Felda put defence to test with locals in Super League

PETALING JAYA: Felda United’s defence will be put to the sword when the Super League resumes on July 16.

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Kian Meng-Pei Jing stay steady to reach quarters in Taiwan

PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are through to the quarter-finals of the Taiwan Open.

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Wake up France! Iceland next, says Evra

PARIS (Reuters) - France, who have earned a reputation for leaving it late at this European Championship, would be well-advised to wake up early when they face Iceland for a place in the semi-finals, veteran defender Patrice Evra warned on Thursday.

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Rival golden generations of Wales, Belgium bid for glory

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - Wales are happy to cast themselves as underdogs in their Euro 2016 quarter-final against Belgium on Friday but such modesty belies their proven ability to bite hard.

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England could struggle to find a top manager - Dyke

(Reuters) - The Football Association (FA) might struggle to convince top managers to take the England job, chairman Greg Dyke has said.

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Iskandar faces Daren in Taiwan Open third round

PETALING JAYA: National No. 2 Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin (pic) can certainly count himself lucky after world No. 2 Chen Long of China pulled out of the Taiwan Open at the 11th hour.

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Tough draw for Malaysian junior team in Bangkok

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia could not have asked for a tougher draw at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships, which will be held in Bangkok from July 9-17.

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Ronaldo poses biggest threat yet to Polish rearguard

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Poland have an impressive defensive record at Euro 2016 but standing in their way to a semi-final spot is arguably one of sport's greatest-ever athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo.

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United make 'improved offer' for Dortmund's Mkhitaryan

(Reuters) - Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan after making an "improved offer" for the midfielder, the Bundesliga club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said.

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New-look Nehwal primed for Rio success - Padukone

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Saina Nehwal is better equipped to win a medal in Rio in August than the Indian shuttler was when she claimed a bronze at the London Olympics four years ago, former All England champion Prakash Padukone told Reuters.

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Premier League exhausts players - Alderweireld

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld offered some sympathy for England's humiliating exit from Euro 2016, saying on Tuesday that the relentless domestic schedule drained players of energy.

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Hard-working Kian Meng decides to focus only on mixed doubles

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Tan Kian Meng is ready to drop men’s doubles duty to focus on the mixed doubles.

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Maradona urges Messi to shelve plans to quit Argentina

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - World Cup winner Diego Maradona has called on compatriot Lionel Messi not to abandon international football after the Argentina captain announced he was quitting the national side following Sunday's Copa America final defeat.

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Messi fails to match Maradona success in Argentina shirt

(Reuters) - They were two small Argentina players with the same enormous challenge -- to meet the expectations of a soccer-mad country.

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Italy defeat shows Spain's golden era gone for good

PARIS (Reuters) - Like an ailing heavyweight, Spain and their hopes of a third straight European title ended in a tame surrender as their 2-0 defeat by Italy represented the definitive end to a golden era in their foot balling history.

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Fit Jing Yi gets to keep her hard-earned Olympic ticket

PETALING JAYA: Tee Jing Yi has been given the green light to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

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Chile prove hard nut to crack for South America's best

(Reuters) - Chile have never beaten Argentina in open play in 27 Copa America meetings in 100 years yet have twice in 12 months dashed the hopes of Lionel Messi's team of lifting a major trophy.

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Soccer-Size means nothing with Iceland, says Rooney

NICE, France (Reuters) - England captain Wayne Rooney says size will not mean anything when his team take on tiny Iceland in the round of 16 at Euro 2016 on Monday.

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Xhaka says penalty miss will make him stronger

ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) - Granit Xhaka said his miss in Switzerland's penalty shootout loss to Poland at Euro 2016 would make him stronger and promised he would not back down from taking penalties in the future.

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'Free and liberated' Hungary happy to play underdog role

TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) - Hungary, one of the surprises teams of Euro 2016, are happy to play the role of underdogs ahead of their round of 16 clash with touted Belgium in Toulouse on Sunday.

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Anxious moments as Jing Yi waits for BAM verdict

PETALING JAYA: Tee Jing Yi will know on Monday if she will get to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

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Shaqiri makes his mark but unable to enjoy his moment

ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) - Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri finally made his mark at Euro 2016 with an astonishing goal but was unable to savour the moment as they were knocked out by Poland on penalties on Saturday.

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Skipper Aidil is ready to face Fiji and hot weather

PETALING JAYA: The national football team will change their game plan with the hope of ending their Tour of Oceania with a win over Fiji at the Prince Charles Park Stadium in Nadi on Sunday.

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Final match will be toughest for Kim Swee boys

PETALING JAYA: National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee reckons that the team’s final match in their Tour of Oceania against Fiji at the Prince Charles Park Stadium in Nadi on Sunday will be the toughest.

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Hiddink happy to help if Russia come calling

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Guus Hiddink, who led Russia to the 2008 European Championship semi-finals, said he would be happy to return to his former side as they look to put the misery of an early Euro 2016 exit behind them and prepare for the World Cup in two years' time.

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Wanyama completes move to Tottenham

LONDON (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Southampton's defensive mid fielder Victor Wanyama on a five-year deal, the Premier League side said on Thursday.

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Vardy signs new contract with Leicester

LONDON (Reuters) - Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has signed a four-year contract extension with the Premier League champions, seemingly ending speculation about a move.

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Chile beat Colombia 2-0 to set up final against Argentina

(Reuters) - Chile beat Colombia 2-0 in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday and will face Argentina in Sunday's final after surviving a tumultuous match in Chicago that was halted for more than two hours due to a torrential rain storm.

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England not too big for tiny Iceland, says joint coach

PARIS (Reuters) - Iceland do not fear facing England at Euro 2016 joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said on Wednesday after his indefatigable players beat Austria 2-1 to book a place in the last 16.

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Champions Spain determined to think positively after defeat

LA ROCHELLE, France (Reuters) - - Spain are determined to forget Tuesday's costly 2-1 defeat to Croatia at Euro 2016 quickly and focus on next week's showdown in the round of 16 with Italy, a repeat of the 2012 final.

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Tight-lipped Ronaldo throws reporter's microphone in lake

LYON, France (Reuters) - - Video footage has emerged of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo bringing an impromptu interview to a sudden halt -- by throwing the reporter's microphone into a nearby lake on Wednesday.

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Teams will dread facing England at Euro 2016 - Dier

(Reuters) - Other countries will dread the prospect of facing England in the Euro 2016 knockout rounds, midfielder Eric Dier has said, despite his side's failure to secure top spot in Group B.

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Pressure's off ... for a while for Vivian-Khe Wei

PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei are glad that they have finally earned their spot in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

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We are one of favourites now, say buoyant Croatians

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic believes his country are now one of the favourites at Euro 2016 after beating Spain to win Group D.

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Cacic says his players showed true face of Croatia

BORDEAUX, FRANCE (Reuters) - Croatia's players showed the world they are not like the supporters who brought shame on the country with their behaviour at Euro 2016, coach Ante Cacic said on Tuesday.

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Honest toiler Nehwal senses golden Rio opportunity

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saina Nehwal eschews the "natural talent" tag thrust upon her by Indian media and says only hard graft and good coaching have given her the chance to turn the Olympic badminton bronze she won four years ago in London into gold at the Rio Games.

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Work-in-progress Malaysia take on New Caledonia in friendly

PETALING JAYA: The under-fire national football team will be looking to salvage some pride when they take on New Caledonia in the second match of their Tour of Oceania at the Numa-Daly Magenta Stadium in Noumea on Wednesday.

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JDT plan to acquire land in Spain for training base

JOHOR BARU: Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will soon have a training base in Europe.

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No Chong Wei for Taiwan Open

PETALING JAYA: As expected, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have withdrawn world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei from the Taiwan Open, which will be held from June 28-July 3.

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U.S. face Argentina in bid to extend unlikely Copa run

(Reuters) - Prior to the start of the Copa America, United States coach Juergen Klinsmann had set the semi-finals as a target but will now need a new goal as the hosts prepare to take on top-ranked Argentina for spot in the final.

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Portugal promise that the goals will start to flow

LYON, France (Reuters) - No team managed as many shots as Portugal in their opening two games at Euro 2016, yet all they have to show for it are one goal, two points and a possible early exit from the competition.

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Iceland to stick with counter-attacking style versus Austria

PARIS (Reuters) - Should tournament debutants Iceland reach the knockout stages of Euro 2016 by securing the result they need against Austria on Wednesday, much credit will go to a dentist and a film director.

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World champ Jin Wei to lead team at Asian Juniors

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will be banking on women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei to lead the team at the Asian Junior Championships in Bangkok from July 9-17.

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Germany to pack bigger punch against Northern Ireland

EVIAN, France (Reuters) - Germany have promised that their attack will pack a bigger punch when they face Northern Ireland on Tuesday after struggling up front in their first two Euro 2016 matches.

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Fever-stricken Buffon doubtful for Italy's game against Ireland

MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon skipped Sunday's training with a fever and is doubtful for his team's final Euro 2016 group game against Ireland, the Italian federation (FIGC) said on Monday.

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Salibasic is back but with Sabah in Premier League

GEORGE TOWN: Bosnian striker Muamer Salibasic is set to make a return to Malaysian football with Premier League outfit Sabah.

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Vardy will stay at Leicester, says Arsenal's Wenger

(Reuters) - Striker Jamie Vardy is likely to turn down a move to Arsenal and stay at Premier League Champions Leicester City, the north London club's manager Arsene Wenger has said.

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Italy coach Conte still hammering away at his players

MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - Italy's famously demanding coach Antonio Conte is not letting up at his players even after they made sure of a place in the round of 16, and top spot in their group at Euro 2016, with one match to spare.

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Analysis - Penalty miss exposes Ronaldo's set-piece obsession

PARIS (Reuters) - One question stands out after Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria on Saturday -- does Cristiano Ronaldo have to take every single free kick and penalty?

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Portugal's Santos berates Quaresma, won't discuss Ronaldo

PARIS (Reuters) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos hauled off Ricardo Quaresma after the winger failed to follow his tactical instructions as they struggled to make their domination count in a 0-0 draw with Austria at Euro 2016 on Saturday.

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Ronaldo miss helps Austria 'water the plant', says coach

PARIS (Reuters) - Austria have given themselves a shot in the arm after keeping Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side at bay and will go into their final group match against Iceland full of confidence, coach Marcel Koller said on Saturday.

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Germany have no scoring problem, will top group - Loew

EVIAN (Reuters) - Title contenders Germany do not have fundamental scoring problems despite a goalless draw against Poland and will top their Euro 2016 Group C with a win over Northern Ireland next week, coach Joachim Loew said on Saturday.

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Colombia reach Copa semis after shootout win over Peru

(Reuters) - Colombia beat Peru 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Friday to progress to the semi-finals of the Copa America after the two sides played to a dull scoreless draw in New Jersey.

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Ledley confident of Wales progress after England heartbreak

(Reuters) - Wales are in a fantastic position to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2016, despite Thursday's 2-1 stoppage-time loss to rivals England, midfielder Joe Ledley said.

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Analysis - Bold Hodgson reaps reward as Wales sit back

LENS, FRANCE (Reuters) - If England coach Roy Hodgson's two halftime substitutions proved decisive in turning the tide in their 2-1 victory over Wales on Thursday, he still risked a charge of not having made them before the game rather than midway through.

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Malaysia plunge to another low with loss to PNG

PETALING JAYA: The national football team suffered another humiliation. This time, going down 2-0 to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

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Thanks for the memories, France

PARIS: Travelling in style to Paris, getting up close and personal with one of the seven wonders of the world – the Eiffel Tower – interviewing Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel and having the best seat in the house for the Euro 2016 opening match between France and Romania at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

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Experience Euro magic through the eyes of Schmeichel

PARIS: Don't bet on any surprises. Instead, put your money on hosts France; if not, then Germany. And should there be a fairy tale, it’ll probably be Wales. Just ask Carlsberg Euro 2016 ambassador Peter Schmeichel.

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Russian supporters' association head to be deported from France

MARSEILLE (Reuters) - The head of a Russian football supporters' association, Alexander Shprygin, is among 20 Russian fans who are to expelled from France over the coming days, a police source said on Thursday.

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Deschamps displays tactical savoir-faire on way to last 16

PARIS (Reuters) - France coach Didier Deschamps has proved himself as a flexible tactician as the hosts have became the first team to reach the last 16 of Euro 2016.

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Cheryshev back at Villarreal after permanent move from Real

MADRID (Reuters) - Villarreal have acquired Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev on a permanent transfer with the Russian international signing a five-year deal with the La Liga club.

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Analysis - Pogba and Griezmann give best possible response

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Midfielder Paul Pogba and forward Antoine Griezmann gave the best possible response after they were left out of the starting lineup for France's 2-0 win over Albania on Wednesday.

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Italy switch thoughts from gloom to glory

MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio is convinced his national team can capture the Euro 2016 title following their opening defeat of touted Belgium.

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More to make Olympic cut, says a confident Al-Amin

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Olympic chef de mission Tan Sri Mohd Al-Amin Abdul Majid expects a 30-strong contingent to board the plane for Rio de Janeiro in August.

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Motivated Lee to show old is gold in last Olympics

PETALING JAYA: Having reclaimed the world No. 1 spot, and with his confidence boosted, Lee Chong Wei is ready to win Malaysia’s first Olympic medal.

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Italy can overcome Ibrahimovic threat to beat Sweden: De Rossi

(Reuters) - Italy are wary of the threat Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses but they can win Friday's Euro 2016 match in the same way they defeated Belgium, midfielder Daniele De Rossi has said.

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Dunga fired as Brazil coach

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil fired Dunga as coach on Tuesday, the national football confederation (CBF) said, two days after his side failed to get past the group stages of the Centenary Copa America.

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Ronaldo hits out at 'small time' Iceland in Euro draw

ST ETIENNE (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo led the complaints as Portugal reacted sulkily to their 1-1 draw with Iceland, blaming their opponents for not coming out to play.

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Russia handed suspended Euro 2016 disqualification

PARIS/NICE (Reuters) - Police on Tuesday detained 43 Russia fans suspected of taking part in clashes with England supporters in Marseille at the start of the Euro 2016 football tournament, and two cities in northern France imposed alcohol bans in a bid to avert more hooliganism.

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Loew's 'scratch and sniff' video no issue says Germany's Podolski

EVIAN, France (Reuters) - Embarrassing footage of Germany coach Joachim Loew scratching around inside the front and back of his trousers during their Euro 2016 win over Ukraine has caused a buzz back home but for winger Lukas Podolski it is not an issue.

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Prickly Wilmots deflects Belgium criticism after Italy defeat

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - Belgium coach Marc Wilmots reacted in prickly fashion to a flood of criticism after a 2-0 loss to Italy on Monday called into question his team's credentials at Euro 2016.

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Romania coach praises Switzerland ahead of Group A clash

PARIS (Reuters) - Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu portrayed his team as underdogs ahead of their Group A encounter with Switzerland at Euro 2016 on Wednesday, citing the Swiss squad’s greater experience of playing in Europe’s top leagues and his own players’ tiredness.

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De Bruyne was perhaps tired in Belgium defeat: Wilmots

LYON, France (Reuters) - Belgium coach Marc Wilmots blamed a "breakdown in communication" for one goal and said playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was "perhaps tired" in their 2-0 defeat by Italy in Euro 2016 Group E on Monday.

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Analysis - Zlatan again fails to shine in City of Light

PARIS (Reuters) - In the city where they are accustomed to savouring his magic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again failed to live up to his own exalted billing for Sweden as he went missing in their fortuitous 1-1 draw with Ireland.

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Ananlysis-Soccer-Champions Spain dominate but lack a cutting edge

TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) - Spain huffed and puffed, making hard work of their Euro 2016 opener before a late Gerard Pique goal blew away the Czech Republic resistance -- yet it could not conceal further evidence that Vicente del Bosque's champions may lack a killer instinct.

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Analysis - Streetwise Italy too cunning for Belgium

LYON, France (Reuters) - Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday.

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Lugubrious Del Bosque displays optimistic side after win

TOULOUSE, FRANCE (Reuters) - Relief ran through Spanish ranks after Gerard Pique's late header secured a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group D match at Euro 2016 on Monday.

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England do not lack passion or desire at Euro, says Hodgson

(Reuters) - England manager Roy Hodgson has hit out at critics who have questioned his team's patriotism and desire ahead of their European Championship clash against Wales in Lens on Thursday.

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Danish pair Kim-Anders eye world’s top 10 spot

KUALA LUMPUR: Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen have set their sights on breaking into the world’s top 10 in men’s doubles.

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No charity from Vittinghus as he claims Australian Open title

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Hans-Kristian Vittinghus lifted his first Superseries title after beating South Korean Jeon Hyeok-jin at the Australian Open in Sydney.

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Analysis - Dominant England punished by Russia for wasteful finishing

PARIS (Reuters) - A youthful England side produced a performance full of verve and skill but were punished for failing to convert their dominance into goals as Russia grabbed a late equaliser in their Euro 2016 opener in Marseille on Saturday.

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Swedes close ranks ahead of crunch match with Ireland

PARIS (Reuters) - Sweden elected to train behind closed doors on Saturday as they prepared for their Euro 2016 opener against Ireland following several flare-ups between players and coaches in training on Friday.

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Terim says Turkey captain Turan ready to face Croatia

PARIS - Coach Fatih Terim says a lack of playing time this season will not hamper captain Arda Turan when Turkey play Croatia in Euro 2016 Group D on Sunday, his team's first match at a major tournament in eight years.

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Schaer gives Switzerland 1-0 win over 10-man Albania

LENS, France (Reuters) - An early goal by defender Fabian Schaer earned Switzerland a 1-0 victory over debutants Albania whose captain was sent off before halftime in the Euro 2016 Group A match on Saturday.

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Analysis - Welsh work ethic disproves Bale one-man team theory

PARIS (Reuters) - Wales were billed as a team dependent on Gareth Bale but a 2-1 win over Slovakia in their Euro 2016 opener on Saturday was built on a pacey, fearless performance that should help prove they are more than a one-man show.

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Fellaini gets good Euro wishes from new boss Mourinho

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho, the new Manchester United manager, has sent a good luck text to the club's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who will make his bow at the European Championship on Monday.

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Wilmots tells Belgian players not to be naive

BORDEAUX, France - Belgium must not be naive in their approach to their opening European Championship match against Italy, coach Marc Wilmots warned on Saturday.

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France ready to roar after easing off pressure

PARIS (Reuters) - A draw against Romania in their Euro 2016 opening game on Friday would not have been a disaster for France but the hosts' last-gasp 2-1 win against their Group A rivals will allow them to play more freely in their upcoming matches.

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Mixed doubles pair falter at Australian Open semis

PETALING JAYA: It was the end of the road for mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying at the Australian Open in Sydney.

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England must play without fear say Hodgson and Rooney

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - England's exciting youngsters need to shake off the shackles of history and play without fear if they are to end 50 years without a major trophy at Euro 2016, coach Roy Hodgson and the squad's elder statesman Wayne Rooney said on Friday.

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Big pressure on England kids, says Slovakia coach

BORDEAUX, France(Reuters) - Slovakia coach Jan Kozak believes there is "big pressure" on Group B rivals England to perform at the European Championship in France.

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Euro-Club mates Bellerin, Rosicky set for Toulouse clash

PARIS, June 10 (Reuters) - - Spain full back Hector Bellerin is relishing the thought of facing Arsenal team mate Tomas Rosicky when the 2008 and 2012 European Championship winners take on Group D rivals Czech Republic on Monday.

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Temptation of draw might stymie England and Russia

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - England and Russia are the big beasts of Group B and, though each would love a winning start when they meet on Saturday, the fear of losing could well become all-pervading and lead to a cagey encounter.

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Deschamps urges Pogba to be more neutral midfielder

(Reuters) - Midfielder Paul Pogba still has room for improvement in his all-round game despite being one of the most exciting prospects in world football, France coach Didier Deschamps said ahead of Euro 2016 which starts on Friday.

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Chan-Goh hope to turn things around in Australian Open semis

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian mixed doubles ace Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying are back on their feet again.

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Conte banking on Juve backline to propel Italy in France

(Reuters) - Italy can rely on the solid foundation provided by the Juventus defence at the European Championship as manager Antonio Conte looks to free up his more attacking players by stifling the opposition.

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British soccer fans and locals clash in Marseille as Euro 2016 opens

PARIS/MARSEILLE (Reuters) - French police stepped in to halt skirmishes between British soccer fans and locals in the port city of Marseille overnight, just hours before the Euro 2016 championship opens in France.

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O'Neill backs Keane to succeed him as Ireland manager

(Reuters) - Roy Keane has the all the necessary qualities to become the next Ireland boss, manager Martin O'Neill has said after the pair extended their deals through to the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday.

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Neuer ready to play mentor's role at Euro 2016

(Reuters) - Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is ready to play the mentor's role irrespective of who leads the team in their Euro 2016 opener against Ukraine on Sunday.

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Ranking boost gives Lee hope of elusive badminton gold

(Reuters) - Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei believes his return to the top of world rankings after serving a doping ban will strengthen his bid for an elusive Olympic gold in his final Games at Rio in August.

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England's Hart keen to banish demons of the past at Euro 2016

(Reuters) - Goalkeeper Joe Hart is keen to forget England's failures at previous major tournaments and put his trust in the new young squad at the European Championship in France this month.

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Old-timers Koo-Tan are on song in Sydney, Goh-Tan fizzle out

PETALING JAYA: Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong sure love taking on Indonesia’s world No. 2 pair Hendra Setiawan-Mohd Ahsan.

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Ronaldo urges Portugal to stay grounded after Estonia romp

MADRID (Reuters) - Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has urged his team mates not to get carried away by the 7-0 romp over Estonia ahead of their campaign at the Euro 2016.

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Lee to lose No. 1 spot if Chen Long wins Australian Open

PETALING JAYA: Finally, Lee Chong Wei is officially back as the world No. 1 men’s singles shuttler. He overtook China’s Chen Long following his Indonesian Open triumph last Sunday.

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Young English team 'most serious' in years, Sagna says

CLAIREFONTAINE, France (Reuters) - England's young squad is the best the country has produced in a long time and is a serious contender to win Euro 2016, French fullback Bacary Sagna said on Wednesday.

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Defender Bailly signs for Man United on a four-year deal

(Reuters) - Jose Mourinho's rebuilding job at Manchester United began when Ivory Coast central defender Eric Bailly became his first signing on Wednesday, joining from Spanish side Villarreal.

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Jin Wei smashes her way through first Superseries match in Australia

PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Goh Jin Wei gave another glimpse of her immense potential when she ousted world No. 21 Michelle Li of Canada in the Australian Open.

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Zika threat bugging Chinese shuttler Wang

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The threat of Zika at the Rio Olympics is on the mind of many athletes but few more so than China's former badminton world champion Wang Yihan, who was attacked mercilessly by insects while competing in Indonesia last week.

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China cool on another badminton sweep at Rio

SYDNEY (Reuters) - China shrugged off badminton's biggest Olympic scandal to sweep all five titles at London four years ago but the Asian super-power is trying to keep a lid on expectations of another bumper gold medal haul at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

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U.S. hammer Costa Rica to keep Copa America hopes alive

(Reuters) - Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals on Tuesday after beating Paraguay in Pasadena, while the United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0.

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Chelsea and Mourinho settle with former doctor

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea and former manager Jose Mourinho have reached an undisclosed settlement with former team doctor Eva Carneiro at an employment tribunal in London, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

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Britain warns fans France Euro 2016 venues are potential targets

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Foreign Office has warned fans travelling to France for the Euro 2016 football tournament that its venues are "potential targets for terrorist attacks".

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Hungry Jin Wei wants more on Superseries debut in Australia

PETALING JAYA: Competing at the Uber Cup Finals has whetted Goh Jin Wei’s appetite for more.

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Vardy's exit will be catastrophic for Leicester, says Taggart

(Reuters) - Losing striker Jamie Vardy to Arsenal could spark an exodus of players from Leicester City, former defender Gerry Taggart has said, adding that the move could be catastrophic for the Premier League champions.

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Casillas hails healthy competition with de Gea

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain captain Iker Casillas believes David de Gea is "no longer a future prospect but a strong contender" to play in goal for the national team at Euro 2016.

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Ibrahimovic says can boost dismal popularity of France's Hollande

PARIS (Reuters) - With an ego the size of his imposing physique, Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he could use his image to boost the dismal ratings of French President Francois Hollande - but then he might not choose to do so.

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Gold would be sweet for factory girl Ratchanok

SYDNEY (Reuters) - As the humble daughter of factory workers at a Bangkok sweet-maker, badminton was a ticket out of poverty for Ratchanok Intanon, who hopes winning gold at the Rio Olympics might inspire more Thai girls to chase their dreams.

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Chong Wei withdraws from Australian Open with muscle injury

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lee Chong Wei have joined the cast of top guns in pulling out from the Australian Open in Sydney.

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Frank to work on power, strength and fitness of SEA Games football squad

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team still have plenty of work to do ahead of the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur next year.

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Milner wants England to avoid pointless Russian venture

(Reuters) - England need to secure at least a draw in their Euro 2016 opener against Russia on Saturday to avoid putting themselves on the back foot in the fight for places in the knockout rounds, midfielder James Milner has said.

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Messi more determined than ever to win with Argentina

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Argentina's Lionel Messi has unfinished business going into the Centenary Copa America that is being staged in the United States with the Barcelona star keen to help his nation capture a first major title in 23 years.

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Two late goals give Mexico 3-1 win over Uruguay

(Reuters) - Mexico scored twice in the final five minutes to beat Uruguay 3-1 in a pulsating Copa America Group C match in which each side had a man sent off on Sunday.

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'Cynical' play not the England way, says Hodgson

(Reuters) - England manager Roy Hodgson has no intention of urging his players to develop a "cynical" side to their game as a means to improve their chances of success at this month's European Championship in France.

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Coach Hendrawan believes Chong Wei is shaping up nicely for Rio

PETALING JAYA: National singles coach Hendrawan believes that Lee Chong Wei’s preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August is on the right track after the shuttler’s Indonesia Open triumph.

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Vardy wants to join Arsenal, says Giroud

LONDON (Reuters) - France and Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has fuelled speculation that Jamie Vardy is on his way to the Gunners by saying he has heard the Leicester City striker is keen to move.

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Young pair Ong-Teo nail Vietnam badminton title

PETALING JAYA: Youngsters Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi have nailed their third career title after winning the Vietnam International Challenge in Hanoi.

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Kim Swee: Be wary of wounded Timor Leste in Asian Cup playoff

JOHOR BARU: Timor Leste are ready to give Malaysia a run for their money in their bid to overturn the three-goal deficit in the second leg of the 2019 Asian Cup Finals playoff at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru on Monday.

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Giroud silences boo-boys with double in France victory

METZ, France (Reuters) - Much-maligned Olivier Giroud struck twice to help attack-minded France sink Scotland 3-0 in a final warm-up game before they launch Euro 2016 on home soil next week.

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Germany finally keep clean sheet in win over Hungary

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - Germany kept their first clean sheet for nearly a year as they coasted to a 2-0 win over fellow Euro 2016 finalists Hungary on Saturday in the final warm-up friendly for both teams.

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Northern Ireland extend record unbeaten run with Slovakia draw

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Northern Ireland will go into Euro 2016, their first finals appearance for 30 years, with the longest unbeaten run of all 24 teams after drawing 0-0 with Slovakia in a warm-up match in Trnava on Saturday.

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Chong Wei wins sixth Indonesia Open title

PETALING JAYA: Lee Chong Wei fended off a strong challenge from Denmark’s Jan O’ Jorgensen to win the Indonesia Open title on Sunday.

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Courageous Khairul sprints to historic Asian junior gold

PETALING JAYA: Khairul Hafiz Jantan created history by winning the gold medal in the boys’ 100m at the 17th Asian Junior Athletics Championships in Vietnam.

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Lee finds his Wei back to world No. 1 spot

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lee Chong Wei is all set to regain the world No. 1 spot after smashing his way into the men’s singles final at the Indonesia Open.

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Rachel goes down fighting at Penang Open final

PETALING JAYA: Rachel Arnold failed in her bid to win a second career title at the Penang Open squash championship after losing 11-7, 7-11, 10-12, 12-10, 3-11 to Tong Tsz Wing of Hong Kong in the final at the Nicol David International Squash Centre on Saturday.

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Japanese pair stand in the way of Yew Sin-Ee Yi in final

PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi stayed on course for their third title of the year after storming into the final of the Vietnam International Challenge in Hanoi.

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Arsenal trigger Vardy's Leicester buy-out clause - reports

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal have triggered a buy-out clause in striker Jamie Vardy's contract with English champions Leicester City after making a bid of about 20 million pounds, several British media reports said on Friday.

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Amelia hits the right note with new partner Mei Xing

PETALING JAYA: Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Teoh Mei Xing continue to show progress by beating Singapore’s Elaine Chua-Citra Dewi Sari 21-18, 18-21, 21-16 to reach the semi-finals of the Vietnam International Challenge in Hanoi.

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Leicester City sign goalkeeper Zieler from Hannover 96

(Reuters) - English Premier League champions Leicester City have signed German goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler from Hannover 96 for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract, the club announced on their website on Friday.

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Show stealers Vivian-Khe Wei enter semis in Jakarta, Chong Wei too

PETALING JAYA: Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei continued to steal the show by marching into the women’s doubles semi-finals of the Indonesia Open in Jakarta.

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England sink Portugal thanks to late Smalling goal

LONDON (Reuters) - England defender Chris Smalling headed the only goal with five minutes left as they beat 10-man Portugal 1-0 in a turgid Euro 2016 warm-up match at Wembley on Thursday.

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A jinx that Ying Ying is determined to break

PETALING JAYA: National women’s singles shuttler Lee Ying Ying believes she has been making good progress but is hampered by her lack of confidence.

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Vivian-Khe Wei turn jeers into cheers with stunning win

PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei turned boos into cheers with a sterling display to beat home favourites and world No. 2 Nitya Krishinda Maheswari-Greysia Polli in the quarter-finals of the Indonesian Open in Jakarta.

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Experienced Rooney keen to lead England's youngsters at Euros

(Reuters) - Skipper Wayne Rooney is counting on his years of experience playing for England to help him lead coach Roy Hodgson's relatively young side at the European Championship.

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Chong Wei is country’s flag bearer at Rio Games

PETALING JAya: Malaysia's top shuttler Lee Chong Wei has been named as Malaysia’s flag bearer in the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Aug 5.

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Nolito and Morata fire Spain to easy win over South Korea

(Reuters) - European Champions Spain produced a dominant display to thrash South Korea 6-1 in Salzburg, Austria on Wednesday in their penultimate friendly before Euro 2016.

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Zulfadli nicks a game from Lin Dan in Indonesia Open

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli has always wanted to see how he stacks up against the world’s best.

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Former international shuttler Giap Chin on the rise again

PETALING JAYA: Things are certainly looking up at the moment for shuttler Goh Giap Chin.

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