SAO PAULO (AP) — Without star midfielder Arturo Vidal, Chile looked nothing like the powerhouse that knocked defending champion Spain out of the World Cup. One of the most attacking and attractive teams at the tournament thus far, Chile started out with its trademark style but faded quickly as the Dutch established their dominance and earned a 2-0 victory Monday. … Read More
SAO PAULO (AP) — Even after taking a hard blow to the head that left him motionless on the pitch, Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Pereira insisted on staying in the game Thursday for his team’s World Cup game against England. Pereira collided with England’s Raheem Sterling in the 61st minute of Uruguay’s 2-1 victory Thursday. As he slid for a ball … Read More
SAO PAULO (AP) — A confident Croatia is ready to spoil Brazil’s party in their World Cup opener and continue a long tradition of first match upsets at the tournament. With all the pressure on the host team, Croatia coach Niko Kovac said Wednesday that his team can deliver a “historic result” in Thursday’s match in Sao Paulo. Kovac acknowledged … Read More
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — More than 20,000 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans thronged a central square in the Israeli city on Monday to celebrate the team’s stunning victory in the European basketball championship, capping a national outpouring of joy that went far beyond the boundaries of sports. The upset victory over Real Madrid was the talk of the town Monday, … Read More
NETANYA, Israel (AP) — At the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, a young Mordechai Shpigler curled a mighty left-foot strike into the back of the net to secure a 1-1 draw for Israel against Sweden. The goal became a seminal moment in Israeli sports and turned Shpigler into a national icon. To the frustration of Israeli fans, it also remains … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — It’s the crown jewel of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat’s ambitious grand plan to promote his ancient city: a scenic, world-class marathon winding through historic hills and religious sites. But like many things in Jerusalem, even Friday’s marathon has become fraught with politics, a magnet for opposing claims by Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians have called for a … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — Under heavy security, a Muslim football player whose signing with a Jerusalem club sparked a violent uprising by a hardcore group of racist fans made his much anticipated debut Sunday to a rousing ovation. Hundreds of police deployed around Beitar Jerusalem’s stadium, two days after a suspicious fire believed to be set by angry fans destroyed the … Read More
HERZLIYA, Israel — One of the world’s most decorated Olympians is living quietly in Israel, a country that just wrapped up its participation in the world competition without a single medal. Agnes Keleti, 91 now, won 10 Olympic medals in gymnastics, including five golds, for Hungary in the 1950s before defecting and emigrating to Israel. That was just one chapter … Read More
JERUSALEM — For a day, at least, more pressing national concerns – the Iranian nuclear threat, the civil war in Syria – were pushed off the front pages of Israel. Instead, the papers focused on disappointment over what was supposed to be a happy distraction: Israel will not bring home a medal from the London Olympics, its first failure at … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — As one of only six Israelis to have won an Olympic medal, Arik Zeevi already has earned his place among the country’s sporting pantheon. But the 35-year-old judoka, who recently won the European title in the 100-kilogram class, is not ready to call it quits just yet. He’s got one more fight left in him: a run … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — With a pair of Jewish ex-major leaguers on his roster, the new coach of Israel’s team in the World Baseball Classic says his squad is already a legitimate contender. Former All-Star catcher Brad Ausmus said Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler have committed to play for him, and he’s hopeful that other Jewish big leaguers, including All-Stars such … Read More
HERZLIYA, Israel (AP) _ For more than seven hours a day, Sergey Richter stares through a sight and repeatedly fires bullets into bulls-eyes far in the distance. He’s also been taking aim at a target far more difficult: raising enough money to compete in the Olympics. Richter is among the top sharpshooters in the world and one of Israel’s best … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — Hanoch Shahar discovered a lifelong love of running as a child orphaned in World War II. On Friday, the 77-year-old Holocaust survivor ran along with some 15,000 other athletes in Jerusalem’s second annual marathon. The oldest of the runners, Shahar ran 10 kilometers (six miles) in an hour and four minutes. He completed a full marathon two … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) – Throughout its history, the Beitar Jerusalem football club has won 13 trophies, counted prime ministers among its fans and played in numerous European competitions. One thing the club has yet to do: Include an Arab player on its roster. As the only major Israeli team never to integrate, Beitar Jerusalem is now under heavy pressure – particularly … Read More
JERUSALEM — Three Jewish former major leaguers have joined Israel’s bid for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, a move that could transform the baseball backwater into a legitimate contender. Shawn Green, Brad Ausmus and Gabe Kapler met this week in Los Angeles with Israeli baseball officials and committed to helping Israel field a competitive team in next year’s WBC qualifying … Read More