Martin burst turns first day New Zealand's way

A Chris Martin triple-strike just after tea justified Ross Taylor's decision to bowl first on a placid Dunedin surface, as New Zealand first toppled South Africa's top order giants, then made headway into the tail, to leave the visitors on 191 for 7 at st

New idols and hat-trick heroes

Pavel Pogrebnyak and Mohamed Zidan's impact for their new clubs, hat-tricks for Messrs Messi and Soldado, a record goal tally for Real Madrid and PSV's biggest ever home defeat feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

United avoid disaster, Spanish sides cruise

Manchester United narrowly progressed to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win over Ajax, while three La Liga sides in Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid also booked their place.

Buoyant Benfica send Zenit out

Goals late in each half from Maxi Pereira and Nelson Oliveira took Benfica into the UEFA Champions League last eight for the first time since 2006 with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline over Zenit Saint-Petersburg.

APOEL dare to dream as Lyon visit

A full house in Nicosia and much of Cyprus will be wholeheartedly supporting APOEL on Wednesday as they seek to defeat Lyon and create further history by reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Wenger: Arsenal must believe

Manager Arsene Wenger called on his Arsenal team to believe they can rewrite the record books and overturn AC Milan's 4-0 lead to qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Penarol held, Vasco secure comeback win

Penarol's hopes of repeating last year's run in the Copa Libertadores have been dealt another blow with the Uruguayans held 1-1 by Universidad de Chile, while Vasco da Gama were the matchday's big winners.

Federer Up Against Tricky Quarter In Indian Wells

Should the 2012 BNP Paribas Open draw follow the seeds, semi-final Saturday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will feature defending champion Novak Djokovic against Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal against Roger Federer.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Nichols missing for Roar's AFC opener

Brisbane have to cope without Mitch Nichols in their AFC Champions League opener against FC Tokyo, while Adelaide United are hoping to bounce back from poor domestic form when they face Bunyodkor.

Runako Morton killed in road accident

Runako Morton, the West Indies batsman, has died in a road accident on Sunday, police have confirmed. Morton, 33, crashed into a utility pole on the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Chase Village in central Trinidad

HRT unveils a different liveried car

I’ve always wanted to use the word “liveried.” HRT on Tuesday pulled the sheets back from its 2012 Formula 1 challenger, and the car looks a lot different from the 2011 version. By that I mean the color scheme, not the fact that it, too, has a stepped nose. (Pictures for the time being are

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Blood, sweat and cheers

England centre-back Terry Butcher went up for a header against Sweden and came down with a wound that would require 20 stitches, but nothing was going to pull him out of a crucial Italy 1990 qualifier.

Shakira: I can’t get away from football!

Shakira speaks to FIFA.com about how she caught the football bug, the impact the sport has on people, dating Gerard Pique, her South Africa 2010 experience, excitement for Brazil 2014 and football-related projects.

Trabz beat Besiktas, Gaziantepspor run riot

Trabzonspor defeated Besiktas 2-1 to move up to third in the Turkish Super Lig, while Gaziantepspor claimed an impressive 5-0 win at Istanbul Buyuksehir to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.

Koreans set the early standard

Pohang Steelers led the way in opening AFC Champions League action by overpowering fellow former winners Gamba Osaka, while there was also impressive wins by compatriots Ulsan Hyundai, as well as Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad.

Lazio take Rome derby spoils

Lazio took the derby spoils at the Stadio Olimpico as they edged past a ten-man Roma side 2-1 with goals from Hernanes and Stefano Mauri either side of a Fabio Borini equaliser.

AZ take top spot, Heerenveen held

AZ Alkmaar returned to the top of the Eredivisie with a 3-1 win over Heracles Almelo, while Heerenveen were held to a goalless draw and failed to overtake Twente in the standings.

Malaga fightback sinks Getafe

Malaga kept up their push for a place in Europe next season with a comeback 3-1 win over Getafe, with Eliseu Pereira coming off the bench to score and set up another.

City ease past woeful Bolton

Manchester City eased past a hapless Bolton Wanderers, who are deep in relegation trouble, scoring first through a Gretar Steinsson own goal before forward Mario Balotelli bagged a goal he justly deserved.

Milan, Juve jostle for glory

Juventus will have hopes of leapfrogging rivals AC Milan at the top of the Serie A standings this weekend with the Turin club facing midtable Chievo while I Rossoneri head for Palermo.

Gunners, Reds prepare for pivotal contest

Liverpool and Arsenal meet on Saturday with both desperate for three points if they are to build momentum for the title run-in, while the two leading Manchester clubs face contrasting assignments over the weekend.

Agassi: Now a whole different deal with Chang

Former rivals Michael Chang and Andre Agassi discuss Agassi's statements in his autobiography, Open, that he felt it was "ludicrous and insulting" that his fellow American thought God was taking his side against Agassi.

"I beat Chang and savor every blasphemous stroke," Agassi wrote.

Last week, Chang told the Montreal Gazette that he spoke to Agassi a "little about the book. My sense was that he wasn't really positive about a whole lot of things. He was pretty harsh on me, on Pete [Sampras], even hard on some family members, [coach Nick] Bollettieri. I don't know if that was purposeful or not," he said. "It's a little bit odd because I think Andre knows where I'm coming from, and I certainly wouldn't force Christianity down anyone's throat. The strange thing is that we used to have Bible study together early on in our careers If he were to say that now, it wouldn't really make that much sense, because a lot more athletes are more vocal now (about their faith), certainly much more so than when I was playing."

Agassi told the newspaper that he never apologized to Chang, but did explain his reasoning.

"Every time I saw somebody who showed resolve, or showed clarity or showed single-mindedness like Pete (Sampras) or Michael, it really was a mirror to me. That's what I expressed in my book," Agassi said. "Michael, from the outside, always represented the very thing I strove to have in my life, that sense of clarity. ... So now, it's a whole different deal with Michael."

Marussia passes safety tests, will be in Melbourne

Crud, I owe Todd a Red Bull. Marussia passed its final FIA mandated safety test on Tuesday and is now cleared to race in Australia at the season-opening Formula 1 grand prix. Here’s what the team’s technical consultant, Pat Symonds, said: “After a challenging few weeks for the team, we are pleased to have overcome

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Murray: No slumps if you want to be No. 1

Andy Murray says that what has separated the rest of the Big 4 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) from him is that they haven't fallen into prolonged slumps.

 "There's an understanding now that if you want to get to No. 1 in the world you can't have a month where you're not winning matches," Murray told the Telegraph. "I did a good job last year when I got to the clay, and since then I've had a lot of good tournaments and got to the last stage of a lot of events. But that month in February-March time hurt me and also the end of the year [when he withdrew from the ATP Tour Finals and Basel because of injuries]. That's the thing that Novak did last year and Roger a few years ago and also Rafa a couple of years ago. They showed that it is possible to win every single event. You need to go in with that mindset and just try and get through matches when you're not playing that well. That's really the goal for this year, to not have those quiet months."

Agassi: 'Now a whole different deal with Chang'

Former rivals Michael Chang and Andre Agassi discuss Agassi's statements in his autobiography that he felt it was "ludicrous and insulting" that his fellow American thought God was taking his side against Agassi.

"I beat Chang and savor every blasphemous stroke," Agassi wrote.

Last week, Chang told the Montreal Gazette that he spoke to Agassi a "little about the book. My sense was that he wasn't really positive about a whole lot of things. He was pretty harsh on me, on Pete [Sampras], even hard on some family members, [coach Nick] Bollettieri. I don't know if that was purposeful or not," he said. "It's a little bit odd because I think Andre knows where I'm coming from, and I certainly wouldn't force Christianity down anyone's throat. The strange thing is that we used to have Bible study together early on in our careers If he were to say that now, it wouldn't really make that much sense, because a lot more athletes are more vocal now (about their faith), certainly much more so than when I was playing."

Agassi told the newspaper that he never apologized to Chang, but did explain his reasoning.

"Every time I saw somebody who showed resolve, or showed clarity or showed single-mindedness like Pete (Sampras) or Michael, it really was a mirror to me. That's what I expressed in my book," Agassi said. "Michael, from the outside, always represented the very thing I strove to have in my life, that sense of clarity. ... So now, it's a whole different deal with Michael."

Bolton's stunning save earns point

A sensational injury-time penalty save by Clint Bolton denied Brisbane the chance to reclaim top spot in the Hyundai A-League with the Melbourne Heart holding on for a 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium.<

Martinez: I'm not worth €40m

Athletic Bilbao ace Javi Martinez, who has been linked with Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City, has discussed how it feels to be rated so highly but insisted he’s not worth €40m.

Gomez: My name is unforgettable

Santos Laguna's Herculez Gomez goes about life with an indomitable attitude, and when speaking to FIFA.com the LA-born striker expresses a determination to win titles and catch the eye of USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann.

Capture the class of the Black Panther

In the first of FIFA.com’s video series, we take a look at the great Eusebio in action and hear the story behind the Portuguese and African icon.

New Marussia passes final crash test

Marussia have announced that their 2012 car has now passed all 18 of the FIA's mandatory crash tests. The MR01 failed its final observed crash test last month, which forced the team to postpone its launch and miss last week's pre-season test session at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. Â"After a challenging few weeks for the team, we are pleased to have overcome the last hurdle of the final FIA-observed crash test, which we passed today,Â" explained Pat Symonds, Marussia's technical consultant.

Tavo Hellmund turned down New Jersey GP role

According the the Statesman’s John Maher, Tavo Hellmund filed a lawsuit against the Circuit of the Americas earlier this week and Maher’s follow-up story is that the erstwhile Formula One promoter turned down the opportunity to run the New Jersey Grand Prix slated for June of 2013. Tavo Hellmund released a statement saying: “I’ve been

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Ghana get Basetsana, Kenya stun Zambia

The qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup continued in Africa as Ghana set up a crunch clash with South Africa in the next round and Kenya overturned a deficit in the second leg against Zambia.

Piloting a new course

FIFA’s medical experts are hoping to add a new weapon to their armoury in the fight against doping by using footballers’ individual steroid profiles as a smarter way of catching potential cheats.

Alguersuari gets a seat…at a microphone

If you are a Jaime Alguersuari fan and you’ve mastered the spelling of his name, you may be elated with the news that he will be joining the BBC’s 5 Live as a commentator on the sport of Formula One. The 5Live crew are bereft of the unique stylings of one David Croft this year

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Richards: Hardest thing I've ever done

Micah Richards chats to FIFA.com about being overlooked by Fabio Capello, the qualities of Stuart Pearce and how the journey which led to his England recall was the toughest of his career..

Michael Clarke says rushed return cost him

Michael Clarke has admitted that in rushing back to play after suffering an injury to his right hamstring, he opened himself up to the strained left hamstring that puts him in doubt for the third final

El Shaarawy, Milan's latest jewel

FIFA.com profiles the rise to prominence of Stephan El Shaarawy, the AC Milan teenager who has been compared to Mario Balotelli and Alessandro Del Piero and tipped as a future automatic in Italy's attack.

Brazil 2012 - now on sale

The Formula 1 Grande Premio Do Brasil 2012 takes place on November 23-25 and tickets are now available on Formula1.com. Making its 40th appearance on the F1 calendar, Brazil provides a race-going experience like no other. For a unique insight into one of the paddock's most exciting destinations and Sao Paulo's spectacular Interlagos circuit, check out our exclusive Destination Guide, with tips on transport, accommodation, where to watch the race and more, allowing you to make the very most of your visit.

Tsonga Targets First Title On Grass At AEGON Championships

Jo Wilfried Tsonga will try to go one step further than last year by winning his first grass court title at the AEGON Championships, 11-17 June, 2012.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Balotelli talks United battle, Italy omission

Mario Balotelli has discussed his increased effort in training, how it has helped him become a far better player, the Premier League title race, being dropped by Cesare Prandelli and Italy’s UEFA EURO 2012 hopes.

The return of Guillermo Franco

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, striker Guillermo Franco discusses Mexico’s disappointing showing at 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and life with his new club Pachuca.

The all-powerful Mazembe

Unlikely continental giants, Congo DR’s TP Mazembe have an admirable past to call upon as they look to extend their ambitious present after an incredible run at the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup.

Last 2012 car unveiled as HRT's F112 breaks cover

HRT became the final team to reveal their 2012 challenger on Monday afternoon as they took the wraps off the F112 at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. The new car then made its on-track debut at the Spanish track, with driver Narain Karthikeyan behind the wheel. "Today was a shakedown of the F112 and I have had the honour to be the first driver to test it,Â" said Karthikeyan. Â"The first impressions are quite good; it's definitely a step up from last year. We couldn't do any set-up work or stuff like that but everything seems to be working fine and there are no major problems so we can look forward to the season now.

Mertens, Elm: Different but the same

FIFA.com takes a look at PSV Eindhoven's Belgian striker Dries Mertens and AZ Alkmaar's Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm, both of whom are enjoying breakthrough seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Barcelona focus on retaining European crown

With Real Madrid holding a ten-point lead over Barcelona in Spain, the UEFA Champions League has assumed greater importance for the Catalan side, who are on course to reach the last eight this week.

FIFA Secretary General sends letter of clarification to Brazil’s Sports Minister

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke clarified his comments made following the recent IFAB meeting in London concerning the preparations for Brazil 2014 in a letter sent on Monday evening to the Brazilian Minister of Sports Aldo Rebelo.

Juve lose key defensive duo to injury

Juventus are set to be without key defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini for the coming weeks, including Wednesday's match against Bologna where victory would see the Turin club take an equal share of top spot.

Roddick beats Federer at MSG exo; McIlroy plays

NEW YORK (AP)â€"Maria Sharapova beat Caroline Wozniacki but lost the one point she played against Rory McIlroy. Roger Federer dropped the one point he played against a Rafael Nadal-impersonating Andy Roddick and also lost the match to Roddick.
 
Four of tennis' biggest names took the court at Madison Square Garden on Monday for the mix of playfulness and intense play that comes with exhibitions.
 
With Wozniacki a game away from losing 6-3, 6-4 to Sharapova, she invited her boyfriend onto the court a day after the golfer won the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., to ascend to No. 1 in the world for the first time.
 
''He wasn't too pleased with me,'' Wozniacki said later.
 
In jeans and a sweater, McIlroy showed off a one-handed backhand, and Sharapova hit his lob wide.
 
Asked if he was surprised to win the point, McIlroy said with a smile: ''I've won a few off Caroline.''
 
Early in Roddick's 7-5, 7-6 (7) win over Federer, some smart-aleck fans yelled, ''Let's go, Rafa!'' So Roddick played along by pushing up his sleeves and switching his racket to his left hand. He wound up playing the point right-handed, but grunted with every shot and celebrated winning the point with an exuberant fist pump that would have made Nadal proud.
 
Roddick, a self-described ''massive'' sports fan, was playing in the Garden for the first time during the BNP Paribas Showdown. He remembers Michael Jordan's big games there, Reggie Miller trash-talking with Spike Lee.
 
''To be able to play here where so much history has happened, so many events have happened in every area of entertainment, it was a real special experience for me,'' he said.
 
Coming back from a right hamstring and right ankle injury, Roddick has fallen to No. 31 in the world.
 
''It was a great atmosphere,'' he said. ''I really enjoyed myself and that led to me playing well. Hopefully I can use this a little bit.''
 
When Roddick failed to match Federer's between-the-legs shot on one point, he threw his racket then winced when it almost hit a ball girl. Roddick was 2-21 in his career against Federer.
 
''I heard Andy was struggling a little bit so it's good see him play so well and hopefully make a run again into the top 10,'' the third-ranked Federer said.
 
Wozniacki has been ranked No. 1 for 67 weeks in her career, though she's currently down to No. 4. McIlroy knows he'll need to stay on top for ''another couple of years'' to catch his girlfriend in that stat.
 
In between taking photos with fans after the match, McIlroy said, ''It's nice to take a little break from golf.'' The couple plans to meet up in Miami before he plays a World Golf Championship event there and she heads to Indian Wells, Calif.
 
McIlroy stopped signing autographs for a moment to listen to Wozniacki's on-court interview. ''He's 100 percent against Maria,'' she told the crowd.
 
Asked earlier Monday whether she sent him flowers after his win Sunday, Wozniacki said, ''Well, I don't want his head to become too big, so, um, no.''
 
Sharapova and Wozniacki got into the spirit of the exhibition at times: exchanging smiles after a well-played rally, surrendering a point to make up for a missed call, dancing with fans before the final game.
 
The second-ranked Sharapova wasn't conserving energy, though. After breaking back to 4-4 in the second set, she chased down a drop shot and then a lob, throwing her hands up in frustration when her shot ricocheted off the scoreboard.