T.N. Raghu
IVL: Woes continue for hosts
Chennai Spikers’ campaign in the Panimalar-Sail Indian Volleyball League second leg went from bad to worse after they crashed to a five-set defeat against Maratha Warriors at the Nehru Stadium here on
Collector’s football hoard crosses 200
Ishaq Ismail has balls — plenty of them. The South African of Indian origin has put together an enviable collection of more than 200 footballs at his Sandton home in Johannesburg.
Angry Africans backed Oranje
All of Africa joined hands to support the Netherlands against Uruguay at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. South Africans were the most vociferous. In addition to their huge army of orange-clad supporters, the Netherlands had the backing of the home continent.
Europe, football’s preferred destination
The ongoing football World Cup has also invaded the drawing room of a revolutionary. Cuban president Fidel Castro has taken his anti-capitalist views to the domain of the beautiful game by saying that “a final between two European nations will be as colourless and unhistorical as any since the sport was born in the world”.
Club connection to come in handy for Spain
A feeling of watching a match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona will be unmistakable when Germany take on Spain in the semi-final of the World Cup at Durban on Wednesday. The combined strength of players from the two big European clubs in both squads is 15.
Germans seek Euro revenge
Bull-fighting is a rage in Spain, but the team that are on a bullish run at the World Cup are Germany. The Germans have everything on their side __ momentum, goals, age, and history. Neutral fans not only admire Germany these days; they also love the exciting young team in South Africa.
History on the side of La Celeste
“Other countries have their history, Uruguay has its football,” Ondino Viera, Uruguay’s manager at the 1966 World Cup, said. Football is more than a game for Uruguay, who are the least populous nation in the semifinal mix.
Business hit as big guns go out
The shocking quarterfinal defeats of Argentina and Brazil have dealt a crushing blow to businesses in South Africa. Hotels, restaurants, betting houses, bars and taxi drivers have been taken aback by the sudden dip in flow of income as fans from the Latin American powerhouses — two the best-supported teams at the World Cup — are now heading home.
Poor defence responsible for Brazil, Argentina exit
The exit of Argentina and Brazil has left the World Cup poorer in all aspects because the South American teams had been the biggest draws here.
Race for Golden Boot heating up
The race for the Golden Boot for the highest number of goals has gathered pace along with the battle to seal a place in the final of the World Cup.
