South Africa coach Gary Kirsten admitted his team deserved the tag of chokers after it crashed to a seven-wicket defeat by England in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Wednesday.

Brazil superstar Neymar scored one goal and set up the other to give hosts Brazil a 2-0 win over Mexico in their Group A game and all but assure them of a place in the semi-finals of the Confederation

Italy booked their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup here on Wednesday with a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over Japan.

Award-winning US actor James Gandolfini, the burly star of classic TV mafia drama The Sopranos, died on Wednesday aged 51 in Italy, triggering a flood of tributes from the acting world and beyond.

Hosts England reached the Champions Trophy final with a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the semi-final at the Oval in London on Wednesday.

Chelsea defender David Luiz on Tuesday led his Brazil teammates in speaking out in support of mass protests in the country that have overshadowed the start of the Confederations Cup.

Despite contrasting results in their opening games, Uruguay and Nigeria both approach Thursday’s encounter between the sides in Salvador knowing defeat could spell the end of their Confederations Cup

China’s Li Na reached the quarter-finals of the ATP-WTA Eastbourne International on Wednesday without hitting a ball while men’s top seed Milos Raonic was upset for the second straight week on grass.

Champions Manchester United will begin their title defence with a trip to League Cup winners Swansea, the English Premier League said on Wednesday as it announced the 2013/14 fixtures.

A hat-trick by inspirational captain Thiago Alcantara saw Spain easily retain their European Under-21 title in Jerusalem on Tuesday with a 4-2 win over Italy.