Pim Verbeek will quit as Australia’s head coach after the World Cup in South Africa.
Verbeek, the first permanent head coach appointed following the departure of fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink after Australia’s second-round exit at the 2006 World Cup, announced his decision yesterday in a statement released by Football Federation Australia.
“It has been a very difficult decision for me after more than two years but it is time for me to look for a new challenge,” said Verbeek, who quit as South Korea coach to take the Australian job in December 2007. “I have enjoyed every minute of being head coach of Australia and we achieved some fantastic results including qualifying for the World Cup and the Asian Cup.”
“It is a good time to make this announcement so we can now focus completely on preparing everything perfectly for the World Cup,” Verbeek said.
Speculation about his future has been swirling around the Australian media for several months, with some commentators saying a perceived lack of talent coming through the ranks had forced Verbeek’s decision.
Mark Schwarzer, Scott Chipperfield and Craig Moore plan to retire from the national team after South Africa, where Australia will play in Group D against Germany, Serbia and Ghana.
Senior players Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Mark Bresciano and Vincenzo Grella also have not committed to any plans to be involved in the qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014.
Verbeek has guided the Socceroos to 15 wins, eight draws and four losses in 27 matches since taking over on Dec. 6, 2007.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and