ARGENTINA
Riquelme ‘traitor’: Maradona
Diego Maradona has called Juan Roman Riquelme a “traitor” for leaving Boca Juniors, renewing a feud that has gone on for years between the two. Maradona used the term in a radio interview on Wednesday. Riquelme, a former Barcelona and Villarreal playmaker, shocked Boca fans by announcing he was leaving immediately after the club lost to Corinthians earlier this month in the final of the Copa Libertadores — the top club championship in Latin America. When he was coaching Argentina’s national team, Maradona often overlooked Riquelme, declining to call him up for the 2010 World Cup. Riquelme played for Argentina at the 2006 World Cup, leading the team to the quarter-finals under coach Jose Pekerman.
SOUTH AFRICA
Man U beat Amazulu 1-0
Manchester United began their preseason with a 1-0 win over South African club Amazulu on Wednesday. Federico Macheda scored after 19 minutes at Moses Mabhida Stadium in United’s first game of their two-match tour of South Africa. The record 19-time English champions will play Ajax Cape Town on Saturday, before traveling to China. Macheda swept the ball home powerfully after being played in by Dimitar Berbatov on the left side of the penalty area. United manager Alex Ferguson started midfielders Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes and defender Rio Ferdinand, while new signing and Japan international Shinji Kagawa came off the bench late on for his debut. The game was played on the 94th birthday of former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.
UNITED STATES
Chelsea beat Sounders 4-2
Young Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the first half and Chelsea newcomers Eden Hazard and Marko Marin scored deflected goals, as the champions of Europe opened their US tour with a 4-2 win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday. Lukaku muscled his way to a goal in the third minute, then scored his second goal in the final minute of the first half. It was the first match for Chelsea since the Blues beat Bayern Munich in May to win their first Champions League crown. Seattle’s Fredy Montero scored a pair of goals in the first half, but the Sounders missed a number of good scoring chances early and had few opportunities in the second half.
RUSSIA
Capello second choice: Mutko
Fabio Capello is on the verge of becoming Russia’s new coach, but it seems the Italian who won titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid is a second-choice signing for Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko. “I think Capello has all the necessary requirements to coach the Russian national team, [but] personally I would prefer [Jose] Mourinho,” Mutko told Russian state television Rossia 2 on Wednesday. The charismatic Mourinho is one of the most sought after coaches in world soccer, but with the Portuguese committed to staying with Real Madrid, former Russian FA (RFU) chief Mutko hopes Capello will sign a contract within the next two days. “Today or tomorrow we should iron out all the details, so a contract could be signed before the start of the Russian Premier League [on Friday],” Mutko said. Capello, who quit as England manager in February, is set to succeed Dutchman Dick Advocaat, whose contract expired after Russia failed to get past the group phase at Euro 2012.
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