Ghana, ‘the pride of Africa’

South Africa rejoiced on Sunday in Ghana’s win over USA, making them only the third African side to reach a FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final and the continent’s only team left in the tournament.
“Black Stars flying high,” The Sunday Times proclaimed over a picture of defender John Pantsil racing with Ghana’s national flag after their 2-1 [...]

Suarez double downs South Koreans

Luis Suarez struck twice as Uruguay beat Korea Republic 2-1 in Port Elizabeth to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. The South Koreans pushed hard but Lee Chung-Yong’s header in the second half was not enough for the Koreans to prolong their dreams.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez made one change [...]

Ghana, Slovenia Win World Cup Openers

Ghana and Slovenia both posted victories Sunday in their first matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup football tournament in South Africa.
Asamoah Gyan scored Ghana’s first World Cup goal at the 2006 tournament in Germany, where his team, nicknamed “The Black Stars,” reached the second round in its debut at the [...]

Kieswetter and Pietersen seal title for England

Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen powered England to their first ICC global title with an irresistible 111-run stand for the second wicket, as Australia were outmuscled in a battle of the bowlers at Bridgetown. Despite a brave recovery led by David Hussey, who made 59 from 54 balls, Australia’s hopes of claiming the only world [...]

Tendulkar, Gambhir, dead pitch frustrate Sri Lanka

Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, and a dead Ahmedabad pitch (21 wickets and seven centuries in five days) put paid to Sri Lanka’s dream of a first Test win in India. Gambhir played out 110 deliveries for 40 runs, and Tendulkar 211 for 100 runs; both of them looked entirely at home in the role of [...]

Henry admits handball as France qualifies for World Cup

France captain Thierry Henry admitted he had handled the ball in the build-up to a controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland on Wednesday.
Henry appeared to handle the ball twice before feeding defender William Gallas, who bundled home from close range on 103 minutes to give France a [...]

Shakib to play county cricket

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has signed a contract to play for English county club Worcestershire in 2010, it was announced on Wednesday.
Shakib is the first Bangladesh player to be signed by a county. The Bangladesh captain will join the team in 2010 following the conclusion of the tour of England, subject to completion of [...]

Brendon McCullum helps New Zealand level series

Brendon McCullum, it is fair to say, hasn’t had the best year, or in fact the best time of it since he launched the IPL into orbit two years ago. Expectation has generally overtaken him, he has been dropped as vice-captain and questions about his suitability to opening have been asked. But an immaculately constructed [...]