He made a string of lavish promises to cut child-care costs, guarantee kindergarten places, extend maternity and paternity leave and even hand out free fruit to schoolchildren.

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Few clear cut chances were on show in a second half punctuated by a string of scrappy fouls and free-kicks and the game eventually fizzled out despite the high-tempo efforts of both sides.

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It borrowed heavily before the recession cut off access to lenders, avoided a federal bailout, and has been touting its string of profitable quarters.

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