Absolutely no excuses now, says coach McClaren

LONDON: England coach Steve McClaren said on Sunday there were no excuses left for his side as it seeks the point it needs against Croatia on Wednesday to qualify for Euro 2008.

Forget about catching me, warns Federer

SHANGHAI: When asked what advice Roger Federer the coach would offer any player facing him in a match, the imperious Swiss joked: "Don't even try, pal!"

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Kaka would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo as Europe's best

Media hail 'King of England' Golan for win

JERUSALEM: Substitute Omer Golan was hailed "King of England" by an Israeli newspaper after his goal gave the side a 2-1 win over Russia in a Euro 2008 qualifier that boosted England's chances of reaching the finals.

Dominant Ochoa sets sights on further improvement

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: Lorena Ochoa immediately set her sights on improving her game after ending a second successive LPGA season on Sunday as the dominant player in women's golf.

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Perfectionist aiming to stay world No 1

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: Lorena Ochoa has achieved her dream by reaching the pinnacle of women's golf and is determined to stay at the top as long as possible.

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Schumacher surprised by his speed

Pound defends WADA election process, work of organization

MADRID: Outgoing WADA president Dick Pound has said the process for choosing his successor was sabotaged by the withdrawal of European candidate Jean-Francois Lamour.

Top leagues to take tougher measures on violence

MADRID: Europe's top leagues agreed on stricter ticketing rules, increased video surveillance and a new rulebook for supporters on Wednesday in a bid to curb a rise in soccer-related violence.

Panucci doubts big names will shun troubled Italy

FLORENCE, Italy: AS Roma defender Christian Panucci rubbished suggestions on Wednesday that top players might shun Italian football if fan violence continued to dog the game there.

Gerrard backs McClaren even if England misses out

WATFORD, England: England's stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard said on Wednesday that head coach Steve McClaren should remain in his job even if England fails to qualify for next year's European Championship.