| Australia should host Cup: Martino Less than eight weeks before FIFA decides who will host the 2022 World Cup, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said Australia would be a shoo-in. foxsports.com.au |
Everton ready for vital tie with Hungaria • Everton aim to reach at least the last 16 for the first time• Second leg at Widnes on Thursday after goalless first legEverton will be better prepared for the second leg of their Champions League tie against MTK Hungaria, according to the manager, Mo Marley, than was the case for the first leg that ended goalless in Budapest."We've at least seen our opponents in action now," said Marley, whose team entertain the Hungarian champions at the Stobart Stadium in Widnes on Thursday, aiming to reach the last 16 of the competition for the first time.Marley reckons that the comparatively high profile of women's football in England worked against Everton in the first leg. "The Hungarians were able to obtain lots of TV footage from games of ours, plus England matches where a good number of our players were involved, whereas there was nothing available to us because club matches over there aren't televised and internationals are rarely covered by the media.''We did what research we could on them but it was very difficult to prepare for the game. Even so we should have won. They were a decent side, well organised and difficult to break down, but we lacked composure and, although we created chances, we didn't have our usual quality in the final third."We know the approach we have to take in the home leg, though, and I'm confident we'll be better. The aim going into the competition was to progress to at least the round of 16 and, if we do that, it will mean good progress for the club."While Everton head into their second leg all square, Arsenal will take a 3-1 lead into the home leg of their tie against the Serbian champions, ZFK Masinac. An aggregate victory will not be a formality, however, warned the winger Rachel Yankey. "We needed two late goals to win over there," said the England international, "and, although we can make excuses – like the dreadful pitch - the truth is we weren't at our best and we'll have to be better on Thursday."In the Premier League's only two games today the leaders Blackburn beat Barnet 2-1 and Sunderland moved up to second place with a 1-1 draw at Reading.Women's footballTony Leightonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Socceroos coach likes A-League Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says the A-League is an entertaining and exciting league and supports players staying with Australian clubs. foxsports.com.au |
Wayne Rooney's form is all that matters, says Fabio Capello • England coach refuses to comment on Rooney's contract• Confirms he will use youngsters in next two friendliesWayne Rooney's form – not his contract – is all that matters for Fabio Capello, the England manager said today."If he's [in form] I'll play him, otherwise no. For anything else, you've got to ask [Manchester United manager Sir Alex] Ferguson," Capello told the Italian state radio, RAI, when asked about Rooney's new five-year deal at Old Trafford.Capello said he is casting his eye over developing English talents: "We have good young players, a good Under-21 squad that has qualified for the European Championship and a great Under-19 side. There are going to be some experiments with players in the next two friendlies."England play France next month and have another friendly in February before resuming their attempt to qualify for Euro 2012.The 64-year-old Italian confirmed his plans once his European Championship commitments have ended. "After the Euros I'm definitely going to retire," Capello said.EnglandFabio CapelloWayne Rooneyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Ivanschitz goal lifts Mainz to Bundesliga lead Substitute Andreas Ivanschitz scored two minutes after coming off the bench to give Mainz a 1-0 victory at Bayer Leverkusen and return his team ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |