■ GERMANY
Mag says Brazil match fixed
The German weekly magazine Der Spiegel reports in today’s edition that the 2006 World Cup knock-out stage match between Brazil and Ghana was influenced by an Asian betting syndicate. The magazine reports large sums of money had been bet on Brazil winning by at least two goals and a former Ghana international acted as an intermediary. Ghana lost the match 3-0 in Dortmund on June 27, 2006, which put Brazil into the quarter-finals where they lost to France. The information in Der Spiegel comes from Canadian investigative journalist Declan Hill, whose book about betting on sport around the world is published in German tomorrow.
■ENGLAND
Spurs sign Pavlyuchenko
Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moscow. Pavlyuchenko arrived in England on Friday for a medical and negotiations over personal terms and the deal was sealed on Saturday. “We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Spartak Moscow for the transfer of Roman Pavlyuchenko to the club,” a statement on Tottenham’s Web site confirmed. The fee paid by Tottenham has not been disclosed, but it is understood to be around £14 million (US$25.5 million) and the move could pave the way for Dimitar Berbatov to leave Spurs for Manchester United.
■SPAIN
Robinho stays put: Calderon
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insisted on Saturday that Brazilian winger Robinho would be staying with the Spanish side, despite the player saying he is still in talks with English club Chelsea. “He’s going to stay here, I’m saying that,” Calderon told the daily ABC, adding that the Brazilian was “a good boy, badly advised” by his entourage. Robinho said in an interview with Brazilian television Globoesporte on Friday that he wanted to leave, adding that “negotiations were ongoing” for his eventual transfer to the English club. He was not called up as expected by German coach Bernd Schuster for Real’s first match of the season at Deportivo La Coruna yesterday. Schuster said that it would be better to wait until the situation regarding the player had been clarified. “I made the decision. He’s under pressure from his entourage and not fit to play,” Schuster said.
■SPAIN
Smolarek loaned to Trotters
Racing Santander have agreed to loan Polish international striker Euzebiusz “Ebi” Smolarek to Bolton Wanderers for the season, the first division Spanish side said on Saturday. Bolton will have the option to buy the 27-year-old at the end of the loan period, the club added in a statement posted on its Web site. Ebi joined Racing Santander last year from German club Dortmund, having previously spent time at Feyenoord. He scored four times in 34 appearances for Racing last season in La Liga. Ebi has 34 caps for Poland, having scored 13 times.
■GERMANY
Hamburg snap up Neves
Bundesliga side Hamburg confirmed yesterday the arrival of attacking midfielder Thiago Neves from Brazilian club Fluminense. The 23-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract in Hamburg, providing he passes a medical, for an undisclosed fee. Neves will step into the midfield role vacated by Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart who quit Hamburg in the summer to play for Real Madrid. “It is a dream for me to play in Europe, I want to really boost my career here,” the Brazilian said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely