The Word on the Street
25 Jun 2006Cole wins gay sex slurs damages
British newspapaer the News of the World has agreed to pay damages to England defender Ashley Cole after he was linked to two articles they ran about two footballers indulging in gay sex.
The weekly newspaper ran articles on February 12 and February 19 this year alleging that two high-profile footballers from England's top division took part in a "gay romp" with a music industry figure. All three were not named.
The article alleged that a mobile phone was used as a "gay sex toy".
In the second article, the newspaper ran a photograph of Cole and a British commercial radio disc jockey, Masterstepz.
"We are happy to make clear that Mr Cole and Masterstepz were not involved in any such activities. We apologise to them for any distress caused and we will be paying them each a sum by way of damages," the top-selling newspaper said in a prominent page-three apology.
Germans see Argentina as main threat
Whoever beats Argentina will win the World Cup, one of Germany's top football brains has said.
Urs Siegenthaler, a key advisor to German coach Jurgen Klinsmann on future opponents, said he had made the prediction before the tournament started and he stood by it ahead of Friday's quarter-final between the two countries in Berlin.
"Those who say that Germany will go into this match as favourites are wrong," he said. "We should have no fear of course, but Argentina are incredibly strong.
"Whoever beats Argentina will be world champions and I have been saying that since the tournament started and I say it again."
'I'd rather be playing': Van Basten
Despite his impressive results as a coach, Marco van Basten admitted he'd rather be playing when his Netherlands team take on Portugal late on Sunday.
Van Basten's brilliant playing career was cut short by injury.
"Yeah, of course I'd like to play," he said ahead of the second-round clash.
"I'd like to be, let's say, 27 years old. But that stage is far behind me."
The former AC Milan goal machine was among the most prodigious talents the world has seen until an ankle injury curtailed his career in 1995.
By then, the three-time European Player of the Year had amassed three European club titles and a hatful of domestic honours, scoring 90 goals in 147 Serie A matches.
Kahn hits out at Klinsmann
Germany's former first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Kahn says coach Jurgen Klinsmann still owes him an explanation for dropping him before the World Cup and going with Jens Lehmann.
"I have told him (Klinsmann) clearly that I will never comprehend why I am no longer number one," said Kahn.
"I would have expected a full explanation. But as there has not been one yet, there probably never will be."
Kahn said: "I am sorry, but do you change the man who has been first choice for years and who is playing consistently just because of a 'tick'?
"That is not reason enough for me. I have been playing at the very highest level for the past two years, I've done well in Champions League games, won the German league and cup twice and have enormous tournament experience.
"There was really no reason to change the goalkeeper."
Klinsmann not headed for US job: Bierhoff
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann, feted in his homeland after taking Germany to a World Cup quarter-final meeting with Argentina, is not about to take up a post with the United States, assistant Oliver Bierhoff said Sunday.
"With all respect to the Americans, you can't compare the US Federation to the German job. We've not spoken once about his future. he is totally focused on success in this competition. We are concentrating on Argentina," Bierhoff told reporters in Berlin.
Asked if Klinsmann, criticised before the tournament as he spends much of his time at his family home in California, might not jump ship after the World Cup, Bierhoff said: "You need to ask him. I hope not. I hope he carries on."
US coach Bruce Arena hinted he might quit after Ghana eliminated the Americans with a 2-1 triumph last week.
Klose has the look of Gerd: Beckenbauer
Germany striker Miroslav Klose reminds Franz Beckenbauer of Gerd Muller, the legendary West Germany forward who is the joint all-time World Cup scorer with 14 goals.
"The way he swivelled to score the first goal against Ecuador and the way he moves in the opposition's penalty area remind me of Gerd Muller," Beckenbauer said.
Klose scored five goals in Germany's surprise advance to the 2002 final, but has looked a more complete player here, notching four goals already.
Beckenbauer, the chief organiser of the tournament, and Muller were teammates when West Germany won the 1974 World Cup on home soil.
Lippi not fooled by "cunning" Aussies
Italy coach Marcello Lippi said on Sunday the modesty shown by their World Cup second round opponents Australia is false and exaggerated.
"It's false modesty," Lippi said.
"They're cunning. Their humility seems a bit exaggerated to me."
Hiddink knows what it takes to beat Italy having masterminded South Korea's shock 2-1 victory over the Azzurri in the second round of the 2002 World Cup.
"I have great respect for him, he's an excellent tactician, he's well prepared and very crafty," Lippi said.
"He's meticulous in his preparation for every game, tactically, technically and psychologically."
Police arrest 300 England fans
German police were bracing for a tense day Sunday after 300 England fans were arrested overnight following clashes with German supporters ahead of England's latest World Cup match.
Trouble flared after England fans, many of whom had been drinking in pubs and bars all day, began exchanging insults with German fans who were in a square in the city centre to watch Germany's match against Sweden on giant TV screens.
A total of 380 people were arrested, including 300 England fans. Most were released but were banned from entering the centre of the city until Monday morning.
England were playing Ecuador in a last 16 match in the city at 1500 GMT on Sunday.
Record-breaking time for evergreen Cafu
Brazil's evergreen captain Cafu said Saturday he would be very proud to break the World Cup record for appearances and games won when the five-time champions play Ghana in a second round clash in Dortmund on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old fullback will make his 19th appearance for Brazil in a World Cup finals, a national record, and should they prevail over the Africans he'd break the record number of victories with 16.
"To play 19 matches at the World Cup finals is a fabulous thing," said Cafu, who would be appearing in his fourth successive final were Brazil to make it to the July 9 climax.
"And 16 wins. I will be proud of this record," added Cafu, who stands to become the first player to captain a side to two titles having led them to victory over Germany in 2002.
United and Chelsea set for battle over Torres
Premiership rivals Chelsea and Manchester United are both racing to sign Spanish World Cup star Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid, according to reports in London on Sunday.
According to The Sunday Mirror, Atletico have received a bid that matches their reported 25 million pounds (45 million dollar) valuation of the player.
Torres has scored three goals to help Spain reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
And he insists that he is just focusing on reaching the finals in Germany.
"It is always flattering when you are linked to great clubs, but I am just focusing myself on the World Cup," said Torres.
Chelsea are reported to have made a 28 million pound bid for Torres in 2003.
United meanwhile are desperate to find a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, valued at around 15 million pounds and for whom German giants Bayern Munich have already confirmed their interest.