Nigel Adkins takes over as Reading manager

Reading have appointed former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as their new manager.

Adkins, who replaces Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium, has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until summer 2016.

Nigel Adkins

• Born in Birkenhead, 11 March 1965
• Goalkeeper for Tranmere, Wigan and Bangor City in a 13-year playing career
• Player-manager of Bangor for three years, twice winning the League of Wales
• Graduates from the University of Salford with a degree in physiotherapy
• Takes charge of Scunthorpe in November 2006 after a spell as their physio
• Wins League One title that season
• Relegated from the Championship but wins promotion back via the play-offs in 2009
• Takes over at Southampton in September 2010
• Wins promotion to Championship in May 2011
• Promoted to the Premier League on last day of 2011-12 season
• Sacked as Southampton manager in January 2013

"I am pleased to be the Reading manager," the 48-year-old said.

"We will take it one game at a time and try to keep this club in the Premier League. It's a good club - I've been impressed with them."
Adkins, who will have former Saints assistant Andy Crosby alongside him in the dugout, added: "We're in the Premier League and we want to stay there. I am excited."
McDermott led Reading to promotion last season, but four successive Premier League defeats left them in relegation trouble - the 51-year-old lost his job on 11 March as a consequence.
Coach Eamonn Dolan took charge for the league match at Manchester United on 16 March, which the Royals lost 1-0. They are currently seven points adrift of safety and second bottom.
Brighton boss Gus Poyet had been in the running for the Reading job but opted to stay at the play-off chasing Championship side, while former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio was also a target.
Owner Anton Zingarevich was delighted to welcome Adkins to the Berkshire club, and said it was an appointment for the "short and long term".
"He has great respect within the game," said the Russian.
"His CV speaks for itself and he has many attributes as a manager, he is progressive, he develops players, his teams play attacking, passing football but most of all he knows how to win games at all levels.
"This is an appointment we have made both with the short and long term in mind and Nigel can take our club forward."
Adkins guided the Saints to back-to-back promotions before he was sacked in January. He also previously managed at Bangor City and Scunthorpe United.
After a trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the ex-Wigan player's first home game in charge will be against his former employers, Southampton.
The ex-Wigan player thanked the players, staff and supporters at St Mary's at Tuesday's news conference before confirming the circumstances of his sacking at the club was "in the hands of the League Managers' Association".
His dismissal in January, and replacement by former Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino, occurred when the south-coast club were three points clear of the relegation zone in their first season back in the Premier League.

World Cup - Hernandez brace in vain for Mexico

CONCACAF round-up: Honduras scored twice in three minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to Mexico after the visitors had taken charge of their World Cup qualifier through a pair of superb goals from Javier Hernandez.

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  Eurosport - Mexico' s Javier Hernandez (R) celebrates after scoring against Honduras in World Cup qualifying (AFP)

The result elevated Honduras to the top of the CONCACAF standings with four points from two games and left Mexico with just two points ahead of Tuesday's clash with the United States in Mexico City.

Hernandez put 'El Tri' ahead with a superbly angled glancing header in the 28th minute after Andres Guardado burst past two defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross.
The Manchester United striker struck again nine minutes into the second half with a darting run at the near post, poking in a free-kick by Carlos Salcido.
It was the 24-year-old's 30th goal in 45 appearances for the Mexican national team and looked as though it would be enough for a victory.
But Carlo Costly, who always seems to deliver his best in a Honduras shirt, gave the home side new life in the 77th minute with a powerful header to score from a Mario Martinez corner.
Three minutes later, Costly was ruled to have been brought down by defender Francisco Rodriguez and Jamaican referee Courtney Campbell pointed to the spot.
Jerry Bengtson's poor penalty was saved by Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa but the Honduras striker pounced to slot home the loose ball and level the scores at 2-2.
In a heavy snow storm at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the United States battled to a 1-0 win over Costa Rica with Clint Dempsey's 16th minute goal securing victory.
The US's decision to try and gain an advantage over the Central Americans by playing in a cold climate and at altitude, looked in danger of back-firing and causing a major logistical headache but despite the snow blowing for 90 minutes, the game was able to be finished.
The three points were vital for Juergen Klinsmann's team after they lost their opening game in the final stage of the qualifiers last month to Honduras and the German will be delighted with the character his team showed in a blizzard.
Captain Dempsey went close with a long-range effort in the 16th minute but moments later he had put Klinsmann's team in front.
Jozy Altidore tried his luck from the edge of the area and his shot deflected off Costa Rica defender Roy Miller and fell kindly to Dempsey who simply slotted home.
The game looked to be in doubt when the referee halted the game in the 55th minute but after consultation and a few minutes of clearing the touchlines of snow, the game resumed.
Costa Rica piled on the pressure with Alvaro Saborio forcing Guzan into action with a diagonal shot in the 60th minute and two minutes later Michael Umana had a header disallowed for offside.
But the US held on for a three points and a major morale boost.
The top three teams from the region qualify automatically for next year's finals in Brazil while the fourth placed team advances to a play-off.

Cameroon boosted by return of Assou-Ekotto for Togo match

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Cameroon have been boosted by Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto's arrival in Yaounde ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Togo.

He is set to make his first appearance for Cameroon since 2010 when he turned his back on the team because of his concerns about the national set-up.
"Cameroon is my country and I would give my best even if there are still some problems," he said.
The 28-year-old added that he is focused only on securing victory.
Assou-Ekotto's availability eases a defensive crisis for Cameroon, who will be without injured pair Aurelien Chedjo and Dany Nounkeu.
Centre-backs Chedjou of Lille and Nounkeu of Galatasaray were examined by Cameroon's medical staff and ruled out earlier in the week.
Cameroon are third in Group I on three points, two points above Togo who have yet to win a game.
Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong, who is set to be included in the starting line-up, said: "Missing some players means the match will not be easy for us although we'll be playing at home.
"Togo has some very good players, notably their key striker Emmanuel Adebayor. I watched them perform very well at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, so we must put in extra effort to win the match.

Nigeria turn focus to Brazil 2014 as qualifiers resume

African champions Nigeria can take complete command of Group F with a win at home to Kenya on Saturday in the latest round of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

The Super Eagles lead the way in their group on four points from two games and are 33 places higher than Kenya in the Confederation of African Football rankings.
Nigeria also have home advantage and there is a three-point gap between the teams.
The Super Eagles beat Namibia at home and held Malawi away last June, while the Harambee Stars secured only one after a home draw against Malawi and a loss in Namibia.
However, Kenya and Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama believes his country can spring a surprise.
"The players are ready, there is a lot of mental strength among them and we are hopeful of a favourable result against Nigeria," said the 21-year-old Kenya captain.
"Everything is possible in football and Kenya can win in Nigeria - it is time the Harambee Stars moved forward in international football."

Pitroipa has urged Burkina Faso to carry on their good form from the Nations Cup

Nigeria ended a 19-year trophy drought when they won the Nations Cup in South Africa in February, beating Burkina Faso in the final.
But coach Stephen Keshi has urged his players to forget that success and concentrate on a new target.
"South Africa is history now and Nigeria must qualify for Brazil next year. We need the support of everyone to ensure that happens and I know my boys will not let the nation down," he said.
Keshi has called up two midfielders - Ukraine-based Michael Babatunde and John Ogu of Portuguese club Academica Coimbra - who did not make the 23-man Nations Cup-winning squad.
Kenya will rely heavily on France-based striker Dennis Oliech for goals and Algeria-born Adel Amrouche makes his debut as coach after succeeding veteran Frenchman Henri Michel.
Burkina Faso are in trouble having taken only one point from two Group E games, and that was later forfeited because they fielded ineligible defender Herve Zengue in a 0-0 home draw with Congo Brazzaville.
Belgian coach Paul Put's side created one of the biggest upsets in Nations Cup history by reaching the final, and player-of-the-tournament Jonathan Pitroipa says they must carry on where they left off in South Africa.
"We must build on the Nations Cup results and prove that our results were not a flash in the pan," said the midfielder.
The Stallions host Niger in Ouagadougou while leaders Congo are at home to Gabon, who also had a point deducted for using an ineligible player, on an artificial pitch in Atlantic port Pointe Noire.
In group C, Ivory Coast face The Gambia and will be eager to put their disappointing Nations Cup campaign behind them.
The highly fancied Elephants failed to live up to their pre-tournament billing once again - this time beaten in the quarter-finals by Nigeria - and there have been some big-name casualties as a result.
Didier Drogba has been dropped, with coach Sabri Lamouchi saying the striker must regain match fitness, and five other Ivorians who were in South Africa have also been left out.

Assou-Ekotto was mobbed by media on his arrival at Nsimalen Airport, Yaounde

Lamouchi himself might be considered fortunate to keep his job after many called for him to resign. He will be eager to secure a win at home that would give Ivory Coast a commanding seven points from three games, will ease the pressure.
In Group A South Africa are struggling on two points from two games, and a defeat against a talented Central African Republic team at home would be a huge blow to their chances.
Bafana Bafana also have problems in defence - they must find new centre-backs to face for the match in Cape Town with captain Bongani Khumalo axed and Siyabonga Sangweni both injured.
Cameroon are in perhaps the toughest group - group I - which contains Libya, Togo and Democratic Republic of Congo. They've won one and lost one so far, so need a victory at home to Togo to increase their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions will be without injured defenders Aurelien Chedjou and Dany Nounkeu but Spurs' Benoit Assou-Ekotto will play his first official game for Cameroon since 2010.
Guinea will host the Group J match between Senegal and Angola as the Lions of Teranga are banned from hosting matches following the crowd trouble that forced the mid-match abandonment of their 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Ivory Cost.
Senegal lead the group J by two points and will look to consolidate their position when the face Angola.
But the Lions of Teranga must play their home match against Angola in neutral Conakry, Guinea because of a year-long home ban in place following crowd trouble that forced the mid-match abandonment of their 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Ivory Cost.
Malawi will play their first match under interim coach Edington Ng'onamo when they travel to Windhoek to take on Namibia.
Ng'onamo will be especially desperate for a good result as he is attempting to earn a contract at the end of June.
Saturday's African zone 2014 World Cup qualifiers (all times GMT):
Congo v Gabon (1430, Pointe Noire)
Cameroon v Togo (1430, Yaounde)
Nigeria v Kenya (1500, Calabar)
Namibia v Malawi ( 1600, Windhoek)
Senegal v Angola (1700, Conakry)
Ivory Coast v The Gambia (1700, Abidjan)
Burkina Faso v Niger (1800, Ouagadougou)
Tunisia v Sierra Leone (1810, Rades)
South Africa v Central African Republic (1815 Cape Town)

Roy Hodgson has no intention of "digging a grave" for his team if England fail their World Cup test in Montenegro on Tuesday - but that is exactly what their supporters appear to have done to Rio Ferdinand's international career.

Football - Hodgson silent on Ferdinand abuse

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  Eurosport - Roy Hodgson, pictured, was tight-lipped over Rio Ferdinand

As their side sauntered to an 8-0 win over San Marino on Friday night, the travelling Three Lions left Ferdinand in no doubt about the depth to which his name has plummeted in the wake of his decision to commentate on the game in Doha rather than actually play in it.

"Of course I heard it," said Hodgson. "I'm not deaf. But I've absolutely no comment to make on it."
Hodgson has emerged as the moral victor over the issue of Ferdinand's fitness.
And he also watched those players who were here produce a dazzling display, which was far too good for their woefully weak hosts. Jermain Defoe was the only man to score more than once, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge adding to his brace and an early Alessandro Della Valle own goal.
It meant the only thing that went wrong all evening was the late Montenegro goal in Moldova that ensures England will head to Podgorica still trailing the Group H leaders by two points ahead of Tuesday's crucial World Cup qualifier.
"It would be a great lift to win on Tuesday, but if we don't get it I won't be getting the spade out to dig a grave for the team," said Hodgson. "There are 15 points to play for and the team is capable of getting a large number of those points to see us through.
"Beating Brazil gave us confidence and most people will look at the football we played tonight and revel in the fact there were exceptional moves and goals in there."
England will try to achieve a positive result without Gary Cahill, who has been ruled out with a knee injury, and Theo Walcott, who will return home after suffering a groin strain in training.
"We did have some forlorn hope that Gary Cahill might recover," said Hodgson. "But I was warned it was extremely unlikely, and he's not trained yet so there's no chance of him joining us."

Football - Walcott set for return to London Theo Walcott will fly back to London after withdrawing from England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro through injury.

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  Eurosport - Theo Walcott is set for upwards of a week on the sidelines

A statement on the Arsenal website said the 24-year-old was struggling with a "minor hip/groin injury".

The statement added: "The Arsenal forward sustained the problem in training with the national team on Thursday and will fly back on Saturday to be assessed by the Club's medical staff."
It is anticipated the winger will be sidelined for between seven and 10 days.
Walcott had been expected to start Friday night's 8-0 thrashing of San Marino but instead is now on Arsenal's list of injury doubts for their Premier League encounter with Reading at the Emirates Stadium on March 30.
Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started in his place in Serravalle and got on the scoresheet in the rout.
After the game, Hodgson told BBC Radio Five Live: "Theo overstretched slightly crossing a ball and immediately felt a slight problem in the pelvic area.
"He went straight off the pitch and had a scan this morning and it showed a slight tear in the pelvic muscle.
"It kept him out tonight and will keep him out on Tuesday but hopefully won't keep him out for much longer.
"We did all we could to stop him aggravating it but these things happen sometimes in training."

Football - WRAPUP 1-Messi's Argentina win again, Colombia crush Bolivia

Lionel Messi produced another brilliant performance to lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in World Cup qualifying on Friday, but Colombia kept up the chase on the group leaders with a 5-0 demolition of Bolivia.

The duo are the front runners in the nine-nation South American group heading into the final straight of the qualifiers with their coaches looking to ensure there is a good balance of hard work to go with the immense skill.

Messi, who stated his World Cup goal once again in midweek, is at the fulcrum of everything that is good about a dynamic team coached by Alejandro Sabella in which midfielders Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago and Walter Montillo also shone.
Fans chanted favourite World Cup victory songs as Argentina displayed their attacking skills and also showed improvements in defence that reflect their work under Sabella.
Messi, who converted a penalty, is two goals short of the 34 Diego Maradona scored for Argentina, while Gonzalo Higuain's brace put him top of the South American scorers chart.
"We have a forward line that can be considered among the best in the world," Sabella told reporters.
"Venezuela are a tough team, very compact, who know what they want. What happened was that Argentina played very well, especially in the first half and were very superior."
Sabella said he asked for and got plenty of defensive help from his forwards and this will be important for Tuesday's match away to Bolivia in La Paz where visiting teams suffer the effects of the high altitude. Argentina lost 6-1 on their last visit.
Compatriot Jose Pekerman, whose second-placed Colombia side have notched up 19 goals to Argentina's 23, might have been talking about Argentina too when he referred to his Colombia team's strong form.
COLOMBIAN CHANCES
"It's hard to find teams with such skills and ball control although there are moments when you can't keep up the rhythm in these kinds of matches," he said after another win.
Colombia have a very realistic chance of ending a 16-year wait to play at the World Cup finals but Pekerman attempted to quash the hype.
"We have to keep calm and not get anxious. We don't think about the points we need to get to the World Cup, we'll carry on working," he said.
The other teams have their work cut out to keep pace although Ecuador, who had a bye on Friday, are in good shape in third place with the top four making it to the finals.
Ecuador crushed El Salvador 5-0 in a friendly on Friday before hosting Paraguay on Tuesday in Quito where they have picked up maximum points from five home matches.
Uruguay scraped back into the qualifying berths with a 1-1 draw at home to Paraguay but only because Venezuela lost. Luis Suarez scored his eighth goal in the qualifiers.
Coach Oscar Tabarez felt Uruguay had the better of the second half but conceded a late equaliser to a Paraguay side in bottom place and who look unlikely to reach the finals for the fifth time in a row.
"We know what we must do, lift our spirits and go in search of something we didn't get here," Tabarez added looking ahead to Tuesday's match away to Chile.
Venezuela occupy fifth place, which is valid for a two-legged playoff against an Asian team for another berth at the finals.
Chile were under the guidance of new Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli for the match away to Peru but lost 1-0 to a Jefferson Farfan goal scored three minutes from time, leaving them in sixth place with the same number of points as Venezuela.
The victory was a big boost for Peru, one point behind Chile, as they seek to reach the finals for the first time since 1982.

World Cup qualifying Group A, Hampden Park - Scotland 1 (Hanley 45), Wales 2 (Ramsey 72 pen, Robson-Kanu 74)

World Cup - Wales comeback earns win in Scotland

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  Eurosport - Gareth Bale and James McArthur, Scotland v Wales (Reuters)

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Wales breathed life into their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals with a hard fought 2-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park, despite an injury to Gareth Bale.

The Spurs winger was forced into withdrawing at half-time due to an ankle injury aggravated by a challenge from Scotland defender Grant Hanley.
The result consigns Gordon Strachan to defeat in his first competitive game in charge of the national team and leaves them slumped firmly at the foot of Group A without a single victory to their name, as Wales rise to third.
Scotland had not won a competitive fixture at Hampden since a victory over Lithuania in September 2011 and The Tartan Army did not have much to warm themselves with early on as snow fell on the south side of Glasgow.
Wales started the brighter of the two sides, forcing the Scots deep into their own half as Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu caused problems for the home side.
The mood inside the national stadium was not improved when Steven Fletcher was stretchered off the pitch after landing awkwardly after challenging for a header, with Kenny Miller replacing the Sunderland striker.
However, for all of Wales’ pressure and dominance Hanley gave the Scots the lead in stoppage time of the first half, meeting an in-swinging Charlie Mulgrew corner kick to power a header past Boaz Myhill in the Wales goal.
Bale failed to reappear for the second half, with Jonathan Williams replacing the winger, much to the relief of those of a Scottish persuasion inside Hampden.
Scotland emerged for the second half looking revitalized by their manager’s words and Norwich attacker Robert Snodgrass almost doubled the Scots’ advantage within minutes of the restart, curling an effort from 20 yards onto the inside of the upright.
With Wales seemingly running short of ideas Snodgrass was shown a second yellow after bringing down Chris Gunter inside the box and Aaron Ramsey smashed the resulting penalty in off the underside of the bar.
Ten-man Scotland still appeared shell-shocked at losing their lead and a player when they conceded a second as Robson-Kanu turned the game on its head, powering a header past Allan McGregor to give the visitors the lead.
Strachan introduced Jordan Rhodes in an attempt to recover the scoreline but despite Ramsey being shown a straight red for dragging down James McArthur as he charged down a stray ball the home side did not threaten an equaliser with Wales holding on for what could prove to be a crucial win.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales): The Reading attacker provided an effective outlet for Wales all evening, topping off his impressive display by netting the winner. While Scotland were focused on stopping Gareth Bale perhaps they should have paid more attention to the man on the other wing.
PLAYER RATINGS
SCOTLAND: McGregor 5, Hutton 4, Caldwell 6, Hanley 8, Mulgrew 5, McArthur 5, Burke 6, Snodgrass 5, Dorrans 5, Fletcher 2, Maloney 7; Subs: Miller 6, Adam 4, Rhodes N/A. WALES: Myhill 5, Gunter 6, Ricketts 7, Williams 6, Davies 6, edley 6, Collison 5, Ramsey 7, Bellamy 7, Bale 5, Robson-Kanu 8; Subs: Williams 7, Church N/A, King 6.
MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATISTICS

World Cup - Messi magic and Higuain goals keep Argentina in charge

Striker Gonzalo Higuain scored twice as Argentina romped to a 3-0 home win over Venezuela to stay firmly in charge of the South American World Cup qualifiers.

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  Eurosport - Argentina's Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezaquiel Lavezzi celebrate against Venezuela during their World Cup qualifier (AFP)

Lionel Messi, who was in scintillating form and created a string of chances, converted a penalty between Higuain's goals and now leads the nine-nation group's scorers with nine.

Argentina are top of the group with 23 points from 10 matches, four points ahead of Colombia and six in front of Ecuador.
Higuain broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Walter Montillo and Messi combined to put him through on the right and the striker steered his shot past Hernandez.
Messi increased Argentina's lead just before halftime with a penalty stuck firmly into the roof of the net after left back Gabriel Cichero had handled the ball.
It was almost one-way traffic in the first half with hardly any work for goalkeper Sergio Romero as Argentina peppered the Venezuela defence with chances, including a stinging shot from Messi that Hernandez could only push away.
Just before an hour was up, Argentina scored a brilliant third in a lightning-quick break from deep in their own half, Messi threading the ball into the box and Higuain darting in to tap past Hernandez.
Five minutes later, Venezuela created their best chance when Jose Salomon Rondon crossed low from the left after getting the better of Pablo Zabaleta but substitute Romulo Otero shot over the bar. Otero had another chance near the end which Romero saved.
Higuain blotted his copybook with a booking that keeps him out of Tuesday's visit to Bolivia but was substituted to a standing ovation.
Colombia crushed Bolivia 5-0 confirming they are Argentina's chief rivals to finish top of the South American World Cup qualifiers.
Scoring through five different players, the Colombian team underlined their improvement under former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman with a fifth win in six qualifiers.
Colombia climbed above Ecuador into second place in the nine-nation group with 19 points from nine matches.
Midfielder Macnelly Torres put Colombia ahead midway through the first half after slick winger Juan Cuadrado caused mayhem in the Bolivia defence with a run down the right.
Colombia dominated the first half but were unable to translate other chances into goals at the Metropolitano in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla.
Defender Carlos Valdez, strikers Teofilo Gutierrez and Radamel Falcao, notching his sixth goal of the competition, and substitute full back Pablo Armero completed the rout.
Substitute Edgar Benitez struck four minutes from time to snatch a 1-1 draw for struggling Paraguay away to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.
Luis Suarez had put the home side ahead four minutes earlier with a fine goal that looked to have breathed new life into 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay's campaign to reach Brazil 2014.
Benitez took advantage of a mistake in central defence by Uruguay captain Diego Lugano to latch onto the loose ball and shoot past Fernando Muslera in the 86th minute.
Suarez shot low inside the far corner from midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro's cross in the 82nd minute as Uruguay looked to end a run of four matches without a victory.
Uruguay have 13 points from 10 matches with Paraguay, quarter-finalists in 2010, still rooted to the bottom of the nine-nation South American group with eight.

World Cup - England put eight past San Marino

World Cup qualifying Group H, Stadio Olimpico – San Marino 0 England 8 (Della Valle o.g. 12, Oxlade-Chamberlain 28, Defoe 35 & 78, Young 39, Lampard 42, Rooney 54, Sturridge 69)

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  Eurosport - Frank Lampard, Leighton Baines and Wayne Rooney (Reuters)

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England thrashed San Marino 8-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to keep the heat on World Cup qualifying Group H leaders Montenegro.

There were six different scorers for Roy Hodgson’s side, with Jermain Defoe (2), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge all on target after an Alex Della Valle own-goal set the ball rolling.
It was by no means a perfect day for the English, with Theo Walcott earlier ruled out of both this match and the crucial qualifier in Montenegro next Tuesday.
The Montenegrins lead England by two points with five matches played after clinging on to a 1-0 win in Moldova, despite being down to 10 men for much of the second half.
With the Sammarinese boasting just one full professional in their ranks, the question was not if England would win, but by what margin.
Steven Gerrard was rested and – in the absence of Walcott – Young and Oxlade-Chamberlain worked the flanks for Hodgson’s side.
All three netted in a first half that England utterly dominated, with Defoe also on target after the unfortunate Della Valle opened the scoring.
It is hard to make any assessments about England’s performance against a side comparable to Northern League outfit Bridlington Town, both in terms of quality and resources – San Marino’s population of 32,000 is slightly smaller than that of the East Yorkshire town.
But Leighton Baines, in for the rested Ashley Cole, did his credentials no harm with a good attacking display from left-back.
The Everton man bagged two assists, his low cross turned in by Della Valle on 12 minutes, and another cut-back drilled in by Lampard three minutes before half-time. Baines was also involved when Defoe tapped home Oxlade-Chamberlain’s knock-down from a Rooney cross.
Just before Lampard’s effort, Young netted the goal of the game with a rasping 25-yard drive that rattled in off the crossbar – while a better side would have closed him down more effectively, the world’s best goalkeepers would have struggled to stop his finish.
Clearly there could have been more goals but for some desperate interventions by Sammarinese defenders, with sole pro Mirko Palazzi clearly a cut above his team-mates despite playing in Italy’s fourth division with Rimini.
Swiss referee Alain Bieri put the hosts out of their misery by blowing directly on 45 minutes, as Giampaolo Mazza’s side trudged in for commiserations from their long-serving coach.
There was little change as England continued their passing practice from the restart, Defoe erroneously called offside and Rooney failing to open his account as Aldo Simoncini saved well from a long-range shot.
Many say such games are pointless, failing to serve the interests of either nation, whether it be the humbled minnow with no chance of gaining a result, or the dominant giant who risks injury and fatigue in an already congested fixture list.
This was highlighted when Davide Simoncini clattered into Tom Cleverley with a woeful challenge that earned the Sammarinese defender a booking. Fortunately the Manchester United midfielder was unharmed, with Rooney curling home the free-kick for a sixth.
Both Rooney and Cleverley were taken off immediately afterwards, with substitute striker Sturridge missing a sitter as, unmarked from close range, he headed off the post.
England appeared to take their foot off the gas as San Marino had their first effort on goal – Fabio Bollini shooting well over on 62 minutes – and only their third corner in this qualifying campaign, but the visitors soon added a seventh as Sturridge atoned for his miss by heading Young’s fine cross into the goal, his first goal for the senior national team.
Defoe added an eighth with a cute backheel after Kyle Walker drilled in a fine low cross from the right, with the Tottenham striker spurning two opportunities to complete a hat-trick as he put a free header wide before mis-hitting his finish after Young sent him through.
Those missed chances would have sent England into double figures but they were happy to declare at eight as they look to the big match in Podgorica on Tuesday.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Leighton Baines (England): The Everton left-back did his chances of ousting Ashley Cole no harm with a bombarding attacking display.
PLAYER RATINGS
SAN MARINO: Aldo Simoncini 5, Fabio Vitaioli 3, Palazzi 5, Alessandro Della Valle 3, Davide Simoncini 3, Cervellini 3, Gasperoni 3, Cibelli 3, Fabio Bollini 4, Selva 4, Matteo Vitaioli 3; Subs:  Buscarini 4, Rinaldi 4, Carlo Valentini N/A.
ENGLAND: Hart 6, Walker 7, Baines 8, Lescott 6, Smalling 6, Cleverley 6, Lampard 7, Oxlade-Chamberlain 7, Young 8, Defoe 8, Rooney 7; Subs: Parker 6, Osman 6, Sturridge 7.
MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATISTICS

Doping trial doctor Fuentes claims that Real Madrid owe him money

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22 March 2013 Last updated at 18:37 GMT

By Matt Slater BBC sports news reporter

Eufemiano Fuentes, the doctor at the centre of the Operation Puerto blood-doping scandal, claims he is owed money by Real Madrid.

The self-styled sports doctor told Spanish radio that he is "interested in collecting a debt" from the club.
But Real Madrid told the BBC this debt is for expenses he incurred as a witness for them in a 2009 libel trial.
"We are happy to pay for his flight, hotel and food costs, but he has not given us any receipts," the club said.
This trial followed a series of reports in the French newspaper Le Monde, which claimed Real Madrid, fierce rivals Barcelona and other leading clubs in Spain used Fuentes' doping expertise.
Le Monde eventually lost the case and was forced to pay damages.
Fuentes is currently on trial in Madrid with four co-defendants for endangering public health, a charge he denies.
This stems from a series of police raids in 2006 that uncovered hundreds of bags of frozen blood and enormous quantities of performance-enhancing drugs.
Dozens of professional cyclists were immediately implicated in the scandal, including Tour de France stars such as Jan Ullrich, Tyler Hamilton and Ivan Basso.
But Fuentes, a gynaecologist by training, has repeatedly claimed that he treated a wide variety of sports stars at his clinics, including footballers.
He has always refused to name names, however, leading to feverish speculation in Spain and elsewhere about who might have been on his books. That might be about to change, though.
As doping was not a crime in Spain in 2006, the Spanish authorities have taken years to decide what to do about the embarrassing haul the Guardia Civil found at Fuentes' premises.
The eventual charge of endangering public health, which carries a maximum prison sentence of two years, only came about after lobbying from politicians worried about Spain's reputation for being soft on doping - a black mark for a country that has unsuccessfully bid for the last two Olympics and is trying again for 2020.
Earlier this week, Fuentes hinted inside and outside court that he may be willing to reveal his full client list to the World Anti-Doping Agency if it was mutually beneficial. He is also reported to be writing a book about his colourful career as a sports doctor.

Also related to this story

• Operacion Puerto to shame cycling further 30 Jan 2013 Cycling
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• Spain's 'doping doctor' in court 28 Jan 2013 Europe

Spain held at home by Finland in World Cup qualifiers

23 March 2013 Last updated at 00:21 GMT

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Defending world champions Spain are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification for Brazil 2014 after a 1-1 home draw with Finland left them two points adrift of France in Group I.

Teemu Pukki stabbed home on the counter in the 79th minute to cancel out Sergio Ramos's opener and silence the crowd.
Spain must win away to France on Tuesday to put themselves back on course to avoid a play-off.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored as France beat Georgia 3-1 at home.
Spain are the first world champions to have to qualify for the finals of the next edition of the tournament after the rules changed in the wake of their 2010 triumph in South Africa.

In line for the play-offs: second-placed teams as it stands

• Group A: Croatia
• Group B: Bulgaria
• Group C: Sweden
• Group D: Hungary
• Group E: Iceland
• Group F: Israel
• Group G: Greece
• Group H: England
• Group I: Spain

Should they fail to overhaul France at the top of Group I in their remaining four matches, Spain are likely to face one of the other seven group runners-up in a two-legged play-off in November.

The second-placed team with the lowest points tally in the nine groups will not make the play-offs.
It was an unfamiliar Spain line-up without the injured Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol, as well as rested midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso.
The hosts dominated throughout but the late Finnish leveller prompted a tense finale where tempers almost boiled over following a goalmouth scramble.
"It seems impossible that after dominating the game we lost our concentration. We have four games ahead of us and we have to keep fighting. There are still a lot of points in play," said Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque, after his side's draw against a team ranked 86 places lower in the Fifa world rankings. 
Portugal and their captain Cristiano Ronaldo also have work to do if they are to feature in the finals.
They are third in Group F, four points off leaders Russia having played a game more, after an injury-time goal from Fabio Coentrao secured a 3-3 draw and a point from their match away to second-placed Israel.
Elsewhere, Croatia beat fierce local rivals Serbia 2-0 in Zagreb thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic and Ivica Olic. Away fans had been banned from travelling to the match because of security fears.
Their victory meant that they kept pace with Belgium at the top of Group A. Chelsea pair Kevin de Bruyne, currently on loan at Werder Bremen, and Eden Hazard scored the goals as a Belgian starting XI that featured eight players owned by Premier League clubs beat Macedonia 2-0.
Another former Yugoslav republic, Bosnia-Hercegovina , are on track to qualify for the finals for the first time after Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko scored twice in a 3-0 win over Greece to open up a three-point advantage at the top of Group G.
Robin van Persie, who has failed to score in his last seven matches for Manchester United, found the net for his country as the Netherlands made it five wins from five matches in Group D with 3-0 win over Estonia.
Germany eased aside Kazakhstan by the same scoreline in Astana with goals from Bayern Munich pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Mueller coming either side of Mario Gotze's effort.
The result increased their lead at the top of Group C to five points as Sweden and Republic of Ireland took a point each from a 0-0 draw in Stockholm.

The Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup qualification hopes very much on track as they earned a merited draw against Sweden in Friday's qualifier.

Sweden v R. of Ireland

Sweden 0

R. of Ireland 0

22 March 2013 Last updated at 22:08 GMT

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The Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup qualification hopes very much on track as they earned a merited draw against Sweden in Friday's qualifier.

With James McCarthy and James McClean excelling, Robbie Keane and Shane Long missed early chances in Stockholm.
As the Swedes improved, Irish keeper David Forde made fine saves to deny Tobias Hysen and Andreas Granqvist.
The Republic picked up the pace midway through the second half before Forde denied Rasmus Elm late on.
The result drops the Irish to fourth in Group C on goal difference following Austria's win over Faroe Islands.
However, they remain just a point behind second-placed Sweden with Austria to come at home on Tuesday.

Republic of Ireland's remaining Group C fixtures

• 26 March - Austria (home)
• 7 June - Faroe Islands (h)
• 6 Sept - Sweden (h)
• 10 Sept - Austria (a)
• 11 Oct - Germany (a)
• 15 Oct - Kazakhstan (h)

Giovanni Trapattoni made two late changes to his starting line-up in Stockholm with McCarthy replacing the injured Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters preferred to Hull City youngster Robbie Brady.

Wigan star McCarthy seemed determined to justify his selection reprieve as he linked up superbly with McClean down the Irish left flank before the Sunderland winger's dangerous cross was cut out by Jonas Olsson as Walters appeared set to pounce.
The third of the Republic's early corners went straight to unmarked skipper Keane in the seventh minute but the LA Galaxy veteran completely failed to connect with McClean's deep delivery.
Three minutes later, the composed McCarthy played in a charging Long but, after jinking his way to the edge of the Swedish box, the West Brom striker blazed over with only keeper Andreas Isaksson to beat.
Irish fans must have feared that the missed early chances could come back to haunt Trapattoni's side but it was an encouraging opening after the struggles of the qualifying campaign to date.
The ball-playing ability of full-backs Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson was giving the Republic improved offensive options with much-criticised midfielder Paul Green providing the defensive shield which Trapattoni had demanded.
The purposeful McCarthy threatened to combine again with the overlapping McClean in the 16th minute but the Wigan player's ball was over-hit.
As the Swedes finally began to look threatening, Forde had to make the first of his smart saves in the 22nd minute as he plucked Hysen's volley out of the air after the hitherto quiet Zlatan Ibrahimovic had out-jumped Ciaran Clark in the air.
The Millwall keeper, playing his first competitive game for the Irish, made an even better save three minutes later as he dived full length to push away Granqvist's glancing header after a Kim Kallstrom free-kick.
After their impressive first-half display, the Republic's play became a tad scrappy in the third quarter before the visitors picked up the pace midway through the second period as Keane was unlucky to lose possession after beating the offside trap in the 69th minute.
Trapattoni's late changes included the introduction of Wes Hoolahan for tiring skipper Keane and the Norwich man did enough to suggest that he should be in the manager's thinking for a start against the Austrians on Tuesday.
Right at the death, the Swedes almost snatched an undeserved victory but the impressive Forde stood firm to push out Elm's deflected drive out for a corner.
As for the Swedish superstar Ibrahimovic, he had scarcely been a factor in the contest with Republic playmaker McCarthy - a player who hadn't even been in Trapattoni's original team selection - battling it out for the man of the match honours with several other Republic players.

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (6)

Sweden

• 01 Isaksson
• 02 Lustig (Antonsson - 46' )
• 03 Olsson
• 04 Granqvist
• 05 Safari
• 06 Elm
• 07 Larsson (Durmaz - 87' )
• 09 Kallstrom
• 19 Kacaniklic
• 10 Ibrahimovic
• 11 Hysen (Toivonen - 72' )

Substitutes

• 12 Wiland
• 23 Nordfeldt
• 14 Nilsson
• 17 Wendt
• 08 Svensson
• 13 Erton Fejzullahu
• 15 Antonsson
• 16 Wernbloom
• 18 Holmen
• 21 Durmaz
• 22 Zengin
• 20 Toivonen

Republic of Ireland

• 01 Forde
• 02 Coleman Booked
• 04 O'Shea
• 14 Wilson
• 15 Clark
• 08 McCarthy Booked
• 11 McClean (Keogh - 83' )
• 21 Green Booked
• 09 Long (Sammon - 87' )
• 10 Keane (Hoolahan - 76' )
• 13 Walters

Substitutes

• 16 Westwood
• 23 Randolph
• 03 O'Dea
• 05 St Ledger
• 12 Kelly
• 07 Hoolahan
• 22 Hendrick
• 17 Keogh
• 18 Brady
• 19 Cox
• 20 Sammon

Ref: A Undiano Mallenco

Att: 49,436

Match Stats

Shots

7 5

On target

3 0

Corners

7 6

Fouls

13 12

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +2:34 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.

90:00 +1:50 Rasmus Elm takes a shot. Brilliant save by David Forde.
90:00 +2:08 Inswinging corner taken by Rasmus Elm from the left by-line, save made by David Forde.
90:00 +1:50 Rasmus Elm takes a shot. Save made by David Forde.
90:00 +1:25 Andy Keogh concedes a free kick for a foul on Behrang Safari. Andreas Isaksson takes the free kick.
90:00 +0:10 Behrang Safari handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by David Forde.
88:01 Conor Sammon handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Kim Kallstrom.
86:31 Substitution

Substitution Conor Sammon replaces Shane Long.

86:05 Substitution

Substitution Jimmy Durmaz joins the action as a substitute, replacing Sebastian Larsson.

82:24 Substitution

Substitution James McClean goes off and Andy Keogh comes on.

81:46 Sebastian Larsson fouled by Shane Long, the ref awards a free kick. Kim Kallstrom crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, clearance by Ciaran Clark.
81:04 Foul by James McClean on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. Kim Kallstrom crosses the ball in from the free kick, clearance made by James McClean.
81:04 Foul by James McClean on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Kim Kallstrom.
79:09 Jonathan Walters has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide left of the target.
78:24 Marc Wilson sends in a cross, Rasmus Elm makes a clearance.
74:18 Kim Kallstrom delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing, Ciaran Clark makes a clearance.
74:18 Booking

Booking James McCarthy receives a yellow card.

74:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Robbie Keane on Kim Kallstrom.
76:56 Seamus Coleman takes the free kick.
76:56 Booking

Booking Seamus Coleman goes into the referee's book for time wasting.

76:48 Jonathan Walters fouled by Behrang Safari, the ref awards a free kick.
75:28 Direct free kick taken by Seamus Coleman.
75:28 Substitution

Substitution Wes Hoolahan comes on in place of Robbie Keane.

75:28 Behrang Safari gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters.
74:18 The free kick is delivered left-footed by Kim Kallstrom from right wing, Ciaran Clark makes a clearance.
74:18 Booking

Booking James McCarthy goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.

74:10 Robbie Keane gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kim Kallstrom.
71:58 Substitution

Substitution Ola Toivonen comes on in place of Tobias Hysen.

70:50 Tobias Hysen concedes a free kick for a foul on John O'Shea. The free kick is delivered left-footed by James McClean from left wing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic manages to make a clearance.
69:57 James McClean has an effort at goal from outside the area missing to the wide right of the target.
67:05 Foul by Jonas Olsson on Shane Long, free kick awarded. James McCarthy crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, clearance made by Andreas Granqvist.
67:05 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonas Olsson on Shane Long. Direct free kick taken by John O'Shea.
65:37 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Zlatan Ibrahimovic by John O'Shea. Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes the free kick.
63:43 Inswinging corner taken by Kim Kallstrom from the right by-line, save by David Forde.
62:32 Seamus Coleman fouled by Alex Kacaniklic, the ref awards a free kick. David Forde takes the free kick.
61:04 Sebastian Larsson has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses right.
57:37 Centre by Shane Long, Andreas Granqvist makes a clearance.
51:50 The ball is swung over by Seamus Coleman, Behrang Safari gets a block in.
50:18 Paul Green sends in a cross, save made by Andreas Isaksson.
49:23 Mikael Antonsson challenges James McClean unfairly and gives away a free kick. Marc Wilson takes the free kick.
46:28 Robbie Keane is ruled offside. Andreas Isaksson restarts play with the free kick.
45:01 The second half begins.
45:01 Substitution

Substitution Mikael Antonsson on for Mikael Lustig.

45:00 +1:20 Half time

Half Time The whistle is blown to end the first half.

45:00 +0:32 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by James McClean.
44:47 The ball is swung over by Sebastian Larsson.
44:18 Inswinging corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line.
43:38 Unfair challenge on Mikael Lustig by James McClean results in a free kick. Free kick crossed by Kim Kallstrom, clearance made by John O'Shea.
39:41 Behrang Safari takes the direct free kick.
39:41 Booking

Booking Paul Green is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

39:34 Foul by Paul Green on Alex Kacaniklic, free kick awarded.
39:05 The ball is sent over by Robbie Keane, Mikael Lustig gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by James McClean played to the near post, clearance made by Mikael Lustig.
37:41 Tobias Hysen takes a shot. Save made by David Forde.
36:23 Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line, Headed effort from inside the penalty area by Andreas Granqvist misses to the right of the target.
36:08 Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes a shot. Seamus Coleman gets a block in.
34:42 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Long by Andreas Granqvist. Marc Wilson restarts play with the free kick.
33:35 Shane Long concedes a free kick for a foul on Andreas Granqvist. Rasmus Elm restarts play with the free kick.
31:09 Behrang Safari challenges Jonathan Walters unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by John O'Shea, clearance made by Mikael Lustig.
27:03 Headed effort from the edge of the area by Jonathan Walters goes wide of the right-hand post.
26:35 Mikael Lustig concedes a free kick for a foul on James McClean. Free kick taken by Marc Wilson.
24:43 Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line, save made by David Forde.
24:02 Marc Wilson concedes a free kick for a foul on Sebastian Larsson. Kim Kallstrom delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing, save by David Forde.
20:48 Foul by Robbie Keane on Rasmus Elm, free kick awarded. Andreas Granqvist takes the direct free kick.
21:29 Tobias Hysen takes a shot. David Forde makes a save.
20:48 Robbie Keane concedes a free kick for a foul on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Direct free kick taken by Andreas Granqvist.
17:50 James McClean takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
17:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Alex Kacaniklic on Paul Green. David Forde restarts play with the free kick.
14:31 Inswinging corner taken by James McClean from the right by-line, Andreas Isaksson makes a save.
14:13 The ball is sent over by Seamus Coleman, Alex Kacaniklic gets a block in.
5:53 Outswinging corner taken by James McCarthy.
10:59 Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson.
10:31 Outswinging corner taken by Kim Kallstrom from the right by-line, Ciaran Clark makes a clearance.
9:53 Shot on goal by Robbie Keane from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
9:22 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonathan Walters on Alex Kacaniklic. Direct free kick taken by Jonas Olsson.
7:35 Marc Wilson fouled by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the ref awards a free kick. Jonathan Walters takes the direct free kick.
6:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Long by Behrang Safari. Free kick taken by John O'Shea.
5:53 Corner taken by James McClean.
5:14 Corner taken left-footed by James McClean from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Andreas Granqvist.
4:45 Foul by Behrang Safari on Paul Green, free kick awarded. John O'Shea takes the free kick.
3:27 Centre by Robbie Keane, Header from close in by Jonathan Walters misses to the right of the target.
1:06 Unfair challenge on Tobias Hysen by John O'Shea results in a free kick. Kim Kallstrom takes the direct free kick.
0:09 Left-footed shot by Kim Kallstrom went wide left of the goal.
0:00 The referee gets the game started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

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