Saturday 25 May 2013
If you were seeking the distillation of the confidence playing for Bayern Munich breeds in its players, especially this recent gilded generation of Germans, then watching Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller face questions at Wembley was an emphatic reminder of how they regard themselves.
There are a few managers who might have signed Robert Lewandowski. But for the Icelandic ash cloud that cancelled his flight, he might have joined Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.
THE semi-finals of the Scottish Cup nearly broke Pat Fenlon; tomorrow's final with Celtic could make him.
Edwin van der Sar believes new Manchester United boss David Moyes faces a virtually impossible task trying to fill the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Napoli have stepped up their efforts to lure Rafael Benitez by publicly claiming to have agreed a deal with the Spaniard.
THE last time that John McDonnell sat on the Shelbourne bench, they were the best team in the country – but they are a world away from that now.
HAMPDEN PARK'S lush turf offers Neil Lennon the perfect surface to become only the third man after Jock Stein and Billy McNeill to win the Scottish Cup as both Celtic player and manager.
Christy Fagan and Killian Brennan returned to haunt their former employers at Dalymount Park as their quick-fire first-half goals moved St Pat's to the top of the table.
ANDY KEOGH has admitted that he was 'angry and upset' to miss out on Euro 2012, but kept his thoughts private because he wanted to prolong his Ireland career.
UCD added Dundalk to their list of recent conquests as David McMillan inspired the Students to victory at Oriel Park.
TWO goals in the space of a couple of minutes saw Cork City share the spoils with Derry City at the Brandywell.
Jason Byrne closed in on another entry in the record books as Bray snatched an injury-time winner against nine-man Drogheda. The former Ireland striker netted his third goal in the 95th minute at the Carlisle Grounds to complete a stunning hat-trick.
This was a frustrating night at Thomond Park for Sligo Rovers as the champions were left reflecting on what might have been.
Manchester United are to part company with coaches Mike Phelan and Eric Steele.
FORMER Chelsea and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is poised to join Napoli, the Serie A club's president Aurelio De Laurentiis said today
Liverpool's Jose Enrique admits Luis Suarez could play for any team in the world but he hopes the striker will stay at Anfield.
TONY Fernandes pleaded guilty to naivety today and said he had let his heart rule his head with Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League last season and paid the price with relegation.
Porto have sold midfielders Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to Monaco for €70 million, the Portuguese champions said today.
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has warned the quiet Hampden atmosphere could sound the death knell for the Hoops' double ambitions.
UEFA president Michel Platini has warned of mafia involvement in match-fixing - but his call for a Europe-wide sports police force has fallen on deaf ears.
Eighteen years is a long time, but some things you never forget. You don't, certainly, the expression on the face of the tousled-haired kid with an Irish team scarf around his neck and his father's arm on his shoulder.
Everybody at Chelsea is looking forward to the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho, according to striker Demba Ba.
He had won the European Cup. That much was certain. The header had been from close range at the far post and was directed powerfully downwards. The ball touched the bottom of the crossbar as it went in. There were seven minutes left.
Gareth Bale should leave Tottenham for a club that has a "culture of victory", according to Marcel Desailly.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a "reality check" after reports suggesting the striker could be keen to leave the club.
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner claims manager Brendan Rodgers has made "remarkable progress" during his first year in charge.
Sunderland midfielder Alfred N'Diaye has insisted there is no dissent within the camp over manager Paolo Di Canio's brave new world.
Manchester United's outgoing chief executive David Gill is set to be elected unopposed to UEFA's executive committee today.
Reading have announced that Noel Hunt, Ian Harte and Nicky Shorey will leave the club following their Premier League relegation.
David Moyes had no hesitation in rubber-stamping Rio Ferdinand's one-year contract extension because he believes the Manchester United defender has just had one of his best seasons ever.
Watford or Crystal Palace can still expect to receive £120million if they are relegated from the Barclays Premier League after just one year of top-flight football.
Former Chelsea midfielder, Ruud Gullit, believes Jose Mourinho's possible return to Stamford Bridge would be a good move for the club.
Rico Rogers wins sixth stage of the Ras into Carlow
Carl Froch will go toe-to-toe with conqueror Mikkel Kessler determined to overturn his 2010 defeat by the Dane and secure his legacy as one of Britain's all-time greats.
As one of the country's most consistent performers in recent years, the Black Caps would be loathe to draw a line under a Test career that started in 1997, but current skipper Brendon McCullum admits there are concerns.
Manchester City fought back from 3-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in an exhibition match in St Louis.
Twenty-two year- old Moreno De Pauw, riding for the Belgium National Team, has won Stage Five of The Rás. De Pauw completed the 150- kilometre stage from Glengarrif to Mitchelstown in 3 hours 36 minutes 25 seconds.
Manchester City have launched a new club in the USA called New York City FC. They are in partnership with baseball giants the New York Yankees.
Interview with Irish Independent Billy Keane ahead of Stage Five of The Rás
Super League Magic Weekend showcases the best of Rugby League over two days - and the Hull derby is set to be a match no-one should miss.
Both Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler cannot wait to get in to the ring again, for their super-middleweight unification bout on Saturday.
Hi °C | Lo °C 