Relegated Hull City could be set to name Nigel Pearson as their new manager, reports BBC Radio Humberside.Talks are understood to have taken place with the Leicester City manager and a deal agreed in principle.The much respected 46-year-old former Middlesbrough centre-half has a year left to run on his current deal.But talks with Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric about a new contract have not com
Brazil coach Dunga blamed Portugal for what he considered negative tactics after the dismal 0-0 draw which ensured both sides reached the last 16.Hopes had been high for a display of attacking verve, but both teams tackled cynically and were booed off in Durban. I'm not happy, Dunga said. We always play to win.We even tried to attack in the last five minutes.Portugal didn't attack.They just want
Ivory Coast boss Sven Goran Eriksson was proud of his players and predicted a great footballing future for the country despite their World Cup exit.The Elephants beat North Korea 3-0 but missed out on the last 16 as Portugal clinched second place in Group G.Eriksson, who is now expected to leave his post, said: They should be very proud of themselves and the county should be proud of them. We pl
Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso may miss the last-16 match against Portugal on Tuesday after suffering a sprained ankle in Friday's 2-1 win over Chile.Alonso, who was clattered by Waldo Ponce and forced off after 73 minutes, said: I have a sprain in the foot. We'll have to test it out over the next few days and see how it feels and if I can make the Portugal match. However, Spanish team doctor Osca
JOHANNESBURG - FIFA has finally acknowledged that there may be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball - although it won't act on the problem until after the tournament.After numerous player complaints, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Saturday at the tournament's midpoint, 'We're not deaf.FIFA is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball.… 'This is a very
Germany forward Cacau will miss Sunday's World Cup knockout round clash against England in Bloemfontein with an abdominal muscle strain.Cacau, who scored in the 4-0 win over Australia and started for Germany in their victory over Ghana, suffered the problem in training. This injury will not allow him to play against England, said team manager Oliver Bierhoff.Miroslav Klose is set to replace Caca
North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun has said his players need to get stronger to be able to compete against more celebrated nations in future World Cup finals.The Koreans lost all three of their Group G games, ending their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast. For the next World Cup our players have to improve their individual abilities, said Kim. They must become stronger mentally and physicall
JOHANNESBURG - A 0-0 draw worked well for Portugal and destroyedSwitzerland's chances at the World Cup.Portugal joined Brazil in the round of 16 on Friday after the two teamsplayed a bad-tempered and often listless game.The top-ranked Brazilians wonGroup G and No.3 Portugal finished second.The Swiss were far less fortunate after their nil-nil match with Honduras.Their inability to score cost the