SOCCER

Babel's late goal for Liverpool sinks Manchester Utd

2008-09-14T09:34:00.000+07:00

LONDON - Liverpool finally got the better of Manchester United as Ryan Babel's late goal clinched a 2-1 win over the defending Premier League champions on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez's side had lost seven of the last eight league encounters with their bitter rivals dating back to 2004, and the Reds fell behind early at Anfield when Carlos Tevez struck for United.

But Wes Brown's own goal gave Liverpool a first-half equaliser and Babel, on as a substitute just six minutes earlier, grabbed the decisive goal 13 minutes from full-time.

That was enough to hand Benitez his first league win over United and the day got even worse for Sir Alex Ferguson when Nemanja Vidic was sent off in stoppage time for a crude elbow on Xabi Alonso.

Dimitar Berbatov had made an instant impact on his debut by setting up Tevez's third-minute opener. The Bulgaria striker held off Jamie Carragher and slipped a pass to Tevez, who slotted home his first goal of the season.

Benitez's side drew level in comical fashion after 27 minutes. Alonso's shot deflected off Patrice Evra towards Edwin van der Sar, whose weak attempted punch hit Brown and cannoned back into his own net.

Liverpool dominated after that and the pressure finally paid off in the 77th minute.

Ryan Giggs carelessly lost possession on the touchline to Javier Mascherano and the Argentine poked the ball to Dirk Kuyt. His pass found Babel in yards of space and the Dutch winger side-footed home past two United defenders on the line.

Results:

Blackburn 0 Arsenal 4
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Liverpool 2 Manchester Utd 1
Manchester City 1 Chelsea 3
Newcastle 1 Hull 2
Portsmouth 2 Middlesbrough 1
West Bromwich 3 West Ham 2
Wigan 1 Sunderland 1

Chelsea turn on the style to spoil City's big day in Premier League

2008-09-14T09:33:00.000+07:00

MANCHESTER, England - Robinho marked his Manchester City debut with a goal but it was Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea who ran out 3-1 winners in the so-called 'clash of the cash' on Saturday.

The Brazilian playmaker couldn't have scripted a better start to life in the Premier League when he fired City ahead after just 13 minutes against the side he had been expected to join from Real Madrid.

But Scolari's men quickly dampened the euphoric mood at Eastlands, levelling through Ricardo Carvalho before goals from Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka underlined how far City must go if they are to break into the top four.

The late sending off of John Terry for a foul on Jo blemished Chelsea's performance and ruled him out of next Sunday's showdown against Manchester United, but Scolari headed back to London knowing his side had restated their claims in title race.

For City manager Mark Hughes, this clash gave a powerful reminder that notwithstanding Robinho's goal and his outstanding all round display, he has plenty of work to do before he can fulfil the ambition of City's new United Arab Emirates-based owners to win the Champions League within four years.

This was City's first game since the dramatic events on transfer deadline day when the announcement of a planned takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group was immediately followed by big money bids for a clutch of star players including Robinho and Dimitar Berbatov.

A 32 million pounds British record bid was enough to hijack Robinho's planned move to Stamford Bridge, although City's new-found millions couldn't prevent Berbatov joining neighbours Manchester United.

And in the intervening twelve days there has been a rash of announcements and declarations about how the club's new owners with spend whatever it takes to amass a squad of top quality players to rival the best in the world.

Hughes has been unable to disguise his enthusiasm for the project that has been entrusted to him but has also been wise enough to preach caution.

And there was plenty of evidence in this 90-minute master-class by Chelsea for the City manager to use as he attempts to inject a dose of reality into the heightened sense of optimism enveloping the club and its supporters.

Some of those supporters turned up for the game in Arab head-dresses and Brazil shirts and the party spirit was fuelled by City's high-tempo start that culminated with Robinho's opening goal.

Carvalho clumsily fouled Jo on the edge of the area and Robinho stepped up to loop the ball over the defensive wall and beyond a flat-footed Peter Cech.

The Portugal defender made up for his error just three minutes later when Terry's goal-bound header was blocked by team-mate Joe Cole and Carvalho reacted well to volley home the equaliser.

That was enough to dampen down the home side and Chelsea began to take control with Florent Malouda twice going close with headers.

But Chelsea were ahead eight minutes after the break when Lampard rounded off a sweeping move with a clinical finish and Anelka hit the third in the 70th minute against his former club.

Terry's 77th minute dismissal fired City hopes but Hughes was left with the undeniable feeling his work in progress has some way to go.

Results:

Blackburn 0 Arsenal 4
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Liverpool 2 Manchester Utd 1
Manchester City 1 Chelsea 3
Newcastle 1 Hull 2
Portsmouth 2 Middlesbrough 1
West Bromwich 3 West Ham 2
Wigan 1 Sunderland 1

Newcastle fans throng city centre in Keegan protest

2008-09-14T09:32:00.000+07:00

NEWCASTLE, England - Thousands of Newcastle United fans brought the centre of the city in northeast England to a near standstill on Saturday in protest at the departure of coach Kevin Keegan.

Hours before Newcastle kicked off at home against Hull in the club's first game since Keegan resigned on September 4, supporters gathered outside St James Park to vent their anger at owner Mike Ashley and the Newcastle board.

Police struggled to control the surging crowd in a noisy but peaceful protest at the gates of the stadium.

Fans chanted "Sack the board", "We want Ashley out", and "There's only one Kevin Keegan".

Some fans wore "Ashley Out" t-shirts bearing stickers reading "Down with the cockney mafia" - a reference to Dennis Wise, the London-born former Chelsea player whose role in the Newcastle management structure is said to have enraged Keegan.

A police spokesman said extra officers would be on duty before and after the game, to ensure the protests passed off peacefully.

As many as five separate demonstrations have been arranged to take place in Newcastle city centre before, during and after the match.

Keegan stepped down as manager after his authority was alleged to have been undermined by the Newcastle board.

One fan, trainee solicitor Edward Moss, 30, said: "We want Keegan back. If he agreed to return I'd walk to Central Station and carry his bags for him.

"He understands the fans and he understands the club, and Ashley doesn't.

"I don't know what he's doing here. He bought the club without completing due diligence - what kind of person does a thing like that? It's like buying a second hand Ferrari without first checking under the bonnet."

In a surprise development, it emerged that Keegan held talks with Ashley in a London hotel on Friday, although it was unclear whether or not the discussions were linked to him returning to the manager's hot-seat.

The League Managers Association (LMA) said the discussions "failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion".

Gus Poyet, the current assistant coach at Premier League rivals Tottenham and who worked with Wise at Swindon and Leeds United, is reported to be favourite to take over as Newcastle manager.

Scolari fires title warning as Chelsea flex muscles at English Premier League

2008-09-14T09:31:00.000+07:00

LONDON - Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Chelsea's title rivals that his side are not at full power yet despite their convincing 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Scolari has had to cope with injuries to key players like Michael Essien and Michael Ballack and the Blues boss knows his side will get much stronger when he can finally choose a settled team.

Despite those problems, Chelsea are already top of the table and six points ahead of reigning champions Manchester United who lost 2-1 at bitter rivals Liverpool.

Even when Robinho put City into the lead at a buoyant Eastlands on Saturday, Scolari's side never looked flustered.

They hit back to give big-spending City a reality check thanks to goals from Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka.

"We have improved because we have had many problems from when we started until now," Scolari said.

"I have had to put player A, B or C in the team and they try to do their best. For the coach that is important. We will keep getting better."

Robinho, making his debut, took only 13 minutes to show why City paid 32.5 million pounds to persuade the Brazilian to snub Chelsea as he whipped a free-kick over the wall and past Petr Cech.

But City's lead was shortlived.

Just three minutes later John Terry's header deflected to Carvalho and the Portugal defender smashed home.

Chelsea pushed City back after that and Lampard scored on 53 minutes when he finished an incisive move with a fine low strike.

Anelka's 69th minute goal put the result beyond doubt despite Terry's late red card for a professional foul on Jo.

Earlier, Liverpool finally got the better of Manchester United as Ryan Babel's late goal clinched a 2-1 win over the European champions.

Rafa Benitez's side had lost seven of the last eight league encounters with their rivals dating back to 2004, and the Reds fell behind at Anfield when Carlos Tevez struck for United in the third minute.

But Wes Brown's own goal gave Liverpool a 27th-minute equaliser and Babel, on as a substitute just six minutes earlier, grabbed the decisive goal 13 minutes from full-time.

The day got even worse for Sir Alex Ferguson when Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic was sent off in stoppage time for a crude elbow on Xabi Alonso.

"It is good for the confidence of the players," Benitez said. "At half-time we were talking about having confidence and determination going forwards - and in the second half we were the best team."

United boss Ferguson added: "You don't expect that from Manchester United. Liverpool produced a performance of tackling, hassling and getting about us. Overall they were the better team."

The hangover from Kevin Keegan's departure took its toll on Newcastle as the managerless Magpies crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Hull at St James' Park.

Thousands of Newcastle fans protested against owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise before the first match since Keegan's resignation and then saw their team produce a woeful performance.

Marlon King struck from the penalty spot after Nicky Butt's 34th minute foul on Peter Halmosi. Newcastle conceded a second in the 55th minute when King drove home.

Xisco pulled one back on his debut, but it was too late to save Newcastle, who had Danny Guthrie sent off in the last minute.

Arsenal, inspired by Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor's hat-trick, thrashed Blackburn 4-0 at Ewood Park.

Robin van Persie slotted him in the eighth minute and Adebayor put Arsenal in control on the stroke of half-time.

He claimed the third from the penalty spot in the 81st minute and completed his treble in stoppage time.

West Ham's new manager Gianfranco Zola watched from the stands as his side crashed to a 3-2 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

James Morrison gave Albion the perfect start in the third minute. But Zola, who won't officially take charge until next week, saw Mark Noble equalise in the 29th minute.

Lucas Neill put West Ham ahead in the 35th minute but Roman Bednar levelled with a penalty two minutes later before Chris Brunt grabbed an 83rd minute winner for Albion.

Jermain Defoe's second half double gave Portsmouth a 2-1 victory against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park.

Mido struck for Middlesbrough in the 24th minute but Defoe finished off Peter Crouch's pass to level after 59 minutes and snatched the winner four minutes from the final whistle.

Fulham's newboys combined to set up a 2-1 win over Bolton at Craven Cottage.

Zoltan Gera, a close-season signing from West Bromwich, put Fulham in front in the 15th minute and Bobby Zamora, who joined from West Ham, doubled their lead just before half-time. Kevin Davies's 82nd minute strike was no consolation for Bolton.

Amr Zaki's blistering start to life with Wigan continued as the Eygpt striker's fifth goal of the season rescued a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Titus Bramble's early own goal gave Sunderland the lead at the JJB Stadium. But Zaki, a pre-season loan signing from El Zamalek, equalised in the 78th minute before Sunderland's Lee Cattermole was sent off in the closing minutes.

Juninho hails Lyon's character in fightback win

2008-09-14T09:30:00.000+07:00

PARIS - Two-goal Juninho hailed Lyon's "test of character" as they came back from two goals to win 3-2 against Nice to take top spot in the French league on Saturday.

A Karim Benzema penalty four minutes into injury time earned the seven-times reigning champions the victory, putting them two points ahead of Marseille, who could only draw 1-1 at Bordeaux.

Habib Bamogo and Loic Remy had put Nice two goals ahead after the first 20 minutes, before goals from Juninho four minutes before the break and in the 74th minute, brought Lyon level.

A delighted Juninho said: "We were led 2-0 but we didn't panic. We continued to play and we created a good number of chances before finally winning 3-2. It was a test of character.

"We were led by two goals at home but we did not give up mentally against a well-organised team who knew how to counter attack really well. However, even though they were ahead we felt Nice were nervous. Perhaps they doubted the result would stay like that and we took advantage of that."

With Sidney Govou and Benzema starting on the bench and Jeremy Toulalan rested, Lyon struggled at the start with Nice making the most of their only two attacks to find goals against a Lyon still trying to find their shape defensively.

Bamogo, well fed by David Hellebuyck, got the better of Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris to find the net after just three minutes before Remy got the second on 20 minutes again making the most of a poor defensive performance with Brazilian centre back Cris still to get near his best form.

Juninho reduced the deficit in the 40th minute through a freekick and Benzema's introduction at half-time had given Lyon yet another boost.

Juninho saw a freekick headed on to a post by Mathieu Bodmer just after the break, before Benzema himself had three good chances to score.

Jean II Makoun also had two headed opportunities from corners and Brazilian Ederson saw an effort saved by Nice keeper Lionel Letizi.

Juninho then equalised in controversial fashion in the 74th minute, as the assistant referee had already signalled offside before going back on his decision to the chagrin of the away fans.

Nice fans were unhappy again in the fourth minute of injury time however when a penalty was given for a handball by Vincent Hognon, leaving Benzema to step up to the spot, fire home, and take the three points for Lyon.

Marseille coach Eric Gerets was disappointed after their 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in Saturday's late game.

"Disappointed? You saw the match. We had four or five great goalscoring opportunities and our opponents never really got into the match because we were passing the ball around so well," Gerets said.

"Bordeaux were still not getting into the match in the second half and we had more good opportunities but we just could not get the victory."

Baky Kone got Marseille's goal after just three minutes following good work by Mamadou Niang, but Bordeaux equalised in spectacular fashion on 25 minutes when Marouane Chamakh, after a one-two with Yoan Gouffran, controlled the ball on his chest before volleying home with Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda hesitating on his line.

Monaco had a 2-0 home victory at home to Lorient and thanked new South Korean summer recruit Park Chu-Young for scoring one goal and setting up the other at the Louis II stadium.

Park was one of Monaco's three signings right at the end of the transfer window from FC Seoul.

Monaco also signed Switzerland international and former Lyon defender Patrick Muller on a two-year deal and Nigerian defensive midfielder Sani Kaita from Sparta Rotterdam for three seasons.

On Sunday, Paris Saint Germain and Nantes top the bill in the late match in the best of three fixtures.

Results:

Lyon 3 Nice 2
Le Mans 1 Toulouse 2
Rennes 1 Le Havre 1
Monaco 2 Lorient 0
Auxerre 1 Nancy 1
Valenciennes 1 Grenoble 1
Bordeaux 1 Marseille 1

Ten-man Inter Milan battle back for controversial victory

2008-09-14T09:27:00.000+07:00

ROME - Defending champions Inter Milan clinched their first victory of the Serie A season on Saturday with a controversial 2-1 win at the San Siro over Catania despite being reduced to 10 men.

Inter, who travel to Panathinaikos in their Champions League opener on Tuesday, had Ghana international striker Sulley Muntari red-carded late in the first half.

They had already fallen behind to a headed goal from Gianvito Plasmati three minutes before half-time, although the strike was greeted with silence as Catania fans had been banned from travelling as part of a nationwide crackdown on hooliganism.

Inter, coached by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, levelled two minutes from the interval when Portuguese import Ricardo Quaresma marked his debut with a deflected goal.

Muntari was then sent-off after flinging an arm into the face of Giacomo Tedesco. The winning goal came five minutes after the break in controversial circumstances.

A corner kick came off the head of Catania's Cristian Terlizzi and hit the the inside of the far post into goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri's hands.

Despite Catania's protests, the referee and linesman both ruled the ball had crossed the line and awarded the goal.

The win put Inter, who drew their opener 1-1 with Sampdoria, on top of the table but they will likely be overtaken when the weekend programme is completed on Sunday.

Meanwhile, AS Roma's build-up to their opening Champions League clash suffered a setback when they crashed 3-1 at Palermo.

The defeat, coming on the back of a 1-1 draw with Napoli two weeks ago, was the worst preparation for Tuesday's European match against Romania's Cluj.

Roma took the lead through Julio Baptista after just eight minutes following a flowing move, but they eventually paid a heavy price for being without injured skipper Francesco Totti and striker Mirko Vucinic who pulled out with a back injury just before kick-off.

They were also without Philippe Mexes, Juan and Simone Perrotta and then lost Daniele De Rossi with a neck injury later in the game.

Palermo, with new coach Davide Ballardini having replaced Stefano Colantuono, levelled through a Fabrizio Miccoli drive in the 20th minute after being set-up by Brazilian midfielder Fabio Simplicio.

Miccoli added a second for Palermo in the 56th minute with Edison Cavani scoring the third in the 72nd minute.

"We played below our capabilities at some times, while in others we did quite well without converting the chances," said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

"There is little to complain about, as we lost by a clear margin in terms of the result, but that did not reflect what I saw in the match overall."

Zola pledges himself to West Ham

2008-09-13T09:37:00.000+07:00

LONDON - Gianfranco Zola promised to give West Ham's players "all of my experience and knowledge" after becoming the east London club's first foreign manager on Thursday.

The former Italy striker, who made his name in English football during a seven-year spell as a forward with the Hammers' London rivals Chelsea, succeeded Alan Curbishley who resigned in protest at the Premier League side's transfer policy.

Zola's coaching experience may have been limited to a recent spell working with Italy's Under-21 side but he said he hoped the knowledge gained from a lengthy playing career would count for something.

"I know I am not the most experienced manager around but I have ideas, I have been in football for 20 years," he told a news conference at Upton Park.

"I know what we're talking about and I will certainly give something to this club; whether it is enough or not we will see. But I have a lot of knowledge of the game and the players will help me with this."

Zola, only the 12th man to manage West Ham United in the club's 108-year-history, also said: I'm delighted to be here. It is a great honour for me to be involved in such an important job.

"I can promise to do my best to make good for this club. The club has got tradition and I am just here to help develop the team and to develop the players. That is my duty and I will do it with all of myself.

"I will give to these players all of my experience and all of my knowledge - I am here to be somebody good for them.

"That is my aim and I will do everything I can to succeed in this."

But he admitted it had been a wrench to stop working with Italy's Under-21 side, where he was assistant to Pierluigi Casiraghi.

"I was doing something I liked very much. It was a very good experience working with young players. At the beginning I was a bit uncertain (about taking the Hammers job).

"I liked what I was doing but this is a great occasion and a great club. I couldn't say no and I am pleased to have accepted it. It's great opportunity and I'm sure I can do a great job for this club."

Zola, one of the most popular overseas signings ever to play top-flight football in England, added: "I will never forget my first seven years with Chelsea. I hope that my next few years will be as successful as the first seven, that's my aim."

Zola may find it difficult to win some West Ham fans around given their dislike of Chelsea and the fact he himself has talked about one day becoming manager at Stamford Bridge.

However, Zola said: "I like to think that this is a very important part of my life and I will be totally focused on West Ham.

"I don't know what I will be doing in the future, who knows? But what's important now is the present and that this club has faith in me."

And he insisted he'd no problems with the management structure at Upton Park despite Curbishley's claims of undue interference in transfers.

"My first duty is to develop the team and I will report to the director (of football). He is not working against me, I am sure that he will help me instead."

Caretaker boss Kevin Keen is set to be in charge for Saturday's match away to West Brom with Zola starting work on Monday.

West Ham have won two of their three Premier League matches so far this season and are fifth in the table.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.013+07:00

Europe Group Eight preview

WC Qualifiers

Italy need to raise their game against Georgia while the Republic of Ireland travel to Montenegro.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi admits the Azzurri need to raise their game after only scraping past Cyprus in their opening World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Antonio di Natale scored both goals as the world champions laboured to victory in Larnaca, netting in the eighth minute before snatching all three points in stoppage time after Stathis Aloneftis had equalised on the half-hour mark.

Lippi, the 2006 World Cup-winning coach who returned to the hotseat to replace Roberto Donadoni after Euro 2008, expects an improved showing from his team against Georgia on Wednesday.

"We need to grow," he said. "In a month's time we will have more weapons, including better physical condition.

"We will have to suffer in certain qualifying games. This has already happened to us and will happen again.

"But the important thing is to grow as a team and that we qualify for the World Cup."

Lippi will have to overcome the loss of Gennaro Gattuso (hand/wrist), Alessandro Gamberini (shoulder) and Fabio Grosso (rib). All three players sustained injuries while on international duty at the weekend and will each be sidelined for around a month.

Georgia coach Hector Cuper will tell his players to keep a close eye on AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo on Wednesday.

"Our number one danger is Pirlo," said the former Internazionale coach. "Andrea is the soul of the Azzurri team, he invents attacking moves every time he has possession."

Cuper revealed he will give Giorgi Loria another chance between the sticks despite his error to allow Glenn Whelan's weak shot to beat him as Republic of Ireland ran out 2-1 winners in Mainz at the weekend.

"He made a serious mistake on Whelan's goal," Cuper said. "Loria is not (Gianluigi) Buffon but he deserves to be granted another chance."

Georgia will be without defender Zurab Khizanishvili due to a knee injury.

The only other match in Group Eight on Wednesday sees the Republic travel to Podgorica to tackle Montenegro.

The Montenegrins came within seconds of achieving victory in their first competitive match since splitting from Serbia on Saturday, only for a last-gasp Blagoy Georgiev strike to salvage a 2-2 draw for Bulgaria.

Montenegro coach Zoran Filipovic is backing his side to win a clash of footballing styles on Wednesday.

The game will pitch two former Benfica employees - Filipovic and Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni - into direct competition, and the former Yugoslavia international believes his midfielders could hold the key on a night when soaring temperatures could play a part.

He said: "This is a clash of two styles of football, and whoever controls the midfield will definitely be the winner.

"Our midfield players are technically stronger than the Irish - but I fear their strength.

"I don't agree that the Irish players have a 4-4-2 formation because their strikers are very quick and mobile, so they can switch from defence to attack very quickly.

"There is no pattern to how they play."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.012+07:00

Hiddink to snub Spurs

WC Qualifiers

Russia boss Guus Hiddink will ignore pleas from Tottenham not to risk their new US$24.4 million striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Spurs wrote to the Russian FA asking for the former Spartak Moscow striker to be excused international duty in the Lokomotiv stadium against Wales because of an ankle injury.

But Hiddink insists that the 26-year-old will play against Wales in Russia's opening group four match.

And he said: "He must give everything for the national side and only after the match will he consider his obligations to Spurs.

"Spurs did send us a letter suggesting that he did not play. But our medical staff, and those from his previous club say he is healthy, and I must take that same view."

He added: "It was a strong suggestion that we should leave him out, but if you fear injury you would never play anyone.

"If Spurs had a league game coming up and were worried about players being injured, nobody would ever play. Spurs are being over-concerned.

"There is always the fear of injury. People can fall down the steps! But you should not sign big players if you do not want them to play."

Spurs clearly wanted to make sure that their new man would be fit to make his debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday.

Hiddink has no intention of being swayed by the north London club but he said: "I know (Tottenham manager) Juande Ramos and I hope to visit Spurs in a short time to discuss things.

"Pavlyuchenko is fully recovered, he has trained all week and there has not been a single problem.

"Now he must give everything for the national team. There is always a danger of injury, but he must give everything to Russia now."

Hiddink finished his media conference with a smile then a theatrical stumble down the steps from the podium to make his point.

Russia will field a side that will be very close to the one that lost the Euro 2008 semi-final against Spain on June 26 in Vienna, with Andrei Arshavin - left out recently by Zenit St Petersburg because of his summer-long transfer saga - certain to start.

Hiddink wants to see his hugely impressive side build on their European finals heroics.

He said: "I feel this side has improved, now they have got to make things happen as soon as possible. A big step would be to win our first qualifying home game.

"We know this group will be difficult. Only one country will qualify to the finals, the second will go into a play-off. And already Germany have got three points, and they always manage to be where they want to be.

"We also believe that Wales will be more difficult than some people expect. They are a team in transition, and they are energetic with a strong fighting spirit.

"Russia, though, must prove they can cope with the pressure. We must use this beautiful moment for Russian football to take the next bid step up.

"We must not be fearful or cautious. We must all take this chance to progress from what we achieved in Euro 2008."

Hiddink admits to great respect for what Wales boss John Toshack is doing in rebuilding his squad.

He said: "In modern football there is now no separation between big and small nations. You saw at the weekend that Italy only equalised in the last minute to get a 2-2 draw in Cyprus.

"Small teams are always now better organised, they all make it difficult to play against them.

"And we remember that Wales took points from the Czech Republic and Germany in their last qualification group. We must make sure they do not do that to us.

"I know John Toshack, we crossed swords when I was at Valencia and he was with Spanish clubs. I know him, and I like his way, he has a very British sense of humour.

"We know Wales will be missing some big names, Craig Bellamy, Jason Koumas and Danny Gabbidon. But that is not always a setback. The players coming in will be more motivated to take their chance.

"He has done a very good job bringing in young players and they need our respect."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.011+07:00

Ronaldo claims City option

Premier League

The former World Player of the Year is back in South America working on his fitness after a serious knee injury.

Ronaldo is a free agent and on the lookout for new employers after seeing out his contract at AC Milan.

Ronaldo has claimed Manchester City are one of two options he is considering as he looks to find a new club.

Manchester City have been linked with the former Real Madrid and Barcelona hit-man as cash-rich City look to bring in some big names to boost their profile.

Flamengo are also chasing Ronaldo and the 31-year-old says he is delighted to attract interest from both clubs.

"Flamengo and Manchester City are two options," Ronaldo told Brazilian website Terra. "But nothing more than that.

"There is nothing concrete.

"The most important thing is that there is interest from big teams."

Ronaldo also revealed that he hopes to regain his place in the Brazil squad once he returns to full fitness.

"It's clear that I have nostalgia for the national team but I am continuing with the utmost calm," added Ronaldo.

"I want to first return to the right spot physically and then come back to play and then think about Brazil."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.010+07:00

Santa Cruz thanks fans

WC Qualifiers

Roque Santa Cruz dedicated Paraguay's 2-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Venezuela to the country's fans.

After a good performance in the 1-1 draw against Argentina, Paraguay dominated throughout this game as midfielder Cristian Riveros put Gerardo Martino's side ahead in the 28th minute.

And just before the break Blackburn Rovers striker Santa Cruz set-up Nelson Haedo Valdez to double the advantage.

With this victory Paraguay are top of the standings with 17 points, five ahead of South American giants Argentina and Brazil and Santa Cruz admitted the fans deserved the win.

"This really is a Paraguayan celebration," he said. "The country deserve this and a lot more.

"We were clearly superior and always controlled the match. We played well all over the pitch."

Striker Nelson Haedo Valdez praised Santa Cruz for his contribution in not only this victory but also every game he plays for Paraguay.

"He not only assisted me today, he also supports me every day," he said. "Santa Cruz s not only a great player, but he is an important team-mate for all the squad."

The Borussia Dortmund forward believes the win was the ideal follow up to Paraguay's 1-1 draw against Argentina three days ago.

"This triumph against Venezuela boosts the job we did against Argentina in getting a draw. We have four more points and continue at the top of the standings."

The victory also means Paraguay maintain a 100% record at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion.

"We are very strong at home," Cruz Azul midfielder Cristian Riveros said. "Our fans are like another player and the rivals felt that.

"We also play more comfortably in our country and if we maintain our performance level at home we will have a big chance to be in South Africa."

Paraguay will visit Colombia in the fifth round while Venezuela will host Brazil.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.009+07:00

Settled Bilic warns England

WC Qualifiers

Slaven Bilic has pledged to remain as Croatia coach as he warned England his players would prove even more formidable.

Croatia shocked England when they shattered their Euro 2008 dreams two years ago in Zagreb.

Bilic has been linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League - and his former club West Ham - although Gianfranco Zola now appears to be favourite to succeed Alan Curbishley.

But the ex-Everton player is happy to see out the two years of his contract with Croatia which would take him through to the 2010 World Cup finals.

And he is confident the squad which unlocked England in 2006 has matured during the past two years.

Bilic said: "I am not going to talk about West Ham. I'm staying as the Croatian manager for these next two years. That's my wish. I said that last May - and that is it.

"In football, you never know but my plan is I would like to finish the job with the guys here. I suppose the fact clubs are being linked with me is a sign that we are doing good.

"We have high quality players. Without them, you are lost, you've got no chance. We were very brave in picking the players we did. Like in any country, especially in midfield, you can choose four defensive players or you can be more brave.

"Fortunately we have players who are good at this level, in every part of the pitch, and we are training and getting better. We are playing better and we are winning games and the confidence is going up and it just didn't happen overnight.

"It took us two years and the confidence is now sky high and we know what we have to do. We know without keeping the organisation and the system, we are lost, we are not good enough.

"But we are better players as individuals, we are better as a team because we have more training under our belts. My players are now two years older from when they faced England the first time."

Bilic admitted a past memory of England coach Fabio Capello will ensure his side will not take lightly the World Cup qualifier.

Bilic can recall the 1994 European Cup final when Capello masterminded a shock 4-0 AC Milan victory over red hot favourites Barcelona in the final.

He said: "The way England are approaching this game is that we are favourites and that England don't stand a chance and it reminds of the 1994 European Cup final, Barcelona v Milan.

"Barcelona had a lot of star players and Capello was in charge of Milan and two weeks before everyone was saying Barcelona were going to kill them - and it finished 4-0 for AC Milan.

"I don't know if Barcelona were approaching that game like it was a jolly-up and was too easy but we are not like that. We are full of respect for this England team."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.008+07:00

Europe Group Three preview

WC Qualifiers

Czech Republic travel to Belfast to face Northern Ireland, Slovakia play Slovenia while Poland meet San Marino.

Czech Republic head coach Petr Rada is confident his team will overcome Northern Ireland in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier despite the absences of the retired Jan Koller and injured Tomas Rosicky.

The midweek match in Belfast will be the first competitive game at the Czech helm for Rada, who took over the national-team reins in July after spending two years as predecessor Karel Bruckner's assistant.

He oversaw a 2-2 draw against England in a friendly at Wembley last month - his team denied victory only by a stoppage-time equaliser by Joe Cole - and feels that trip proves his side can cope without the key duo against tricky opposition.

"We proved to ourselves that we can succeed against UK teams in the UK, and that we can do it without Koller and Rosicky," Rada told Czech Business Weekly.

"Now we just have to repeat it once again."

Northern Ireland began their campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss is now urging his players to build on that win when they visit Maribor to take on Slovenia.

"It was an obligation to win in the match against Northern Ireland at home to maintain our chances to advancing from our group," said Weiss.

"We have done it and we can concentrate on the match in Slovenia now.

"We have to build on the three points from the first match and we do not want to come back with nothing."

Slovakia defender Martin Petras is expecting a difficult encounter against a Slovenia side that earned an impressive 1-1 draw in Poland on Saturday.

"Slovenia are not an easy opponent. They have a number of quality players in their team.

"The first goal will be very important."

Poland will look to pick up their first win in Group Three when they go to San Marino.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is keen to forget Saturday's draw against Slovenia and focus only on San Marino.

"We played pretty well the first 20 minutes," he said. "We scored and we had the opportunity to increase our advantage. Then we didn't play anymore as we wanted.

"There was a little change in the defensive line. Now we will try to correct the errors. I am sure that we will play better from now on.

"We all hope that we will qualify for the World Cup and I can assure everybody that we will do anything to return from San Marino with the three points."

Poland coach Leon Beenhakker will be without Bartosz Bosacki on Wednesday after the Lech Poznan defender sustained an injury against Slovenia.

Wisla Krakow striker Pawel Brozek also remains sidelined.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.007+07:00

Croatia v England preview

WC Qualifiers

Slaven Bilic has admitted that a past memory of Fabio Capello will ensure Croatia will not take the English team lightly.

Bilic can recall the 1994 European Cup final when Capello masterminded a shock 4-0 AC Milan victory over red-hot favourites Barcelona.

Now the former West Ham player knows the expectations are on his side to beat England after overcoming them twice in the Euro 2008 qualification group.

Bilic said: "There is more expectation and pressure on us this time. We are always under pressure. We don't want to run away from this pressure.

"We are Croatia and, of course, you are under pressure. If you want to be in the top five or so in the world rankings and compete with the best and qualify for the World Cup, you have to cope with the pressure.

"The way England are approaching this game is that we are favourites and that England don't stand a chance and it reminds me of the 1994 European Cup final, Barcelona v Milan.

"Barcelona had a lot of star players and Capello was in charge of Milan and two weeks before everyone was saying Barcelona were going to kill them - and it finished 4-0 for AC Milan.

"I don't know if Barcelona were approaching that game like it was a jolly-up and was too easy but we are not like that. We are full of respect for this England team.

"They have world-class players, who have been key players for their clubs week in and week out for 10 years, and we know it is going to be hard and we are full of respect - but we are very confident."

Capello insists England must perform "without fear" after claiming he currently prefers to play away from Wembley because the players lack confidence in front of their own fans.

England were beaten 2-0 in Zagreb two years ago in a Euro 2008 qualifier and will again be confronted with a hostile atmosphere in the Maksimir Stadium.

But Capello has sensed a growing belief among his players during the 10 days they have been together which he feels is not evident when in action at Wembley.

The former Real Madrid boss said: "I think we have worked very well for these nine, 10 days and I see the players having a lot of confidence.

"They are are getting better day by day and I am sure that tomorrow night we will be okay and we will perform.

"Of course, you have to pay big attention to the counter-attack of Croatia. I think they are also very dangerous from free-kicks and corners. This is one of their strong points.

"But we have to play with confidence and without fear and play very quickly. I understand the spirit of the group and the team and it is going up.

"We know Croatia never lose at home. Also, I think when England play at home at this moment, we don't play with a lot of confidence and I prefer to play away from England at this moment.

"But I am sure the players will play very well tomorrow."

A share of the spoils would be regarded as a positive result for England but Capello will not send his team out to play for a draw.

And he is hoping to expose any cracks that may have appeared in the belief of Croatia after they lost to Turkey on penalties during the Euro 2008 finals.

Capello said: "I never play for the draw. My idea is always to go to play for a win.

"I saw the Euro 2008 finals and Bilic did very impressive work with this team and they played very well.

"But I think losing on penalties to Turkey in the summer, at this moment they are not so confident as before."

Defender and vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has been passed fit to play after recovering from a neck injury which forced him out of last weekend's 2-0 victory over Andorra.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.006+07:00

Domenech calls for support

WC Qualifiers

Under-fire France coach Raymond Domenech hopes the fans will back them during the World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

Domenech heads into the match at the Stade de France with his job on the line following Les Bleus' poor showing at this summer's European Championships and the 3-1 defeat to Austria that kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign.

And he admits he has been left bemused by what he claims is an over-the-top reaction from the media and the French public.

"The smell of blood interests you," he said as he sat down in front of the assembled media for his eve-of-game press conference.

"I am happy about one thing - that the guillotine doesn't exist any more. If it did, some people would take pleasure putting me on the scaffolding.

"I haven't killed anyone. Perhaps I would be better served if I had killed someone. At least then I would have had extenuating circumstances.

"The reaction of the public? I hope they support Les Bleus."

He added: "I hope the spectators will focus on matters on the pitch than on the bench, where there will strictly be nothing to see.

"We are going to try to win against Serbia. If we don't win, what will happen will happen."

Domenech will have prepared himself for an adverse reaction from the crowd in Paris, adding it had not been a issue for him preparing for the game in such a climate.

"It isn't my problem - my problem is the match," he said.

"Everyone has their own job to do. Mine is to prepare the team so that it is ready for Wednesday and, as far as the following matches are concerned, to qualify for the World Cup."

France captain Thierry Henry insisted the players were not thinking in terms of winning the match to spare their coach the sack.

"The coach? Frankly, I don't know," said the Barcelona striker, when asked if he thought it would be Domenech's last game in charge of France.

"It is for French football and for the France team that we must win, not for the fixation on the coach."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.005+07:00

Robinho shows support for Dunga

WC Qualifiers

Robinho has backed under-fire Brazil coach Dunga saying he should will remain at the helm until the World Cup.

The 44-year-old has come in for criticism from the media, who were calling for his head after Brazil's failure to claim gold at the Beijing Olympics.

But Manchester City forward Robinho said: "Dunga is our coach, our commander, and we all hope he stays until the World Cup in 2010."

Brazil saw off Chile 3-0 on Sunday to alleviate some of the pressure on the 1994 World Cup-winner, but Robinho knows a defeat to Bolivia in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday would see the heat turned up again.

"Pressure is big here and we push it away only by winning," the former Santos and Real Madrid attacker said.

"Our goal is to clinch the three points and only in securing them will we think about playing nice football.

"Brazil can beat any other national team in the world, but we can also lose to any other."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.004+07:00

Steady Paraguay remain top

WC Qualifiers

Paraguay eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Venezuela to remain in a strong position at the top of the table.

After a good performance in the 1-1 draw against Argentina, Paraguay dominated throughout this game as midfielder Cristian Riveros put Gerardo Martino's side ahead in the 28th minute.

And just before the break Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz set-up Nelson Haedo Valdez to double the advantage.

Venezuela's only real effort of note was a long-range shot by Juan Arango that was easily denied by Justo Villar.

With this victory Paraguay now have 17 points at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifiers' standings, five ahead of South American giants Argentina and Brazil while Venezuela are eighth with just seven points.

Paraguay will visit Colombia in the fifth round while Venezuela will host Brazil.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.003+07:00

Capello vows to do homework

WC Qualifiers

Fabio Capello will rely on meticulous planning to try to ensure England avoid another dismal time in Zagreb.

The Italian will leave no stone unturned in aiming to ensure England can avenge the 2-0 defeat suffered in the same stadium two years ago in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

And Capello is aware of the need to check the danger that will be present in the form of recent Tottenham capture and playmaker Luka Modric.

He said: "How much effect can I have on game like this? I always study for a long time, I prepare everything. I speak with the players, I ask for some movement, I ask what they have to do during a game. My job is a very important job.

"I get angry when on the pitch the players never do this movement. He is very important, the manager, before and during the game.

"Sometimes the other manager will change the position and the style and you have to react every time. It is very important. You can change it with a substitute or the position of some players."

Modric is one of several Croatian players who will pose a threat with Ivan Klasnic, Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric also capable of causing grief to England.

Capello said: "Modric is a very interesting player. The movement of Modric is very dangerous because he arrives in the box and follows and is aware of the movement of the players.

"I saw the game he played for Tottenham against Chelsea. He played like a second forward, not like a midfielder, but sometimes he arrives a bit suddenly in the danger area - and we have to check him.

"We have to check the movement not only of the midfield - but also the two centre-backs. I saw Croatia in the European Championships and the counter-attacking they produce is very dangerous.

"I have spoke to the players about this and we have to defend better."

Capello is determined to ensure there is no psychological hangover from the two defeats by the Croatians under Steve McClaren during the European campaign which ended their hopes of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

He said: "We have to cancel that and think about the future. Compared to two years ago, It is a new manager and new ideas and we have to play to try to win.

"Experience is very important in this game and the good players have to play well. It is very important to play like a team, not as individuals, and for this reason I am very happy because I work a lot on this sort of thing."

Defender Rio Ferdinand is fit after recovering from a neck problem while Theo Walcott could get the nod over David Beckham, although Capello will not name his side until two hours before kick off to the players.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.002+07:00

Johannesson to shock Scots

WC Qualifiers

Olafur Johannesson is aiming for another surprise success when Iceland take on Scotland in Reykjavik on Wednesday.

Johannesson was at the helm when Icelandic minnows Hafnarfjordur sent Dunfermline crashing out of the UEFA Cup back in 2004.

Now in charge of the national team, he believes Scotland are also there for the taking following a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a defeat in Macedonia.

"We can do it again," he insisted.

"We are the underdogs against Scotland. But anything can happen and they are not in the best shape at the moment.

"In their last games, they haven't played well and have had problems on the field. It's an opportunity for us.

"We had a very good draw against Norway so we are ready for this game."

Scotland boast a 100% record from their four previous meetings with Iceland, the most recent of those during Berti Vogts' ill-fated reign.

"It's time for that to change," said Johannesson.

"Every team goes out to try to win a game and we are no different. How big our chances are, we will find out."

He was keen to play down Iceland's chances of qualification, insisting a "miracle" would be needed to take them to South Africa in 2010.

But he will still be gunning for a win against the Scots.

"Holland are the favourites to win the group, they are the best team," he said.

"Macedonia, Norway and Scotland are similar teams and are a little bit ahead of us. Any of these three could be second - if we were to finish second, it would be a miracle.

"Our chances of qualifying are very small. But the good thing about football is that anything can happen. I'm hoping that's what will happen.

"If Scotland have no points after two games then I would be happy about that, that's for sure.

"It would be outstanding for me but I only have one point at the moment. It would be outstanding to win this game.

"But they have good players and we have to take care of them all."

2008-09-10T16:35:00.001+07:00

Toon face Deschamps fight

Premier League

Newcastle United could face a fight if they target former Juventus and Monaco boss Didier Deschamps to be their new manager.

The Frenchman is reportedly on the Toon's radar if hot favourite Gus Poyet turns down a switch to Tyneside.

He was also strongly fancied to replace Sam Allardyce at St James' Park in January before Kevin Keegan's shock return to the club.

And although he is currently out of work, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle claims its sources in France believe he could be in line for the French national team job in the near future.

A source close to Deschamps told the paper: "It's no secret that Didier was close to Dennis Wise during his time at Chelsea.

"And he was certainly interested in the job back in January before Keegan came in.

"The problem is that everybody thinks that he will be the next national team manager, very soon."

Current France boss Raymond Domenech is under increasing pressure, and his team face a crucial World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Wednesday night.

2008-09-10T16:35:00.000+07:00

Europe Group Six preview

WC Qualifiers

England are looking for revenge against Croatia while Ukraine face Kazakhstan seeking to their winning streak.

England skipper John Terry is ready to deliver a rallying speech to his team-mates in Zagreb but he believes avenging the last result against Croatia will be the real motivating force.

Terry is fuelled by personal frustration as he was sidelined with a knee injury when Slaven Bilic's side won at Wembley last November to end England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008.

The 27-year-old was fit when England lost to Croatia at Maksimir Stadium earlier in that campaign - courtesy of Paul Robinson's famous blunder - and the Chelsea centre-back is expecting a hostile reception.

It could call for one of his speeches to rally his team-mates in their potentially-crucial World Cup qualifier.

"The memories of last time will be more than enough to get the lads fighting but if I feel the need on the night of the game then I will, whether it is before, at half-time or during the game," Terry said.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand is expected to be fit for the clash after recovering from a back injury and Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown could return to the starting XI.

Joe Cole is set to feature after scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic admitted a past memory of England coach Fabio Capello will ensure his side will not take the World Cup qualifier lightly.

Bilic can recall the 1994 European Cup final when Capello masterminded a shock 4-0 AC Milan victory over favourites BarcelonaNow the former West Ham player knows the expectations are on his side to beat England after overcoming them twice in the Euro 2008 qualification group.

Bilic said: "There is more expectation and pressure on us this time. We are always under pressure. We don't want to run away from this pressure.

"The way England are approaching this game is that we are favourites and that England don't stand a chance and it reminds me of the 1994 European Cup final, Barcelona v Milan.

Ukraine will be aiming to continue their perfect start to the qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan.

Golden boy Andriy Shevchenko came on as a substitute and notched a stoppage-time penalty to give Alexei Mikhalichenko's men a crucial win against Belarus, but the Ukrainians cannot afford to be complacent.

The minnows have performed well on home soil recently, having held Belgium to a 2-2 draw and beating Serbia 2-1 in their during Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Kazakhstan will look to their own star striker, Sergei Ostapenko for inspiration after he netted both goals in his side's 2-0 win over Andorra.

In the final match in Group Six, winless duo Andorra and Belarus meet in Barcelona, with both side's looking to score their first points of the campaign.

Beckham axed as Capello gives England injection of pace

2008-09-07T13:05:00.000+07:00

BARCELONA - David Beckham was left out of England's starting line-up for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday as Fabio Capello gave his side an injection of pace.

Capello opted to give pacy Arsenal winger Theo Walcott his first England start on the right instead of Beckham.

With Wednesday's crucial match in Croatia looming, the England coach may have decided that LA Galaxy star Beckham would struggle to cope with two matches in five days.

Capello also selected the attack-minded Glen Johnson at right-back ahead of Wes Brown, while Joleon Lescott replaced injured centre-back Rio Ferdinand at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

Stewart Downing came in on the left in place of Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe partnered Wayne Rooney up front.

Keegan 'might return' if Newcastle owner sells

2008-09-07T13:02:00.000+07:00

NEWCASTLE, England - Two days on from Kevin Keegan's resignation as Newcastle United manager local media intimated Saturday the former England boss might return - if owner Mike Ashley sells.

Keegan quit the Premier League club just eight months into his second spell in charge on Thursday, blasting the management structure which retail tycoon Ashley has put in place stripping the coach of responsibility for matters such as transfer policy.

But according to Alan Oliver, chief sports writer at the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, "Keegan could be back as Newcastle United manager - if Mike Ashley sells out to any of the consortiums who want to buy the club".

Oliver said he had spoken to Keegan late Friday and "he was definitely upbeat" about his future plans amid reports that Indian billionaire Anil Ambani and his Reliance Group might be interested in buying out the club.

Ashley only bought United last year but the venomous outpourings against him from fans since news emerged of Keegan leaving could give him food for thought.

According to the Chronicle representatives of Ambani are due in England on Monday - but the exact purpose of their visit is unknown.

The paper added that another former England boss, Terry Venables, was a name in the frame to replace Keegan.

Oliver said Keegan had appeared fatalistic after last Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal at The Emirates, telling him that when the club "goes backwards it goes backwards at twice the pace and that is the problem".

On resigning, Keegan said: "It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want."

Newcastle are believed to have gone against Keegan's wishes by trying to offload both England striker Michael Owen and troubled midfielder Joey Barton, while signing players he did not want.

Keegan's position had been brought into question when Dennis Wise was appointed director of football in January without his knowledge just two weeks after the former took over for a second time following the sacking of Sam Allardyce.

The Magpies are now looking for their sixth manager in four years and fan groups have threatened to boycott the home game with Hull on September 13.

Keegan has been idolised on Tyneside since he led Newcastle to promotion to the top flight as a player in 1982.

He took over as manager for the first time in 1992, once again leading them to promotion before narrowly missing out on the title in 1995 after a rollercoaster season.

But in 1997 he quit to be followed in the hotseat by Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce.

Alan Shearer, whom Keegan brought to Newcastle in 1996, meanwhile says he is not interested in a coaching role at the club under the current set-up.

Shearer told the BBC: "I would like to be a manager at some stage, but that means controlling the players who go in and the players who go out.

"I don't think I would be comfortable working within a structure with a director of football who was picking and choosing the players for me."

On Keegan's successor, Shearer said: "I don't think there will be a shortage of people who want the job, but your guess is as good as mine.

France suffer catastrophic World Cup start

2008-09-07T13:00:00.000+07:00

VIENNA - France were outplayed 3-1 by little Austria, just 101st in the world, for a catastrophic start to their 2010 World Cup campaign to throw up further questions marks over coach Raymond Domenech.

The 2006 World Cup finalists had a terrible Euro 2008, losing in the group phase, and this Group Seven result will further weaken the position of Domenech.

Goals by Marc Janko and Rene Aufhauser before the break put the hosts firmly in front but Sidney Govou got one back for France on the hour.

A converted penalty by Andreas Ivanschitz in the 72nd minute finished off the scoring and France's fate.

The French football federation will surely be keenly expecting a better result against Serbia on Wednesday at the Stade de France and against Romania on October 11.

The first two goals by the Austrians were similar.

The first came when a freekick by Ivanschitz was badly negotiated by French centre backs William Gallas and Philippe Mexes and Janko found the net.

Then in the 41st minute, another free kick by Ivanschitz was put in the net by Aufhauser with Gallas getting a touch.

And a Mexes foul on Janko gave away the penalty to confirm the victory of Karel Bruckner's men and it was clear on the night France missed the likes of retired defender Lilian Thuram.

Earlier in the 61st minute Govou, making the most of the absence of Franck Ribery, had scored for France but it was not enough to prevent defeat.

Austria had ridden their luck a little however as just in the 15th minute, Sebastian Proedl managed to scare keeper Alex Manninger by hitting the ball on to his own crossbar, and Jeremy Toulalan had a great chance in the 66th minute.

France's shaky defence is proving a problem; in the last four matches, they have conceded 11 goals.

Fired-up Podolski leads Germany's charge in 6-0 rout

2008-09-07T12:59:00.000+07:00

VADUZ - Striker Lukas Podolski gave the perfect answer to last week's accusation of "whining" with two goals as Germany beat minnows Liechtenstein 6-0 in their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Bayern Munich forward struck either side of half-time to lead Germany's charge and he has now scored 30 goals for his country on his 56th appearance to silence the critics at his own club.

Podolski has endured a testing fortnight at Bayern where he has been kept on the bench and was told to stop whining about the situation by club manager Uli Hoeness, while coach Jurgen Klinsmann said he needed to 'step on the gas.'

"I really enjoy playing for the national team," said Podolski as Germany travel to Helsinki next week to play Finland on Wednesday.

"I have my mission. I try to give everything for the team and score my goals. I have the confidence of my coach. Now we must do the same job against Finland."

In front of just under 8,000 capacity crowd at the Rheinpark Stadium here, Germany were 1-0 up at half-time, but ran riot in the second half.

Podolski combined with Hamburg winger Piotr Trochowski on 21 minutes and rifled his shot past goalkeeper Peter Jehle.

Heavy rain in the first half in Liechtenstein's capital meant the game was never going to match Germany's 13-0 trouncing of other European minnows San Marino in 2006.

Podolski struck again almost straight after the half-time interval in a carbon-copy of his first goal as he combined again with Trochowski.

The dam finally burst in the 65th minutes as midfielder Simon Rolfes stabbed the ball home through a packed defence for Germany's third.

And just minutes after taking the captain's armband from Miroslav Klose, Bayern team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Germany's fourth goal on 66 minutes.

Germany had a great deal of luck for their fifth goal when Stuttgart captain Thomas Hitzlsperger launched his 76th minute free-kick which took a deflection off Liechtenstein striker Mario Frick's foot on its way into the net.

The sixth goal came in the dying stages when Schalke 04 defender Heiko Westermann drove his header into the back of the net on 86 minutes from a cross by teenager Marko Marin.

Japan edge Bahrain in Gulf thriller

2008-09-07T12:56:00.000+07:00

MANAMA - Japan beat Bahrain 3-2 in a pulsating opening match of the fourth and final Asian qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup here on Saturday.

Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura, Yasuhito Endo and Kengo Nakamura scored for the winners while Salman Isa pulled one back for the hosts late in the match.

Marcus Tanaka scored an own goal toward the end to give Bahrain a glimmer of hope, but time ran out for the hosts leaving a packed home crowd disappointed.

Australia, Qatar and Uzbekistan are the other teams in Group A with the winners and runners-up going through to the finals to be held in South Africa.

The third placed side will clash with its corresponding team in Group B and the winner of that match will take on New Zealand (the winner of the Oceania zone) in the final play-off for a possible fifth spot for Asia at the finals.

The crunch match played in stifling desert heat and humidity was a bruising affair but Japan adapted to the conditions better than their hosts and made the best of the opportunities that came their way to make a head start in their attempt for a fourth successive World Cup berth.

The game came alive after 15 minutes of hit-and-chase forays between these two familiar but fiercely bitter foes and peaked in excitement and tension in the last five minutes.

But in between it was clear that Japan was superior, more resourceful and increasingly resilient.

Japan kept asserting its superiority with Saint Etienne striker Daisuke Matsui and Makoto Hasebe keeping the Bahrain defenders Sayed Mohammed Adnan and Mohammed Hussain busy.

Matsui in particular looked increasingly dangerous on the left flank with his cunning footwork and clever change of pace.

Japan's perseverance and patience finally paid off in the 18th minute and Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura, who was till then hardly given any space or time to make his trademark, defence splitting moves, struck in telling fashion scoring off a free kick.

Nakamura stayed cool as the free kick, from 10 metres outside the penalty area, was delayed with the Bahrainis taking their time in setting up a defensive wall.

Endo ran a dummy which unsettled the Bahrainis further and Nakamura struck a powerful left-footer past Bahrain goalkeeper Jaffar.

Bahrain made a brave attempt to bounce back two minutes later when the hard working Salman Isa made a solo effort down the middle. But Japanese goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki fended off Isa's powerful long ranger.

That was Bahrain's best attempt in the first-half as the hosts struggled to match the fast-moving and quick-passing Japanese.

Moreover, Ala'a Hubail's inability to break free upset the rhythm of the midfielders and left Isa desperately short of supply at the top of the attack.

Japan doubled the lead in the 44th minute with Nakamura starring again when his shot at goal off a pass from Endo struck Fouzi Aaish's right hand.

Singapore referee Bashir Abdul Malik had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot.

Endo converted the penalty.

Japan, however, could not be denied a third goal and Kengo Nakamura obliged with a fine strike with five minutes left to play.

But it was still not all over as Isa pulled one back with three minutes to go and then Japan goalkeeper Narazaki misjudged a headed back pass by Tanaka and let the ball pass him for an own goal.

Spanish still see Ronaldo as Real deal

2008-09-07T12:54:00.000+07:00

MADRID - Real Madrid still have their heart set on Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, Spanish media insisted Saturday amid fresh reports of the Portuguese star's "dream" of starring at the Bernabeu.

Spanish sports daily AS said Ronaldo would ultimately move to Spain and reported that United coach Sir Alex Ferguson had told him he could go next season, the Premiership and European champions having had their way in keeping him for now.

AS added that it understood Ronaldo - touted all summer as an 80 million euro Real target - would only leave Old Trafford for the Spanish champions despite reports that Manchester City, following their buyout by billionaire Arab owners, would bid a record 135-million-pounds (170 million euros) for him.

The newspaper said it had information a pre-accord for a five-year deal had already been drawn up.

Britain's Daily Mirror earlier quoted Ronaldo as explaining the summer tug of war for his services to Inside United magazine was prompted by the fact that "I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on."

"I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought it could be the right moment."

The 23-year-old added that a further attraction was the closeness of Madrid to his family in Portugal - but he admitted he had been "naive" to imagine he could force through a move.

"What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. I just said what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on.

"People can't be upset about me fulfilling a childhood dream. I knew Real were interested in me and they had, allegedly, made a substantial offer. For a while, I wanted United to accept. If we hadn't been European champions, I probably wouldn't have thought about going to Madrid."

He insisted he would always give his all as long as he remains in United red.

"I'm 100 per cent professional and have always given my heart and soul to this club. If one day I leave, I want to do it knowing I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible."

Algeria goal burst sinks Senegal in World Cup qualifier

2008-09-07T12:52:00.000+07:00

JOHANNESBURG - Algeria, Libya and Malawi triumphed this weekend to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

A three-goal second half burst helped the Desert Foxes of Algeria edge the Teranga Lions of Senegal 3-2 in Blida and take one-point advantage in Group 6 with one round to play.

Long serving Ahmed Saad was the hero of Libya as his goal six minutes from full-time earned a 1-0 win over Ghana in a top-of-the-table Group 5 Tripoli clash marred by an injury to Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

Malawi were the latest team to inflict misery on Group 12 whipping boys Djibouti, winning 3-0 in the tiny Horn of Africa state via goals from Chiukepo Msowoya, Moses Chavula and Atosaye Nyondo.

After a goalless first half in Blida, Issiar Dia put the previously unbeaten Senegalese ahead only for Yacine Bezzaz, Rafik Saifi and Antar Yahia to score within 14 minutes.

Mamadou Sougou grabbed a stoppage-time consolation goal for Senegal, who host Gambia in their final match next month while Algeria travel to group strugglers Liberia.

Libya won their fourth consecutive match without conceding a goal after suffering a hiding in Ghana last June, and a point from their away fixture against Gabon on October 11 would seal first place.

A blunder by defender Harrison Afful led to the winner as he failed to clear a through ball, allowing Saad to beat goalkeeper Richard Kingson from an acute angle.

Essien, who had been a doubtful starter, was the victim of a cynical foul midway through the opening half and Stephen Appiah came on to end a nine-month injury induced absence from the Black Stars.

Appiah, who has been linked with West Ham after quitting Fenerbahce, delivered a series of defence-splitting passes which were squandered by Junior Agogo and Sulley Muntari.

Malawi climbed above African champions Egypt on goal difference into second place on the standings in Group 12, one of the most hotly contested in Africa with Democratic Republic of Congo also strong challengers for top spot.

The 12 group winners and the best eight runners-up advance to the final qualifying phase where they will be split into five groups with the winners joining hosts South Africa at the first World Cup to be staged by Africa.

Injured Sneijder 'rocketing back for Real'

2008-09-07T12:50:00.000+07:00

MADRID - Key Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder could return to action for the reigning Spanish champions far quicker than expected, according to reports Saturday.

Doctors said Sneijder would be sidelined for at least three months after he picked up a ligament injury in his left knee while playing against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup in early August.

But according to Marca newspaper Saturday the 24-year-old Dutch international has made a rapid recovery and could return to Spanish league action in early October.

Sneijder, formerly of Ajax, scored nine goals and helped in the creation of six others during last season's triumphant La Liga campaign.

Macedonia beat Scotland World Cup qualifier

2008-09-07T12:46:00.000+07:00

SKOPJE - Scotland crashed to a 1-0 defeat in their opening World Cup Group Nine qualifying game against Macedonia here on Saturday where temperatures hit a sizzling 35 degrees.

The Scotland players suffered in sweltering conditions in Skopje and fell behind quickly to a Ilco Naumoski goal in the fifth minute.

The Scots improved in the second-half but could not find their way past a stubborn Macedonian defence and are still looking for their first win under George Burley.

"We were disappointed to lose but for the whole of the second-half I thought we dominated the game," Burley said. "In the second-half I thought we were outstanding. We played good football, we passed it well and their keeper has made a few saves.

"There were a number of occasions where the ball never broke to us and it looked like a penalty that we didn't get.

"We finished the game with a lot of pride as we kept battling away right to the end and I thought we deserved something from it."

Scotland seemed to struggle in the scorching heat and it was the hosts who dominated the opening period of the first-half.

Macedonia took the lead with their first effort of the game in the fifth minute following a controversial free-kick won by Goran Maznov after he appeared to go down easily following a challenge from Stephen McManus.

Captain Goce Sedloski hit the free-kick from 25 yards out with power and pace which goalkeeper Craig Gordon did well to turn onto the post but Naumoski reacted quickest to knock the rebound into the net.

Scotland defender Gary Caldwell was in the thick of the action and did well to head clear a Goran Pandev cross after the forward had superbly brought the ball down in the box in the 23rd minute.

A minute later the Lazio player then connected perfectly with a volley from the edge of the box which smashed into the chest of Caldwell.

In the 30th minute James McFadden had Scotland's first real chance when he cut in from the right side of the box but he delayed too much and his effort was eventually blocked by a defender.

The Scots grew in confidence and Barry Robson was next to have an attempt from 25 yards in the 35th minute but his effort was weak and easily saved by Petar Milosevski.

Caldwell saved his team from falling further behind with a brilliant last ditch tackle on Maznov in the 38th minute just as the striker was going to pull the trigger as he raced in on goal.

Scotland started the second-half brightly and won a succession of corners in the first five minutes.

Scott Brown came close to an equaliser in the 51st minute. The Celtic midfielder drove from the half-way line and his pass to Darren Fletcher was deflected back into his path but his effort from the edge of the box was well saved by Milosevski.

Scotland thought they had a penalty in the 52nd minute when Robson appeared to be brought down but the referee waved away their appeals.

Only a stunning save by Gordon stopped Macedonia increasing their lead in the 56th minute.

Ipswich player Veliche Shumulikoski fired in a fierce first time shot from 22 yards out which the keeper saw late but managed to get a hand to and tip over the bar.

Gordon again saved the Scots when he blocked a Naumoski shot on the turn from six yards out in the 66th minute.

Scotland should have had a penalty in the 71st minute when the Macedonian keeper swept McFadden's feet from under him as he attempted to take the ball round him but the referee again ignored the Scottish players' appeals.

Kris Commons, on for Paul Hartley, fired in a low cross following some super wing play on the right but no-one was on hand to pounce on Milosevski's fumble in the 77th minute.

Scotland pushed for an equaliser with substitute Shaun Maloney coming closest in the final minute with a drive from the edge of the box but the Macedonians held on for the win.

2008-09-03T15:45:00.004+07:00

Inter move is a dream come true, says Quaresma

MILAN, Italy - Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma has spoken out about his joy at joining Italian champions Inter Milan in a late transfer deadline deal.

The 25-year-old was one of Inter boss Jose Mourinho's top transfer targets and the former Chelsea manager got his man with only hours remaining to the end of Monday's deadline.

For Quaresma, who joined from FC Porto, it will be his second spell abroad following an unhappy season at Barcelona in 2003-04.

"Being at Inter is a dream for me because it's always been my aim to come to a big club and this is a big club with great players, hence I'm very thankful to Porto," Quaresma told the official Inter website.

Porto had initially held out for a higher fee than Inter were willing to offer but the deal eventually went through for a sum rising to 24.6 million euros plus six-million-euro rated Portuguese midfielder Vitor Pele.

Mourinho had said a few days ago that he wanted to add a speedy winger, such as Quaresma, to his squad as his preferred 4-3-3 formation involves a central striker flanker by two wingers.

"Quaresma is an eclectic player who can play in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation," said Mourinho, who added he was delighted with the support he had received from club bosses in the transfer market.

"When I arrived I asked for three players: Quaresma, (Alessandro) Mancini and (Frank) Lampard.

"When Lampard changed his mind I asked the club for (Sulley) Muntari and they have delivered and I thank them.

"Now that I've got them, it's up to me to deliver."

2008-09-03T15:45:00.003+07:00

Arab billionaire owner has high hopes for Manchester City

DUBAI - Manchester City's new owner, young Emirati billionaire Suleiman al-Fahim, on Tuesday set the target of a top four finish for the Premier League club.

"What happened is great for the club and for Abu Dhabi," capital of the United Arab Emirates, he told Al-Khaleej newspaper.

"Our goal is simple: it is to make Manchester City the biggest club in the English League ... and for a start it must finish the season in fourth place," he said.

Fahim, 31, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in City, subject to due diligence, from former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who will remain on the club's board as a shareholder and honorary president.

The Arab businessman chairs the Emirati chess federation and is an honorary member of local first division club Al-Ain, winners of the 2003 Asian Champions League.

He has not disclosed the amount he is paying for City when he made the purchase on Monday on behalf of the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, of which he is a board member.

The Khaleej Times's news website said the transaction gives his group full management rights.

The National, an English-language Abu Dhabi daily, estimated the value of the buy-out at 177 million dollars.

Khaleej Times said Fahim and the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment hoped it would help make Abu Dhabi a "global sports capital" and that they planned to buy more clubs outside Britain.

The website also quoted Fahim as saying negotiations were underway to sign new players to strengthen Man City - including three top European players, with plans to import Emirati players to the Premier League in the future.

Already on Monday, Man City signed Brazilian striker Robinho on a four-year contract for a fee understood to be a British record of 32 million pounds (57 million dollars).

Fahim, a real estate magnate at the head of Hydra Properties, a company he founded only two years ago, said that he plans to turn around City's financial fortunes.

"We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company," he said, adding he hoped City could be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

His Hydra Properties, meanwhile, is building a football academy in the Emirates in tandem with Italy's Inter Milan.

According to Fahim's official biography, the new City owner is described as a dynamic businessman who sits on the boards of several real estate and finance companies.

Arabian Business magazine last year listed Fahim as the 16th most influential financial figures in the region.

Shinawatra will remain on City's board after selling out to Fahim a majority stake in the club after his assets were frozen as a result of corruption and fraud charges in Thailand.

2008-09-03T15:45:00.002+07:00

Newcastle want Keegan to continue as manager

NEWCASTLE, England - Newcastle United denied on Tuesday that manager Kevin Keegan had been sacked and said the English Premier League club want him to remain in his job.

"For the avoidance of doubt the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager," the English Premier League club said in a statement, adding it hoped he would stay on "to play an instrumental role as manager of the club."

Media reports had claimed both that Keegan, 57, had been dismissed, and that he had resigned in the wake of meetings held following the club's failure to make any major signings before Monday's closure of the transfer window.

But Newcastle said in the statement on their website: "Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

"Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him. The club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

"Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the club."

Angry supporters had gathered at the club's St James' Park stadium and chanted "sack the board" as they voiced their dissatisfaction at reports Keegan was to be sacked less than eight months after his high-profile return to Tyneside.

Reports said Keegan was disgruntled at Newcastle's failure to make three or four major signings as the transfer window closed on Monday.

The club's only business on deadline day was the 5.7-million-pound signing of Spanish striker Xisco and the loan signing of midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez.

In another apparent bone of contention, Keegan recently claimed James Milner would not be sold only for the midfielder to join Aston Villa in a 12-million-pound deal.

The former England and Manchester City boss, who managed the club from 1992 to 1997, delighted fans by returning for a second time to St James' Park in January to replace the sacked Sam Allardyce.

The club are 11th in the table with just four points from their opening three games.

2008-09-03T15:45:00.001+07:00

Robinho departure highlights Real Madrid transfer fiasco

MADRID - Real Madrid's last-minute sale of its unsettled Brazilian striker Robinho and the Spanish club's failure to sign a replacement highlight its disastrous recruitment for the 2008-09 season.

The Spanish champions signed only one new player - Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who joined Real for five years from German side Hamburg.

The club's top transfer priority, Portuguese international striker Cristiano Ronaldo, ultimately decided to stay with Manchester United after weeks of being wooed by Real, partly due to pressure from the English club's coach, Alex Ferguson.

This first refusal was followed by snubs from two Spanish internationals, Santi Cazorla of Villarreal and David Villa of Valencia, who were either happy to stay at their clubs or miffed at being Real's second choice.

Real president Ramon Calderon had wanted Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals last season to fire United to the Premier League title and European Cup triumph, while Real coach Bernd Schuster had wanted Cazorla and Villa, who helped lead Spain to victory at Euro 2008.

The German coach also wanted Real to hold on to Robinho, who on Sunday told a news conference that he wanted to join Chelsea, saying Schuster was not his father and "he can't force me to do anything".

Real then decided to accept a last-minute offer of 42 million euros for Robinho that arrived on Monday, the last day of the transfer period, for the 24-year-old Brazilian international.

Not from Chelsea - but newly-flush Manchester City.

The offer from the club -- made possible due to its looming takeover by Arab investment fund Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment -- beat Chelsea's reported offer of around 30 million euros.

"The kid was in bad shape," Calderon told radio Cadena Ser after the deal was closed, adding Robinho begged him to let him go to England.

"I talked to him several times. When he talked about his situation, he cried and demanded to leave Spain, he was desperate. He didn't care if he was going to Manchester City," he added.

"His departure from Madrid is not only due to sports-related reasons, there is something else which I don't understand."

While Real was negotiating Robinho's departure on Monday, it made its own last-ditch offer of 60 million euros for Villa, the top-scorer at Euro 2008.

But in vain.

Schuster admitted Monday that his side had lacked strike power after losing their season opener 2-1 to Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend.

"I didn't see any striker on the bench. I looked to my left and there was none. We have no other choice but to attack the season with what we have," he said.

Real signed Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay from Racing Santander at the end of the season but under the terms of the deal the player will only join the club in the 2009-10 season.

In addition, midfielders Javi Garcia and Ruben de la Red, who helped Spain win the Euro 2008 title in June, have rejoined Real after a season with Osasuna and Getafe respectively.

2008-09-03T15:45:00.000+07:00

Keegan Quits Newcastle

NEWCASTLE, England - Kevin Keegan has quit as manager of Premier League outfit Newcastle United after holding talks with club's board on Tuesday, Sky Sports News reported.

The 57-year-old was reportedly unhappy with the club's policy on transfers and has left after less than eight months in the job.

Keegan had hoped for three or four major signings but they failed to materialise as the transfer window closed at midnight on Monday.

Sky Sports News reported that Keegan did not take training Tuesday morning and was locked in talks with the club's board.

Keegan recently claimed James Milner would not be sold only for the midfielder to join Aston Villa in a 12-million-pound deal.

But having been unable to add to the signings of Argentinian pair Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez with several big-name stars Keegan is believed to have become disillusioned with his lot at Newcastle.

The club's only business on transfer deadline day was a 5.7-million-pound signing of Spanish striker Xisco and the loan signing of midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez.

Former England and Manchester City boss Keegan, who managed the club from 1992 to 1997, returned for a second time to St James' Park in January after the sacking of Sam Allardyce.

The club are currently 11th in the Premier League with just four points from their opening three games.

Kuyt's late goal clinches win for Liverpool

2008-08-28T12:24:00.002+07:00

LONDON - Five-times champions Liverpool, who were staring at Champions League elimination, scored the sole goal of the tie late on to oust Standard Liege and qualify for the lucrative group stages on Wednesday.

Dirk Kuyt's goal with three minutes to go in extra time propelled the Reds into the hat for Thursday's 32-team draw along with Arsenal who thrashed Steve McClaren's FC Twente 4-0 at home for a 6-0 aggregate scoreline.

French first division front-runners Marseille muddled through after an unconvincing 2-1 home win against Brann to go through 3-1 on aggregate while Atletico Madrid thanked the form of Olympic gold medallist Sergio Aguero in their 4-0 beating of Schalke 04 in the Spanish capital for a 4-1 overall
victory.

Liverpool goalscorer Kuyt told ITV television afterwards: "We wanted to play in the Champions League. We have been in the semi-final and final the last two years. It was a tough match but we believed in ourselves and it was a good performance."

And on Liege, Kuyt added: "They were tough, they were really fighting, even in extra time."

The Reds lifted the European Cup for a fifth time by beating AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005, then lost the final two years later to the same opponents.

Rafael Benitez's side had been unconvincing all evening and the game appeared destined for penalties when Kuyt struck with a far post volley from Ryan Babel's deep cross.

For Liverpool, the goal brought relief after a stuttering display that will have reinforced their manager's determination to bring in new faces during the remaining five days of the transfer window.

Benitez had attempted to downplay the significance of the first leg draw in the build-up to this game, insisting his side would be better prepared than they were when the two sides met in Belgium.

Then, Pepe Reina's penalty from Bonfim Dante had been largely responsible for Liverpool escaping with a scoreless draw.

And while the Anfield club's form had been disappointing in their subsequent two league games, they came into this clash having secured back to back wins and with a growing self-belief that their season was about to fire into life.

Down in London William Gallas produced the perfect response to his critics as the Arsenal captain booked his side's place in the Champions League group stages with a rare goal against FC Twente.

Gallas's captaincy credentials had already been questioned after his meltdown against Birmingham last season, so when the France defender's sloppy marking gifted Fulham a shock victory on Saturday he was inevitably singled out for some harsh words from fans and pundits.

But Gallas led by example in the third qualifying round second leg against Twente. He was outstanding in defence and scored with a second half tap-in after Samir Nasri had given Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner scored in the closing stages to put the seal on Arsenal's 6-0 aggregate victory.

It was their most emphatic performance of the season and Arsene Wenger must wish the Gunners could play Steve McClaren's team every week.

"It was a big game for us and the response was clear," Wenger said. "There was togetherness and focus. That is what we wanted after a result like Saturday.

"We needed to be organised because they play a little with your patience. We were disciplined and focused and we were never really under threat.

"I felt the whole team was sharp. Physically we were much better than Saturday."

Results:

BATE Borisov (BLR) 1 Levski Sofia (BUL) 1
(BATE Borisov win 2-1 on aggregate)

Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 4 Spartak Moscow (RUS) 1
(Dynamo Kiev win 8-2 on aggregate)

Steaua Bucharest (ROM) 1 Galatasaray (TUR) 0
(Steaua win 3-2 on aggregate)

Fenerbahce (TUR) 2 Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 1
(Fenerbahce win 4-3 on aggregate)

FC Basel (SUI) 2 Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 1
(Basel win 2-1 on aggregate)

Olympiakos 1 (GRE) Anorthosis Famagouste (CYP) 0
(Anorthosis Famagouste win 3-1 on aggregate)

Slavia Prague (CZE) 0 Fiorentina (ITA) 0
(Fiorentina win 2-0 on aggregate)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) 4 Schalke 04 (GER) 0
(Atletico win 4-1 on aggregate)

FBK Kaunas (LTU) 0 Aalborg (DEN) 2
(Aalborg won 4-0 on aggregate)

Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 1 Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 3
(Shakhtar Donetsk won 5-1 on aggregate)

Marseille (FRA) 2 SK Brann (NOR) 1
(Marseille win 3-1 on aggregate)

Arsenal (ENG) 4 FC Twente (NED) 0
(Arsenal win 6-0 on aggregate)

Liverpool (ENG) 1 Standard Liege (BEL) 0 (after extra time)
(Liverpool win 1-0 on aggregate)

Gallas back in favour as Arsenal ease through

2008-08-28T12:24:00.001+07:00

LONDON - William Gallas produced the perfect response to his critics as the Arsenal captain booked his side's place in the Champions League group stages with a rare goal in Wednesday's 4-0 win against FC Twente.

Gallas's captaincy credentials had already been questioned after his meltdown against Birmingham last season, so when the France defender's sloppy marking gifted Fulham a shock victory on Saturday he was inevitably singled out for some harsh words from fans and pundits.

But Gallas led by example in the third qualifying round second leg against Twente. He was outstanding in defence and scored with a second half tap-in after Samir Nasri had given Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner scored in the closing stages to put the seal on Arsenal's 6-0 aggregate victory.

It was their most emphatic performance of the season and Arsene Wenger must wish the Gunners could play Steve McClaren's team every week.

Wenger gave his players a rare dressing down after Saturday's loss and Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue appeared to pay the price as the trio were consigned to the bench.

Cesc Fabregas, back from a hamstring injury, replaced Eboue for his first competitive appearance since helping Spain beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final in June.

With Fabregas back and the tie under control after the first leg, this was an ideal chance for the Gunners to kick-start their season. After a subdued start they began to rediscover some rhythm.

Robin van Persie tested Nicolay Mihaylov with a low free-kick before Johan Djourou poked a half-chance wide from close-range.

Van Persie should have hit the target when Fabregas' neat cutback gave the Dutch striker a clear sight of goal but his wild shot sailed over the bar.

Wenger had thumped his seat in frustration after that miss but he was soon on his feet in celebration of a far more clinical finish in the 27th minute.

Nasri has had no trouble settling in since his pre-season move from Marseille and the France winger, who scored on his debut against West Brom, gave another glimpse of his potential here.

Van Persie was the catalyst as he won possession on the edge of the Twente penalty area. His tackle ran to Nasri, who wrong-footed two defenders with a sublime turn before firing in a low shot that took a slight deflection past Mihaylov.

Fabregas' return gave Arsenal the guile so obviously missing against Fulham. A perfectly-weighted pass from the Spaniard sent Bendtner clear, only for the Danish striker to stumble over his own feet as he tried to shoot.

Van Persie fared even worse when he somehow shot wide with the goal at his mercy after Walcott's run unhinged the Dutch defence.

This was McClaren's first visit to Arsenal since his Middlesbrough team were beaten 7-0 at Highbury in 2006 and the former England coach was heading for another thrashing.

Gallas enjoyed his moment of redemption in the 52nd minute when his rampaging run set up Bendtner. The forward's shot was blocked by Mihaylov and rebounded for Gallas to slot home.

Walcott got reward for a menacing display when he exchanged passes with Bendtner and curled a low shot past Mihaylov in the 66th minute.

Bendtner's close-range strike from Denilson's backheel in the 89th minute capped the rout. Perhaps Wenger will look forward to Thursday's draw for the lucrative group stages with slightly more enthusiasm now.

Results:

BATE Borisov (BLR) 1 Levski Sofia (BUL) 1
(BATE Borisov win 2-1 on aggregate)

Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 4 Spartak Moscow (RUS) 1
(Dynamo Kiev win 8-2 on aggregate)

Steaua Bucharest (ROM) 1 Galatasaray (TUR) 0
(Steaua win 3-2 on aggregate)

Fenerbahce (TUR) 2 Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 1
(Fenerbahce win 4-3 on aggregate)

FC Basel (SUI) 2 Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 1
(Basel win 2-1 on aggregate)

Olympiakos 1 (GRE) Anorthosis Famagouste (CYP) 0
(Anorthosis Famagouste win 3-1 on aggregate)

Slavia Prague (CZE) 0 Fiorentina (ITA) 0
(Fiorentina win 2-0 on aggregate)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) 4 Schalke 04 (GER) 0
(Atletico win 4-1 on aggregate)

FBK Kaunas (LTU) 0 Aalborg (DEN) 2
(Aalborg won 4-0 on aggregate)

Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 1 Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 3
(Shakhtar Donetsk won 5-1 on aggregate)

Marseille (FRA) 2 SK Brann (NOR) 1
(Marseille win 3-1 on aggregate)

Arsenal (ENG) 4 FC Twente (NED) 0
(Arsenal win 6-0 on aggregate)

Liverpool (ENG) 1 Standard Liege (BEL) 0 (after extra time)
(Liverpool win 1-0 on aggregate)

Liverpool captain Gerrard to undergo groin surgery

2008-08-28T12:23:00.000+07:00

LIVERPOOL - Steven Gerrard will on Thursday undergo surgery on a groin problem that will keep the Liverpool captain out for ten to fifteen days.

Gerrard played the full game in his side's extra-time Champions League qualifying round victory over Standard Liege on Wednesday night despite having been troubled by the injury for some time.

Manager Rafael Benitez revealed after the game - settled by Dirk Kuyt's volley three minutes from time - that the midfielder had been told he needed the operation before the clash but opted to play despite being in pain.

Benitez said: "Gerrard will have an operation tomorrow on a groin problem. We knew this would happen. He had a problem and now he will have an operation and he will be out for 10 or 15 days. It's not a big problem but he had pain and it was difficult."

The injury wasn't affected by the period of extra-time.

When he went away with England we knew he had a problem, and we knew he had a problem before the first leg in Belgium two weeks ago.

Yesterday he spoke to the doctor about the situation and he said 'okay, I'll play with pain and after have the operation'.

"He was playing with pain before and he kept going today because he knew he was going to see the surgeon tomorrow. It's not serious, it's a minor operation, but we needed to do it."

Benitez admitted his side had struggled to overcome the Belgian champions who continued where they had left off in the scoreless first leg tie.

But the Spaniard insisted he could see signs of improvement in his side and believes they will get stronger as the opening weeks of the season progress.

He added: "We knew it would be difficult because they played well in the first game and we had to work really hard until the end. For me the most positive thing is we played a little bit better against a good team who are sharp now. We scored right at the end that showed the team was working really hard.

"When you play these kind of games, the other team is playing and training just thinking about this game. But we have been bringing in players from things like the Olympic games and now we can start working as a group.

"For us to have the possibility to play for the chance of winning trophies it's amazing and really important. And also in terms of money it's the same. If you play at this level you will have more options of winning trophies and of getting money."

Shevchenko spoilt at AC Milan, says Mourinho

2008-08-28T12:22:00.000+07:00

LONDON - Jose Mourinho insists Andriy Shevchenko was destined to fail at Chelsea because the Ukraine striker was treated with kid gloves at AC Milan.

Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge when Shevchenko joined for a club record 30 million pounds (37 million euros) in 2006.

Shevchenko arrived with a reputation as the best finisher in Europe but he endured a dismal two-year spell in the Premier League, scoring just nine goals, and rejoined AC Milan earlier this week.

Mourinho, now in charge at Milan great rivals Inter Milan, believes Shevchenko's hero status at the San Siro caused him to struggle to adapt to the team-first ethic he demands from all his players.

"He was like a prince in Milan and at Chelsea our philosophy was different, we had no princes," Mourinho told feelfootball.com

"Everybody needs to work like everybody else and prove he deserves to play.

"I think maybe he lost some self-confidence. Step by step a player goes in the wrong direction."

Mourinho revealed Shevchenko was given to him as a second option by the club after Chelsea's powerbrokers failed to land his number one target.

"He was not my first option but the club gave him to me as a second option," Mourinho said.

"I believe in the future he will again be a player of high quality. The truth is I never had a single personal problem with him and I wish him well for the future."

Mourinho was rumoured to be unhappy with Shevchenko during their time together but the Portuguese coach is adamant there was never any bust-up.

"The truth is I never had a single personal problem with him and I wish him well for the future," he repeated. "I believe in the future he will again be a player of high quality."

Shevchenko, 31, will have the chance to emphasise his quality to Mourinho in the two Milan derbies this season but, publicly at least, he has no axe to grind with his old boss.

"I hope he does well at Inter like he has done elsewhere," Shevchenko said. "He's a coach who knows what he wants."

Sunderland sign West Ham defender Ferdinand

2008-08-28T12:21:00.000+07:00

SUNDERLAND - Sunderland signed West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand for an undisclosed fee on Wednesday.

Ferdinand, the brother of Manchester United and England star Rio, agreed a four-year deal with the Premier League club and becomes Roy Keane's ninth signing since the end of last season.

"We needed to strengthen our defence and Anton is a great signing," Sunderland manager Roy Keane told his club's website.

"He'll bring quality and competition for places which is what we want, hopefully we can take him to another level here at Sunderland.

"He has come through the ranks at West ham and maybe just needs a change."

England Under-21 centre-back Ferdinand, who is believed to have cost around eight million pounds (10 million euros), will miss Wednesday's League Cup tie at Nottingham Forest while he recovers from a hamstring strain and could make his debut against Wigan on September 13.

He admitted it was a tough decision to leave Upton Park after spending so long at the London club.

"It was hard leaving West Ham because I have been there for 16 years but after meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change," Ferdinand said.

"This is a great challenge for me and I feel it is an exciting time at Sunderland. I think the move will do me good."

Ferdinand may not be the last arrival at the Stadium of Light before the transfer window closes on Monday.

"I have one more player in mind and then that is the end of it for a few months at least," Keane said.

Benitez sigh of footballing relief as Liverpool hang on

2008-08-14T18:09:00.002+07:00

LIEGE, Belgium - Liverpool can look forward to qualifying for the money-spinning group stages of the Champions League but it was a close-run thing after their exploits in Belgium.

Wednesday night's 0-0 draw at Standard Liege was thanks to an early missed penalty by Liege and then what looked like a goal minutes before not being given when it looked as though the ball had crossed the line.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admitted they could easily have let in a number of goals and that 0-0 was not a bad result in this third qualifying round, first leg tie.

"We were not surprised by the fine performance of the Liege side, we had seen enough of them to know they were a good, aggressive side," Benitez said.

"The real surprise for me was the way Liverpool played. The only positive to take from the match was the fact that we did not concede a goal.

"We will have to be a lot better in the second leg at Anfield, much better.

"We have been playing well in pre-season, looking confident and passing the ball well.

"But we did not do any of those things. I did not want to bring Steven Gerrard on because the doctors had told me he was not fit enough to start the match.

"We waited until well into the second-half before using him, but we were not controlling the game and I had to bring him on."

Key play Steven Gerrard did not start the match on doctors orders and when he came on late on did not look to be playing at his usual high standard.

Benitez added: "This game was far more difficult than we expected. And Jose Reina was the man of the match."

He was delighted with keeper Reina who saved the penalty and had a good match.

Benitez said: "We know we can always rely on Pepe to stop penalties, but we have been told that the other effort may have been behind the line, but these things happen."

Liege coach Laszlo Boloni said of the match: "Liverpool maybe came here asleep and not expecting this sort of game.

"Maybe, though, we have woken them up for the second-leg, which will me much harder for us.

"We felt that if we did not lose this first-leg, we would still be in with a chance. We know, though, that we still have to score and that could be the problem.

"But I want to praise my team. They attacked Liverpool from the start, and when their goalkeeper pulled the ball back from behind the line, maybe the referee was asleep too."

Arsenal ride their luck to spoil McClaren's debut

2008-08-14T18:09:00.001+07:00

ARNHEM, Netherlands - Arsenal ruined Steve McClaren's FC Twente debut as goals from William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor secured an unconvincing 2-0 win in the Champions League third qualifying round, first leg on Wednesday.

McClaren rarely enjoyed much good fortune during his unhappy reign as England coach and the new Twente manager's luck clearly hasn't changed for the better yet.

His side out-played Arsenal for long periods at the Gelredome in Arnhem before succumbing to a sucker punch when Arsenal captain Gallas struck from close-range midway through the second half.

If that was tough on McClaren there was worse to come when Adebayor added a second in the closing minutes to leave Twente down and out and Arsenal within touching distance of the lucrative group stages.

Arsenal were below strength after a raft of injuries but, despite the result, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger can't have been too pleased with his team's first competitive display since the departures of Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb.

At least Arsenal have plenty of time to improve in the competition. Twente and McClaren's first taste of Champions League could be their last for quite a while.

McClaren was last seen sheltering forlornly under an umbrella on the Wembley touchline during the last rites of England's ill-fated attempt to qualify for Euro 2008.

Now installed as Twente coach, the "wally with the brolly" had a chance to rebuild his tattered reputation by inflicting an embarrassing defeat one of England's big four.

He would have taken heart from Arsenal's under-strength line-up. With Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri all injured, Wenger was forced to field an inexperienced team that included Denilson, 20, and Aaron Ramsey, 17, in central midfield.

Twente were competing in Europe's elite club competition for the first time but they showed no signs of being overawed.

They carved out the first half-chance when Roman Denneboom rose above Gael Clichy to head over in the fourth minute.

McClaren hasn't had time to make his own mark on Twente yet so perhaps it wasn't surprising that they passed the ball more smoothly than his England teams ever did.

Whereas Arsenal usually weave intricate patterns around their opponents, here it was the Dutch team who looked more dangerous for much of the first half.

Manuel Almunia was forced to race from his line to block Eljero Elia's run, then Denneboom shot wastefully over after surging past Clichy.

The best chance of the half fell to Marko Arnautovic. He beat Arsenal's confused offside trap and had only Almunia to beat but, let down by a poor first touch, his shot was too close to the keeper.

Wenger's side finally threatened just before half-time when Clichy's shot was spilled by Sander Boschker, but Bacary Sagna's wayward shot from inside the six-yard box summed up Arsenal's half.

There wasn't much more cohesion in Arsenal's play early in the second half, yet they managed to steal the lead in the 63rd minute.

Robin van Persie whipped in a free-kick from the right and Twente's defence stood statuesque as Gallas scrambled the ball home from close-range.

Suddenly Twente were labouring to rediscover their spark. They seemed to run out of ideas as the match wore on and Arsenal, while never close to their best, put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute.

Twente's defenders allowed a hopeful punt forward to reach Theo Walcott and he passed to Adebayor, who side-footed home to put Arsenal within touching distance of the group stage.

Results:

Barcelona (ESP) 4 Wisla Krakow (POL) 0
Standard Liege (BEL) 0 Liverpool (ENG) 0
Juventus (ITA) 4 Artmedia Bratislava (SVK) 0
FC Twente (NED) 0 Arsenal (ENG) 2
Spartak Moscow (RUS) 1 Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 4

Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 2 Dynamo Zagreb (CRO) 0
Levski Sofia (BUL) 0 BATE Borisov (BLR) 1
Anorthosis Famagusta (CYP) 3 Olympiakos (GRE) 0
Aalborg (DEN) 2 FBK Kaunas (LIT) 0
Galatasaray (TUR) 2 Steaua Bucharest (ROM) 2

Sparta Prague (CZE) 1 Panathinaikos (GRE) 2
SK Brann (NOR) 0 Marseille (FRA) 1
Schalke 04 (GER) 1 Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0
Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 2 Fenerbahce (TUR) 2
Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 0 Basel (SUI) 0

Liverpool fail to reach Standard in Liege

2008-08-14T18:08:00.001+07:00

LIEGE, Belgium - It was disappointment for the Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane duo on Wednesday as Liverpool stuttered to a goalless draw against Standard Liege in the final Champions League qualifying match.

Kick-off was delayed to allow groundsmen to clear toilet rolls from the pitch and, when the action got underway, Liverpool had to weather an early goal scare which would have changed the complexion of the tie.

In the sixth minute, Alvaro Arbeloa gave away a cheap free-kick from which the ever-present Marouane Fellaini rattled a header against the post.

It was criminally sloppy defending that should have cost Liverpool more than it did, with many in the stadium justifiably claiming that the ball had gone over the line.

After the match Liverpool keeper Jose Reina told ITV television that he wasn't sure if the ball had crossed the line.

"I don't know," Reina said. "I still don't know. We will have to see it on TV because it's much easier to see. The important thing is we got a result and we have to improve for the second leg."

Liverpool were left looking like European novices four minutes later when they conceded a penalty after Reds debutante Andrea Dosseda was adjudged to have handled the ball.

But Standard's Brazilian left-back Dante tamely hit the spot-kick against Reina to give the visitors a lifeline.

That proved to be Liege's best chance to breach the Brits and no doubt Dante felt like descending a few rings in hell when he thought about what an opportunity he had.

Liverpool replied on nine minutes after Torres was dragged down by a clumsy tackle, a theme over the 90 minutes, but Alonso battered the free-kick off the wall.

Liverpool were looking a little ragged by halfway as Liege set the pace, untroubled in defence, and with Dalmat's probing runs and incisive passing asking big questions of Rafa Benitez's gameplan.

And there was still no impact from the much-vaunted Keane and Torres partnership as the first 45 minutes drew to a close.

Liverpool started the second half much as they ended the first, with high, long balls up front, badly suited to the new strike force.

It looked as if their defenders had forgotten that Peter Crouch had been sold to Portsmouth in the close season.

On the 50th minute Igor De Camargo scuffed a great opportunity after a telling pass from Alex Witsel, Belgium's young player of the year.

A sluggish Torres effort was all a harassed and harried Liverpool had to show by the 60th minute.

Liege, who suffered only one domestic defeat last season, were piling on the pressure, Dante picking out De Camargo in the 65th minute, but the striker should have made Reina work harder.

Suddenly the spectre of Rangers, who fell to Lithuanian minnows FBK Kaunas last week, loomed large in Liege.

Steven Gerrard came on for Keane as Benitez called time on his dynamic duo, pulling Dirk Kuyt into a more forward role.

But even Gerrard's talismanic presence couldn't turn the tide as De Camargo again darted and probed getting behind the Liverpool defence to send the ball inches wide.

It was Liege, playing with guts and gusto, who were the more active in the closing stages, and they will feel they should have got on the score sheet.

On this showing Keane and Torres have some way to go to live up to their billing as the new Dalglish and Rush.

Results:

Barcelona (ESP) 4 Wisla Krakow (POL) 0
Standard Liege (BEL) 0 Liverpool (ENG) 0
Juventus (ITA) 4 Artmedia Bratislava (SVK) 0
FC Twente (NED) 0 Arsenal (ENG) 2
Spartak Moscow (RUS) 1 Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 4

Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 2 Dynamo Zagreb (CRO) 0
Levski Sofia (BUL) 0 BATE Borisov (BLR) 1
Anorthosis Famagusta (CYP) 3 Olympiakos (GRE) 0
Aalborg (DEN) 2 FBK Kaunas (LIT) 0
Galatasaray (TUR) 2 Steaua Bucharest (ROM) 2

Sparta Prague (CZE) 1 Panathinaikos (GRE) 2
SK Brann (NOR) 0 Marseille (FRA) 1
Schalke 04 (GER) 1 Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0
Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 2 Fenerbahce (TUR) 2
Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 0 Basel (SUI) 0

Juventus thrash Artmedia on European return

2008-08-14T18:07:00.000+07:00

TURIN, Italy - Juventus made a confident return to European action on Wednesday, thrashing Slovak champions Artmedia Bratislava 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.

Mauro Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero, Giorgio Chiellini and Nicola Legrottaglie scored as the Turin giants ended a two-year absence from the competition they won in 1985 and 1996 after having earned promotion back to the top flight following relegation in 2006 for match-fixing and finishing third in Serie A last season to qualify.

"Scoring four goals was important, it was a European return, the lads cared about it, they played a good match," Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri told Rai television.

They showed no signs of being rusty from the time away from Europe and Italy midfielder Camoranesi rifled home a loose ball in only the seventh minute after Zdenek Grygera's run in the box.

French striker David Trezeguet almost scored 10 minutes later when he slid in to direct a deflected Cristian Molinaro cross just past the near post.

Captain Del Piero doubled the advantage in style in the 26th, finding the net with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area.

Juventus kept up the pressure and Vincenzo Iaquinta should have scored in the 33rd after Del Piero put him through on goal, but a moment of hesitancy allowed the Slovak defence to clear the danger.

Defender Chiellini, another Italy international, leaped high to head a Camoranesi freekick past oncoming Artmedia keeper Lubos KamenÃ¡r and make it 3-0 six minutes before half-time.

Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen, making his competitive debut for Juventus after moving from Sevilla, forced a good one-handed save from Kamenar with a powerful shot just after the break and Del Piero fired just over the bar from a distance.

The visitors had their only serious chance in the 55th minute when substitute Branislav Obzera sprinted into the area, but Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon blocked the danger.

The action was soon at the other end again and Iaquinta hit the post with a low drive in the 62nd.

Defender Legrottaglie headed home in the closing stages to complete the rout and make the August 27 return leg in Bratislava a formality.

Nevertheless, Ranieri remains wary.

"We'll have to be focused when we go there because this team scored five goals against Celtic (in a preliminary round match in 2005)," he said. "We should remember this."

Ranieri also praised Del Piero, Serie A's top scorer last season with 21 goals.

"Alessandro is going through a really great spell," he said. "Last year he could not do the (pre-season) preparation so he suffered a lot. Instead (this year), I'm not saying he's 100 percent ready because no one is, but he's in good shape."

Juventus will be especially pleased with the result as they went into the game without injured Croatia defender Dario Knezevic and midfielders Marco Marchionni and Cristiano Zanetti, both out for a month with thigh muscle problems.

Coach Claudio Ranieri was also unable to field Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved, who was suspended after being sent off in Juve's last Champions League game, a goalless draw with Arsenal that saw them go out 2-0 on aggregate at the quarter-final stage of the competition in April 2006.

Results:

Barcelona (ESP) 4 Wisla Krakow (POL) 0
Standard Liege (BEL) 0 Liverpool (ENG) 0
Juventus (ITA) 4 Artmedia Bratislava (SVK) 0
FC Twente (NED) 0 Arsenal (ENG) 2
Spartak Moscow (RUS) 1 Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 4

Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 2 Dynamo Zagreb (CRO) 0
Levski Sofia (BUL) 0 BATE Borisov (BLR) 1
Anorthosis Famagusta (CYP) 3 Olympiakos (GRE) 0
Aalborg (DEN) 2 FBK Kaunas (LIT) 0
Galatasaray (TUR) 2 Steaua Bucharest (ROM) 2

Sparta Prague (CZE) 1 Panathinaikos (GRE) 2
SK Brann (NOR) 0 Marseille (FRA) 1
Schalke 04 (GER) 1 Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0
Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 2 Fenerbahce (TUR) 2
Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 0 Basel (SUI) 0

Teammates want Eto'o stay

2008-07-29T12:34:00.000+07:00

Primera Liga

Samuel Eto'o's team-mates have come out in support of him and pleaded with Barcelona not to force him out.

Eto'o has been informed that he is not part of new coach Pep Guardiola's plans as wholesale changes are carried out at Barca following the Catalan club's second successive trophyless season.

A host of clubs have been linked with the prolific Cameroon international but his team-mates would like nothing more than for him to remain at Barca.

"As a team-mate and friend, I want to keep Samu by my side," said Andres Iniesta. "He is the best player in the world in his position and, if not the best then at least among the top three.

"Let's hope that he stays with us, although you can't control other people's actions. Nor what is going through Samuel's mind.

"My wish is for him to stay, but what will happen will happen, and I hope that it will work out for the best for everyone."

Xavi also praised Eto'o highly, calling him; "An example of professionalism and a great talent on the field, among the best in the world."

Several teams in Serie A and the Premier League are reportedly interested in Eto'o, while Ligue 1 champions Lyon were the latest to throw their hat into the ring.

However, the 27-year-old's agent claimed that he could still stay at the Nou Camp and Lionel Messi hopes he does.

"Let's hope that he stays because there is no one else like him in the world," he told Spanish sports daily Marca.

Malouda to stay at Chelsea

2008-07-29T12:32:00.001+07:00

Premier League

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda will not leave Stamford Bridge this summer, according to his agent Pierre Frelot.

Malouda has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Roma and Barcelona after a difficult first season in the Premier League.

But Frelot claims the 28-year-old is happy to remain with Chelsea, who he joined from Lyon for US$32million last summer.

"After a meeting that was held with Peter Kenyon and Luiz Felipe Scolari, I would very much like to clarify that the latter assured us that he has always appreciated Florent," Frelot told L'Equipe.

"He counts on him. Florent is convinced that after a first season where his adaptation was interrupted by injury and changes with the coach, he will be able to fully express his talent."

Madrid in Real limbo - Schuster

2008-07-29T12:31:00.000+07:00

Primera Liga

Bernd Schuster admits Real Madrid are in limbo as they wait for Cristiano Ronaldo to make a decision on his future.

The Spanish champions have courted the Manchester United star all summer despite his club's insistence he is not for sale.

Ronaldo, 23, has done nothing to dispel the reports, revealing it is his dream to play for Real and refusing to confirm where he will be playing next season.

However, Schuster is beginning to tire of the protracted saga and claims it is difficult to prepare for next season without knowing whether the Portugal winger will be joining his squad or not.

"As all the world knows, we are interested in signing a player like Ronaldo," he said. "But it seems as if he won't finish deciding, and all the rest depends on that.

"If this doesn't work out we have other alternatives, but everything depends on how it finishes with Cristiano Ronaldo."

Schuster's side played their first pre-season friendly on Sunday and despite a less than spectacular 3-2 win over LASK Linz, the bright note of the evening was Arjen Robben's man of the match performance.

The former Chelsea man set up two goals before being substituted after an hour and, after an injury-hit first season at the Bernabeu, Schuster is confident Robben will prove his worth.

"Robben has a tremendous desire to show everyone the player he is," he added. "We already know.

"Since the first day he has been training properly, he is very fresh and fast and for that he has already shown his main characteristic - speed.

"In these first days he certainly stands out from the rest."

Disgraced Barton walks free

2008-07-29T12:30:00.000+07:00

Premier League

Barton, 25, left Strangeways prison in Manchester after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence for beating up a teenager in Liverpool city centre last December.

The US$80,000-a-week Newcastle United midfielder was released as Keegan revealed he will give Barton a "second chance" despite his jailing.

The player, signed for US$12 million from Manchester City, was sent to prison on May 20 after pleading guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to assault and affray.

After spending weeks behind bars alongside murderers, drug dealers and thieves he walked out of the prison gates at HMP Manchester at 11am today.

Barton, wearing jeans and a jumper and carrying a holdall, shook hands with a friend waiting for him outside the prison gates.

He made no comment to reporters before getting into a waiting silver Range Rover and being driven off.

Reporters asked the footballer if he had any message for the Newcastle fans, but Barton, flanked by two burly minders, headed straight into the waiting car.

His future at Newcastle had been in some doubt given his time in prison.

Amid reported wrangling over a pay-cut, summer transfer rumours have suggested his club would try to off-load the former England international.

But despite his ill-discipline, both on and off the field, the tough-tackling midfielder is still a prized asset.

And now Keegan has vowed to stick by the player when he returns to St James' Park.

"Joey will be back towards the end of the month," Keegan told Radio Five's Sportsweek programme.

"It's well-documented that he's had his problems but I knew of those problems at the time of taking over.

"He's been punished for what he did wrong and the world is littered with people who have deserved a second chance, got it and taken it with both hands.

"There are lot of things he has to put right with people but I think he can do that.

"It's up to Joey now and he's got to win a lot of people over."

Capped once by England, the player, from Huyton, Merseyside, served 68 days of the six-month jail term plus six days on remand after his initial arrest.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 anyone given a jail sentence of less than 12 months is automatically released after serving half the sentence.

While freed today he is, however, currently serving a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, after a separate conviction for a "ferocious" training ground attack on former Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo, which left his victim unconscious and bleeding.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, pay US$6,000 compensation to Dabo and court costs ofUS$6,000.

He was on bail over the Dabo incident when he got involved in the fight outside a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool city centre.

The court heard the player, out of the Newcastle team through injury, had been on a night out with friends and family in Liverpool.

After drinking 10 pints and five bottles of lager, Barton and the rest of the group went into the McDonald's for food at about 5am on December 27.

But they became involved in a row with some youths and, outside the restaurant, the confrontation turned violent with Barton caught on CCTV knocking his victim to the ground.

He then straddled the man and punched him up to 20 times.

Moments later, the player attacked 16-year-old Jordan Spencer, punching him in the mistaken belief that the youth had assaulted his cousin.

Dunga: Singapore gave Brazil good test

2008-07-29T12:29:00.001+07:00

When the most successful side in international football rolls into town, chances are, they're going to steal the limelight away from the local team.

Such was the case in the past week since the Brazilian Olympic football team touched down in Singapore, on their way to compete in this summer's Beijing Games.

After much anticipation though, the Singapore Select XI managed to re-claim some of the attention with a spirited display to restrict the samba kings to three goals, while at the same time creating chances of their own.

Brazilian coach Dunga was happy about the result though, especially considering the unfamiliar time-zone and conditions.

"It was a good game, so we had a good practice, especially coming from a different time-zone and with the weather being so humid," said the former World Cup winner.

"We also have players at several different levels of fitness."

With the clock counting down to the start of the Beijing Games Dunga is well aware of the time constraints he must deal with, the 44-year-old even went so far as to state: "In 15 days we can't really prepare a team for (the Olympics)."

"So we try to pass the ball around and let the opponent run after the ball, that way we get to know the other players and tactically try to impose ourselves."

Although the Brazilian team is certainly not short of global football superstars, there was little doubt who was the fan's favourite; two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and new AC Milan signing Ronaldinho.

Much has been made of Ronaldinho's lack of competitive match fitness and some were left to wonder whether Dunga's decision to play him up front against Singapore may have been affected by his condition.

"We put him there because he has a very good touch on the ball and of course it's been a while since he has played competitive games, so we thought he would do well there and he did," responded the Brazilian coach.

"At half time I changed him around a little bit, by moving him more into midfield. But he's more important up front because of his touch on the ball."

"And since he's not really 100%, if he's near the goal he has more chance to score."

Dunga was optimistic about his captain's fitness though, and praised his effort so far.

"It's great that he's improving with all the physical work we're doing, and hopefully he will improve some more."

With regard to his opponents, Dunga was impressed with the Singapore performance, which he said provided his team with "a very good test."

"They gave me a good impression and they tried to do their best, especially playing against us," he continued.

"In the second half they had some very good moments and tried to test us."

"I have to thank all the good work by the Singapore Football Federation and for all the facilities they have given us"

"They have done a great job, everyone is so polite and we feel really welcome here."

Dunga's feeling of contentment and optimism was shared by Singapore coach Radojko ‘Raddy' Avramović, who on the whole was pleased with his team's performance.

"We got what we expected. I'm disappointed that we didn't score, but I think we made a few opportunities and had two or three good shots on goal," commented Raddy.

"It's good the players see they can compete in some moments with the top teams."

Despite the 3-0 loss, there are certainly aspects that the Singapore side can take away from the match against their South American counterparts, a fact which Raddy was keen to elaborate on.

"There are a few areas where they need to concentrate and learn, because if you play games against top teams and you don't learn, then something is wrong."

"The Brazil players came onto the field as stars, and it's important our players realise that you are stars on the field and you must confirm yourself as such."

It may be a while before Raddy can install this wisdom into his players though, as he lightheartedly out: "They're still chasing shirts off the Brazilian players."

As for his opponents, the Serbian was reluctant to pass judgment after the night's match, instead remarking: "They gave us some great individuals, but I'm sure they will face more physical games there then they did tonight."

"They must improve a few things if they want to go for gold, because it won't be easy. But when it comes to competition form, you get that from competition."

Brazil will face Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Friday, their last match before they begin their Olympic campaign.

Brazil cruise to easy win in Singapore

2008-07-29T12:27:00.000+07:00

Singapore - Goals from Ronaldinho Gaucho, Diego and Jo sealed the deal for the South Americans despite an unspectacular display from the visitors.

A plethora of the world's best footballers such as Diego (Werder Bremen), Jo (Manchester City), Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho (AC Milan) graced the pitch of the famed stadium but the action never quite lived up to expectations.

The opening quarter of the game was played out at a pedestrian pace before the boys from Brazil ignited the boisterous crowd with a typical samba move which saw Ronaldinho back heeling the ball to a waiting Diego who majestically drilled it straight into the bottom left corner to put his side one up.

Seven minutes later, Diego turned creator when he clipped in a chip pass to Alexandre ‘The Duck' Pato who belted a thunderous strike which Hassan Sunny parried away only to see Ronaldinho there to bundle it over the line for a two goal lead.

The floodgates did not open as predicted with the Brazilians happy to play possession football and stroke the ball around midfield.

Referee Abdul Malik Bashir blew the whistle to signal half time with the Brazilians looking visibly tired due to the humidity while the Singapore players who spent most of the half defending were thrilled to have restricted their visitors to a two goal lead.

Head coach Dunga made three changes at the start of the second half by bringing on Bayern Munich's talented defender Breno, Spurs' rumoured transfer target Thiago Nevez and Real Betis' star striker Rafael Sobis in place of Thaigo Silva, Alexandre Pato and Diego.

The new boys found it hard to gel and with star player Ronaldinho seemingly tired, things went down to training pace and the crowd started getting impatient.

Fazrul Nawaz took advantage of some poor marking to storm down the left for Singapoe before cutting the ball back for an open Juma'at Jantan to try his luck at goal but Brazilian keeper Renan was up to the task and parried it away.

Things started heating up between both sets of players when Qiu Li and Miroslav Latiak made a couple of rough challenges on Thiago Newez and Ramirez to send the Brazilian bench into a fit of anger.

There was still time for one last goal in the 80th minute when Fluminese playmaker Nevez rampaged down the right before putting in a delightful cross for Manchester City's new import, Jo, to head past a helpless Lionel Lewis.

On the 89th minute, with sections of the 33,650 crowd started making their way out of the stadium, Sao Paolo stopper Alex Silva clashed with Qiu Li and the Brazilian was subsequently sent off by the referee to the dismay of captain Ronaldinho who tried his best to calm things down.

It proved not to be the best match ever played out at the iconic Kallang National stadium, but for the grand old dame, it was a fitting finale before the lights went out.

Final score

Singapore Selection 0-3 Brazil Olympic

20 min - Diego (Brazil)

27 min - Ronaldinho (Brazil)

80 min - Jo (Brazil)

Singapore Selection XI - Hassan Sunny(gk), Baihakki Khaizan, Valery Hiek, Juma'at Jantan, Daniel Bennett, Ridhuan Muhamad, John Wilkinson, Fahrudin Mustafic, Shahril Isha, Aleksandar Duric, Indra Sahdan(captain)

Brazil Olympic XI - Renan(gk), Rafinha, Alex Silva, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Hernanes, Lucas, Anderson, Ronaldinho Gaucho (captain), Diego, Alexandre Pato

espnstar.com's Man of the Match: John Wilkinson (Singapore)

Wilkinson worked tirelessly with Lions captain Mustafic Fahrudin, challenging a stellar Brazilian midfield whenever they came into possession. A number of incisive passes and through-balls also got the home crowd's pulse's racing.

All in all though, against a Brazilian side that was meant to dominate, Singapore proved a determined and passionate opponent, giving a good account of themselves on a night that was meant to be all about the samba kings.

Spurs count cost of Bostock deal

2008-07-23T12:52:00.001+07:00

Tottenham could eventually pay more than US$4million to Crystal Palace for promising midfielder John Bostock.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan was angered by a Football League tribunal ordering Spurs to give a US$1.4million downpayment on the 16-year-old but there are other clauses that could see the total rise.

The Barclays Premier League club will pay an extra US$2.9million if Bostock makes 40 appearances for his new club and a full international debut.

Palace will also get a 15% cut of any future deal to take the youngster away from White Hart Lane, with the fresh details emerging from a letter to a Palace supporters' group from the league.

Bostock has been earmarked for the future but could make appearances next season following changes in the rules to allow seven substitutes.

Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos have also arrived at Spurs this summer but strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane want to leave, for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

It means head coach Juande Ramos will be required to bring in another striker if they depart, and Zenit St Petersburg have claimed Spurs are interested in Andrei Arshavin but need to raise their valuation of him over the US$40million mark.

They have also been linked with his Russia team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko, and are in the hunt for Blackburn winger David Bentley.

Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Younes Kaboul are among the players Ramos has allowed to leave, with Sunderland bidding for the quartet.

Tainio and Chimbonda have been responsive to the proposal of playing under Roy Keane, while Portsmouth and Aston Villa are both thought to also be interested in Kaboul.

Matthaus predicts Bayern stroll

2008-07-23T12:51:00.001+07:00

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus believes the German champions will notch up a 22nd Bundesliga title next season.

The Bavarians cruised to the crown last year under Ottmar Hitzfeld and, despite not spending a euro this summer, Matthaus feels Bayern have taken a further step forward under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

"On paper, it should be a stroll (for Bayern)," he told Eurosport.

While Bayern have added just free-transfer signings Tim Borowski and Hans-Jorg Butt to their squad this summer, their rivals have been spending a little more money - particularly Schalke, who Matthaus tips to push them closer than last year.

"All of the opponents are going to be highly motivated against Bayern," continued Matthaus - currently coach of Israeli team Maccabi Netanya, who are touring Germany during pre-season training.

"Bremen have a strong team, but I would reckon on Schalke, too, due to their transfers.

"Leverkusen have always got a strong squad, and then there are Hamburg and Wolfsburg who will be the six teams playing for places in the Champions League or UEFA Cup while you should not forget Stuttgart either.

"The Bundesliga is certainly not going to be boring."

Fergie Fosters England ambition

2008-07-23T12:50:00.002+07:00

Ben Foster can become England's first-choice stopper after he has recovered from a knee operation, says Fergie.

The 24-year-old was impressive in the 1-0 victory against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night in the Vodacom Challenge match in South Africa.

Foster returned to the team ahead of schedule in March against Derby following surgery, and he is now expected to challenge Edwin van der Sar for the jersey in the coming season. And Ferguson said: "I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years.

He added: "We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad.

"When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.

"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first-team place next season. That can only be good news for England.

"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back in the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben."

However, Ferguson confirmed that Van der Sar would be his number one next season.

"It will be difficult for Ben only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all time, " said the United boss.

"Edwin is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well."

Walcott on target as Gunners draw

2008-07-23T12:50:00.001+07:00

Theo Walcott responded to Arsene Wenger's call to arms but Arsenal could only draw 1-1 with Hungarian outfit Szombathelyi Haladas at the Haladas VSE Stadium.

The hosts took a deserved lead in the 25th minute when former Hungary international striker Krisztian Kenesei broke through a static Gunners defence and chipped delicately over the on-rushing Manuel Almunia.

But Arsenal equalised in the 42nd minute when Walcott - urged by manager Wenger to stake his claim for a regular place this season - rifled the ball home.

The former Southampton forward collected Nicklas Bendtner's short pass and, from a position to the right of goal, slammed an 18-yard low shot across the goalkeeper and into the back of the net off the far post.

An inexperienced Arsenal team struggled to create chances after the break although Gael Clichy fired a free-kick narrowly over with 12 minutes left.

Essien appeals to Drogba

2008-07-23T12:48:00.002+07:00

Michael Essien is hopeful striker Didier Drogba will follow his lead and agree a new contact at Stamford Bridge.

Ghana international Essien agreed a five-year contract on Tuesday ahead of Chelsea's opening pre-season match in China on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast frontman Drogba remained in London to recover from a persistent knee injury.

"Hopefully things will work out for Didier because we need him to stay," said Essien. "If he can make up his mind it will be good for us. He knows what he wants so it is up to him."

Essien, who arrived from Lyon in 2005, will remain at Stamford Bridge until 2013 and follows quickly in the footsteps of full-back Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Petr Cech in agreeing new contracts with the London club.

He has so far made 143 appearances for the Blues, scoring on 14 occasions, while also winning the Premier League title in his first season.

"I am really pleased to sign a new contract with Chelsea," added the 25-year-old. "I came here to stay longer, I like the team and I love the fans and I think we have got a great squad. I did not consider any other options, I love playing for Chelsea."

And having committed his future to the club shortly after arriving in China ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, Essien hopes the trip will be the start of a bright future for last season's Barclays Premier League and Champions League runners-up under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The former Portugal coach took over from Avram Grant following Euro 2008 and is already attempting to make his mark on the squad after speaking of building a new philosophy, and was seen taking an active part in training at Guangzhou's Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.

"We have one of the best coaches in the world," said Essien. "He has a different way of working so hopefully things will work for us."

Gill stands firm on Ronaldo

2008-07-23T12:48:00.001+07:00

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is adamant that Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.

Real are refusing to give up on their pursuit of the Portuguese star, with club president Ramon Calderon determined to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's future has been dominating the headlines all summer with the midfielder refusing to rule out a move away from Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ronaldo off making a move to Madrid saying it would be a mistake and now Gill says United have told the Spanish side they have no plans to sell the skilful attacker.

He told Sky Sports News: "We made it clear to them [Real Madrid] from day one we wouldn't welcome a bid, it wouldn't be accepted and therefore I don't think there is not much point in putting one in.

"That's where we are at with the situation.

"Obviously there has been lots of paper talk and a lot of coverage in the media about it and we understand that.

"But the reality of it is we have been very firm from day one."

United fansite says sorry for Berb error

2008-07-23T12:47:00.001+07:00

A new twist has emerged with regards to the Dimitar Berbatov wrangle between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

A Man United Scandinavian supporters' branch has admitted making a mistake of quoting Ferguson about bidding for Spurs striker Berbatov.

The quotes were then picked up by several British newspapers which created a furore at White Hart Lane. Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy called Ferguson a 'hypocrite' and complained to the Premier League in response to the public 'bid'.

The popular Norwegian group has since taken down the quotes and apologised to all involved.

"A feather has become 35 hens here. It might seem like we are to blame for what has happened," admitted the branch's webmaster Steinar Madsen to Aftonposten.

"We are to the blame in the sense how the interview was presented. Ferguson didn't mention the name Berbatov when he was interviewed by us.

"I would call it a misunderstanding. It was tricky conditions for the interview.

"As journalists, you have probably experienced this yourself, how it is to listen to the tape afterwards.

"That can cause problems and Ferguson's accent is not too easy to understand to start with.

"Ferguson confirmed that United had tabled an offer.

"We assumed it was Berbatov he was talking about. We might have taken it too far."

Fergie shrugs off Chelsea threat

2008-07-23T12:46:00.001+07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has begun the mind games with Luiz Felipe Scolari before the season has even started.

The Man United boss dismissed Scolari's chances of repeating the unprecedented success Jose Mourinho brought to Chelsea, who are expected to be United's main challengers for silverware once again this term.

"I'm not concerned about Chelsea," Ferguson told the Daily Mail. "Avram Grant did a good job and Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup final. So there's no-one who can improve on Mourinho's record really."

Ferguson suggested the Stamford Bridge club would struggle to push champions United as hard as they did last season with a squad he considers to be past their best.

He said: "They are an experienced side. I'm not saying necessarily that they're old because with the modern-day training methods, you should be playing in your 30s.

"What I'm saying is that I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team that's in their 30s."

Ferguson had kinder words for Arsenal and Liverpool, who he expects to complete the top four in the Barclays Premier League again this season.

Robinho wants to stay at Real

2008-07-22T17:59:00.001+07:00

Real Madrid forward Robinho has committed his future to the Spanish club in the midst of reported interest from Chelsea.

Speculation has been rife that the Brazilian is on his way to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea favourites for his signature.

His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed last Tuesday that the Blues were winning the race, with Robinho attracted by the idea of linking up with their new boss, fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

On Monday Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admitted the Londoners were interested in Robinho and that talks had been held with the Spaniards about the player.

However, later on Monday Robinho declared he was happy to stay in the Spanish capital and only thinking about Real.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time," the 24-year-old told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I'm very happy and I want to continue. My head is calm, I want to have a good pre-season with Real Madrid and continue here."

Reports in Spain suggest Madrid are unwilling to part with Robinho unless they can strike a deal with Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian has also been in talks with Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic, during which it is believed a new contract was discussed.

Yet neither the club nor the player have revealed the motive for these talks, with Robinho only revealing: "It's between us."

The forward is seemingly keen to maintain a good relationship between himself and the Madrid directors, after he agreed not to take up his place with the Brazil squad for this summer's Olympic Games.

Madrid revealed earlier on Monday that they had sent a fax to the Brazilian Football Confederation asking for Robinho not to be included in the squad.

Robinho admitted: "Unfortunately I can't go to the games with Brazil, but it is a decision that Real Madrid have made and I respect it."

However, Ribeiro later told Radio Jovem Pan there was still a chance his client could play in Beijing.

"Everything is possible if the CBF manage to convince the Real Madrid men," he said.

Ribeiro added that Robinho could be treated by national-team physio Luiz Alberto Rosan.

"Rosan is one of the best physios in the world," he said. "He has already treated Robinho at Real Madrid. In 10 days, he healed an injury that was expected to take months of recovery. I think it can do that again."

Maldini: Maradona and Ronaldo top two

2008-07-22T17:48:00.000+07:00

Veteran defender Paolo Maldini has stated that Argentine legend Diego Maradona is the greatest opponent he's played.

Maldini also revealed that former Brazil striker Ronaldo is second on his list behind the Argentine playmaker.

Maradona has been touted by many as the greatest footballer of all time, bar none, after his term with Argentina and Napoli during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Ronaldo was also of that class when he was with Inter from 1997 to 2002, taking the Serie A by storm with his striking ability and deadly step-overs. He recently concluded his stay with AC Milan when his contract expired in early July.

"Maradona is the best opponent I've ever played against in my career," Maldini said in an interview.

"However Ronaldo, when he was at Inter, was very close to him. He was devastating."

Maldini added some words of praise for his former striker, but emphasized the impact of the ex-Real Madrid player had on the Rosseneri's championship run in the Champions League, though the now portly forward was cup-tied for the tournament.

"When he arrived he gave us an incredible lift, just as Ronaldinho has done now.

"We won the Champions League thanks to him. He did not play, but we arrived in Athens exploiting the emotional wave of his signing."

Milan defeated Liverpool in the final 2-1, with Filippo Inzaghi scoring both of the Milan's goals.

Ron move would be Real mistake

2008-07-22T17:47:00.000+07:00

The Manchester United manager feels the 23-year-old winger needs to stay at Old Trafford if he is to grow as a player.

However, Ronaldo has refused to commit himself to the club and Real Madrid continue to court him, even though they were reported to FIFA by United.

Ferguson remains clearly unhappy about the situation and for the second time on the South African tour found himself fielding questions about a player who scored 42 goals last season.

He said: "I have a responsibility for all my players and their futures are a big concern for a coach.

"If you were asking advice and it was your son, you'd give him the best advice possible on his career.

"I honestly believe that could be the worst thing he could do; going to Real Madrid.

"He's 23 years old and he's at a fantastic football club. It's the best for him."

Ronaldo signed a long-term deal last season in which United won the Champions League and retained their Premier League title.

He is currently sidelined for three months after an ankle operation following the European Championships.

Ferguson reiterated that he expects Ronaldo to play a massive role again next season.

He said: "The future is he signed a five-year contract last year and he has four years left.

"That's definite. I know that, I've seen his signature. I feel I'm being strapped in and crucified here!

"Young lads can be twisted by the talk of money and the moves that are happening all the time in modern-day football.

"After the final in Moscow he was the happiest boy in the world. I think he knows genuinely where the best club is to be and that's Manchester United."

As United prepared to play the second match of the Vodacom Challenge against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, Ferguson maintained he was happy with the squad at his disposal going into the new season.

He has yet to make any additions but has already made one bid for an unnamed player.

Last season he brought in Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson.

That strength in depth led to a notable double with Chelsea being defeated in the Champions League final in Moscow.

Ferguson said: "We did a lot of stocking up last summer and bought players, who were at good ages.

"That was part of a policy we developed two years back, to bring in young players.

"We're delighted with how that's gone and we think they can progress even further.

"If you take the squad I had in Moscow; I had 23 players and those 23 players will still be there.

"It's a good strong squad so we're happy with it at the moment. Obviously we always try to improve but it can be difficult to get the right kind of players.

"There are always reasons why clubs don't want to sell, just like we don't want to sell our best players, so that makes things a little difficult. But I'm very happy with the squad I have."

England defender Rio Ferdinand could return to the side on Tuesday after sitting out the draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday because of a back spasm.

Ferguson said: "His back is not so stiff at the moment. If he trains well, he will certainly start tomorrow.

"He will want to get back into the action and I think it is important he plays."

Ferguson added: "We are expecting another competitive game and that is what we need at the moment.

"We played the Pirates two years ago and it was a good match. I think they have progressed so we will be tested."

Milan claim victory in Ronaldinho race

2008-07-16T18:40:00.000+07:00

The 28-year-old Brazilian is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the San Siro subject to passing a medical later, finally ending City's audacious bid for his services.

Barca confirmed in a statement on their website that the initial transfer fee was £16.7million, a figure which could rise to the full £19.8million pending additional payments.

The statement read: "The principle of agreement finally established a transfer fee of 21 million euros (£19.8million), plus four million euros (£3.1million) more in the form of performance-related bonuses depending on AC Milan's qualification, in future years, for the Champions League.

"(Barcelona) sporting director, Txiki Beguiristain, announced that this agreement in principle was reached thanks to the player renouncing his right to 15% of the fee."

The projected fee is nearly £8million less than was reportedly being offered by City, who were Milan's only rivals for the signature of the two-time World Player of the Year.

The agreement followed a day of talks between Barca president Joan Laporta and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani in the Catalan capital.

Ronaldinho reportedly travelled to Milan on Tuesday evening, and the Italian club confirmed the the deal now hinged only on the Brazil international successfully completing a medical.

"AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached a principle agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho to the Rossoneri," read a short statement on www.acmilan.com.

"The player will be tomorrow in Milan to undergo the medical examinations and sign the contract that will bind to Milan until June 30, 2011."

Drogba to decide future within 10 days

2008-07-16T18:38:00.000+07:00

Drogba has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since launching a scathing attack on the club over the way they parted company with former coach Jose Mourinho at the beginning of last season and vowing to leave.

The Ivory Coast international also did himself no favours as he was sent off in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona, AC Milan and Internazionale are all reportedly interested in Drogba, but his agent now claims he could decide to remain at the Blues.

"Didier has given himself 10 days," Seydi told France Football. "If nothing happens he'll stay at Chelsea and extend his contract by two years.

"He doesn't see himself starting training in a few days with Chelsea and then leaving to a new club.

"The reality of November is not that of today. At the time Didier was affected by departure of Jose Mourinho who he was very close to.

"Today, there is nothing to say that he won't stay at Chelsea."

Drogba has seemed destined for the Stamford Bridge exit door for months but recently looked to be reconsidering his options.

New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed at his official unveiling that Drogba was still "200% in his plans", and the Blues have reportedly offered the 30-year-old a mega-deal to remain at the club.

Meanwhile, Drogba is also aware of the Marseille fans' audacious bid to bring him back to the club he left four years ago for the Premier League.

An appeal was launched to raise the 28million euros they felt was needed to buy the forward and, since picking up the pace a week ago when the world's media caught wind of the story, now lies just under the two-million mark.

According to his agent, Drogba has praised the fans for their initiative but is upset they have had to resort to such a scheme.

"OM would have difficulty paying the player's transfer and salary," added Seydi. "The 'Drogbathon' really touched him.

"He found the initiative nice but pitiful, because that shows a bit that OM and French clubs have real difficulties in attracting great players."

Hleb set for Barca medical

2008-07-16T18:35:00.000+07:00

The 27-year-old Belarus international is set to arrive in the city at lunchtime before undergoing a medical later in the day.

Barca confirmed Hleb could be presented as early as Thursday and reports in Spain suggest they will pay the Gunners US$24 million.

"The player Alexander Hleb, who has spent the past three seasons at Arsenal, arrives today in Barcelona to undergo a medical prior to his incorporation in FC Barcelona," read a statement on the club website, www.fcbarcelona.com.

"From 1pm, the player will be in the offices of the club to take part in the usual photocall.

"Then, at 4pm, the footballer will have a medical in the Hospital de Barcelona and, from 7pm, will continue these tests in the Medical Centre of FC Barcelona.

"On the assumption that he passes these tests satisfactorily, Alexander Hleb could sign a contract tomorrow and be presented as a new player at FC Barcelona."

If all goes to plan, Hleb will become Barca's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique, Martin Caceres and Daniel Alves.

Terry as club captain

2008-07-09T17:46:00.000+07:00

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that John Terry will remain as the London club's captain.

Terry has been the Blues' permanent captain for the past four years after being given the armband when Jose Mourinho took charge.

During his time as skipper, Terry has led Chelsea to two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League final and successes in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

Scolari will retain the centre-half as his skipper for next season, with Terry's England team-mate Frank Lampard as his understudy.

"I like him as a captain," said Scolari of Terry live on Sky Sports News. "I like him as a player and as a leader.

"Yesterday, he came to my room and he said I'm the captain John Terry and I said I know you and we spoke!

"The captain is John Terry and the second captain is Lampard, but we want more captains on the pitch."

Regarding potential arrivals at Stamford Bridge before the close of the transfer window, Scolari is keen to assess the players currently at his disposal.

Villa -Torres partnership

2008-07-09T17:34:00.000+07:00

Benitez made it clear that he will try to sign a replacement striker for Crouch and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."

Benitez also hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable.

But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Crouch go from Liverpool

2008-07-09T17:22:00.000+07:00

Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey likely to formally confirm the move on Thursday.

But Benitez has pre-emptied Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: "He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract."

He added: "But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."

Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."

Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable. But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Milan claim Arsenal to sell Adebayor

2008-07-09T12:50:00.000+07:00

I have received a letter from Arsenal that says, 'Following our communication of June 13, in which we informed you we were not willing to deal over Adebayor, now we are writing to tell you that we will consider a deal if it still interests you'."

Galliani made it clear he is still interested in signing the Togo international, who scored 30 goals in 48 games for Arsenal last year.

"If Adebayor decides to leave Arsenal, we are certainly interested," he said.

However, Milan have balked at the asking price quoted for Adebayor in recent days and Galliani admitted that the Rossoneri would struggle to compete financially if Barcelona - also said to be interested in Adebayor - entered the bidding.

Earlier, Galliani was quoted as saying that the two clubs were far apart on a valuation for Adebayor, with Arsenal thought to want 45 million euros (around £36m) for their star striker.

Milan are thought to want to sign one more attacking player this summer, and are pursuing a number of options, of which Adebayor is just one.

Galliani also expressed an interest in Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and said the club was also looking at one other unnamed player.

Frank Lampard gunning for a move to Inter Milan

2008-07-09T12:40:00.000+07:00

With ‘Big Phil' only hours into his Stamford Bridge reign, the west London club are busy offering Frank Lampard a new contract rumored to be in the region of $US280,000-a-week.

The wage would be a Barclays Premier League record and, amid transfer rumours galore, it may yet be the difference between the midfielder moving to Inter Milan or staying at Chelsea.

Without a doubt, Lampard is a vital component in a team that also has supreme stopper Petr Cech and lethal striker Didier Drogba at its undeniably brilliant heart. Hence the incredulous offer being cobbled together.

With Cech's impressive frame in goal, the rocklike presence of Terry and Drogba's marauding brilliance up front, Lampard - not to mention new boy Deco and Michael Ballack - completes a particularly solid spine - a sturdy, 100% reliable base from which Chelsea can either launch attack after withering attack or defend resolutely.

Teams lacking this mighty platform can rarely aspire to the heights scaled by past greats, Jose Mourinho's boys or, come to mention it, Sir Alex Ferguson's recently crowned Premier League champions (Van der Sar, Ferdinand/Vidic, Hargreaves/Ronaldo, Rooney).

They will always be a good distance behind those blessed with the likes of Lampard and friends. Their fragile nature at a variety of points where strength is needed most, a sure fire recipe for failure.

Make no mistake, spines of steel make champions. Having four or five star names excelling in those key middle-of-the-park roles is unquestionably the difference between a team being remembered forever or forgotten in a flash.

These influential individuals - from their equally influential positions - provide the high class consistency that any glorious campaign requires. Level heads who will always give you their very best no matter how well or poorly others perform, level heads who can, as a unit, pull the rest of their colleagues through the tough times.

As a manager, it must be a delightful thing to have this constant dynamism at the epicentre of your plans for global domination.

No wonder then that Mr Scolari, backed by Roman Abramovich‘s money, wants to secure Lampard's services for what would be another extremely lucrative stint in the blue of Chelsea.

They may be astronomical sums, but on past evidence it is clear that Lampard would be worth every penny, his immense pay packet a necessary evil if Chelsea are to continue challenging for the silverware that everyone connected with the three-time champions of England craves.
After all, wouldn't you want to keep a member of one of the most impressive spines in Europe?

To me at least, the price Chelsea will have to pay seems cheap at half the price if they want their favourite to reject Inter's approaches.

Torres bring Spain winner Euro 2008

2008-07-08T17:24:00.002+07:00

Fernando Torres was in dreamland after a stunning final performance saw Spain claim the European Championships crown.

The 24-year-old tormented Germany and scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph in the Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna.

He added: "It has been a fantastic season for me - it was fantastic with Liverpool and now a fantastic end of the season for the national team.

"This is the first big trophy for me and I hope not the last.

"We are privileged to be in the national team and we have had a chance to live through a beautiful tournament.

Spain have often been viewed in the past as having suffered from divisions within the team, and Torres paid tribute to the togetherness of this squad who won the country's first major tournament since 1964.

Torres added: "I am happy because my job is to score goals and I have done my job tonight but this was a victory for the unity of the group - it doesn't often happen that a group gets along so well."

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Xavi top Euro 2008

2008-07-08T17:24:00.001+07:00

Xavi has been named the best player at Euro 2008.He was voted the Castrol player of the tournament.

The 28-year-old Barcelona player was the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament.

There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however.

The squad did include Manchester United's keeper Edwin van der Sar, Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, and Tottenham-bound midfielder Luka Modric.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament.

UEFA's squad of the tournament: Goalkeepers: Buffon (Italy), Casillas (Spain), Van der Sar (Holland).

Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Lahm (Germany), Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Puyol (Spain), Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Modric (Croatia), Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Zyryanov (Russia), Ballack (Germany), Fabregas (Spain), Iniesta (Spain), Podolski (Germany), Sneijder (Holland).

Striker: Arshavin (Russia), Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Torres (Spain), Villa (Spain).

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Spain success win Euro 2008

2008-07-08T17:23:00.001+07:00

Spain's 1-0 triumph meant that the best major tournament there has been in years was won by the best team, and for that all neutrals should be grateful.

Previous Spanish sides have been dogged by division, with Catalans and Basques viewed, often unfairly, as being insufficiently committed to the national cause.

This time it has been different and throughout Euro 2008 what has epitomised Spain is a style that has been so team-oriented that it is virtually impossible to choose the outstanding player.

Spain, who had been bewildering opponents with possession football and brilliant passing all tournament, just could not get the ball. Fear looked to be the paralysing them while Germany, with Michael Ballack imperious, oozed Teutonic confidence.

Sergio Ramos was the first rabbit to freeze in the floodlights of Vienna's Ernst-Happel Stadion, rolling a dreadful pass across the back-line that was seized on by Miroslav Klose. A slight bobble held up his surge towards goal and that delay allowed Carles Puyol to stretch out a desperate leg and poke the ball out for a corner.

That was not the end of the pain for Spain, though. Ballack skinned Puyol and fired in a dangerous ball across goal, then Thomas Hitzlsperger found himself in acres of space on the edge of the Spanish area but hit a woefully tame shot.

Germany are normally such a clinical side, and such was the magnitude of those let-offs, that one sensed that Ballack and his men had missed their chance.

Sure enough, after 20 minutes the pendulum swung towards the Spaniards and never swung back again.

Jens Lehmann was called on to produced a marvellous diving save after Christoph Metzelder directed Andres Iniesta's cross towards his own net.

Fabregas, producing the unexpected, feinted to cross but cut back for Ramos instead and Fernando Torres did superbly to hang in the air above Mertesacker and direct a header that beat Lehmann but thumped back off the post.

When the goal did come it was one that perhaps only Torres, out of all the players on the pitch, could have scored. Xavi, outstanding throughout, hit the killer pass and Torres left scorch marks in the turf as he burned past Philipp Lahm - and he is no slouch - before lifting the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the net.

From then on opportunities for Spain rolled off a conveyor belt, and the only worry was that they did not take full advantage.

Still the security of a second goal would not arrive and there was one more terrifying moment when Schweinsteiger was denied a goal for a foul on Capdevila, and Spain, after 44 years of waiting, were champions.

Vienna is famous throughout the world for its Spanish riding school. For Spaniards, now, Vienna will always mean something else too: the city where they proved themselves to be winners.

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