France gave themselves a pre-Euro 2012 boost with a 2-1 friendly win over an injury-depleted Germany in Bremen on Wednesday as the Germans suffered their first defeat in 11 games.

A first-half goal by France's Olivier Giroud, who then set up substitute Florent Malouda for the second, inflicted the first defeat on Joachim Loew's Germany since they were beaten by the same margin by Australia last March.

Roberto Soldado, in his first international run out since 2007, conjured up a hat-trick in Spain's 5-0 drubbing of last year's surprise Copa America semi-finalists Venezuela in a friendly here on Wednesday.

The reigning world and European champion's win was completed by goals from David Silva (41) - his first this year for club and country - and Andres Iniesta (37) as the hosts dominated this warm-up to Euro 2012.

Eurotunnel, which operates the Channel tunnel between Britain and France, said on Thursday it would reduce train travel times by five minutes to boost traffic ahead of this summer's London Olympic Games.

In a conference call as the company announced its results for 2011, Eurotunnel chief Jacques Gounon said travel time under the Channel will be reduced from 35 to 30 minutes to allow for more daily trains.

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will open the 2012 Olympics this summer, Buckingham Palace said Monday.

The royal couple will perform this ceremonial role at the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium when the games begin on July 27.

The Lebanese national football advanced to the final round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday despite a 2-4 loss to the UAE.

Lebanon needed a tie or a victory against the UAE to guarantee qualification to the next round for the first time in its history.

Lebanese national Myriam Neaimeh signed with UK’s Newcastle United Women’s Football Club and spent the last few weeks training with the squad.

“I really like it here and I am pleased to join Newcastle United Women Football Club. The girls are talented and skillful,” Myriam was quoted as saying.

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has returned to training as he battles his way back from a serious eye injury.

Gattuso has not played since colliding with teammate Alessandro Nesta in the Serie A opener on September 9.

Chelsea defender John Terry hopes to be playing again within a month after undergoing successful knee surgery.

The 31-year-old center-half was initially ruled out for up to eight weeks last week after a knee problem picked up in January failed to heal properly.

With 100 days to go until Euro 2012, the leading candidates for the title will approach Wednesday's friendly games knowing that this will be their last opportunity to experiment until the end of the season.

Some, like Italy, Germany, and England, have had changes imposed upon them by injuries, but others, like defending champions Spain, have been obliged to re-evaluate their resources after setbacks in recent matches.

Kobe Bryant suffered a concussion and a broken nose after being struck in the face by Dwyane Wade during the 61st NBA All-Star game, the Los Angeles Lakers announced.

The Lakers said the four-time all-star MVP was officially diagnosed with a concussion after team doctors examined him on Tuesday.