Euro 2012: Players to watch – Giorgos Samaras (Greece)

The lofty Greek striker has shaken off a patchy spell at Manchester City to become one of the tournament s more feared target men.

The slender build and six foot 4 inch frame of Giorgos Samaras does little to suggest he is a natural-born, old-fashioned striker, but the Greek frontman is carved from the same granite as an Ian Rush or a Christian Vieri.

The kind of forward who attacks with his back pushed against the defenders and heads home every cross coming his way. The 27-year-old Celtic attacker is a potent threat in any side.

With the gift of tremendous dribbling ability, Samaras has found himself playing in a variety of positions, from winger to second striker.

While at Manchester City, Sven-Göran Eriksson used to field him on the left flank, eve…

FA Cup final 2019: Kompany and the perfect farewell that would feel too soon

At least for another 24 hours or so, the FA Cup occupies a particular place in the modern history of Manchester City.

It is the only honour the club has won since the 1976 EFL Cup that was not initially presented to Vincent Kompany.

Carlos Tevez was City s captain when Yaya Toure scored the only goal to down Stoke City at Wembley eight years ago, but the true identity of the on-field leader in sky blue was already common knowledge.

Tevez s infamous touchline spat with then-manager Roberto Mancini and extended golfing holiday were still to come, but a hastily made and withdrawn transfer request in December 2010 highlighted strained relations.

At a time of accelerated, turbulent change, Kompany became City s anchor. He skippered the side when they beat Manc…

Ghana 2-1 Zambia: Black Stars mute noisy Chipolopolo to enhance Brazil 2014 dream

Ghana beat Zambia to confirm their place in the next round of the 2014 World Cup qualification for the Caf region.

A first-half goal from Spartak Moscow forward Abdul Majeed Waris gave the Black Stars the lead at half-time before a second-half Kwadwo Asamoah strike doubled the Ghanaians lead.

Despite a second-half strike from Nathan Sinkala, the two goals were enough to see the four-time African champions through to the next round where they will meet a team yet to be decided in a two-legged play-off tie to represent the continent in Brazil next year.

The Black Stars had taken the lead through a stooping header, directed into the roof of the net from Waris and despite the Zambians looking more comfortable in possession and seeing more of the ball, they failed…

Euro 2024 social round-up: Fussballliebe gets makeover, ice-cool Ivan Toney

The final three matches of Euro 2024 are upon us, and the action kicked off on Tuesday with Spain taking on France.

Les Bleus were one of the pre-tournament favourites, but it is Spain who were more impressive en route to the last four.

The other semi-final will see England face the Netherlands on Wednesday.

And here, we round up the best posts from social media across the past few days.

Ice-cool Ivan

Ivan Toney stayed cool from the spot as he slotted his penalty home for England in their 5-3 shoot-out win over Switzerland.

The Brentford man showed the kind of composure he has so often in the Premier League, being widely regarded as one of the best penalty takers in the European game.

Indeed, such is the 28-year-old s confidence …

Espanyol v Barcelona: Luis Enrique demands improvement despite stellar 2015

Luis Enrique has urged his players to keep improving as Barcelona prepare to take on local rivals Espanyol in their first game of 2016.

The Catalan giants ended a stunning 2015 on a high by beating Real Betis 4-0 on Wednesday to cement their place at the top of La Liga and cap a year in which they won five major trophies out of a possible six.

Their head coach is not getting carried away, though, and wants to do even better in the year ahead.

I don t dwell on memories and 2015 is in the past, Luis Enrique told the Barcelona website.

Now I m interested in 2016 and being the best again. That s what professionals do.

Everyone can get better. The players, the coaches, and all the people that form part of this club.

There is very little …

Brentford´s Thiago ruled out until late 2024

Brentford have confirmed that record signing Igor Thiago has had successful surgery on his meniscus injury sustained in pre-season, but will be out of action until late 2024.

Thiago, who arrived from Club Brugge for £30million in July, picked up the injury in Brentford s 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon earlier this month.

The Brazilian had scored twice on his first appearance for the club against the League Two side, but was withdrawn from the action at half-time.

Thiago was expected to be the replacement for Brentford s all-time top scorer Ivan Toney, but the recent news makes a move for the England international now less likely.

The 23-year-old scored 29 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian side last season, helping them claim a 19…

Dolphins vs Saints MNF Prop Bets: Ingram, Tua, Defenses Offering Juicy Prop Odds

Monday Night Football is a bit of a mess in Week 16, with the New Orleans Saints forced to march out a fourth-string quarterback for their homestand against the Miami Dolphins.

That has bettors a little iffy on the side and the total for this primetime non-conference clash, which means Monday Night Football props are the play tonight. Books rolled out a lengthy list of alternative odds and proposition wagers, allowing NFL bettors to steer into the skid.

Here are our free NFL prop picks for Dolphins at Saints on Monday, December 27.

NFL Best Bets and Player Props for Week 13: Zay Jones Keeps Rolling in Motown

Week 13 is fast approaching, and more information is trickling in, which is what drives the player prop market.

Wrapping up my Week 13 prop card are two plays that are already looking like winners. I’m backing a running back who will get all the carries in the highest total game of the week, plus getting a value receiver in a potential shootout.

Check out my NFL prop picks ahead of Sunday. 

Raiders vs Chiefs Prop Bets: Rice Shines in Christmas Showdown

With the playoffs on the horizon, the Kansas City Chiefs are running out of time to find their best form, but all they’ll want from this Week 16 odds matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is a division-clinching win.

The Chiefs are double-digit favorites in the latest NFL odds and all eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as they try to wrap up an eighth straight AFC West crown. 

There are lots of markets to choose from on Monday. I’ve been checking the list of player props (and checking it twice), and these three NFL picks jump off the screen.

Make sure to also check out our Raiders vs. Chiefs betting picks and Patrick Mahomes spotlight before placing your wagers!

How to Live Stream Packers vs Eagles Game for Free

Soccer-mad Brazilian sports fans will get to enjoy a different kind of football tonight when the Green Bay Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles in sunny Sao Paolo.

The early anticipated showdown will be the first NFL regular season game played in South America, and 49,000 local fans are expected to pack Corinthians Arena to witness the awesome spectacle.

There are a number of subscription-based TV channels and streaming services available to watch this evening’s game, but did you know you can also live stream the action directly from legal sports betting sites?

Discover the details below and be sure to read our Packers vs. Eagles predictions ahead of kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.