Sport blogs

iBet: A tight game between Northampton and Bradford

A tight game could be in prospect here. Northampton have been keeping things very tight of late and ...

On The Road at the Giro d’Italia: Feeling ill and racing in the rain must be pretty grim

I can’t ever watch games of football or rugby without wistfully wondering what it must be like to be...

PSG and the French league must be more proactive in dealing with hooliganism

Since PSG’s exit to Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final in April, PSG have been sur...

The Independent around the web

Qatar ready to host 2022 World Cup 'in summer or winter'

Summer heats could see tournament moved

Giovanni Trapattoni gestures during his side’s 6-1 defeat to Germany

Giovanni Trapattoni backs Republic of Ireland spirit over flair ahead of Sweden test

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is convinced his team's strong spirit makes up for their lack of individual flair.

Gareth Bale is mobbed after his winning goal against Scotland in October

Scotland v Wales: There's more to Wales than just Gareth Bale warns Ashley Williams

Captain Ashley Williams warned Scotland that Wales are anything but a one-man team ahead of tonight's 2014 World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.

Gordon Strachan faces his first competitive game as manager

Scotland v Wales: Gordon Strachan puts faith in players

Gordon Strachan will send out a team he can trust in tonight's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Wales at Hampden.

San Marino v England: Can England add to their biggest away wins?

England take on San Marino tonight with nothing more than a convincing victory expected against one of the lowest ranked teams in world football.

Zaha, who opened the scoring for England, steals the ball

Wilfried Zaha versatility important for England U21s says Brian Eastick

Wilfried Zaha can provide England Under-21s with a different dimension as a lone striker, according to coach Brian Eastick.

Zaha, who opened the scoring for England, steals the ball

England 3 Romania 0 match report: Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha run the show for Stuart Pearce's in-form Under-21 side

If this was a glimpse of the future for English football, then Stuart Pearce should have a summer to savour.

Police battle rioting fans when violence erupts at a football match between fans of Red Star Belgrade and Dynamo Zagreb Yugoslavia in 1990

Croatia v Serbia the rematch: memories of riots, battles and war crimes

Eighteen years ago they were engaged in one of Europe's most bloody conflicts since the end of the Second World War. Now, they meet on the football pitch for the first time as independent states

Gordon Strachan faces his first competitive game as manager

Scotland v Wales: 'Gordon Strachan has made players better – we must repay him,' says Gary Caldwell

Defender relishing fresh start for Scotland under new reign and can see end to wilderness years

Gareth Bale is mobbed after his winning goal against Scotland in October

Scotland v Wales: Chris Coleman hopes club success will rub off for his side

Against Scotland, Coleman needs a taste of same heady mixture enjoyed by Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham

San Marino’s Michele Cervellini, a full-time student, tangles with England’s Danny Welbeck at Wembley last year

San Marino v England: San Marino are pointless as they prop up most of the rest of the world

The Italian republic have failed to score a goal in qualifying and are joint bottom of global rankings

Gerrard: 'It's about us getting that breakthrough as early as we can. They’re happy to stop us and keep the scoreline down'

San Marino v England: Steven Gerrard eyes early goal to release pressure

After injury withdrawals and the Ferdinand affair, even facing San Marino is not without pitfalls

Hodgson is keen for Ferdinand to return to the squad

Roy Hodgson on Rio Ferdinand's flight to Qatar: I'm not interested in Rio or what he is doing

England manager focuses on players with squad as doubts increase over Manchester United defender's international future

Rio Ferdinand has to cope with back and groin problems

Roy Hodgson to 'wait and see' over Rio Ferdinand's England future

The Manchester United defender pulled out of the England squad due to fitness concerns

Leon Osman pictured training with England

Leon Osman has been 'carrying' Everton this season claims David Moyes

Everton manager delighted with midfielder's call up to England squad

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'There is a battle going on inside us that is never discussed'
Have US shock jocks gone too far?

Have US shock jocks gone too far?

An incendiary remark from Rush Limbaugh may be the beginning of the end for outspoken right-wing US broadcasters
The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey pays more income tax than big cities of the North

The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey

Elmbridge pays more income tax than big cities of the North
Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies

Michael Landy's artistic marriage made in heaven... and hell
'He will always be a friend': Jackie Stewart backs Polanski

'He will always be a friend'

Jackie Stewart backs Roman Polanski
The price of pacifism: Refusing to go to war is finally being recognised as a brave act

The price of pacifism

From the Second World War refusenik to the 19-year-old Israeli, Holly Williams talks to five people who risked shame and suffering to take a stand as conscientious objector.
'It was mass hysteria': Jason Isaacs on groupies, theatre bores and snogging James Bond

Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond

To millions, Jason Isaacs is one of Harry Potter's arch enemies – but his wife prefers him as a Scottish TV detective.
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?

Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?

Thomas Hodgkinson spent a week at the tiny platform off the Suffolk coast to find out.
Not a bad bone: Mark Hix cooks with cutlets and ribs

Mark Hix cooks with cutlets and ribs

If you ignore cutlets and ribs, you'll risk missing out on some delicious and easy meals, says our chef.
The experts' guide to summer: From getting fit for the beach to recreating that Olympic buzz

The experts' guide to summer

From getting fit for the beach to recreating that Olympic buzz
Sex, drugs and fast cars: The legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing

Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing

Early glimpses of Ron Howard's film Rush suggest it will portray Hunt as a high-living lothario, with an insatiable appetite for partying.
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation when using drugs and alcohol. It was hurting my life'

Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'

The next Vanilla Ice or the next Eminem? Macklemore doesn't have a record contract – but he does have the UK's biggest-selling single of the year.
Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes

Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes

Sri Lankan cuisine is light, sunny, wonderfully spiced – and so easy to cook from scratch. Just as soon as you've broken into the coconut, that is.
Sir James Dyson’s latest project: Cleaning up hospitals

Sir James Dyson’s latest project: Cleaning up hospitals

Doctors are hailing the revamp of a Bath neonatal unit, where babies sleep more and feed better, as the model for patient care
One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned

One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned

Epecuen was submerged under 10 metres of water in 1985. Now the floods have gone – and 83-year-old Pablo Novak has moved back in