SPORTS 100604

Football first – and Rafael Benitez has quit Liverpool!

Widespread reports had suggested that he was set to depart on Wednesday night but the club have now confirmed the news on their official website.

Benitez who took over from Gerard Houllier in 2004, had a disappointing season which saw Liverpool finish seventh in the Premier League, just 12 months after being runners-up to Manchester United.
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Back on the pitch and in World Cup warm-ups – Germany came back from a goal down to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1.

Edin Dzeko got Bosnia onto the score-sheet first, but it wasn’t until the second half where captain Phillip Lahm and two penalties from Bastian Schweinsteiger rescued the Germans.

In other ties – Spain only managed a 1-nil win over South Korea; and World Champions Italy were stunned by Mexico 2-1.
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Back home in the S-League – Tampines Rovers lost only their second match of the season last night when they were beaten 2-1 by the Young Lions away.

Playing at the Jalan Besar Stadium – Fazli Ayob’s 59th minute goal won the game for the Lions after the game was tied at 1-all at half-time.

In another match – Rivaldo Costa’s only goal of the game sank Albirex Niigata into deep trouble as Balestier Khalsa won 1-nil away at the Jurong East Stadium.

More S-League action tonight as SAFFC take on Gombak United – where the Warriors hope to continue their winning streak and stay in touch with the leaders.

That tie will kick-off at 7:30pm at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
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Finally in Tennis and at the French Open - Samantha Stosur blasted Jelena Jankovic off the court 6-1, 6-2 within an hour to reach the finals.

The Australian will now meet Italy’s Francesca Schiavone in what will be both women's maiden grand slam finals.

Schiavone however was gifted her place in Saturday's showpiece after her semi-final opponent Elena Dementieva became the first woman ever to retire so late in the tournament with the tie at 7-6 in Schiavone’s favour.
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