liverpool excellent win bayer leverkusen champions league  down  played scored goals  sunday s carling cup final  showed real defensive resilience pinned back long periods  rafael benitez lines speaks lot confidence team them  doubt liverpool s games shape season  newcastle league bayer champions league leg  afford produce performances produced burnley  southampton birmingham  slip newcastle everton beat blackburn 24 hours later  11 point gap awful long back race champions league place  added spice everton fourth  impressive win aston villa  done   uncertain spell recently  picked points great tribute manager david moyes players  tim cahill  paid £2m player premiership proved top flight  liverpool massive magnet top players  seek type signings moyes pulled cahill  excellent arriving millwall sound purchase moyes  battle fourth hots up  manchester united turned screw tighter leaders chelsea beating portsmouth reducing gap points   albeit game hand jose mourinho s side  carling cup win liverpool massive chelsea  stopped inevitable questions posed lost games week  answered questions  long periods possession struggling score gerrard s unfortunate intervention  lot focus centred mourinho events pitch  happy means heat players  people questions manager  leaving players peace  mourinho settle that  united showing no one chase  shift balance power premiership  chelsea s lose  six point lead game hand  throw league games bottom sides table  strong position  eye ball manchester united masters situation   balance power lies chelsea  
class_football	barwick installed fa boss  football association chief executive brian barwick handed task restoring organisation s credibility   fa suffered financial problems faria alam scandal  sports minister richard caborn said   brian s main task restore respect authority   the fa knocks pick organisation respected parts game   barwick s jobs bottom claim chelsea held illegal meeting arsenal s england defender ashley cole 27 january   however  fa decide leave matter premier league  case barwick grips with  chief executive mark palios communications director colin gibson left fa august 2004 revelations palios england coach sven goran eriksson affairs secretary alam  announcement barwick s appointment november straightforward  vocal minority fa board left furious position left empty independent review completed   caborn added   the important issue coming independent review lord burns  brian act recommendations ensure good system governance brought fa   we 40 000 football clubs country  national game  important fa authority leadership deal game england team top grass roots   gordon taylor  chief executive professional footballers  association  called barwick include levels game running fa  said   it important fa lot inclusive policy making process   the executive board made premier league  football league grass roots game structure proper places supporters  players  managers referees  representatives   in past promises made include parts game case things blew faces   
class_football	barwick calls highbury calm  football association chief brian barwick pleaded arsenal manchester united show calm ahead highbury showdown    when great teams meet represent good domestic game   barwick  started fa monday   it subject recrimination revenge weeks months following   that set rest game   barwick underlined determination clamp diving    cheating  unequivocally called   bid clean game   said     there issues game be   one concerns personally technically termed  simulation   real   diving  cheating  fact   we ve show honesty here  week  referees coming intense scrutiny making split second judgement calls area   it s impossible greater level responsibility   barwick determined respect referees levels game  said   i ve impressed player referee relationship rugby union based mutual respect   i type relationship level football  premier league sunday league   
class_football	linesman defends disallowed goal  linesman rob lewis defended role tottenham s disallowed goal manchester united   pedro mendes  shot crossed line lewis criticised positioning incident  lewis said   the spurs player shot distance primary job stand line defender watch offside   there differently run faster linford christie   added   when ball landed 25 yards goal impossible judge crossed line   tottenham boss martin jol criticised decision  cost side points   the referee wearing earpiece stop game decision right   jol 0 0 draw   but end day obvious pedro s shot line incredible   we feel robbed difficult linesman referee it   mendes shot 50 yards united goalkeeper roy carroll spilled ball net hooking clear  jol added   we talking ball couple centimetres inch line  metre inside goal   what annoys 2005  watching tv monitor seconds incident occurring referee told it   we play pleased     point  three   mendes  goal  replay   said   my reaction pitch celebrate   it nice goal  line   line career   it s really  over  laugh it  nice goal memory count   it s game score halfway line   manchester united manager sir alex ferguson sympathised tottenham incident highlighted video technology   i hammers home lot people technology play part game   ferguson told mutv   what originally time factor video replays   but read article day suggested referee make mind 30 seconds watching video replay game carry on   thirty seconds amount time takes organise free kick corner goal kick  wasting lot time    i start goal line decisions  opening area football   arsenal boss arsene wenger incident highlight video technology   when world referee goal trafford  reinforces feel   video evidence   wenger   it s great referee asked replay seconds goal   
class_football	bookies pay spurs  goal   bookmaker pay punters bet pedro mendes score goal tottenham s controversial game manchester united   match trafford finished goalless mendes  long range shot fumbled home keeper roy carroll  tv replays showed ball line  incident missed referee assistant  william hill honour bets 20 1 chance mendes score first  rival firm ladbrokes not  hills spokesman graham sharpe admitted handful customers backed mendes score first  bets struck 11 2 mendes score anytime match settled   we decided pay   admittedly   customers winner goal been   sharpe  meanwhile  paddy power bookmakers refund losing bets spurs win match   irish firm offering odds 7 2 video referee 2005 fa cup final  celebrating  britain s biggest bookmaker ladbrokes refusing bend rules   as sympathise punters backed spurs  referee s decision final   spokesman balthazar fabricius   besides which  pay bad refereeing decisions  paying week  refereeing punters do   william hill concession apply correct score outright bet results   no one final score mendes goal allowed   all  past united scored final minute match   sharpe  
class_football	gunners clock winning record  arsenal claimed premiership title re wrote record books process entire 38 game season unbeaten   time team top flight season undefeated preston 1888 89 season  arsenal romped home convincing 11 point margin chelsea  closest defeat so called  battle trafford  ruud van nistelrooy missed last minute penalty goalless draw   game cast shadow season  van nistelrooy surrounded angry arsenal players  arsenal s lauren banned games  martin keown matches ray parlour incident  manchester united pair ryan giggs cristiano ronaldo fined part fracas  arsenal s title triumph made disappointment european stage  lost chelsea champions league quarter finals  arsene wenger s side looked finally end champions league drought  winning 5 1 inter milan   twist domestic domination  chelsea won 2 1 highbury clinch 3 2 aggregate victory  manchester united fared worse  porto francisco costina scored last minute trafford equaliser  united finished league  fa cup win consolation  porto s success introduced manager jose mourinho wider audience  chelsea  chelsea manager claudio ranieri lived cloud speculation season  particulary claims replaced sven goran eriksson  intensified eriksson caught holding talks chelsea chief executive peter kenyon  embarrassed england coach awarded four year contract football association  ranieri sealed fate series bizarre substitutions chelsea lost 3 1 leg champions league semi final monaco   inevitably lost job  mourinho  win champions league porto  stepped over  mourinho s reign began well  chelsea topping premiership christmas joining arsenal  manchester united liverpool phase champions league  manager lose job liverpool s gerard houllier  reign ended years  houllier paid price finishing fourth trophy term  replaced valencia s rafael benitez  impressive credentials included winning spain s la liga uefa cup season  valencia beat marseille 2 0 cement benitez s growing reputation  manchester united enjoyed moment glory beating millwall 3 0 fa cup final cardiff  ruud van nistelrooy struck cristiano ronaldo target dennis wise s side outclassed premiership opponents  wolves lost premiership status  leicester city leeds united  completed stunning decline grace  leeds reached champions league semi final years defeat bolton  replaced norwich  west brom crystal palace  beat west ham play off cardiff  summer big spending transfer market  wayne rooney central figure drama  teenager rooney returned everton euro 2004 superstar status assured stunning performances  refused sign five year contract  newcastle united opened bidding £20m  transfer request manchester united completed £27m deal hours transfer window closed end august  rooney confirmed worth hat trick debut champions league fenerbahce   chelsea  inevitably  big spenders again  splashing £24m marseille s didier drogba £20m porto defender ricardo carvalho  means least  major piece domestic silverware middlesbrough  ended 128 barren years winning carling cup  beat bolton 2 1 final goals joseph desire job penalty boudewijn zenden  pressures top flight cruelly illustrated southampton  paul sturrock sacked games season  win blackburn  13 games total st mary s  manager pay price early season west brom s gary megson  sacked revealing renew contract  guided west brom back premiership  relationship chairman jeremy peace fragile  bryan robson succeeded returned club  scotland  henrik larsson bid emotional successful farewell celtic glorious seasons  celtic won league scottish cup  beating dunfermline 3 1 final  swede scoring season s tally 41  celtic goals record 242 goals 315 appearances joining barcelona  underdogs livingston claimed cis insurance cup 2 0 win hibs  victory romantics  
class_football	fifa agrees goal line technology  fifa expected football microchip part goal line technology september s under 17 world championships peru   game s governing body agreed experiment bid end controversies goal line decisions  presentation sports manufacturer adidas international fa board cardiff  company tested device game nuremberg reserve team ahead board s meeting  football microchip inside  crosses goal line referee alerted directly bleeper type system video replays used  fact delay game impressed ifab  made fifa representatives member home associations  english football association offered experiment ball premier league football league balls made rival manufacturers  adidas developing ball german based fraunhofer gesellschaft research centre  believes rigorous experimentation needed ready year s world cup final germany  calls technology resurfaced spurs denied clear goal manchester united goalkeeper roy carroll dropped ball line  incident missed officials  
class_football	owen return home  michael owen delivered hint future real madrid fails regular first team football   no one blame him   owen displayed world class ability goal coming substitute real s win osasuna sunday  lies problem  michael made rod back fantastic performances coming substitute  coaches real madrid decided role  case  good coming home sooner later  michael hope performances earn regular starting opportunity   rest assured chance comes  bench earlier season michael s pride ensure stuck out  branded failure  bench february   leave no one call flop terrific performances turned in  decides leave  europe  back premiership  shortage takers  ideal world love return liverpool rest assured arsenal chelsea michael owen offer well  owen great goalscorer good footballer well  thing vital michael s game sharpness   miss vital ingredient starting games  michael fine professional sign real madrid sit sidelines   matter galacticos him  expect interest fail win regular place     chelsea lie claims enjoying good fortune quest title   rear view mirror manchester united   sir alex ferguson played mind games suggesting chelsea struggle north   answered one  beat blackburn  half put foot them  real tough everton  albeit aided james beattie s sending off  chelsea brilliantly clean sheets luck alone  manchester united pressure   boy that  team chasing leaders manchester united  ferguson s team stay totally committed cause  chelsea s lose shown battle play exhilarating football  odds them  liverpool won title medal hand   united sights set snatching chelsea  big talking point weekend beattie s sending everton chelsea  confess  that  defend lad condone happened  fired wrong  front referee straightforward red see  gave chelsea crucial advantage   advantage professional manner  
class_football	moyes u turn beattie dismissal  everton manager david moyes discipline striker james beattie headbutt chelsea defender william gallas   scot initially defended beattie  dismissal put everton back foot game ultimately lost 1 0  gallas overreacted  rethink video evidence again  said   i set record straight conceding dismissal correct   moyes added   my comments saturday immediately final whistle point opportunity one  quick re run incident    club website reported beattie  unrepentant saturday s match  insisting gallas  would stayed lot longer  headbutted him  apologised  moyes continued   although incident totally character   james suspended career   actions unacceptable detrimental effect team mates   james issue formal apology myself  team mates everton supporters immediately game thing done  subjected normal club discipline   he competitive player fair player upset happened  however  chelsea player question easily   speaking immediately game  moyes said   i sending off  centre half time ashamed easily that    not million years john terry way  heard butting running them   what happened big  strong centre halves  thought push initially sending off   angry beattie initially said   he  gallas  stayed lot longer headbutted him   i intentional headbutt  chasing ball corner william gallas shoulder blocking off   he stopping running  if stay straight you   heads barely touched intentional headbutt   
class_football	owen dismisses fresh real rumours  england striker michael owen helped inspire real madrid 2 1 win osasuna la liga sunday insisting happy club   ex liverpool player started bench  on going situation led rumours premiership return  owen admitted frustrated lack first team chances determined succeed spain   i m play minutes unhappy substitute   said   it great goal  game  grounds difficult   owen added   i m happy goal vital goal win barcelona  beating real zaragoza 4 1 saturday     this decisive result end season   even losing  confident win positive feelings   roberto carlos  free kick parried raul s shot owen place head home  ivan helguera scored winner real  won games row coach vanderlei luxemburgo  victory points leaders barcelona  owen earlier hinted news world newspaper leave real madrid safeguard international career  failed command regular place real team concerned increasing amount time bench affect england place    sometimes feel happy week bench bit low again   told news world   it frustrating prepare world cup   owen prove managers short time real  jose antonio camacho replaced mariano garcia remon  made luxemburgo   the manager started much  played   striker said   then manager back normal 11 with   but games spin scored goals bounce  left back again   it ideal manager stay plugging away    owen discussed concerns england coach sven goran eriksson admitted   this month perfect  missing goalscoring missing minutes pitch   luxemburgo told sunday times sympathised owen   he bound angry feel sad owen play more   commented   raul ronaldo start game   i owen lot training  willing  ready listen things  bit introverted character   meanwhile  luxemburgo booked place real history books victory osasuna  coach won league games charge club  
class_football	limit foreign numbers  top clubs vying title champions league  fa cup gave opportunity younger lads major clubs game team   personally weakened sides competition  cases chance young lads first team experience  years influx foreign players affected young englishman anyone  freedom movement time countries put limit number overseas players   including europeans   trend noticeable influx foreign bosses arsene wenger  claudio ranieri jose mourinho  foreign market english  chelsea signing young englishmen  foreigners started coming country  thought people dennis bergkamp gianfranco zola absolutely magnificent  zola player time manager  begrudge players pay money watch individuals  problem clubs  lower level  find english players expensive  agents offering players left  centre cheap trial  unheard past  bolton good example  thought successful  sam allardyce waved magic wand brought players over  technology sam paid off  databases foreign player   unique person   thought 10 nations dressing room good team spirit  sam proved wrong years continue it  bolton pay large transfer fees players 6 12 months compete high level way  view foreign players changed years ago large number bramall lane   match played west brom abandoned players changed views large amount foreign players  decided kids sign english lads would  game things happened players  found couple players talk english difficult coaching wise grasp fundamentals  players sign speak english  process signing hao haidong china   limited english experienced player times do  time scottish football good source players speak people players clear standard dropped years  scotland squad   talent longer invest youth development  common knowledge enquired liverpool s neil mellor  find pushed pecking order arrival fernando morientes real madrid  people neil games belt  difficult liverpool great club opportunities there  scored goals rate highly difficult young players turn back drop championship level  
class_football	lack christmas spirit  time year footballers managers brace important period entire season   thinking week time christmas 39 years ago  work christmas player manager 17 youth team coach chesterfield  chap called reg wright  gave christmans off  games  things changed dramatically years terms discipline themselves  players lot responsibility days  older   talking 32 over  here  changed outlook order continue playing level  managers trust players past  squad warn excess over eating  massive bonus   years  players squad turn training smelling booze  usual  training christmas day  prior boxing day trip coventry  times christmas  players training leaving game  strike balance trained morning  players home hours leave coventry 7pm  players pre christmas night out  november asked night leeds  no    no  manchester  sheffield nottingham eventually dublin played millwall  send minder them  trust them   problem nowadays  footballers big news step mobile phone pictures them  trust players behave themselves  govern people s behaviour  idiot bit notoriety local paper picking fight taking pop professional footballer  year newspaper asked young ladies find players holding christmas parties hope embarrassing photos  behave player remember scunthorpe  bed 10pm year s eve game year s day   missed festivities year in  wake morning find feet snow ground  love christmas  children william amy lights santa s grotto  football accept christmas others  fact  mentioned day  realised norm football christmas holiday  nice things retire worry phone ringing christmas  tenterhooks christmas day injured accident playing kids  opportunity happy christmas prosperous year  
class_football	fa ready test goal bleeper  football association volunteer test goal line bleeper game s bosses meet weekend   technology presented annual meeting international fa board  ifab   made fifa home nation associations  bleeper type system alerts referee ball  micro chip  crosses goal line  calls technology tottenham goal controversially disallowed month  spurs denied winner manchester united  pedro mendes  effort crossing line  mendes  speculative strike halfway line comfortably crossed goal line error united keeper roy carroll   referee assistant referee unable proper view incident   goal  given  latest breakthrough electronic aids referees avoid situations future  impresses ifab  football league experiment technology  fa executive director david davies said   we interested presentation   true interested technology members board   but video technology  referee direct link form technology rely fourth official video back up   whether form technology find wider support previous efforts remains enthusiasm discuss leagues interested sort innovation   football league made offer fifa test goal line technology spokesman john nagle confirmed   that offer table   presentation ifab adidas persuade fifa president sepp blatter  resisted bringing technology game  
class_football	gloves  arsenal play manchester united tuesday  fixture title decider time relegated undercard status   teams playing pride hoping win seize hiccup premiership leaders chelsea  arsenal united left slipstream stamford bridge outfit reason  experts  goalkeeping woes  chelsea keeper petr cech  gunners missed signing  conceded league goals season  rivals quality questioned high profile mistakes misdemeanours   arsenal 24 goals jens lehmann dropped favour manuel almunia  failed convince doubters  holding highbury s number jersey  roy carroll wrestled first team keeper spot united tim howard  errors cost place  doubts hanging credentials   it s heartbreak goalkeepers peter shilton   ex gunners keeper bob wilson told bbc radio live s sportsweek programme assessment general level goalkeeping present  shilton england s most capped player believes lack top class keepers reason predicament arsenal united    they adequate   said   you goalkeepers better   arsenal manager arsene wenger trafford counterpart sir alex ferguson vain find players similar quality replace david seaman peter schmeichel  seaman arsenal 13 years  schmeichel trafford years hailed  bargain century  ferguson signed £600 000  wilson shilton cited lack technique current generation agree lehmann goal ahead almunia arsenal  wilson explained   i defend jens lehman season top stat going    he absolutely phenomenal season but  unfortunately  couple big errors champions league chelsea arsene hard taskmaster suddenly started change real chance spaniard   lehmann excellent basic technique young almunia learning game   i moment lehmann advantage almunia man paid make decisions  arsene  continue play almunia   shilton echoed   lehmann well  arsenal unbeaten games consistent minute made mistakes people back lose bit confidence    arsenal united goalkeepers badly   they making odd errors spotlight put back minds roll sleeves up   arsenal manager george graham brought seaman highbury theory  said   i disagree bob peter technique  decision making majority goalkeepers season problem   
class_football	underdogs fun  soft spot fa cup  fabulous competition   world   it   play aston villa round saturday  paper straightforward win   horrible favourites  dressing room   terrible feeling manager expected win  wondering players doubts mind  instil players professional prepared battle ahead  ready crowd  bad pitch sometimes  underdogs throw them  that  grasp it  underdogs  hand  lose enjoy it  lower division players publicity surrounds cup great manager talk about   talking struggles league  no one thinking form good bad  town buzzing  boy  remember short trousers rushing road people coming top hill norwich city town face blades  fans big double decker buses waving sat railway children  remember crying eyes burnley beat us  supporter believes club stages  player  scunthorpe newcastle once  slaughtered malcolm macdonald  lead looked hang 1 0 win terry mcdermott equalised minutes  electricity strike play replay afternoon   lost 3 0  feel aggrieved manner defeat arsenal semi finals couple seasons ago  referee s decision us   cracking game villa  playing super club  big crowd live bbc one  national coverage  lads  enjoy yourselves  play pressure  hope lads ready overawed   big crowds  potential winners  top clubs  upsets  opportunity happen game element surprise  twilight career  can  couple years semis quarters   200 1 good price way  
class_football	bitter santini hits spurs  tottenham coach jacques santini quit partly felt agreements club broken   santini  52  left november 13 games charge amid tensions sporting director frank arnesen   they promised big apartment beach found 200m sea view neighbours   told france s journal di dimanche  ex france coach admitted  dug grave  agreeing join club end euro 2004   my regret signed early  for tottenham   waited euro 2004 means missed chance   said  santini information spurs  transfer policy   i learned day team photo captain  stephen carr  leaving club   said  
class_football	uefa threat foreign quotas  uefa warned clubs planning ignore proposal quotas homegrown players squads   2006 07 teams submit 25 man  a  squad players club academy national association  clubs punished reduced squads refuse comply  uefa ruled legal action offending clubs  arsenal 16 overseas players monday s game crystal palace  plan introduced 2006 07 season figures rise seasons  2008 09 squad academy players team s country   the sanction fairly simple   2008 09  squad cut number players meet criteria   uefa spokesman william gaillard  present ruling apply uefa competitions  april uefa congress estonia vote implement measures domestic competitions well  premier league  extremely unlikely  implemented england  arsenal chairman peter hill wood made shrugged criticism wenger s team selection  told evening standard happy things club   for me  nationality player plays club issue   said   if good players matter country come   these days  world smaller  young players world youth set up   the world football changing  people things change  
class_football	stars shine tsunami benefit  ronaldinho s world xi beat andriy shevchenko s european xi 6 3 nou camp world s top players raised money tsunami relief fund   samuel eto o ronaldinho put world xi two up  alessandro del piero pulled back eto o cheekily rounded iker casillas third  gianfranco zola rolled back years lob home david suazo levelled henri camara scored twice  cha du ri made 6 3 front hugely entertained 40 000 crowd  made break half coaches marcello lippi  arsene wenger  frank rijkaard carlos alberto perreira protect players injury  players stood minute s silence victims asian tsunami game  refereed pierluigi collina   sour note night crowd chose boo show respect  players made put dampener proceedings  david beckham steven gerrard started european side  world xi s barcelona players stamped early mark deco slipped eto o score  ronaldinho delighting home crowd sublime tricks flicks made 2 0 slotting home yards  european xi subdued presence zinedine zidane raul  del piero halve deficit lovely finish   eto o named african footballer year hours celebrated bagging brace  feint past casillas walk ball empty net  expected plenty made break continued half  goals continued fly in  svevchenko s side wasted time back terms  zola showing true class lob home honduran suazo side footed home 3 3  southampton striker henri camara ideas scored minutes  neat finishes past francesco toldo european goal  cha du ri finished scoring  leaving toldo chance fierce finish inside box  proceeds match donated fifa asian football confederation tsunami solidarity fund   dida  cafu  cordoba  marquez  radebe  song  nakata  deco  kaka  ronaldinho  eto o   casillas  montero  kaladze  thuram  gerrard  diesler  beckham  zidane  del piero  raul  shevchenko   pierluigi collina  italy   
class_football	africans tsunami game  african stars agreed play fifa s football hope match  organised raise money victims asian tsunami   nigerian youngster obafemi martins cameroon pair raymond kalla rigobert song added names africans confirmed participation tuesday s game barcelona  ivory coast s didier drogba cameroon s samuel eto o fils playing game attending caf s footballer year award ceremony south africa  players short list caf s 2004 footballer year award nigeria s jay jay okocha  drogba eto o  reigning african footballer year  cameroon goalkeeper carlos idriss kameni  tunisia s rahdi jaidi veteran defenders samuel kuffour ghana south africa s lucas radebe playing  africa represented officials game jason damoo seychelles named assistant referees game  african star miss clash ghana s michael essien  french club lyon refused release players  players african roots set play match french stars zinedine zidane patrick vieira belgium s vincent kompany confirmed fifa  captains game brazil s world footballer year  ronaldinho ukraine s european footballer year  andriy shevchenko  
class_football	fa cup losing sheen  fa cup sacrosanct   demands top teams field strongest teams fa cup  messed fa cup disappointing changed   number competitions top sides enter amount games play season  necessarily competitions teams play europe champions league fixture intensive  foreign coaches rest players fa cup   realise stature long history competition  champions league main competition top managers  premiership fa cup poor third  bound affect people view competition   takes gloss burnley s brilliant victory liverpool   liverpool boss rafael benitez fielded lot youngsters play reserves burnley justifiable winners  played good football  organised experience opponents  majority championship teams good premiership reserve sides  nonetheless  manager championship team play full strength premiership team  coming side first choice players increases chances winning tie play big names  burnley boss steve cotterill correctly pointed out  liverpool good players team  full strength side tarnishes result  glory same  playing team liverpool excuse out  delighted aston villa played side played them   victory  burnley s win tuesday  sunderland s victory crystal palace west ham s defeat norwich good news championship  shows quality championship   difference top clubs division lower end premiership clubs  finally week  word dispute sir alex ferguson arsene wenger  calls summit end row   honest enjoy reading it  alex arsene experienced managers it  big winner chelsea boss jose mourinho  enjoy watching post match news conferences breath fresh air premiership  manchester united arsenal long good kid block  
class_football	greece defy odds euro 2004  greece arrived portugal euro 2004 150 1 outsiders won match major tournament   weeks later  manager otto rehhagel legendary figure greece angelos charisteas written footballing legend  charisteas scored winner 1 0 final victory sank hosts portugal  england s wayne rooney individual star tournament  team  super efficient greeks stole show  rehhagel s combination unsung stars shrewd tactics proved bigger names tournament  greece started finished euro 2004 beating portugal  improved competition brazil coach luiz felipe scolari  favourites france overcome 1 0 quarter final form side czech republic beaten score semi final  england  major tournament brought frustration  england opened france stadium light  looked victory frank lampard s first half goal  captain david beckham missed penalty england s hopes victory  zinedine zidane hit last minute equaliser free kick scored dramatic winner  converted spot david james brought thierry henry intercepted steven gerrard s pass   enter rooney  goals 3 0 win switzerland  feat repeated 4 2 win croatia sealed quarter final place  sadly england  rooney broke foot shortly michael owen put ahead portugal  helder postiga equalised  england cursing last minute header sol campbell disallowed  rui costa put portugal ahead  frank lampard struck goal tournament send penalties  beckham s penalty miss proved crucial darius vassell missed  portugal keeper ricardo sealed win  man premiership links  liverpool s milan baros  leading scorer goals tournament excellent czech side  czechs involved game  coming goals beat holland 3 2  germany major disappointments  rudi voeller s side failing reach eight  2 1 defeat czechs germany ended voeller s reign  holland coach dick advocaat  blame nation shock defeat czech republic  left job  dutch lost 2 1 portugal semi final prompt change dutch hierarchy  spain failed produce  missing lost 1 0 great rivals portugal hostile alvalade stadium  italy major team failed reach eight  amid wild claims collusion denmark sweden 2 2 draw  greece gave euro 2004 gloriously unpredictable chapter football s history  deserving winners  tournament played good spirit perfect hosts portuguese crowds packed grounds  gracious behaviour winners  losing final  gave euro 2004 fitting finale  
class_football	ronaldinho  ronaldinho famous smile football   grins incredible talent put faces fans ensured picked world player year award monday night   brazilian landed prize ahead strikers thierry henry arsenal ac milan s andriy shevchenko year dancing feet dazzled defenders delighted fans  henry shevchenko led clubs league titles england italy ronaldinho ended season trophy less  ronaldinho s achievements won medals  won hearts football world  turned despair delight barcelona deciding move nou camp manchester united and  process  brought joy back sport  barcelona ailing club thirsty glories restored hung heavily shadows  galacticos  arch rivals real madrid   arrival ronaldinho july 2003 spearheaded rapid rise sees catalan club playing kind flamboyant football encapsulated dashing skills playmaker inspiration  fans edge seats marvels boy brazil produce amaze them  ronaldinho s magic rarely disappoints and  possesses feints  step overs  shoulder drops vision for  crucial ability complementing skills end product  victory fifa s annual vote hard henry shevchenko  amazed exploits  ronaldinho extra va va voom  ronaldinho add award world cup winners medal earned brazil 2002 world cup 1999 copa america title   ronaldinho   full ronaldo de assis moreira   long humble origins porto allegre  spotted hometown club gremio age 18  flamboyance vision key factor brazil won world under 17 title 1997  1999 captured attention then brazil coach wanderley luxemburgo 15 goals 14 matches gremio  ronaldinho made international debut year announced world stage sensational solo effort venezuela copa america  brazil win  protracted transfer saga move paris st germain relationship french club harmonious  coach luis fernandez amused turned late trip home christmas  discontent samba star s penchant dancing parisian night spots waltzing past opponents   barcelona confirmed admirers year club career   grounded   move spain  sir alex ferguson confident tempting manchester united  lure nou camp strong  things start life spain  winter break  ronaldinho barcelona hit top gear  finishing campaign strongly earning champions league place   transfer speculation young career inevitably linked chelsea summer  blues  billionaire owner roman abramovich prise barca  rewarded improved contract buy out clause £100m  
class_football	2004   year remember  club football south america continues suffer continent s economic crisis   players lured atlantic   900 players left brazil 2004  crowds low  money tight fear violence proving powerful incentive stay home  average attendance year s brazilian championship record low 8 139  furthermore  2004 talent exploded continent force diego  robinho carlos tevez previous years  doubt highlight south america s footballing year international game  dramatic tournaments 2004  copa america  held peru july  exciting conclusion  kick final brazil scored decisive equalising goals history football   argentina thought game won state penalties adriano s 93rd minute blast forced shoot out  earlier year intense disappointment brazil amazingly failed qualify olympic football tournament  gold medal title lack wait years missing qualification slots grabs south america s under 23 championships  held chile january  argentina paraguay made secure gold silver athens  tournaments terrific real highlights year south american football world cup qualification campaign  reason  time great players back home play competitive matches front fans  remember shiver spine awaiting kick off match brazil argentina start june  euro 2004 way  thought struck accumulation talent belo horizonte pitch outstanding action portugal  90 minutes brazil capital football world  ronaldo felt sense occasion   play bigger match brazil taking place stadium made decade earlier  unstoppable  suffering scoring penalties brazil s 3 1 win  ronaldo s performance individual highlight year  collective prize argentina match played months later  october buenos aires match coach jose pekerman  nerves settled early goal rivals uruguay blasted away  half time argentina uruguay hit back consolation goals  performance hosts lingers memory  argentina s goals magnificent team efforts involving fundamentals well played football  ball moved quickly field  plenty running ball provide options lots crisp  accurate passing  mixing long short find gaps defence  crowd responded fine style  creating kind atmosphere familiar remember 1978 world cup  these  then  highlights 2004  vital rounds world cup qualifiers scheduled year  south american football celebrate 2005  
class_football	argentine great caniggia retires  argentina international claudio caniggia retired playing football age 38   striker enjoyed glittering career  playing boca juniors  river plate  roma  benfica  dundee rangers others  suspended 13 months testing positive cocaine roma 1993   i work day  months activity  play football anymore   said   i offers  convinced me  38 thinking lot it  made decision   told argentine radio station del plata  decision live   now scotland  moving europe   added   i live glasgow children school there  honest  cold   caniggia played argentina team finished runners up 1990 world cup italy  member side usa 94 japan korea 2002  hero moving dundee 2000 won move rangers  won scottish cups  league cups spl title  joined al arabi qatar returned scotland  
class_football	taking highs lows  thought gave tremendous performance arsenal week   disallowed goal realise ruled out  interesting hear tv pundits disallowed dennis bergkamp moments before  surprised number people questioned referee level things out  major decision  defeated really  caution cesc fabregas tackle nick montgomery  me  straight red card  papers accusations danny cullip allegedly stamped fabregas  watch back  wrong all  past  rub green lower league club competitions   replay fear happen tuesday  thing learn arsenal s champions league defeat bayern munich worse loss plymouth  beaten 3 0 looked scoring  arsenal goal chance winning home leg   past  risk big stars tuesday us  knowing beat bayern 2 0 week later  debatable  unfortunately  squad big rotate  thin ground replay   missing players  goalkeeper paddy kenny carried plymouth  cullip suspended  however  cup diverting attention  chances win it   league priority  important match arsenal saturday beat championship s bottom club rotherham  reiterating players 14 games left league start winning play offs  lost row league now  time feel ourselves  
class_football	blatter suggests offside change  fifa president sepp blatter recommended radical change football s offside laws   blatter simplify current laws partially rely interpretation assistant referees   you make rule simpler player receives ball offside   passive offsides anymore   said   this means player ball ruled offside  purists scream  simpler rule   blatter favour video technology overall  admitted fifa possibility experimenting goal line technology decide ball crossed line not    one thing possible  acceptable solution  control goal line find ball out   blatter  69 year old keen remain president football s world governing body 2011   let s complete 2006 world cup  then  good health  feel continuing work fifa hampered term   the half term  between 1998 2002  count  national associations on  stand again   
class_football	molby gravesen real deal  jan molby convinced fellow dane thomas gravesen major success leaves everton real madrid   gravesen set join spanish giants clubs agreed £2m plus fee player  molby told bbc sport   it bit surprise  doubt talent thomas   it see  good job  strong man  exceptional ability   gravesen contract end season leave free transfer real expected pay £2 5m sign midfielder january  molby said   the strength majority players real forward  lot defensive qualities    thomas playing free role season everton  plays denmark lot defensive duties well   real thomas sit make defensively sound  superstars forward  trusted ball  venture forward good fancy work   gravesen strong personality major figure everton   reduced ranks big names assembled bernabeu  molby said   thomas likes leader  galactico  signing   it interesting time upset zinedine zidane  ronaldo raul tracking back   part is   he strong personality function 100   lifetime opportunity spoil petulant   he very  good season everton  felt good player  player shown everton   he played denmark european championships world cups showing form everton  everton progressed better   molby believes everton s hopes qualifying europe dealt devastating blow gravesen leaves   said   it massive  massive setback  people talk success tim cahill  lee carsley playing holding role  marcus bent s goals work defensive boys   catalyst thomas gravesen   for everton lose gravesen extra bit quality wins matches real blow  lot players that   molby gravesen s respect everton manager david moyes means stay  added   if doubts  likes david moyes enjoys living merseyside   i m chat  difficult turn real madrid   
class_football	dein concerned chelsea stance  arsenal vice chairman david dein voiced concern chelsea s stance ashley cole controversy   premier league examine  further information  newspaper claiming chelsea made alleged illegal approach defender  chelsea denied cole met boss jose mourinho discuss move  breach premier league rule k3   from evidence huge credibility gap   dein told news world  premier league statement read   we received information news world newspaper  study facts relevant deliberations   further discussions place premier league board clubs week   premier league launch investigation complaint  forthcoming arsenal   attempt defuse situation  england star cole told arsenal s website   i m contract years back playing football win league   mourinho called cole  negotiating extension deal highbury   best english defender  sign left back provide competition wayne bridge  portuguese coach gunners boss arsene wenger touch discuss situation  said   if arsene answers  call me  true buy left back position   wenger chelsea make categorical denial  confident cole stay arsenal   i 100  ashley extend contract part bunch players core heart team   said   before complain  evidence meeting happened assertive evidence newspaper invented   it happened  sure    meanwhile  everton boss david moyes told bbc radio live managers approach player s agent talking club   insisted talking player club s consent no go area   if mention player agent phone player minute   said   tapping stronger that  part football hard change  happen lot   a lot deals correctly find agent player interested  tapping  impossible stop   if case manager met player wrong  action taken   it manager manager chairman chairman modern football happens  player part football   i works   
class_football	ronaldinho denies blues interest  fifa world player year ronaldinho intention leaving barcelona join chelsea    i wanted play chelsea  happy carry am   said   i part history barcelona winning player  barcelona them   brazilian added   from day lovely surprises  barcelona  me  perfect   ronaldinho s words reassure barca brazilian previously interested moving england  quoted saying   what chelsea absolutely amazing  respect lot living london day    barca meet chelsea 16 champions league ronaldinho expecting tough time london outfit   i hope reach final champions league  strong competition   said   chelsea highest ranking teams   
class_football	prinz beats hamm fifa trophy  germany s birgit prinz named fifa women s player year year running   striker won vote 376 points  ahead american mia hamm  286  18 year old brazilian marta  281   prinz paid tribute hamm marta   i delighted nominees   said   mia role model women footballers  marta represents future   if u 19 world championship  talking about   prinz  starred germany won world cup 2003  expected lead country olympic gold athens year  prinz finishing tournament joint top scorer  germany settle bronze  began tournament olympic record 8 0 win china  prinz netting times  semi finals  germany upset hamm inspired usa extra time   usa gold expense brazil  hamm announcing retirement immediately games  prinz s performances germany  club side ffc frankfurt  led well publicised approach perugia president luciano gaucci  gaucci  made headlines signing son libyan leader colonel gaddafi  wanted make prinz female player play serie side  admitted offer  prinz turned down    the comparisons world class men s players flattering  fit reality   said  gaucci s reported description  very beautiful   great figure   prinz responded   i m suited glamour girl   issue women playing alongside men brought day fifa awards   division club mexico announced signing maribel dominguez   move blocked fifa  monday  prinz commented   i m favour mixed sex teams   we acknowledge differences  physical level  terms them  case  sports mixed teams   
class_football	cantona issues man utd job hint  manchester united star eric cantona returning club manager day   frenchman  made 191 united appearances  back felt creative   i return future   told mutv   if back involved football years things change   i manager else  playing system  create something   cantona follow footsteps johan cruyff  innovative coach led barcelona european cup glory 1992    i remember 1970s ajax cruyff manager barcelona   cantona added   it system   it music   rock star create new   38 year old stated american tycoon malcolm glazer s attempt club    i kind thing child   dreamer  kind people here   said   if manchester united  club earn money  love come   meanwhile  cantona centre storm obscenity mutv sunday  cantona appearing show supporters quiz guests broadcast 5 30pm  united apologised insisted receive single complaint cantona s comments  
class_football	man utd urged seal giggs deal  ryan giggs  agent told manchester united end deadlock surrounding welsh winger s contract   giggs signed 2006 31 year old two year deal bids end playing days trafford  however  united offered one year extension line policy contract negotiations players 30   i world   agent harry swales  added   we banging desks slamming doors  waiting gentlemen grey suits back touch us   ryan money leave manchester united   if way  stay rest career   we board united long continue  moment  ball court   newcastle bolton reportedly interested signing midfielder  main influences united s success decade  however  giggs insisted keen end career trafford  
class_football	rivals back anti racism campaign  manchester united arsenal players wear black white wristbands face tuesday part anti racism initiative   launching  stand up  speak up  scheme thierry henry  united s rio ferdinand football s ruling bodies tackle racist abuse   if offence committed  make stand players do   ferdinand said   it authorities forward   ferdinand added   it massive issue jumped addressed   it bit sad initiative player push issue forward   henry involved campaign comments directed year luis aragones   ferdinand claimed surprised lack action spain coach  saying   i england manager that  job now   
class_football	city tie weather hits games  oldham athletic s fa cup tie manchester city ahead severe weather conditons  hit games britain   fans wait noon match green light high winds caused structural damage stands boundary park  friday  burnley s tie liverpool called due waterlogged pitch  bad weather forced scottish cup matches postponed  gretna s tie dundee united  morton s match livingston airdrie united ross county called off  scotland  division matches albion rovers queen s park elgin peterhead postponed  
class_football	nike defends under fire football  nike defended premiership ball  blamed spate goalkeeping errors   england coach ray clemence arsenal legend bob wilson criticised nike total 90 aerow ball s flight path  corporate communications manager simon charlesworth told bbc sport   there s minor criticism slightly exaggerated   overall heard positive  ball accurate anything   arsenal pair jens lehmann manuel almunia  liverpool s jerzy dudek manchester united s roy carroll criticised recent errors  clemence  played england 61 times  believes ball partly blame   i feel ball major factor mistakes happening   told daily mail newspaper   but keeper making odd error and  course  highlighted   wilson  goal arsenal s double winning team 1970s  papa bouba diop s goal fulham manchester united midweek highlighted problem  said   we talking ability david beckham roberto carlos bend ball lads welly goal   the ball left  up  down  judge go    charlesworth ball   spanish top flight   accurate market  added   at beginning season ball presented manager players reach  majority happy it   the ball designed things mind   making faster  accurate visible   order bring excitement game   it s truer  make round possible  balls technology now   you weight side  seaming  bladder sat hit half ball crazy things air   the idea created perfectly circumference ball   it skilled players create things intended easier   this difficult people moved air   it s fault ball  player kicked ball  make move air truer ball that   it intending that  move remote control bumble bee something  kicked   
class_football	petit career ended knee injury  france midfielder emmanuel petit ended playing career failing recover knee surgery   34 year old ex arsenal chelsea star made decision christmas realising regain full fitness  told french newspaper l equipe   i knew straight over  twenty years life stop  small death   petit played released chelsea summer  key member france side won 1998 world cup  petit scored goal 3 0 victory brazil final  won french league title monaco 1997  premiership fa cup double arsenal 1998   arsene wenger invited back train gunners earlier season  stage considered giving contract   globally proud career   petit added   my regret put end career injury marco van basten glenn hoddle   wenger friday   i wise decision situation back level was   i manu   gave start 18 years   proud walk pitch shadow player was   somebody asked today bring player stature replied find players quality january   wenger  brought petit england club monaco 1997  added   he fantastic  feel home arsenal football club   we lucky arsenal petit peak career  tremendous player   
class_football	tapping up row hot air  big talking point week issue making illegal approaches  tapping up  player   usual  issue blown proportion  football deny problem rules apply recruiting players  read weekend straw poll questioned player club there  approach agent  party involved club   basis  rules stand  illegally  game days  afraid  tapped player   dream it  school thought rules apply football tolerated business world  business  change jobs  simply chat prospective employer  football allowed that  football strange anomalies  example  game disciplinary procedure evidence find trouble  sort thing happen court law   compared world  football restrictive practices  lot looked at  part it  adhere rules  things way  buying house  things properly play rules find gazumped  tapping situation bad people say  lot hot air  nature  people approached top players demand anyway  find approaches made bad players  championship building exciting climax  beating 2 0 week  ipswich gave signs good team are  place top reach  11 teams make play offs 15 games go   play offs exciting fans  great heart rates managers  involved play off finals government health warning  ideally  involved play offs  finish top two  now  decent run in  strengthen squad time league game round hope in   brings matter  fact game week international matches  concerned players injured clubs withdraw players others  players international games   happy  thorny issue internationals wages  players international duty  wages paid countries  sometimes  week more  clubs find wages  player denied period time  course  player injured international duty  clubs pay wages action recovering  associations country involved bear share responsibility  
class_football	premier league probes cole claims  premier league investigate allegations chelsea made illegal approach ashley cole   arsenal england defender cole reportedly met blues boss jose mourinho chief executive peter kenyon london hotel 10 days ago  chelsea officially confirm deny meeting  breach premier league rule k3  gunners asked inquiry claims player  tapped up   premier league  further information  allegations  received news world saturday  clubs pledged co operate inquiry   statement chelsea read   chelsea confirm discussions premier league days co operating fully inquiry announced today   it inappropiate make comment inquiry completed   premier league s statement confirmed arsenal asked matter investigated  read   the board finally establish clear position arsenal grateful chairman peter hill wood s confirmation club premier league investigate matter co operate fully inquiry   the board pleased chelsea similar undertaking   gunners vice chairman david dein voiced concern chelsea s stance issue  told news world   from evidence huge credibility gap    chelsea found guilty illegal approach  deducted points   arsenal boss arsene wenger opposed this  aston villa recently reprimand premier league southampton complained approach james beattie earlier season  chelsea boss jose mourinho  speaking side s draw manchester city sunday  insisted worried inquiry outcome   to me  effect zero   said   i it  worried it  life same  enjoy work life   meanwhile  everton boss david moyes told bbc radio live stopping clubs approaching players agents difficult   it s part football hard change  happen lot   told bbc radio live s sportsweek programme   it manager manager chairman chairman modern football happens   there player part football  works   
class_football	eriksson warned cole comments  premier league bosses told england manager sven goran eriksson  tapping up  row   eriksson defended players  rights talk clubs allegations arsenal s ashley cole secret meeting chelsea  premier league spokesman rules clear subject  said   a professional footballer contract speak club permission current employer   spokesman added   the premier league rules clear that  ongoing inquiry matter proven rules broken guilty parties liable punished    premier league set investigate chelsea held secret meeting arsenal defender month  eriksson earlier unconcerned reports chelsea made illegal approach prove true  said   as professional footballer listen work available   we live dictatorship  democracy  professions problem    added   loyalty important contracts end life football   england boss graham taylor believes eriksson embroiled club issues  taylor told bbc radio live   i found england manager  unwise involved club matters club managers kindly sven s comments   eriksson embroiled controversy similar circumstances caught secretly meeting chelsea chief executive peter kenyon march 2004   agreed contract extension improved terms football association insisted wrong  time argued   i human rights listen clubs  convince right  listening else   i talked money contract club  talked possibilities left fa   i that  allowed  england manager  common sense normal work ethic   if people disloyal  that  job sitting there  year year  waiting sacked   
class_football	ronaldinho chelsea  barcelona star ronaldinho hinted open move chelsea future   brazilian claimed rejected offer blues agreeing contract spain summer  ronaldinho told news world   any great player part sensational team   what amazing  place great things happen  respect lot london day   24 year old helped transform barcelona joining french side paris st germain £21m 2003   insists happy spain moment  impressed things developed stamford bridge   my brother  agent  roberto assis   spoken chelsea times   said   i chance move barcelona time  offered money  interested    but chelsea great infrastructure   i happy barcelona rule playing country future  love play england prove technical players succeed there   
class_football	pennant guilty wasting talent  jermaine pennant fulfilled enormous potential convinced arsenal pay notts county £2m 16 year old january 1999  fall grace registered blip football s richter scale   nottingham born winger repeatedly failed grasp opportunities presented gunners  inevitable club release contract expires summer  pennant effectively blew chances making highbury upsetting club s unflappable manager arsene wenger  finally lost patience player s poor timekeeping  now  caught drink driving time 12 months  pennant longer worry makes training schedule   aged 22  doubt pennant time resurrect career freed summer  compare fate west bromwich albion striker lee hughes  34 time served six year sentence causing death dangerous driving  pennant find back birmingham city  club handed lifeline clear arsenal career over  blues manager steve bruce apparently pennant month st andrews issue empassioned plea leniency ahead sentencing  claiming finally turned corner   we ve flat here  distractions london  part day    put straight narrow   bruce ahead tuesday s court hearing    he s wrong stupid things younger admits now   you describe stupid long learns it  benefit sending prison   judge apparently disagreed  birmingham chairman david gold month keen sign pennant 22 year old custodial sentence  pennant ends up  talk potential steer clear trouble pitch  pennant insisted past attitude problem  player who  failing turn training time  been     caught driving influence alcohol twice    home england breaking team curfew euro under 21 qualifier turkey april 2003    u 21 friendly croatia august year punching opponent  claimed racially abused  pennant s supporters claim fame money early age blame lapses judgment  sentencing  lawyer barry warburton told court pennant trouble difficult childhood nottingham  growing  one worst estates  city   intermittent  schooling arrived arsenal  had reading writing skills    they fact educated him   mr warburton  claimed imprisonment  could completely destroy career   childhood aside  pennant treading fine line time  publicly stated numerous occasions grateful wenger arsenal faith him  continues spurn chances him  looked good pennant scored 10 minute hat trick southampton full league debut arsenal 2003  wayward behaviour coupled inability displace robert pires gunners team talent quickly disappearing footballing horizon  vanishes completely him  professional footballers  association chief executive gordon taylor puts it  pennant  crossroads career    i hope strength it   taylor  
class_football	mourinho race  chelsea manager jose mourinho high flying team virtually assured winning premiership title   mourinho s side lost premiership  boast 10 point lead arsenal point clear manchester united   there ground teams chasing make up   mourinho told chelsea tv   if 10 12 13 points over   mourinho continued   could imagine players coach 10 clear stage   of 10 points 10 points  five    but day lose game points gap 10 eight  ready accept natural going  controlling distance   mourinho chelsea manager summer guiding porto champions league glory portuguese league title  chelsea conceded goals 23 premiership games season won games league  gap cheslea rivals arsenal manchester united means blues drop 10 points remaining 15 games caught  
class_football	faye plans stay portsmouth  portsmouth midfielder amdy faye keen stay fratton park club premiership   senegalese international linked moves middlesbrough  aston villa bolton hinting desire play european football  faye told portsmouth evening news   every week club linked   staying here   i m tired hearing talk clear mind staying portsmouth   faye stay fellow midfielder nigel quashie completed move re join pompey boss harry redknapp rivals southampton monday   redknapp continue plunder portsmouth s midfield  claims fratton park chairman milan mandaric top flight clubs interested patrik berger  mandaric refused clubs  southampton thought involved  
class_football	cech sets clean sheet benchmark  chelsea s petr cech set premiership goalkeeping benchmark aid penalty save blackburn   cech s save paul dickov s spot kick chelsea s 1 0 win means 22 year old 781 minutes conceding premiershp goal  surpasses previous mark 694 minutes  set manchester united s peter schmeichel 1997  czech republic international said   the team fantastic wanted bit win   cech joined chelsea summer £7m french club rennes  arriving stamford bridge  thought understudy established carlo cudicini   chelsea boss jose mourinho confidence czech international starting goalkeeper cech began intended continue clean sheet blues  opening day win manchester united  cech clean sheet 19 chelsea s 25 premiership games  bolton arsenal managed put goal past match  player score past cech premiership arsenal s thierry henry 2 2 draw 12 december  
class_football	blackburn 0 1 chelsea  chelsea extended lead top premiership 11 points slender victory blackburn   arjen robben grabbed winner minutes  drilling body brad friedel 20 yards  blackburn chance equalise spot paulo ferreira tripped robbie savage petr cech saved brilliantly paul dickov  game cech break peter schmeichel s record longest run conceding premiership goal  22 year old survive minutes hold record outright time whistle extended 781 minutes  lively start runaway leaders  robben damien duff immediately testing home defence blistering pace flanks  dutch destroyer robben made early breakthrough  latching eidur gudjohnsen header turn ryan nelson inside fire body friedel 20 yards  blackburn frustration conceding robben  aaron mokoena s clumsy tackle forcing 10 minutes  goalscorer cutting dejected figure trudged pitch tunnel   joe cole place blues foot gas  duff hitting rocket forced friedel scamper line clutch ball gratefully chest  blackburn eventually awoke slumber mokoena drilling andy todd heading wide savage close minute  blistering strike whistled wide cech beaten  hour mark hosts perfect opportunity level  referee uriah rennie pointing spot ferreira adjudged clipped savage s legs box  cech equal dickov s low spot kick  sprawling giant left hand extend record process  dickov caught controversy chelsea defenders unhappy leaving foot cech   penalty   dominic matteo booked reckless lunge cole blackburn threatened lose discipline  chelsea looked comfortable break  settling soaking blackburn pressure hitting hosts counter attack  cole frank lampard efforts fly wide chelsea sought extend slender advantage  truth rock solid defence looked breached  dickov continued pester probe search resembling opening  blackburn simply task penetrating defence shipped goals 25 league games  quiet game gudjohnsen sprang life clock ticked down  lifting shot friedel wide volleying past post  dickov hit low effort forced cech comfortably gather chelsea held record eighth premiership win row   friedel  neill  todd  nelsen  matteo  emerton  thompson  reid 81   mokoena  savage  pedersen  dickov   subs used  amoruso  tugay  enckelman  johnson   matteo  dickov   cech  paulo ferreira  gallas  terry  bridge  tiago  makelele  lampard  duff  gudjohnsen  kezman 82   robben  cole 11   cole  jarosik 79    subs used  johnson  cudicini   terry  kezman   robben 5   23 414   rennie  s yorkshire   
class_football	man city 1 1 newcastle  alan shearer hit 250th premiership goal newcastle earn battling draw manchester city   shearer put newcastle ahead raced raking crossfield ball titus bramble smashed ball roof net  city inept early levelled break bramble fouled shaun wright phillips box robbie fowler scored spot  home side controlled closing stages settle point  city handed debut loan signing kiki musampa left hand midfield  bramble recalled newcastle defence jean alain boumsong failed late fitness test  side created front goal magpies lead minutes gone  bramble s long ball caught ben thatcher  shearer ran clear smash ball past david james roof net  shearer involved shola ameobi close making 2 0 curling effort edge box flew over  magpies top city manage effort goal jon macken looping near post header high wide target thatcher s cross 28 minutes   kevin keegan s men struggling forward gifted bizarre equaliser break shay completely mis kicked jermaine jenas back pass managed recover clear  city desperately needed start half bang   break needed minutes  macken s clever flick released wright phillips bramble haul box  referee andy d urso hesitation pointing spot fowler stepped stroke ball confidently home  gave city boost craved pressed forward goal  tide turned newcastle s earlier dominance graeme souness responded bringing nicky butt kieron dyer increase side s resilience  city enjoying lion s share possession magpies threatening   bramble close snapshot inside area  end torrential rain made conditions treacherous sides struggling hold ball  time celestine babayaro break box mis controlled newcastle s final chance snatching victory gone     manchester city manager kevin keegan   at half time told players needed tempo  needed crowd show wanted win game   we started half end side win   we lost game year found it     newcastle manager graeme souness hopes persuade alan shearer retire summer   he great hope   put way  easier decision scores week 14 jackie milburn s club record  of 186    he scored 250 premiership goals career suffered injuries  talking region 300   man city  james  mills  dunne  distin  thatcher  shaun wright phillips  barton  bosvelt  musampa  fowler  macken  bradley wright phillips 84   subs used  weaver  onuoha  mcmanaman  jordan  booked  distin  bosvelt  goals  fowler 49 pen  newcastle  given  carr  andrew o brien  bramble  babayaro  bowyer  dyer  butt 63   jenas  faye  shearer  ameobi  kluivert 65   subs used  harper  hughes  robert  booked  jenas  bowyer  andrew o brien  goals  shearer 9  att  45 752 ref  d urso  essex   
class_football	tanzania fifa backing  fifa give financial support tanzania order revive football country years mismanagement   meeting officials tanzania football federation  tff  president fifa  sepp blatter week switzerland  tff president leodegar tenga wednesday fifa promised donation office equipment worth us 10 000 us 17 705 cash  tenga money settle part debt owed caf  african football s governing body threatened disqualify taifa stars competitions  tanzania failed pay fines imposed withdrawal african cup nations qualifier sudan 2003  tenga fifa offered organize courses tanzanian referees support development programmes  full time chief executive officer  ceo  employed order draw development programme funded fifa   we employ ceo future implement short long term development programmes   tenga said   fifa promised programmes geared revive football tanzania   tenga led tff leadership office year ending long reign muhidin ndolanga  
class_football	charlton 1 2 liverpool  fernando morientes grabbed premiership goal liverpool earned points charlton vintage second half display   inspired anfield ace danny murphy  hosts deserved first half lead  murphy swinging corner shaun bartlett head home  liverpool  struck bar twice  hit back spaniard morientes rifled 20 yards out  john arne riise slotted winner neat pass luis garcia  teams started virtually identical league records separate pitch early on  liverpool unlucky score garcia shot spilled dean kiely path steven gerrard  shot bounced back crossbar  hosts front  murphy s 20th minute corner headed home powerfully bartlett   gerrard forced sharp save kiely shortly liverpool looked redress balance  visiting captain set equaliser cut clever cross back morientes  shot saved yards out  visitors continued press forward restart  riise inches breakthrough latched superb ball garcia hit rasping drive  kiely tipped charlton bar  morientes finally found back net buried left foot shot top corner charlton failed clear  djimi traore time challenge deny murphy instant reply  liverpool ascendancy now  morientes causing plenty problems  spaniard close himself  releasing riise  cooly finished trademark low drive  morientes departed great ovation visiting fans  charlton s biggest home attendance 10 years tasted disappointment     liverpool boss rafael benitez   we played good game high tempo lots confidence   we mentality players  team spirit quality have   i clear chances half conceded goal  half controlled game     charlton boss alan curbishley   in half half totally dominated looked strong side   we played saturday they  191 ve week s rest it   i m disappointed held draw great bonus us   charlton  kiely  young  fortune  el karkouri  hreidarsson  thomas  kishishev 59   murphy  holland  jeffers 77   hughes  euell 66   konchesky  bartlett  subs used  andersen  johansson  goals  bartlett 20  liverpool  dudek  finnan  carragher  hyypia  traore  luis garcia  potter 90   biscan  gerrard  riise  warnock 90   baros  morientes  smicer 88   subs used  pellegrino  carson  goals  morientes 61  riise 79  att  27 102  ref  barry  n lincolnshire   
class_football	mourinho sends warning shot  chelsea boss jose mourinho believes team s carling cup win manchester united shown strength win premiership    it important us  final  played   said   the mentality strength showed message sent   it difficult  win 11 matches champions left message strong   chelsea gave manager win 42nd birthday mourinho prepared loss trafford  blues four pronged trophy assault leading premiership title race fa cup champions league    we win four  lose four  normal win something  win very  difficult possible   there long give premiership happy   this final though  won competition face great team liverpool    i ready lose game leave trafford smile pass message confidence   but team lose confidence mentality defeat here   
class_football	o driscoll concern fifa ruling  bournemouth boss sean o driscoll concerned impact transfer window system make  applied football league clubs season   league recently informed fifa 72 clubs longer receive dispensation trade players world governing body s transfer windows end current campaign  matter discussed meeting clubs 10 march   league working party set implications fifa s decision set report back  clubs decide step take  league communications executive ian christon confirmed  applied football league  o driscoll feels fifa imposed system harm chances young players premiership clubs gain experience lower leagues   injuries struck  o driscoll short term loan market bolster small squad   move  window  ruling applies premiership  prevents transfer players season   month january   i benefits football industry england   cherries boss told bbc sport   we john spicer arsenal season   last saturday s opponents  oldham few  including neil kilkenny birmingham   kilkenny good player play premiership  players go  finance buy them  stuck reserves   i watch awful lot reserve team games  players long  motivate motions   it extremely difficult pick them   if there  cope football league     benefit big clubs  benefit small clubs    we ve line rest europe  major problems live knife edge   however  o driscoll accepts loan market blocked  clubs bournemouth youth ranks injuries begin bite   the youth systems play important part  younger boys part first team squad   explained   we ve 17 year olds squad who ve youth system  james coutts james rowe  year   train team   next year  needed  throw   finance bring loan player  allowed   i mad scramble  end transfer window  strengthen squads   
class_football	morientes admits reds struggle  liverpool striker fernando morientes admited struggling adapt life premiership   spain interational played club  losing times  £6 3m move real madrid   i finding hard adapt now   28 year old told marca newspaper   it s surprising things to   i starting things  wife house school kids   morientes admitted difficulty english language  worries me  spanish manager rafael benitez helped cause   i understand relief   said   concerns  relishing move  certain magic  anfield  calmer bernabeu  arrival  liverpool lost 1 0 manchester united 2 0 southampton league  watched bench burnley knocked fa cup  expects manager players turn things around   the team lot injuries handicap results confident long way   said   when sign coach benitez work long term view happening   we historic club table problem  confidence incredible   
class_football	chelsea 3 0 portsmouth  didier drogba scored leaders chelsea extended premiership winning sequence games   petr cech saved matthew taylor chelsea control drogba opening scoring short range neat cutback arjen robben  frank lampard s superb pass put robben yakubu missed great chance pompey  drogba scored free kick substitute mateja kezman inches fourth  chelsea dropped point premiership drawing 2 2 arsenal 12 december moving inexorably premiership title  arsenal action sunday  chelsea lead manchester united  moved beating aston villa  11 points  portsmouth poor run form  wins 11 premiership games velimir zajec  pompey game suspended amdy faye lomana lualua injured duo steve stone andy griffin  visitors started well  dominating possession opening minutes esteemed opponents uncharacteristically sluggish  patrik berger struck chelsea wall free kick taylor forced cech action drilled shot tight angle  chelsea started assert contest crisp  incisive passing pompey struggled contain  robben broke amazingly stay feet cut inside past gary o neil drilling precise low cross drogba tap home  superb robben  21 sunday  scored chelsea s 21st minute   drogba laid ball frank lampard  wonderfully weighted pass caught pompey defence static  robben lot lose balance rounding jamie ashdown feet convert tight angle  damien duff close half hour mark ashdown saved low down  yakubu great chance bring pompey back match shot wide clean frank lampard s poor pass sold terry short  failure put opportunity clinically punished drogba  struck free kick wall past ashdown david unsworth hacked robben ground  o neil forced cech action free kick break keeper equal test  drogba joe cole scuffed opportunities extend lead teasing cross duff  drogba challenge dejan stefanovic appeals penalty waved referee mike riley  mourinho introduced eidur gudjohnsen  tiago mateja kezman   coming inches scoring drilling ball ashdown s goal  lampard made close full time ashdown   attempt   saved lampard s dipping strike   cech  paulo ferreira  gallas  terry  bridge  lampard  makelele  cole  robben  kezman 75   drogba  gudjohnsen 65   duff  tiago 67    subs used  cudicini  jarosik   drogba 15  robben 21  drogba 39   ashdown  cisse  primus  stefanovic  unsworth  mezague 54   kamara  o neil  hughes  taylor  berger  yakubu  fuller 65    subs used  hislop  de zeeuw  curtis   42 267  riley  w yorkshire   
class_football	worthington praises classy villa  norwich boss nigel worthington side s defeat aston villa emphasised gap quality premiership championship    i thought villa performance today good  quality   said   the jump division level hefty leap  learning time   villa s goal summed up  attack  robert green s picking end   worthington happy performance england under 21 striker dean ashton premiership debut £3m move crewe   it difficult thought exceptionally well   said   he hold ball shots in  shy on  big plus  premiership game find big step   we ve give time patient know  knows  quality footballer there   once attuned premiership watch   
class_football	plymouth 3 0 sheff utd  plymouth claimed win year goals graham coughlan  paul wotton dexter blackstock   however  sheffield united s helped forced replace injured keeper paddy kenny midfielder phil jagielka 28 minutes  stage visitors down  coughlan converting tony capaldi s cross fierce volley  wotton beat jagielka 25 yards break blackstock headed home peter gilbert s cross     plymouth manager bobby williamson said   we luck tonight keeper injured unfortunate them   but early goal lifted everybody   i m delighted bounced back saturday heavy defeat west ham sequence win over     sheffield united boss neil warnock said   we expected tough match pretty   plymouth fighting lives  knew lose goalkeeper blow team   we hung till half time plymouth scored early half   plymouth  mccormick  connolly  coughlan  aljofree  gilbert  norris  wotton  buzsaky  capaldi  chadwick  evans  blackstock 82   subs used  lasley  gudjonsson  adams  taylor  booked  wotton  goals  coughlan 3  wotton 47  blackstock 88  sheff utd  kenny  thirlwell 28   geary  bromby  jagielka  harley  liddell  tonge  quinn 59   montgomery  cullip  shaw  forte 59   gray  subs used  francis  johnson  booked  tonge  quinn  att  13 953  ref  tanner  s gloucestershire   
class_football	uganda fa suspended  move incur wrath fifa  ugandan sports minister geraldine namirembe bitamazire suspended country s fa effect wednesday   bitamazire ordered denis obua led executive committee hand  movable immovable property federation weeks   uganda fa due hold elections week government called poll  minister instructed national council sports  ncs  interim body government conducts investigation affairs uganda fa  general secretary ncs ordered freeze accounts fa inform banks leadership association lost mandate operate accounts  man centre storm remains defiant  told bbc sport government s move interest uganda football   we re answerable fifa   obua  chairman east central africa s regional body  cecafa  added   the world federation government   government  banning football uganda obua   statement sports minister s office  the fa operating manner inconsistent law   accused uganda fa mortgaging headquarters constructed funds donated fifa goal project  uganda fa beset financial problems time now  recently furniture attached court bailiffs failure pay outstanding debts  
class_football	man utd women s team axed  manchester united scrap women s team current season ends  months north west hosts women s euro 2005   season  club s commitment women s football stretch coaching age 16   our aim served concentrating youngsters   club director communications philip townsend   our resources deployed level school age children adults   football association vice chairman ray kiddell  heads fa women s football committee  greeted news dismay   it disappointing   said   the progress women s football helped professional clubs taking women s teams umbrella   it blow game great club manchester united longer this   
class_football	sa supports fifa control  south african president thabo mbeki thursday composition 2010 world cup local organising committee  loc   be left fifa    show support event  mbeki south african government ministers made inclusion loc  speculation rift fifa south african football association  safa  serve committee  mbeki speaking media fifa president sepp blatter accepted prestigious national award   order companions o r  tambo  named anc president oliver tambo   the award fifa exceptional contribution development football africa contribution bringing south africa s democracy   president mbeki  recipients award include united nations secretary general kofi annan  leading u s  civil rights leader martin luther king kwame nkrumah  prime minister ghana  earlier  blatter made clear world cup belonged fifa safa  expressed preferences people positions football south africa  response  safa president molefi oliphant confirmed danny jordaan appointed chief executive 2010 world cup loc  speaking press briefing  oliphant said   i put mr blatter s suggestion safa executive discussion matter accepted   acceptance blatter s suggestions means oliphant stand re election safa president stepping year would  blatter delighted decision   these men helped bring world cup south africa   it important continuity   fifa boss said  jordaan   chief executive safa   remained tight lipped matter   my opinion irrelevant   said   you heard fifa president  heard safa president heard chairman loc   
class_football	bayern munich 3 1 arsenal  arsenal s champions league hopes hang thread nightmare performance bayern munich   claudio pizarro advantage kolo toure s mistake volley bayern ahead minutes  pizarro profited poor defending toure head mehmet scholl s free kick past goalkeeper jens lehmann 12 minutes half time  hasan salihamidzic volleyed 64 minutes  toure pulled vital goal back minutes left  salvaged dreadful display arsene wenger s side  fact failed create chance final minutes underlines size task face leg highbury  gunners forced restrict ashley cole place bench failed recover virus   problems worsened inside minutes  oliver kahn s long clearance met poor headed clearance toure  pizarro met time volley 12 yards give jens lehmann chance  arsenal failed make attacking impact  lost key figure 10 minutes interval  limped hamstring injury replaced mathieu flamini  moment threat minutes interval  gael clichy s shot deflected narrowly wide kahn beaten   lehmann  jeered bayern crowd bad relationship germany s number goalkeeper arch rival kahn  arsenal s rescue 51 minutes  ze roberto s cross met full roy makaay  lehmann reacted brilliantly turn effort top  escape 57 minutes bayern doubled lead  nightmare moment toure  pizarro lost toure scholl s free kick headed powerfully past lehmann  chance  bayern sight minutes arsenal s champions league hopes looked extinguished  lehmann palm martin demichelis  cross  salihamidzic finished flourish side footed volley post  arsenal grabbed slender lifeline toure bundled home close range patrick vieira hit post   kahn  sagnol  kovac  lucio  lizarazu  demichelis  salihamidzic  hargreaves 74   frings  ze roberto  scholl 57   makaay  pizarro  guerrero 68   subs used  rensing  jeremies  linke  schweinsteiger   demichelis  kovac   pizarro 3  58  salihamidzic 65   lehmann  lauren  toure  cygan  clichy  cole 83   ljungberg  van persie 76   vieira   flamini 36   pires  reyes  henry  subs used  almunia  fabregas  senderos  larsson   vieira  lauren   toure 88   59 000   kim milton nielsen  denmark   
class_football	arsenal 1 1 sheff utd  andy gray s 90th minute penalty earned sheffield united deserved fa cup replay 10 man arsenal   robert pires  close range finish looked gunners quarter finals  referee neale barry pointed spot philippe senderos  handball gray keeper wrong way  incident packed game  arsenal captain dennis bergkamp controversially half shove danny cullip  cullip subsequently headed goal disallowed united advantage makeshift arsenal team  gunners boss arsene wenger  sol campbell  ashley cole edu  opted rest patrick vieira thierry henry  looked promising forward  defence looked comfortable  set pieces   suffered early scare gray free header keeper manuel almunia palmed attempt opportunity  blades boss neil warnock earmarked bergkamp arsenal s key man phil jagielka charged keeping close eye dutchman  veteran striker nonetheless controlling arsenal s attacking play departure  closest giving arsenal first half lead curling shot brush top net  however  influence brought abrupt end 35 minutes incident began late challenge cesc fabregas  melee ensued referee barry picked bergkamp  push cullip  punishment  leaving wenger incredulous  controversy continued frantic end half   cullip thought put side ahead flicked home leigh bromby s long throw in   referee foul  half ended sour note fabregas left nick montgomery motionless shocking late tackle  fabregas lucky escape booking  montgomery luckier challenge  half began relative calm burst life reyes denied penalty   seconds booked ugly challenge jon harley  arsenal looked avoided replay pires tapped 12 minutes end united keeper paddy kenny parried fabregas  shot  senderos handled cullip s hooked shot giving gray chance equalise   aplomb  replay bramall lane tuesday 1 march     arsenal boss arsene wenger   the boys responded  to bergkamp s sending off    the half good chances score goal  end caught   but performance good  young lads proud     sheffield united manager neil warnock   it fantastic result personally club   it place result  looked bit cruel   i deserved lose  scored wrote lot character team   arsenal  almunia  eboue  toure  senderos  clichy  ljungberg  fabregas  flamini  reyes  cygan 86   bergkamp  van persie  pires 65   subs used  taylor  larsson  owusu abeyie  off  bergkamp  35   booked  fabregas  reyes  goals  pires 78  sheff utd  kenny  harley  montgomery  forte 82   thirlwell  shaw 45   jagielka  liddell  francis 82   bromby  tonge  cullip  geary  gray  subs used  cadamarteri  quinn  booked  liddell  thirlwell  cullip  goals  gray 90 pen  att  36 891 ref  barry  n lincolnshire   
class_football	crusaders 2 3 ballymena united  ballymena united back goal daily mirror irish premier league points seaview late fightback crusaders   darren stirling gave crues lead matthew nolan oran kearney put visitors front  nolan stretched side s lead goal early half  however  crusaders gave chris morrow fired goal late retrieve situation  dull opening period  game alive 25th minute stirling put crues front fired home shot morrow cross  ballymena stormed back goals break  28th minute energetic rory hamill floated free kick nolan  on loan striker nodded past neil armstrong  hamill instigator minutes threaded pass kearney latch plant unstoppable shot net  ballymena increased lead minutes restart nolan pounced stevie livingstone deflection grab goal  crusaders made ballymena nervous final minutes morrow darted score  
class_football	van nistelrooy hungry return  manchester united striker ruud van nistelrooy  hungry play  returned training tuesday   dutch striker  28  closing comeback months achilles injury   i wait back training meet team mates again   told daily mirror newspaper   i m ahead schedule made good progress physio holland  united long time  fit again   united boss sir alex ferguson hinted return van nistelrooy fa cup round tie everton saturday  said   there chance involved everton training   united lose 14 games van nistelrooy involved injury   form remained good sidelined  2 0 derby win manchester city sunday made 13 wins 15 league games   however  van nistelrooy club s top scorer season 12 goals  3 0 win west brom 27 november  united hit injuries alan smith louis saha van nistelrooy s absence  meaning wayne rooney play lone role front  teenager responded goals games  including goal city sunday  
class_football	keane defiant vieira bust up  manchester united captain roy keane insisted regret tunnel bust up arsenal s patrick vieira   again   keane clashed midfield rival vieira united s 4 2 win fiery match highbury 1 february  irishman stepped protect united defender gary neville  rowed vieira match   i d vieira s behaviour tomorrow to   keane  keane admitted neville fault incident  added ill feeling already tense atmosphere   it takes tango  gary deserves chased tunnel   queue him  probably   added   but draw line eventually   keane trouble vieira neville mere name calling   i m tunnel problem shorts fourth time vieira gary neville again   said   i physically now  verbally   
class_football	tartan army safety pledge  scotland fans watch world cup qualifier italy safe section san siro   well behaved celtic supporters   scots sit home fans avoid shower missiles greeted welsh supporters years ago  sfa security boss willie mcdougall good conduct celtic fans earlier season contributing factor   that night  record tartan army  meant  italy chiefs  accommodate   said   our fans tiers beneath italians  caused trouble wales match   we 10 000 tickets extend 13 000  section stadium goals   mcdougall told daily record   we meeting friday local police national police members italian fa   and impressed celtic fans  behaviour champions league game ac milan   
class_football	morocco 5 1 kenya  morocco thrashed kenya 5 1 2006 world cup qualifier wednesday rabat   victory sees atlas lions move top group points matches far  jaouad zairi hero morocco scored hat trick goal coming 12 minutes  doubled lead minutes half time  mounir diane made 3 0 goal minute half  youssouf hadji put result doubt found target minutes final whistle  zairi completed hat trick goal minute match  harambee stars captain musa otieno grabbed consolation goal kenya deep injury time  
class_rugby	hodgson shoulders england blame  fly half charlie hodgson admitted wayward kicking played big part england s 18 17 defeat france   hodgson failed convert penalties missed easy drop goal attempt england late win   i m disappointed result myself   hodgson said   it hard back stronger  training s good happen   hodgson revealed olly barkley penalties  out range  centre convert opportunities either  drop goal late on   it good strike   added   i felt hit boot missed  disappointing  recover   andy robinson  keep working kicking  squad  however  england coach added positives defeat    we play played good rugby france done   said   they won game kicking penalties 10m line   it s frustrating  lads showed lot ambition half  sustain build it   we ball contact  lottery referee give penalty side side   we lost game won  fine line winning losing  week wrong side line hurts    england half time 17 6 lead failed score half dimitri yachvili slotted penalties france overhauled deficit  england skipper jason robinson admitted side failed cope france s improved second half display    we controlled game half knew half time   said   we made lot mistakes half punished us  chances came   it s disappointing  week lost points  point   
class_rugby	vickery nations  england tight head prop phil vickery ruled rest 2005 rbs nations breaking bone forearm   vickery injured club side  gloucester  beat bath 17 16 west country derby saturday  joined sidelines bath centre olly barkley  sat derby due leg injury  barkley scan sunday miss england s trip nations leaders ireland weekend  news latest blow coach andy robinson  side lose opening matches 2005 nations  robinson world cup winners jonny wilkinson  greenwood  mike tindall  richard hill trevor woodman injury  vickery broken radius  large bone forearm  returned england side weekend long term back injury  fractured eye socket  gloucester prop recalled leicester tight head julian white suffered neck injury ruled ireland game   bath prop matt stevens remaining tight head england s training squad involved ireland  play fiddle club level duncan bell  excelled england france called squad  extent barkley s injury clear bath boss john connolly rates  50 50  face ireland  barkley played inside cente england s defeat france unable play  england s constantly changing midfield altered   robinson choose recall mathew tait henry paul  tait endured nightmare newcastle leicester saturday paul limped ankle injury bath  in form leicester centre ollie smith outstanding candidate  newcastle boosted chances  fly half andy goode strong contender match day 22 immaculate kicking display saturday  england  fourth nations table points  play ireland  top table  dublin 27 february  kick off 1500 gmt  
class_rugby	yachvili savours france comeback  france scrum half dimitri yachvili praised team fought back beat england 18 17 nations clash twickenham   yachvili kicked france s points staged second half revival   we play week scotland play half england   said   but proud beat england twickenham  defending half put pressure  well   yachvili admitted erratic kicking england s charlie hodgson olly barkley  missed penalties drop goal chance them  decisive   i kicking  miss hard mentally  us   said  france captain fabien pelous insisted side doubted secure win england twickenham 1997  france 17 6 half time  pelous said   no one half time  confident   we 11 points us  much   the plan hold possession pressure england losing composure   france coach bernard laporte accepted side played well   we play defend title   said   i m happy score happy won   
class_rugby	laporte tinkers team  france coach bernard laporte made starting line up beat england saturday s nations clash wales   opted yannick nyanga back row grand slam winner imanol harinordoquy  back squad  julien laharrague win cap full back  aurelien rougerie return injury wing yannick jauzion centre  laporte resisted fan pressure start frederic michalak fly half  dependable yann delaigue number 10 jersey  clamours flair michalak  26 year old laharrague chance playing wing club brive    we launching great international level   team manager jo maso   he young great opportunity him   there 25 matches left world cup players possible  competition high open   jauzion  france s player year 2004  played matches south african born liebeneberg fit  stade toulousain star wins 23rd cap reunited damien traille  forged effective midfield 2004   the return jauzion us   laporte   we test international level    julien laharrague  brive   aurelien rougerie  clermont   yannick jauzion  stade toulousain   damien traille  biarritz   christophe dominici  stade francais   yann delaigue  castres   dimitri yachvili  biarritz   julien bonnaire  bourgoin   yannick nyanga  beziers   serge betsen  biarritz   jerome thion  biarritz   fabien pelous  stade toulousain  capt   nicolas mas  perpignan   sebastien bruno  sale   sylvain marconnet  stade francais   replacements  william servat  stade toulousain   olivier milloud  bourgoin   gregory lamboley  stade toulousain   imanol harinordoquy  biarritz   pierre mignoni  clermont   frederic michalak  stade toulousain   jean philippe grandclaude  perpignan  
class_rugby	lewsey puzzle disallowed  england s josh lewsey claimed denied late side s nations loss ireland   wasps wing insisted grounded ball bundled line referee jonathan kaplan made wrong decision   i m positive touched ball line   lewsey told bbc sport   it turnover   i driven put ball ground  whistle ball   lewsey added   one irish players scooped back whistle surprise referee gave turnover   as concerned  incident mark cueto s effort charlie hodgson s cross field kick led looked good key elements game    cueto puzzled disallowed kaplan   i offside for  doubt  ball   sale player   the move planned technique  cuff  rehearse time time again   i robbed  decisions you  today tough international level   
class_rugby	fuming robinson blasts officials  england coach andy robinson insisted  livid  side denied sunday s 19 13 nations loss ireland dublin   mark cueto s first half effort ruled offside referee spurned tv replays england crashed dying minutes    i m  absolutely spitting  livid  cost   robinson told bbc sport   we ve back technology  didn t   south african referee jonathan kaplan ruled cueto ahead charlie hodgson fly half hoisted cross field kick sale wing gather   kaplan declined chance consult fourth official josh lewsey ball irish line pile bodies game winning try   i mark cueto scored perfectly legal video referee josh lewsey   robinson   it technology  there  used   i work cueto try  looked both  looked tries   we disappointed  hurt  doubt that   we upset now  referee charge called cope that    we win game  proud players and  couple decisions  famous victory   i thought dominated  matt stevens awesome game tighthead prop  likes charlie hodgson  martin corry lewis moody well   josh lewsey awesome  forwards stood there  pressure under  credit players   we win game rugby  ireland good side  defended magnificently chance winning nations   england lost matches year s nations games robinson sir clive woodward september  
class_rugby	o gara revels ireland victory  ireland fly half ronan o gara hailed side s 19 13 victory england  special  win   munster number 10 kicked total 14 points  including drop goals  alive grand slam hopes  told bbc sport   we made hard work special beat england   i chances win game didn t  work victory england lightly   ireland hooker shane byrne echoed o gara s comments admitted game england s outing nations  byrne said   it really  hard game 15 team worked really  hard   we stick defensive pattern  trust trust us  round fantastic   ireland captain brian o driscoll  scored side s try  said   we delighted  felt performed win england played makes sweeter   we bounce ball days jump back it    ireland coach eddie o sullivan surprised england coach andy robinson mark cueto onside disallowed break   andy sitting yards offside andy known   o sullivan    what england played makes good victory us   we defend long periods good confidence team   i worked  gem  good scored while   o sullivan rejected robinson s contention england dominated forward play   i lost lineout lost adds domination   said  o driscoll insisted ireland happy handle pressure considered favourites win nations title   this season time play favourites  tag   said   hopefully proved today continue so   as move worked week  bit magic geordan murphy great break denis hickie   
class_rugby	thomas nations  wales captain gareth thomas ruled rest nations broken thumb   full back surgery monday fracturing thumb 24 18 win france saturday  welsh legend phil bennett insisted wales cope thomas chase grand slam 27 years  bennett told bbc sport   such spirit camp  put kevin morgan 15  rhys williams wing carry on   thomas miss match scotland 13 march  promises huge encounter irish days later  bennett added   it s setback  great captain  leads front boys love him   thomas replaced half time williams side turned 15 6 deficit paris    with gareth missing michael owen captain   wales coach mike ruddock   he great job half france  vice captain championship   wales travel edinburgh scotland fortnight host ireland cardiff final round matches grand slam championship decider  bennett  inspirational fly half llanelli wales 1970s  insisted national team entering golden period   it great game magnificent result wales   bennett told bbc radio live s sportsweek programme    the young team blending  glory days back   we possession early france dominated scored tries   had ruthless  wales interval 30 points down  chances   wales defended fairly give sort quality ball good sides   the blacks ruthless buried half  character showed half outstanding   
class_rugby	wales coach elated win  mike ruddock paid tribute wales side 15 6 beat france 24 18 nations    after 12 minutes show character   national team coach   i half time players stared barrel gun before   they decided fighting  great team effort showed great character back   man of the match stephen jones  kicked penalties  drop goal conversion  ecstatic win stade de france    it s special moment  years ago win single game nations  happy camp now   said   we worked hard squad proud welshman  hard matches come  happy start   double scorer martyn williams keen talk grand slam wales   we ve self belief days  years ago collapsed early   there s mention grand slam players  tough game scotland murrayfield  bring crashing earth   
class_rugby	newcastle 27 27 gloucester  newcastle centre mathew tait answered critics scored made another  stop gloucester grabbing draw   falcons 22 6 break tait  recently axed england nations outing  inspired side 27 22 lead  last gasp touchdown luke narraway pulled visitors level  gloucester missed victory henry paul fluffed conversion seti kiole denied late try  newcastle couple chances start half line outs corner  failed make count joe shaw found dave walder  released mark mayerholfer 22   black broke clear popped ball tait halfway  chipped ahead michael stephenson scorch try  walder converted give newcastle lifeline  grabbed hands  mayerhofler breaking tait making brilliant early run cut inside race 30m score  walder converted make 22 20 wide 40m penalty 70th minute   mayerhofler scythed middle hall charlton popped ball up  walder s conversion newcastle 27 22 ahead  minutes normal time left  narraway driven corner levelled scores 27 27  henry missed conversion gloucester won kiole broke hauled charlton tom may   walder  may  tait  mayerhofler  stephenson  wilkinson  grindal  isaacson  long  ward  gross  hamilton  mccarthy  harris  dowson   replacements  peel  wilson  thompson  parling  sititi  charlton  shaw   goodridge  garvey  simpson daniel  fanolua  kiole  paul  gomarsall  wood  curnier  powell  eustace  brown  forrester  buxton  balding   replacements  elloway  sigley  cornwell  narraway  page  davies  mauger  
class_rugby	london irish 19 33 wasps  wasps made light absence internationals sink london irish trio second half tries   rob hoadley returned haunt club madejski stadium  scoring opening 43rd minute  tom voyce powered irish defence wasps  richard birkett unchallenged  mark van gisbergen added 18 points  irish replied penalties mark mapletoft drop goal scott staniforth ran consolation try  barry everitt  replaced mapletoft late game  added conversion fourth premiership player reach 1 000 points  joins jonny wilkinson  tim stimpson paul grayson achieving target  wasps piled pressure attempt grab fourth secured bonus point  denied desperate defending irish  director rugby warren gatland revealed harsh words half time inspired wasps side raise game restart    they roasting good second half performance played instructions   said  gatland singled stand in flankers tom rees john hart special praise   they well  back row played fantastic rugby   added  london irish coach gary gold felt result exposed side s lack consistency   irish trailed points break gold said   for 55 minutes lived back full 80 minutes   gold turn attention week s powergen cup semi final struggling leeds   we ve good chance leeds facing relegation firing   added   horak  staniforth  penney  nordt  bishop  mapletoft  edwards  hatley  van der walt  hardwick  kennedy  casey  gustard  dawson  murphy   replacements  everitt mapletoft  53   hodgson edwards  77   wheatley hatley  71   paice van der walt  60   strudwick kennedy  60   danaher gustard  66   reid murphy  47   van gisbergen  voyce  erinle  hoadley  roberts  king  richards  payne  greening  dowd  shaw  purdy  hart  rees  dallaglio   replacements  priscott roberts  71   green dowd  71   skivington shaw  71   birkett hart  57   gotting rees  39   used  fury  brooks 
class_rugby	murray returns scotland fold  euan murray named scotland training squad eight week ban  ahead saturday s nations match ireland   glasgow forward s ban stamping ended 2 february   i m happy back playing involved squad   murray monday   hopefully couple games belt chance playing nations  glad part all    backs  mike blair  edinburgh rugby   andy craig  glasgow rugby   chris cusiter  the borders   simon danielli  the borders   marcus di rollo  edinburgh rugby   phil godman  edinburgh rugby   calvin howarth  glasgow rugby   ben hinshelwood  worcester warriors   andrew henderson  glasgow rugby   rory lamont  glasgow rugby   sean lamont  glasgow rugby   dan parks  glasgow rugby   chris paterson  edinburgh rugby   gordon ross  leeds tykes   hugo southwell  edinburgh rugby   simon webster  edinburgh rugby  forwards  ross beattie  northampton saints   gordon bulloch  captain  glasgow rugby   david callam  edinburgh rugby   bruce douglas  the borders   jon dunbar  leeds tykes   iain fullarton  saracens   stuart grimes  newcastle falcons   nathan hines  edinburgh rugby   allister hogg  edinburgh rugby   gavin kerr  leeds tykes   nick lloyd  saracens   scott lawson  glasgow rugby   euan murray  glasgow rugby   scott murray  edinburgh rugby   jon petrie  glasgow rugby   robbie russell  london irish   tom smith  northampton saints   jason white  sale sharks   
class_rugby	fear france   laporte  france coach bernard laporte believes team scared game england sunday  claims work favour   french turned stuttering performance limped 16 9 win scotland opening match nations saturday   we twickenham fear give boost   french coach  added   we good favourites   meanwhile  perpignan centre jean philippe granclaude delighted received call up france squad   it s incredible   youngster said   i expecting all   playing france team dream true face england twickenham nations   laporte announce starting line up wednesday french team s training centre marcoussis  paris  
class_rugby	davies favours gloucester future  wales hooker mefin davies stay english side gloucester reported interest neath swansea ospreys   bbc wales understands ospreys interested 32 year old  prefer stay is  davies  stars saturday s rbs nations win england  year contract kingsholm  hooker proved worth zurich premiership side deal season  summer demise celtic warriors region left davies cold forced semi professional contract neath rfc  match time ospreys request wales management  admitted move gloucester angry treated   the wru give field  disappointing   davies time   it hard time summer  deciding accept offer stade francais ended wales career   
class_rugby	ref stands scotland decisions  referee saturday s france scotland nations match defended officials  handling game criticism matt williams   scotland coach side robbed victory poor decisions made officials  nigel williams said   i m satisfied game handled correctly   meanwhile  matt williams punished scottish rugby union allegedly bad language comments officials  denies so  nonetheless  furious decisions felt denied side famous victory  nigel williams told scottish daily mail   i spoke matt williams post match dinner   he made mention disallowed refereeing decisions whatsoever   if matt issues match officials  phone discuss them   ultimately match assessor international game give impartial objective view performance officials   that beginning end it   
class_rugby	robinson ready difficult task  england coach andy robinson faces major test tenure back winning ways nations defeat wales   robinson make back row centre 11 9 loss contemplates sunday s set to france twickenham  lewis moody martin corry return missing game hamstring shoulder problems  midfield pairing mathew tait jamie noon threat  olly barkley immediately allowed england generate field position kicking game replacing debutant tait hour  bath fly half cum centre start france  tait noon dropping out   tait  opportunity shine attack  received praise robinson afterwards  coach admitted cardiff  unforgiving place  teenage prodigy  robinson tricky decision withdraw firing line  outing  player central england s future  tait himself  outwardly  appeared unaffected punishing treatment dished gavin henson particular   i definitely   said   hopefully train hard week selected week video wait see   we playing 22 lot half difficult  thought defended pick france    newcastle team mate noon covered glory major test  missed tackle michael owen build up wales  try  conceded penalty breakdown  turned tackle fumbled gavin henson s cross kick touch  inside quarter  contribution improved half  england playmaker inside centre role  front  line out remains fallible  superb performance chris jones  athleticism fore stepping side moody  leicester flanker return open side physical challenge posed french forwards  andy hazell make way  lock ben kay justified recall impressive all round display return side  england positives thin ground  
class_rugby	bell set england debut  bath prop duncan bell added england s 30 man squad face ireland rbs nations   phil vickery sidelined weeks broken arm julian white neck injury  bell make england debut  bell  30  set sights international career wales  december  international rugby board confirmed eligible england travelled tour 1998  england coach andy robinson gamble call inexperienced sale sharks prop andrew sheridan front row  sheridan favours loosehead side scrum scenario uncapped bell   tryscorers england beat france 30 20 days ago   drafted in  robinson injury worry centre olly barkley  withdrew bath s starting line up face gloucester weekend   due hospital scan monday  gloucester centre henry paul  started fly half bath  limped kingsholm ankle problem  barkley s missed penalties 18 17 defeat france  expected retain place inside centre  leicester s in form prospect ollie smith obvious replacement  bath coach john connolly rates barkley 50 50 chance make dublin trip  uncapped fly half andy goode named 30 man training squad ireland game  strengthened selection claims kicking 28 points leicester s record 83 10 win newcastle sunday  england s players due meet surrey training base monday  
class_rugby	o sullivan quick hail italians  ireland coach eddie o sullivan heaped praise italy side stutter 28 17 victory rome    it hell tough game   o sullivan   we struggled half football   italy played well  handled ball terms kicking it  oxymoron   we game 10 minutes end game won  turned out   ireland struggled cope italy s fierce start indebted skipper brian o driscoll  set geordan murphy peter stringer   we attack italian half 22 minutes   o sullivan   we good return  first half possessions half scored twice   the half spending time half   scrum half peter stringer glad ireland escaped wtih victory   all credit them   told bbc sport   we knew tough coming rome  give tough game showed lot spirit   they lot ball half scores 22   
class_rugby	italy 17 28 ireland  moments magic brian o driscoll guided ireland workmanlike victory italy   pair classic breaks ireland captain set geordan murphy peter stringer  italy led 9 8 early half stringer s gave ireland lead lost  hosts cut gap 18 12 10 minutes left scored ludovico nitoglia  denis hickie s ensured irish victory  italy flying blocks lead luciano orquera penalty minutes   hosts fly half missed kickable penalties ireland drew level ronan o gara penalty midway half  italians driving heart irish defence and  quarter  irish pack struggled secure ball talented backs   finally did  half hour mark  o driscoll promptly created sparkling murphy  ireland captain ran dummy scissors made magical break drawing full back putting diving murphy corner  o gara missed twice taken conversion visitors found trailing again  roland de marigny kicking duties italy hapless orquera  landed penalty side break edge italy 9 8 lead   ireland player offering real threat o driscoll  break set visitors  shane horgan threw overhead pass forced touch stringer scooted over  o gara landing tricky conversion  penalty apiece ireland leading 18 12 game entered final quarter  lucky survive italy launched series attacks  winger nitoglia dropped ball reached line italy rumbled driving maul   o gara penalty put ireland converted ahead made game safe hickie latched inside pass murphy crossed converted try  o driscoll limped late on  joining centre partner gordon d arcy sidelines  final word italy  prop martin castrogiovanni powered fitting reward italian pack irish pressure throughout   de marigny  mi bergamasco  canale  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  persico  ma bergamasco  parisse   perugini  intoppa  del fava  dal maso  griffen  pozzebon  robertson   murphy  horgan  o driscoll  d arcy  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  leamy  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  dempsey   o brien  new zealand  
class_rugby	jones happy henson heroics  wales fly half stephen jones admitted happy hand gavin henson responsibility taking match winning kick england   jones missed earlier shots goal wales  9 8 down  awarded long range penalty minutes left cardiff   i knew percentages gavin reaching higher me   jones said   when wanted it  problems   jones long range effort fall whisker crossbar hour  charlie hodgson put england front 10 minutes left   i looked knew struggle make it   jones added   i gareth  thomas  wales captain   this touch go   range gavin phenomenal distance  confident fancied it   there questions he d miss playing  superb game   jones happy hail henson s heroic contribution wales  win england cardiff 1993   physically specimen  balanced player  glides runs great kicking game well   jones said    his defence superb  made great hits great game   i m glad welsh   victory england time 1999 doubt fuel expectations wales achieve year s nations  face fixtures italy  france scotland completing campaign ireland cardiff   people world wales back top table world rugby   proud coach mike ruddock   but yet  step finding consistency wins   we travel week afford giddy result   we professional focused facing italy    henson  expect sort spotlight thrust likes jonny wilkinson brian o driscoll  confident 23 year old undaunted prospect dealing weighty expectations however   i m sort player likes pressure me   said   it makes concentrated perform pressure   i set high standard england back week   two years ago played italy involved lost  put week   
class_rugby	double injury blow strikes wales  wales centre sonny parker number ryan jones miss saturday s game italy injury   parker recovered trapped nerve neck win england  tom shanklin expected continue centre  jones damaged collar bone coming replacement england joins flanker colin charvis  foot injury  sidelines  meanwhile  mike ruddock make gavin henson first choice kicker rome  centre wales  hero 11 9 nations win england  landing huge late penalty wide clinch game  first choice kicker stephen jones handed responsibility henson s greater kicking range  fly half missed number shots goal   our aim gavin settled team  giving kicks talk selection week   wales coach mike ruddock told bbc sport wales  henson relishing media hype heaped saturday s game   i thrive makes perform better   said   i m glad short week italy game  build up england  fly rome thursday back playing again   
class_rugby	kirwan demands italy consistency  italy coach john kirwan challenged side match performance produced pushing ireland close meet wales saturday   losing 28 17 sunday s nations encounter  italians confirmed continuing improvement   our goal match side face ireland showed that   kirwan   but important thing build performance play wales saturday   italy s half backs mixed afternoon  recalled scrum half alessandro troncon impressing fly half luciano orquera off day boot  kirwan said   i happy troncon  incredible game   good attack defence   orquera s kicking showed great courage defence   he game plan  give confidence capability well   
class_rugby	fit again betsen france squad  france brought flanker serge betsen back squad face england twickenham sunday   player  missed victory scotland injury  attend disciplinary hearing wednesday cited wasps   serge good case confident play   france coach bernard laporte  inexperienced nicolas mas  jimmy marlu jean philippe grandclaude included 22 man squad  trio called pieter de villiers  ludovic valbon aurelien rougerie picked injuries france s 16 9 win saturday   laporte confident betsen cleared panel investigating alleged trip broke wasps centre stuart abbott s leg   if suspended  call imanol harinordoquy thomas lievremont   laporte  dropped patrick tabacco   we missed serge badly scotland  recovered thigh injury played saturday biarritz   france s regular back row combination betsen  harinordoquy olivier magne missing france s side weekend injury  laporte expected announce france s starting line up wednesday   forwards  nicolas mas  sylvain marconnet  olivier milloud  william servat  sebastien bruno  fabien pelous  jerome thion  gregory lamboley  serge betsen  julien bonnaire  sebastien chabal  yannick nyanga  backs  dimitri yachvili  pierre mignoni  frederic michalak  yann delaigue  damien traille  brian liebenberg  jean philippe grandclaude  christophe dominici  jimmy marlu  pepito elhorga  
class_rugby	wales critical clumsy grewcock  wales coach mike ruddock england lock danny grewcock review actions kicked dwayne peel   trouble flared ruck half wales  11 9 win cardiff grewcock recklessly top boot  leaving peel bloodied  grewcock sin binned wales captain gareth thomas retaliation   it s citing commissioner   ruddock   i m deliberate  grewcock similar thing bath leinster   june grewcock banned rugby months reckless boot match zealand   years earlier  zealand  grewcock england player tests  player captain jason robinson clash peel accidental   if ball back ruck feel step disrupt that   grewcock  ruddock feels england man careful   the boy actions  clumsy piece footwork   said   he s great player knock him  calling match commissioner review incident   i m lad  clumsy action dwayne minor cut   the referee s interpretation grewcock attempting step ruck   ruddock warned rbs 6 nations championship rivals team make massive improvements   we created opportunities squandered taking contact playing individually   coach   we ve looked things video debrief lot chances wasted   forthcoming games  ruddock penalty hero gavin henson first choice kicker place stephen jones   our aim gavin settled team  talk selection week   ruddock  
class_rugby	henson stakes early lions claim  nations glittering prize player home unions eye trip zealand lions summer   player staked biggest claim place starting xv weekend gavin henson  confident  listen interview   beamed confidence   element arrogance good arrogance  showed nice touches  showed clean pair heels mathew tait him  defence good made great kicks hand  mentioning majestic match winning penalty  wait put test  brian o driscoll big french midfield  wales fly half stephen jones player impressed me  gave good direction  confident nice general side  showed control game  jonny wilkinson playing moment due inury number 10 shirt grabs jones  henson  make lions team fly half   jones stuck hand bet charlie hodgson saturday s game  wales forwards surprised thought out muscled tight five  england prop julian white capable player selection gethin jenkins upper hand top  however  white phil vickery frame  english players harm  thought joe worsley solid game jason robinson josh lewsey wrong  looked young mathew tait again  written scots caught eye france   tom smith before  likes chris cusiter  jason white ally hogg made mark  hogg made couple good runs white pretty robust game   defence there  cusiter looked lively good option lions coach sir clive woodward  star ireland s win italy rome certainty make starting xv zealand  brian o driscoll class act  ran good lines italy  made breaks fed backs  italy defended man man made easy him  gordon d arcy unlucky injured early henson  d arcy  o driscoll combination lions midfield  paul o connell add hard edge game malcolm o kelly putting hand up  shane byrne lively character  bit worried italian pack drove ball sunday  play italy difficult be  player impress wales scrum half dwayne peel  choked late half wales trailing  good possession kicked ball   lions scrum half that  
class_rugby	murphy  bruising battle  call tough game  physical fair play italians made work hard victory   organisation very  good proved years by  strongest italian team faced  knew huge threat game championship  days scores board early  work socks build scores gradually  hard work players plenty bumps bruises prove it  bad  feeling bit monday morning  backs  frustrated such  rucking laws bit problematical  interpretations referee players difficult  managed ball hands end half  good score  great work brian knew scored upstairs video referee  eddie  o sullivan  calm half time 8 6 ahead  spelled needed advocated ball territory   ruck law made bit difficult half  penalised lot breakdown  kicked chances goal break  back playing territory game simplifying things patience ball  game injuries brian gordon  full extent injuries  good  focus scotland days recover  big bruising encounter  impressed scots played french saturday  easily couple decisions  illusions tough us  meantime  rome       
class_rugby	wales make france  wales coach mike ruddock made team beat italy 38 8 saturday s trip france   kevin morgan takes injured newport gwent dragons colleague hal luscombe wing  pack neath swansea ospreys forward ryan jones preferred blindside flanker jonathan thomas  thomas  try scorer rome  drops bench ian gough  cardiff back rhys williams steps place morgan  luscombe sidelined hamstring problem sustained nations game italy weekend   however  experienced in form morgan pushing hard start stade de france   due impressive performances bench  kevin selection mix anyway  unfortunate injury hal chance start   ruddock   now ryan jones recovered injury  increased options back row   jonathan thomas unlucky lose spot performing italy scoring try  competition places position debated detail   for game  felt afforded open spaces wide exploit italy  extra big ball carrier back row thought occasion   obviously  22 man game days  chance jonathan making impact bench   wales beaten france visits paris  victory time firmly nations title triumph 1994   graham henry  former wales coach  couple years ago  be bold  france  proved right   ruddock   that great approach game  endorse players week    thomas  toulouse  capt   morgan  newport gwent   shanklin  cardiff   henson  neath swansea   williams  neath swansea   jones  clermont auvergne   peel  llanelli   jenkins  cardiff   davies  gloucester   jones   neath swansea   cockbain  neath swansea   sidoli  cardiff   jones  neath swansea   williams  cardiff   owen  newport gwent    replacements  mcbryde  llanelli   yapp  cardiff   thomas  neath swansea   sowden taylor  cardiff   cooper  newport gwent   sweeney newport gwent   williams  cardiff   
class_rugby	ireland surge past scots  ireland maintained nations grand slam ambitions impressive victory scotland murrayfield   hugo southwell s gave scots early 8 0 lead scores locks malcolm o kelly paul o connell put visitors command half time  wing denis hickie penalty ronan o gara  kicked 13 points  extended lead  jon petrie scored scotland late scores john hayes gavin duffy sealed victory  hard earned victories  eddie o sullivan  side forward welcoming england lansdowne road fortnight  scotland give coach matt williams nations victory italy edinburgh  struggled turn pressure points  home side started tremendous intensity dominated territory possession opening 10 minutes  powerful charge flanker jason white carried ali hogg ireland conceded penalty close line  scotland kicked touch  irish defence foiled home side occasion  stray hand ruck allowed paterson stroke penalty eighth minute   paltry reward early pressure  scotland deserved paterson s searing break andy craig s pass southwell streaking corner  paterson target conversion fly half dan parks missed presentable drop goal attempt  ireland scoreboard o gara penalty 24th minute visitors ahead  stuart grimes pulled o kelly line out  ireland kicked penalty touch set piece  big lock driven rest pack   o gara added conversion penalty  shane horgan grabbed o gara s chip corner  ball spill hand  ireland delivered hammer blow scotland s hopes interval  o connell   skipper absence brian o driscoll   powered parks  weak tackle free kick scrummage burrow over   scotland suffered blow resumption ireland flanker johnny o connor won vital turnover  o gara s basketball pass hickie left corner  o gara converted thumped 40m penalty give visitors commanding 28 8 advantage  scotland looked bereft ideas half break paterson sparked back life hour  stuart grimes won line out well worked move petrie scuttle round side ruck dive left corner  proved false dawn  ireland reasserted authority final 10 minutes  peter stringer o kelly combined put giant prop hayes corner replacement gavin duffy scorched left  david humphreys adding final flourish touchline conversion     paterson  danielli  craig  southwell  lamont  parks  cusiter  smith  bulloch  capt   kerr  grimes  murray  white  hogg  petrie   russell  douglas  hines  dunbar  blair  ross  hinshelwood   murphy  dempsey  horgan  maggs  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  o connor  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  duffy   joel jutge  france  
class_rugby	wales win rome  wales secured win rbs nations years six try victory rome   jonathan thomas  tom shanklin martyn williams gave visitors 19 5 half time advantage  luciano orquera reply italy second half efforts brent cockbain  shane williams robert sidoli sealed victory  fly half stephen jones added conversions wales maintained superb start year s tournament  starting full confidence victory england  visitors scored opening minutes  diminutive wing shane williams fielded kick ahead danced past onrushing andrea masi aaron persico italian half  pass tom shanklin appeared forward centre held short  ball switched left michael owen s long cut out pass gave lurking thomas easy run in   stephen jones  retained kicking duties gavin henson s heroics england  slotted excellent conversion wide out  wales threatened scores failed find crucial pass  italy hit back blue 11th minute   henson  sporting gold boots silver variety england  beat players ease left touchline  attempted chip ahead charged orquera  snaffled loose ball hared halfway score corner  welsh line out stuttering italy turning visitors  scrum  home side s forward power brought back it  clever high kick henson brought hal luscombe roland de marigny ludovico nitoglia made hash claiming ball bounced touch   wales regained control 21st minute  henson lobbing high kick left corner shanklin jumped higher nitoglia dot 15th test try  jones unable convert de marigny hit upright penalty attempt italy  henson narrowly short long range effort goal  wales ended half vital score give breathing space   henson luscombe streaking off loaded martyn williams  flanker showed nous ground ball padding post  jones adding conversion  italy  lost flanker mauro bergamasco head knock half time  built head steam resumption  de marigny landed penalty make 19 8 nitoglia break middle threatened move break knock on  wales put outcome doubt superb minutes hour  fourth 53 minutes sparked mazy run shane williams  beat players ease  finished powerful angled run lock cockbain  italy recover blow  strong surge gareth thomas great off loads martyn williams replacement kevin morgan shane williams scamper over   jones converting 33 8 lead  wales luxury sending replacements final quarter  icing cake sixth superb support work  shane williams ceri sweeney combining send sidoli left corner  downside wales hamstring injury suffered luscombe  back to back wins start tournament time 11 years  travel paris fortnight genuine contenders   de marigny  mirco bergamasco  pozzebon  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  capt   persico  mauro bergamasco  parisse   intoppa  perugini  ca del fava  dal maso  griffen  barbini  kp robertson   thomas  capt   luscombe  shanklin  henson  williams  jones  peel  jenkins  davies  jones  cockbain  sidoli  thomas  williams  owen   mcbryde  yapp  gough  sowden taylor  cooper  sweeney  morgan   andrew cole  australia   
class_rugby	white prepared battle  tough scrummaging prop julian white expecting resurgent wales give rough ride england s nations opener cardiff saturday   leicester tight head form life  making england number shirt own  wales put technique immense scrutiny   the welsh scrum force reckoned with   told bbc sport   they made lot years   white impressed welsh pack s strength depth   gethin jenkins starting loose head them  played bit tight head favoured position loose head good   added  31 year old made massive contribution england leicester late arguably form tight head prop world   destroyed south africa s os du randt scrum twickenham autumn give england platform impressive 32 16 victory  leicester  signed white bristol west country side relegated zurich premiership summer 2003  aided white s presence season  tigers sitting pretty top premiership table booked place heineken cup   i pleased form   said   but form helped people play leicester   people martin johnson graham rowntree   it s good season starting xv game nations player wants   i delighted things weekend   white experienced members england squad takes field saturday  injuries toll coach andy robinson deprived richard hill  jonny wilkinson  martin corry  mike tindall  greenwood stuart abbott   27 caps world cup winner s medal name  white position offer experience youngsters centres matthew tait jamie noon   i experience tight head give centre give pat back things wrong talk way   added   when squad  people jason leonard martin johnson talk things out    it lot confidence people speak you   i awe lot sit speak realise wavelength good   white missed vast majority year s nations knee injury raring 2005 event going  opening game taking place amid red hot atmosphere cardiff   i enjoy atmosphere  millennium stadium stadiums world   said   to hear shouting singing   favourite places play   this nations long time  england  ireland  france wales contenders   on form  ireland favourites   great thing tournament   
class_rugby	o driscoll saves irish blushes  moments magic brian o driscoll guided ireland workmanlike victory italy   pair classic breaks ireland captain set geordan murphy peter stringer  italy led 9 8 early half stringer s gave ireland lead lost  hosts cut gap 18 12 10 minutes left scored ludovico nitoglia  denis hickie s ensured irish victory  italy flying blocks lead luciano orquera penalty minutes   hosts fly half missed kickable penalties ireland drew level ronan o gara penalty midway half  italians driving heart irish defence and  quarter  irish pack struggled secure ball talented backs   finally did  half hour mark  o driscoll promptly created sparkling murphy  ireland captain ran dummy scissors made magical break drawing full back putting diving murphy corner  o gara missed twice taken conversion visitors found trailing again  roland de marigny kicking duties italy hapless orquera  landed penalty side break edge italy 9 8 lead   ireland player offering real threat o driscoll  break set visitors  shane horgan threw overhead pass forced touch stringer scooted over  o gara landing tricky conversion  penalty apiece ireland leading 18 12 game entered final quarter  lucky survive italy launched series attacks  winger nitoglia dropped ball reached line italy rumbled driving maul   o gara penalty put ireland converted ahead made game safe hickie latched inside pass murphy crossed converted try  o driscoll limped late on  joining centre partner gordon d arcy sidelines  final word italy  prop martin castrogiovanni powered fitting reward italian pack irish pressure throughout   de marigny  mi bergamasco  canale  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  persico  ma bergamasco  parisse   perugini  intoppa  del fava  dal maso  griffen  pozzebon  robertson   murphy  horgan  o driscoll  d arcy  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  leamy  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  dempsey   o brien  new zealand  
class_rugby	barkley fit match ireland  england centre olly barkley passed fit sunday s nations clash ireland lansdowne road   barkley withdrew bath s team friday s clash gloucester suffering calf injury training  gloucester centre henry paul cleared play overcoming ankle injury  england coach andy robinson  names team wednesday  called bath prop duncan bell phil vickery s broken arm  vickery sidelined weeks julian white neck injury  bell make england debut  bell  30  set sights international career wales  december  international rugby board confirmed eligible england travelled tour 1998   i thought burned bridges england expressed interest wanting play wales  fantastic opportunity   said  bell  featured england side beat france 30 20 10 days ago  added   i recognise england squad injuries   and senior squad  opportunity intend fully selected play heart country    england coach andy robinson gamble call inexperienced sale sharks prop andrew sheridan front row  sheridan favours loosehead side scrum scenario uncapped bell   try scorers england beat france 30 20 days ago   drafted in  
class_rugby	wales stars rest   ruddock  wales coach mike ruddock defended decision release international stars weekend s regional celtic league fixtures   ruddock players benefit rest  absence give youngsters chance impress   we ve wru charter place outlines happens   ruddock told bbc wales sport   once nations  players released wru s interests   ospreys scarlets happy support wales cause  dragons expressed disappointment national squad players friday s game ulster  ceri sweeney  gareth cooper  ian gough kevin morgan sparingly ruddock opening nations wins captain jason forster believes benefit game dragons    i m guys back game time   forster told bbc wales sport   it timely reminder mike  ruddock  do   and supporters star players   disrespect guys   performing pitch   ruddock  though  keen protect players injury fatigue   at stage   the players  games impress further   we ve angle opportunities provided younger players region   for example  dragons james ireland weekend  lad   great prospect future   french english clubs requested international players means stephen jones  gareth thomas mefin davies play weekend  majority ireland scotland players released provincial duty  
class_rugby	munster cup tie switched spain  munster s heineken cup quarter final tie biarritz 3 april switched real sociedad s paseo de anoeta stadium san sebastian   real s ground holds 32 000 parc des sports aguilera biarritz capacity 12 667  irish province 8 000 tickets   the decision move difficult one  considered fans primary objectives   biarritz chairman marcel martin   we hope rewarded huge crowd behaving rugby tradition   match heineken cup fixture played spain  expected attract biggest ever attendance rugby match country  ulster irish team play paseo de anoeta stadium faced euskarians side pre season tour 1998  
class_rugby	williams quit  defiant matt williams quit scotland coach side slump low defeat italy murrayfield   leave scots favourites win wooden spoon year running   i quit life  painting kitchen   told bbc sport   the support murrayfield time 100    williams experience rbs nations victory attempts scotland lost 12 14 games leadership  rejected comparison made media sources berti vogts  recently sacked scotland football manager poor run results    how german football coach australian rugby coach common   asked   it bizarre analogy  absurd borders humorous   williams insists revelling pressure  possibility nations series victory   that realms possibility   admitted   there s teams  win games lose them   but enjoy cope pressure coach   it helps team grow helps grow coach   we won paris minutes defeats  confident games confident beat italy too   
class_rugby	pountney handed ban fine  northampton coach budge pountney fined £2 000 banned match day coaching weeks calling referee  a disgrace    pountney found guilty bringing game disrepute rugby football union disciplinary hearing london thursday night  pountney criticised referee steve lander s performance northampton s defeat saracens 5 february  weeks six week ban suspended  pountney pleaded guilty offence panel consisting chairman robert horner  nigel gillingham jeff probyn  ban means scotland international pountney enter playing enclosure  technical areas touchline  tunnel players officials  areas day game  
class_rugby	france wales  sat   stade de france  paris  saturday  26 february  1600 gmt  bbc1  radio 4 lw website  france beaten scotland england tedious uninspired matches  wales  hand  played fine rugby made start won title 1994  good record stade de france  won games there  1999 2001  wales made team thrashed italy 38 8 rome   kevin morgan takes injured newport gwent dragons colleague hal luscombe wing  pack neath swansea ospreys forward ryan jones bas brought blind side flank beef wales back row place jonathan thomas  wales coach mike ruddock determined team shells promising start championship   graham henry  former wales coach  couple years ago  be bold  france  proved right   ruddock   that great approach game  endorse players week    stuttering displays games defending champions france unbeaten  under pressure coach bernard laporte made changes  yannick nyanga  debutant julien laharrague  aurelien rougerie yannick jauzion coming side  france criticised absence traditional  french flair  ground victory year captain fabien pelous sees hope horizon   i impression better   said   against wales  teams beaten  hope show proper game    laharrague  rougerie  jauzion  traille  dominici  delaigue  yachvili  marconnet  bruno  mas  pelous  capt   thion  betsen  nyanga  bonnaire  bourgoin    servat  milloud  lamboley  harinordoquy  mignoni  michalak  j p grandclaude   thomas  capt   morgan  shanklin  henson  williams  jones  peel  jenkins  davies  jones  cockbain  sidoli  jones  williams  owen   mcbryde  yapp  thomas  sowden taylor  cooper  sweeney  williams  
class_rugby	woodward eyes brennan lions  toulouse s irish international trevor brennan clive woodward s surprises 44 man lions tour squad announced   brennan  played ireland samoa 2001  held high esteem england coach   if speak players huge amount respect guy   woodward told sunday independent   players tend coaches  irish  welsh english players well   31 year old dublin milkman moved leinster toulouse 2003 immediately picked heineken cup winner s medal all french final perpignan lansdowne road   brennan highly rated stade toulousain  back five  woodward ensuring preparations trip zealand june possible   i ve spoken players  conversations   told newspaper   but talk players scratch team   i heard bad word trevor  which  pretty tough guy reputation  is  me  impressive   
class_rugby	scotland italy  sat   murrayfield  edinburgh  saturday  26 february  1400 gmt  bbc1  live website  victory azzurri rome year scotland end campaign victory  pressure scotland coach matt williams seeks nations victory eighth attempt  italy lost opening games home ireland wales  travel edinburgh high hopes   coach john kirwan warned side eradicate errors blighted loss wales risk suffering successive defeat   if defeat wales taught anything  level make mistakes   kirwan said   in nations  error make high price   we aggressive 80 minutes  calm situation display great maturity pitch    it fundamental cool difficult moments   key situations game   kirwan recalled experienced cristian stoica centre drafted david dal maso open side star flanker mauro bergamasco ruled rest tournament  scotland made changes  simon webster replacing simon danielli wing simon taylor returning test year  injured flanker jason white  taylor s recovery knee injury major boost scottish hopes   he world class players tournament team   acknowledged williams   record victories 14 tests  williams insists revelling pressure   i enjoy cope pressure coach   said  optimistic opening defeats france ireland   we confident games confident beat italy too   added     paterson  webster  craig  southwell  lamont  parks  cusiter  smith  bulloch  capt   kerr  grimes  murray  taylor  petrie  hogg   russell  douglas  hines  dunbar  blair  ross  hinshelwood   de marigny  mirco bergamasco  stoica  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  capt   persico  dal maso  parisse   intoppa  perugini  ca del fava  orlando  griffen  pedrazzi  kp robertson  
class_rugby	preview  ireland england  sun   lansdowne road  dublin  sunday  27 february  1500 gmt  bbc1  radio 4 lw website  ireland grand slam 1948 opening wins  england represent sternest test championship far  england sloppy leaderless defeats wales france loss unthinkable  pressure coach andy robinson side deliver   england s dramatic dip form world cup final   lost 13 matches   ireland coach eddie o sullivan side underestimate visitors   had kicked points beaten france created landscape sunday   said   this england talking about  depth talent good record ireland   they target victory dublin turning point nations   differences sides highlighted team selections dublin encounter   ireland  gordon d arcy injured  boosted return star skipper brian o driscoll missed scotland game hamstring injury   the knowledge england game coming helped rehabilitation   said   the play game enormous  bigger england home   entering tournament players jonny wilkinson  mike tindall richard hill  england lost tighthead props julian white phil vickery blind side flanker lewis moody major concern  robinson  received lot flak inclusion dropping centre mathew tait  faith kicking fly half charlie hodgson horror show twickenham  england slump dublin  worst run results championship 1987   robinson bullish week game  side  are faces   identified line out tackle area key england s chances  recent results  skipper jason robinson believes wrong mood camp   there lack confidence team   sale full back   we good week s training forward challenge   i team  game win games    murphy  dempsey  o driscoll  horgan  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  o connor  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  maggs   robinson  capt   cueto  noon  barkley  lewsey  hodgson  ellis  rowntree  thompson  stevens  grewcock  kay  worsley  moody  corry   titterrell  bell  borthwick  hazell  dawson  goode  smith  
class_rugby	leeds saracens  fri   headingley  friday  25 february  2000 gmt  tykes brought newcastle prop ed kalman tom mcgee borders loan fly half craig mcmullen joined narbonne  raphael ibanez named hooker saracens changes  simon raiwalui ben russell selected pack kevin sorrell centre     friday s game headingley go ahead friday passing early pitch inspection  leeds  balshaw  rees  christophers  bell  doherty  mcmullen  dickens  mcgee  rawlinson  gerber  murphy  palmer  capt   morgan  parks  popham  replacements  kalman  regan  hyde  rigney  mcmillan  rock  vickerman  saracens  bartholomeusz  castaignede  sorrell  harris  vaikona  jackson  bracken  yates  ibanez  visagie  raiwalui  fullarton  randell  russell  vyvyan  capt   replacements  cairns  lloyd  broster  chesney  johnston  rauluni  little  
class_rugby	worcester sale  fri   sixways  friday  25 february  2000 gmt  make change  tim collier replacing phil murphy row  contrast  sale missing 14 players due combination international call ups injuries  john payne chris rhys jones centres scrum half richard wigglesworth set play wing   delport  pieters  rasmussen  lombard  o leary  brown  powell  windo  van niekerk  horsman  collier  gillies  hickey  sanderson  macleod  henderson   replacements  fortey  murphy  daly  vaili  cole  hayes  trueman   hanley  mayor  payne  rhys jones  wigglesworth  hercus  redpath  capt   turner  roddam  stewart  day  schofield  caillet  carter  chabal   replacements  from   bozzi  coutts  anglesea  lund  martens  riley  duffy  jones  
class_rugby	robinson answers critics  england captain jason robinson rubbished suggestions world champions team decline   england beaten 11 9 wales nations opener cardiff week face current champions france twickenham sunday  robinson said   we decline  lose game make bad team   i doubt players got  team beat day   england find striving avoid successive championship defeat time 1987  full back robinson believes new look england team stop rot france    last weekend won game   said   but under perform lose points play week win need   we proved autumn   put excellent performances   build that    it disappointing start wales that   but out  fighting week   robinson words comfort 18 year old newcastle centre mathew tait  made international debut wales demoted squad face france    i word mathew   robinson   i him  outstanding player olly  barkley  kicking   mathew chin  working hard feature games   
class_rugby	sella michalak recall  france centre philippe sella believes coach bernard laporte recall frederic michalak give side chance beating ireland   sella admitted impressed current fly half yann delaigue rbs nations date  told bbc sport   michalak answer future  delaigue deserved chance time bring back michalak   he weaknesses all round game upset ireland   22 year old michalak spent tournament bench delaigue impressed castres early season  michalak overlooked  french stuttered narrow wins scotland england ironically playing rugby defeat wales   the wales game amazing watch french lose game half time   sella    their mistakes score points half bit focused second    bit   sella  however  insisted pressure eased under fire laporte  defeat stade de france   this season important shaping team 2007 world cup   sella   which laporte well  french game   it s difficult  though  change team change tactics gel   but players talent world cup victory   as result  important people give time  good winning grand slam care years time world champions    majority media criticism centred france produced performance devoid running rugby opening games  sella admitted flowing style employed wales   the win important    winning matters   added   ok  flair good  discipline  organisation defence there  important ahead 2007   france play sella believes hardest game nations ireland dublin saturday 12 march  french game clear underdogs  sella added   people forget france win nations focused that   but ireland front home crowd  tough   
class_rugby	umaga ready lions  blacks captain tama umaga warned british irish lions fearsome opponents ahead summer tour   umaga  england saturday s irb rugby aid match  backed zealand win three test series lions  told bbc sport   it s potentially fearsome line up against  awesome   but back beat over   lions boss sir clive woodward set announce squad june july tour month   woodward appointed year  widely believed rely heavily england players  umaga said   he d hard pushed shape nations   don t wrong  england lot talented guys who ll make lions test xv   but disguise wales ireland particular  scored great  admit fairly awesome lining likes brian o driscoll    umaga meet o driscoll saturday s rugby aid match twickenham  irish captain leading northern hemisphere side  o driscoll host players northern hemisphere squad  coached woodward  tipped lions call ups   it ll good early idea guys  lot change june   umaga said  31 year old admitted interest lions tour immense  calling  the biggest thing hit zealand lord rings   added   as players  driven rarity playing lions  fact  blacks   talk country    umaga admitted fear injury weighed mind ahead saturday s charity game  features host big names including george gregan  andrew mehrtens chris latham  admitted   proceeds match aiding victims tsunami   easily won over   the  southern hemisphere coach  rod macqueen made approach  hesitate  great zealand rugby gave clear   thankfully involved tragedy tsunami miss horrific reports news   there people affected  affected affected long time  good minor out      match televised bbc 1400 gmt saturday  
class_rugby	umaga ready  fearsome  lions  blacks captain tama umaga warned british irish lions fearsome opponents ahead summer tour   umaga  england saturday s irb rugby aid match  backed zealand win three test series lions  told bbc sport   it s potentially fearsome line up against  awesome   but back beat over   lions boss sir clive woodward set announce squad june july tour month   woodward appointed year  widely believed rely heavily england players  umaga said   he d hard pushed shape nations   don t wrong  england lot talented guys who ll make lions test xv   but disguise wales ireland particular  scored great  admit fairly awesome lining likes brian o driscoll    umaga meet o driscoll saturday s rugby aid match twickenham  irish captain leading northern hemisphere side  o driscoll host players northern hemisphere squad  coached woodward  tipped lions call ups   it ll good early idea guys  lot change june   umaga said  31 year old admitted interest lions tour immense  calling  the biggest thing hit zealand lord rings   added   as players  driven rarity playing lions  fact  blacks   talk country    umaga admitted fear injury weighed mind ahead saturday s charity game  features host big names including george gregan  andrew mehrtens chris latham  admitted   proceeds match aiding victims tsunami   easily won over   the  southern hemisphere coach  rod macqueen made approach  hesitate  great zealand rugby gave clear   thankfully involved tragedy tsunami miss horrific reports news   there people affected  affected affected long time  good minor out      match televised bbc 1400 gmt saturday  
class_rugby	campese berates whingeing england  australian wing david campese told england stop whingeing wake defeat ireland   england coach andy robinson lambasted referee jonathan kaplan costing game disallowing mark cueto josh lewsey  campese told bbc sport   robinson living england s reputation whingeing poms   stop cares  acting team cheated win    england contemplating complaint international rugby board potential  tries  cueto half lewsey late ruled recourse video referee  campese added   scotland beaten france way  whingeing   basically  things england s and  typical fashion  make lost unfairly    england bottom nations table defeats wales  france ireland  campese admitted surprised current predicament  insisted england  no longer world class    england beginning realise world champions deserve win game   said   they lost key players suddenly everyone s realised fringes good place   added that  senior players standing pressure mounts    campese  veteran 101 international caps  full back jason robinson sole englishman world xv  robinson blamed poor leadership tournament  coach castigated appointing full back captain   i agree captain full back   campese   you thick action  hard give orders back there   some people leaders aren t  stands england s pack   clear cut leaders   campese  though  defended coach andy robinson  believes  only choice  sir clive woodward s resignation   blamed  a lack talent england camp  making current coach poor  england face potential wooden spoon match italy 12 march  ex wallaby added   if england lost that  bloody turmoil  said  will   campese tipped wales win nations grand slam end tournament   it s surprising tournament   said   and ireland bit talent overall   but playing home major boost  grand slam decider millennium stadium irish   
class_rugby	o driscoll gregan lead aid stars  ireland s brian o driscoll lead northern hemisphere team irb rugby aid match twickenham   o driscoll heads star studded cast contest raise funds tsunami appeal  south led george gregan  wallabies  alongside springboks blacks including captain tana umaga  south african flanker schalk burger shaken leg injury place starting line up  join fellow springboks john smit  cobus visagie victor matfield south pack  jacque fourie centres  north side hit withdrawals scotland duo gordon bulloch chris cusiter  france captain fabien pelous   leicester s england centre ollie smith added squad  giving opportunity impress lions coach sir clive woodward  takes charge north side   i fantastic ollie   tigers coach john wells told bbc radio leicester   he weekend week hope clive chance qualities leicester england year   woodward assess potential lions candidates scotland pair simon taylor chris paterson  wales scrum half dwayne peel ireland lock paul o connell   i m forward working outstanding players   woodward said   both teams fielding top quality sides hope rugby public community game raise money deserving cause   withdrawal wales wing rhys williams  required blues  celtic league match munster  members nations squad   ceri sweeney  john yapp jonathan thomas   play   not good players opportunity play players world   wru general manager steve lewis  supporters watch teams train free twickenham friday  4 march  woodward put north team paces 1030 gmt  south side  coached wallabies coach rod macqueen  due stadium 1330   paterson  scotland   cohen  england   o driscoll  ireland  capt   traille  france   smith  england   sweeney  wales   humphreys  ireland   peel  wales   lo cicero  italy   de villiers  france   yapp  wales   ibanez  france   o connell  ireland   bortolami  italy   thomas  wales   taylor  scotland   dallaglio  england   parisse  italy   added   latham  australia   lima  samoa   fourie  sa  umaga  new zealand   bobo  fiji   mehrtens  nz  gregan  aus  capt   hoeft  nz   smit  sa   visagie  sa   maling  nz   matfield  sa   burger  sa   waugh  aus   kefu  aus    taukafa  tonga   guinazu  argentina   sititi  samoa   palepoi  samoa   rauluni  fiji   delport  sa   other  
class_rugby	harinordoquy suffers france axe  number imanol harinordoquy dropped france s squad nations match ireland dublin 12 march   harinordoquy second half replacement saturday s 24 18 defeat wales  bourgoin lock pascal pape  recovered sprained ankle  returns 22 man squad  wing cedric heymans ludovic valbon aurelien rougerie jean philippe grandclaude   rougerie hurt chest wales grandclaude second half replacement england wales  valbon  capped june s tests united states canada  half replacement win scotland   france coach bernard laporte harinordoquy axed poor display weekend   imanol dropped squad make thundering comeback wales   laporte   we ireland game fast rough replace locks game needed  gregory lamboley number eight   the grand slam ireland win   it exciting game ireland wins belt  defeated england eyes set grand slam   france  lost wales week  defeat irish alive hopes retaining nations trophy  ireland unbeaten year s tournament sights set grand slam 1948   dimitri yachvili  biarritz   pierre mignoni  clermont   yann delaigue  castres   frederic michalak  stade toulousain   damien traille  biarritz   yannick jauzion  stade toulousain   ludovic valbon  biarritz   christophe dominici  stade francais   cedric heymans  stade toulousain   julien laharrague  brive   sylvain marconnet  stade francais   nicolas mas  perpignan   olivier milloud  bourgoin   sebastien bruno  sale eng   william servat  stade toulousain   fabien pelous  stade toulousain  capt   jerome thion  biarritz   pascal pap  233   bourgoin   gregory lamboley  stade toulousain   serge betsen  biarritz   julien bonnaire  bourgoin   yannick nyanga  b  233 ziers  
class_rugby	parker misses england clash  tom shanklin start centre wales england cardiff saturday sonny parker failed recover trapped neck nerve   shanklin first choice wing autumn tests  prefers centre face england debutant mathew tait  dragons three quarter hal luscombe takes shanklin s wing berth  front  mefin davies plays hooker  open side martyn williams fit start lock rob sidoli replaces veteran gareth llewellyn  davies wins vote ahead robin mcbryde  sits bench recently returned action scarlets neck injury   sidoli back time season s nations  blues row back form niggling groin problem  williams  sidoli s team mate cardiff  set win 50th cap  replacing injured colin charvis making quicker than expected recovery neck disc problem   initially diagnosis case fit italy game week  fortunately recovery lot quicker hoped   williams told bbc sport wales   i started game 1 january preferred couple games lead up this  good thing injury fitness levels   i feel fresh wait play again   williams expects torrid time england loose forward trio lewis moody  joe worsley andy hazell   they top class players  worsley moody  it   williams added   they back ups richard hill  neil back lawrence dallaglio  forward proved good players   weaknesses there   luscombe nod wing ahead dragons team mate kevin morgan  wins place bench alongside uncapped blues prop john yapp   thomas  toulouse  capt   luscombe  dragons   shanklin  blues   henson  ospreys   williams  ospreys   jones  clermont auvergne   peel  scarlets   jenkins  blues   davies  gloucester   jones  ospreys   cockbain  ospreys   sidoli  blues   jones  scarlets   williams  blues   owen  dragons    mcbryde  scarlets   yapp  blues   thomas  ospreys   jones  ospreys   cooper  dragons   sweeney  dragons   morgan  dragons   
class_rugby	stevens named england line up  england named bath prop matt stevens starting line up nations match ireland lansdowne road sunday   fellow bath prop duncan bell start bench  coach andy robinson makes change team beaten france  stevens  start caps replacement blacks year  leicester duo ollie smith andy goode drafted bench  stevens takes phil vickery  suffered broken arm playing gloucester weekend   i m confident matt grasp opportunity make mark ireland   robinson    all players shown outstanding form late  recently england win france club   added robinson   selection beckons players demonstrate consistent ability   this game ireland massive  recognise must win game season   england confirmed sale sharks prop andrew sheridan considered selection injury picked back ankle friday s match leeds   robinson  sale sharks  capt   cueto  sale sharks   noon  newcastle   barkley  bath   lewsey  wasps   hodgson  sale sharks   ellis  leicester   rowntree  leicester   thompson  northampton   stevens  bath   grewcock  bath   kay  leicester   worsley  wasps   moody  leicester   corry  leicester    titterrell  sale sharks   bell  bath   borthwick  bath   hazell  gloucester   dawson  wasps   goode  leicester   smith  leicester   
class_rugby	bortolami predicts dour contest  italy skipper marco bortolami believes saturday s nations contest scotland scrappy encounter   sides win championship  third round game murrayfield billed wooden spoon decider  bortolami feels edinburgh contest end bruising battle packs   it pretty game teams desperate gain win   lock forward  italy recorded wins joined nations 2000  scotland  year  italy opened stubborn display ireland ended losing 28 17   however  outplayed impressive welsh side rome time out  italians travel edinburgh hoping claim win nations   scotland played extremely france paris ireland edinburgh   bortolami   we disappointed game wales rome determined wrongs   as nation  quest respected team worthy place tournament winning games   
class_rugby	corry backs skipper robinson  england forward martin corry jason robinson man lead national team back winning ways   losses wales france  critics started robinson captain full back  corry backed robinson  role injury fly half jonny wilkinson  ahead weekend s trip ireland   jason tremendous job  week respect up   corry told bbc radio live   he inspirational captain  talks squad talks lot sense   the players lot respect him  honour england side honour play him    england immense pressure poor start year victory vital rescue nations campaign  corry insists england frame mind contest   there apprehension game   added   but fear put positive mindset   when whistle sunday  happened past count anything    we performed put performance sunday start turning results around   there lot taking place england start something  greatest starts experience bad fully good    trip lansdowne road daunting time  ireland side flying high impressive wins  form team tournament tipped claim grand slam 1948  corry relishing prospect taking irish backyard   they full confidence playing great team game   said   the forwards creating great platform explosive runners wide   if team paper  stars 15  huge task great opportunity us   lansdowne road tremendous venue play advantage   
class_rugby	prop jones ready hard graft  adam jones wales forwards determined set perfect attacking platform backs dominating powerful france pack paris   prop said   if stuffed front backs it   the mentality french  scrum  scrum  scrum   good france scrum key   i hope  the backs  carry left italy  forwards win ball give opportunity   wales won visits stade de france  secured back to back wins graham henry 1999 2001  likes shane williams gavin henson finding top form time  mike ruddock s team international rugby s potent attacking threats   gavin ridiculously talented  bouncing place week  it   warned jones   france criticised uncharacteristic one dimensional play victories scotland france  captain fabien pelous acknowledged side show attacking flair  stressed game won lost front  lock believes welsh forwards big trouble side scrum line out  jones insisted fellow front row colleagues fear    gethin  jenkins  intimidated tomorrow  will   jones  facing france time   we front ball backs   me gethin young good mefin s experience there   mefin good thinker puts things across  saying  good gethin is   he good player imagine lions tour  to zealand summer    
class_rugby	moody joins england  lewis moody flown dublin join england s camp ahead rbs nations game ireland sunday   joining squad  leicester flanker  slim  chance playing infection finger  decision saturday 26 year old declared fit  fails recover time game  place back pack andy hazell  chris jones start game bench   the chances playing slim   coach andy robinson   the infection deeper thought    moody put drip attempt force antibiotics infected finger  suffered cut playing france twickenham infected 10 minute outing replacement leicester newcastle saturday   the mud it   robinson added   he big antibiotics job hoped would   robinson forced make change starting line up bath prop matt stevens coming injured phil vickery   22 year old made 10 starts club made 49 appearances bench   it frustrating lot game time season ready it   stevens said   i ve tour boys england set up years calls play   stevens winning cap sunday coming replacement tour zealand year   robinson confirmed fly half charlie hodgson first choice kicker missed penalties drop goal france   charlie s state mind good   robinson   obviously  disappointed lost french game circumstances did   but responded week goalkicking sale first choice kicker week    robinson admits side improve line out work irish duo malcolm o kelly paul o connell  effective partnerships game   in game missed number line outs   added   it cost game wales improved   it france notch ireland  huge battle   look tore year  function  torrid time   
class_rugby	captains lining aid match  ireland s brian o driscoll nations captains included northern hemisphere squad irb rugby aid match 5 march   france s fabien pelous  gordon bullock scotland italy s marco bortolami northern party  sir clive woodward coach northern team rod macqueen s southern hemisphere team tsumani fund raising match twickenham   i m forward working outstanding players   said  chance woodward assess options unveiling british irish lions touring party  visit zealand summer   the game promises great spectacle   said   both teams fielding top quality sides hope rugby public community game raise money deserving cause    dallaglio  england   cohen  england   rougerie  france   traille  france   pelous  france   ibanez  france   de villiers  france   o driscoll  ireland  capt   o connell  ireland   humphreys  ireland   paterson  scotland   cusiter  scotland   bullock  scotland   taylor  scotland   lo cicero  italy   bortolami  italy   parisse  italy   peel  wales   sweeney  wales   thomas  wales   williams  wales   yapp  wales    latham  australia   caucaunibuca  fiji   fourie  s africa  umaga  new zealand   bobo  fiji   mehrtens  new zealand  gregan  australia  capt   kefu  australia   waugh  australia   burger  s africa   rawaqa  fiji   matfield  s africa   visagie  s africa   smit  s africa   hoeft  new zealand   reserves  reihana  new zealand   lima  samoa   taukafa  tonga   palepoi  samoa   sititi  samoa   rauluni  fiji   other  
class_rugby	castaignede fires laporte warning  france fly half thomas castaignede warned pressure mounting coach bernard laporte defeat wales   france suffered shock loss welsh weekend easy win  castaignede told bbc sport   the pressure big laporte huge loss zealand  slim win scotland miracle england   but french team lansdowne road   victories south africa australia november  france deemed world s leading side  trounced 45 6 zealand beat scotland scots disallowed nations opener  woeful spot kicking charlie hodgson olly barkley victory england twickenham   lt   castaignede said   you results eased pressure laporte   had england s kickers bad  position nations now   laporte criticised france s negative tactics wins scotland england  side played free flowing style wales  making mockery opposition s defence half suffering shock turnaround fortunes interval   all chat france france play ireland   castaignede ahead 12 march tie   everyone sort play wales  win   castaignede  veteran 43 international caps  admitted french underdogs ireland    going ireland easy playing now  harder ever   castaignede   they re experienced lose home  great forwards electric runners break   praising irish claimed welsh upper hand nations run in   ireland good pack wales break   added   at weekend simply awesome  frenchman disappointing see  admire it   their commitment make win championship   30 year old tipped yann delaigue start ahead frederic michalak number 10 impressive display paris weekend   delaigue played admittedly michalak played too   castaignede   i m glad make decision   
class_rugby	charvis set lose fitness bid  flanker colin charvis play part wales  final games nations   charvis missed wales  victories ankle injury recovery slower expected   he figure scotland game thought ready final game   wales physio mark davies  sonny parker continuing struggle neck injury  hal luscombe fit murrayfield trip  centre parker  slim chance  involved scots 13 march  luscombe s return fitness missing france match hamstring trouble timely boost   wales assistant coach scott johnson   we re positive hal hope he ll raring go   he back mix again  adds depth options    replacement hooker robin mcbryde remains doubt picking knee ligament damage paris saturday   we re reviewed end week robin s looking   added johnson   we re hopeful early stage   steve jones dragons drafted mcbryde fails recover  
class_rugby	robinson nations  england captain jason robinson miss rest nations injury   robinson  stand in captain absence jonny wilkinson  due lead england final games italy scotland  sale full back pulled squad wednesday torn ligament thumb  30 year old undergo operation friday england replacement skipper   robinson said   this disappointing means miss england s games nations twickenham games club  sale sharks   but back playing early april    robinson picked injury 19 13 defeat ireland lansdowne road saturday  coach andy robinson said   i hugely disappointed jason   as england captain immense figure autumn internationals nations  leading times  forward back england squad   announcement latest setback robinson s injury depleted squad   key figures missing jonny wilkinson  mike tindall  greenwood  julian white phil vickery   list leaves robinson short candidates vacant captaincy role  england skipper jeremy guscott told bbc radio live choice matt dawson  hold regular starting place    the obvious choice dawson  guscott   especially harry ellis game scrum half saturday   dawson credentials experience  winning record captain great   the option martin corry  standout forward moment   unfortunately england rely leaders field moment   england announce squad 12 march game italy saturday  
class_rugby	england coach faces rap row  england coach andy robinson facing disciplinary action criticising referee jonathan kaplan side s nations defeat ireland   rugby football union  rfu  investigate robinson deciding lodge complaint kaplan  robinson apologise comments order avoid sanction international rugby board  robinson  livid  kaplan s decisions saturday disallow england  tries   england coach claim  only side refereed    reviewing tapes match  rfu decided formally complain irb standard kaplan s refereeing  rfu statement would   set concerns england team management confidential manner    irb spokesman matter   we breaches code seriously   should rfu resolve issue satisfaction  happened month scotland coach matt williams apologised remarks made  end matter    kaplan vigorously defended performance england s 19 13 defeat landsdowne road admitted  very disappointed  robinson s remarks  south african appointed charge scotland s match wales 13 march   rfu recently fined northampton coach budge pountney £2 000 imposed six week ban criticism referee steve lander premiership match  
class_rugby	harinordoquy suffers france axe  number imanol harinordoquy dropped france s squad nations match ireland dublin 12 march   harinordoquy second half replacement saturday s 24 18 defeat wales  bourgoin lock pascal pape  recovered sprained ankle  returns 22 man squad  wing cedric heymans ludovic valbon aurelien rougerie jean philippe grandclaude   rougerie hurt chest wales grandclaude second half replacement england wales  valbon  capped june s tests united states canada  half replacement win scotland   france coach bernard laporte harinordoquy axed poor display weekend   imanol dropped squad make thundering comeback wales   laporte   we ireland game fast rough replace locks game needed  gregory lamboley number eight   the grand slam ireland win   it exciting game ireland wins belt  defeated england eyes set grand slam   france  lost wales week  defeat irish alive hopes retaining nations trophy  ireland unbeaten year s tournament sights set grand slam 1948   dimitri yachvili  biarritz   pierre mignoni  clermont   yann delaigue  castres   frederic michalak  stade toulousain   damien traille  biarritz   yannick jauzion  stade toulousain   ludovic valbon  biarritz   christophe dominici  stade francais   cedric heymans  stade toulousain   julien laharrague  brive   sylvain marconnet  stade francais   nicolas mas  perpignan   olivier milloud  bourgoin   sebastien bruno  sale eng   william servat  stade toulousain   fabien pelous  stade toulousain  capt   jerome thion  biarritz   pascal pap  233   bourgoin   gregory lamboley  stade toulousain   serge betsen  biarritz   julien bonnaire  bourgoin   yannick nyanga  b  233 ziers  
class_rugby	wilkinson return  unlikely   jonny wilkinson set miss 2005 rbs nations   england s world cup winning fly half week hoping recover latest injury time play role championship  rob andrew  coach wilkinson s club side newcastle  games left play wilkinson fit time   it irresponsible put straight test match   andrew told times  wilkinson recovering knee injury long term neck arm injuries  played england world cup final november 2003  stuttering world champions lost 14 matches  wilkinson aiming make start season zurich premiership match harlequins 13 march   game day england play italy nations days final match championship scotland   we hoping jonny ready fortnight  touch go   andrew   his recovery key reintroduced playing goal kicking   he bench start ridiculous irresponsible put straight back test match   we afford wrong knee injury  touch england relaxed it   playing england  wilkinson hoping make lions tour zealand summer  lions coach sir clive woodward set deadline wilkinson start playing order considered selection  
class_rugby	england  to launch ref protest   england protest international rugby board  irb  referee s performance defeat ireland  reports daily mail   england coach andy robinson called ex international referees colin high steve lander analyse jonathan kaplan s decisions   i tape colin steve   robinson told daily mail   i speak irb it  side refereed   high  rugby football union s referees  manager  claimed kaplan made major errors changed outcome sunday s match  england beaten 19 13 irish dublin  straight defeat 2005 nations   the international rugby board disappointed   high told daily mail   jonathan kaplan top 20 world international performance   it acceptable zurich premiership   if referees that  backside kicked making appointment   if english referee refereed european match  inquest  question that   if performed that  pulled game   
class_rugby	moore questions captaincy  brian moore believes england captain full back   jason robinson led team opening defeats nations tournament  absence fly half jonny wilkinson  world champions struggled retirement captain martin johnson  lock forward  england captain moore told bbc   full backs action  reflection robinson personally   added   i point influence move closer pack   is  all  games start finish   moore lack cohesion forwards reasons england lost wales  france ireland year s tournament   assertiveness pack there  people breakdowns   explained   wer e quick ball  means backs stifled  creativity depends quick ball that    injuries depriving key players wilkinson  coach andy robinson youngsters harry ellis jamie noon chance  moore believes games italy scotland good opportunity experiment further   the problem players replace icons lost retirement injury requisite experience   moore added   you play them  players knocking door  time looked games them   we season greater certainty handle pressure international rugby   
class_rugby	owen set skipper role  wales number michael owen replacing gareth thomas wales  captain straightforward leadership quality squad    you dream playing wales  enters head day captain country   said   it s easy job experienced players side  massive honour   coach mike ruddock 24 year old armband broken thumb victim thomas scotland  ruddock praised owen s contribution vice captain pack leader year s wins england  italy france  notably role second half paris thomas  injury  22 cap dragons man thomas badly missed  though   gareth massive loss brilliant player fantastic job captain   owen   he put unique stamp things  miss strength squad shown kevin morgan step in    owen admitted grand slam mentioned squad no one carried victories england  italy france   we ahead ourselves   said   we massive game forward preparing that   scotland improving time  france unlucky win   against ireland played fantastically 15 minutes falling away   they similar journey couple years   
class_rugby	italy aim rattle england  italy coach john kirwan believes side upset england nations wooden spoon battle hots up   sides  win  meet 12 march twickenham kirwan side hoping make england s current slump   we make england france games tough them   england championships  big players rise occasion   said  kirwan admits lot hard work needed kickers trip london  roland de marigny luciano orquera miserable time boot dire defeat scotland chris paterson stole show give hosts much needed 18 10 victory  kirwan said   the kicking decisive factor scotland cost kicking time   but lot confidence players positive put england   england  meanwhile  licking wounds rueing decisions referee jonathan kaplan half dublin  mark cueto judged offside chased fly half charlie hodgson s kick  kaplan opted call video evidence josh lewsey touched driven ireland s line   centre jamie noon believes side showed form previous defeats   we improved in form irish side   said   we dublin quietly confident compete  showed that   we make form positives italy game  illusions easy  win   england equalled 18 year low successive championship defeats  including france paris season  lost row andy robinson  predecessor  sir clive woodward  began seven year reign defeats draws  
class_rugby	dal maso replace bergamasco  david dal maso handed task replacing injured mauro bergamasco flanker italy s team face scotland saturday   alessandro troncon continues scrum half return fitness paul griffen  experienced cristian stoica recalled centre expense walter pozzebon   we scotland win else   manager marco bollesan   i team faith saturday s game   we lost player mauro bergamasco important us   coach  john  kirwan  put team present  ever   de marigny  parma   mirco bergamasco  stade francais   stoica  montpellier   masi  viadana   nitoglia  calvisano   orquera  padova   troncon  treviso   lo cicero  l aquilla   ongaro  treviso   castrogiovanni  calvisano   dellape  agen   bortolami  narbonne  capt   persico  agen   dal maso  treviso   parisse  treviso    intoppa  calvisano   perugini  calvisano   ca del fava  parma   orlando  treviso   griffen  calvisano   pedrazzi  viadana   robertson  viadana   
class_rugby	teenager tait picked england  newcastle s teenage centre mathew tait named centre england s team face wales nations opener cardiff saturday   18 year old play alongside falcons  team mate jamie noon england s midfield  scrum half matt dawson recalled  left initial squad row clashing tv training commitments  bath lock danny grewcock start  pending citing  england coach andy robinson awarded gloucester flanker andy hazell nations start  change side lost australia november  leicester lock ben kay replaces bath row steve borthwick  robinson jonny wilkinson  mike tindall  stuart abbott  richard hill greenwood  mike catt left england s squad   robinson  sale sharks  capt   cueto  sale sharks   tait  newcastle   noon  newcastle   lewsey  wasps   hodgson  sale sharks   dawson  wasps   rowntree  leicester   thompson  northampton   white  leicester   grewcock  bath   kay  leicester   moody  leicester   hazell  gloucester   worsley  wasps   replacements  titterrell  sale sharks   vickery  gloucester   borthwick  bath   forrester  gloucester   ellis  leicester   barkley  bath   cohen  northampton   
class_rugby	wood   ireland win grand slam  captain keith wood believes ireland win grand slam   1948   year s rbs nations championship   claiming triple crown 19 years season  wood tips team mates better   things building past years year ireland   told bbc sport   there great chance win grand slam  lot things favour england france home   ireland finished runners up times  including year  nations 2000  finished top past years   flanker keith gleeson  coach eddie o sullivan contend sort casualty lists hit england scotland prior tournament   for ireland win stay injury free  fortunately teams far   wood added   it tough luck opportunities way   ireland s game tournament wales cardiff   fixture lost 1983   traditional hospitality irish visiting  wood believes wales end four match losing run england cardiff   so major england players retired year injured hard cardiff   wood added   wales brilliant games year lost four  time beat major teams   
class_rugby	scots suffer injury blow  scotland s back row crisis worsened ahead rbs nations news scott gray miss opening matches   borders flanker knee injury joins donnie macfadyen allister hogg sidelines  star number simon taylor miss games damaging ankle comeback  scott macleod  ankle ligaments  jon petrie  cartilage  doubtful opener paris 5 february  gray  26  won cap australia murrayfield year  hurt club action weekend  scotland doctor james robson said   a scan shown damage medial ligaments scott s knee ruling part championship   we seek specialist advice due determine long scott for   potential option  glasgow flanker andrew wilson  ruled month damaging ligaments knees northampton recently   flanker jason white prop tom smith suffering flu missed week s training sessions   we plenty good  young players coming opportunities represents them  negatives   williams added  williams turn edinburgh pair alasdair strokosch simon cross  leeds tykes flanker jon dunbar trained squad awaiting verification eligibility qualify scotland  
class_rugby	o sullivan powder dry  gunning glory ultimate success keeping gunpowder dry essential   ireland coach eddie o sullivan appears successfully run up season s nations championship  decreed 2003 world cup players decent conditioning period year  reality end summer 10 week period start season  annoyed scottish  welsh  cousins huffed puffed disrespect apparently shown celtic league  mike ruddock   poaching   dragons side faced leinster sunday  but  o sullivan  rights  talking national side pride it  irfu thrown weight o sullivan  glad main  centrally controlled contracts  bar keith gleeson returning broken leg  o sullivan s squad fit  fresh standing oche ready launch season s campaign   doubt o sullivan gloat handling players  sort person  however  overworked injury hit england  wales france squads players overworked  pat back foresight  question turning transferring freshness positive results referee signals start game  ireland earmarked hot favourites quarters hog season  grand slam karl mullen s led team clean sweep 1948  england france visiting lansdowne road time darling pulled down  perfectly placed  days yore frightened life irishman   burden great expectations  ireland crumpled  triple crown winning side 1985 mick doyle  expected ante grand slam  ireland s history  happened 1986  whitewashed  see  ireland  sport  love downsized  prove point contrary  nature beast  o sullivan s side capable proving salient point season  triple crown 19 years  live success step ladder  o sullivan faith displayed loyalty players  repaid spades     come  dogs squad  season s championship box tricks  verve succeed  ireland succeed  whisper it  
class_rugby	wales williams fitness boost  wales hopeful openside flanker martyn williams fit saturday s rbs 6 nations championship opener england cardiff   williams expected miss match disc problem neck  making speedy recovery   he tests 48 hours pretty optimistic there   wales  team physiotherapist mark davies said   it frustrating mend  made good progress   week williams  fellow flanker colin charvis   play month recovers foot injury   ruled millennium stadium clash  williams initially thought struggling  signs pointed wales coach mike ruddock handing cap wales under 21 skipper richie pugh   cardiff blues flanker williams  29  offers considerable experience declared fit ruddock tempted include back row  charvis reviewed wales medical staff monday  davies admitted  outside chance  fit face france wales  championship game 26 february  wales  injury concern pugh s fellow neath swansea ospreys player sonny parker  centre trapped nerve neck   sonny s injury issue   davies said   it painful irritable  run rule thumb couple days   ruddock starting line up england game 1830 gmt tuesday evening  wales target victory cardiff world champions 1993  
class_rugby	dawson joins england injury list  scrum half matt dawson injury doubt england s nations opener wales weekend   world cup winner missed wasps  12 9 loss bath saturday injuring calf  wasps coach warren gatland said   he s fitness test week good chance playing   gloucester s andy hazell leicester star lewis moody received knocks respective league matches  fit wales week  dawson fit face wales  robinson choose gloucester s andy gomarsall leicester youngster harry ellis   jamie noon player sidelines limped half saracens friday dead leg  centre  line nations start wales  wait 48 hours knowing state injury  
class_rugby	wales rugby league training  wales follow england s lead training rugby league club   england three day session leeds rhinos  wales thought interested similar clinic rivals st helens  saints coach ian millward approval  happen season  saints week s training portugal week  wales play england opening nations match 5 february   we approach wales   confirmed saints spokesman   it s early stages giving consideration to   st helens  proud welsh connections  obvious partners welsh rugby union  spat 2001 collapse kieron cunningham s proposed £500 000 move union side swansea  similar cross code deal iestyn harris leeds cardiff 2001 through  talented stand off returned 13 man code bradford bulls  kel coslett  famously moved wales league 1960s  saints  football manager  clive griffiths   wales  defensive coach   st helens player thought man latest initiative  scott gibbs  wales lions centre  played st helens 1994 96 challenge cup winning team wembley 1996  
class_rugby	saint andre anger absent stars  sale sharks director rugby philippe saint andre re opened rugby s club versus country debate   sale host bath powergen cup friday  frenchman endured  difficult week  players england s nations training camp   it s important game full session  manage it   if players picked country move date game   told bbc sport  authorities agree make changes  saint andre believes england s national team suffer clubs opt sign foreigners retired internationals   that s good politics english team english rugby   argues  issue before  notably autumn internationals sale lost zurich premiership matches played   fears derail club s hopes cup silverware players  including captain jason robinson fly half charlie hodgson  countries   we re quarter finals  play home great opportunity   added   but careful  bath knocked europe make tough game  end very  difficult week   sebastien bruno s france  jason white scotland england  players injuries   13 players squad 31   we ll session make good thursday afternoon    gloucester caught club versus country conflict england sought medical opinion james simpson daniel s fitness  winger carrying shoulder injury national team management requires time sidelines  result misses cherry white s quarter final home bristol   under elite player squad agreement  england wanted opinion  do   director rugby nigel melville told gloucester citizen    they international rugby club rugby important game us  conflict interests   the surgeon carried operation fine england vulnerable damaged full rehab programme   simpson daniel added   i ve nigel back playing means week  target worcester game  on 29 january  return   
class_rugby	ruddock backs yapp s credentials  wales coach mike ruddock john yapp takes international   21 year old blues prop uncapped player wales  nations squad  gaining chance absence ospreys loose head duncan jones   john young man big future  playing blues years racked mileage playing clock   ruddock   he international size  big  physical lad good ball carrier high tackle count   ruddock s assessment backed yapp s coach blues  wales lions prop dai young    john s upward curve season strength strength   young told bbc sport wales   his ball carrying good go forward  impresses defence work rate excellent   he s working hard scrummaging technique  keen improve destroyer loose head   to fair scrummaging yet  fault effort  commitment attitude   john s strong man eager challenge  pitched down   he s developing quickly  hope pushed quickly hurt development    ruddock hopes selection yapp dragons lock ian gough   international reckoning falling coach steve hansen   send message players wales   john ian rewarded impressing heineken cup competition   ruddock   both played well  send message consistently playing squad   we exciting squad representing traditional values welsh rugby  based performances november internationals   we strength experience front  well recognised talent  pace skill behind   the management team hold players training pitch moment   they due sunday  hard work starts   
class_rugby	player burn out worries robinson  england coach andy robinson english rugby act prevent injury destroying players  careers   host big names nations intensity professional rugby union hits players   injuries part sport amount injuries occur english season   robinson told bbc sport   i players years careers   robinson missing entire midfield nations likes jonny wilkinson  mike tindall greenwood injured   rugby union physically demanding game professional 10 years ago  result major stakeholders english rugby launched  injury audit  find players coping  audit jointly funded professional rugby players  association  rugby football union premier rugby  robinson concerned findings ignored   i injury audit coming march great information english game at   said   if situation worse better  rugby this   
class_rugby	hodges announces rugby retirement  scarlets usa eagles forward dave hodges ended playing career pursue coaching role states   36 year old  54 caps  llanelli s player season 2001 2  battled injury years stradey  tore pectoral muscle ospreys boxing day  injury season   realising unable play season  club agreed end contract early   hodges    it move back pursue opportunities scarlets generation   scarlets begun rebuild squad season disappointing heineken cup campaign  plenty signings departures expected coming weeks   scarlets chief executive stuart gallacher confirmed 17 current squad contract summer   we deliberate policy half squad coming contract re signed  chance invigorate squad   said   i m positive future scarlets field   gallacher keen pay tribute role back five forward hodges played stradey park  though   david highly influential member squad years   gallacher   he real professional part played success   i enormous contribution make development rugby family well   hodges years stradey  the time life   
class_rugby	funding cut hits wales students  wales students rugby side casualty welsh rugby union s reorganisation youth level   amalgamated under 18 side formed separate schools national youth teams plays match thursday  italy gnoll  move wru decide end funding representative sides wales students  result  traditional international fixtures england france year cancelled  welsh students rugby football union feels unable properly prepare stage matches  secretary welsh students rugby football union  reverend eldon phillips  said   it shame fixtures maintained year   the competition provided strong english french teams enabled welsh students test high quality matches   the increasing number young rugby players entering higher education biggest challenge  representative rugby  year opportunity denied them  players played wales students win full senior representative honours include robert jones  rob howley  jon humphreys  darren morris  martyn williams ceri sweeney  
class_rugby	calder fears scottish rugby  scotland international finlay calder fears civil war sru hamper country s rbs nations campaign   members executive board  including chairman  david mackay  resigned simmering row  calder said   this terrible news level scottish rugby   david successful businessman thought transform negative atmosphere rising debt level  him   mackay s executive board power struggle general committee  members elected scotland s club sides   he driven people happier waging civil war addressing central issue professional rugby run amateurs   calder    in fact  understand argument 10 years professionalism arrived   but rest sru lying down   i banks dismayed decision and  ultimately  pull strings   so surprised reviewed position  but  wider picture  message send out   thought work scotland s coaches  attempting arrest decline national side  made difficult   matt williams willie anderson wondering   what walked here    calder   and expect weeks arguments acrimony time forward nations championship   i very  disappointed  imagine  scots knack turning tough   
class_rugby	year remember irish  subliminal moment year irish rugby stood most   well  one  handful back mixture satisfaction  sorrow  year irish  eddie o sullivan s triple crown winning international outfit either  ranks irish rugby creating waves upsetting established teams game  kudos o sullivan merry band warriors collected triple crown 29 years  finished autumn campaign 100  record  year succession finished runners up spot rbs nations  games november included victory tri nations champions grand slam chasing south africa  ireland finsihed year high  18 12 victory lansdowne road victory boks initial success back 1965  success revenge consecutive defeats blomefontein cape town summer  reverses 35 17 flop france  dark patches excellent 12 months  big one  course  19 13 defeat world cup champions england precious twickenham turf  winning conceived o sullivan s mind  perfectly executed team finished immaculately girvan dempsey  me  championship  o sullivan s career vertical take off mode  sir clive woodward elevated galway based coach head lions test side  that  fair majority present ireland side wearing red june zealand   doubt ireland s representation biggest ever  albeit proposed 44 man squad  brian o driscoll paul o connell  ireland front runners captaincy  gordon d arcy  career began teenager back 1999  finally arrived named nations player tournament  senior squad brought kudos ireland  youngsters strutted stuff big stage well  under 21 squad confounded doubters world cup final scotland beaten powerful black side decider  young irish boys stated intentions earlier season finished runners up england nations under 21 tournament  provincial front  leinster  year succession  blew heineken cup looked good wager  ulster finished runners up tight group season succession  munster flying flag irish  reach final  37 32 eventual winners wasps beileve competitive thunderous game witnessed lansdowne road  wasps recovered energy sapping duel  defeat toulouse final anybody s guess  ulster  meanwhile  lost adding inaugural celtic cup winning celtic league pipped post scarlets final game   ulster  however  time start season coach mark mccall  famous ravenhill fortress breached times ulster manged wins 12 outings celtic league  leinster potent outfit 2005  final step declan kidney thing  side  irish rugby hit number tragedies  teenage star john mccall died playing ireland zealand under 19 world cup game durban  happened 10 days led royal armagh ulster schools  cup success 1977  death ireland coach lions flanker mike doyle car crash northern ireland shocked rugby fraternity larger life character  doyle coached ireland triple crown 1985  time goal achieved season  ulster rugby suffered sudden deaths well known londonderry ym player jim huey  coleraine s jonathan hutchinson  belfast harlequins lock johnny poole  passed long full time whistle  
class_rugby	williams stays dispute  matt williams insists thoughts quitting national coach result power struggle gripping scottish rugby   chairman  chief executive non executive directors departed row game s future direction  williams said   i make clear committed totally scottish rugby   i ve brought family immersed scottish life  walking away   however  attempted steer clear taking sides dispute   i d stress national team separate political situation   said    when undertaking make difference people begrudge you  jealous drag down   when situation  courage convictions through   there unhelpful uninformed comment national team received massive increase budget expense parts scottish rugby simply case   like good coaches  increase  told uncertain terms financial situation that   the idea lighting cigars £20 notes rest scottish rugby flounders absolutely untrue   we attracted criticism number days players spent national team   but give truth  irish counterparts  compete days  time  70 days summer   they camp 21 days camp nations   that means 91 days club july nations  we  hand  16   there win win philosophy attitude scottish rugby   groups winning  competing   
class_rugby	lomu relishing return action  black star jonah lomu wait run pitch england rugby union captain martin johnson s testimonial 4 june   29 year old kidney transplant july 2004 play full match years  leading southern hemisphere side twickenham   i started training weeks operation limited months ago   now basically bring on   giant winger   the match 4 june 15 man game training schedule testing combines sevens lot things   lomu   i energy operation train times day  days week    mohammed ali ideal  coming back rugby  people  you dreaming  starts dream   it s make reality   opinion divided lomu attempt return game major operation  lomu asked taking risk replied   as road hit bus   there lot people world kidney it   i talked over  chat donor set soul peace finish started 1994  when made blacks debut    lowest ebb lomu ill barely walk  stronger day long term target play zealand again   the person worst wife   added   i steps fall run coming back  lot quickly thought would   to play blacks highest honour get  long term goal start somewhere   
class_rugby	johnson announces june retirement  england captain martin johnson announced retire rugby union end season   johnson  captained england world cup glory 2003  play final match june  johnson won 84 england caps quit test rugby start 2004  months leading sir clive woodward s team victory sydney  34 year old leicester lock s final match testimonial twickenham 4 june   i m confident made decision retire   johnson   i m times season playing tigers  time feel time   i feel physically play season  playing week week premiership full time occupation reasons   johnson revered england fans captaining england dramatic world cup win australia sydney  list achievements stop that   man captain lions led england nations grand slam  johnson huge success captain leicester  guiding tigers back back heineken cup victories premiership titles  marvellous captaincy johnson finest rows play game  teak tough physically intimidating  ruled rucks mauls part decade integral england s rise top world game  final appearance testimonial twickenham  lead team side captained zealand winger jonah lomu  black aiming return action kidney transplant johnson expects memorable occasion   this game jonah great end season end career   johnson  lomu  rugby union s global superstar exploits 1995 world cup  proud part johnson s farewell   we hold high esteem   lomu   he great leader honoured pitch   
class_rugby	november remember  saturday  newspaper proclaimed england number side world   statement made foolish events afternoon twickenham  illustrated wonderful unpredictability test rugby highest level  end richly entertaining autumn series  final weekend threw world pecking order renewed confusion  australia s triumph london france s capitulation zealand   clearly  number side world moment   declared wallabies coach eddie jones arrival back sydney   there four  sides competing level day difference side 1     bodes rugby whole  sharpens sense excitement ahead open nations championship decade  wallabies  blacks springboks hit beach turning attention super 12 matters year  europe s finest 10 weeks return international fray  time decade  simply straightforward choice england france nations title   owes ireland s continued progress belief wales verge delivering major scalp cement promise autumn displays     secured triple crown 19 years season  win five six nations title 1985  start games italy scotland  england france lansdowne road   momentous victory springboks bolster ireland s self belief  ronan o gara s late drop goal deliver victory argentina proof eddie o sullivan s side close tight games  england france  won 10 nations titles them  lay quietly   dismantling springboks suggested loss influential figures martin johnson lawrence dallaglio  personnel prosper   narrow defeat australia timely reminder blooming red rose garden  fresh shoots post world cup recovery sown head coach andy robinson  fresh desire regain heights evident  england emerge triumphant opening nations engagement cardiff  fourth title years reach   familiar revival territory  time appears substance rediscovered style   south africa s over confidence cardiff made closer scoreline expected  wales legitimately claim victory grasp blacks tests recent memory  mike ruddock coax reliable set piece platform pack  reason victories ensue february  fortnight left  state bewilderment autumn series began superb victory australia  stunning defeat argentina  loss world cup  attributed trademark french inconsistency   manner zealand s 45 6 demolition job paris coach bernard laporte bemoaning lack young talent coming replace guard  fortunately french  opening match nations sees entertaining  paris  reasonable performances australia  scots  humbling springboks forced coach matt williams reassess belief win major nations imminent  individuals chris cusiter ali hogg enhanced reputations  lack top class players continue undermine efforts     start home games ireland wales travelling scotland  hopeful registering victory time championship  autumn winter heineken cup prepares resume centre stage meantime  joy home fires burning february  
class_rugby	south africa sweep top awards  south africa s schalk burger named player year tri nations champions swept top honours international rugby board s awards   flanker topped list included ireland star gordon d arcy australian sensation matt giteau  jake white claimed coaching award side held grand slam winners france team award  england player simon amor beat team mate ben gollings argentine lucio lopez fleming win sevens award  burger s award week won equivalent prize fellow international players white  coached burger under 21 level  paid tribute him   schalk s emergence major force meant lot south african rugby  influenced world rugby   white   he s south african rugby jonty rhodes south african cricket  amazing achieved short time international career   amor  captain england season s opening irb sevens tournament  dubai sevens  start thursday  delighted award   there great sevens players circuit moment genuine honour   gloucester fly half  
class_rugby	robinson dual code success  england rugby union captain jason robinson targeted dual code success australia saturday   robinson  rugby league international switching codes 2000  leads england australia twickenham 1430 gmt  1815 gmt  great britain s rugby league team australia final tri nations tournament   beating aussies games massive achievement  league   robinson  england chance seal autumn international victory successive wins canada south africa  gaining revenge june s 51 15 hammering wallabies  meanwhile  great britain end 34 years failure australia victory elland road  britain won individual test matches  failed secure silverware win ashes  with series victory  1970    they great opportunity land trophy massive boost rugby league country won   robinson   i boys   defeated aussies tri nations   robinson losing sight task facing england side final autumn international   for us  played won november   said   if beat australia end great autumn series england  stumble back regrets  robinson revealed union side great britain team good luck message ahead showdown leeds   we signed card today write email saturday wishing best   robinson   everyone signed card   lot guys watch league support fully   both games tough well   
class_rugby	black magic  zealand rugby  playing colours   black  haka more   blacks  charles john munro discovered rugby london s christ college  return nelson staged zealand s game  nelson town met nelson college 14 may  1870  town triumphing goals nil  instigating game national obsession dominate country s sporting passions  game appealed kiwi psyche quickly spread  native maoris finding empathy sport s warrior ethos  1888 british team led ae stoddart toured zealand australia  maori named joe warbrick english ex pat called thomas eyton decided gather combined zealand team   twenty two maori  pakiha  formed  new zealand native team   played total 107 matches zealand  australia uk  integration white maori reflecion enlightened zealand rugby society  british press mystified pre match tradition maori war dance  haka  great symbol zealand rugby  black kit silver fern breast  proposed tom ellison annual meeting zealand rugby football union 1893  zealand played international australia 1903  kiwis triumphing 22 3 sydney  year official british touring team zealand time  tourists australia undefeated captain  david revell bedell sivright  created animosity zealand patronising attitude  kiwis shocked rugby world 9 3 triumph wellington  sparking great celebrations country  bedell sivright churlishly suggested victors chance visited uk   opportunity prove wrong 1905 official zealand tour europe  tourists won early games quick thinking  inventive approach  press criticism began grow 2 3 2 scrum formation left  roving  forward free disrupt opposition attacks  tactic effective  late kiwis 12 7 win scotland  ireland despatched 15 0 dublin  huge crowd crystal palace convulsed laughter sight haka   smiles wiped faces tourists ran 15 0 hammering england  zealand headed wales meet country midst  golden age   encounter series controversial clashes sides  excellent left wing teddy morgan sealed 3 0 win hard fought encounter cardiff arms park  post match talk dominated bob deans ruled scottish referee john dallas  dallas deans tackled short  kiwi dragged back field play grounding   death bed years exclaimed   i score cardiff    1905 blacks newly formed  all golds  rugby league side tour  zealand strong crush anglo welsh touring team 1908  south africa tour zealand 1921 honours shared three test series  starting greatest rivalry rugby   long running controversy countries blacks  inclusion maori players  awesome 1924 5 black tourists  the invincibles  winning 30 games france  britain ireland  including crushing 19 0 victory wales st helen s  success  blacks  2 3 2 scrum formation left short possession times  flaws exploited springboks south africa 1928  employing modern 3 4 1 scrum line up zealand  rover  system time  south african teams defeated blacks games test series drawn two all  controversial zealand scrum method finally disappeared 1930 lions tour  a series won 3 1 zealand   lions manager describing tactic  cheating   prompting international rugby board rule men pack front row scrum   blacks  1935 european tour started inauspiciously 11 3 loss swansea side inspired teenage  schoolboy half backs hayden tanner willie davies  thrilling test cardiff arms park wales 13 12  winning geoffrey rees jones controversial illegal claude davey tackle build up  zealand s visit wales 1953 proved difficult lost 8 3 cardiff drew 6 6 swansea  blacks top test wales arms park  teams locked 8 8 clem thomas cross kick gathered ken jones famous  match winning try  tourists made amends wins home nations  19 5 success barbarians arms park thriller  zealand built tour  time returned 1963 4 undoubtedly leading side world   made shock greater drop goal student john uzzell gave newport 3 0 win tourists rodney parade  wilson whinneray s side rallied beat wales 6 0  win arms park attempts  unbeaten rest tour  returned home question put was   what happened newport   blemish record awesome 1967 tourists draw east wales  beat full wales team 13 6 cardiff lead series countries time  lead increased comfortable wins home side zealand 1969  time wales toured country independent team   ferocious game arms park 1972 edged 19 16 blacks  measure revenge defeat inflicted zealand carwyn james inspired lions 1971   james guided llanelli famous 9 3 win tourists stradey park  though  final game tour barbarians defeated blacks 23 11 cardiff game regarded greatest played  zealand defeated wales xv 12 3 arms park non cap game 1974  1978 game cardiff reignite history controversy countries   wales leading 12 10 minute left andy haden flew floor line out  television pictures showed dived  english referee roger quittenton fooled awarded penalty  duly converted brian mckechnie 13 12 win  infamous game  competition largely left wales zealand fixtures men red slipped pinnacle world game  crushing 23 3 win zealand cardiff welsh rugby union s 1980 centenary game sign things come  professionalism southern hemisphere game left europe shown blacks swatted wales 49 6 brisbane semi final inaugural world cup  kiwis claim cup  inflict misery wales ill fated 1988 tour zealand   young  talented wales side left britain full confidence triple crown winners  greatest zealand teams demolished 52 3 54 9  taking fearful beatings provincial games  wales captain jonathan davies returned home calling urgent change national game  views   generation wales  players   chose head north rugby league   34 9 win cardiff zealand 1989  1995 world cup wales  big talk made embarrassing blacks eased victory johannesburg  crushing 42 7 kiwi triumph wembley 1997  wales  misery increased turned zealand salvation shape coaches graham henry steve hansen  temporary resurgence welsh game  experimental zealand side cardiff s millennium stadium 2002 left 43 17 victory   bruising 55 3 defeat wales hamilton 2003 hansen built world cup  australia remarkable performance blacks gave side renewed hope  wales chance game  match rediscovered attacking flair lead 37 33 early half  zealand rallied 53 37 win  style shown wales inspiration future  face blacks team led henry hansen  coming europe weakened squad end long season  encouraging display south africa inspired confident wales camp claim win men black 50 years  chance  history side  
class_rugby	wru proposes season overhaul  welsh rugby union restructure northern hemisphere season separate blocks   season start celtic league october  heineken cup february march  nations moved april may  week break  wru proposes two month period home international matches  wru chairman david pickering structure end problems player availability club country  added   we feel spectator interest respond impetus high intensity rugby played continuously fragmented timetable operation   equally  suspect sponsors prefer sustained interest continuous tournament hopefully  broadcasters enjoy increased exposure   moving nations traditional february beginning ensure weather conditions  stimulate greater interest games generally provide increased skills competition attract greater spectator viewing   pickering argued  plan put international rugby board month  plans drawn independent consultants global integrated season discussed  pickering added   it s early days number caveats   revenue broadcasters  extremely important   we ve good plan judged merits   
class_rugby	wilkinson lead england  fly half jonny wilkinson named england s rugby union captain november tests   25 year old newcastle star takes lawrence dallaglio  retired internationals august  england s acting head coach andy robinson said   he natural leader  holds respect squad formidable talent pitch   and consistently demonstrates energy commitment feel essential captain england   robinson added   there players squad feel comfortable calling england captain jonny player challenge   captaincy offers challenging environment player  footsteps lawrence dallaglio world cup captain  martin johnson    but confident jonny takes outstanding job ahead rugby world cup france forward working him   wilkinson  scored 817 points 52 internationals  kicked winning drop goal final seconds extra time england s 2003 rugby world cup triumph australia  missed entire 2004 nations campaign recuperating shoulder surgery  making comeback newcastle zurich premiership august   it s ambition players day captain england today realised dream   said   i m honoured andy captain  follow lawrence martin means lot inspirational men england rugby years    getting england cap ireland years ago forget play country special  taking captaincy important step career immense pride   wilkinson made international debut 1998 nations championship ireland bench replace paul grayson   regular england starting line up since  played lions tests 2001 england s games 2003 world cup  117th captain england fred stokes held position 1871  england s autumn test canada 13 november  visit tri nations champions south africa week world cup re match australia  
class_rugby	hong kong 2011 world cup bid  hong kong hoping join japan co host 2011 rugby world cup   japan applied host tournament own  aim taking rugby s traditional strongholds time  hong kong rugby football union  hkrfu  chairman john molloy called territory host pools quarter final  japanese rugby football union  jrfu  receive formal presentation hkrfu   at stage  hosting event ourselves   jrfu secretary koji tokumasu   we examine proposal definitive form   japan faces stiff competition form south africa zealand host event years  time    until now  world cup held countries nations tri nations   tokumasu   we think  irb thinks  time rugby global   japan ready host tournament forward welcoming world rugby japan   tokumasu added 2002 football world cup  co hosted japan south korea  huge success   as infrastructure place  japan commercial clout host sport s top competitions   said  year  japan launched professional rugby league fourth largest number registered players  125 508  world england  south africa france  
class_rugby	dallaglio man end  controversy lawrence dallaglio glittering international career   end nine year career blue  days start season  dallaglio man  emerging international scene dallaglio polarised opinions  supporters england  dallaglio wrong  integral part sustained period success england  dallaglio s crowning glory part side won rugby world cup 2003   rival fans  meanwhile  tended alternative view  dallaglio epitome agreeable characteristics english rugby  afraid speak mind  referee opposition pitch  coach media it  dallaglio rubbed people wrong way  dallaglio arrived part unheralded england side shock winners rugby sevens world cup 1993  years graduate full england xv  proved manor born  displaying maturity physical power years  dallaglio rapidly established automatic choice play back row positions international standard   years debut  dallaglio offered england captain s band  career continued strength strength made 1997 lions tour south africa  overlooked captaincy favour england team mate martin johnson  played massive role 2 1 series victory  building seemingly unstoppable momentum  dallaglio s career hit buffers speed 1999   last minute defeat wales dallaglio s decision kick goal dying minutes blamed costing england grand slam  worse follow infamous newspaper sting cost treasured england captaincy  sensational allegations drug   subsequently cleared   splashed front pages  devastated dallaglio stepped england skipper  bounced back  head club level returning england fold  albeit lieutenant captain johnson  member new look england side long road world cup glory   journey mishaps succession grand slams opportunities spurned   dallaglio emerged key performer again   setback arrived 2001 knee injury cut short dallaglio s involvement lions tour australia   rumours began circulate career but  typical dallaglio style  embarked punishing schedule rehabilitation return fearsome physical specimen  effect injury rob dallaglio pace  pragmatist  reinvented close quarters number highest calibre   player play minute england s world cup triumph australia  dallaglio secure england s historic win  held highest esteem england supporters  johnson s retirement  dallaglio s career full circle woodward restored england captain  england hit heights dallaglio s spell captain  losing post world cup tests  dallaglio led example  leaving members squad lacking world cup stars live expectations  dallaglio walks international game safe knowledge england s accomplished players  great captains evident pride leading country   problem england replace irreplaceable  likes matt dawson  jonny wilkinson  phil vickery hill mentioned contenders dallaglio s role captain  player england struggle replace 32 year old  players joe worsley chris jones capable stepping up  fact stand out candidate speaks volumes dallaglio s massive influence english rugby  
class_rugby	wasps 31 37 leicester  leicester withstood stunning wasps comeback win pulsating heineken cup encounter causeway stadium   tigers stormed 22 6 ahead 18 minutes lewis moody  geordan murphy martin corry  european champions wasps fought back josh lewsey mark van gisbergen s boot  level 31 31 minutes remaining  visitors cool andy goode kicked tigers victory penalty drop goal  closing moments desperate defence leicester wasps turned penalties needed  wasps pounded line penalty looked referee nigel williams controversially blew full time  fly half goode tigers hero  kicking 22 points total  leicester s overwhelming domination scrums ultimately told  lack discipline defence   presented admirable van ginsberg 26 points   undo held famous win   lawrence dallaglio s team quest quarter final place games   leicester biarritz  however  wasps rugby director warren gatland warned side relinquish european title fight   if lose week  struggling   gatland   but give trophy away  worked hard win season  fighting   we scrum week  biggest concern   leicester coach john wells saluted outstanding work graham rowntree julian white  magnificent front   they backbone performance today   wells   and score european champions home pleased about    van gisbergen  lewsey  erinle  abbott  voyce  king  dawson  dowd  greening  green  shaw  birkett  worsley  o connor  dallaglio  capt    replacements  gotting  mckenzie  lock  hart  biljon  brooks  hoadley   murphy  rabeni  smith  gibson  healey  goode  ellis  rowntree  chuter  white  johnson  capt   deacon  moody  back  corry   replacements  from   buckland cockerill  morris  kay  johnson b deacon  tuilagi  bemand  tuiliagi  lloyd  vesty  
class_rugby	ireland 17 12 south africa  ronan o gara scored ireland s points home side claimed win south africa emotional day lansdowne road   o gara s first half try  poached quick tap penalty  helped irish 8 3 lead half time  o gara penalties extended ireland s lead 17 6 game entered final quarter  percy montgomery penalties set frantic finish ireland held claim famous victory  ireland began strongly led  match tense closely fought throughout  aware threat posed south africans  ireland pressed hard outset  played impressive rugby searching breakthrough  early on  denis hickie thought delightful backline move shane horgan s pass adjudged forward referee paul honiss   ireland continued press showed intent opting line out 19th minute straight forward points offer  south african infringement minute led ireland s points   o gara quick tap penalty charged opposition line irish try  springboks feel hard captain john smit back play o gara pounced referee honiss told skipper warn players consistent infringements  stung score  south africans replied 60 seconds geordan murphy s ankle tap tackle denying percy montgomery  however  springboks win penalty minute montgomery easily slotted cut ireland s lead 5 3   ireland jail south africans three to one overlap irish line waste chance  sustained springboks pressure  irish produced attack 34th minute culminated o gara s clever drop goal restore side s lead points remained margin half time  sustained irish pressure immediately half time rewarded o gara penalty  however  montgomery responded quickly slotting superb penalty touchline cut ireland s lead points again  montgomery burst irish defence 48th minute superb girvan dempsey tackle prevent try  south africans suffered double blow 52nd minute schalk burger sin binned week row killing ball o gara punished transgression notching penalty   61st minute  hickie left frustrated poor pass girvan dempsey chance seal match wasted  however  late tackle brian o driscoll enabled o gara notch penalty 63rd minute extended ireland s lead 17 6  however  montgomery penalties ireland s lead peril springboks closed points minutes remaining  south africa produced huge effort closing minutes ireland held claim deserved victory   dempsey  murphy  o driscoll  capt   horgan  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  o connor  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  maggs     montgomery  paulse  joubert  de wet barry  willemse  van der westhuyzen  du preez  du randt  smit  captain   andrews  botha  matfield  burger  aj venter  van niekerk     shimange  cj van der linde  britz  rossouw  claassens  de villiers  du toit j fourie   paul honiss  new zealand  
class_rugby	ireland usa  sat   saturday 20 november  lansdowne road  dublin  1300 gmt  irish coach repeat record 83 3 victory states 2000 agenda expects real test lansdowne road   their coach tom billups organised   o sullivan   they ran past french summer  granted  guys coming team chomping bit   irish line up shows team started south africa winger tommy bowe flanker denis leamy making international debuts  recalls backs david humphreys  kevin maggs guy easterby eric miller  marcus horan  donnacha o callaghan frank sheehan returning pack   o sullivan players coming opportunity stake claims inclusion argentina 27 november  easterby rare start scrum half humphreys  effectively ronan o gara s deputy fly half  wins 65th cap   we focus day   ulster man humphreys   the classed weaker opposition  treat respect deserve   states lost 39 31 france international ranked 16th world rugby  americans made changes  positional switch game july french  lock alec parker  blind side flanker brian surgener wing al lakomskis return captain kort schubert cardiff blues shifts number eight  schubert eagles player remaining sides  meeting years ago   murphy  horgan  o driscoll  capt   maggs  bowe  humphreys  easterby  horan  sheahan  hayes  o callaghan  o connell  easterby  leamy  miller   byrne  best  cullen  foley  stringer  o gara  dempsey   viljoen  lakomskis  emerick  sika  fee  hercus  timoteo  macdonald  wyatt  waasdorp  parker  klerck  surgener  petruzzella  schubert  capt    hobson  osentowski  gouws  mo unga  williams  sherman  tuipulotu  
class_rugby	ireland call uncapped campbell  ulster scrum half kieran campbell uncapped players included ireland s rbs nations squad   campbell joined ulster colleagues roger wilson ronan mccormack connacht s bernard jackman munster s shaun payne  gordon d arcy back injury munster flanker alan quinlan returns international consideration   the squad selected purely form  lot players put hands up   coach eddie o sullivan told bbc sport   kieran campbell players  playing heineken cup deserves call up   there big competition departments others  players unfortunate miss out   back row forwards david wallace victor costello omitted  o sullivan quinlan  wilson  simon easterby  anthony foley  denis leamy johnny o connor vying positions   david humphreys  kevin maggs  simon tommy bowe included  ulster s biggest representation training panel time  munster leinster 12 11 players squad jackman sole connacht representative  british based players included  ulster forward ronan mccormack  totally shocked  included   i m forward it   mccormack   i played guys brian o driscoll denis hickie back school days leinster well   it great work them     ulster   byrne  leinster   corrigan  leinster   cullen  leinster   easterby  llanelli   foley  munster   hayes  munster   horan  munster   jackman  connacht   leamy  munster   miller  leinster   mccormack  ulster   o callaghan  munster   o connell  munster   o connor  wasps   o kelly  leinster   sheahan  munster   wilson  ulster   quinlan  munster    bowe  ulster   campbell  ulster   d arcy  ulster   dempsey  leinster   duffy  harlequins   easterby  leinster   hickie  leinster   horgan  munster   horgan  leinster   humphreys  ulster   maggs  ulster   murphy  leicester   o driscoll   leinster   o gara  munster   payne  munster   stringer  munster    gleeson  leinster   howe  ulster   kelly  munster   mcmillan  ulster   
class_rugby	ireland 21 19 argentina  injury time dropped goal ronan o gara stole victory ireland underneath noses argentina lansdowne road saturday   o gara kicked ireland s points  dropped goals penalties  give home side 100  record autumn internationals  impressive argentina appeared control dying seconds  pumas shocked irish early federico aramburu  felipe contepomi kicked 14 points  well drilled sharper pumas out played out thought ireland early stages  indiscipline allowed argentina s leinster fly half contepomi open scoring minute straightforward penalty  mark minutes argentina shocked ragged ireland game  ireland turned ball manuel contepomi broke unstructured defence feeding midfield partner aramburu sprint posts  o gara finally ireland board dropped goal ninth minute contepomi rifle penalty minutes later  playing strong wind rain  ireland continued tight situations  turnovers began mount rugged defence  o gara managed land penalty 36th minute  contepomi replied kind minutes first half injury time  second half started ended  o gara rifled penalty 45th minute  contepomi matched minutes later  upper body strength pumas allowed ireland control front  three quarters space manoeuvre  ireland rely o gara s boot touch contrived running plays  munsterman landed penalties   48 metres   bring team points 13 minutes clock remaining  ireland s chance argentina s number gonzalo longo yellow carded minutes offence line out  o gara made mistake rifled penalty set tense final minutes  ireland showed great composure position o gara thump massive drop goal complete tremendous  fortuitous  comeback   
class_rugby	england claim dubai sevens glory  england beat fiji 26 21 dramatic final dubai win irb sevens event season   beaten australia south africa reach final  england fell early fiji  charge scores pat sanderson  kai horstman  mathew tait rob thirlby  fiji rallied force tense finale  scotland beaten 33 15 samoa plate semi final ireland lost 17 5 tunisia shield final  mike friday s england side matched opponents pace  power skill final led 19 7 half time  neumi nanuku marika vakacegu touched fiji  needless trip tuidriva bainivalu geoff appleford england run clock   to honest  england wanted win dubai long time now  people wanted win long   friday    we put pressure thankful achieved brought young talent time play england  15s  years   portugal confirmed impressive progress sevens rugby recording sudden death win france bowl final  samoa won plate title edging argentina 21 19   
class_rugby	barbarians 19 47 zealand  zealand proved strong australian dominated barbarians round unbeaten northern hemisphere tour easy win   rico gear ran blacks  predominantly second string line up  baa baas threaten  scoring albert van den bergh  xavier rush andrea lo cicero  looked winning  black aaron mauger good form boot  adding 10 points  blacks featured side started weekend s emphatic test victory france paris  baa baas wallabies starting line up  zealand coach graham henry said   it quality performance experienced side number young guys well   they learnt older players thanking guys mentoring tour   running rugby crowd hoping rarely materialised  marty holah blacks onslaught fifth minute rush hit back moments later  zealand ahead gear made space vacated temporarily injured chris latham slide in  ma a nonu found barbarians defence give side 19 7 half time lead  hosts failed ignite half and  moment gear scored interval  winner  lo cicero  sole european barbarians  bundled briefly curtail deficit  match blighted controversy moments justin marshall  felled high tackle jimmy cowan  referee andy turner waved play casey laulala coasted side s try  jermoe keino piri weepu added blacks  tally final whistle  van den bergh gained consolation baa baas  match  barbarians coach bob dwyer warned south african flanker schalk burger needed proper off season break maintain standards  burger  21  recently crowned player year peers international rugby board  struggled form recent weeks   it s year level phenomenal end southern hemisphere season   i played level tour   said  
class_rugby	dawson wins england squad recall  wasps scrum half matt dawson recalled england s training squad ahead rbs nations reinstated elite player squad   coach andy robinson dropped dawson autumn tests missed training film  a question sport    i bringing matt back felt playing well   robinson said   he merits return current form   newcastle s 18 year old centre mathew tait training squad   it s honour asked train england   tait  burst contention recently   i forward sessions  important thing moment sunday s game newport  that   robinson invited 42 players attend three day session leeds week  squad train part leeds rhinos rugby league squad   mike tindall ruled opening matches greenwood sidelined entire nations  tait contenders centre berths  stuart abbott  jamie noon  ollie smith  olly barkley henry paul   retains place early substitution australia   mix  ben cohen considered switching wing club northampton recently  prop phil vickery lock simon shaw return squad missing autumn tests injury  wasps wing tom voyce recalled  group includes bath flanker andy beattie leicester hooker george chuter   beattie matured greatly player past seasons   robinson said  jonny wilkinson  tindall martin corry included unavailability opening matches wales france   revised 56 man elite squad includes wasps hooker phil greening  replaces retired mark regan  sale wing mark cueto  cueto selected november internationals part group  scored england appearances  leicester scrum half harry ellis promoted senior national academy  contest number jersey dawson gloucester s andy gomarsall  players robinson s elite squad play 32 matches club country  called total 16 training days addition recognised international weeks years leading world cup   balshaw  cohen  cueto  lewsey  robinson  simpson daniel  voyce  abbott  noon  paul  smith  tait  tindall  barkley  hodgson  king  wilkinson  dawson  ellis  gomarsall   chuter  thompson  titterrell  rowntree  sheridan  stevens  vickery  white  borthwick  brown  deacon  grewcock  kay  shaw  beattie  corry  forrester  hazell  jones  moody  vyvyan  worsley   abbott  balshaw  borthwick  brown  chuter  cohen  corry  cueto  dawson  ellis  flatman  gomarsall  greening  greenwood  grewcock  hazell  hill  hodgson  kay  king  lewsey  moody  noon  paul  robinson  rowntree  shaw  simpson daniel  thompson  tindall  titterrell  vickery  vyvyan  white  wilkinson  worsley  worsley   barkley  beattie  christophers  deacon  forrester  jones  palmer  rees  sheridan  skinner  smith  stevens  tait  voyce   dowson  haughton  monye  roques  sanderson  
class_rugby	borders 19 20 ulster  ulster clung morale boosting celtic league win bottom club borders netherdale friday night   late borders substitute jonny weston set dramatic finish  scottish side complete fightback  ulster led 20 6 paul steinmetz bryn cunningham  irish province failed add tally half ended relieved win lift eighth place table  borders edged ahead sixth minute penalty charlie hore   hand visitors initiative gift try  calum macrae surrendered possession centre steinmetz chip danger zone  substitute joe pattison   injured gareth morton   wrongly thought ball trickling play eased chase   speedy steinmetz ideas raced vital touch nick time  giving adam larkin easy conversion  ally warnock clawed back points borders  hit double blow  first  mark blair yellow carded killing ball ground full back cunningham bagged touchdown wake fine work skipper andy ward  larkin added extras  worse borders larkin kicked penalties break  led kelly brown sin binned  hosts gave glimmer hope immediately restart  however  warnock struck penalty end  repeated feat set tense finale  ulster coach mark mccall delighted victory   borders tougher proposition year spite fact victory time   mccall   in 20 minutes edgy 20 minutes played rugby season scored good tries    morton  moffat  macrae  hore  berthinussen  warnock  moore  thomson  ford  douglas  blair  stewart  gray  brown  mcentee   kay  parr  mcgee  rennick  weston  millar  pattison   cunningham  maxwell  bell  steinmetz  howe  larkin  campbell  s  best  shields  moore  frost  mccullough  ward  feather  n  best   brady  mccormick  longwell  browne  doak  s  young  bowe   phil fear  wru  
class_rugby	lions blow world cup stars  british irish lions coach clive woodward select players involved year s rbs nations championship   world cup winners lawrence dallaglio  neil back martin johnson thought frame summer s tour zealand   i never   woodward   but compulsive reason pick player international rugby   dallaglio  back johnson retired international rugby 12 months continue star club sides  woodward added   the key thing stress intend nations players international rugby key benchmark   my job  senior representatives  make pick strongest team   if playing international rugby step test rugby  disadvantage    i absolutely critical history lions players playing countries   woodward revealed race captaincy wide open   it open book   said   there outstanding candidates countries   blacks  impressive displays europe recent weeks  including 45 6 humiliation france  woodward believes three test series zealand provide ultimate rugby challenge   their performance france simply awesome   lions coach   certain things suggested potency front five  powerful unit   customary thoroughness  woodward revealed soundings australia coach eddie jones jake white south africa tour matches britain ireland   result  woodward stressed lions group dominated players england ireland held hope struggling scots   scotland s recent results impressive excellent individual performances   eddie told tough made australia board opinions   scotland forward simon taylor call  provided recovers knee tendon problems   i lessons 2001 make mistake taking lawrence dallaglio fit trip   every player looked merits simon taylor outstanding player doubts back full fitness trip   i told back playing march plenty time prove fitness lions   players richard hill boat   
class_rugby	campbell lions consultant  government communications chief alastair campbell act media consultant sir clive woodward s 2005 lions tour zealand   campbell  left downing street earlier year  advise media strategy tour   i hope contribute planning preparation  ensuring media public tour itself   said   i forward stages tour   woodward s decision call prime minister tony blair s spin doctor springs deterioration media relations lions tour australia 2001  zealander graham henry head coach  furore surrounding newspaper diaries matt dawson austin healey compounded disillusioned players venting frustration media   the lions massive media event   woodward  head coach   there huge level interest travelling media  fans thousands zealand public   we strategy processes place deal pressures bring    alastair  act advisor build tour itself  role work closely  tour manager  bill beaumont   media manager  louisa cheetham  team manager  louise ramsay   campbell due resume working government year build up anticipated general election  lions leave zealand 24 may  test match blacks christchurch 25 june  
class_rugby	lions blow world cup winners  british irish lions coach clive woodward select players involved year s rbs nations championship   world cup winners lawrence dallaglio  neil back martin johnson thought frame summer s tour zealand   i never   woodward   but compulsive reason pick player international rugby   dallaglio  back johnson retired international rugby 12 months continue star club sides  woodward added   the key thing stress intend nations players international rugby key benchmark   my job  senior representatives  make pick strongest team   if playing international rugby step test rugby  disadvantage    i absolutely critical history lions players playing countries   woodward revealed race captaincy wide open   it open book   said   there outstanding candidates countries   blacks  impressive displays europe recent weeks  including 45 6 humiliation france  woodward believes three test series zealand provide ultimate rugby challenge   their performance france simply awesome   lions coach   certain things suggested potency front five  powerful unit   customary thoroughness  woodward revealed soundings australia coach eddie jones jake white south africa tour matches britain ireland   result  woodward stressed lions group dominated players england ireland held hope struggling scots   scotland s recent results impressive excellent individual performances   eddie told tough made australia board opinions   scotland forward simon taylor call  provided recovers knee tendon problems   i lessons 2001 make mistake taking lawrence dallaglio fit trip   every player looked merits simon taylor outstanding player doubts back full fitness trip   i told back playing march plenty time prove fitness lions   players richard hill boat   
class_rugby	wilkinson fit face edinburgh  england captain jonny wilkinson make long awaited return injury edinburgh saturday   wilkinson  played injuring bicep 17 october  part full contact training newcastle falcons wednesday  25 year old fly half start saturday s heineken cup match murrayfield bench  newcastle director rugby rob andrew said   he s fine hope game stage   25 year old missed england s autumn internationals aggravating haematoma upper arm saracens  subsequently replaced england captain full back jason robinson  sale s charlie hodgson number 10 shirt internationals canada  south africa australia  wilkinson s year disrupted injury muscle problem months sidelines shoulder injury sustained world cup final  
class_rugby	dallaglio eyeing lions tour place  england captain lawrence dallaglio harbours hopes place british irish lions tour zealand   lions coach sir clive woodward made clear pick squad tour summer based form shown nations championship  dallaglio  called time england earlier year  said   i assure down   i takes offer   told daily telegraph  dallaglio toured south africa lions 1997 forced home early knee injury trip australia years ago   32 year old felt concentrating club rugby prolonged international shelf life  said   i ll good shape fresh 10 tests clock   from witnessed close quarters sunday heineken cup match leicester  feel place alongside players  trip    if fit playing well  available   if clive feels international crop  fine  does  far  he   
class_rugby	dawson set wasps contract  european champions wasps set offer matt dawson deal   31 year old world cup winning scrum half impressed joining london side northampton summer one year contract  wasps coach warren gatland told daily mirror   we offered matt contract so   i m happy contribution good play couple years   dawson played vital part england s world cup win year fallen favour coach andy robinson missing training session september  hopes deal regain england place    rugby priority burning desire play rugby possibly can   said   i myself  chance play england again   i fit enough  strong enough  skilful enough   
class_rugby	healey targets england comeback  leicester wing austin healey hopes sunday s return heineken cup clash wasps springboard england recall nations   healey  won 51 caps prior 2003 world cup  good form tigers  resurgence season   i ambitions play england   healey told bbc   we previous  autumn  tests current squad feel place me   healey  played half back positions full back career  reverted wing  won england caps  recovering trapped nerve back sustained end september  31 year old relishing role tigers revival   i weeks fortunately resumed sort form before   said    i basically playing suits leicester  play scrum half  fly half full back moment s notice   but playing wing bigger free role expected influence things   apparent parts wasps leicester trilogy recent weeks  first  healey flank angled run score injury time earned tigers 17 17 draw premiership meeting 21 november  then  heineken cup double header sunday  healey slotted stand off delivered superb cross kick martin corry score tigers  try   i caught  cozza s  eye couple phases hoping full  fortunately bounce managed score   healey recalled   healey  heineken cup winner  believes sunday s match  up there  biggest club contests played in   it intense occasion destructive game   recalled   there huge amount rugby played great game involved in   after 15 minutes thought stride wasps back couple minutes way    outcome sunday put leicester pole position top heineken pool home game biarritz trip calvisano come  healey insists tigers summon desire deliver knockout blow dubbed  rugby s version rocky ii    there lot satisfaction dressing room aftewards case job half done   added   it two leg trip lose welford road negate positives result   i wanted end did  show desire week   
class_rugby	johnson rules lions tour  england captain martin johnson touring zealand lions summer   34 year old playing testimonial match jonah lomu xv 4 june   day game lions tour  johnson  retired international game year  called news conference monday announce details match  world cup winner skippered lions toured times  testimonial match  due played twickenham  part series events mark johnson s long career leicester  england lions  lions play warm up matches bay plenty 4 june  rotorua   stuart henry  member johnson s testimonial committee  said   it fair assumption martin s involvement twickenham fixture british lions tour   johnson suggested back december part 11 match tour   if retire international rugby    rather  of   said  
class_rugby	wilkinson  injuries toughened  england skipper jonny wilkinson insists battle injuries 2004 toughened mentally   fly half returned action newcastle 13 10 heineken cup win edinburgh weekend weeks bicep problem  wilkinson  endured eight month lay off shoulder injury  said   i physically prepared return mentally hard   but time feel mentally stronger   25 year old  played england drop kicking country world cup glory november 2003  admits rushed initial comeback september   wilkinson plan push fast time around   no one prepare back basically entire season injured   wilkinson added   the time round  training motivated been    but met disappointment games  wondering things working thought things preparation   i changed time  bit realistic coming back   i m ambitious   understand enjoy it   wilkinson praised dave walder  filling falcons  experience starting game bench   happened edinburgh   made appreciative role replacement players   i hated experience bench   wilkinson said   but enormous respect admiration players regular basis  dave walder playing team   accept it    to effective replacement skill itself  players fantastic it   when start game fully involved  react   replacement watch game tick instantly switch join time bed match   it s difficult  decision making role   scrum halves  hall charlton james grindal  regular basis good effect   
class_rugby	gatland fears end european run  wasps coach warren gatland defending champions pay heavy price slow starts heineken cup opponents leicester   wasps struggling qualify stage tigers won pool games sides   we strong enough  happened weeks row   disappointed gatland  side lie pool one   we re relying teams result biarritz   leicester swept 19 0 lead welford road sunday running 35 27 winners   we showed lot character fighting back did  leicester deserved win   gatland  wasps make knock out stages runners up  results pool secure victories calvisano biarritz month   wasps skipper lawrence dallaglio agreed gatland s assessment   when 19 points 15 minutes  playing catch up rugby   difficult  home   dallaglio   we continue give mountain climb games  finished strongly occasions   leicester coach john wells praised team s performance reeling back to back wins reigning premiership european champions   we goods  massive effort   said   it hands win games quarter finals   but  weekend  wasps  relax stride   andy goode weeks ensure finished correct side score  massive team effort   
class_rugby	kafer quits saracens  saracens head coach rod kafer resigned premiership club   33 year old australian  replaced wayne shelford august 2003  decided stand disappointing start season  saracens decided promote within  rugby manager steve diamond named kafer s replacement   following talks extending contract  conclusion preference seek opportunities elsewhere   kafer said   in light this  chief executive mark sinderberry decided club s interests stand head coach immediately   i mark board directors unwavering support 18 months playing management staff remainder season   kafer  part australia team won world cup 1999  linked move perth based super 14 side  saracens  perennial under achievers premiership  poor start season victories 11 league games   finishing bottom season  hopes high campaign eighth table  news kafer s decision days convincing 52 6 victory parma european challenge cup  sinderberry said   on behalf board directors  rod efforts past 18 months   he club difficult time leaves position focused coaching playing structure   diamond latest man charged winning saracens  trophy 1998 tetley s bitter cup  joined club back march successful years sale  jim mallinder  diamond steered club premiership parker pen shield glory   steve role head coach supported existing coaching staff   sinderberry   when steve appointed  view succeed rod decision leave saracens   steve club players person role   
class_rugby	kafer resigns saracens coach  saracens head coach rod kafer resigned premiership club   33 year old australian  replaced wayne shelford august 2003  decided stand disappointing start season  saracens decided promote within  rugby manager steve diamond named kafer s replacement   following talks extending contract  conclusion preference seek opportunities elsewhere   kafer said   in light this  chief executive mark sinderberry decided club s interests stand head coach immediately   i mark board directors unwavering support 18 months playing management staff remainder season   kafer  part australia team won world cup 1999  linked move perth based super 14 side  saracens  perennial under achievers premiership  poor start season victories 11 league games   finishing bottom season  hopes high campaign eighth table  news kafer s decision days convincing 52 6 victory parma european challenge cup  sinderberry said   on behalf board directors  rod efforts past 18 months   he club difficult time leaves position focused coaching playing structure   diamond latest man charged winning saracens  trophy 1998 tetley s bitter cup  joined club back march successful years sale   jim mallinder  diamond steered club premiership parker pen shield glory   steve role head coach supported existing coaching staff   sinderberry   when steve appointed  view succeed rod decision leave saracens   steve club players person role   
class_rugby	hurter flees falcons nest sa  newcastle tight head prop marius hurter end years north east returns native south africa year   hurter  34  signed deal play super 12 rugby cats currie cup lions  law studies  wife expecting child months  falcons boss rob andrew  said   losing marius blow recognise life to   hurter  capped 13 times springboks  member world cup winning squad 1995   signed falcons 1998 played 100 zurich premiership matches  helping club lift powergen cup 2001 2004  hurter remain contention falcons  matches saracens leeds  flying south africa 30 december   we marius family future  hope south africa ready guy class fully fledged geordie   andrew added   his shoes big fill  replacements build good work marius us  play younger props club   hurter said   i ve amazing time here  great years  plan back   newcastle fantastic city wonderful people  heart lies south africa   
class_rugby	o shea head rfu academies  london irish managing director conor o shea leave exiles post rugby football union s director regional academies   o shea start role spring  monitoring players capable developing england internationals   i move twickenham huge challenge simply turn down   o shea said   i potential moving academy network level excites enormously   o shea  won 35 caps ireland full back  forced retire player 2001 series ankle operations  exiles  director rugby taking managing director role 2003  o shea manage network 14 england regional rugby academies  working closely david shaw  instrumental establishing system  brian ashton  runs national academy bath  
class_rugby	wasps thrown powergen cup  zurich premiership champions wasps disqualified powergen cup rugby football union  rfu  fielding ineligible player   hooker jonny barrett played wasps  sixth round 43 33 win bristol weekend cup tied  ruling rfu unprecedented english rugby means bristol wasps  quarter final place local rivals gloucester 22 january  wasps plans appeal decision   the club admitted mistake punishment clubs tournament   wasps chief executive david davies    at time year  major games coming up  everyone s interest make quick decision concentrate upcoming fixtures gloucester biarritz heineken cup   we regret deep embarrassment incident club  supporters players   loan spell henley earlier season  barrett part club s third round defeat hands moseley 16 october  wasps director rugby warren gatland fielded hooker shoguns contravention rfu rules   mistake   an administrative oversight   light joint investigation wasps rfu    we accepted mistake made part club   rfu community operations director terry burwell   the regulations clear  however  option enforce them  penalty effect season only   wasps won english rugby s premier domestic cup competition 1999 2000  news advance time dent ambitions season  wasps struggling maintain heineken cup title defence back to back defeats leicester earlier month group stages  reigning domestic champions tigers premiership  
class_rugby	wilkinson targets ireland  jonny wilkinson  massively positive  chances playing part nations   knee injury ruled england s matches wales france  hoping feature ireland 27 february   i m coming well  physios england newcastle happy possibly point   england fly half  wilkinson played england 2003 world cup final win   the injury left leg so  kicker  make play usual game     all back   the knee injury  happened half weeks ago limit set weeks  half nations    i m concentrating bit  rehab   all free selection people me  play leave it   recover time england s nations season  target british irish lions tour zealand   i m play newcastle  england lions   said   as injuries  taking day day   
class_rugby	marshall set leeds move  blacks scrum half justin marshall agreed two year contract play leeds season   31 year old release clause zealand contract move 2005 lions tour   it exciting challenge me   marshall told bbc sport  leeds rugby director phil davies added   justin world class player add greatly group professionalism field   marshall capped zealand back time 77 tests him  left home blacks  european tour november  travel england captain barbarians international team mates twickenham  intent reclaiming test spot ahead lions  visit june   i committed zealand rugby season   added   i enjoy good challenge great face lions   marshall preparing start training canterbury crusaders  helped super 12 titles  monday ahead season  intended departure year blessing blacks coach graham henry   i fully understand justin making change stage career   henry said   while losing world class players ranks  doubting served zealand rugby long period time   
class_rugby	scrum half williams rejoins bath  bath signed scrum half andy williams short term deal neath swansea ospreys   wales international williams  contract welsh region due expire june  agreed contract end season  martyn wood s injury february  bath experienced back up nick walshe  williams   when opportunity presented itself  it   williams  capped wales romania 2003  figure match squad monday s zurich premiership match sale sharks  lost ospreys starting place zealander jason spice fallen pecking order  welsh region outstanding young 9 prospects richie rees rhodri wells  bath director rugby jack rowell  though  believes williams fits bill perfectly   he playing regular heineken cup celtic league rugby great affection bath   rowell told bath s official website   we delighted back club   
class_rugby	bath faced tindall ultimatum  mike tindall s agent warned bath week improve contract offer england man risk losing rival club   dipo alli received offer tindall dwarfs bath s deal clubs talk   mike nations worrying playing club rugby season   alli told guardian newspaper   it  bath owner  andrew brownsword  make happen   tindall contract end season understood brownsword unwilling break club s salary structure accommodate 26 year old s demands  alli insists player worth bath put table   mike bath years remain club demands excessive   agent added   but brownsword recognise mike s resolve things end week   
class_rugby	tindall opinion  england centre mike tindall seek opinion surgery foot injury force miss entire nations   bath player opener wales 5 february hand problem   mike specialist review fracture mid foot   england doctor simon kemp   before final decision made surgery    medical teams decided specialist    england coach andy robinson centre greenwood flanker richard hill fly half jonny wilkinson miss games  robinson expected announce new look england line up monday match millennium stadium  newcastle s 18 year old centre mathew tait set stand tindall alongside club team mate jamie noon   meanwhile  tindall targeting return action end regular zurich premiership season 30 april  aim back full fitness lions tour zealand summer  
class_rugby	paris promise raises welsh hopes  nations match saturday s epic paris   welsh revival continue grand slam 1978  questions occupying wales supporters rugby fans scintillating display paris  welsh legend mervyn davies  member grand slam winning sides 1970s  hailed  one great performances past decades   martyn williams  wales  two try scorer day  called  one surreal games played in   crestfallen france coach  bernard laporte  simply observed   there french half welsh half   half red dragonhood  transforming 15 6 half time deficit 18 15 lead mesmerising minutes period  passage play showed swelling self belief side prepared back spirit adventure  final quarter told lot welsh side  recovered battering half hour stem tide half time  reverse resumption  remarkable enough  resisting seemingly unstoppable wave french pressure nail biting final minutes  wales showed physical attributes mental resolve   international rugby  top sides beat day  great sides win close contests consistent basis  england suffered infamous nations disappointments en route world cup glory  pain defeat forging bonds ultimately led victory mattered  wales remotely considered similar light  signs players previously receiving end learning emerge side scoreline  ten 22 duty saturday involved wales trounced 33 5 paris years ago  threw shackles zealand 2003 world cup  wales rediscovered made great rugby nation place    the confidence squad building building world cup young players world class   noted coach mike ruddock  likes michael owen  gethin jenkins  dwayne peel gavin henson building strong cases inclusion summer s lions tour zealand  players stephen jones  martyn williams  shane williams gareth thomas proving youngsters upward curve  jones  superb man of the match display  observed  we happy camp now   ruddock thomas credit that  ensuring tribal regional divisions scarred welsh rugby extend national squad   joie de vivre  evident magical second half spell paris stems style play wooed supporters world 1970s   england half innate attacking exuberance wales produced championship  contemplating debris consecutive defeats  similarly  wales learnt style win matches  forward power  mental toughness good decision making pressure equally important  murrayfield  wales won visits  hype principality overdrive  players set task beating scotland    visit ireland finish   start thinking emulating hallowed players 1970s  writing names welsh legend  
class_rugby	wales silent grand slam talk  rhys williams wales thinking winning grand slam nations win    that s thing minds moment   williams  second  half replacement saturday s 24 18 win france paris   we realise difficult task scotland beat them   we ve unstuck couple times recently focus game worry ireland beaten scotland   captain gareth thomas ruled rest campaign broken thumb  williams vying start championship far   kevin morgan favourite replace thomas full back  leaving williams hal luscombe battle wing berth  hamstring injury denied luscombe opportunity make successive start  dragons winger expected fit trip murrayfield 13 march  hooker robin mcbryde doubtful picking knee injury paris  centre sonny parker flanker colin charvis set recover injury contention selection  wales assistant coach scott johnson   they ve worked weekend reports bit positive   so couple back adds depth squad   scotland secured win campaign saturday grinding 18 10 win italy   matt williams  side shown attack  johnson insisted scots difficult opposition break down   italy brave opposition hard win   said   so ugly win effective 30 40 point victory   scotland hard side underrated taking granted   we re basking glory winning games  diligent preparation   that s job make focused   
class_rugby	sculthorpe lions captaincy  paul sculthorpe admitted love succeed andy farrell great britain skipper wigan star switch codes rugby union   sculthorpe vice captain tri nations  st helens captaincy chris joynt year   i job   make bones it   sculthorpe told bbc sport   it s wanted do  gladly offered me    27 year old  captained st helens challenge cup success year  footsteps farrell challenge   andy hard act follow confident to   said   the gb team one man team  lot good young players pushing places anyway    sculthorpe rugby league world understand farrell decide move rugby union   it s short career make can   sculthorpe   nobody blame   game rugby league    financially set life  fancies challenge  fault him   sculthorpe called rugby league authorities number games top players asked play  sean long  sculthorpe s saints lions team mate  expressed doubts international future  i sean s situation sheer number games playing   said    the extend career couple years playing international rugby  that   the rfl fixtures  playing 42 weeks year much   a lot niggly injuries suffered couple years lack rest time   st helens strongly linked move brilliant young forward sonny bill williams  sculthorpe love 19 year old knowsley road   he s great player   big strong lad hit hard defence  skilful   said   i d love st helens  happen  players team  players world   
class_rugby	tigers wary farrell  gamble   leicester rushed making bid andy farrell great britain rugby league captain decide switch codes    we involved process stage   tigers boss john wells told bbc radio leicester   at moment  lot unknowns andy farrell  medical situation   whoever big  big gamble   farrell  persistent knee problems  operation knee weeks ago expected months  leicester saracens believed head list rugby union clubs interested signing farrell decides move 15 man game   move union  wells believes playing backs  initially   i m make step league union involved centre   wells   i england prefer progress position back row make rugby league skills forwards   the jury cross divide   at club  balance struck cost gamble option bringing ready made replacement   
class_rugby	farrell saga drag   lindsay  wigan chairman maurice lindsay expect quick solution on going saga captain andy farrell s switch rugby union   leicester saracens leading chase player  lindsay told bbc deal   as rugby football union  league  individual club england coaching team say  quick decision   said   he s 12 years service go  support him   prospect farrell switching codes main talking point super league season far   it bolt blue us   admitted lindsay   but loyal friend club  question deserting us  fancies challenge    move lucrative farrell wigan  lindsay money motivating factor club   the money side things concluded  point wigan   told radio live   a shortage money problem us   even it  salary cap spend penny   player    lindsay understood rugby union interested signing farrell   it d great loss great boost them   warriors chief   this guy absolute sporting icon  top long demonstrated attributes make tough contact sport   athletes   ellery hanley martin johnson   often  lucky whilst them   
class_rugby	england tough sevens draw  england negotiate tough draw win rugby world cup sevens hong kong month   seeds drawn samoa  france  italy  georgia chinese taipei  top sides pool qualify england face 2001 winners zealand quarter finals stumble samoa  scotland ireland pool blacks  england won event international rugby board world sevens series dubai slipped fourth table failing build victory   however  beat samoa recent los angeles sevens losing argentina semi finals   england ability determination win world cup create sporting history nation hold 15s sevens world cups time   england sevens coach mike friday   england fantastic record hong kong won years  world cup level   every pool teams caused upsets work hard ensure progress group   we performed consistently true potential irb sevens disappointing   forward   england won rugby world cup sevens 1993 side included likes lawrence dallaglio matt dawson  1997 2001  england lost quarter finals    seeds brackets   zealand  1   scotland  8   tonga  ireland  korea  usa   england  2   samoa  7   france  italy  georgia  chinese taipei   fiji  3   australia  6   canada  portugal  japan  hong kong   argentina  4   south africa  5   kenya  tunisia  russia  uruguay  
class_rugby	wales hails superstar  game nations career  gavin henson welsh legend   mesmeric display england  topped howitzer match winning penalty  secured life membership club  23  henson rugby world silver booted feet  natural self assurance swagger shared wales team mates  full blown revival lot hot air drifting valleys   red dragonhood  subdued  red rose army  areas field  henson s stellar performance ensured efforts yielded win craved others  announced game s opening salvo  welcome cardiff  greeting mark cueto gain line  defence major feature match  principal victim poor old  young  mathew tait  england centre spent 19th birthday sunday shuddering memory up ended once  twice  henson s all enveloping tackles   time  interval  single handedly lifted record millennium stadium crowd time england starting show menace  showing awesome strength  henson nonchantly held bewildered debutant mid air  master predator toying helpless prey  savouring kill  kicking game prospered  moved full back 10 minutes side half time captain gareth thomas sin bin  huge clearance tait s kick england retreating rapidly booming punt corner visitors pinned half  henson creativity personified  chip ahead shane williams narrowly missed target  precise cross kick forcing jamie noon fumble ball touch  hand game s try  finished superbly williams  scored half hour glided space  scragged tait  henson repelled wales laid siege english line charlie hodgson s penalty edged visitors front time  denied crescendo rose deafening din  outcome match fell him  replacement gareth cooper made poor welsh scrum chipping space  jason robinson penalised holding tackle   metres touchline  44 metres out  kick stephen jones  long range effort fall agonisingly bar  approached confidence   it steve s range looked gavin  gave reassuring nod   thomas  henson  surveying date destiny  positively relished responsibility  chance make hero  ado  nervelessly slotted kick ended years english dominance 12 years waiting cardiff   i knew kick   later  distinct spikey locks freshly gelled star shape   i distance year problem   minutes wales hold out  frenzy henson hear jones shouting instructions yards away  wales finished game attack  snatching thunderous climax   just it  implored front page headline saturday s western mail newspaper  and  henson  wales did  
class_rugby	sydney host north south game  sydney host northern versus southern hemisphere charity match june july  australian rugby union  aru  wednesday   match include players lions tour zealand   the australian rugby union thrown support proposed north south match raise funds tsunami appeals   aru said  date decided venue sydney s olympic stadium  aru chief executive gary flowers world cricket charity match melbourne earlier month inspired aru   we discuss options irb  international rugby board   lions sanzar  south africa  zealand australia rugby  partners  june july option march ensure cream southern hemisphere rugby available   said  wallabies captain george gregan charity match  great initiative   tri nations rivals australia  zealand south africa feature prominently southern team northern side comprised nations teams france  ireland  england  wales  italy scotland  coach clive woodward s lions squad tour zealand june july  including tests 25 june  2 9 july   80 000 fans packed melbourne cricket ground 10 january charity match raised £5 9m victims asian tsunami  
class_rugby	celts savour grand slam prospect  nations heralded order northern hemisphere rugby year wales ireland traditional big guns france england face potential grand slam play off weeks  time   game cardiff  wales past scotland murrayfield  ireland face insignificant task home fixture mercurial french  no one mood france lansdowne road 12 march   sublime  half wales  ridiculous  period england twickenham  mighty fallen  england sat rugby s summit 15 months ago world champions 2003 grand slam winners  lost 14 matches heady night sydney  face ignominy amount wooden spoon play off italy fortnight   england enduring worst run championship captain richard hill dumped favour mike harrison straight losses 1987  coach andy robinson  successful sir clive woodward september  lost phalanx world cup stars  enduring toughest teething problems bedding style team  year england ruled roost  woeful wales lost matches nations  won games  scotland italy  2004  wales  recent championship title 1994  grand slam success 1978 era gareth edwards  phil bennett  jpr williams al   welsh rugby fans remain permanent tenterhooks blossoming golden age  false dawns  coach mike ruddock team philosophy match expectations  fresh verve inspired skipper gareth thomas  broken thumb  accurate kicking fly half stephen jones centre gavin henson  rampant martyn williams leading front  exciting runners guise henson shane williams  ireland coach eddie o sullivan captain brian o driscoll side buzzing too  close shedding  nearly men  tag dogged past years  men emerald isle nations runners up past years  france england   won title 1985 clinched grand slam 1948  scotland  struggled decade 2004 wooden spoon  winners  top lifted title 1999  italy continue elusive search nations win  account scalps scotland  twice  wales joining elite 2000  coach john kirwan passionate dedicated believer azzurri  lacking raw materials  france  brilliant minute  inept next  reigning champions easily turn style dublin end winning title back door  ireland  though  won times meetings  welsh romantics prefer glorious victory celtic showdown crown grand slam  ireland beaten wales meetings  welsh legions les bleus 12 march  
class_rugby	ireland win eclipses refereeing  errors   international rugby board step stop frustrated coaches players publicly haranguing referees things belly up   nfl style video cameras field  slap vociferous perpetrators knuckles  irb football scenario verbal slanging matches overshadow game itself  sunday s explosive nations clash lansdowne road good ireland step grand slam 1948  game exciting comes  much improved england side enraged decisions way  understand frustration  doubt ireland rub green 19 13 victory  reaction england camp endeared sport s  blazers   referee jonathan kaplan perfect means decisions made villain piece  doubt kaplan pleased comments made  all  public recourse criticism   simon mcdowell  touch judge heavily criticised scotland coach matt williams defeat france  england concerned  queries mark cueto s half effort corner charlie hodgson kick   england coach andy robinson referred similar case ravenhill january ulster playing gloucester heineken cup  occasion  david humphreys kicked tommy bowe  touched corner wiped out  cameras conceivable angle pick anomalies  robinson referee upstairs josh lewsey driven irish line end   lewsey claims touched full control  however  credit ireland flanker johnny o connor cleverly scooping ball blocking evidence touchdown  rugby  80 minutes  referee missed england s danny grewcock taking ronan o gara ball martin corry sunday stroll line  stand out moments classic game foes   more  those  brian o driscoll s winning well conceived come  charlie hodgson s brilliant kicking display highlight  ronan o gara s tremendous ability control game crucial component  defining moments ireland cosh final 15 minutes  outstanding pieces defensive play denied england allowed ireland hold on  denis hickie s brilliant double tackle right hand corner  gobbled cueto hodgson cross field kick  regained feet stop lewsey scoring try  ireland s second row colossus paul o connell equally superb  england turned ireland other  defence cordon slowly disintegrating  england prop matt stevens ran full steam suck tacklers  ran o connell hit hard   hard   wrestled ball crucial turnover  spoke volumes ireland s back foot display  defensive coach mike ford taking bow end  win game showed ireland moved forward  win games  defence wins championships  
class_rugby	ireland 19 13 england  ireland consigned england straight nations defeat stirring victory lansdowne road   second half captain brian o driscoll 14 points ronan o gara ireland track grand slam 1948  england scored martin corry  tries  mark cueto josh lewsey disallowed  andy robinson s men lost 14 matches 2003 world cup final  defeat heralded england s worst run championship 1987  ireland won title  nations  1985  20 years share top spot table maximum points wales  eddie o sullivan s side banished ghosts 2003 england rampant 42 6 victors claiming grand slam lansdowne road  front supercharged home crowd dry blustery day dublin  ireland tore white shirted visitors kick off made intentions clear o gara landed fourth minute drop goal   england time settle real venture ireland s half produced simple score corry  number picked ball back ruck found absence green jerseys irish line  racing 25 yards touch down  england fly half charlie hodgson nailed conversion left  immediately o gara  winning 50th cap  answered penalties quick succession  england awarded penalty halfway line 20 minutes  hodgson  villain twickenham  coolly bisected posts  quarter marked periods tactical kicking  ireland showing willingness spread ball wide eager inventive backs  series probes led talismanic o driscoll  back hamstring injury  resulted penalty ireland chose kick touch   line out  ball recycled back o gara  stroked drop goal  time upright  interval approached  wing josh lewsey catalyst england s promising attack  wasps star raced touchline hodgson s cross kick put mark cueto apparent score  sale wing ruled started front kicker  england began half ireland pinned half  english indiscretion rare irish break out awarded o gara kick goal  missed  england s pressure continued  wave attacks centre jamie noon dragged yards line hodgson landed drop goal   lead shortlived  however  ireland raced upfield  deft handling backs  including clever dummy geordan murphy hodgson  ending o driscoll corner touching close posts  o gara missed penalty put ireland points clear  home crowd breathed sigh relief hodgson s cross kick fumbled lock ben kay line  anticipation home win noise level sky high  o gara missed chance seal game wayward drop goal attempt  inside 10 minutes  england poured forward  spurred scrum half matt dawson  replaced leicester s harry ellis  miss pack line   checked tv replay referee jonathan kaplan   england unable pull face saving win  ireland face france lansdowne road weeks  time potential title decider wales cardiff  england meet italy twickenham  wooden spoon decider  scotland   murphy  dempsey  o driscoll  horgan  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  o connor  foley   sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  maggs   robinson  capt   cueto  noon  barkley  lewsey  hodgson  ellis  rowntree  thompson  stevens  grewcock  kay  worsley  moody  corry   titterrell  bell  borthwick  hazell  dawson  goode  smith  
class_rugby	fuming robinson blasts officials  england coach andy robinson  livid  side denied sunday s 19 13 nations loss ireland dublin   mark cueto s first half effort ruled offside referee spurned tv replays england crashed dying minutes    i m  absolutely spitting  livid  cost   robinson told bbc sport   we ve back technology  didn t   south african referee jonathan kaplan ruled cueto ahead charlie hodgson fly half hoisted cross field kick sale wing gather   kaplan declined chance consult fourth official josh lewsey ball irish line pile bodies game winning try   i mark cueto scored perfectly legal video referee josh lewsey   robinson   it technology  there  used    i work cueto try  looked both  looked tries   we disappointed  hurt  doubt that   we upset now  referee charge called cope that    we win game  proud players and  couple decisions  famous victory   i thought dominated  matt stevens awesome game tighthead prop  likes charlie hodgson  martin corry lewis moody well   josh lewsey awesome  forwards stood there  pressure under  credit players   we win game rugby  ireland good side  defended magnificently chance winning nations   england lost matches year s nations games robinson sir clive woodward september  
class_rugby	scotland 18 10 italy  chris paterson penalties gave scotland victory dour clinical encounter italy murrayfield   coach matt williams  side outmuscled outplayed tense half led 6 3 break  paterson slotted second half penalties scotland denied wing sean lamont s touchdown ruled forward pass  late andrea masi small consolation italy  chasing win nations  scotland top early exchanges quick 3 0 lead boot full back paterson  powerful azzurri pack eventually rumbled life   series drives scottish territory set penalty attempt  missed full back roland de marigny  wayward drop goal effort luciano orquera  scotland defended initial thrusts 20 minutes italy  coming yards short line  equalised de marigny penalty  italy offered penalty scottish flanker simon taylor offside left footed de marigny pushed kick wide  scotland finally made rare foray italian half snatched points paterson italian forward handled ball ruck   half wore on  sides squandered promising spells momentum sloppy penalties  period fizzled scotland numerically  psychologically  top  italy s de marigny narrowly missed chance level scores shortly break long range kick shaved upright  scotland capitalised paterson penalty 50 minutes  williams  side found spark and  couple probing attacks  paterson slot points widen gap   pendulum possession swinging scotland  lamont thought wriggled left corner 65 minutes play recalled marginal forward pass paterson  paterson penalty 70 minutes pressure wilting visitors  john kirwan s men laugh gordon ross  attempted clearance charged masi pounced try  converted de marigny     paterson  webster  craig  southwell  lamont  parks  cusiter  smith  bulloch  capt   kerr  grimes  murray  taylor  petrie  hogg   russell  douglas  hines  dunbar  blair  ross  hinshelwood   de marigny  mirco bergamasco  stoica  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  capt   persico  dal maso  parisse   intoppa  perugini  ca del fava  orlando  griffen  pedrazzi  kp robertson  
class_rugby	bortolami predicts dour contest  italy skipper marco bortolami believes saturday s nations contest scotland scrappy encounter   sides win championship  third round game murrayfield billed wooden spoon decider  bortolami feels edinburgh contest end bruising battle packs   it pretty game teams desperate gain win   lock forward  italy recorded wins joined nations 2000  scotland  year  italy opened stubborn display ireland ended losing 28 17   however  outplayed impressive welsh side rome time out  italians travel edinburgh hoping claim win nations   scotland played extremely france paris ireland edinburgh   bortolami   we disappointed game wales rome determined wrongs   as nation  quest respected team worthy place tournament winning games   
class_rugby	o connell rejects lions rumours  ireland munster lock paul o connell dismissed media reports linking captaincy lions tour zealand summer   o connell rumoured front runners job  totally focused sunday s nations crunch clash england   i honestly reports   told bbc sport   the lions thing speculation newspaper talk  more  ignore job   added   the thing annoys reading reports opposition locks think   i imagine  i m show guy row play   thing makes cringe   o connell  made try scoring international debut wales years ago  enjoying meteoric rise rugby s shop window   refuses drawn lions    i spoken sir clive woodward times  long  summer holidays   joked  remains wary wounded england s abilities coming sunday s game straight defeats  dismissing predictions irish victory   it s dangerous that  england team experience skill  bad team overnight   they world class game breakers josh lewsey jason robinson  charlie hodgson ready click place   insisted ireland make mistake over confident   that s happen squad  ireland team lining play england fall trap   said   every time play england big task is  years ago  remember game well  good feeling   i replacement losing 13 6  ended hammered 42 6  happen england dublin   they easily coming dublin wins staring grand slam face well   
class_rugby	taylor poised scotland return  simon taylor named scotland squad saturday s nations clash italy   25 year old number made scoring return edinburgh weekend   game year capital side  taylor suffered knee ligament damage playing ireland dublin 2004 nations championship   simon scotland s world class players huge bonus   team mate chris paterson   he brings dimension us  defence ability slow opposition ball key italy involved   taylor turned english side saracens recent weeks short term loan improve fitness   edinburgh action weeks season s nations  taylor played 20 minutes saracens  win northampton 40 minutes friendly south african super 12 side cats  scotland coach matt williams due match day 22 thursday  scotland italy lost opening nations games and  season s encounter italy won  weekend s game turn battle avoid wooden spoon     blair  edinburgh   craig  glasgow   cusiter  borders   danielli  borders   di rollo  edinburgh   henderson  glasgow   hinshelwood  worcester   lamont  glasgow   lamont  glasgow   parks  glasgow   paterson  edinburgh   ross  leeds   southwell  edinburgh   webster  edinburgh     beattie  northampton   bulloch  glasgow  capt   douglas  borders   dunbar  leeds   fullarton  saracens   grimes  newcastle   hines  edinburgh   hogg  edinburgh   kerr  leeds   lloyd  saracens   murray  edinburgh   petrie  glasgow   russell  london irish   smith  edinburgh   smith  northampton   taylor  edinburgh   white  sale   
class_rugby	vickery upbeat arm injury  england prop phil vickery staying positive broken arm ruling rbs nations   28 year old fractured radius forearm gloucester s 17 16 win bath saturday  undergo operation monday expected weeks  said   this injury stop working hard fitness elements lads   added   i ve operation afternoon back fitness work week    as frustrating is  positive    game  vickery spoke bath prop david barnes  broke arm recently   i chat david barnes similar injury him   said   he operation back running week   there s doubt involved place operation   gloucester director rugby nigel melville said   phil broken radius  large bone forearm   i happened  phil action weeks   i feel him  great shape  needed 80 minutes rugby weekend  happened  mentally  hard him   
class_rugby	dominici backs lacklustre france  wing christophe dominici france claim nations grand slam lacklustre wins scotland england   champions scots paris  needed england self destruct week s 18 17 win   the english played lost  race grand slam   dominici   we display perfect  win grand slam  ireland wales   france   ireland wales remain unbeaten rounds year s rbs nations  celtic nations playing impressive rugby   france wales stade de france 26 february ireland dublin 12 march  france click  dominici win hard long scrum half dimitri yachvili continues goalkicking form   if efficient kicker rely on  solid defence team play lives  achieve something   dominici added   i start competition winners clearer matches  happen   france coach bernard laporte announce starting line up tuesday match wales   wing jimmy marlu knee injury sustained twickenham  sideline rest tournament  inspirational flanker serge betsen doubt thigh injury  number imanol harinordoquy shaken shoulder injury  backs  centre yannick jauzion winger aurelien rougerie back contention injury  brive back julien laharrague received call up replacement pepito elhorga  
class_rugby	llewellyn plans wales retirement  wales record cap holder gareth llewellyn retire test rugby end nations   veteran lock  36 end february  told bbc wales scrum time bring curtain 92 cap wales career  llewellyn one season deal french club side narbonne  retiring rugby   i year  carry playing make change career   llewellyn said   narbonne keen stay year  decide stay else  ultimitely coaching end up   i ve coaching awards respect  chance somewhere   fellow locks robert sidoli brent cockbain  scored saturday s nations win italy  wales coach mike ruddock s preferred starters row   resurgence dragons  ian gough adaptibility lock cum flanker jon thomas bench  llewellyn made match day squad nations campaign  neath ospreys player targetting outing red shirt   if field brilliant  boys pleased them   llewellyn added   we ve tough years wales players hell lot   sometimes easiest thing throw towel walk away  dug nice boys rewards now   i retire end nations  told boys squad it   but mike  ruddock  asked carry season  done  part squad  can   llewellyn made wales debut 1989 zealand 20 year old  caught selectors  eyes blacks  tour match neath  6ft 6in player looked back since  break neil jenkins  wales cap record 12 june 2004 50 44 loss argentina    there s lots highs   winning nations  94  beating england  93  great tours fantastic countries   llewellyn said   but thing time spent players  met great guys rugby made great friends   it ll bit strange international days find watch wales play  time golf handicap down   llewellyn captained neath seasons  integral part neath swansea ospreys regional side s season  ospreys building future  llewellyn eventually forced france employment   digging heels contract negotiations insist allowed play wales  
class_rugby	england 17 18 france  england suffered eighth defeat 11 tests scrum half dimitri yachvili booted france victory twickenham   converted olly barkley josh lewsey helped world champions 17 6 half time lead  charlie hodgson barkley missed penalties them  yachvili landed france put visitors front  england won game minutes left  hodgson pushed easy drop goal opportunity wide  dismal defeat england  coming hard heels opening nations loss wales  put game france s reach  remarkably remained scoreless entire half  scrappy opening quarter sides betray lack confidence engendered poor opening displays wales scotland respectively  hodgson early opportunity settle english nerves pushed straightforward penalty attempt wide  probing kick france centre damien traille mark cueto penalised holding ball tackle  yachvili giving france lead kick wide out   france turned england ball breakdown early home side struggled generate forward momentum  ben kay charge apart  spell tit for tat kicking emphasised caution sides  england refused points kick penalty corner  botch subsequent line out  england made breakthrough 19 minutes  faltering move back scrum led opening try  jamie noon short pass barkley ran good angle plough yann delaigue s flimsy tackle sending centre partner score posts   hodgson converted added penalty french infringements floor 10 3 lead  fly half failed dispense punishment scuffed attempt france full back pepito elhorga  scragged lewsey  threw ball touch  barkley missed longer range efforts half drew close  england scored converted try  series phases lock danny grewcock ran hard french defence off loaded sylvain marconnet s tackle lewsey  industrious wing cut back angle handed hooker sebastien bruno sprint over  dire opening half  france threw forward replacements attempt rectify situation  wing jimmy marlu departed injured  yachvili nibbled lead penalty 51 minutes   lewis moody penalised   handling ruck straying offside   scrum half s unerring left boot cut deficit points  barkley missed long range effort increase tension  attempt drop short  yachvili put france ahead sixth penalty 11 minutes left   england ben cohen matt dawson  barkley s kick christophe dominici ball line  stage set victory platform  poor scrummage  hodgson chance seal victory pushed drop goal attempt wide  england threw french final frantic moments  visitors held win twickenham 1997   robinson  capt   cueto  noon  barkley  lewsey  hodgson  ellis  rowntree  thompson  vickery  grewcock  kay  worsley  moody  corry   titterrell  sheridan  borthwick  hazell  dawson  paul  cohen   elhorga  dominici  liebenberg  traille  marlu  delaigue  yachvili  marconnet  bruno  mas  pelous  capt   thion  betsen  bonnaire  chabal   servat  milloud  lamboley  nyanga  mignoni  michalak  j p grandclaude   paddy o brien  new zealand  
class_rugby	wilkinson miss ireland match  england ireland nations captain goal kicker jonny wilkinson  newcastle boss rob andrew   wilkinson   targeted 27 february match international comeback   missed england  goal kicking   jonny s fit yet   falcons chief andrew told bbc radio live   he fit dublin  doubt that  fit scotland italy   25 year old played england 2003 world cup final succession injuries  england  lost nations games row  wasted 17 6 half time lead 18 17 defeat france  goal kickers charlie hodgson olly barkley missed penalty attempts drop goal them   they ve english kickers premiership hodgson barkley   added andrew  england fly half goal kicker    they re pretty good kickers  charlie good kicker week in  week out   but pressure england handling pressure moment   andrew blamed england s poor run recent results lack leadership side high profile retirements injuries   they leadership through  martin johnson  lawrence dallaglio jonny huge losses leadership important situations   said   i difficult jason robinson lead side effectively full back   meanwhile  england full back dusty hare put england s mistakes lack mental toughness    jonny wilkinson proved cool customer 80  kicking success rate   hare told bbc radio live   but natural born toughness practice do   you shut elements concentrate putting ball posts   hodgson  excellent kicking record club side sale sharks  introduced crowd noise practice routine late   the top golfers hit fairway time  goal kicking   hare added   you mental toughness put ball over  great goal kickers jonny wilkinson rarely   
class_rugby	italy 8 38 wales  wales secured win rbs nations years six try victory rome   jonathan thomas  tom shanklin martyn williams gave visitors 19 5 half time advantage  luciano orquera reply italy second half efforts brent cockbain  shane williams robert sidoli sealed victory  fly half stephen jones added conversions wales maintained superb start year s tournament  starting full confidence victory england  visitors scored opening minutes  diminutive wing shane williams fielded kick ahead danced past onrushing andrea masi aaron persico italian half  pass tom shanklin appeared forward centre held short  ball switched left michael owen s long cut out pass gave lurking thomas easy run in   stephen jones  retained kicking duties gavin henson s heroics england  slotted excellent conversion wide out  wales threatened scores failed find crucial pass  italy hit back blue 11th minute   henson  sporting gold boots silver variety england  beat players ease left touchline  attempted chip ahead charged orquera  snaffled loose ball hared halfway score corner  welsh line out stuttering italy turning visitors  scrum  home side s forward power brought back it  clever high kick henson brought hal luscombe roland de marigny ludovico nitoglia made hash claiming ball bounced touch   wales regained control 21st minute  henson lobbing high kick left corner shanklin jumped higher nitoglia dot 15th test try  jones unable convert de marigny hit upright penalty attempt italy  henson narrowly short long range effort goal  wales ended half vital score give breathing space   henson luscombe streaking off loaded martyn williams  flanker showed nous ground ball padding post  jones adding conversion  italy  lost flanker mauro bergamasco head knock half time  built head steam resumption  de marigny landed penalty make 19 8 nitoglia break middle threatened move break knock on  wales put outcome doubt superb minutes hour  fourth 53 minutes sparked mazy run shane williams  beat players ease  finished powerful angled run lock cockbain  italy recover blow  strong surge gareth thomas great off loads martyn williams replacement kevin morgan shane williams scamper over   jones converting 33 8 lead  wales luxury sending replacements final quarter  icing cake sixth superb support work  shane williams ceri sweeney combining send sidoli left corner  downside wales hamstring injury suffered luscombe  back to back wins start tournament time 11 years  travel paris fortnight genuine contenders   de marigny  mirco bergamasco  pozzebon  masi  nitoglia  orquera  troncon  lo cicero  ongaro  castrogiovanni  dellape  bortolami  capt   persico  mauro bergamasco  parisse   intoppa  perugini  ca del fava  dal maso  griffen  barbini  kp robertson   thomas  capt   luscombe  shanklin  henson  williams  jones  peel  jenkins  davies  jones  cockbain  sidoli  thomas  williams  owen   mcbryde  yapp  gough  sowden taylor  cooper  sweeney  morgan   andrew cole  australia   
class_rugby	d arcy injury adds ireland woe  gordon d arcy ruled ireland team saturday s nations clash scotland murrayfield   skipper brian o driscoll  d arcy failed recover hamstring injury  side led munster lock paul o connell  shane horgan switches wing centre joined ulster s kevin maggs  girvan dempsey team wing spot gavin duffy called replacements    we gave gordon chance work out    ireland coach eddie o sullivan    in terms risk element  precaution  fine game tempt fate     maggs  win 67th cap  obvious replacement centre shane horgan moved wing  change ireland side weekend s win rome sees wasps flanker johnny o connor replacing denis leamy  o connor winning cap making debut victory south africa november     murphy  dempsey  horgan  maggs  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  capt  easterby  o connor  foley     sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  duffy  
class_rugby	o driscoll scotland game  ireland captain brian o driscoll ruled saturday s rbs nations clash scotland   o driscoll originally named starting line up failed recover hamstring injury picked win italy  replacement named training friday morning  fellow centre gordon d arcy struggling hamstring injury undergo fitness test friday play   kevin maggs obvious replacement centre shane horgan moved wing  ulster wing tommy bowe asked travel squad scotland precautionary measure  change ireland side sees wasps flanker johnny o connor replacing denis leamy  o connor winning cap making debut victory south africa november     murphy  horgan  tbc  d arcy  hickie  o gara  stringer  corrigan  byrne  hayes  o kelly  o connell  easterby  o connor  foley     sheahan  horan  o callaghan  miller  easterby  humphreys  dempsey  
class_rugby	tindall aiming earn lions spot  bath england centre mike tindall believes make summer s lions tour  missing season injury   world cup winner action december  damaged shoulder foot  tindall  recently signed bath s west country rivals gloucester  told rugby special fit time tour zealand   i m aiming fit 18 april hope play then   said   i ve spoken sir clive woodward understands situation  hope tour   26 year old face stiff competition centre places brian o driscoll  gordon d arcy gavin henson  aware competition intense   missing 2001 tour australia knee injury  tindall happy opportunity wear red shirt   i m laid back honest   hard expect pushing test spot   said   but happened season clive 100  fresh      full interview mike tindall tune sunday s rugby special  2340 bbc 
class_rugby	o connor aims grab opportunity  johnny o connor determined make big impression makes rbs nations debut ireland scotland saturday   wasps flanker replaces denis leamy o connor munster man pushing hard recall game england   it s  horses courses  selection really   o connor   there s lot competition drag heels picked   definite head to head battle 23 year old leamy   stone heavier o connor   number role world champions  nonetheless  o connor concerned making impression winning cap    missing italian game disappointing certainly  dwell things   part parcel rugby   denis playing deserved opportunity   it s good situation good players you  pushing place side   o connor  celebrated 25th birthday wednesday  touted wasps director rugby warren gatland 2005 lions test openside back september  reputation breakdown scavenger heavy hitter forefront o sullivan s mind scottish tussle  o connor added   it interesting situations deck reffed  laws in    obviously breakdown big part pitch hoping hold influence solid scottish pack   o connor winning cap making debut victory south africa november  
class_tennis	henman overcomes rival rusedski  tim henman saved match point fighting back defeat british rival greg rusedski 4 6 7 6  8 6  6 4 dubai tennis championships tuesday   world number 46 rusedski broke ninth game tight opening set  rusedski match point 6 5 set tie break henman double faulted  missed chance henman rallied clinch set  british number showed superior strength decider earn sixth win rusedski  serve held players alarms seventh game final set  rusedski s wild volley gave henman vital break  furious rusedski slammed racket ground disgust warned umpire   henman  seeded three  held serve comfortably serve and volley winners clear 5 3 lead  rusedski won service game henman match points service winner secure place round dubai time years  match pair years   henman lost rusedski years ago   lasted hours 40 minutes  pair face court rivals   team mates   henman decided retire davis cup tennis leaving rusedski lead team israel 4 6 march  henman  faces russian igor andreev 16  admitted difficult coming compatriot fast surface   you point point fighting stay match   said   i playing aggressively competing chance   i recover time match body recover quick to  hours 40 minutes   
class_tennis	safin slumps shock dubai loss  marat safin suffered shock loss unseeded nicolas kiefer round dubai tennis championships   playing match winning australian open  safin showed good touches beaten 7 6  7 2  6 4 in form kiefer  german top first set tie break  striking sweet forehand win point serve  maintained momentum early set  breaking russian inspired volley  spain s feliciano lopez lined round clash andre agassi beating thailand s paradorn srichaphan  lopez  lost sets roger federer year s final  won 6 2 3 6 6 3  champion fabrice santoro france beaten 6 3 6 0 sixth seeded russian nikolay davydenko  wins russians  igor andreev seventh seed mikhail youzhny  
class_tennis	ferrero eyes return top form  world number juan carlos ferrero insists back tough start 2005   2003 french open champion slipped 64 world year illness injuries 2004  confident form return   i happen   ferrero told bbc sport   but lot confidence juan carlos before  soon  feel 100  mentally   25 year old spaniard joins top field abn amro world tennis tournament rotterdam week add wins 2005  opens rainer schuettler potentially faces fourth seed david nalbandian round   because longer seeded tougher   ferrero admitted   i play joachim johansson round week marseille    in past top seed played match quarters semi finals   this big difference higher rankings   this  ferrero insists feeling positive chicken pox rib injury destroyed season   physically 100  december year   ferrero   i working hard davis cup final prepare felt 100  now   the difficult moments knew chicken pox months recover   i start physically virus left cent   when started back rib broken fell court months out  months pretty difficult me    low points difficult year ferrero decision spain captain jordi arrese drop davis cup final usa   it difficult playing year coaches told play   ferrero   but problems hand days friday matches decided choose nadal instead   it difficult friday matches understand   inside wanted play decision captain make it   
class_tennis	roddick san jose final  andy roddick play cyril saulnier final sap open san jose sunday   american top seed defending champion overcame germany s tommy haas  seed  7 6  7 3  6 3  saulnier survived injury scare semi final seventh seeded austrian jurgen melzer  frenchman twisted ankle early set overcame melzer  left fuming series line calls  6 7  3 7  6 3 6 3   i feeling horrible earlier week   roddick said   i thought tonight step direction   on returns  standing depth  hit perfect return    roddick won points first set tie break broken start set  broke straight back broke haas lead 4 2   it s extremely frustrating chances top five player them   admitted haas   i rushed backhands advantage   saulnier move world s top 50 time passage final   it s lot work lot fighting mind   revealed   sometimes final here  stayed mentally strong   i m way  fighting work lot there   
class_tennis	federer claims dubai crown  world number roger federer added dubai championship trophy long list successes   test ivan ljubicic   top seed federer looked easy victory thumped eighth seed 6 1 set  ljubicic  beat tim henman eight  dug deep secure set tense tiebreak  swiss star federer lose cool  though  turning style win deciding set 6 3  match re run week s final world indoor tournament rotterdam  federer triumphed  ljubicic stretched sets   i wanted good start time  did  play confidence rhythm   federer said    that 6 1 3 1 0 30 serve ran it  back  good effort side   ljubicic loss explain poor showing set   i start badly  suddenly felt racket loose balls flying bit much  roger  relax quick   said   after games match all  know  weird  playing year  suddenly found trouble put ball court   defeat  world number 14 pleased performance   i chance third  positive weeks chance roger win match   it s absolutely great boost confidence belong top class players   
class_tennis	young debut cut short ginepri  fifteen year old donald young s appearance atp tennis tournament proved teenager round san jose open   young shot top junior world rankings won boys  singles january s australian open  wildcard entry dispatched fellow american robby ginepri straight sets  6 2 6 2  california  happy tour debut   it fun  chances  through   said  young  beat players ranked top 200 14  2 1 set losing 10 13 games  ginepri   years older youngest player win junior slam top global standings   admitted impressed    he s talented   ginepri   he s long future ahead him   being left handed  quick court   his serve deceptive  net volleyed thought   earlier  south korean hyung taik lee defeated american jan michael gambill 6 3 7 6  7 4   american kevin kim defeated jan hernych czech republic 7 5 6 3  canadian qualifier frank dancevic downed american jeff morrison 4 6 7 6  7 3  6 0  denmark s kenneth carlsen beat irakli labadze republic georgia 6 7  4 7  6 2 6 3  top seed andy roddick launches defence title wednesday qualifier paul goldstein  seed andre agassi opens campaign tuesday wildcard bobby reynolds  year s collegiate champion  agassi won san jose times  run straight titles ended year fell mardy fish semi finals  fish lose roddick final  
class_tennis	melzer shocks agassi  seed andre agassi suffered comprehensive defeat jurgen melzer quarter finals sap open   agassi bamboozled austrian s drop shots san jose  losing 6 3 6 1  defending champion top seed andy roddick rallied beat sweden s thomas enqvist 3 6 7 6  8 6  7 5  unseeded cyril saulnier beat fourth seed vincent spadea 6 2 6 4 tommy haas overcame eighth seed max mirnyi 6 7  2 7  7 6  7 3  6 2  melzer beaten agassi meetings    i good game plan executed perfectly   said   it s tough play andre   i play game  makes run dog court   agassi  matched power opponent s two handed backhand  melzer players tour chances him   a lot guys capable now   american   he played me  times   i opportunities loosen up   agassi added   but convert big points   
class_tennis	federer forced dig deep  top seed roger federer save match points squeezing past juan carlos ferrero dubai open   world number hours 15 minutes earn 4 6 6 3 7 6 victory  saving match points 6 4 tiebreak claiming 8 6  federer made number unforced errors early on  allowing ferrero advantage claim set  swiss star hit back reach quarter finals  face seventh seed russian mikhail youzhny  russian beat germany s rainer schuettler 7 5 6 4  federer unduly worried sets consecutive match  world number forced distance ivan ljubicic rotterdam final ivo minar round dubai   i slow start back time effort   said   i playing well  coming through  winning crucial points shows top game be   
class_tennis	nadal marches mexico  rafael nadal continued run fine form beat guillermo canas reach mexican open semis acapulco   eighth seed nadal  picked atp title beat alberto martin week s brazil open  argentine seed 7 5 6 3  meets argentine wild card mariano puerta  win top seed carlos moya overcoming spain s felix mantilla  6 4 3 6 7 6  czech seed czech jiri novak eliminated 7 5 6 1 agustin calleri  unseeded argentine  won tournament years ago  plays spain s albert montanes  montanes advanced semi final year 4 6 6 3 6 4 triumph sixth seeded italian filippo volandri  argentina s agustin calleri beat fourth seed jiri novak 7 5 6 1 battle champions mexican open  calleri won atp title acapulco years ago novak won singles doubles titles 1998  calleri face albert montanes semi finals spaniard ousted sixth seed filippo volandri italy 4 6 6 3 6 4  argentine wild card mariano puerta continued improbable run  outlasting felix mantilla 6 4 3 6 7 6  
class_tennis	hantuchova dubai  daniela hantuchova moved quarter finals dubai open  beating elene likhotseva russia 7 5 6 4  faces serena williams   australian open champion williams survived early scare beat russia s elena bovina 1 6 6 1 6 4  world number lindsay davenport anastasia myskina progressed  davenport defeated china s jie zheng 6 2 7 5  french open champion myskina sailed opponent marion bartoli retired hurt  american davenport face fellow wimbledon champion  conchita martinez spain  ousted seventh seeded nathalie dechy france 6 1 6 2  myskina face eighth seed patty schnyder switzerland  defeated china s li na 6 3 7 6  10 8   quarter final pits wild card sania mirza india jelena jankovic serbia montenegro  won tuesday   meeting martinez  davenport believes room improvement game   i started finished well  played so so games middle   said  williams content   i there   said   it windy played wind  shots here   hantuchova upbeat mood ahead clash younger williams sister  handed first round bye   i feel advantage  over serena  played matches courts   said   it difficult court play on  fast feel control ball   
class_tennis	parmar ruled davis cup tie  knee injury forced arvind parmar great britain s davis cup tie israel left alex bogdanovic line singles place   parmar picked injury week failed recover time europe africa zone tie  begins tel aviv friday  bogdanovic set singles place alongside greg rusedski  gb captain jeremy bates 17 year old andrew murray david sherwood doubles rubber  bogdanovic murray pulled tournaments week injury expected fit  jamie delgado lee childs called squad tel aviv designated hitters team practice bates plans call squad present   unheralded sherwood surprise inclusion squad announced week  bates said   david earned place squad merit form results 12 months   6ft 4in sherwood ranked 264th world lta high hopes futures tournament wins wrexham edinburgh   sheffield born right hander  aged 24  reached final plaisir  france  week making semi final mulhouse  bates glad rusedski tim henman s retirement davis cup tennis   his wealth experience invaluable  younger players lead example   bates said   we forward tie  squad excellent form   
class_tennis	davenport hits wimbledon  world number lindsay davenport criticised wimbledon issue equal prize money women   reacting disputed comment england club chairman tim phillips  american said   i highly insulting prize money away   somebody  mr phillips  money flowers wimbledon  insulting   england club spokesperson denied phillips made remark  insisting   he it   statement added   it humorous end radio interview conversation moved talking wimbledon grounds    davenport speaking announcement week s dubai duty free event join australian opens offering equal prize money women   you hear women playing sets men play five   daveport   and women beat men   but game watch women   make worse   hopefully change people s minds    serena williams  dubai  added   i m equal prize money   women s tennis exciting  men s tennis exciting well  women now   if bringing spectators reap reap   
class_tennis	dogged federer claims dubai crown  world number roger federer added dubai championship trophy long list successes   test ivan ljubicic   top seed federer looked easy victory thumped eighth seed 6 1 set  ljubicic  beat tim henman eight  dug deep secure set tense tiebreak  swiss star federer lose cool  though  turning style win deciding set 6 3  match re run week s final world indoor tournament rotterdam  federer triumphed  ljubicic stretched way   i wanted good start time  did  play confidence rhythm   federer said    that 6 1 3 1 0 30 serve ran it  back  good effort side   ljubicic loss explain poor showing set   i start badly  suddenly felt racket loose balls flying bit much  roger  relax quick   said   after games match all  know  weird  playing year  suddenly found trouble put ball court   defeat  world number 14 pleased performance   i chance third  positive weeks chance roger win match   it s absolutely great boost confidence belong top class players   
class_tennis	henman hopes ended dubai  seed tim henman slumped straight sets defeat rain interrupted dubai open quarter final ivan ljubicic   croatian eighth seed booked place 7 5 6 4 victory british number one  henman looked level match 2 0 set  progress halted rain intervened again  ljubicic hit back break seal fourth straight win henman  earlier day  spanish seed tommy robredo secured semi final place beat nicolas kiefer germany 6 4 6 4  afterwards  henman left cursing weather umpire breaks rain match   it incredibly frustrating   henman said   it s raining umpire control   he telling play till end game  raining    score s irrelevant   it frustrating happy form now  expect desert   
class_tennis	mirza shocks kuznetsova  sania mirza continued remarkable rise victory open champion svetlana kuznetsova dubai championships tuesday   18 year old indian  huge star home country  won 6 4 6 2 front delirious crowd  mirza s sixth straight victory wta tournament win hyderabad month  earlier  daniela hantuchova built improving form 7 6 6 2 win sixth seed alicia molik  mirza needed attention ankle injury game kuznetsova   quickly slipped 4 0 staged dramatic comeback thrilled large indian contingent crowd   i expect ankle turn   mirza   i played great match  the crowd  again  knew play all round game happened   i missing ball   happened   mirza plays silvia farina elia jelena jankovic next  hantuchova risen 31 world turn year number 22  reached quarter finals semi finals events   it tough first round match glad through   hantuchova   she serving well  decided hang fighting   slovakian meet elena likhovtseva round russian struggled past tunisian wild card selima sfar 2 6 6 2 7 6  likhovtseva needed match points sfar  point penalty swearing set  seventh seed nathalie dechy elena bovina first round winners tuesday  
class_tennis	hantuchova dubai  daniela hantuchova moved quarter finals dubai open  beating elene likhotseva russia 7 5 6 4  faces serena williams   australian open champion williams survived early scare beat russia s elena bovina 1 6 6 1 6 4  world number lindsay davenport anastasia myskina progressed  davenport defeated china s jie zheng 6 2 7 5  french open champion myskina sailed opponent marion bartoli retired hurt  american davenport face fellow wimbledon champion  conchita martinez spain  ousted seventh seeded nathalie dechy france 6 1 6 2  myskina face eighth seed patty schnyder switzerland  defeated china s li na 6 3 7 6  10 8   quarter final pits wild card sania mirza india jelena jankovic serbia montenegro  won tuesday   meeting martinez  davenport believes room improvement game   i started finished well  played so so games middle   said  williams content   i there   said   it windy played wind  shots here   hantuchova upbeat mood ahead clash younger williams sister  handed first round bye   i feel advantage  over serena  played matches courts   said   it difficult court play on  fast feel control ball   
class_tennis	murray make cup history  andrew murray britain s youngest ever davis cup player confirmed play doubles israel saturday   17 year old play alongside fellow debutant david sherwood israel s jonathan erlich andy ram  murray eclipse record set roger becker back 1952  greg rusedski takes tim henman s place choice singles  alex bogdanovic play singles clash  rusedski world number 30 harel levy bogdanovic   previously played singles rubbers australia   face noam okun   murray brightest young hope british tennis  winning open junior title year bbc young sports personality year  british number tim henman  announced davis cup retirement earlier year  believes britain win tie tel aviv   it s tough match  israel good players   doubles pair andy ram jonathan erlich top world   fancy chances   said  henman urged bogdanovic  run ins british tennis officials past  seize chance   alex quality player   young pushing forward   he s stronger  lot ability disciplined mentally physically good chance   
class_tennis	davenport hits wimbledon  world number lindsay davenport criticised wimbledon issue equal prize money women   reacting disputed comment england club chairman tim phillips  american said   i highly insulting prize money away   somebody  mr phillips  money flowers wimbledon  insulting   england club spokesperson denied phillips made remark  insisting   he it   statement added   it humorous end radio interview conversation moved talking wimbledon grounds    davenport speaking announcement week s dubai duty free event join australian opens offering equal prize money women   you hear women playing sets men play five   daveport   and women beat men   but game watch women   make worse   hopefully change people s minds   serena williams  dubai  added   i m equal prize money   women s tennis exciting  men s tennis exciting well  women now   if bringing spectators reap reap   
class_tennis	venus stunned farina elia  venus williams suffered first round defeat time years dubai championships   sylvia farina elia  lost previous meetings american seed  won 7 5 7 6  8 6   wimbledon champion conchita martinez india s sania mirza  oldest youngest players draw  reached round  martinez  32  beat shinobu asagoe 6 4 6 4 18 year old mirza beat jelena kostanic 6 7  7 2  6 4 6 1  mirza  indian woman win wta tour title month home ground hyderabad  face open champion svetlana kuznetsova   remaining confident   she  kuznetsova  great player   said   but beatable forward great match   williams blamed defeat farina elia injuries   blisters factor  stomach great   said   i tournament semi finals  serving 40  final   the time served sunday lot there  serve good throws rest game too   wait recovers deciding part nasdaq 100 open miami  starting 21 march  
class_tennis	martinez sees vinci challenge  veteran spaniard conchita martinez set beat italian roberta vinci qatar open doha   1994 wimbledon champion won 5 7 6 0 6 2 earn round meeting french open champion anastasia myskina  seed patty schnyder battle needed sets beat china s na li 7 5 3 6 7 5  slovakian daniela hantuchova beat bulgarian magdaleena maleeva 4 6 6 4 6 3 set round clash russian elena bovina  veteran martinez found trouble early vinci italian clinching set breaks 11th games  vinci s game fell pieces martinez swept crisp cross court returns deft volleys  day s matches  japan s ai sugiyama defeated australian samantha stosur 6 2 6 3 australian nicole pratt beat tunisian selima sfar 7 5 6 2 face compatriot alicia molik  
class_tennis	serena world number  serena williams moved places world rankings australian open win   williams won grand slam title 2003 victory lindsay davenport  world number one  men s champion marat safin remains fourth atp rankings beaten finalist lleyton hewitt replaces andy roddick world number two  roger federer retains top spot  safin overtaken hewitt leader champions race  alicia molik  lost three set thriller davenport quarter finals  women s top 10 time career  rise means australia player top 10 men s women s rankings time 21 years  britain s elena baltacha  qualified reached round  risen 120 world   leap 65 places highest ranking yet  
class_tennis	hingis make unexpected return  martina hingis makes return competitve tennis years game volvo women s open pattaya  thailand  tuesday   faces german marlene weingartner round   as competitor athlete  win  hope body hold up   hingis   you miss grand slam final competing  big difference playing commenting tv  miss lot   world number 22 retired surgery ankles  wta event filderstadt  germany  october 2002  lost elena dementieva  year insisted comeback unlikely  speaking thaliand hingis admitted   i happen body   appearance benefit charities region swiss star donate prize money  
class_tennis	clijsters set february return  tennis star kim clijsters make return career threatening injury antwerp wta event february    kim considered returning action paris 7 february   statement website said   she s decided risk final phase recovery  well  kim make return february 15   21 year old played october aggravating wrist injury belgian open  back then  doctor treating belgian feared career over  player endured operation earlier season cure wrist problem   i hope back  pessimistic   bruno willems  clijsters due marry fellow tennis star lleyton hewitt february pair split  for private reasons  back october  
class_tennis	hewitt falls dent  lleyton hewitt suffered shock defeat taylor dent quarter finals australian hardcourt championships adelaide friday   top seed strong favourite title 7 6  7 4  6 3 american  dent face juan ignacio chela fourth seed strong jurgen melzer  olivier rochus beat seed nicolas kiefer 6 7  4 7  7 6  8 6  7 5 seed joachim johansson  swede reached beating compatriot thomas enqvist 6 3 4 6 6 1   i felt striking ball better   johansson   i felt lot break chances  care all  broke times broke once   i felt key set early   
class_tennis	angry williams rejects criticism  serena williams angrily rejected claims sister venus declining force tennis   sisters ended year grand slam title time 1998  serena denied challenge fading  saying   that s fair   tired anything   we ve practising hard  injuries  surgery after  wimbledon final  that   serena australian open semi finals  venus fourth round  meaning grand slam appearances  serena added   venus severe strain stomach  injury  tear did    if torn it  here   she played player  alicia molik  played mind venus made errors made   serena people tended forget impact 2003 murder sister yetunde price family   to top off  very  very  very  very  close family  serena continued   to situation past year  easy perform realize things important   so  no  declining  here  win tournament prove anything  players here   
class_tennis	davenport dismantles young rival  top seed lindsay davenport booked place 16 australian open convincing 6 2 6 4 win nicole vaidisova czech republic   american power 15 year old opponent  breaking set second  german born vaidisova rallied times unable find back falling 3 2 opening set  davenport  closed ace  plays karolina sprem round   i fully expecting tough opponent play it   davenport   i hits great shots  made errors inexperience played role that  she s young big game many  years improve that   sprem  croatian 13th seed  russia s elena likhovtseva 6 3 6 2  world number  powered fourth round straight sets win anna smashnova  27th seed israel stuck williams 3 3 set one way traffic   american made 26 unforced errors good romp contest hour  reeled straight games finish 6 3 6 0 winner   remains australian win home title chris o neil 1978  10th seed equalled performance grand slam event beat unseeded russian nadia petrova 6 3 6 2 reach fourth round  tough set  molik grew confidence won 56 minutes  meet venus williams   bring on   23 year old   i played pretty nice straight sets    we destined meet  guess   williams referring match molik   it huge match australia  she s motivated play well    beat slovakia s daniela hantuchova rollercoaster match  dementieva 7 5 5 7 6 4  seventh russian woman reach 16 melbourne  match lasted hours featured 13 service breaks  including final set dementieva held nerve seal win  faces  swiss 12th seed beat american abigail spears 7 6 6 3  french open champion  received free ride 16 lisa raymond forced withdraw  raymond  25th seeded american  ruled sustaining left abdominal muscle tear doubles  myskina  seed  plays france s  beat francesca schiavone italy 6 3 6 3   i m extremely disappointed asked play matches   raymond said  
class_tennis	serena ends sania mirza s dream  sania mirza  indian woman reach round grand slam tennis event  lost women s favourite serena williams   18 year old mirza  wild card entry australian open melbourne  lost williams 1 6 4 6 round  williams 56 minutes defeat mirza sail fourth round  indian woman win match grand slam nirupama vaidyanathan  vaidyanathan made round australian open 1998   playing biggest match life  mirza made impact williams early stages game  teenager showed confidence set engaged seventh seeded williams contested rallies  mirza  junior wimbledon doubles title winner  indian woman reach round grand slam tennis event beat hungarian petra mandula wednesday   i m excited  confident easy   mirza round win   my aim win round here  relieved  pressure   tennis popular sport india  number indians watched live telecast match mirza williams  mirza  lives southern indian city hyderabad producing host top indian cricketers  turned professional years ago  considered small tennis classes six year old girl   then finally  the coach  called parents  the hits ball  six year old hit ball that    mirza told press  
class_tennis	kuznetsova  failed drugs test   open champion svetlana kuznetsova tested positive banned drug  belgian authorities   belgian sports minister claude eerdekens russian world number tested positive stimulant ephedrine 19 december  kuznetsova playing exhibition event charleroi time  eerdekens said   there problem  ephedrine discovered  remains innocent proved guilty  tested again   situation remains unclear tournament commissioned world anti doping agency  wada   international tennis federation  itf  women s tennis accosiation  wta   test carried regional belgian authorities kuznetsova sample tested   speaking australian open monday  eerdekens identified her  kuznetsova said   i m worried  push myself   i notified positive test  unfair did   eerdekens confirmation findings friday player s address spain  belgian prosecutors  office belgian russian tennis federations  conceded kuznetsova medicine contained banned substance   we simply stated fact   said   it federation concerned impose disciplinary measures procedure respects defence    either ephedrine improve performance medicine legitimately cure infection   however  kuznetsova s naming condemned russian tennis chief shamil tarpishchev   first all  belgian sports minister broken ethical rule book naming player proof wrongdoing  basic evidence   tarpishchev said   we basic principle doping cases  positive sample  notify international tennis federation  itf  national federation days   said   this case here  today received statement doping officials  itf   today called itf headquarters told it   if wada  the world anti doping agency  testing  now   otherwise  pure fiction fabrication facts   
class_tennis	british tennis   tim henman s decision quit davis cup tennis left british team gargantuan void fill   world number tied fourth countrymen wins history tournament  he 36 50 rubbers   great britain s davis cup win henman slovenia back 1996  worse follow  british team member chris bailey  bailey told bbc sport   after tim s announcement  doubt greg rusedski him   top two  leave british ambitions sport s premier team event  captain jeremy bates singled alex bogdanovic andrew murray potential replacements  yugoslavian born bogdanovic  though  184 places henman world rankings played cup ties   winning losing other   murray  hand  407th current atp entry list make cup debut  bailey hope future  said   now dropped euro africa zone  time step young guys fore   britain s opponents  israel  quaking boots ahead 4 6 march match trio bogdanovic  murray 187th ranked arvind parmar  bailey said   it tough gb move up  time young players step up  inevitable tim greg s growing years   i m confident future  lay money back world group year  imagine years time competing major honours   lining replace henman  17 year old murray  futures titles belt year  long term bet   murray likeliest tim s mantle   bailey   he enormous amount self confidence  judging past   bogdanovic  years murray s senior  troubled time britain s davis cup umbrella   murray marked britain s golden boy  bogdanovic warned lawn tennis association lack drive end 2003  bailey said   despite that  alex talented well  arvind contender   they re guys experienced intensity davis cup tennis   players sidelines   the lta exceptional job ensuring that   now finally play regularly cauldron cup  confident springboard team gb greater success   
class_tennis	hewitt overcomes wobble sydney  lleyton hewitt gave perfect preparation week s australian open victory ivo minar final sydney international   defending champion brushed czech qualifier 7 5 6 0  australian world number strolled games match shocked minar won five  top seed rattled recovered close set raced victory hour   it strange match       momentum swings   hewitt   i felt blocks extremely well  loosened bit   when back 5 5  settle notch  that    hewitt lifted sydney title times years   it year   hewitt said   i ve played tournament times won times   hewitt final short priced favourite clinch 24th career title dropping set week  set meet frenchman arnaud clement round australian open  minar  ranked 158th world  forced pull australian open qualifying draw play atp final   for me  big success   20 year old   i nervous night sleep  played top 10 player before   i wanted play qualifying melbourne  saturday here  main draw points money   alicia molik takes samantha stosur all australian women s final saturday  
class_tennis	moya fights back indian title  carlos moya man successfully defend chennai open title beating four times finalist paradorn srichaphan 3 6 6 4 7 6  7 5    spaniard donated £28 000 prize money relief efforts victims asian tsunami  final close throughout  thai seed srichaphan   2003 winner   closing set  moya set  bouncing back 5 2 decider force win tie break  moya confirmed afterwards   i m donating prize money tournament tsunami victims  hoping makes difference lives  contribution pledges players donate prize money tournament  ahead 26 december disaster claimed 150 000 lives  scrichapan donate unspecified amount relief work thailand  5 000 people killed  atp announced contribute us 25 000 tournament fee unicef s emergency relief fund tamil nadu  atp tour s sponsor  mercedes  contribute  increasing atp donation us 40 000  
class_tennis	rochus shocks coria auckland  top seed guillermo coria heineken open auckland thursday surprise loss olivier rochus belgium   coria lost semi final 6 4 6 4 rochus  face czech jan hernych  6 4 7 5 winner jose acasuso argentina  seed fernando gonzalez eased past american robby ginepri 6 3 6 4  chilean meet sixth seed juan ignacio chela argentine beat potito starace 6 1 7 6  7 5   rochus made semi finals australian hardcourt championships adelaide week naturally delighted form   it s unbelievable weeks me   said   today knew lose  beat great  lost  losing top 10 player   coria conceded rochus  played good   added   when give sad   
class_tennis	johansson takes adelaide victory  seed joachim johansson won career title 7 5 6 3 win taylor dent australian hardcourt championships adelaide   swede made graft  american dent surviving break points game match  johansson breakthrough sublime backhand return winner won set ease  tournament win memphis 2004  helping leap 113th world rankings number 11  afterwards  dent rated open semi finalist johansson top contender australian open  starts 17 january   i men s tennis holding serve playing serve guys break him   dent  johansson restrained assessment   i improve serve melbourne   
class_tennis	hingis hints playing comeback  martina hingis admitted competitive return tennis appearance thailand month well   world number play volvo women s open pattaya  starts 31 january  part charity work region   the tournament test   said   i body react   i support charities thailand  playing am   speaking le matin  24 year old swiss added   at pattaya people players ranked 30th 95th world   hingis 22 retired surgery ankles  wta event filderstadt  germany  october 2002  lost elena dementieva  
class_tennis	slovakia seal hopman cup success  slovakia clinched hopman cup time beating argentina 3 0 saturday s final perth   daniela hantuchova put seeds ahead  recovering terrible start beat gisela dulko 1 6 6 4 6 4  dominik hrbaty  lost set singles matches group stages  upset world number guillermo coria 6 4 6 1  hantuchova hrbaty won mixed doubles coria forced withdraw sore back  slovakia s win made year s final defeat united states   i congratulate daniela   hrbaty said   i nervous watching today  heart attack   i feel guillermo excited play country  show lots emotions played good tennis    world number 31 hantuchova  ranked places dulko  looked nervous dropped games match  dulko  lost singles matches group stages  grew confidence opening set 27 minutes  hantuchova hit back match   i nervous wanted win team dominik played week   said   i playing hang fight hard point country   slovakia won cup appearance 1998 karol kucera karina habsudova beat france  
class_tennis	dementieva prevails hong kong  elena dementieva swept defending champion venus williams 6 3 6 2 win hong kong s champions challenge event   russian  ranked sixth world  broke williams times set  losing service once  williams saved championship points losing match victoria park tennis court   it s great start year matter exhibition not  play it   dementieva   this give confidence grand slams  hard win tournament   williams  24  disappointed display   she played nice points  committing unforced errors   errors game   said  match  organizers auctioned rackets belonging players  raising £115 000 victims tsunami disaster  
class_tennis	injury sidelines philippoussis  mark philippoussis withdrew sydney international tennis tournament expected sunday suffering groin injury hopman cup   participation australian open  begins 17 january melbourne  remains doubt  defending women s champion justine henin hardenne sydney event knee injury  main draw men s women s singles match sunday  nathalie dechy beat american lisa raymond 7 5 6 3  number men s seed lleyton hewitt begins quest fourth sydney title tuesday plays karol beck  lindsay davenport  top seed women s draw  handed first round bye plays france s dechy round tuesday  
class_tennis	hewitt falls dent adelaide  lleyton hewitt suffered shock defeat taylor dent quarter finals australian hardcourt championships adelaide friday   top seed strong favourite title 7 6  7 4  6 3 american  dent face juan ignacio chela fourth seed strong jurgen melzer  olivier rochus beat seed nicolas kiefer 6 7  4 7  7 6  8 6  7 5 seed joachim johansson  swede reached beating compatriot thomas enqvist 6 3 4 6 6 1   i felt striking ball better   johansson    i felt lot break chances  care all  broke times broke once   i felt key set early   hewitt played defeat insisted focused solely australian open  starts 17 january   when number world couple years won couple slams  big picture motivates you   hewitt   that s grand slams melbourne s big four  win sydney week big deal   
class_tennis	federer breezes semi finals  roger federer reached qatar open easy 6 1 6 2 win seventh seed feliciano lopez   swiss world number reeled series winners outclass spaniard set semi final match russian nikolay davydenko  federer  lost quarter final qatar appearance 2003  happy form   i played greg rusedski happy playing well   top seed  lopez showed glimpses resolve early set held service game close breaking federer  swiss saved break point promptly broke serve game seize control  davydenko  meanwhile  upset french seed sebastien grosjean 2 6 6 3 6 2  fabrice santoro completed miserable day france forced retire 6 2 3 0 albert costa  spaniard costa face croatian ivan ljubicic sixth seed beat rafael nadal 6 2 6 7  3 7  6 3  
class_tennis	davenport puts retirement hold  lindsay davenport put talk retirement hold largely injury free 2004 campaign   28 year old world number quit end year  successful season change heart   finally felt put position win grand slams again   davenport   it tough walk feel contend point hanging yet   davenport won grand slams  2000 australian open  wimbledon 1999 1998 open  career hit series injuries year started hitting top form won titles  due part week s hopman cup perth decided wanted rest knee   i wanted make knee withstand rigours year coming up   said  
class_tennis	rusedski angry supplements  greg rusedski criticised governing body men s tennis releasing contamination free supplements time season   rusedski said   i order receive yet   you december months body respond   this event hottest period year  hope stuff it   british number escaped ban year persuaded tribunal positive doping test result contaminated atp supplements  response  atp struck deal pharmaceutical company glaxosmithkline provide contamination free drinks nutritional bars men s tour   david higdon  vice president atp  admitted   i agree greg   i loved things lot work make rigorous testing   the reality weeks tour spread wide part distribution agreement gsk education component   we drop products talk players understanding them    the chance players meeting saturday australian open   rusedski  takes roger federer qatar open wednesday  conceded imminent beneficial   the good thing 100  guarantee  happen again   rusedski   hopefully australian open discuss more   
class_tennis	navratilova hits critics  martina navratilova defended decision prolong tennis career age 48   navratilova  made comeback retiring 1994  play doubles mixed doubles events 2005   women s tennis strong   said  dismissing suggestions fact win reflected badly women s game   all damn good  blow horn here  good   navratilova won grand slam mixed doubles titles retirement  encouraged form decided resume playing singles  winning matches  knocked round french open reached round wimbledon  navratilova partner nathalie dechy doubles event uncle toby s hardcourts tournament australia s gold coast  begins sunday  link daniela hantuchova australian open doubles  play mixed doubles leander paes   i playing singles events season  depending surface   added  
class_tennis	prodigy monfils blows gaudio  french prodigy gael monfils underlined huge promise beating french open champion gaston gaudio 6 4 7 6  7 4  round qatar open   18 year old wild card won junior grand slam events year  including wimbledon  fabrice santoro  2000 champion  beat sweden s thomas johansson 6 4 6 2 fourth seed mikhail youzhny lost 6 3 7 6  7 3  rafael nadal  roger federer plays greg rusedski round wednesday  monfils  wildcard tournament  said   this win top 10 player delighted   i play tennis fired court reason won today play natural  attacking game   said   of bit tired set  confident survive set   
class_tennis	connors boost british tennis  world number jimmy connors planning long term relationship lawn tennis association unearth tim henman   american spent days lta s annual elite performance winter camp la manga earlier week   britain attitude   connors   the involved lta  better   a short term arrangement confusing  kids ask   what there    lta chief executive  john crowther  added   the relationship jimmy s started develop coaches players it   we jimmy number weeks year hope beginning good long term relationship    camp played host 30 leading senior junior players  including greg rusedski  arvind parmar anne keothavong   la manga amazing site bunch kids best   connors  speaking queen s club london   what impressed coaches kids workouts feeling put practice had   it interesting kids 15  16  17  desire passion  brought coaches surrounding them   instilling importance work practice buy   they give back effort  minute practice that    speaking la manga  lta performance director david felgate told bbc sport   jimmy fantastic players coaches  humble achieved   he worked coaches grow he ll individual relationship players them   he made clear word short term  52 week a year job me  life passion coaches   he respects involved real input  stake reputation successful   connors agreed commentate bbc year s wimbledon championships  work week tournament  
class_tennis	henin hardenne beaten comeback  justine henin hardenne lost elena dementieva comeback exhibition match belgium sunday defeat days   belgian  slipped world struggling virus  faces tough australian open title defence month   i heading australia lot question marks me  that   said   but there ll pressure time champion   henin hardenne speaking 6 2 5 7 6 2 loss world number dementieva charleroi  belgium  sunday  previous day  olympic champion 6 2 7 5 france s nathalie dechy    i positive  weeks   said   my body accustomed stress  rhythm   henin hardenne slid world rankings half 2004 contracting illness april  initial lay off  forced circuit time knocked french open round  comeback open three month absence ended crashed fourth round stage  problems  won official tournaments entered 2004 won olympic gold athens  achievement named belgian sportswoman year friday   physically  obvious hit rock bottom   22 year old  make comeback sydney international 10 16 january   since april  exception olympics  much   all successes prior due work put building fitness   now time back putting 200  effort capable that   
class_tennis	moya clinches cup spain  spain won davis cup time history carlos moya beat usa s andy roddick fourth rubber seville   moya won 6 2 7 6  7 1  7 6  7 5  give hosts unassailable 3 1 lead singles rubber remaining  roddick battled hard chances set  moya s clay court expertise proved difference  mardy fish beat tommy robredo 7 6  8 6  6 2 final dead rubber cut spain s winning margin 3 2  spain s davis cup title 2000  beat australia barcelona  time chose play final seville city s olympic stadium revamped record crowd competitve tennis event 27 000 spectators  home fans gave vociferous support players  18 year old nadal moya winning friday s singles rubbers  american twins mike bob bryan gave visitors hope victory juan carlos ferrero tommy robredo saturday s doubles  remained uphill task team happier hard courts clay  1998 french open champion moya world number roddick   this incredible   moment waiting years   moya  missed 2000 injury   i ve prepared day  knew playing clay chances win    the davis cup dream  more  bigger lived today   moya stormed 4 0 lead taking set roddick recovered immediately dropping serve second  match tie breaks moya dominated both  clinching victory match point  wild celebrations followed  emotional moya congratulated team mates  including nadal  18 years 187 days youngest victor davis cup history   i put fight paris years ago   roddick  team lost france 2002 semi finals roland garros   they weekend  ashamed of  gave all   i walk head down  sure   there s miracle answer  improve   
class_tennis	capriati miss melbourne  jennifer capriati leading lady withdraw australian open injury   organisers grand slam 2005  begins 17 january  american problem shoulder  blow women s draw year s champion  justin henin hardenne  runner up  kim clijsters  absent  capriati two time champion melbourne wins 2001 2002  believed picked injury advanta championships philadelphia november pull exhibition match wimbledon champion maria sharapova 17 december  capriati decided competing australian open warm up event  sydney international  
class_tennis	classy henman makes winning start  tim henman opened 2005 campaign 6 1 7 5 victory argentine david nalbandian kooyong classic exhibition tournament wednesday   british number play roger federer australian open warm up event friday  world number beat gaston gaudio 5 7 6 1 6 4  andre agassi chilean olympic gold medalist nicolas massu 6 1 7 6  7 4   andy roddick beat ivan ljubicic  replaced paradorn srichaphan  6 1 6 4  henman made impressive start year  faltering nalbandian serving match 5 4  briton regained composure win games win matches argentine   it s great start year   for   henman told website   over years found david difficult play against    he returns serve deceptively effective baseline  difficult execute gameplan result   beating stature good confidence bodes beginning year   henman revealed extent back problems suffered off season   i m flexible end year pretty exhausted wanted couple weeks anything   henman   when started training really  seized up  enjoyed weeks productive   federer dropped tight set 2004 french open champion gaudio  content game   it surface   said    the conditions quicker doha  timing ok  served better   all happy match  won   good sign  day play match   agassi delighted victory massu match months   i felt pretty good   american   i match played and  excluding serve returns  felt things pretty darn match   
class_tennis	moya emotional davis cup win  carlos moya spain s davis cup victory highlight career beat andy roddick end usa s challenge seville   moya made missing spain s 2000 victory injury beating roddick 6 2 7 6  7 1  7 6  7 5  give hosts unassailable 3 1 lead   i woken nights dreaming day   moya   all energy focused today   what lived today live again   spain s davis cup title years ago valencia  beat australia  moya  nicknamed charly  admitted   the davis cup dream bit nervous outset   some people obsessed way  helps reach goals obsessed   it s incredible   winning point something   spanish captain jordi arrese said   charly played great game  opportunity down   he lost times roddick  day beat him   he waiting years position   spain s victory remarkable performance rafael nadal  beat roddick opening singles   aged 18 years 185 days  mallorcan youngest player win davis cup   what great finish year   nadal afterwards  coach patrick mcenroe roddick rest team play tennis clay hone skills surface   i guys slow hard courts learn mix things bit play bit smarter tactically better    obviously unrealistic start playing constantly clay  schedule   but put work time play couple events play guys stuff   mcenroe  roddick left frustrated losing singles slow clay seville s olympic stadium   it s tough felt time top clay courters world   american   i chances convert them  bottom line weekend   they out  care business beat us  simple that   
class_tennis	moya emotional davis cup win  carlos moya spain s davis cup victory highlight career beat andy roddick end usa s challenge seville   moya made missing spain s 2000 victory injury beating roddick 6 2 7 6  7 1  7 6  7 5  give hosts unassailable 3 1 lead   i woken nights dreaming day   moya   all energy focused today   what lived today live again   spain s davis cup title years ago valencia  beat australia  moya  nicknamed charly  admitted   the davis cup dream bit nervous outset   some people obsessed way  helps reach goals obsessed   it s incredible   winning point something   spanish captain jordi arrese said   charly played great game  opportunity down   he lost times roddick  day beat him   he waiting years position   spain s victory remarkable performance rafael nadal  beat roddick opening singles   aged 18 years 185 days  mallorcan youngest player win davis cup   what great finish year   nadal afterwards  coach patrick mcenroe roddick rest team play tennis clay hone skills surface   i guys slow hard courts learn mix things bit play bit smarter tactically better    obviously unrealistic start playing constantly clay  schedule   but put work time play couple events play guys stuff   mcenroe  roddick left frustrated losing singles slow clay seville s olympic stadium   it s tough felt time top clay courters world   american   i chances convert them  bottom line weekend   they out  care business beat us  simple that   
class_tennis	capriati australian open  jennifer capriati leading lady withdraw australian open injury   organisers grand slam 2005  begins 17 january  american problem shoulder  blow women s draw year s champion  justin henin hardenne  runner up  kim clijsters  absent  capriati two time champion melbourne wins 2001 2002  believed picked injury advanta championships philadelphia november pull exhibition match wimbledon champion maria sharapova 17 december  capriati decided competing australian open warm up event  sydney international  
class_tennis	bryan twins hopes alive  united states davis cup final alive victory saturday s doubles rubber  leaving spain 2 1 ahead final day   masters cup champions mike bob bryan thrashed juan carlos ferrero tommy robredo 6 0 6 3 6 2 front partisan crowd seville  victory spain title outclassed  sunday s reverse singles  carlos moya takes andy roddick rafael nadal faces mardy fish   it feels good  good win tomorrow   mike bryan   it feels good give guys shot  spain sleep that   bob bryan added   i m confident andy winning match  happen   spain coach jordi arrese chose rest 18 year old nadal doubles epic singles win roddick friday  replaced world number ferrero  spanish pair depth world s doubles teams   26 year old bryan twins won davis cup matches year  quickly silenced huge crowd olympic stadium  racing opening set love  spaniards surrendered breaks serve start bryans broke 5 3 ahead served out  robredo dropped serve opening game set match over  unflappable bryan brothers powered impressive win  ferrero  upset dropped friday s singles  hinted dissatisfaction defeat   it difficult game doubles players   said   they calculated do   i bit surprised named play doubles match play doubles   arrese said   juan carlos played badly  played bryans great doubles players   
class_tennis	faultless federer equal  roger federer   nice bloke  fantastic tennis player   ultimate sportsman   lleyton hewitt shook hand thrashing  months  australian said   you re best   is  stats speak themselves  11 titles 11 finals 2004   grand slams   13 final victories row back vienna 2003  open era record  hewitt  times houston  showed form easily matched grand slam winning efforts 2001 2002  outplayed  twice  hewitt  andy roddick marat safin  prominent 2005  realistically  fighting world number ranking  players federer himself  swiss star league    right feel bit   told bbc sport   i ve dominated top ten players  nice things beaten all  dominating game hope continues   number player world main man promoting sport court  voted  international tennis writers   ambassador tennis  atp tour  time everyone  match  round final  series press interviews languages  english  french swiss german  major win  extra requests  obligations interviews  end courtesy and  importantly  good humour   you guys funny  good time guys   said  genuinely happy talk tape recorder   i pretty day tour give hour interviews problem me   if promote tennis sport good me  people back nice   refreshing attitude easily dominate sports pages decade  sums modest personality  shortly collecting waterford crystal trophy  mercedes convertible tasty cheque  1 5m  federer addressed houston crowd concluded  thanks me   find winning french open  grand slam elude him  
class_tennis	mauresmo opens victory la  amelie mauresmo maria sharapova won opening matches tour championships los angeles   france s mauresmo routed vera zvonareva 6 1 6 0  wimbledon champion sharapova 6 1 6 4 winner fellow russian svetlana kuznetsova  american serena williams won  edging russian elena dementieva 7 6 7 5 victory event  event split groups top advancing semi finals   mauresmo s win ninth row overtake lindsay davenport number spot  mauresmo spent weeks number open injury ushered davenport back front   since then  feel confident court game there  ranking back  number one   it obsession  relaxed way   mauresmo completed match season ending championship 54 minutes russia s zvonareva struggled return serve failed achieve single break point    she mad bit played great tennis   mauresmo  runner up kim clijsters year s final  zvonareva lost games far  crashed 6 2 6 4 kuznetsova staples centre wednesday   sometimes works   said   it lots pressure  100   fighting   sharapova  lost 6 2 6 2 kuznetsova beijing september  said   in beijing  coming big winning streak  14 matches  unstoppable   this time  important start put pressure her   tournament debutant added   i love here  atmosphere great   to lakers play  feel excitement  love basketball   williams admitted form remained positive wins days   it s hard fighting hoping   williams   what makes happy effort  good effort today   i m add dimensions game   
class_tennis	agassi fear melbourne  andre agassi s involvement australian open put doubt pulled kooyong classic hip injury   agassi serving 5 6 set fellow american andy roddick decided bring premature end match   my hip cramping continue   34 year old  agassi  won australian open times  mri scan discover extent damage  problem hip injury forced miss wimbledon year    the good news tear  tightening body protecting itself  issue   added   that comfortable all  feeling   i wait dealing   pretty scary feeling feel worse   it s disappointing deal it  time shortly  the australian open  possibility not   i counting end day me   maybe days sense hopes be   
class_tennis	henman face saulnier test  british number tim henman face france s cyril saulnier round week s australian open   greg rusedski  british number two  quarter draw face andy roddick round beats swede jonas bjorkman  local favourite lleyton hewitt meet france s arnaud clement  defending champion world number roger federer faces fabrice santoro  women s top seed lindsay davenport drew spanish veteran conchita martinez   henman sets defeat saulnier round french open year  faces tough test melbourne  seventh seed  quarter finals year s major lined meet roddick eight  forward match   he s tough player surface  lot ability   said   we tight paris play outset dangerous competitor   switzerland s federer  seeded one  hot favourite won grand slam titles 2004  beaten santoro previous encounters  taking granted   it s tricky match   federer said   i played open won comfortably then  know  rhythm bit off  guessing make difficult   the important thing  though  playing five set matches winning them   23 year old meet four time champion andre agassi quarter finals meeting russian marat safin  player beat year s final   eighth seeded american agassi set play qualifier round shake hip injury ruled kooyong classic  seed andy roddick open campaign irakli labadze georgia  american meet rusedski round  seventh seed henman quarter finals hewitt four  hewitt hoping australian man win event mark edmondson 1976  23 year old round attempts melbourne park secured opposite half draw federer  beat australian open  wimbledon open year  safin  seeded four  opens campaign qualifier 16th seed tommy haas  player beat semi finals 2002  fourth round opponent   women s draw  davenport encounter eighth seeded venus williams quarter finals third ranked anastasia myskina  french open champion  semi finals  bronchitis ruled davenport  2000 australian open champion  sydney quarter final thursday  venus williams  lost younger sister serena melbourne final years ago  opens eleni daniilidou greece  serena williams  won fourth consecutive grand slam 2003 australian open  drawn bottom quarter seed amelie mauresmo  runner up 1999  serena open frenchwoman camille pin  mauresmo plays australia s samantha stosur  wimbledon champion maria sharapova  seeded fourth  drew qualifier round meet fellow russian svetlana kuznetsova  open winner   1 roger federer  switzerland   2 andy roddick  us   3 lleyton hewitt  australia   4 marat safin  russia   5 carlos moya  spain   6 guillermo coria  argentina   7 tim henman  britain   8 andre agassi  us   9 david nalbandian  argentina   10 gaston gaudio  argentina   11 joachim johansson  sweden   12 guillermo canas  argentina   13 tommy robredo  spain   14 sebastien grosjean  france   15 mikhail youzhny  russia   16 tommy haas  germany   17 andrei pavel  romania   18 nicolas massu  chile   19 vincent spadea  us   20 dominik hrbaty  slovakia   21 nicolas kiefer  germany   22 ivan ljubicic  croatia   23 fernando gonzalez  chile   24 feliciano lopez  spain   25 juan ignacio chela  argentina   26 nikolay davydenko  russia   27 paradorn srichaphan  thailand   28 mario ancic  croatia   29 taylor dent  us   30 thomas johansson  sweden   31 juan carlos ferrero  spain   32 jurgen melzer  austria   1 lindsay davenport  us   2 amelie mauresmo  france   3 anastasia myskina  russia   4 maria sharapova  russia   5 svetlana kuznetsova  russia   6 elena dementieva  russia   7 serena williams  us   8 venus williams  us   9 vera zvonareva  russia   10 alicia molik  australia   11 nadia petrova  russia   12 patty schnyder  switzerland   13 karolina sprem  croatia   14 francesca schiavone  italy   15 silvia farina elia  italy   16 ai sugiyama  japan   17 fabiola zuluaga  colombia   18 elena likhovtseva  russia   19 nathalie dechy  france   20 tatiana golovin  france   21 amy frazier  us   22 magdalena maleeva  bulgaria   23 jelena jankovic  serbia montenegro   24 mary pierce  france   25 lisa raymond  us   26 daniela hantuchova  slovakia   27 anna smashnova  israel   28 shinobu asagoe  japan   29 gisela dulko  argentina   30 flavia pennetta  italy   31 jelena kostanic  croatia   32 iveta benesova  czech republic  
class_tennis	moya suffers shock loss  seed carlos moya big fall australian open fellow spaniard guillermo garcia lopez monday   moya began year victory chennai open looked sorts start melbourne heat  garcia lopez  ranked 106 world  dominated outset withstood third set rally moya hang 7 5 6 3 3 6 6 3 victory  21 year old plays kevin kim lee hyuung taik round  garcia lopez delighted victory grand slam match   i important win life carlos players world   said   this lot confidence  feel beat players   moya said   i playing here  perfect preparation wrong today    four time champion andre agassi began australian open convincing win german qualifier dieter kindlmann  34 year old american  struggling hip injury earlier week  stormed 6 4 6 3 6 0 win  agassi play france s olivier patience germany s rainer schuettler   man beat 2003 final   round   no concerned  about injury  myself   eighth seed agassi   i d worked hard ready  days  pushed injury pretty good   matches  world junior champion gael monfils made wild card magnificent 1 6 6 3 6 4 7 6  8 6  win american robby ginepri  2002 champion thomas johansson fought back beat peter luczak 7 6  7 5  4 6 6 3 4 6 6 0  french open champion gaston gaudio beat justin gimelstob 7 6  7 3  6 4 6 3  seeds dominik hrbaty  ivan ljubicic mario ancic made comfortable progress  french open champion albert costa lost bjorn phau  
class_tennis	clijsters hope aussie open  kim clijsters denied reports pulled january s australian open persistent wrist injury   open chief paul mcnamee said   kim s wrist rehabilitated   spokesman insisted simply delayed submitting entry   the doctors assessing injury weekly basis risk play  risk stay away   absent wta entry list tournament  begins 17 january  clijsters wild card requested one  clijsters ranked 22nd world playing handful matches season  belgian operation left wrist early season injured return tour  meanwhile  jelena dokic  compete australia  opted grand slam season  dokic played australian open 2001 lost round  21 year old rely wild card season ranking tumbled 127th  four time champion monica seles  played year s french open  absentee injured left foot  
class_tennis	clijsters play aussie open  kim clijsters denied reports pulled january s australian open persistent wrist injury   open chief paul mcnamee said   kim s wrist rehabilitated   spokesman insisted simply delayed submitting entry   the doctors assessing injury weekly basis risk play  risk stay away   absent wta entry list tournament  begins 17 january  clijsters wild card requested one  clijsters ranked 22nd world playing handful matches season  belgian operation left wrist early season injured return tour  meanwhile  jelena dokic  compete australia  opted grand slam season  dokic played australian open 2001 lost round  21 year old rely wild card season ranking tumbled 127th  four time champion monica seles  played year s french open  absentee injured left foot  
class_tennis	edgy agassi struggles past dent  andre agassi put erratic display edging fourth round australian open victory taylor dent   34 year old american  seeded eighth  made poor start  dropping serve early needing chances serve set  secured lead  agassi failed control players forced succession breaks  agassi won tie break wrapping 7 5 7 6  7 3  6 1 win  fourth seed  survived injury scare battled past mario ancic 6 4 3 6 6 3 6 4  russian turned ankle game fourth set called treatment immediately  showed sign problem returned court wrap victory hours 45 minutes   ancic  wimbledon semi finalist 2004  looked set push safin set safin raised game sink croatian  safin temper control year s tournament  russian hit head repeatedly second set outburst largely calm victory   i stay calm crazy players ancic  back tough opponent   said   i m bit calmer enough   russian added worried ankle injury   i lot problems ankle   ok   said    s route fourth round made easy opponent jarkko nieminen forced retire match   top seed defending champion leading 6 3 5 2 nieminen pulled abdominal injury  federer patchy form   mixing 19 unforced errors 19 winners  world number play cypriot  world junior champion beat tommy robredo 7 6  7 2  6 4 6 1  federer admitted extra pressure extending winning streak career best 24   they winning  simple   said   i feeling tough match  bad start bounced back  play am  thought pretty ok   french open champion  tournament five set defeat dominik hrbaty  hrbaty defeated 10th seed 7 6  7 5  6 7  8 10  6 7  3 7  6 1 6 3 match lasting hours 21 minutes  pair traded 16 service breaks exhausting baseline battle  hrbaty taking decisive advantage eighth game final set  hrbaty play 2002 champion    outlasted american kevin kim 3 6 6 2 6 7 6 2 6 2  
class_tennis	roddick splits coach gilbert  andy roddick ended 18 month association coach brad gilbert yielded open title american world number one   roddick released statement sfx sports group news give reason split   the decision re hire brad gilbert 2005 season based game time   roddick   any situation s private matter coach player   roddick won 121 147 matches working gilbert  enjoyed time together  won grand slam event flushing meadows year  finished 2003 top atp tour rankings   roddick slipped year roger federer  man 1988 win majors season  federer  coach split peter lundgren end year  beat roddick win wimbledon title tournament finals  roddick hired gilbert deciding part coach tarik benhabiles wake first round exit 2003 french open  win open titles year  won events season   i enjoyed time andy   gilbert personal website   he great student game time worked proud results achieved   while great deal work done  andy feel way   
class_tennis	roddick talks coach  andy roddick reportedly close confirming davis cup assistant dean goldfine coach   roddick ended 18 month partnership brad gilbert monday  goldfine admits talks place   we good conversation page terms expect player commitment wants   goldfine   the reading lot qualities coach   speaking told south florida s sun sentinel newspaper  goldfine added   that said  standpoint  smart  cover bases   i andy long term relationship make fit    fit   goldfine  39  worked todd martin roddick s close friend mardy fish  assistant coach olympic team  martin linked vacant post alongside roddick  
class_tennis	hewitt survives nalbandian epic  home favourite lleyton hewitt dramatic five set battle argentine david nalbandian reach australian open semi finals   hewitt looked cruising victory racing two set lead  nalbandian broke serve times sets set nailbiting decider  hewitt eventually grabbed vital break 17th game served win 6 3 6 2 1 6 3 6 10 8 set meeting andy roddick  winner match face roger federer marat safin final  ninth seed nalbandian back sets win match  indication hewitt dominated sets   argentine stoked temperature ahead match hewitt s exuberant on court celebrations  not good sport   words hewitt change ends set australian appeared brush shoulders chairs  balance power changed completely set hewitt allowed level dip  double faulted nalbandian broke taking fourth set  tiring seed showed incredible reserves strength force break outplayed final set times coming points defeat  produced love service game finish match hours minutes   i hanging there  tough serving set   hewitt  reached home grand slam   i told give end paid again   it s long holding trophy hanging there   only guys left win top world  set pretty good showdown semis finals   
class_tennis	sydney return henin hardenne  olympic champion justine henin hardenne return action january s sydney international tournament   belgian competed losing top world ranking open september  beaten fourth round nadia petrova  time shake virus defend titles sydney australian open  women s world number lindsay davenport french open champion anastasia myskina compete   men s event  world number lleyton hewitt returns defend title  runner up carlos moya  moya  spain s davis cup final hero recent win us  retire ankle injury set final   tournament director craig watson said   i message relayed spain s davis cup victory  forward make disappointment  2004  final  tournament place 9 15 january  
class_tennis	koubek suspended drugs test  stefan koubek banned months international tennis federation  itf  testing positive banned substance   world number 60 failed routine drugs test year s french open plans lodge appeal  koubek believes injection austrian doctor treat wrist injury blame producing traces substance system   i acted correctly   27 year old austrian statement  koubek  defeated britain s greg rusedski decisive rubber davis cup september  set miss start season  said   a three month ban miss australian open  davis cup australia   
class_tennis	hewitt fights back reach final  lleyton hewitt dream australian open title alive four set win andy roddick friday s semi final   home favourite face marat safin sunday s final coming 3 6 7 6  7 3  7 6  7 4  6 1  hewitt fought back set trailed tie breaks denied  thrilling melbourne crowd typically battling effort  aiming australian winner mark edmondson 1976  hewitt australian make final pat cash lost mats wilander 1988  faces huge challenge safin   conqueror roger federer  needing sets matches reason hewitt struggle fitness  made sluggish start  dropping opening service game  roddick dominated huge serve set   12 tense games second  key moment hewitt raised game tie break overturn early mini break  energised crowd roddick finished raced 4 1 clear crucial hewitt pegged back forced tie break  roddick broke hewitt fought back  taking lead superb backhand pass   australian denied disheartened roddick made impact fourth set hewitt raced victory  sending melbourne crowd wild ensuring final huge occasion   it s awesome   hewitt   i started preparing tournament months ago   i ve lot hard yards here   i ve night final australian open  chance   roddick furious failing advantage leads tie breaks   i m pretty money those   roddick   either distinct advantage   i m mad  felt shot  put position win big points  donated wanted   american played influence spectator appeared contribute double fault shouting rodick s service action   it jackass shout out   roddick  adding crowd  very respectful   
class_tennis	officials respond court row  australian tennis  top official defended australian open courts melbourne park criticism playing surface lleyton hewitt   hewitt  gutful  persuade make surface faster tennis australia s geoff pollard rejected comments   we made faster year and  knowledge  faster   said   we spent substantial amount money modifications make faster   hewitt  past fourth round melbourne attempts  earlier surface worthy prestigious tournament  play surface order chance winning  tournament starts 17 january  pollard surface speeded year s tournament complaints australian players  refused accept melbourne surface bearing hewitt s performances years   lleyton s proving versatile surfaces   said   it faster year that ll faster lleyton beat roger federer davis cup 2003   
class_tennis	williams battles aussie title  serena williams staged remarkable recovery beat lindsay davenport win australian open title   2003 champion claimed seventh grand slam title  wimbledon 2003  2 6 6 3 6 0  williams looked close quitting rib injury left court treatment games  quickly dropped set 3 3 found gear davenport s game collapsed  allowing williams title  williams explained injury problem  result lunging ball early set   lindsay run wide backhand back eventually back  goodness   said  davenport paid tribute williams  saying   she s tough couple years she s back champion    23 year old world number desperate trouble early stages injury hampered service action  davenport advantage race opening set held break points game second   i thinking  i m losing game   williams afterwards    i care arm falls off  losing game   guess happened   i lose game lot momentum  lot confidence   letting break points slip davenport looked comfortable 3 3  40 0 folded  williams won consecutive points set powered decider lacklustre davenport looked run energy gruelling weeks   i felt playing control pretty match   davenport   then horrible lapse  serving 40 0  made errors opened door it   at end bit fatigued advantage   she s great frontrunner going   
class_tennis	safin cool wimbledon  newly crowned australian open champion marat safin ruled chance winning wimbledon future   losing round year  safin  given up  wimbledon winning grand slam title changed mind   i ll play  expectations  feel waste time  energy surface   said   some people  play clay  people  play hard court  me  play grass   however  safin hopeful winning australian open give belief win grand slam titles   it s relief me  grand slams  something  worked hard it   said   basically  love win couple more  chance continue way    if  coach  peter lundgren stick work bit longer  make it   25 year old shocked pete sampras 2000 open final win major title lost australian open finals  safin admitted begun doubt win grand slam   i expect  to win 2000 open    sampras  favourite pressure whatsoever   said   after final win thomas johansson  in 2002   winning grand slams anymore   i semi finals french open  win it   i handle pressure  yourself  didn t    losing set 6 1 lleyton hewitt sunday s final  safin began doubt again   i 25  playing hewitt  opportunity win it  chance   said   it s lose set 6 1  start think   this day  playing ridiculous    but start bit selfish find there   and found it  happier 2000  sure  it   
class_tennis	safin plays wimbledon hopes  newly crowned australian open champion marat safin ruled chance winning wimbledon future   losing round year  safin  given up  wimbledon winning grand slam title changed mind   i ll play  expectations  feel waste time  energy surface   said   some people  play clay  people  play hard court  me  play grass   however  safin hopeful winning australian open give belief win grand slam titles   it s relief me  grand slams  something  worked hard it   said   basically  love win couple more  chance continue way    if  coach  peter lundgren stick work bit longer  make it   25 year old shocked pete sampras 2000 open final win major title lost australian open finals  safin admitted begun doubt win grand slam   i expect  to win 2000 open    sampras  favourite pressure whatsoever   said   after final win thomas johansson  in 2002   winning grand slams anymore   i semi finals french open  win it   i handle pressure  yourself  didn t    losing set 6 1 lleyton hewitt sunday s final  safin began doubt again   i 25  playing hewitt  opportunity win it  chance   said   it s lose set 6 1  start think   this day  playing ridiculous    but start bit selfish find there   and found it  happier 2000  sure  it   
class_tennis	nadal puts spain 2 0  result  nadal 6 7  6 8  6 2 7 6  8 6  6 2 roddick  spain s rafael nadal beats andy roddick usa singles match rubber 2004 davis cup final seville  spain lead 1 0 carlos moya beat mardy fish straight sets opening match tie   nadal holds nerve crowd wild spain 2 0 tie   roddick holds serve force nadal serve match american surely turn things now   nadal works roddick court consecutive points earn break points  enough  spaniard secures double break roddick teetering edge   roddick gee clay surface taking toll game tired  nadal wins game love   nadal steps pressure break spain early initiative fourth set   nadal holds convincingly players feel fourth set   roddick shrugs disappointment losing third set tiebreak breezes service game fourth set   nadal earns mini break tiebreak match enters fourth hour  couple stunning points follow  nadal chases roddick shot turns passing winner  roddick produces amazing defence net score 4 4  roddick serves set double faults score 5 5  nadal saves roddick set point earns drive volley   crosscourt passing winner sends crowd wild   nadal aggression passes roddick line 15 40 set points up  roddick saves desperate lunge volley smacks volley winner court score back deuce securing game  set tiebreak   nadal enjoys straightforward hold roddick serve stay set   roddick holds on  brilliant shot making opponent   nadal races service game put pressure straight back roddick   roddick hangs serve level matters nadal making fight point   nadal suffering disappointment hangover previous game 0 30 save break point tremendous rally forced brilliant defence  pays spaniard edges ahead set   roddick s serve firing ferociously usual rely sheer competitive determination stay set  times  nadal forces break point times world number hangs in  roddick s grit pays manages hold   roddick bit sluggish attacks net rewarded break point  nadal saves good serve spaniard hold   disruption play roddick upset crowd  spanish captain involved match referee unclear problem is  thing crowd roused support nadal wild roddick loses point break point down  roddick saves break point bangs ninth ace clinching game service winner   game passes two hour mark nadal holds serve edge ahead set   roddick defend break point produces characteristic ace save it  immediately holds dinked half volley winner   roddick leaden footed carve break point himself  plays poorly nadal avoids danger   roddick boil struggles  fails properly low forehand volley nadal break points  american blasts ace save double fault rubber level   nadal edges taking set comfortable hold   good serves put roddick 30 0 makes couple errors find 30 40 down  saves break point ace manages hold   roddick s level dropped nadal hot streak  spaniard includes superb crosscourt winner back foot races service game dropping point   roddick double faults nadal takes full advantage break point offered  powering passing winner past roddick   nadal wins tight game  player dipped high standard play set   nadal puts american pressure roddick saves break point superb stop volley hold   nadal puts disappointment losing first set tiebreak claim opening game second   roddick double faults concede mini break nadal loops crosscourt winner seize advantage tiebreak  lets slip wins serve earn set points  roddick saves earns himself  nadal down the line winner nets tamely roddick s set point   nadal s nerve tested force tiebreak  players scintillating tennis spaniard chances clinch game finally roddick drives wide   pulsating game sees nadal racing round court retrieving refusing give roddick easy points  point match involves roddick s slam dunk smash returned nadal roddick finally manages end rally  point  nadal blasts forehand service return court passes roddick american forced applaud  roddick big serves polish game   nadal outplays roddick reach 40 0 american fights back 40 30 nadal s powerful crosscourt forehand winner secures game   crowd involved  cheering roddick s serves  american hold edge ahead set   nadal manages hold roddick piling pressure serve  spaniard wins game courtesy lucky net cord   roddick double faults buts manages composure  well placed serve unreturnable roddick holds   powerful ace middle nadal simple love service game   time held serve match  roddick before  real contest   superb game nadal breaks lift roof  produces fine groundstrokes leave roddick chasing shadows  games break serve   disappointment losing serve  roddick phased storms 40 15 lead umpire leaves seat confirm close line call  nadal takes point roddick breaks sharp volley net   roddick s advantage short lived nadal breaks back immediately  fortunate net cord helps spaniard roddick fires forehand cross court shot wide lose serve  nadal pumps fist celebration   american pumped clash takes nadal s serve start  nadal s drop shot agonisingly called roddick claims vital break   moya s win opening rubber  raucous seville crowd buoyed nadal s impressive start sees race 30 0 lead  roddick fights back hold serve  
class_tennis	henman   murray claim lta awards  tim henman named player year 2004 lawn tennis association wimbledon monday   briton recognised year career  reach semis french opens  scotland s andrew murray named young player year winning open juniors  futures event italy  world number peter norfolk won disabled player year claiming open crown   great britain s 14 boys won team year prize victory world junior tennis event august  henman start 2005 campaign kooyong event 12 january field includes roger federer  andy roddick andre agassi  briton optimistic surpassing effort fourth round place australian open  begins week   i ve felt conditions suit game melbourne love start year australian open   henman told website   that s changed schedule slightly committing play kooyong classic   i ll acclimatise practising event guaranteed matches players world   i give chance australian open   
class_tennis	connors  rallying cry british tennis   do heart  guts have  hate lose    questions jimmy connors britain s brightest tennis hopes months  possibly years  come  american legend swept london thursday announce  long term  relationship lawn tennis association spending days elite performance winter camp la manga  man epitomised phrase  will win  lleyton hewitt born clear qualities hopes convey   you know  hits ball fine line number number 100   connors   i fine line long time  help  part teaching kids win    connors great offer services lta   long time rival john mcenroe repeatedly same  connors pains point interest publicity stunt  gave glowing recommendation work lta performance director david felgate team   britain attitude  attitude  taking game forward finding wimbledon champion   connors   that s find day  talks good game puts effect   the impression david coaches days before  here   this happen overnight  miracle workers  direction   52 year old s enthusiasm work country marked contrast relationship tennis officials back america   i ve discussions usta  united states tennis association  number years   said   that s  my input  ended   connors straight talker equally blunt honest dealings lta cream britain s young players   if chosen  produce   said    if not  place  number spot lonely there  view   year andrew murray emerge britain s great hope  connors rejected suggestions scot put pressure soon   tim henman country shoulder   connors   i pressure  push level   someone s  henman   andrew murray  embrace that  play for   emphasis hard work  training preparation  connors admit desire required champion within   the passion had  find that   admitted   i nuts  compete tennis court   it important thing world me  something s you  play tennis front 25 000 people   what played tennis am  that  moulded   
class_tennis	roche  turns federer offer   australian tennis coach tony roche turned approach roger federer world number one s full time coach  reports   melbourne s herald sun roche  troubled hip complaint  travel full time again  however  roche happy work swiss star casual basis helping prepare month s defence australian open crown  federer coach splitting peter lundgren 2003  roche  davis cup player australia  won french open  reached wimbledon open finals won wimbledon doubles titles john newcombe   coached number ivan lendl pat rafter grand slam victories worked australia s lleyton hewitt  reports claim federer initially wanted andre agassi s australian coach darren cahill  agassi confirmed play 2005  federer named swiss sportsman year saturday  add bbc overseas sportsman european sports journalists association awards won  
class_tennis	federer joins all time greats  year player dominate men s tennis  country dominate women s game   roger federer man mats wilander 1988 win grand slams season  anastasia myskina russian woman win grand slam french open  wimbledon open  meanwhile  briton tim henman enjoyed year  greg rusedski fought back superbly adversity  federer began year world number holder wimbledon masters cup titles  set conquering ground  swiss sounded warning dominance australian open   ripped draw beating marat safin final  andy roddick player put real resistance wimbledon  federer s performance lleyton hewitt open final breathtaking  federer hewitt season ending masters cup  victory houston proved 13th successive win final  open era record  major let down third round loss gustavo kuerten french open  roland garros main target 2005   surprise loss unheralded tomas berdych olympic games  chile dominate nicoals massu singles paired fernando gonzaelz win doubles gold  major trophy federer davis cup  won spain 3 2 home success usa seville  roddick struggled clay  losing rafael nadal opening day carlos moya all important fourth rubber   henman broke ground reaching semis clay french open   stunning effort   open  quarter final defeat mario ancic wimbledon disappointing limp manner briton s defeat  remains optimistic year   british number rusedski endured rollercoaster year  returning circuit cleared doping offence march  ranking 168  feared 31 year old s career over  battled back half season re enter top 50  russian women finally delivered long recognised promise 2004  myskina  maria sharapova svetlana kuznetsova winning grand slams  taking season ending fed cup  young russians up  story belgians williams sisters  veteran lindsay davenport held wave bay  stunning run form wimbledon taking number ahead amelie mauresmo  grand slam drought on  year started regulation fashion justine henin hardenne beat compatriot kim clijsters australian open   virus ruined rest henin hardenne s year  fit win olympic gold  clijsters miserable 2004  suffered wrist injury announced end relationship lleyton hewitt  happy year end  absence  myskina thrashed elena dementieva historic  woeful  all russian final french open  wimbledon refreshing affair sharapova captivated sw19  showing nerves steel battled past davenport serena williams title   davenport strong favourite open but  hampered injury  lost powerful unflappable kuznetsova semis  kuznetsova give dementieva grand slam final thrashing  latter s wayward serve talking points year  russians improving  likes henin hardenne  clijsters  davenport  mauresmo  venus serena fully fit motivated 2005  compatriot safin challenge federer men s side  
class_tennis	philippoussis doubt open bid  mark philippoussis miss australian open suffering groin injury hopman cup loss netherlands   28 year old suffered tears adductor muscle unable play deciding mixed doubles  fit time australian open begins 17 january melbourne   he strengthen cope repetitive days tennis   hopman cup doctor hamish osborne   it opinion five setter once  days row  inside weeks    the injury common australian rules football  fit footballer weeks recover fully mark s injury slightly different   australian suffered host injury problems career holding slim hope make event   it s feel  start treatment strengthen tearing more   said   what kill makes stronger  back matters     world number tommy haas doubt australian open picking thigh injury playing germany hopman cup  26 year old treatment left thigh leading argentine guillermo coria 7 5 2 2  played game  movement hampered quit  
class_tennis	slovakia reach hopman cup final  slovakia play argentina final hopman cup beating group rivals netherlands 3 0   daniela hantuchova defeated michaella krajicek 6 4 6 2 give slovaks perfect start dutchman peter wessels retired dominik hrbaty  wessels unable compete mixed doubles slovakia booked place final year running  argentina claimed top spot group wins matches  group match  united states defeated australia 2 1   meghann shaughnessy lost opening match alicia molik james blake levelled tie 6 3 6 4 win paul baccanello  replacement injured mark philippoussis  blake shaughnessy beat molik baccanello tense mixed doubles contest win  hantuchova  win hopman cup singles match 2004  good form year s event won matches   i feel deserved time helped dominik through   said   i past matches okay   i pleased singles  one  high standard   you preparation play matches australian open   
class_tennis	dent continues adelaide progress  american taylor dent reached final australian hardcourt event adelaide crushing 6 1 6 1 win argentine juan ignacio chela   dent meet swede joachim johansson sunday seed survived tense tie break defeat belgium s olivier rochus 6 1 7 6  7 5   johansson  boyfriend lleyton hewitt s sister jaslyn  received strong crowd support saturday   it feels home me  jaslyn lives here   johansson  rochus leading 5 4 set tiebreak concentration ruffled disputed line call match slipped away   it close   mistake match over  tough  me  out   rochus said  
class_tennis	moya sidesteps davis cup 2005  carlos moya chosen spain defend davis cup crown won seville november   moya led spain victory usa focus grand slams 2005  insists return davis cup 2006   after years total commitment davis cup team    difficult decision concentrate regular circuit   moya   they season count wish   1998 french open champion determined make impact major events spending years top 10   at age 29 set tough goals professional career season fix objectives specific dates tournaments   said   since davis cup seville working condition technical medical aspects game big events year top form    moya began 2005 victory chennai open sunday  
class_tennis	henman decides quit davis cup  tim henman retired great britain s davis cup team   30 year old  made davis cup debut 1994  set fully focus atp tour winning grand slam event   i ve made secret fact representing great britain top priority career   henman told website  captain jeremy bates touted alex bogdanovic andrew murray replacements veteran  henman added britain bid davis cup success  tie israel march    although playing  make jeremy lta future draw experience hope british players develop full potential   added   i ve enjoyed playing front thousands british fans home abroad unwavering support years   henman leaves davis cup tennis impressive record  won 36 50 matches  great britain captain jeremy bates paid tribute henman s efforts years    tim simply phenomenal davis cup career absolute privilege captained team it   bates   tim s magnificent record speaks itself  great loss completely understand respect decision retire davis cup focus grand slams tour     looking future decision marks watershed british davis cup tennis huge opportunity generation make mark   we host talented players coming losing tim s calibre  remain optimistic future   henman made davis cup debut 1994 romania manchester  partner bates won doubles rubber middle saturday tie  britain eventually lost contest 3 2  henman britain luck davis cup matches 1999 qualified world group  britain drew usa lost tie greg rusedski fell jim courier deciding rubber  made final stages again  2002  time lost sweden  
class_tennis	ivanovic seals canberra victory  serbia s ana ivanovic captured wta title straight sets victory hungarian melinda czink final canberra classic   17 year old 83 minutes match 7 5 6 1  ivanovic beat czink round qualifying hungarian made main draw lucky loser katarina srebotnik withdrew injured  ivanovic said   i nervous beginning  pulled wrong   junior wimbledon finalist year  added   it s wta title  win energy practice improve   ivanovic play 32nd seed iveta benesova czech republic round said australian open melbourne  
class_tennis	minister digs doping row  belgian sports minister centre svetlana kuznetsova doping row apologise making allegations her   claude eerdekens claims open champion tested positive ephedrine exhibition event month  criticised making announcement  said   i apologise  product banned explain there   kuznetsova stimulant cold remedy took  russian wrong taking medicine event  women s tennis association cleared kuznetsova offence drug banned competition   eerdekens made statement order protect players part tournament  belgian justine henin hardenne  nathalie dechy france russia s elena dementieva  dechy fuming implicated row   how happy face cover page talking doping   dechy said   i m upset belgian government bad job this   i deserve apology guy    stuff this  girls  terrible   dementieva angry dechy real victims scandal   you idea days  hard me   said   the wta handle problem victims  victims story   nathalie dechy  this   to honest you  feel talk sveta all  upset happened   
class_tennis	safin relieved aussie recovery  marat safin admitted thought suffering australian open final nightmare lost opening set lleyton hewitt   russian  lost 2002 2004 finals  fought back brilliantly win 1 6 6 3 6 4 6 4   i nervous play tennis   safin   he started well  nervous thinking finals played successful   added   you deal pressure final tight win   i play tennis couldn t  huge experience  won grand slam titles  won 24 titles  great player deals pressure    4 1 set  safin played tennis reel games control match   in set  sudden  turn completely expect   safin   because made couple mistakes  bit lucky point  confidence back back game   russian revealed victory  semi final win world number roger federer  massive boost future   you huge confidence roger great player   safin   once beat him  lleyton  confidence play great   you win big titles beat huge players finals semi finals   
class_tennis	veteran martinez wins thai title  conchita martinez won title years victory anna lena groenefeld volvo women s open pattaya  thailand   32 year old spaniard 6 3 3 6 6 3 title berlin 2000   it feels good   martinez  playing season tour   to important match feels good   it s years it   groenefeld powerful player match opponent s relentless accuracy   it final  experience   german   i played good match  tough match  stay there  week good me   
class_tennis	soderling wins tense milan final  seed robin soderling milan indoors title dramatic win radek stepanek sunday s final   20 year old swede edged final set tie break 6 3 6 7  2 7  7 6  7 5  victory tour title winning lyon year   i m delighted won good opponent tournament importance   soderling   i form  service good playing synthetic surface   soderling  world number 37  shrugged nervous start opening set set point  change approach fourth seed stepanek set paid dividends tie break  soderling s superior power proved third  
class_tennis	rusedski forced marseille  greg rusedski forced withdraw open 13 marseille thursday rib injury   british number scheduled play qualifier sebastien de chaunac  beat world number guillermo coria 6 4 7 5 round one  rusedski unable court problem left hand side rib cage  american taylor dent caused shock 7 6 6 2 victory seed david nalbandian  seed joachim johansson made beating frenchman gilles simon 7 6 6 3 match day  sixth seed feliciano lopez defeated ivo karlovic  wins slovakia s karol beck croatian duo ivan ljubicic mario ancic  
class_tennis	big guns ease san jose  top seeded americans andy roddick andre agassi survived minor scares reach sap open   agassi endured early problems left handed dane kenneth carlsen sealing 7 5 6 1 victory  world number roddick dropped set korean player hyung taik lee  pulling 6 3 3 6 6 2 win san jose  california  seventh seed jurgen melzer 6 3 6 3 xavier malisse   winner delray beach week  frenchman cyril saulnier  meanwhile  fired 19 aces secure 6 1 7 6 win czech qualifier tomas zib   roddick broke racket frustration game set  unimpressed form   i m playing great   said   but battling   a lot people assumption easy play week not   12th time 13 appearances event agassi  34  progressed quarter final stage  0 40 opening game hold serve gradually wore carlsen attacking backhand  agassi employed lobs charged net unsettle 31 year old dane  ranked 88th world   as match on  real patient waited opportunities felt pretty good   agassi  
class_tennis	almagro continues spanish surge  unseeded nicolas almagro spaniard reach buenos aires open  ousting eighth seed mariano zabaleta   showed admirable resolve win rain affected match 6 7 6 4 6 4  compatriot seventh seed rafael nadal reached eight  beating italian potito starace 6 1 6 3  nadal  playing outdoor clay event time  hit powerful forehands oust starace match delayed hour rain   it s problem stop rain it   spanish teenager nadal   luckily  pace match   play gaston gaudio  beat unseeded brazilian flavio saretta 6 3 6 2 day s late match  
class_tennis	melzer shocks agassi san jose  seed andre agassi suffered comprehensive defeat jurgen melzer quarter finals sap open   agassi bamboozled austrian s drop shots san jose  losing 6 3 6 1  defending champion top seed andy roddick rallied beat sweden s thomas enqvist 3 6 7 6  8 6  7 5  unseeded cyril saulnier beat fourth seed vincent spadea 6 2 6 4 tommy haas overcame eighth seed max mirnyi 6 7  2 7  7 6  7 3  6 2  melzer beaten agassi meetings    i good game plan executed perfectly   said   it s tough play andre   i play game  makes run dog court   agassi  matched power opponent s two handed backhand  melzer players tour chances him   a lot guys capable now   american   he played me  times   i opportunities loosen up   agassi added   but convert big points   
class_tennis	mirza makes indian tennis history  teenager sania mirza completed superb week hyderabad open indian history win wta singles title   front delirious home crowd  18 year old battled past alyona bondarenko ukraine 6 4 5 7 6 3  mirza  ranked 134 world  sunk knees celebration serving match bondarenko   it big moment career part effort   said   this win made hope coming days   i wanted win tournament badly hometown   australian open january  mirza indian woman reach round grand slam losing eventual champion serena williams   year ago  youngest indian win professional title claiming doubles hyderabad open  mirza  playing wta final  began nervously front raucous home crowd   committing double faults opening service game  0 2 down  mirza broke serve row held advantage set  see saw set  bondarenko raced 5 2 lead mirza hauled level  ukrainian broke finally levelling match  mirza rediscovered aggressive strokes set decider established 5 2 lead  5 3  stadium erupted celebration mirza thought delivered ace secure victory serve ruled clipped net  mirza eventually lost point relief crowd  broke bondarenko game clinch title  
class_tennis	roddick face saulnier final  andy roddick play cyril saulnier final sap open san jose sunday   american top seed defending champion overcame germany s tommy haas  seed  7 6  7 3  6 3   i feeling horrible earlier week   roddick said   i thought tonight step direction   saulnier battled 6 7  3 7  6 3 6 3 win seventh seed jurgen melzer  twisted ankle early set  roddick won points first set tie break broken start set  broke straight back broke haas lead 4 2   it s extremely frustrating chances top five player them   admitted haas   i rushed backhands advantage   saulnier move world s top 50 time passage final   it s lot work lot fighting mind   revealed   sometimes final here  stayed mentally strong   i m way  fighting work lot there   
class_tennis	australia miss molik fed cup  australia leading player alicia molik fed cup round robin matches india april   world number 10 included captain john alexander s squad focusing singles career   alicia real opportunity achieve number world ranking schedule designed achieve that   alexander explained  world number 46 samantha stosur  nicole pratt  evie dominikovic bryanne stewart form squad  alexander insisted team fully molik s request play   the fed cup awkward date geographical location events stuffed part year   said   when things considered tennis australia players holistically great opportunity this  them   china  taiwan  india  korea  zealand  singapore kazakhstan nations competing delhi 18 24 april  
class_tennis	clijsters sets venus match up  kim clijsters continued comeback wrist injury 7 5 6 7 6 1 win russia s nadia petrova round antwerp diamond games   belgian meet fellow world number venus williams quarter finals american swept past france s virginie razzano 6 3 6 0  clijsters  sidelined october  edged high quality set  petrova hit back second set tiebreak clijsters pulled clear decider  breaking times   everything s fine wrist   clijsters   i wanted backhand   long backhand cross rallies  slicing  enjoyed backhand    i intention wearing petrova did  relief win three set match   these kind matches forward long time   belgian forward facing severe test williams   a quarter final venus nice prospect   clijsters   i play strong now  completely focused   it difficult friday  fun well   seed williams  gold diamond encrusted racket add 2002 2003 event wins  barely troubled razzano   my tennis good today   said   but surprise feel healthy working lately   
class_tennis	injured roddick quits memphis  andy roddick pulled semi final rmk championships memphis spraining left ankle   american top seed supposed face dane kenneth carlsen  advances final eighth seed max mirnyi belarus  semi final german seed tommy haas 7 5 6 3  roddick  2003 open champion  hurt quarter final win friday intensive treatment ankle avail  attempted loosen foot jogging saturday  hit couple balls   the kind significant move made knew happen me   roddick said  decided pass chance win tour title weeks part healthy team s davis cup match croatia fortnight   the repercussions injury affect me  affect team mates playing country well   roddick said  
class_tennis	henman hopes ended dubai rain  seed tim henman slumped straight sets defeat rain interrupted dubai championships quarter final ivan ljubicic   croatian eighth seed booked place 7 5 6 4 victory british number one  henman looked level match 2 0 set  progress halted rain intervened again  ljubicic hit back break seal fourth straight win henman  earlier day  spanish seed tommy robredo secured semi final place beat nicolas kiefer germany 6 4 6 4   rain means quarter finals roger federer mikhail youzhny andre agassi nikolay davydenko played saturday  henman left cursing weather umpire breaks rain match   it incredibly frustrating   henman said   it s raining umpire control   he telling play till end game  raining    score s irrelevant   it frustrating happy form now  expect desert   rain meant remaining quarter finals   roger federer mikhail youzhny andre agassi versus nikolay davydenko   postponed saturday  
class_tennis	agassi round dubai  fourth seed andre agassi beat radek stepanek 6 4 7 5 round dubai tennis championships   34 year old  moving hip problem needed injection  served won 80  serve 76  second  american break czech stepanek final game set fight back losing serve  agassi  making appearance event  received standing ovation  said   i great days dubai  waited long time here  apologise late   first day winners included spaniards juan carlos ferrero tommy robredo  dominik hrbaty slovakia germany s rainer schuettler  ferrero  2001 champion  overcame florian mayer germany 6 3 6 4 robredo fight hard beat olivier rochus belgium 7 6  7 5  7 6  7 5   hrbaty crushed omar bahrouzyan united arab emirates 6 0 6 4 schuettler beat younes al aynaoui morocco 6 0 6 1  ferrero meet top seed roger federer   faces qualifier ivo minar tuesday   round  british rivals tim henman greg rusedski face opening round tuesday  
class_tennis	mauresmo fights back win title  world number amelie mauresmo set beat venus williams win diamond games antwerp   mauresmo  lost dinara safina final paris indoor open week  beat seed 4 6 7 5 6 4 title season  frenchwoman produced superb volleys final set claimed victory match point hours 18 minutes   this great final great tournament   said   i happy quality game week final  result work coach   williams seeking title antwerp won previous visits 2002 2003  defeat means 11 tournaments title  longest drought career   amelie deserves win  played well   said  
class_tennis	federer wins title rotterdam  world number roger federer won world indoor tournament rotterdam battling 5 7 7 5 7 6 victory ivan ljubicic sunday   swiss star made work hard ljubicic  lost federer month s final doha  croatian broke serve time tournament set  federer hit back decider tie break  won 15 finals triumphing hours 42 minutes  federer said   today close happy fought crucial victory rest season   i knew fight hard today happened   i played shocking game broken  advantage broke love felt gave game away   that haunted way  match point  fought today happy   
class_tennis	gb players warned security  britain s davis cup players warned tel aviv hotel unaccompanied ahead weekend s tie israel   suicide bombing nightclub city friday claimed victims   we spoke bomb told leave hotel own   andrew murray told daily telegraph   jeremy  bates  gb captain  told careful hotel stupid   murray insisted team  includes greg rusedski  arvind parmar  david sherwood reserve alex bogdanovic  concentrate task ahead   the bomb miles staying   17 year old murray    i happened effect british team s concentration  safe stay hotel tennis centre   speaking saturday  team captain bates said   it terrible thing  unfortunate thing  sport on   i lot people involved event great care make event runs smoothly   lta statement said   we confidence organisation security tie   we continue monitor situation carefully   team arrived tel aviv saturday practised hard courts ramat hasharon arena sunday  
class_tennis	sharapova overcomes tough molik  wimbledon champion maria sharapova recovered losing opening set win final qatar open   seed beat fourth seeded australian alicia molik 4 6 6 1 6 4 title year  molik  overcome top seed amelie mauresmo friday s semi final  broke sharapova game set win  sharapova recovered build healthy 5 0 lead set looked back that  molik game fall sharapova broke game decider lead 3 2  molik stayed touch  sharapova held serve finished match ace saving break point 10th game   sharapova key victory positive approach losing set   alicia dictating terms set mind positive   sharapova   in set playing game  decided put pace ball put pressure serve worked   sharapova head los angeles mother rest recent hectic schedule   i rest eager mum catch friends travelling doing   
