London, Mar 24: University eggheads have unveiled a formula for the perfect spot kick – leaving no excuse for footballers who’re prone to fluffing penalties.

Researchers, who studied hour after hour of footage to reach the conclusion, say the formula promises 100 per cent success.

According to them, the shot should be 65mph or more, which requires a run-up of five to six paces, commencing from the edge of the 18-yard line — approaching the ball at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees.

And it must cross the goal line at exactly 0.5m below crossbar and 0.5m inside either post.

London - Chelsea's fading Premier League title hopes suffered a further blow on Monday as Nicolas Anelka was confirmed to be suffering a toe injury.

The France striker has been ruled out of his country's two World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania, and could miss Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.

Anelka has been replaced in the France squad by Paris St Germain's Guillaume Hoarau.

Dusseldorf - Germany are aiming to take another step towards the 2010 World Cup with qualifying round wins against Liechtenstein and Wales despite some injury concerns.

Forward Miroslav Klose, midfielder Torsten Frings and defender Arne Freidrich are not fit to play while there are doubts around midfielder Piotr Trochowski and goalkeeper Rene Adler.

But coach Joachim Loew insisted on Monday that "we have players to replace them."

Vienna - Disgraced Austrian cross-country ski coach Walter Mayer has been arrested on doping charges, the Austrian Press Agency APA reported on Monday.

Citing prosecutors, APA said that Mayer is under investigation for buying the blood booster EPO at a Vienna pharmacist and distributing it to athletes.

The pharmacist is suspected of having sold doping substances to Mayer and an Austrian cyclist. The pharmacist and cyclist, who have not been identified, have also been arrested over the affair.

Dubai, Mar. 23 : The presentation of the Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship mace and the Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Championship shield plus prize money cheques will be made to the captains of the Australia and South Africa teams in Johannesburg on March 25.

The ceremony will take place at the Wanderers Club and David Richardson, ICC General Manager - Cricket, will make the presentations.