Robert Grasso - The sweet spot

Language Trap

It was without doubt one of the most controversial requirements ever proposed by a sporting body.

The Politics of Spin

The Price of Gold

It was the defining moment of the XXIX Olympiad. In the annals of human history, the word “impossible” has served as both a challenge and a spur.

A new kind of Rice in China

For weeks, she was Australia’s most talked about Olympic athlete ... and she hadn't even swum a competition lap inside Beijing's Water Cube.

Beating Big Brother

On Friday, the world will watch with anticipation as the games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing get underway.

Simply a mess: rugby league now the game forgotten by all

The weekend escape by NRL star Sonny Bill Williams to play rugby union in France has capped off a dismal period of defections, poor attendances and contributed to a growing sense that league is in crisis, says Robert Grasso. But hey, at least the Tour was a cracker.

Great White Shark takes us back to the future

Part-time golfer and full-time billionnaire Mr Chris Evert, umm, Greg Norman thrilled the silvertops of the world with his barnstorming golf strokes at the British Open, drilling nine consecutive bogeys in true Norman fashion to finish third. Rob Grasso loved it.

Jana + Drama = Saga

There she was in Sydney at the weekend. Just days after announcing her decision to pull out of the Beijing Games, Australia’s biggest Gold medal track and field hope felt the need to apologise for being a drama queen four years ago. Just days after announcing her decision to pull out of the Beijing Games,

Roger and Rafa

I can remember it as if it were yesterday. Back in 2002 I was viewing tapes of a dark-haired, Spanish teenage tennis prodigy. Six years on Rafael Nadal has lived up to expectations.

Time to salsa

It’s been a long wait. 44 years in fact but Spain finally had reason to “salsa” after this morning’s 1-0 victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2008.

The depths of despair

Robert Grasso checks back on the week's sporting action fresh off the plane from his Middle East trip with the Socceroos.

Pim's way

Pim Verbeek answered his critics following the Socceroos resounding 3-1 victory over Qatar to a place in the next round of 2010 World Cup qualifying. Rob Grasso reports from Doha, where the Dutch coach fired a salvo back at his Australian critics.

Stand and deliver

It was an incident which finally gave an insight into the mind of the normally unflappable Pim Verbeek.

800 reasons to smile

Socceroos supporters in the Middle East finally have 800 reasons to smile, with the announcement of 800 free tickets for this weekend's match against Qatar. Robert Grasso says last week's fiasco - where Australian fans were forced to pay 20 times more for tickets to the Iraq match - has left many officials in the United Arab Emirates seething.

Verbeek's attack best form of defence

Robert Grasso spends a few minutes with Pim Verbeek in a bid to get through the Dutchman's defences and get the bottom of his game plan for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Doha. But the question remains - can the Socceroos coach roll the dice and attack in the big games?

Verbeek's unbeaten reign comes to an end

It’s a result which may have ended Pim Verbeek’s undefeated reign in charge of the Socceroos. However it was the game’s only goal which will possibly be remembered long after Australia’s World Cup fate is decided.

No go to fair go

There were tears. There was anger. But predominantly, there was frustration. And the Socceroos World Cup qualifier against Iraq hasn’t even kicked off yet.

Walking the tightrope

World News Australia Sports Correspondent reports from Dubai, where Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is on the warpath after a shaky win over Iraq last week. With five players one yellow card away from suspension and an Iraqi team prone to diving, this weekend's World Cup qualifier will see the Australians walking a tightrope to qualification.

In the heat of the night

World News Australia sports correspondent Robert Grasso is in Dubai with the Socceroos as they prepare to take on Iraq - and 40 degree temperatures - in their latest World Cup Qualifying match. And amongst the millionaire footballers is the story of a plucky Aussie defender from England's third division who may finally be set to make his international debut.

Meet Triumph and Disaster

The plummet from hero to zero in international sport leaves many a star hitting terra firma well before pulling the rip cord.
VIDEO: Kewell scores for Socceroos Harry Kewell would be at home in the 101st Airborne. Liverpool superstar one day. Expensive, clubless, injured flop the next. Cue Freefall. But the opposite is also true. And that’s the direction the 29-year old found his career heading following his crucial 47th-minute winner for Australia in last night’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq.