Whether the various domestic leagues – and Harry Redknapp – like it or not, this is an official FIFA international week. This Tuesday and Wednesday, much of the world’s national teams will be in action. World Cup 2010 is in the history books, and the time for rebirth and rebuilding is about to begin. For example, new Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has called up Antonio Cassano, Amauri and Mario Balotelli, and is rumoured to be considering fielding all three in an attacking trident vs the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, at West Ham’s Upton Park of all places. USA vs Brazil should be equally interesting, with new Brazil coach Mano Menezes starting fresh with young talent like Alexandre Pato, Ganso, Neymar and
Football Update
Did Cole snub Capello on purpose?
England manager Fabio Capello is snubbed by Chelsea's Ashley Cole after the Community Shield The defending Premier League champions and FA Cup winners were beaten 3-1 by their rivals at Wembley - but the main talking point afterwards was the apparent bad blood between Capello and Cole during the presentation ceremony afterwards.
Liverpool to face tough to pronounce Turkish side
Behold, the fourth or fifth greatest football trophy! Naturally, most of you won’t have been able to sleep last night, what with the draw for the second greatest cup competition in Europe due to take place today. In future, try The Spoiler’s Guaranteed Sleeping Technique, which involves a quick five mile run, half a bottle of strong whiskey, and a motivational Alan Shearer cassette tape - seriously, you’ll be asleep within hours! Anyway, here’s how the Premier League sides fared: Liverpool v Travzonspor Rapid Vienna v Aston Villa MORE TO COME…
Jermaine Jones Could Be a Yank by Next Week
Jermaine Jones has never been afraid of a bit of controversy. In 2004, he took a fairly softball question, “Are there any gay footballers in the Bundesliga?” (Easy answer: I don’t know) and turned it into a major story when he answered “Hopefully not”. Classy. He’s also somewhat infamous for his relationship, or lack thereof, with the fans of his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, where he announced he was leaving with a post on the club’s bulletin board. But he’s about to make an official switch a bit more profound than leaving a club. Next week, the German-born Jones, who has played as a senior for Germany (though not in FIFA-approved matches), will probably play
Great news, Liverpool fans, Fernando Torres isn’t leaving!
Torres - staying put? News just in - Torres is staying at Liverpool. Or is he? The Spoiler shan’t be spooning any egg from the communal face just yet, after a summer of insisting that he’s definitely off to Chelsea. But, in the event that we have been wrong all along, worry not, disgruntled masses, the necessary steps shall be taken - humble pie will be ate, and the secret squirrel that delivered the information with unflappable confidence will be in that pie. (more…)
Paul The Octopus Does Elvis
Last we checked in with Paul he’d just snapped himself up a Mr. 15%. That agent, Chris Davis, appears to be working overtime, with his most insane project to date on the docket. “There are books being written, a range of octopus toys are coming out this Christmas and there is even a new iPhone app. “One of the most exciting things is that he has a record deal in place for an album, called Paul The Octopus Sings Elvis.” You’re not alone in wondering just how an octopus will release an album, but there’s every chance it will involve a vuvuzela and accompanying piano by Yanni. (And they still can’t cure cancer.) Early speculation as to possible singles/remixes: (You Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Mollusk All
Alex Ferguson furious after Wayne Rooney bender!
Jock, Strop and one smokin' haridryer:WAYNE Rooney yesterday faced a ferocious "hairdryer" blast from Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was fuming after Roo was snapped smoking during a bender until 5.30AM on Sunday. Dribbling ... Wayne wees on wall next to bottle bank NB Press Sir Alex was said to be "angry and disappointed" after viewing The Sun's snaps of Rooney's eight-hour bender. What a drag ... Wayne smokes outside club On town ... Coleen walks ahead as Wayne spreads arms