Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri thinks comparisons between Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero are unfair as the two strikers go head-to-head in the top-of-table clash at Manchester City.

As many expected,

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Legends from soccer, GAA and rugby have come out in support of a campaign to raise funds for a memorial for a footballer who was the first Irish man to play for Manchester United.

WORLD CUP GROUP B:

Australia 2 Holland 3

Norwich 0 Arsenal 2

He’s one of the most popular figures in darts but Raymond Van Barneveld has been battling his demons on the oche in recent years. From hypnotism to Buddhism, the Dutchman is searching for alternatives to find his best form again

Cristiano Ronaldo is a sensitive soul. As Sepp Blatter discovered last October, it is unwise to make fun about how much an actor spends on his appearance.

Crystal Palace 1 Fulham 4

Manchester United’s joy was unconfined: a 20th title wrapped up well inside of April, the chance now of a record Premier League points tally, and all achieved with a magnificent demonstration of football artistry.

Lionel Messi won an unprecedented fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or last night after his record-breaking 91 goals in 2012 – but still branded the year not one of his best.

Lionel Messi strengthened his claim to be considered the greatest footballer of all time by winning a record-breaking fourth consecutive Fifa Ballon d’Or last night.

It didn’t take long for people to start picking holes in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s miracle goal.

What is it about the overhead kick that still has the ability to turn football fans of all persuasions into a blithering wreck and lose all sight of common sense?

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Dutch international defender Ron Vlaar, who has moved from Feyenoord on a three-year contract.

Marco van Basten insists he has no interest in returning to manage Holland after the departure of Bert van Marwijk following the team’s woeful performance at the European Championship.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been voted the PFA’s fans’ player of the year for 2011-12.

When you really stop and think about it, Giovanni Trapattoni’s comments on Monday night were pretty startling.

Four first-phase clashes at Euro 2012 have a historical resonance, says Paul Kelly.

If it wasn’t for Euro 2012, Andriy Shevchenko would probably have retired by now. The forward, commonly described as Europe’s most complete since Marco van Basten, is 35 now and, although he has looked after himself like few others, the body is beginning to creak.

Wesley Sneijder believes reaching the Euro 2012 final is the minimum requirement for Holland this summer.

To a certain extent, Christian Maggio’s career shouldn’t really exist in its current guise.

PICK OF THE DAY

Bert van Marwijk is close to agreeing a new deal which will see him remain as Holland coach until the 2016 European Championship, according to his agent.

Marco van Basten will not be returning to Ajax to become their new director of football.

Martin Jol was today confirmed as Fulham’s new manager.

Edwin van der Sar wants to take a year off to get used to being normal again.

AND who said that Chelsea didn’t win anything this season? Our board have once again collected the ‘Classless Cronies of the Year award’ — even with stiff opposition from Sullivan, Gold and Brady.

Porto president Pinto da Costa is convinced Andre Villas-Boas would reject any approach from Chelsea – despite the highly-rated coach having a release clause of just €15m.

GUUS HIDDINK yesterday looked set to have the final say over whether he returns to Chelsea as manager this summer.

The agent of Guus Hiddink today refused to rule out the Dutchman returning to frontline club management amid reports he is the number one target to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea boss.

FA director of football development Trevor Brooking believes his organisation’s decision to suspend Wayne Rooney for two matches for swearing has almost universal support across football.

Lionel Messi tonight became the inaugural winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or at a glittering award ceremony in Zurich.

Filippo Inzaghi reached three goalscoring milestones in one match with a brace in AC Milan’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Real Madrid at the San Siro last night.

IT WASN’T quite Total Football but 32 years after losing to Argentina in Buenos Aires and 36 after losing to West Germany in Munich, the Dutch are back in the World Cup final and ready to shake off the shadows of Krol, Cruyff and Neeskens.

ENGLAND’S World Cup quest may have been disappointingly brief, but the Premier League can still enjoy some reflected glory from the Netherlands’ charge to the semi-finals.

SPONSORS are standing by Thierry Henry after his blatant handball dashed Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.

KLAAS JAN HUNTELAAR should make his AC Milan debut on August 17 against Juventus in the Trofeo Berlusconi after completing his move from Real Madrid yesterday.

Ajax have offered goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer a new contract which could tie him to the Amsterdam giants until June 2014.

THE intellectualisation of soccer has, they say, always foundered on a one simple problem – football players. Unless, of course, you’re Dutch.

Martin Jol has been appointed Ajax head coach on a three-year contract, the club have confirmed.

Twenty years ago tonight, Arsenal and Liverpool staged the most remarkable climax in history to an English football season. “A night of chilling simplicity” as commentator Brian Moore called it. Tony Leen was there.

AC MILAN will make an announcement on the future of coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday.