Nicklas Bendtner is back in the Danish national squad after a six-month break for some “reflection” following a drink-driving arrest in central Copenhagen. The 25-year-old Arsenal forward is in line to play in Denmark’s hugely important remaining World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Malta. Bendtner has scored 22 goals in 55 appearances since making his debut in 2006.
Bjørn backed for Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has said Thomas Bjørn is in contention to be a captain’s pick for next year’s event, citing the 42-year-old golfer’s recent form on the European Tour. Bjørn, who played in the Ryder Cup in 1997 and 2002, won the Omega European Masters last month, and were qualifying to end this week, he would be in the team anyway.
Leak lacked legal backing
Danske Spil has come under fire for passing on sensitive information relating to an investigation into footballer Kristoffer Wichmann, who is accused of match-fixing. On Tuesday, Jyllands-Posten detailed how the state gambling company forwarded the Danish FA the names of two women who tried to cash in betting slips. However, this was unauthorised and could lead to a criminal charge and a fine.
Better off back home?
Experts are unsure whether hosting major sporting events has a significant economic benefit for the country. Denmark annually spends 25 million kroner on its efforts to attract events such as the recent European Volleyball Championship and next year’s Half-Marathon World Championships. However, two sports economists say organisers do not take into account the full cost of holding the event when calculating its impact.
Nicklas bears backside
Nicklas Helenius and Nicklas Bendtner weren’t exactly brand ambassadors for Danish football last week. During an otherwise dull round of League Cup matches in England, the Danes committed gaffes that titillated the football blogosphere. First, Helenius lost his shorts when Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen pulled them down. And then Bendtner mistimed a header and crashed into the goal post.
Back Kevin all the way
Kevin Magnussen won again at the Paul Ricard circuit in Marseille on Sunday – a big step in his quest for the Formula Renault 3.5 championship. The 20-year-old dominated the race to make up for being disqualified in the first race a day earlier. However, his rivals failed to make inroads on his 43-point lead, which he will take into the final round in Barcelona later this month, where just 50 points will be available.
