Football

Speaking to Bayern’s website, Coutinho said: “For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe. I’m very much looking forward to that. Like Bayern, I have big ambitions and I’m convinced I can achieve them together with my new teammates.” … [Read more...] about Bayern sign Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona for £7.8m

It’s a question of context, with Niko Kovac not looking 100% bulletproof, and the memory of the failure to break inferior opponents in this habitual bearpit in the first half of last season not totally forgotten. The defensive vulnerabilities of last term still linger, particularly at moments like the one in which the excellent Marko Grujic strolled through to round Manuel Neuer and put Hertha in front at the end of a tasty team move in the first half. Record signing Lucas Hernandez, some will not unreasonably argue, was only an unused substitute here, having had his pre-season curbed by injury. … [Read more...] about Bayern stumble into Coutinho quandary but Dortmund set stall early

We believe we have a lot to offer. Between us, we represent much of Scotland – one of us living in the Highlands, from an agricultural background; one of us in the Central Belt with a career in media. We come from ordinary backgrounds, went to our local schools and supported our local communities. We are passionate about wanting to see our young children grow up in a country which is optimistic, exciting and united in nature. Nor, unlike most 'joint tickets', is there any rivalry between us: we know our roles as we think we can help each other. … [Read more...] about Football referee Douglas Ross, who quit as a minister in protest at Dominic Cummings’ trip to Durham during lockdown, crowned new Scottish Tory leader

A thoroughbred surrounded by donkeys that day, Iker Casillas had kept his team in the game with a series of fine saves including a penalty from Ian Harte and one particularly eye-catching block at the feet of Robbie Keane. Spot-kicks from Kevin Kilbane and David Connolly in the shootout didn’t take much stopping but he repelled them anyway and at just 21 years of age his canonisation was complete: “Saint Iker” was among us. “He isn’t human,” wrote one excitable Spanish columnist in AS. “The day he came to earth, light shone down upon his house like it did at the gate of Bethlehem when Jesus Christ arrived in the world. He’s immune to pain, mistakes and bad luck.” … [Read more...] about Farewell Iker Casillas, the saint who brought us saves, tears and clashes

His decision to leave Real is widely believed to have been prompted by the expected arrival of Manchester United’s David de Gea, the 24-year-old former Atlético Madrid man who is also expected to take over from Casillas as Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper. … [Read more...] about Iker Casillas bids tearful farewell to Real Madrid and confirms Porto move