ENGLAND
Gerard Houllier steps down
Gerard Houllier stepped down as Aston Villa manager on Wednesday with immediate effect and by mutual consent following heart trouble, the English Premier League club announced. The 63-year-old Frenchman took charge in September last year, but in April he suffered a dissection of the descending aorta which meant he was unable to oversee the Birmingham club’s final five games of the season. Doctors have advised he will need further time to recuperate after Houllier underwent additional medical tests last weekend. Mark Hughes, currently manager of Premier League rivals Fulham, has been widely tipped to replace Houllier — who struggled to win over the Villa fans.
? NIGERIA
Eagles trounce Argentina
Nigeria trounced Argentina 4-1 on Wednesday in a friendly for their first-ever win over the two-time world champions. Nigeria’s best result before this was a 0-0 draw with Argentina at the 1995 King Fahd Cup (now the FIFA Confederations Cup), with the South Americans winners on three different occasions. The hosts dominated this game from start to finish and Argentina, effectively a second-string side missing several first choice stars, led by Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta were never really in it as they hardly threatened the Nigeria goal and created very few openings. Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche netted a brace to continue his superb form in front of goal, with new Fenerbahce signing Emmanuel Emenike scoring his first goal for the Eagles on 53 minutes. Obinna Nsofor was also on target from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after Everton striker Victor Anichebe was fouled inside the box. Argentina grabbed a consolation goal from the penalty-spot courtesy of Mauro Boselli after Efe Ambrose was adjudged to have handled the ball deep into stoppage-time.
JAPAN
Kirin Cup hosts held by Peru
Asian Cup holders Japan were held to a goalless draw by Peru in the opening match of the three-nation Kirin Cup tournament on Wednesday. Japan, playing with a 3-4-3 formation for the first time, had a chance in the 37th minute when midfielder Daigo Nishi sent a cross from the right into the area, but nobody could hit a shot on goal, while VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe missed twice in the first half. Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni changed the formation after the break to a back-four system and the team seemed to get into their rhythm. Peru came close at the death with striker Raul Ruidiaz hitting the left upright.
UNITED STATES
Mexico power to 3-0 win
Giovani Dos Santos scored two first-half goals to power Mexico to a 3-0 win over New Zealand on Wednesday in a warm-up match for the North Americans ahead of the Gold Cup. Dos Santos found the net in the 22nd minute and scored again in the 30th minute to double Mexico’s lead. Aldo De Nigris scored in the 43rd minute to give the Tricolores a three-goal lead at halftime. A crowd of 50,303 packed the home of the Denver Broncos for the friendly.
CANADA
Canada draw with Ecuador
Tosaint Ricketts scored in second-half stoppage-time to lift Canada to a 2-2 draw with Ecuador on Wednesday in a friendly, Canada’s final tuneup for the Gold Cup. While Ecuador were arguing a free-kick call, Julian de Guzman took a quick kick that set up Ricketts for the equalizer, his first goal for the national team.
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