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General Sports News

Rafa rounds on his critics

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 11/03/2009

Rafael Benitez wants Liverpool's 4-0 Champions League rout of Real Madrid to finally end suggestions that he is a negative coach.

Pre-match betting expectations were that the Reds would look to preserve their 1-0 first-leg advantage, but they roared into the last eight following their demolition of the Spanish champions with two goals from Steven Gerrard and one each from Fernando Torres and Andrea Dossena.

After the match, Benitez was in combative mood and used the opportunity to turn on his critics, who he claims don't give him enough respect for the job he has done at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink hailed Chelsea's composure after they also booked their place in the quarter-finals following a 3-2 aggregate victory over Juventus.

Hiddink was pleased that the Blues did not panic despite twice falling behind in Turin during their 2-2 second-leg draw.

At Newcastle United, key striker Michael Owen will make his return from a six-week lay-off with an ankle injury in Saturday's game against Hull City.

West Ham though are ruing their misfortune after losing midfielder Valon Behrami for up to six months with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

In cricket, Andrew Strauss has defended the timing of England's second-innings declaration in the drawn fifth Test against West Indies.

The West Indies batted out time to reach 114-8 at close of play on the final day in Trinidad to secure the draw which ensured they won the series by a 1-0 scoreline.

Earlier England had batted until lunch, but captain Strauss brushed off suggestions that they had failed to take the gamble of declaring soon enough.

Elsewhere, the ICC's chief executives' committee has recommended South Africa to replace Pakistan as the host for the Champions Trophy, which begins in September.

Meanwhile, Martin Johnson has made three changes to his England side for Sunday's rugby union Six Nations encounter with France at Twickenham.

Lock Simon Shaw, flanker Tom Croft and winger Ugo Monye come into the team while Nick Kennedy and James Haskell drop to the bench. Paul Sackey has been forced to drop out of the squad because of an ankle injury.

Danny Care, who was sin-binned against Ireland, retains his place on the bench while Gloucester flanker Luke Narraway drops out of the 22-man squad altogether.

France have made four changes to their starting line-up with coach Marc Lievremont opting to leave Benoit Baby, Fulgence Ouedraogo and Fabien Barcella out of his starting line-up.

Sebastien Chabal has been switched from the second row to openside flanker.

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