Holland striker Babel injured, out of Euro 2008

Striker Ryan Babel has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 tournament starting next week after sustaining an injury in training, Dutch football officials said on Saturday.

The Liverpool forward is thought to have ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Coach Marco van Basten has yet to name his replacement.

Holland who won the tournament 20 years ago open their Euro 2008 campaign against Italy on June 9 and will play France four days later.

Torres signs on for 2017-18 at Atletico

Fernando Torres has signed a one-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid for the forthcoming 2017-18 season.

Former Spain striker Torres is in his second stint with his boyhood club, having re-joined from AC Milan in January 2015 on the back of wildly contrasting spells at Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League.

In total the 33-year-old has 105 goals for Atletico, including 28 under current boss Diego Simeone.

Torres largely serves as back-up to the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro nowadays but will continue to provide welcome squad depth for Simeone, with Atletico restricted by a transfer ban during the current close season.

I am very happy to continue one more year together, said Torres in brief statement on Atleti s official webs…

World Cup winner Neuer announces Germany retirement

Looking back today, I am filled with pride and gratitude! Not least because we met on 13th July 2014, we were able to fulfil our big dream and together became world champions in Brazil, Neuer wrote.

For a total of 7 years and 61 games, I was allowed up to my injury to lead the German national team as captain on the field. An honour that I appreciate every time.

This year s home European Championship was another highlight, even if it unfortunately wasn t enough for the title. Because, in every second, I felt a very special euphoria and cohesion all over the country. Let s keep that in mind!

Many thanks to all the staff, supervisors, coaches and also fellow players who have supported me since my debut in the national team on 02. Joined June 2009!

And I…

Euro 2008 day fifteen, quarter-final 3 – Holland 1-3 Russia aet. Arshavin’s the man!

With comprehensive wins against the two world cup finalists, France and Italy, together with a fine victory by their reserve side against Romania, Holland had become many people s favourites to win the tournament.

The style of football they have produced, particularly on the counter attack, has endeared them to nearly everyone who has watched them.

Russia started the tournament slowly but in their must win game against Sweden in the final group match they produced a performance of fast flowing football that made most observers sit up and take notice.

It was against that background that this particular quarter-final promised to be a classic. So the world sat down with great anticipation to watch the game. It did not disappoint but in truth, the Dutch did. Russia …

Champions League final: How have Liverpool and Real Madrid evolved since 2018 in Kyiv?

You could be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu when Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The two European giants faced off in 2018 in Kyiv, with Los Blancos running out 3-1 winners thanks to, among other things, a sensational Gareth Bale overhead kick.

Four years later Liverpool and Madrid ready to battle it out to be crowned kings of the continent, with 19 European Cups/Champions Leagues already between them.

Just how much have the two teams changed since then, though? Stats Perform has taken a look at both to see if there are any similarities and marked differences to expect in Paris.

From nearly men to trophy collectors

One of the many reasons defeat in Kyiv hurt for Liverpool …

Final 2011-12 English Premier League table

Manchester City won the English Premier League title courtesy of a dramatic extra-time winner from Sergio Agüero against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, May 13.

Now then, let s take a look at the final 2011-12 Premier League table.

1. Manchester City

2. Manchester United

3. Arsenal

4. Tottenham Hotspur

5. Newcastle United

6. Chelsea

7. Everton

8. Liverpool

9. Fulham

10. West Bromwich Albion

11. Swansea City

12. Norwich City

13. Sunderland

14. Stoke City

15. Wigan Athletic

16. Aston Villa

17. Queens Park Rangers

18. Bolton Wanderers

19. Blackburn Rovers

20. Wolverhampton Wanderers

UEFA Champions League<…

Ravens vs Dolphins Thursday Night Football Picks and Predictions: Blowout Unlikely Despite 'Phins Faults

After an encouraging 10-win season a year ago, the Miami Dolphins have been among the disappointments of the season through nine weeks.

The two-win Miami squad won’t find things any easier on Thursday Night Football, as Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens come to town.

Can you trust the ‘Phins as NFL betting underdogs or is Baltimore a safe bet? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Ravens vs. Dolphins on Thursday, November 11.

Patriots vs Steelers Week 2 Props: An Ascending Tight End Shines in Three Rivers Rock Fight

Two vestiges of the AFC of old will meet in Week 2, as the 0-1 New England Patriots travel to face the 1-0 Pittsburgh Steelers. 

New England couldn’t have feared a worse opening day, losing 20-7 to Miami while its clown car offensive coaching staff appeared equal parts clueless and uninspiring. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, turned the page from Ben Roethlisberger’s hefty chapter to a new era, with Mitch Trubisky guiding it to a divisional win over Cincinnati.

With one of the lowest totals on the NFL betting board this week, there isn’t going to be fireworks in Pittsburgh Sunday — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value in the NFL player props market, and we break it down with our Patriots vs. Steelers prop picks. 

How To Watch NFL Games Live Free With bet365

The 2023 NFL season kicks off in a week, and while there are a number of different subscription-based TV channels and streaming services available to watch NFL action… did you know that you can also live stream NFL action directly from legal sports betting sites?

In Canada, bet365 is one of our most trusted NFL betting sites — that also offers NFL live streaming on their platform for eligible Canadian customers.

Read on for more details on bet365’s NFL live streaming… plus the best sign-up offer in case you don’t have an account with them already!

Bears vs Lions Odds, Picks, and Predictions Week 11: Goff & Co. Engage in NFC North Shootout

The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears in Week 11 odds of NFL action on Sunday. The Lions are atop the NFC North with a 7-2 record while the Bears remain at the bottom at 3-7, but Chicago did get some good news this week when it was announced that quarterback Justin Fields would return to the lineup.

NFL odds have the Lions as 8-point favorites with the Over/Under listed at 48.5 for this showdown between division rivals. Here are my best free NFL picks for Bears vs. Lions on November 19. 

Bears vs Lions odds

Bears vs Lions predictions

The Detroit Lions are rolling but I’m not sold on their defense, especially after giving up 38 points last Sunday for the second time in their last three games. They are 12…