Check todays hot topics and new pictures Today is: 20 June, 2013
Spain prepare for Euro defence with China game

Spain prepare for Euro defence with China gameMadrid, June 2 : The Spanish national team has its final rehearsal for the European Championships when they play China in Sevilla Sunday night.

The game will be the only chance that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has to prepare for the defence of Spain's European title with players from Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona available.

Spain enjoyed comfortable wins against Croatia and South Korea without key players such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Fernando Llorente, reported Xinhua.

It will be interesting to see if del Bosque starts with big striker Fernando Llorente against China or if he gives another chance to Fernando Torres who silenced critics with the opening goal against South Korea in the 4-1 win in midweek.

Should Torres start, it will mean that he probably will get the nod ahead of Llorente in the European Championships, but del Bosque may feel that Llorente's form throughout the season means he deserves his chance.

It looks increasingly likely that Sergio Ramos will move across from right back to partner Gerard Pique or Javi Martinez. That would see either Juanfran Torres, who looked impressive in the last two matches, or Alvaro Arbeloa compete for the right back slot.

Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets can all expect minutes in midfield, although Cesc Fabregas will miss out as he recovers from a slight muscle injury. Meanwhile, David Silva and either Santi Cazorla or Pedro Rodriguez will add support and creativity in the upper part of the field. (IANS)


Capello not to cancel contract as Russia coach

fabio-capelloMoscow, June 20 : Russia's national football team coach Fabio Capello is not going to cancel his contract as some media have suggested, the Russian Football Union (RFS) said.  Read more »

Neymar sends Brazil into Confederations Cup semis

NeymarFortaleza (Brazil), June 20 : Neymar scored a goal and set up another as Brazil overcame Mexico 2-0 and secured their place in the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-finals.  Read more »

India elect to bowl against Sri Lanka

India-vs-Sri-LankaCardiff, June 20 : India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl against Sri Lanka in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy at the Sophia Gardens here Thursday.  Read more »

Sri Lankans will target Indian bowling: Jayasuriya

Sanath-JayasuriyaCardiff, June 19 : Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka will target the Indian bowlers during the Champions Trophy semifinal slated for Thursday at the Sophia Gardens here.  Read more »

Chandhok's team 9th fastest in Le Mans opening run

Karun-ChandhokLe Mans (France), June 20 : Indian racing driver Karun Chandhok and his team Murphy Prototypes were ninth fastest in LMP2 class and 17th overall on the first day of qualifying practice at the La Sarthe  Read more »

Mahindra's Locatelli takes double win at Misano

Andrea-LocatelliMisano (Italy), June 17 : Both Mahindra Racing riders Andrea Locatelli and Michael Rinaldi performed well in Rounds 5 and 6 of the CIV Moto3 which concluded at the Misano World Circuit here.  Read more »