Sports News

Give Babbel a chance as Stuttgart coach, says keeper Lehmann

Jens LehmannStuttgart - Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has called for Markus Babbel to be given a chance as coach of the Bundesliga club even without the German football federation's coaching badge.

The former Germany international defender Babbel has led Stuttgart to wins in both matches since succeeding the sacked Armin Veh a fortnight ago. Babbel, who was an assistant to Veh, has initially been made interim coach.

On Saturday he comes up against Bayern Munich, one of his former clubs, in the last day of the Bundesliga season before the winter break.

Hanover won't use part-time goalie Rosenthal again

Jan RosenthalHanover, Germany - Midfielder Jan Rosenthal won't be used in the Hanover 96 go

CL adventurers Anorthosis aim to come lucky again in Greece

UEFA Champions League LogoAthens - Anorthosis Famagusta can extend their unexpected European Champions League adventure into the knockout stages if they do well against a Greek side again on Tuesday.

Anorthosis became the first team from Cyprus to qualify for the group stage of the elite event when they knocked out Olympiakos Piraeus in the third qualifying round.

Now a victory at Panathinaikos Athens is required to join Inter Milan in the round of 16 from group B.

Five teams battle to reach Champions League KO stage

Five teams battle to reach Champions League KO stageHamburg - Five teams are fighting for the last three places in the knockout stage of the Champions League when the last group matches take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

There is also plenty at stake for clubs now out of contention in the Champions League but seeking UEFA Cup participation as third-place finishers in their groups.

Roma, Chelsea, Girondins Bordeaux in Group A, and Panathinaikos and Anorthosis Famagusta in Group B are vying for the remaining three places in the last 16.

Worried Atletico travel to Marseille on match day

Atletico Madrid LogoMadrid - Spanish giants Atletico Madrid announced on Monday that they would travel to Marseille, for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Olympique just hours ahead of the kickoff.

Like most European teams, Atletico normally travel the day before the game, in order to get used to the city, the stadium and the weather.

This time, however, Atletico have decided to fly later because of serious security concerns.

Atletico have received several threats from Marseille "ultras", because of the sentence handed out on Friday by a Madrid court to OM fan Santos Mirasierra.

Krejza, Watson recalled to Oz Test squad

Sydney, Dec 8 : Injured spinner Jason Krejza and all-rounder Shane Watson have been recalled to Australia’s 12-man squad for next week’s first Test against South Africa beginning in Perth.

Off-spinner Krejza has been selected subject to fitness after missing the second Test win over New Zealand in Adelaide due to an ankle injury, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played a Test since taking 12 wickets on his debut in the final Test against India in Nagpur last month. Watson edged him out in the opening match of the NZ series in Brisbane.

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