BETHELP AND FOOTBALL NEWS

Weekend info

2008-03-23T21:27:00.002+01:00

Chelsea 2 - Arsenal 1 (Premier League, March 23, 2008) Almunia easily saved a Ballack free-kick after six minutes at the Bridge. Arsenal dominated the early exchanges and Van Persie blazed over on 15, seconds later Cudicini was forced to come out but Eboue was unable to take advantage. On 25 Drogba ran through but failed to control. Five minutes before the break Gallas should have put the Gunners in front at the back post, the linesman had though flagged for offside. (First-half highlights here.) Early in the second-half, Drogba ran through again but was unable to finish, Gallas did well to put him off. Bacary Sagna broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, heading home at the near post from a Fabregas corner, his first goal in English football. With twenty minutes to go, seconds after a double substitution by Avram Grant, Didier Drogba equalised with a fine finish. And the Ivorian turned the game round, and potentially crushed Arsenal’s title hopes, with the second, Almunia could have done better with Drogba’s finish. (Second-half highlights here.)

Manchester United 3 - Liverpool 0 (Premier League, March 23, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) In the sixth minute at Old Trafford, Rooney was played in by Anderson but Reina narrowed the angle and blocked well. Midway through the first-half Ronaldo hit the post after ghosting in at the back post, the chance was flagged for offside. Minutes later Steven Gerrard saw a vicious shot deflected for a corner. On 32 minutes Reina juggled a Giggs cross. And two minutes later the Liverpool goalkeeper was at fault for Wesley Brown’s opener, the United right back headed in a Rooney cross, as Reina flapped. Seconds before the break Javier Mascherano was sent-off for receiving his second yellow card for dissent (first yellow here). United dominated the early part of the the second-half, Ronaldo went close with a free-kick and Rooney should have scored when played in by a superb ball from Van Der Sar. Seconds after coming on Tevez should have doubled United’s advantage but Reina again saved from close range. Two goals in three minutes finished the game, Cristiano Ronaldo headed his 34th of the season after Reina flapped again. (The corner was won after Ronaldo missed an easy chance, Reina pushed his shot onto the bar.) And Nani bagged the third after a one-two with Rooney followed by a great finish into the corner.

Gretna 0 - Celtic 3 (SPL, March 23, 2008) Goals by Scott McDonald, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras proved enough to secure the points for Celtic, as they closed the gap on leaders Rangers.

***

Real Madrid 2 - Valencia 3 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) David Villa silenced the Bernabeu when received the ball after Sneijder had been caught out in possession, before coolly slotting home past Casillas. Valencia’s lead was only momentary, as Raul restored parity with a header minutes later. Madrid’s comeback was complete ten minutes after the break when Guti fed Raul to slot home his second. But a resurgent Valencia drew level when Villa steered home a penalty, and Los Che turned the match on its head when Arizmendi bagged an 88th minute solo winner to give Barca new hope in the title race. Special mention to Hilderbrand, who made a string of terrific saves for Valencia.

Barcelona 4 - Valladolid 1 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) Samuel Eto’o put Barca in front at home against Valladolid. Gonzalez equalised seven minutes later from the spot. Iniesta put Barca 2-1 up three minutes into the second-half. Bojan Krkic got the third on 62 from close range. And the young Serbian added the fourth with eight minutes to go after unselfish play from Eto’o.

Racing Santander 2 - Recreativo Huelva 0 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) Racing took advantage of a red-card for Recre defender Caceres 25 minutes from time, to claim a late win thanks to late goals from Orteman and Smolarek. Racing moved up to fifth place in the table.

Zaragoza 1 - Almeria 1 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Oliveira headed the home side in front just eight minutes after team mate Gabi had been sent-off, but Almeria snatched a point when Negredo stabbed in from close range in injury-time.

Osasuna 0 - Real Betis 1 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) Mark Gonzalez earned Betis a valuable away win, scoring off a free-kick early in the second-half. Osasuna had Javi Garcia was sent-off late on.

Levante 1 - Villarreal 2 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) Villarreal took the lead just before the half hour when Matias Fernandez drilled home from the edge of the area, but Angel headed in an equaliser midway through the second-half. The Yellow Submarine stole all three point when Franco struck a late winner.

Real Murcia 4 - Espanyol 0 (La Liga, March 23, 2008) Alonso opened from the penalty spot, before netted his brace after the break. Abel made it 3-0 with another spot-kick, and Richi wrapped up with a late header.

***

Hertha Berlin 1 - Schalke 2 (Bundesliga, March 23, 2008) Goals from Asamoah and Jones put Stuttgart two-up at Hertha Berlin. Chahed converted a penalty but it was not enough to save Hertha’s six-match unbeaten streak.

Arminia Bielefeld 1 - Werder Bremen 1 (Bundesliga, March 23, 2008) Bremen dented their championship hopes, drawing to relegation-threatened Arminia. Kirch poked the ball home the opener for the hosts, Diego netted the equaliser for Bremen from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.

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FC Twente 2 - Ajax 1 (Eredivisie, March 23, 2008) Ajax’s title hopes have taken another blow with this defeat. A Douglas og had put the away side in front but late goals from Wilkshire and Elia gave Twente the victory.

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Rennes 3 - Lens 1 (Ligue 1, March 23, 2008) Jerome Leroy opened the scoring with a delightful chip, before laying on goals for Pagis (following a saved penalty from Briand) and Thomert either side of half-time. Maoulida had brought Lens level.

***

OFI Crete 2 - Skoda Xanthi 0 (Greek Super League, March 23, 2008) Petropoulos’ header and a fine free-kick from Taralidis secured the win.

Panionios 4 - Asteras Tripolis 1 (Greek Super League, March 23, 2008) Panionios went four goals up through Kumortzi, Djebbour and a brace from Choutos, before the visitors pulled one back through Milano.

Levadiakos 1 - Olympiakos 3 (Greek Super League, March 23, 2008) After falling behind to Dibala’s goal, Olympiakos bagged three first-half replies through Galleti, Belluschi and Kovacevic.

Aris Thessalonikis 1 - Larissa 1 (Greek Super League, March 23, 2008)

***

FC Moscow 0 - Zenith St. Petersburg 2 (Russian Premier Liga, March 23, 2008) Arshavin (lovely free-kick) and Aniukov with the goals.

***

Galatasaray 2 - Denizlispor 1 (Super Lig, March 23, 2008) Diabolical goalkeeping gifted Cetin an 88th minute winner for Gala.

Newcastle 2 - Fulham 0 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Kevin Keegan finally won his first game on his return as Newcastle manager, crucially against fellow relegation strugglers Fulham. Newcastle went ahead in the sixth minute through Viduka, and after forcing Keller to make a string of saves, Owen sealed the Toon’s first win since January 16th with an 83rd-minute header.

Tottenham 2 - Portsmouth 0 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) A frustrating game was settled in the closing stages by two Spurs substitutes. Darren Bent scored in the 80th minute, with Jamie O’Hara doubling the score in the 82nd after both players had come on 10 minutes earlier.

Middlesbrough 1 - Derby 0 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) George Boateng fed the ball into Tuncay’s path and the Boro striker ran past the Derby defenders before firing low into the corner.

Aston Villa 0 - Sunderland 1 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Michael Chopra came off the bench to score a vital goal in Sunderland’s fight against relegation as they recorded their first away win of the season.

Everton 1 - West Ham 1 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) West Ham handed 18-year-old James Tomkins a Premier League debut, and the youngster saw a header hit the bar early on. But unfortunately for Tomkins, moments later he was caught out by Yakubu, who turned and scored a fine solo goal early in the first-half (highlights here). After the break, Ashton got on the end of a Neill cross, and powerfully headed the home the equaliser.

Blackburn 3 - Wigan 1 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) Roque Santa Cruz scored with two headers either side of an equaliser from Marlon King, with Roberts adding a third on the stroke of half-time. Rovers lost Samba to a 17th-minute red card for bringing down Heskey in the box, while Wigan had Palacios sent-off for two bookable offences.

Reading 2 - Birmingham 1 (Premier League, March 22, 2008) Andre Bikey was the unlikely hero for the Royals. Bikey headed home Oster’s free-kick to give Coppell’s men the lead at the break. Zarate equalised for City in the second half but Bikey won the game with ten minutes to go when he converted Nicky Shorey’s free-kick.

Bolton 0 - Manchester City 0 (Premier League, March 22, 2008)

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Charlton 1 - WBA 1 (Championship, March 21, 2008) Greg Halford scored the opener for Charlton, heading home Ambrose’s free-kick. But just before the break Phillips grabbed his 21st goal of the season when he smashed in from close range.

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Dundee United 2 - Motherwell 0 (SPL, March 22, 2008) Sub-Swanson scored after less than a minute on the pitch, with Mark de Vries bagging the second with two minutes remaining.

Rangers 2 - Hibernian 1 (SPL, March 22, 2008) Rangers notched up their 12th straight win thanks to goals from Jean-Claude Darcheville and Nacho Novo. Dean Shiels’ goal in the 90th minute pulled one back for Hibs.

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Mallorca 1 - Deportivo La Coruna 0 (La Liga, March 22, 2008) Mallorca took the lead over Deportivo when Arango’s free-kick evaded everyone and ended up in the net.

Sevilla 1 - Atletico Madrid 2 (La Liga, March 22, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Maxi Rodriguez gave Atletico the perfect start, getting on the end of a low cross to convert at the back stick. Sevilla pulled level just after the break through Capel, but free-scoring Madrid restored their advantage when wunderkid Ageuro connected with a cross to volley home the second. Sevilla ended with 10-men after Maresca was sent-off for a headbutt.

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Inter Milan 1 - Juventus 2 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Del Piero forced a smart save from Cesar, while at the other end Inter came close as Stankovic’s header grazed the bar. Buffon had to save Chivu’s long range free-kick as Inter pressed, but it was Juventus who took the lead after the break when Camoranesi (offside?) tucked the ball home at the far-post. Serie A was then blown wide open when Juve doubled their lead as Trezeguet volleyed home number two. Del Piero blew a chance to put the game to bed, and Inter responded with Maniche getting a goal back from close range. But Juve held on for the vital win, which breathes new life into the Italian title race.

Roma 2 - Empoli 1 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) Tonetto fired Roma ahead before half-time but Empoli hit back when Giovinco equalised for the visitors, and Perrotta was sent-off soon after. But Panucci’s second-half header ensured the Romans bounced back after their derby defeat with a priceless win.

Torino 0 - AC Milan 1 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) Milan got a vital win at Torino thanks to a scrambled goal from Pato.

Fiorentina 1 - Lazio 0 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Fiorentina consolidated fourth place beating 10-man Lazio 1-0 at home thanks to Giampaolo Pazzini’s second-half goal. Lazio’s Massimo Mutarelli was red-carded in the 37th minute.

Sampdoria 1 - Cagliari 1 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) Foggia chipped Castellazzi to score for the basement side three minutes before the break. But Franceschini’s stoppage-time header gave Samp a share of the spoils.

Reggina 1 - Napoli 1 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) A fabulous stoppage-time strike from outside the area by Franco Brienza, his fourth goal in three games, gave Reggina a deserved draw after Roberto Sosa had scored for Napoli in the 76th minute.

Siena 2 - Parma 0 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) A last-gasp double from Massimo Maccarone, the first from the spot and the second scored at the far-post, condemned Hector Cuper to his first defeat as Parma coach.

Udinese 2 - Livorno 0 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) A brilliant long distance strike from Quagliarella opened the scoring after 19 minutes, Di Natale doubled up two minutes after the break.

Palermo 2 - Genoa 3 (Serie A, March 22, 2008) Amauri, one of the hottest properties in Europe, opened the scoring for Palermo from the spot, but goals from Figueroa (30), Milanetto (50) and Konko (61) turned things around. Amauri grabbed a lovely second in stoppage-time.

Atalanta 0 - Catania 0 (Serie A, March 22, 2008)

Spezia 1 - Vicenza 1 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

Avellino 1 - Modena 1 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

Mantova 0 - Albinoleffe 1 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

Messina 1 - Bari 2 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

Bologna 2 - Frosinone 1 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

Chievo 1 - Piacenza 0 (Serie B, March 21, 2008)

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Bayern Munich 2 - Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Bundesliga, March 22, 2008) Bayern picked up another crucial win against title challengers Leverkusen thanks to a goal in each half from Luca Toni. Bulykin scored a late goal for the visitors.

Borussia Dortmund 1 - Karlsruhe 1 (Bundesliga, March 22, 2008) Mladen Petric put Dortmund ahead in the 24th minute with a stunning free-kick, before slack defending presented the ball eventually to Sebastian Freis, and his deflected shot brought Karlsruhe level.

Stuttgart 4 - Hansa Rostock 1 (Bundesliga, March 22, 2008) Pardo and Cacua gave Stuttgart a 2-0 lead inside two minutes midway through the second-half, but Gomez’s own-goal soon brough Hansa back in the game. Gomez made amends by scoring in the 87th minute and Basturk wrapped up the win in injury-time.

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PSV 3 - Groningen 0 (Eredivisie, March 22, 2008) An excellent team move ended up with Koevermans rounding the keeper to score the opener for PSV. Horrific goalkeeping gifted Bakkel the second, and Koevermans found himself in the right place to add number three.

Heerenveen 4 - Roda 3 (Eredivisie, March 22, 2008) Roda raced to a two goal lead through Lamah and Yulu-Matondo, but Heerenveen hit back when Bradley turned home a loose ball. Janssen restored Roda’s two goal cushion, only for Henrique, Beerens and Bradley (scissor-kick) to score three second-half goals to steal the win for the hosts.

Vitesse 3 – NAC 3 (Eredivisie, March 21, 2008) Idabdelhay handed the visitors the lead after just three minutes before Van der Schaaf doubled their advantage within the opening 20 minutes. Claudemir (35) struck back for Vitesse, but Molhoek scored a a cracker to restore NAC’s two-goal lead. But the home side were not disheartened, and a brace from Santi Kolk (52 and 57) secured a point in a memorable encounter.

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Nancy 2 - Metz 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) Hadji gave Nancy the lead, which looked to have been enough until Bessat equalised with three minutes to go. But a dramatic 89th minute winner header from Zerka gave the hosts the win, despite seeing Chretien red-carded in the final seconds.

Marseille 0 - Sochaux 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) Fourth-placed Olympique Marseille did their chances of reaching the Champions League no favours, losing to lowly Sochaux after N’daw scored with a magnificent lob after just two minutes.

Nice 1 - Lorient 2 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) Vahirua opened the scoring against his old team, but Bakari Kone brough Nice back level. Rafik Saifi got the winner with a header.

Caen 4 - Monaco 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) Caen hit four second-half goals to record their first victory of 2008. After falling behind to Sambou’s early opener Hengbart, Sorbon, Gouffran and a rip-snorter from Jemaa finally put an end to Caen’s Ligue 1 free-fall.

Auxerre 1 - Saint-Etienne 3 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) The hosts had the early lead five minutes after Benalouane headed through his own net. Landrin equalised on the hour mark. Ilan gave the visitors the lead minutes later and Feindouno sealed an emphatic win.

Valenciennes 3 - Bordeaux 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008) Roudet raced into the box and struck from a tight angle to put Valenciennes in front on 10 minutes, but the visitors equalised with a superb free-kick from Wendel. Sebo put the home side back in front and Savidan wrapped it up for Valenciennes with an acrobatic volley to dent Bordeaux’s title dreams.

Strasbourg 0 - Lille 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008)

Toulouse 1 - Le Mans 1 (Ligue 1, March 22, 2008)

***

Vitoria Setubal 0* - Sporting Lisbon 0 (Pens 3-2) (Carlsberg Cup, March 22, 2008) Setubal won the League Cup final, with goalkeeper Eduardo Carvalho stealing all the plaudits with three saves in the shootout.

WEEKEND VIDEO GOALS AND FOOTBALL NEWS

2008-03-10T01:58:00.005+01:00

Middlesbrough 0 - Cardiff 2 (FA Cup, March 9, 2008) The magic of the FA Cup continued to show no signs of abating when Peter Wittingham gave Cardiff the lead with a brilliant finish after showing off sublime close control in the Boro box. And then the Championship side went two goals to the good as Whittingham delivered a free-kick onto the head of Johnson, who clinically nodded in number two. (First-half highlights here.) In the second-half, Boro impotently fired a host of blanks as they hugely disappointed after being outplayed by Cardiff.

Bristol Rovers 1 - West Bromwich Albion 5 (FA Cup, March 9, 2008) The Baggies look a good bet to win the competition after this quarter-final rout of Bristol Rovers. Ishmael Miller scored a hat-trick, the first of which was a lovely finish. James Morrison had put WBA in front and Kevin Phillips struck the fourth. Danny Coles had pulled one back before half-time to bring it back to 2-1, but the Baggies were a class apart and have a great chance of further FA Cup glory.

Wigan 0 - Arsenal 0 (Premier League, March 9, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Arsenal, drawing for the third successive game in the league, were far from their fluent best and created few clear openings, Adebayor and Fabregas wasted their best chances. Arsenal have a two point lead over Manchester United, but the Red Devils have a game in hand.

Tottenham 4 - West Ham 0 (Premier League, March 9, 2008) Spurs took an early two-goal lead against West Ham. The first came from a Huddlestone cross from the right headed home by Dimitar Berbatov. The same partnership led to the second for Berbatov, this time Huddlestone’s free-kick came from the left hand side. In the final minutes Gilberto and Darren Bent added goals for the home side to inflict the third 4-0 defeat on the Hammers in eight days.

Sunderland 0 - Everton 1 (Premier League, March 9, 2008) The Toffees kept up the pressure on Liverpool by beating relegation-threatened Sunderland thanks to Andy Johnson’s shoulder goal.

Aberdeen 1 - Celtic 1 (Scottish FA Cup, March 9, 2008) The Dons looked to be on their way to a semi final meeting against Queen of the South following a second-half goal from Jeffrey De Visscher. But a 91st minute goal from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink earned Celtic a draw at a stunned Pittodrie.

Genoa 0 - Juventus 2 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) Juve took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from Grygera (great hit) and Trezeguet.

Empoli 1 - AC Milan 3 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) AC Milan responded to their Champions League exit by scoring early on at Empoli as Pato rolled home a dropped cross by the keeper. The Rosseneri then found themselves guilty of weak defending, as Busce steered home the equaliser at the back post. Two goals from Ambrosini and Kaka in the last five minutes gave Milan the win.

Lazio 2 - Livorno 0 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) Lazio flew out the traps against Livorno, bagging two early goals through forwards Rocchi and Pandev.

Siena 1 - Fiorentina 0 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) The Viola allowed AC Milan to claw themselves back to just one point off fourth spot after Massimo Maccarone scored an incredible free-kick 10 minutes from time, only to then be dismissed for picking up a second booking after he whipped off his shirt in celebration.

Parma 1 - Sampdoria 2 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) The visitors took an 11th minute lead through Maggio before Parma’s Gasbarroni missed from the penalty spot five minutes into the second-half. Bonazzoli made it 2-0, Budan grabbed a consolation.

Catania 2 - Cagliari 1 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) Conti put Cagliari, but Silvestri equalised two minutes from the break. A Canini own-goal completed the comeback for Catania.

Napoli 0 - Roma 2 (Serie A, March 9, 2008) Simone Perrotta’s early finish and Francesco Totti’s second-half penalty put second-placed Roma six points behind Inter.

Barcelona 1 - Villareal 2 (La Liga, March 9, 2008) Marcus Senna gave Villareal the lead at the Nou Camp from a penalty after Franco was brought down by Victor Valdes.With just over twnety minutes remaining, Xavi equalised after great work by Iniesta. Late on, Jon Dahl Tomasson stunned the Nou Camp, bagging the winner after a fine break by the Yellow Submarine.

Mallorca 7 - Recreativo Huelva 1 (La Liga, March 9, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Arango broke the deadlock, and it was 2-0 within 60 seconds courtesy of Daniel Guiza’s goal. Guiza scored again on 32 minutes and Valero got the fourth, before Ruben pulled one back for Recre. Valero netted his second of the game before half-time and Arango scored twice in the early stages of the second period to complete the rout and his hat-trick.

Sevilla 2 - Levante 1 (La Liga, March 9, 2008) Levante took the lead away at Seville after only five minutes thanks to a brilliant chip from Riga. But the hosts bounced back when Keita equalised on 28 minutes and Luis Fabiano notched the winner in the second-half.

Valencia 2 - Deportivo La Coruna 2 (La Liga, March 9, 2008) A Valencia counter-attack built down the right-hand side resulted in Mata bagging the opening goal at the far post. Minutes later, after yet another well worked team move, the lead was doubled as Villa (again) found the net at the far post. But Los Che have been a soft touch this season, and Depor pulled a goal back when Sergio embarrassed Hilderbrand from a free-kick, only for Lafita to score the leveller on the stroke of half-time.

Murcia 0 - Getafe 3 (La Liga, March 9, 2008) Michael Laudrup’s side continue to impress. Goals from Hernandez, Albin and Casquero.

Osasuna 2 - Almeria 1 (La Liga, March 9, 2008)

Racing Santander 3 - Real Betis 0 (La Liga, March 9, 2008)

Albacete 1 - Real Sociedad 2 (Segunda division, March 9, 2008)

Bayer Leverkusen 2 - Hannover 0 (Bundesliga, March 9, 2008) Leverkusen maintained their charge for Champions League football thanks to first-half goals from Gekas and Barnetta.

Nurnberg 0 - Hamburg 0 (Bundesliga, March 9, 2008)

Lyon 4 - Bordeaux 2 (Ligue 1, March 9, 2008) Lyon raced into a two-goal lead at home to second-placed Bordeaux with two goals from Mathieu Bodmer. Wendel pulled one back ten minutes before the break from a free kick. Five minutes after half-time Karim Benzema re-established Lyon’s two-goal advantage. However, Laurent Blanc’s men would not give in and Cavenaghi pulled one back from the penalty spot with half-an-hour to go. Keita sealed the win with the fourth in injury-time.

Marseille 2 - St. Etienne 0 (Ligue 1, March 9, 2008) A route-one goal from Valbuena and a second from Taiwo secured victory for OM.

FC Porto 1 - Academica Coimbra 0 (Superliga, March 9, 2008) Ricardo Quaresma got the only goal from long-range in the 32nd minute.

Benfica 2 - Moreirense 0 (Superliga, March 9, 2008)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VIDEO GOALS

2008-03-05T02:06:00.003+01:00

UEFA Champions League second knockout round

2008-03-04T14:55:00.003+01:00

FC Barcelona - Celtic FC

FC Barcelona and Celtic FC want to provide another feast of UEFA Champions League football at the Camp Nou as this first knockout round, second-leg tie promises a repeat of the thriller at Celtic Park.

Firm test
In assessing the match, home coach Frank Rijkaard unhesitatingly put spectacle and entertainment on a par with the more pragmatic task of capitalising on the 3-2 lead established two weeks ago. The coach has now faced Celtic three times in UEFA competition since arriving in Barcelona in 2003 and has learned sufficient lessons not to believe, even with a healthy advantage, that the Scottish champions will be anything other than a firm test.

Thin margin
"Celtic are a really good side and I don't think there is a massive difference between us. We have a history of playing each other in recent years but, to me, it is this challenge at the Camp Nou, rather than the results of the last few years, which is important to focus on. Champions League nights at the Camp Nou really are wonderful and we love playing them. Our goal is always to give our public spectacle, great football and the right result. It's an important combination for our fans.

Undefeated record
In fact, Celtic's two previous results at Barcelona, in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup and the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League, were valiant draws. That would not be sufficient to overcome the deficit from the first match, where two terrific goals from Lionel Messi and one from Thierry Henry brought Barça back from 1-0 and 2-1 down. Yet it would allow Celtic and their large band of travelling fans to extend their notable record in Catalonia. "I am certain Celtic are preparing to put on a great performance," agreed Rijkaard. "But the Champions League is very, very important to us. We'll do our job."

Team selection
The hosts are still missing the injured Rafael Márquez and also do without Edmílson and Giovani Dos Santos – but Messi and Yaya Touré should be available. As for Gordon Strachan, the Celtic manager is fully aware that a task of immense proportions lies ahead of him and his players. Celtic have not won away in 16 UEFA Champions League matches while, in the group stage, Barcelona won all three home games with eight goals scored and only one conceded.

'Fear, determination, excitement'
"There's nothing wrong with a bit of fear," said Strachan. "It can push you on to greater things. I hope that before the match my players feel a mixture of fear, determination and excitement. When we have the ball, I'd like my players to make Barça fear us." Defender Mark Wilson, who came on after several months out injured in the first leg, is fit to feature for the Scottish title-holders who have a full complement of players.

Mountain to climb
"We are angry that individually and collectively we didn't play our best in the first game," continued Strachan. "My team must hold on to the ball better and be braver in what we do with our possession. This may be the football equivalent of climbing Everest but people have conquered Everest. It's just that some who tried didn't make it back!"

Manchester FC - O.Lyon

Old Trafford has long been one of European football's most redoubtable fortresses and Sir Alex Ferguson believes home advantage will prove telling when Manchester United FC conclude their first knockout round tie against French champions Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday.

Cause for confidence
Carlos Tévez's 87th-minute equaliser in the sides' 1-1 draw at the Stade de Gerland leaves United favourites to reach the last eight and their record of nine successive European home wins provides extra cause for confidence. "Our home record in European football has been very good for a long time," said Sir Alex. "The atmosphere at Old Trafford on a European night helps."

Potential record
United have not lost to continental opposition at this venue since AC Milan prevailed at this stage of the 2004/05 campaign – and a victory over Lyon would see the English champions equal Juventus's record of ten consecutive home wins in the UEFA Champions League, established between 1996 and 1998. Yet while Lyon went down 2-1 on their only previous trip here in 2004, Sir Alex is wary of the attacking potential of a visiting team beaten just once in their last seven away fixtures in the competition.

'Reminds me of Zidane'
"Lyon will come knowing they have to get a goal," said the United manager, who highlighted the threat of Karim Benzema, scorer of a spectacular opener in the first leg. "He is a very strong boy, he reminds me a little bit of [Zinédine] Zidane – physique wise and possibly pace wise too. He is a natural centre-forward." Having played wide left in Lyon's last two matches, Benzema will be happy to revert to a central striking role with Fred – scorer of the only goal against LOSC Lille Métropole on Saturday – dropping to the bench.

'Have to attack'
Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes Benzema capable of playing a decisive part in a contest where, by his own admission, the balance now rests with United. "He has the ability to make the difference on his own, to create opportunities even when space is restricted," said Perrin, who did not face United during his six-month spell in England with Portsmouth FC in 2005. "We are out as things stand, so we have to attack," added Perrin, albeit with the rejoinder that dismantling the Premier League's most miserly defence would not be easy. "Their positioning is excellent and they are very experienced with players like [Rio] Ferdinand and [Nemanja] Vidić in the centre, who are good at winning their individual battles."

Tévez praised
With Ryan Giggs struggling with a calf problem, winger Nani should start and maintain his record as United's only ever-present in Europe this term. A goalless draw would be enough for United but Sir Alex, whose charges beat Fulham FC 3-0 on Saturday, promised "attacking football" and his programme notes dwelled on the influence of striker Tévez. The Argentinian is just one of the star forwards that a Lyon rearguard missing the suspended Anthony Réveillère yet featuring the fit-again Cris – fresh from his first appearance since August – will have to watch closely. "He has a knack of rising to the occasion," said the Scot, drawing comparisons with Eric Cantona.

FC Sevilla - SK Fenerbahce

Despite his team's reputation for instinctive attacking play, Sevilla FC coach Manuel Jiménez believes intelligence is the quality they will need most if they are to come back from 3-2 down to beat Fenerbahçe SK in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League first knockout round decider.

Clever football
Their delight in getting forward earned the Spanish side two valuable away goals a fortnight ago, but it also cost them dearly when substitute Semih Şentürk struck a late winner. Now, with the tie delicately poised and both teams desperate to reach the uncharted waters of the last eight, Jiménez has asked his players to think before they act. "We'll have to be intelligent because our opponents also want to qualify," he said. "It's all very well attacking, however that can rebound on you if you don't have the intelligence to stop the opposition from counterattacking. We mustn't give in to euphoria."

Knockout pedigree
That may sound like caution from the competition newcomers, but they are nothing if not knockout football specialists, having recovered 1-0 first-leg deficits en route to UEFA Cup glory in both 2005/06 and 2006/07 – against LOSC Lille Métropole and CA Osasuna respectively. "If Fenerbahçe are slight favourites because of the scoreline, we certainly don't feel inferior to them or anyone else," continued Jiménez. "We all just need to work harder because a draw won't be enough. If we can go through, it would be important not only for the club but also for the city and Spanish football."

Deportivo defeat
A record of three wins from three group-stage games at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán ought to feed their confidence, even if Saturday's 2-1 loss at RC Deportivo La Coruña ended a five-match unbeaten league run. It also dragged the club down to seventh in the Primera División, but in-form striker Luis Fabiano, Diego Capel, Seydou Keita and Adriano will all return after being rested. Centre-backs Ivica Dragutinović and Julien Escudé should be fit again too, with Aquivaldo Mosquera poised to step in if Dragutinović fails to overcome a groin problem.

Roberto Carlos absence
The Fenerbahçe rearguard is already certain to be weakened, on the other hand, as Roberto Carlos is still carrying the leg injury he sustained when the sides met in Istanbul. "He is fundamental for us because of his contribution on and off the pitch," lamented his coach, Zico. "We can't think about that, though. We have to go out and fight to the end. We won't play with a defensive attitude because we don't know how. I just don't have the players for that. They can't give up their attacking instincts."

Domestic doubts
Cynics might suggest they looked anodyne going forward in Saturday's 0-0 draw at MKE Ankaragücü, but key men Volkan Demirel, Diego, Gökhan Gönül and Semih Şentürk were all suspended while striker Deivid started on the bench. And that result could even be considered a slight improvement following last week's Turkish Cup defeat by neighbours Galatasaray AS. "That was a different competition," said Zico. "We are well-placed in this tie, we'll give everything and if we don't qualify, nobody will be able to complain. That will just mean Sevilla were the better team."

AC Milan - Arsenal FC

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti cut a relaxed figure before the make-or-break first knockout round visit of Arsenal FC as he revealed that the return of his leading lights offered plenty of cause for optimism.

Split personality
By their standards the Rossoneri have struggled in Serie A this term. On Saturday, Massimo Oddo's equaliser against S.S. Lazio gave Milan a fifth draw in six matches, leaving them 18 points behind leaders FC Internazionale Milano and four adrift of fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina – with qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League in the balance. However, if Carlo Ancelotti's side have a split personality, the pros outweigh the cons. Last year, for example, a disappointing league campaign was more than tempered by a seventh European Champion Clubs' Cup success.

'Extra special'
"It is difficult to explain why we play better in the Champions League other than to say that this competition has always meant something extra special to this club," said Ancelotti. "We've been through a sticky patch over recent games. We've had to get by without a number of players, but the fact most of them are back and have worked really well in training gives me the belief that they'll give another great performance."

Home form
Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Kaká and Filippo Inzaghi are all expected to start after being rested against Lazio, although Clarence Seedorf, who strained a hamstring in the first half of that match, may join Emerson (shin), Marek Jankulovski (knee), Dida (back) and Ronaldo (knee) on the sidelines. Milan won all three group-stage games at the Giuseppe Meazza in the autumn, and knockout-stage victories here against Celtic FC, FC Bayern München and Manchester United FC last term have heartened Ancelotti.

'Patience'
"It is not by chance that we've always done well at home when we've had to," he said. "We always manage to play with the right attitude in these knockout situations. Nil-nil is a result which needs to be managed intelligently – we must call on all our skill and experience, we mustn't rush anything. In all our previous successes we managed to control the match. Patience is the key."

Van Persie boost
Arsenal may also look to bide their time as they know an away goal could suffice to see them through. As with Milan, the Gunners' domestic form has stuttered slightly, with draws against Birmingham City FC and Aston Villa FC, while injuries have deprived them of Eduardo (leg), Tomáš Rosický (hamstring) and Kolo Touré (calf). However, Abou Diaby is fit again and Robin van Persie has travelled with the squad to give the Premier League leaders what Arsène Wenger described as a "psychological edge".

Wenger belief
"We are highly focused, team spirit is very high and we believe we can do it," said Wenger. "This is a young team we have, but the foundations were laid two years ago when we went to the Santiago Bernabéu, to Juventus and we played [FC] Barcelona. These are the sort of matches that every player wants to play, and I believe what counts is to know that your side has the necessary quality to win these games. I am confident these players have the qualities to win."

Weekend Video Goals

2008-02-11T00:21:00.000+01:00

1-1 Bayern Munich vs. Werder Bremen Highlights - MyVideo

Sudays Matches Info

2008-02-11T00:18:00.000+01:00

Cameroon 0 - Egypt 1 (Africa Cup of Nations, February 10, 2008) After some initial sparring between the two sides, Egypt came closest to taking the lead when Moteab’s shot was saved by Kameni and Aboutrika skied the rebound over the bar. In the second-half the Pharoahs went looking for the winner, and Abd Rabou was unfortunate to see his header strike the post. But the Egyptian pressure finally paid off when sub-Zidan wrestled the ball off Song, playing in Aboutrika who slotted home the winner. Egypt retained their Africa Cup of Nations crown, celebrations here and here.

***
Manchester United 1 - Manchester City 2 (Premier League, February 10, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Darius Vassell stunned Old Trafford with the opening goal midway through the first half. Petrov played in Ireland who saw his shot saved by Van der Sar, and the former England striker placed it home on the second attempt. On the stroke of half-time Benjani got the second on his City debut, flicking on a great cross from Petrov. Michael Carrick fired one back for United in the 91st minute but City completed a league double over United for the first time since the 1969/70 season.(The minute’s silence and the events preceding the game can be seen on this video.)

Chelsea 0 - Liverpool 0 (Premier League, February 10, 2008) Peter Crouch missed a great opportunity to give Liverpool the lead at Chelsea but he dragged his shot wide, only for the beanpole to miss a header moments later. At the other end, Joe Cole had a penalty shout turned down. In a stale match, one of the highlights was referee Mike Riley falling over after getting tangled up with the ball. Ballack almost snatched the winner.

***
Aberdeen 1 - Celtic 5 (SPL, February 10, 2008) Celtic took a 3-0 lead into the break away at Aberdeen, thanks to goals from Nakamura, McGeady and McDonald (pen). McDonald scored his second three minutes into the second-half after great play by Aiden McGeady. Lee Miller pulled one back for Aberdeen. Barry Robson got the fifth from a fine free-kick.

***
Catania 0 - Inter Milan 2 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) Inter’s title charge remains on course thanks to second-half goals from Cambiasso and Suazo.

Udinese 1 - Juventus 2 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Dossena gave Udinese the lead at home to Juve. With half-an-hour remaining Camoranesi equalised with a storming header and fifteen minutes later, Iaquinta netted the winner with his first touch.

AC Milan 1 - Siena 0 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) Without Pato and Kaka, Milan struggled to find the breakthrough, but 18-year-old sub-Paloschi scored an incredible winner after only five seconds of being on the pitch. Siena had Vergassola sent off late on.

Cagliari 1 - Parma 1 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) The Sardinians opened the scoring as Jeda ran forward and unleashed a strike that gave the keeper no chance. Less than 60 seconds later Parma were level after Reginaldo put the ball through Storari’s legs from close range.

Sampdoria 2 - Napoli 0 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) Goals from Delvecchio and Franceschini earned Mazzarri’s side the win to place them above Genoa before next week’s derby.

Livorno 1 - Genoa 1 (Serie A, February 10, 2008) Tavano gave the hosts the lead on the quarter hour. Gleison saw red for the visitors with 15 minutes remaining before Marco Di Vaio hit a sweet late equaliser eight minutes from time.

Torino 3 - Palermo 1 (Serie A, February 10, 2008)

***
Real Madrid 7 - Valladolid 0 (La Liga, February 10, 2008) Real Madrid pummeled poor Valladolid in the first-half, smashing five goals past them in the opening 45 minutes. Baptista slotted home the first, Raul rounded the keeper to make it two, Robben was given the freedom of the left hand side to add the third, Raul’s spot-kick made it four, and Guti smashed home the fifth. Guti added the sixth midway through the second period and Drenthe bagged the seventh with ten minutes to go.

Racing Santander 0 - Athletico Madrid 2 (La Liga, February 10, 2008) Forlan bags a brace, the second was a cracker.

Athletic Bilbao 1 - Levante 0 (La Liga, February 10, 2008) Llorente scored the only goal.

Mallorca 0 - Almeria 0 (La Liga, February 10, 2008) (Longer highlights here.)

Osasuna 1 - Zaragoza 0 (La Liga, February 10, 2008) Plasil hit thge winner on the stroke of half-time.

Espanyol 1 - Recreativo Huelva 2 (La Liga, February 10, 2008)

***
Roda 2 - Ajax 1 (Eredivisie, February 10, 2008) Lamah wriggled past four defenders before firing a shot to give Roda the lead over Ajax. But Ajax’s ever reliable goal-machine, Klass Jan Huntelaar, levelled matters after collecting the ball around the penalty spot. Hadouir headed home the winner to leave Ajax in a four way scrap for second spot.

***
Bayern Munich 1 - Werder Bremen 1 (Bundesliga, February 10, 2008) The top two in Germany couldn’t be separated, as Bayern held on to their three point lead over Bremen. Diego drew first blood for the visitors, and after Luca Toni saw his penalty saved, the onrushing Ze Roberto found the equaliser.

Borussia Dortmund 2 - Schalke 3 (Bundesliga, February 10, 2008) The Revier derby was a pulsating affair with Schalke twice taking the lead through Asamoah and an own-goal from Amedick, only for Borussia to come back each time through Federico and then Petric. Dortmund had Dede sent-off and Schalke took advantage as Ernst grabbed the winner just eight minutes from time.

***
Caen 1 - Lens 4 (Ligue 1, February 10, 2008)

***

Sertanense 0 - FC Porto 4 (Taca de Portugal, February 10, 2008)

Naval 3 - Rio Ave 1 AET (Taca de Portugal, February 10, 2008)

***
Central Coast Mariners 3 - Newcastle Jets 0 (A-League, February 10, 2008) The Mariners set up a grand final meeting against the Queensland Roar by overcoming a two-goal first leg deficit to win in extra-time. Kwasnik opened with a looping deflected shot, Petrovski netted the second from Gumprecht’s cross-come-shot, before Petrovski stole the headlines with a fine solo goal for the third.

***
FC Brussels 2 - Anderlecht 4 (Juplier League, February 9, 2008)

Club Brugge 2 - Mechelen 0 (Juplier League, February 9, 2008)

Satudays matches report

2008-02-10T02:25:00.000+01:00

Ghana 4 - Ivory Coast 2 (Africa Cup of Nations, February 9, 2008) Sulley Muntari gave Ghana a 10th minute lead in the third place play-off with a stunning free-kick. Boubacar Sanogo equalised for the Elephants with a strong run and finish. Nine minutes later, the Werder Bremen striker scored from close range to give the Ivory Coast the lead after Drogba’s shot was saved. Five minutes after bagging the second, Sanogo then should have completed his hat-trick but he hit the bar after being played in by the Drogs. But the Black Stars drew level with a fine solo goal from Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who outpaced three defenders before coolly slotting home. The host nation then completed the comeback after Junior Agogo broke the offside trap to easily beat Kone. And the Elephants then ended the tournament on a sour note, as Kone failed to handle Dramani’s speculative shot from distance.

***

Aston Villa 4 - Newcastle 1 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) Newcastle came flying out the traps when England U21 hero James Milner swung in a cross which England bench-warmer Michael Owen headed home under pressure from Laursen. Newcastle had Given to thank for saving Carew’s free header just before the break (first-half highlights here), but straight after the interval Given was helpless as Bouma’s deflected right-foot shot nestled in the corner. Newcastle quickly conceded the second three minutes later when Carew headed home Young’s corner, and unable to get back in the game, the sorry Toon fell to pieces from a corner which ping-ponged in the box before Carew bagged his second of the match. The humiliation was completed when Carr stupidly handballed in the box, and Carew scored his hat-trick goal from the spot. Newcastle are experiencing relegation form.

Everton 1 - Reading 0 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) Phil Jagielka got the only goal from a deep Osman cross to send the Royals into the bottom three after their seventh consecutive league defeat.

Middlesbrough 1 - Fulham 0 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) A Jeremie Aliadiere goal put further distance between Boro and the drop-zone, Fulham remain deep in the mire.

Bolton 0 - Portsmouth 1 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) Lassana Diarra scored his second goal for Pompey since joining during the January transfer window.

Derby 0 - Tottenham 3 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) The Ramos revolution continues to propel itself forward as Spurs recorded only their second away win of the season at Championship-bound Derby. A dull first-half blossomed after the break as goals from Robbie Keane (rebound), Younes Kaboul (shot following a corner) and a stoppage-time penalty from sub-Dimitar Berbatov sealed a convincing victory.

West Ham 1 - Birmingham 1 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) Freddie Ljungberg scored his first goal in a year after punishing some slack defending, but Birmingham were soon level through new signing James McFadden, who scored from the spot after he was brought down by Lucas Neill. Lee Bowyer saw red late on, as Brum escaped out of the bottom three.

Sunderland 2 - Wigan 0 (Premier League, February 9, 2008) Sunderland leapfrogged the Latics in 14th place thanks to a goal in each half from Dickson Etuhu’s close-range header and sublime strike from Daryl Murphy.

***

Sevilla 1 - Barcelona 1 (La Liga, February 9, 2008) Sevilla dominated the first-half at home to Barca, Diego Capel got the breakthrough ten minutes before half-time. Xavi equalised from a great through ball by Messi, Palop probably should have kept it out.

Real Murcia 0 - Villareal 1 (La Liga, February 9, 2008) Guille Franco got the winner three minutes into injury-time at the end of the game.

Deportivo La Coruna 1 - Getafe 1 (La Liga, February 9, 2008)

***

Bayer Leverkusen 1 - Hamburg 1 (Bundesliga, February 9, 2008) Van de Vaart got the opener for the away side, Friedrich equalised with half an hour to go.

Hannover 2 - Karlsruher 2 (Bundesliga, February 9, 2008) Balitsch gave Hannover the lead in the 44th minute only to see Kennedy equalise just past the hour mark. Hajnal put Karlsruhe ahead minutes later but Rosenthal restored parity three minutes from time.

Stuttgart 1 - Hertha Berlin 3 (Bundesliga, February 9, 2008) Hertha claims all three points at Stuttgart with Marko Pantelic netting a brace in the first-half. De Rafael added a third with Mario Gomez on the mark for the hosts. Delpierre was sent-off for Stuttgart late on.

Bochum 3 - Energie Cottbus 3 (Bundesliga, February 9, 2008)

***

AS Roma 2 - Reggina 0 (Serie A, February 9, 2008) Pannuci headed in at the back post from a fine Totti cross for the first, Mancini followed up on a fine run and shot from Giuly for the second.

Atalanta 2 - Fiorentina 2 (Serie A, February 9, 2008) The Viola took the lead when Pazzini controlled a pass and spun to find the far corner against his former employers. Muslimovic levelled from a corner just a minute later. Fiorentina went ahead again, Semiol headed in Kuzmanovic’s cross from the right on the hour. But Muslimovic slid home his second of the game in injury-time to end the game all square.

Messina 1 - Mantova 0 (Serie B, February 9, 2008)

Vicenza 2 - Bari 3 (Serie B, February 9, 2008)

***

Lyon 4 - Socaux 1 (Ligue 1, February 9, 2008) Bodmer got two for Lyon, the first came after two minutes the second came from a rebound off a fine Juninho free-kick. Sandiwhced between the two Lyon goals was a brilliant volleyed equaliser from Pancrate. In injury-time Govou and Benzema added some gloss to the scoreline.

***

Larissa 1 - AEK Athens 0 (Greek Super League, February 9, 2008) AEK had Alves sent-off as they fell to their second consecutive deafeat, losing to Zurawski’s first goal for Larissa since joining from Celtic.

Video Goals

2008-02-07T15:54:00.001+01:00

Frendly Matches Info and Video Stories

2008-02-07T15:51:00.000+01:00

England 2 - Switzerland 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) England took the lead just before half-time with a goal from Jermaine Jenas, Joe Cole did brilliantly to skin his man and cross for the Spurs midfielder to finish from close range. Switzerland equalised just before the hour-mark with a fine strike from substitute Eren Derdiyok. England responded almost straight away, captain Steven Gerrard setting up Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Republic of Ireland 0 - Brazil 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Brazil had the opening effort on target against managerless Ireland when Diego fired his free-kick straight at Shay Given. Towards the end of the first-half Robinho displayed great skill to set up Josue who tested Given. Midway throught the second-half Robinho scored the only goal of the game with a lovely finish.

Italy 3 - Portugal 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Italy went one-up in injury-time of the first-half, Luca Toni scored after a number of Portugal defenders failed to clear. Five minutes into the second period Italy doubled their lead through a deflected shot from Andrea Pirlo. With twelve minutes to go, Ricardo Quaresma pulled one back for Portugal. Two minutes later Fabio Quagliarella restored Italy’s two-goal advantage.

Spain 1 - France 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Joan Capdevilla got the only goal with ten minutes remaining after Diarra had headed off the line from Iniesta. In the last minute Benzema hit the bar for France and following up Thierry Henry missed an absolute sitter.

Poland 2 - Czech Republic 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Two goals in the opening half-an-hour from Lobodzinski and Lewandowski (great finish) gave the Poles a comfortable win. Artur Boruc also saved a penalty from Jan Koller.

Turkey 0 - Sweden 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008)

Austria 0 - Germany 3 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) After a dire first-half, goals from Hitzlsperger, Klose and sub-Gomez gave Germany the win. The two sides next meet in Group B at Euro 2008.

Croatia 0 - Holland 3 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) England’s conquerers fell to an embarrassing home defeat to Marco Van Basten’s side, for whom John Heitinga and Klaas Jan Huntelaar netted at the beginning and end of the first-half while Vennegor of Hesselink added the third just before the final whistle.

Bolivia 2 - Peru 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) In a comment on South American defending, all three goals were headers from set-plays.

Macedonia 1 - Serbia 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008)

Hungary 1 - Slovakia 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Zoltan Gera’s header from a corner was cancelled out by Sestak.

Israel 1 - Romania 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Israel recorded a morale-boosting victory over Romania, who were reduced to 10-men after Ovidiu Petre was sent off after 20 minutes, thanks to Omer Golan’s header.

United States 2 - Mexico 2 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Oguchi Onyewu’s towering back-post header gave the hosts the lead, but Magallon’s first goal for Mexico tied the score five minutes later. Highly-regarded starlet Jozy Altidore, then restored America’s lead, only to have Magallon net his second of the game just after the break.

Argentina 5 - Guatemala 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Fielding a predominately young side in preparation for the under-23 competition at August’s Olympic Games, Gonzalo Higuain netted a brace (second goal here) whilst Ezequiel Lavezzi, Jonatan Maidana (great strike) and Marco Ruben added the other goals in the Argentinean rout, marking the first meeting between the two nations.

Uruguay 2 - Colombia 2 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Edison Perea scored a goal in each half to put Colombia in the driving seat. But the introduction of Edinson Cavani for Diego Forlan reaped immediate benefits with the striker pulling the a goal back before Suarez completed the comeback with a late equaliser.

JANUARY FOOTBALL NEWS

2008-01-18T00:40:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Blackburn relief over Newcastle's Keegan appointment
Villa celebrate new Laursen deal
Bolton land Portsmouth's Taylor
Fulham agree fee for Watford's King
O'Leary rejects Republic of Ireland job
Spurs target Fred staying with Lyon
Everton announce accepting Birmingham offer for McFadden
Edman claims Wigan agreement
Spurs join Arsenal interest for Catania's Vargas
Villa boss O'Neill in talks with Tottenham's Defoe
Liverpool agent denies link for Fiorentina coach Prandelli
Portsmouth, Spurs battle for Mallorca star Jonas
Juventus want immediate deal for Villa's Mellberg

ITALIA

AC Milan, Fiorentina chiefs discuss Gilardino, Frey swap
Ronaldo helping Juventus win Amauri race
Udinese's Quagliarella back on Inter Milan radar
Juventus to bring forward plans for Palermo's Barzagli
Inter Milan tracking Corinthians defender Renato
Agent: Zambrotta will only leave Barcelona for AC Milan
Fiorentina intensify talks for Sturm Graz's Proedel
Porto's Gonzalez keen on Fiorentina move
Parma's Dessena interesting Napoli
Belenenses defender Rolando hoping for quick Lazio move
Genoa welcome Corinthians striker Wilson
Reggina wrap up signing of Palermo's Brienza
Siena sign Levante striker Rigano
Parma youngster Paci fractures jaw
Nike back Inter Milan bid for Barcelona's Ronaldinho
Inter Milan seek their own Pato
Fiorentina keep tabs on Gilardino's AC Milan situation
Roma check on Lille starlet Salibur

SPAIN

Deco: Barcelona future decided at season's end
Vazquez: Pinto genuine threat to Barcelona No1 Valdes
Zigic winning Koeman around at Valencia
Manzano blasts Real Madrid's Schuster: Show some humility
Mijatovic insists Real Madrid can be happy despite Copa exit
Barcelona agree terms for Celta Vigo's Pinto
PSG starlet Arnaud reveals Barcelona offer
Deportivo La Coruna players discuss Munua, Dudu futures
Calderon: Casillas would make great Real Madrid president
Benfica, Besiktas move for Recreativo's Beto
Poli Ejido snap up Valladolid striker Kike
Agent reveals Deportivo La Coruna offer for River Plate's Ruben
Chevanton slams ex-Sevilla coach Ramos
Agent rules out Argentina return for Zaragoza's D'Alessandro
Deportivo La Coruna, Sevilla go for Santos star Maldonado
Baptista delighted with Real Madrid breakthrough
Real Madrid coach Schuster keen on Juventus outcast Tiago
Jorquera backs Barcelona's Pinto move

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

2007-12-11T12:14:00.000+01:00

Marseille - Liverpool

Liverpool FC will be stepping into a lions' den at the Stade Vélodrome on Tuesday, according to Olympique de Marseille coach Erik Gerets. Victory for either side would guarantee qualification, and Gerets is adamant that his will be the team celebrating at the final whistle.

Adrenalin rush
The hosts also know that a draw will suffice unless Group A basement club Beşiktaş JK can win at FC Porto, but the Belgian tactician does not expect his charges to hold back. "We won't set out looking for a draw," said Gerets. "Our preparations have been normal but, from the first second on Tuesday, the players will know they are in a special game, more intense than in the league. It's the match the fans have been waiting for and there'll be adrenalin aplenty on the pitch. We won't freeze, we'll be like lions."

Anfield win
The Mediterranean outfit certainly did not freeze on Merseyside in October, as Mathieu Valbuena gave Gerets a stunning 1-0 victory in his first match in charge. Since then, they have managed just one point from three European outings, yet their coach sees enough reasons to believe they will progress. "We have already proved that we have the ability to defeat Liverpool," he stated. "One of my colleagues said we don't have a chance on paper, but the match won't be played on paper. Even though they're slight favourites, we're at home and we're unbeaten in our last five league games."

Nasri injury
Marseille extended that Ligue 1 run with a 2-0 success over AS Monaco FC on Saturday, which lifted them to 13th in the standings. Influential playmaker Samir Nasri missed out with an ankle injury, although there is a slight chance he may return to replace Karim Ziani. "We'll make a decision after training," explained Gerets, who admitted he is relishing another meeting with the 2005 winners: "There's pressure but it's the right kind of pressure, the pressure you hope for as a coach."

Reading defeat
Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has come under pressure of his own since Saturday's 3-1 loss at Reading FC ended his side's unbeaten Premier League record, not least because he withdrew key men Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres to keep them fresh for Marseille. "Right now, the Champions League is the most important competition for us," said the Spaniard. "We were really disappointed to lose the Reading game, but we're only thinking about this one and finding the right solutions."

'It's a final'
Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso will not figure among those solutions as they are not yet back to full fitness, while Andriy Voronin and Mohamed Sissoko have been left in England. Torres has recovered from an ankle knock, on the other hand, and will lead the charge for goals – although a draw would suit Liverpool if Beşiktaş prevail in Portugal. "We made a lot of mistakes when we last faced Marseille, but we know more about them and their coach now," continued Benitez. "If you want to win trophies then you have to win finals, and for us this is a final."

Porto - Besiktas

Coach Jesualdo Ferreira is adamant FC Porto will not underestimate the challenge of Beşiktaş JK as the Portuguese side attempt to rubber-stamp qualification for the knockout stage for the fourth time in five UEFA Champions League campaigns.

Record loss
"They're a strong team," said Ferreira, whose charges will advance by avoiding defeat on Tuesday – and as Group A winners should they triumph – but face elimination if they become Beşiktaş's first away victims in the section. The coach is certainly not fooled by the Black Eagles' poor form on the road so far, which includes the heaviest defeat in UEFA Champions League history, an 8-0 humbling at Liverpool FC. "We know they will be very difficult," he said. "They beat [Olympique de] Marseille and Liverpool at home. The fact they lost in Marseille and Liverpool won't affect our plans."

Bounced back
Ferreira can, however, take confidence from the fact Porto are the only side in the pool to have left the Inönü Stadium with any points this term, having won 1-0 in Istanbul on Matchday 2 when Ricardo Quaresma scored in added time. The 61-year-old accepts that the Liga leaders will be favourites, especially as they have bounced back from a 4-1 loss at Liverpool last time out by beating SL Benfica and advancing in the Portuguese Cup. "It's normal," he said. We're the leaders after five games. We have built this position. We're not preoccupied with anything else, just with winning the group."

'Great support'
Ferreira assures the Estádio do Dragão faithful that their idols will not sit back and play safe – in return, the players will be wanting the home crowd to help push them over the line. The former SC Braga boss said: "They expect things from us. They give great support to the team, and the bond between them and the team is important. We intend to win the game, and to win the group." It is eleven years since Porto topped a section in the competition, while Beşiktaş are trying to "make history" by reaching the last 16 for the first time.

'Tricky opponents'
"This game is very important, both for our team and for Turkish football," said Ertuğrul Sağlam. "This isn't a game where the players need motivating." The coach knows only a win will keep his side in Europe, yet he hardly wore the look of a worried man on the eve of the match. "I prefer to play in games like this, where we have to win," said the 38-year-old. "We know Porto well. They're a strong team with many good players and are tricky opponents, especially at home."

Pride
Sağlam saw his charges prevail by 1-0 at Bursaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday, and he has hinted that he could field the same starting XI in northern Portugal as Márcio Nobre and Ricardinho are both ruled out. It is a source of obvious pride to him that Beşiktaş remain in contention going into Matchday 6. "Everyone thought the top two would be Porto and Liverpool, and it would be a struggle between us and Marseille for third place," he said. "Now we have it in our own hands."

Chelsea - Valencia

Valencia CF go looking for the win that only one visiting team has managed in 23 UEFA Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup. And, despite a poor run of form, coach Ronald Koeman believes they can do it.

English experience
Victory away to Liverpool FC as SL Benfica coach, and a draw at Arsenal FC while in charge of PSV Eindhoven, give the Dutchman confidence as he prepares his side to try to dismantle the Chelsea FC fortress. "It's a pleasure to play in England against English teams because it's always a good atmosphere," he said. "You do get opportunities in these games and I am confident we can take something out of the game."

Rosenborg defeats
After 20 minutes on Matchday 2 it looked as if it was all falling into place for the Spanish club. After winning their Group B opener at FC Schalke 04, they were leading Chelsea 1-0. But that was as good as it got as Valencia eventually succumbed to the London visitors, and then lost back-to-back fixtures with Rosenborg BK, before an uninspiring 0-0 draw at home to Schalke two weeks ago. That put paid to their hopes of reaching the next stage and leaves them needing to better Schalke's result against the Norwegian team to continue their European adventure. "It is very important for the club that we go into the UEFA Cup," Koeman added.

Weekend tests

Both sides have crucial games looming at the weekend. Valencia, in seventh position in the Primera División, ten points adrift of Real Madrid CF, play host to FC Barcelona; Chelsea, who lie third in the Premier League, visit leaders Arsenal FC hoping to claw back a three-point deficit. The difference on Tuesday is that Chelsea have already guaranteed their progress as group winners while Valencia have it all to do – their task a sizeable one considering they are without captain David Albelda after his red card against Schalke, and given they have failed to score in their last four outings.

Drogba out
Chelsea are missing Didier Drogba, who has had a knee operation and is expected to be out for around three weeks, and Petr Čech, although the goalkeeper returns to full training this week following a calf injury. Other senior players are likely to sit this one out as energies are conserved. Grant admits the weekend fixture is the most important on the club's immediate agenda, saying of Tuesday's match: "It's not so important because of what we have done in the group, qualifying with one game to go. But it's the Champions League and we want to perform well."

Unbeaten run
Grant pinpoints the victory at the Mestalla in October as crucial in their run of 14 unbeaten games, Chelsea having suffered just a single loss since the departure of José Mourinho. "Everybody thought Chelsea were a little bit down and would continue to be down after we lost to Manchester United [FC]," he said. "But we won in Valencia, played very well and our attitude was very good. Now we can see how important that game was."

Schalke - Rosenborg

FC Schalke 04 coach Mirko Slomka says his side are "happy to still have a chance" of reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout stage for the first time ahead of their Group B finale against Rosenborg BK.

'Step forward'
Schalke go into the game third in the section, two points behind their Norwegian rivals and needing victory to join group winners Chelsea FC in the next round. The pressure is on the German team who could still miss out on the UEFA Cup spot should Valencia CF defeat Chelsea in the evening's other match. Slomka, though, is drawing strength from Schalke's 2-0 triumph in Trondheim on Matchday 2. "Victory against Rosenborg will take us a step forward," he said. "We're very motivated and will take a lot of confidence from the away match against Rosenborg. I don't think they're dream opponents for us, but I have dreamt about playing our last game at home and then about the knockout phase. We're happy we're at home and still have a chance."

Goal shortage
Jermaine Jones and Kevin Kuranyi struck against Rosenborg on 3 October to lead Schalke to their only win in the section. Indeed, those are Schalke's only goals so far. The Bundesliga side have not scored in their last three Group B matches but a pair of goalless draws, at home to Chelsea and away to Valencia, have kept hopes alive. Slomka takes particular courage from having held the Premier League club, especially given the 4-0 drubbing Chelsea dished out to Rosenborg two weeks ago.

'Right spirit'
"Our performance against Chelsea gives us the right spirit – we just need to score goals," said the 40-year-old, whose team drew 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. "There's no favourite but perhaps playing at home gives us a little advantage. If we perform at the same level as we did against Chelsea then we can win. Rosenborg are defensively strong but perhaps their loss to Chelsea makes them less confident at the moment. Also there are no more league games in Norway, so they have not played for a while."

Pander out
Schalke are without the injured Christian Pander but with Heiko Westermann and Levan Kobiashvili both available again, Slomka has a near full-strength squad to choose from. His Rosenborg counterpart, Trond Henriksen, is keeping his cards close to his chest, confirming only that midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred will have a fitness test following a bout of flu. The 43-year-old has shifted attention away from his side, claiming the onus is on Schalke as Rosenborg are already assured of European football – by finishing above Valencia – next spring.

'Game plan'
"We have a game plan," he said. "We won't sit back and try to defend but will look to go forward. They have to win. We're playing against a good team with a good defence but we must focus on ourselves. If we fight and play the best we can, we'll be satisfied. Regarding the Chelsea game, the players were over-confident before the match and therefore made some bad mistakes. It's not easy for them to concentrate as our season has ended, but we are focused for this match."

Real Madrid - Lazio

If S.S. Lazio are to assure themselves of a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, their coach Delio Rossi must mastermind a victory by two goals against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabéu, a venue where the Spanish champions have lost only once in their last 24 games in the competition. A draw will be enough to send Madrid through.

Job to finish
Bernd Schuster, like Rossi, is another coach would have preferred to have wrapped up qualification by now, but the Madrid boss realises his team must forget about missed opportunities ahead of the Group C decider. "It's true we didn't want to find ourselves in this position," said the German. "We had some great chances to beat Olympiacos [CFP] away [on Matchday 4] and I thought we deserved at least a draw in Germany against Werder Bremen [on Matchday 5] but we lost. We have to resolve our situation on Tuesday."

Home advantage

The last time these two sides met, in Rome on Matchday 2, they produced an exciting 2-2 draw. The same result again would suffice for Madrid, and Schuster feels that going into the tie as group leaders gives his team a telling advantage. "We're in a better position than they are, in that we have two possibilities to advance: with a win or with a draw. We have a lot in our favour and we must take advantage of that."

Confidence
Madrid are without the injured trio of Gabriel Heinze, Javier Ángel Balboa (both knee) and Christoph Metzelder (heel) but will have striker Ruud van Nistelrooy available after he shrugged off an injury scare. According to Schuster, Madrid are "up for this one. It'll be difficult but we're confident. We have a lot of respect for Lazio. We're going to try to play at our rhythm. Our players know how important this game is and they know their capabilities and qualities."

Winning possibility
Both Madrid and Lazio enjoyed league victories at the weekend, with the former winning 1-0 at Athletic Club Bilbao to maintain their four-point lead in the Primera División, while the Biancocelesti gained a confidence-boosting 2-0 triumph against Calcio Catania in Serie A. Lazio coach Rossi says the prospect of "playing one of the best teams in the world" is a "very emotional one" but this is a match he believes his side can win. "In a game of football a thousand things can happen. It's going to be difficult but we can win."

Team performance
The visitors will be missing Simone Del Nero, who has a foot injury, but good news comes with the return of Emílson Sánchez Cribari who was suspended for the 2-1 loss at home to Olympiacos two weeks ago. Most attention, though, will be on Lazio strikers Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev, who both scored against Catania. "They'll be important, of course, but it won't only be up to them," said Rossi. "Every player in our team is important. We'll need to keep our balance against Madrid. We need to play our game, not allow Madrid to play theirs, and we'll also need a bit of luck."

Olympiacos - Bremen

Olympiacos CFP coach Panagiotis Lemonis will urge his players to stick to their attacking philosophy and play to win against Werder Bremen as the Group C rivals prepare for Tuesday's vital showdown in Athens.

Play to win
The Greek champions need a point from their final group match to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since the 1998/99 season when they were eliminated by Juventus in the quarter-finals. But Lemonis, whose team are in fine goalscoring form having beaten Levadiakos FC 4-0 in the Greek Super League on Saturday, says it would be foolhardy to play for a draw.

Same again

"We should not change anything from what our team have shown so far in this campaign," said the 47-year-old. "We should go for the win. We need to approach the game in this way. It is very dangerous if you start to think about playing for a draw. We are building a whole team philosophy here and it would be a mistake to change tactics."

'Fight like madmen'
Olympiacos are second in the section, level on eight points with leaders Real Madrid CF, with Bremen two points behind in third. Expectations are sky-high among the club's fanatical supporters, and Lemonis assures them the Red and Whites will be going all out to reach the knockout rounds. "I do not know what the result will be, but I am sure we will fight and battle like madmen," said Lemonis. "This game is logically considered a final, with the prize at stake being a place in the next phase of the UEFA Champions League." Lemonis will be without captain Predrag Djordjević, who is suspended, and is sweating on the fitness of utility man Christos Patsatzoglou. While refusing to specify about his team selection, he has hinted that defender Michał Żewłakow could be fit to start.

Point to prove
Bremen, meanwhile, have to win to qualify and coach Thomas Schaaf says he expects his players to atone for the 3-1 home defeat they suffered at the hands of Olympiacos on Matchday 2. "It's not about revenge," said Schaaf. "I want to see my players play good football and get a good result. We played very well [against Olympiacos] but luck was not on our side that night. Now we have an opportunity to put that right and to get the right result. There is no extra pressure because every game in the UEFA Champions League is tough."

Diego back
The Bundesliga outfit were unbeaten in ten league matches before Saturday's 4-3 reverse at Hannover 96, and Schaaf admits they must learn from that loss. "The basic thing for us is to cut out the simple mistakes," he said. "We made too many of those [against Hannover] and we must be fully concentrated from the first minute and have a tight defensive line. The players are feeling better, we know what we have to do and we are well prepared." Schaaf has no major injury worries with only full-back Petri Pasanen struggling with a virus. Playmaker Diego is available after serving a one-match suspension against Madrid on Matchday 5.

DAILY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

2007-12-10T13:21:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Chelsea's Shevchenko: I can cover Drogba loss
Amauri agent hints at Chelsea interest
Chelsea to send Modric to PSV
Arsenal rival Man Utd for America star Ochoa
Giggs: Crucial Man Utd get Liverpool result
Villa boss O'Neill aware of Juventus link for Mellberg
Birmingham's Muamba has no Arsenal regrets
Sunderland boss: No QPR fee agreed for Murphy
Whitehead: Sunderland pushed Chelsea all the way
Arsenal ahead of Chelsea, Man Utd for Gillingham superkid
Newcastle's Krul targets Falkirk stay
Muamba keen for Arsenal's Djourou to stay with Birmingham
Derby to use Howard fee to land Wigan's Roberts
Villa boss O'Neill confirms Laursen talks
Birmingham go for Rangers striker Boyd
Torino to trump Premiership interest for Wolves winger Kightly
Megson: Bolton players deserve credit
Metz's Djiba wanted at Blackburn
Ronaldinho prefers Man Utd over Chelsea
Liverpool owners favour Klinsmann
Arsenal's Adebayor: I owe it all to Thierry
Spurs to offer £7M for Middlesbrough's Johnson
West Ham boss Curbs: No Ashton rift
Newcastle's Allardyce explains hat mystery
Newcastle boss Allardyce fed-up with long ball label
Portsmouth's Muntari determined to outshine Essien
Distin: All of Portsmouth backing Redknapp
Stoke to bid for Man Utd's Shawcross
Man Utd move for Leicester kid Sappleton
Defoe hopes for Spurs stay
Portsmouth's Distin angry over attack on foreigners
Jerome: Gaffer will have Birmingham playing good football
Newcastle boss Allardyce wants to buy big
Portsmouth boss Redknapp to hit back at cops
Villa ready to back Portsmouth's Redknapp in fans row
Arsenal bus took wrong turn on way to Middlesbrough
Hargreaves wants more Man Utd minutes
Spurs to bid £5M for Cardiff kid Gunter
Liverpool's Crouch: Reading result won't affect Marseille form
Sunderland boss Keane: Jones will benefit from Cole experience
Cisse: I've nothing against Liverpool
Arsenal's Adebayor: I get hammered from first minute
Norwegian pair enjoy Blackburn trials

SPAIN

Mijatovic: AC Milan made it difficult for Real Madrid in Kaka pursuit
Guti: Ronaldinho signing welcome at Real Madrid
Barcelona ready to bring forward Ronaldinho contract talks
Capello reveals how he saved Raul's Real Madrid career
Eto'o pleased with winning Barcelona comeback
Rijkaard fields Barcelona big guns: It could've been better
Real Madrid's Guti plays down Robben row
Barcelona president Laporta: Ronaldinho not for sale
Van Nistelrooy confident Real Madrid contract Christmas present
Guti: Real Madrid will be champions
Hildebrand closer to Valencia exit
Atletico Madrid's Raul: Aguero sad after red card
Deportivo La Coruna face winter market ban
Chaparro: Betis must put points ahead of style
Athletic Bilbao set to open new Ustaritz contract talks

ITALY

AC Milan striker Ronaldo restricted to shopping excursions
AC Milan to throw bank at Palermo star Amauri
Branca: Inter Milan fully supportive of Adriano
Oriali confirms Inter Milan interest for Menez
Roma's De Rossi admits frustration with Inter consistency

UEFA CUP VIDEO GOALS

2007-12-07T01:32:00.000+01:00

FK CRVENA ZVEZDA - BOLTON FC 0:1

ANDERLECHT - TOTENHAM 1:1

AALBORG - GETAFE 1:2

LEVERKUSEN - SPARTA PRAGHA 1:0

Resumen Bayer Leverkusen - Sparta Praha www.futvolgoles.es
Uploaded by futvolblog

UEFA MATCH PREVIEW

2007-12-06T15:39:00.000+01:00

Spartak Moskva - Zürich

FC Spartak Moskva and FC Zürich can book their place in the last 32 with a game to spare as they meet in their third Group E game in the Russian capital.

• Spartak won their opener at home against Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-1 and then earned a 0-0 draw at AC Sparta Praha to take second place in the section. Three points against Swiss champions Zürich would ensure them a top-three finish.
• Zürich won 2-1 at Sparta in their opening game and then beat Toulouse FC 2-0 at home. One more point would leave them certain of a place in the next phase of the competition.
• Zürich are at home against Leverkusen in their final Group E game on 19 December while Spartak travel to Toulouse.
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition.
• Spartak have played nine games against Swiss sides in UEFA club competition, including a match at home against FC Sion which had to be replayed after it was discovered that the goalposts were 8cm short of regulation height.
• That match took place in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup first round. Spartak had won the first leg in Switzerland 1-0 and then drew 2-2 at home, only to be told to replay the game because of the miscalculation. They won the replay 5-1.
• In total they have won four games against Swiss sides, drawing two and losing three. At home they have won two, drawn two and lost one. Those stats include the abandoned game against Sion.
• Zürich are playing their first game against Russian opposition.
• Zürich coach Bernard Challandes has been to Russia twice before as coach of the Swiss Under-21 side, drawing 3-3 in a 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier and winning 2-1 in the 2004 qualifying campaign.
• Spartak coach Stanislav Cherchesov played in a 2-0 defeat against Zürich's main Swiss league rivals FC Basel 1893 in one of his last games at European level in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League group stage. The goalkeeper was 39 years and 15 days old.
• Challandes was suspended for the game against Toulouse, while striker Eric Hassli still has two more matches of a three-game ban to serve with both men being punished for their parts in incidents in the 2-1 win at Sparta.
• Spartak midfielder Renat Sabitov will miss the remainder of their 2007 games after breaking his leg in a friendly game against Spanish side Elche CF.
• Leverkusen are at home against Sparta in Thursday's other Group E game.

Bayer Leverkusen - Sparta Pragha

AC Sparta Praha coach Michal Bílek can avenge an old defeat as his side face Michael Skibbe's Bayer 04 Leverkusen in UEFA Cup Group E.

• Leverkusen coach Skibbe came up against Czech opposition in his first UEFA club competition games, leading BV Borussia Dortmund to back-to-back 1-0 wins against FK Teplice in the third qualifying round of the 1999/00 UEFA Champions League.
• Sparta coach Bílek, then nearing the end of his career as a defender and midfielder, was on the losing side in both legs of that game.
• Skibbe never had a significant playing career, being forced to retire in his early 20s after tearing cruciate ligaments three times during a spell at FC Schalke 04. He played just 14 Bundesliga games for the club between 1984 and 1986.
• He moved into coaching at the age of just 22, with the youth teams at Schalke and then Dortmund. Appointed as Dortmund's head coach in 1998 at 32, he became the youngest coach of all time in the Bundesliga.
• Bílek, by contrast, had an excellent playing career, representing Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic at international level, and playing with the former at the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals. He spent much of his club career with Sparta, playing abroad with Real Betis Balompié between 1990 and 1992.
• Leverkusen beat Toulouse FC 1-0 at home in their opening game but lost 2-1 at FC Spartak Moskva in their second. A win against Sparta would put them in the last 32 of the competition regardless of the outcome of their final game at FC Zürich.
• Sparta are third in the section with four points, but need a win in their final Group E outing at the BayArena to be certain of progress.
• Leverkusen's young Czech striker Michal Papadopulos may play against two former team-mates, having played with Sparta pair Zdenĕk Pospĕch and Miroslav Matušovič at FC Baník Ostrava.
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition.
• Leverkusen have played six games against Czech opposition in the past, winning three, drawing two and losing one. At home, they have drawn once and won their last two games against Czech oppositions 2-0 and 5-0.
• Sparta have played ten games against German sides over the years, winning four, drawing two and losing four. In Germany itself, they have won once, drawn twice and lost twice.

Aris - Braga

A win at home against SC Braga will send FC Aris Thessaloniki through to the Round of 32 but their Portuguese guests will not give in easily.

• After two Group F games, Aris are second having drawn 1-1 at Bolton Wanderers FC before overwhelming FK Crvena Zvezda – Aris coach Dušan Bajević's previous club – 3-0 on Matchday 2. Another win would see them through to the last 32 regardless of the result from their final game at FC Bayern München.
• Braga have come from behind to draw both of their Group F games to date, 1-1 at Bolton and 1-1 at home against Bayern.
• Aris boast an awesome home record in UEFA club competition, and are still unbeaten in 17 games in Salonika since making UEFA club competition debut in 1970. They did, however, lose home games in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – the non-UEFA affiliated precursor to the UEFA Cup.
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition.
• Aris have played two games against Portuguese opposition, having been drawn against SL Benfica in the first round of the 1979/80 UEFA Cup. They won 3-1 at home and lost 2-1 in Lisbon to progress, and going on to reach the third round.
• Braga have played two games against Greek opposition too, meeting AEK Athens FC in the first round of the 1966/67 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. They won the away leg 1-0 and then triumphed 3-2 at home. They were then knocked out in the second round.
• Aris defender Ronaldo Guiaro and Braga forward João Tomás were team-mates at Benfica up until the end of the 2001/02 season.
• Aris coach Dušan Bajević has been involved in eight games against Portuguese sides, or to be more specific, eight games against FC Porto.
• As a player, he scored twice as his AEK Athens FC side thrashed Porto 6-1 at home and lost 4-1 away in the 1978/79 European Champion Clubs' Cup.
• During his time as Olympiacos CFP coach, he was then paired with Porto in three successive UEFA Champions League group stage campaigns - 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/00.
• His side won all three home matches against Porto, drawing one away and losing the other two.
• He thus goes into the game against Braga having won all four of his previous home games against Portuguese opposition.
• Bajević celebrates his 59th birthday on 10 December, four days after the game against Braga.

Crvena Zvezda - Bolton

FK Crvena Zvezda are looking to salvage their UEFA Cup campaign as they seek their first Group F points against draw specialists Bolton Wanderers FC.

• Two games have brought Crvena Zvezda no points. They lost 3-2 at home against FC Bayern München in their opening fixture and then 3-0 away against an FC Aris Thessaloniki side coached by their former boss Dušan Bajević.
• However, wins in their final games against both Bolton and SC Braga would guarantee the Serbian side a place in the last 32.
• Bolton have drawn their home games against Braga and Aris 1-1 either side of a 2-2 draw against Bayern in Munich. A fourth draw might see them reach the next phase of the tournament, but they will be looking for a win. However, they have not won away in their last five European games.
• Both clubs have parted company with coaches since the start of the season. Milorad Kosanović resigned in the wake of the 3-0 defeat at Aris while Sammy Lee was replaced at Bolton following a poor start in the Premier League.
• Aleksandar Janković is the new man in charge at Crvena Zvezda. The 35-year-old spent much of his coaching career as assistant to Slavoljub Muslin at Crvena Zvezda, PFC Levski Sofia, FC Metalurh Donetsk, KSC Lokeren OV and FC Lokomotiv Moskva.
• The game against Bolton will be his first in Europe since taking over from Kosanović.
• New Bolton manager Gary Megson has led Bolton to draws in both of his UEFA Cup games since taking charge but made a major breakthrough in the Premier League on 24 November, leading his side to a 1-0 win against champions Manchester United FC.
• Bolton's Swedish midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson celebrates his 27th birthday on 8 December, two days after the game.
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition.
• Crvena Zvezda have played 15 games against English sides over the years, winning six, drawing five and losing four. Those defeats include a 1-0 loss against Manchester United FC in the 1991 UEFA Super Cup.
• Crvena Zvezda are yet to lose a European home match against an English side, recording five wins and two draws in their seven home games – including a 3-1 win against Leicester City FC which was played on neutral territory at the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium in Vienna due to concerns over the political climate in Belgrade.
• In only their second UEFA club competition campaign, Bolton have never played against a side from Serbia.

AaB - Getafe

Getafe CF coach Michael Laudrup will return to his native Denmark on Matchday 4 with hosts Aalborg BK eager to lift themselves off the foot of Group G.

• European debutants Getafe are third in the section after winning their opening tie 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur FC, but losing at home to Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC by the same score on Matchday 3.
• They face RSC Anderlecht at home in their final group stage fixture on 19 December.
• AaB drew 1-1 at home against Anderlecht in their first game, then let a 2-0 half-time lead slip at Tottenham to lose 3-2 on Matchday 3.
• AaB are bottom of the group and are the only side in the section yet to win a game. Wins in both of their remaining fixtures, against Getafe and at Hapoel on 19 December, would guarantee them a place in the last 32.
• Laudrup has spent much of his career flitting between Denmark and Spain.
• Now 43, he scored 37 goals in 104 games for Denmark and also won five straight league titles in Spain with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF.
• Born in Copenhagen, he started his career with Kjobenhavns BK – one of the predecessors of the current FC København – before joining Brøndby IF in 1982. He moved to Juventus in 1983, and spent two seasons on loan with S.S. Lazio before joining Barça in 1989.
• He switched to Madrid in 1994, and then played for Vissel Kobe and AFC Ajax before hanging up his boots in 1998.
• Since then, he has been assistant national team coach with Denmark between 2000 and 2002 and coach of Brøndby between 2002 and 2006. He replaced Bernd Schuster at the Getafe helm in July.
• AaB and Getafe have never met in UEFA club competition, though AaB were drawn against a Spanish side once before, meeting RC Deportivo La Coruña in the first round of the 1993/94 UEFA Cup. They won 1-0 at home but lost 5-0 in the return.
• AaB's Swedish coach Erik Hamrén came up against Spanish opposition during his time in charge of AIK Solna. His side were drawn against Barça in the 1996/97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals, losing 3-1 at Camp Nou and then drawing 1-1 in Sweden. Ronaldo scored against them in both legs.
• AaB's Brazilian forward Chrys celebrates his 21st birthday on 6 December, the day of the game against Getafe.

Anderlecht - Tottenham

RSC Anderlecht are preparing to meet Tottenham Hotspur FC for the first time since 1984, when the two sides played each other in the UEFA Cup final over two legs.

• The English side prevailed 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draws in both legs of the tie, to deny Anderlecht as they attempted to become the first side to defend the UEFA Cup. They beat SL Benfica in the 1982/83 final, but Paul van Himst's side came up short following the second leg at White Hart Lane.
• Paul Miller put Tottenham ahead in the first leg in Brussels but Morten Olsen – now Denmark coach – equalised five minutes from time.
• Alexandre Czerniatynski then put Anderlecht ahead in the second leg, only for Graham Roberts to level late on, taking the game into extra time and then penalties. Roberts, Marc Falco, Gary Stevens and Steve Archibald converted from the spot for Tottenham, with Daniel Thomas missing their final effort. Olsen missed Anderlecht's first, and while Kenneth Brylle Larsen, Enzo Scifo and recently-dismissed coach Frank Vercauteren converted the next three, Arnór Gudjohnsen's miss handed Tottenham victory.
• Arnór Gudjohnsen is the father of FC Barcelona star Eidur Gudjohnsen.
• Also lining up for Anderlecht in that tie were current Belgium coach René Vandereycken and former Tottenham sporting director Frank Arnesen, now at Chelsea FC.
• Tottenham are top of Group G having played three games. Coach Martin Jol was dismissed after their 2-1 defeat at home by Getafe CF, and they have since won 2-0 at Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC and 3-2 at home against Aalborg BK under Juande Ramos.
• A point at Anderlecht would put them in the last 32 and leave former Sevilla FC coach Ramos on course for an unprecedented third successive UEFA Cup triumph.
• Anderlecht, playing in their first European game since Ariël Jacobs replaced Vercauteren as coach, have four points after a 2-0 home win against Hapoel and a 1-1 draw at AaB. Victory would take them through to the last 32 regardless of their Matchday 5 result at Getafe.
• Anderlecht have played 27 games against English sides, winning six, drawing three and losing 18. At home, they have won five, drawn two and lost six.
• They have lost their last six games, home and away, against English sides.
• Tottenham have played five games against Belgian sides, winning two, drawing two and losing one. They have not won in two games on Belgian soil - drawing one and losing one - but beat Club Brugge KV 3-1 at home in last season's UEFA Cup group stage.
• Anderlecht forward Mbo Mpenza celebrates his 31st birthday on 4 December, two days before the Tottenham game.
• Anderlecht midfielder Bart Goor and Tottenham's Hossam Ghaly were team-mates at Feyenoord in 2004/05.
• Anderlecht goalkeeper Davy Schollen and Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora played together at KRC Genk between 2002 and 2004.

Austria Wien - Panionios

successive UEFA Cup group stage defeat as they hope to revive their Group H fortunes against Panionios GSS.

• Appearing in their third group stage campaign, Austria lost their opener 2-1 against FC Girondins de Bordeaux and then 3-0 at Helsingborgs IF on Matchday 3 to spark fears that they might end the group stage with no points for the second season in succession, having lost all of their games in the 2006/07 competition.
• Another defeat would end their chances of progressing, and leave them with a joyless trip to Galatasaray AS for their final game on 19 December.
• One of five Greek sides in the group stage, Panionios drew their opener 1-1 at Helsingborg before losing 3-0 at home to Galatasaray on Matchday 3. Wins against Austria and Bordeaux, in their final group outing, represent their only guaranteed route to qualification.
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition but Austria have met Greek opposition in one previous tie, taking on Panathinaikos FC in the first round of the 1982/83 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. They won 2-0 at home but lost 2-1 in Athens.
• Panionios have never played against an Austrian side.
• Panionios coach Ewald Lienen played four games against Austrian sides as a player with VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach in the late 1970s, with his team winning three games and losing one. His trips to Austria netted his side a win and a defeat.
• A midfielder with Mönchengladbach in their 1970s prime, Lienen played in two UEFA Cup finals. He was a winner in 1978/79, beating FK Crvena Zvezda 2-1 on aggregate, but lost the following season's final on away goals to Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bordeaux - Helsingborg

Henrik Larsson and Andreas Jakobsson may be making their final professional appearances as Helsingborgs IF round of their successful Group H campaign at FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

• After his side secured qualification with a 3-0 win against FK Austria Wien on Matchday 3, the 36-year-old Larsson said: "It feels great to go through, but I've been here before and I'm happier for many of my team-mates. I've not yet decided what will happen after this season. I'm going to make my decision in the coming days and I'll let everyone know about it as soon as possible."
• The 35-year-old defensive midfielder Jakobsson has agreed to take up a coaching post at lower league side Svalövs BK next year. However, he may yet be persuaded to stay on for a little while longer. "There's one game to go and that's all that I'm thinking about at the moment," he said. "I'm focused on Svalöv after this season, but who knows?"
• The two sides have never met in UEFA club competition but Bordeaux have played three games against Swedish sides, winning them all.
• Helsingborg's only previous trip to France saw them lose 4-1 at Paris Saint-Germain FC in a 2000/01 UEFA Champions League first group stage game. They drew the home fixture 1-1.
• Larsson has played against Bordeaux before with Celtic FC in a 2000/01 UEFA Cup first round tie. His side lost 2-1 at home and then the striker scored in a 1-1 draw in France as Celtic bowed out.
• Legendary former France defender Laurent Blanc, now coach of Bordeaux, came up against Larsson in two international friendlies, a 0-0 draw in 1997 and a 1-0 win for France a year later.
• Bordeaux will qualify for the Round of 32 with a point against Helsingborg, having won their opening two games against Galatasaray AS and Austria, both 2-1.
• Helsingborg's season is already over, but a disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Allsvenskan has inspired them to do better in Europe.
• The Swedish side boast two of the competition’s three top scorers since the first round – five-goal Larsson and six-goal Razak Omotoyossi.
• The match in Bordeaux is Helsingborg’s 50th in UEFA club competition since making their continental debut in the 1996/97 UEFA Cup.

DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS AND HEADLINES

2007-12-06T15:20:00.001+01:00

ENGLAND

Abramovich wants Ronaldinho, Rijkaard at Chelsea
Barcelona pair Ronaldinho and coach Frank Rijkaard are being lined up for a move to Chelsea, it has been revealed.
Man Utd rival Chelsea for Ivanovic
Real Madrid offered £25M for Arsenal's Cesc
Valencia's Miguel happy with Chelsea interest
Real Madrid's Drenthe cools Chelsea link
Man City boss Eriksson ready to hand Hamman new deal
Celtic, Rangers join interest for Blackburn's McCarthy
Derby boss Jewell going back to Wigan for Kilbane
Arsenal boss Wenger: Newcastle just like Bolton
Voronin: Strikers can fire Liverpool to glory
Torres enjoying team ethic at Liverpool
Zahavi spearheads Chelsea bid for Barcelona's Ronaldinho
Norwich want to keep Man City striker Evans
Zenit's Arshavin happy with Newcastle interest
Portsmouth ready to cash in on Nugent
Jonas wants Portsmouth move
Juventus director Elkann: I don't know about Chelsea's Shevchenko
Arsenal's Adebayor: I'm now bigger, stronger
Spurs, Liverpool must pay buyout clauses for Espanyol pair
Juventus agree personal terms with Villa's Mellberg
0Man Utd's Ferguson: Anderson best youngster in world
Drogba injury rocks Chelsea
Saha insists Man Utd can win the lot
Partizan Belgrade insist no sale for Man Utd, Man City target Jovetic
Spurs rival Portsmouth for Meira
Wigan boss Bruce plans big spending January market
Inter Milan, Villa wait to pounce for Bolton's Jaaskelainen
Man City favourites for Basel striker Caciedo
Bolton, Portsmouth tracking PSG's Mendy
Bolton won't be rattled in Belgrade - Speed
Man Utd striker Tevez: I love playing with Rooney
Chelsea's Essien urges England to snap up Mourinho
Wigan boss Bruce: Bramble crucial for me
Chelsea to bid for Bolton's Anelka
West Ham, Blackburn keen on Crewe keeper Fon Williams
Injury concerns allayed for Everton's Vaughan
Reading's Sonko: Hahneman row now over
Dzemaili makes successful Bolton comeback
Ward delighted with new Sunderland chance
Spurs rival Everton for Cardiff's Gunter
Preston boss explains decision to send Halls back to Reading
Valencia's Joaquin: I turned down mega bucks Chelsea move
Blackburn boss Hughes calm over McCarthy strop
Liverpool boss Benitez delighted with Guthrie progress
Rush: Crouch must stay at Liverpool

SPAIN

Van Basten lined up to replace Rijkaard at Barcelona.
De Assis: Ronaldinho could renew Barcelona contract
Real Madrid coach Schuster tells Dudek he's staying
Barcelona's Rijkaard: I don't feel pressure to keep job
Barcelona coach Rijkaard throws down gauntlet to Ronaldinho
Schuster hints at Soldado Real Madrid exit
Real Madrid touting Drenthe to Dutch clubs
Mallorca's Trejo open to loan exit
Valladolid tracking Newell's Old Boys No1 Villar
Etoile report Atletico Madrid to FIFA over Adams deal
Dudek unsettled at Real Madrid
Gonzalo Castro committed to Real Mallorca
Pavone committed to Real Betis
Wolfsburg eyeing Valencia keeper Hildebrand
Agent: Maresca settled at Sevilla
Crocked Henry heaping pressure on Barcelona board
Mourinho assistants fuel Barcelona talk
Schuster puts Real Madrid fringe players in shop window
Deco rails against Barcelona medical staff
Atletico Madrid join race for Van der Vaart
Morientes: Valencia must stay united
Zaragoza's Aimar open to River Plate return
Metz option for Villarreal's Pires
Betis keen on Real Madrid striker Soldado
Getafe's Ustari: Worst period of my career
Valencia coach Koeman in Ruiz row
Deportivo La Coruna president Lendoiro: We'll back Lotina in market

ITALY

AC Milan's Maldini considers retirement after Japan. AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini could make a shock retirement announcement during their Club World Championships campaign in Japan.
Inter Milan plan bid for Real Madrid's Diarra
Juventus return for Palermo defender Barzagli
Fiorentina, Palermo go for Internacional star Roger
Inter Milan coach Mancini: We're keeping eye on Roma, Juve
AC Milan boss Ancelotti: Dida can make Celtic clash
Secco defends Juventus summer market work
AC Milan ponder Torino raid for Rosina
Brocchi, Gourcuff unsettled at AC Milan
Secco admits Juventus risk losing Del Piero
Berlusconi: No panic at AC Milan
Mancini: Inter Milan need fit Ibrahimovic
Simic ready to quit AC Milan
Torino coach Novellino warns contract rebel Rosina
Del Piero unsure of Juventus contract talks
Berlusconi defends AC Milan summer signing policy
Negro fears being forced abroad
Montolivo to win new Fiorentina deal
Casiraghi cools hype for Empoli's Giovinco
Parma to unveil Mariga
Roma's Totti won't rule out Italy return
Rossi grateful to Lazio for Real Madrid chance
Spalletti admits Roma not in 'best shape' for Man Utd clash
Lazio president Lotito: Rocchi talks continuing
Juventus keep tabs on PSV's Da Costa
Seedorf urges AC Milan teammates to ignore crisis talk
Siena president insists Mandorlini safe
Agent: Lazio can't afford AC Milan's Gilardino
Roma's Totti: I want to beat Man Utd 7-0!
Lotito expects strong Lazio showing against Real Madrid
Napoli chief Marino can't see busy January market

GERMANY

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has admitted that Willy Sagnol has fallen out with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Ismael on his way to Hannover
Radeljic joins Cottbus
Muller signs Schalke deal
Ribery enjoyed silencing fans
European weekend review
Magath open to Lehmann bid
Meira coy on Pompey interest

FRANCE

Francis Malonga Ntsayi rescued a late 1-1 draw for Nancy to keep the pressure on struggling Toulouse.
Pagis linked with Addicks move
Houllier & McCarthy targeted for new coach of South Korea

HOLLAND

Ajax are set to step up their bid to sign Croatian starlet Luka Modric.
Gunners eye Afellay but PSV dismiss Aissati talk
Ajax striker Leonardo is on the comeback trail after a nine-month injury absence.

UEFA CUP VIDEO GOALS

2007-12-06T01:38:00.000+01:00

FC EVERTON - FC ZENIT 1:0

CF VILLAREAL - FC ELFSBORG 2:0

FC PANATHINAIKOS - LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW 2:0

NK DINAMO ZAGREB - HAMBURGER FC 0:2

FC KOPENHAGEN - ATLETICO MADRID 0:2

FC BASEL - FC BRANN 1:0

UEFA CUP RESULTS

2007-12-06T00:34:00.000+01:00

Cahill strike confirms Everton progress
Everton FC 1-0 FC Zenit St. Petersburg
Tim Cahill scored with five minutes left against ten-man Zenit to take Everton FC through as Group A winners.

Timely Hamburg secure passage
NK Dinamo Zagreb 0-2 Hamburger SV
Nigel de Jong and Piotr Trochowski scored in the last two minutes to ensure Hamburg's Round of 32 berth.

Atlético advance but FCK must wait
FC København 0-2 Club Atlético de Madrid
Simão and Agüero scored in either half as Atlético won in the Danish capital to seal passage to the last 32.

Tomasson takes Villarreal through
Villarreal CF 2-0 IF Elfsborg
Jon Dahl Tomasson scored twice to secure Villarreal's progress as the Swedish visitors' dream was ended.

Carlitos shows way to last 32
FC Basel 1893 1-0 SK Brann A Carlitos winner means Basel will visit fellow qualifiers Hamburger SV with a chance of topping Group D.

Mintál goals give Nürnberg hope
1. FC Nürnberg 2-1 AZ Alkmaar Substitute Marek Mintál struck twice as Nürnberg came from behind late on to revive their Group A ambitions.

Salpigidis double derails Lokomotiv
Panathinaikos FC 2-0 FC Lokomotiv Moskva Two second-half Dimitrios Salpigidis goals ended Lokomotiv's interest in this season's UEFA Cup.

Nsaliwa puts AEK on the brink
FK Mladá Boleslav 0-1 AEK Athens FC A lone Tamandani Nsaliwa strike boosted AEK Athens FC's chances of progressing through to the last 32.

Manchester to unveil final design
The visual identity for the 2008 UEFA Cup final at the City of Manchester Stadium will be unveiled at a special ceremony in the English city on Thursday.

Bayern's Altıntop sidelined until 2008
FC Bayern München midfielder Hamit Altıntop will be out of action until next year after undergoing surgery on torn cartilage in his right knee on Tuesday.

Ujfaluši a worry for Fiorentina
Czech Republic defender Tomáš Ujfaluši risks missing ACF Fiorentina's final Group C game against FK Mladá Boleslav after damaging knee ligaments.

Olić severs home ties for Hamburg
Ivica Olić may be forced to break his brother's heart as Hamburger SV head to NK Dinamo Zagreb needing a draw to progress to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.

Ščasný ready to avenge AEK defeat
Zdeněk Ščasný remembers Greek wine and coffee with fondness but the coach has a score to settle with AEK Athens FC as they visit FK Mladá Boleslav tonight.

UEFA Cup keeps Everton on the up
FC Zenit St. Petersburg may be newly crowned Russian champions but Everton FC are gathering momentum going into today's game at Goodison Park.

Laudrup factor stokes AaB fire
Aalborg BK players are thrilled at the prospect of facing a Getafe CF side coached by Danish hero Michael Laudrup as they seek a crucial UEFA Cup win tonight.

FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-12-06T00:29:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Courageous Newcastle stop Arsenal run. Newcastle United stormed back in the second-half to draw 1-1 with Arsenal at St James' Park.
Jol: I'm still best man for Tottenham job
Liverpool chief Parry dismisses Capello link
Cahill nets late Everton winner against Zenit
Keegan: Barton wrong to rap Newcastle fans

SPAIN

Crocked Henry heaping pressure on Barcelona board. Former Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell has slammed the signing of Thierry Henry
Mourinho assistants fuel Barcelona talk
Schuster puts Real Madrid fringe players in shop window
Deco rails against Barcelona medical staff
Atletico Madrid join race for Van der Vaart

ITALY

Torino, AC Milan battle to bring Lucarelli back to Italy. torino are considering a move for Shakhtar Donetsk striker Cristiano Lucarelli.
Inter Milan chief Branca plans Adriano trip
Stuttgart contact Juventus for Boumsong
Malesani open to Empoli return for Juventus outcast Almiron
Ancelotti delighted for AC Milan record-breaker Inzaghi

FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-12-03T02:40:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hit out at the fan who targeted him with a laser during their 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.
Chelsea's Obi clears up name confusion
Villa skipper Barry: We need new signings
Giggs: Man Utd happy to have Rooney back
Sir Bobby reveals his England shortlist
Kirkland defends Wigan pal Bramble after blunder
McManaman admits Birmingham takeover won't meet deadline
Gold keen to stay at Birmingham
Chelsea's Drogba hopeful of overhauling Arsenal
Portsmouth chief Storrie in dark over arrest
McShane: Sunderland season now starts
Southgate confident Middlesbrough players are with him
Kirkland: Bruce influence already felt at Wigan
Man Utd's Ferdinand backs Mourinho for England
Redknapp: Best Portsmouth team in 50 years
Benitez happy Liverpool "sharing goals around"
Birmingham boss McLeish thrilled with Larsson winner
Mascherano confident Benitez staying with Liverpool
Crouch: No problems with rotations
Adebayor: Arsenal happy to prove doubters wrong
Platini: UEFA known for some time match-fixing problems
Bolton boss Megson ponders Guthrie deal
FA insist no England shortlist yet drawn up
Beckham happy to finish season with LA Galaxy win
Portsmouth boss Redknapp targets "three or four" new players
Man Utd draw Villa in FA Cup
Wembley in running for Saturday Champions League final
England consider May date for Scotland match
UEFA deny Euro2008 qualifier investigated
Liverpool owners put Benitez on notice
Shearer lined up to replace Allardyce at Newcastle
Agent: Premiership better than Italy for Arsenal, Chelsea target Modric
Middlesbrough table bid for Barcelona star Ronaldinho
Agent expects Chelsea to win Ivanovic race
West Ham eyeing Newcastle fullback Carr
Stubbs in line for Everton assistant manager's job
Portsmouth following Lorient striker Saifi
Van der Sar: I should've joined Man Utd sooner
Reading boss cools defensive bust-up
Murphy urges Fulham to be brave against Man Utd
Dein: Spurs can benefit like Arsenal from stadium change
Arsenal pals full of praise for Hleb
Banks slates McClaren for selecting Villa's Carson
Giggs confident Man Utd can handle rough stuff
Sanchez battling to keep Fulham job
Liverpool owners to cough up for Mascherano
Defoe: Ramos has changed a lot at Spurs
McLeish challenges Birmingham players ahead of January market
Crouch unsure of Liverpool future
Arsenal to recall Djourou from Birmingham

SPAIN

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard started Ronaldinho on the bench for last night's 1-1 draw at Espanyol.
Kaka has pledged his future to AC Milan after winning the Ballon d'Or yesterday.
Schuster angry with Real Madrid media leaks
Robinho: I want to be world's best at Real Madrid
Casillas celebrates 400th Real Madrid game with victory
Valencia in Inter Milan talks for Maxwell
Villarreal better without Riquelme - Pellegrini
Edmilson wants Barcelona exit
Corominas: I want Espanyol stay
Albelda urges Valencia fans to recognise players' commitment
Baptista delighted with winning Real Madrid return
Sao Paulo won't meet Betis price for Jorge Wagner
Penarol eyeing Valladolid winger Estoyanoff
Rijkaard: Espanyol's Valverde good Barcelona option
Real Madrid step up bid for Roma's De Rossi
Nantes striker Keseru in Racing Santander sights
Ramis keen on new Mallorca contract
Villarreal's Riquelme completes Boca Juniors move
Scolari: Barcelona's Ronaldinho already past his peak
Ronaldinho tells Barcelona pals: I'm the black sheep!
Real Madrid ponder Juventus swap offer for Saviola

ITALY

Kaka has pledged his future to AC Milan after winning the Ballon d'Or yesterday.
AC Milan make contact with ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho
Fenerbahce to send Appiah to Juventus
Ibrahimovic: Inter Milan is my home
Mancini: Only Roma can stop Inter Milan
AC Milan boss Ancelotti: Dida can make Celtic clash
Secco defends Juventus summer market work
AC Milan ponder Torino raid for Rosina
Brocchi, Gourcuff unsettled at AC Milan
Secco admits Juventus risk losing Del Piero
Berlusconi: No panic at AC Milan
Mancini: Inter Milan need fit Ibrahimovic
Simic ready to quit AC Milan
Torino coach Novellino warns contract rebel Rosina
Del Piero unsure of Juventus contract talks
Berlusconi defends AC Milan summer signing policy
Negro fears being forced abroad
Montolivo to win new Fiorentina deal
Casiraghi cools hype for Empoli's Giovinco
Parma to unveil Mariga
Roma's Totti won't rule out Italy return
Rossi grateful to Lazio for Real Madrid chance
Spalletti admits Roma not in 'best shape' for Man Utd clash
Lazio president Lotito: Rocchi talks continuing
Juventus keep tabs on PSV's Da Costa
Seedorf urges AC Milan teammates to ignore crisis talk
Siena president insists Mandorlini safe
Agent: Lazio can't afford AC Milan's Gilardino
Roma's Totti: I want to beat Man Utd 7-0!
Lotito expects strong Lazio showing against Real Madrid
Napoli chief Marino can't see busy January market

WEEKEND VIDEO GOALS

2007-12-03T02:28:00.000+01:00

2-1 Werder Bremen vs. Hamburger SV Goals - MyVideo

SPORTS BETTING NEWS

2007-11-30T21:32:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man. City 30.11 : Midfielder Elano will miss Manchester City's trip to Wigan Athletic on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury in training. The 26-year-old Brazilian international, a key player of the club's success this season, has scored five goals since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in August for a €12m fee. Elano joins Darius Vassell on the sidelines, after the striker was ruled out for two weeks with a knee injury.

Birming. 29.11 : Alex McLeish has been unveiled as the new manager of Premier League strugglers Birmingham City, a day after resigning as coach of Scotland. The 48-year-old Scotsman takes over from Steve Bruce, who left the club after six years last week to join Wigan Athletic. McLeish can expect to at least double the salary Scotland were paying him, according to British newspaper reports. He has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract with Birmingham City.

Middlesb. 29.11 : Middlesbrough have received a double injury blow with Mido likely to be out until the New Year and Mark Schwarzer set to miss Saturday's match at Reading. Australian goalkeeper Schwarzer, an ever-present this season, has damaged a thumb while Egyptian striker Mido faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a persistent groin injury. Mido has only played in five Premier League games since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in August.

Everton 29.11 : Defender Alan Stubbs is expected to be sidelined for four weeks after picking up a calf injury in training. The 36-year-old centre-back has made eight Premier League appearances this season and two in the UEFA Cup. Stubbs will miss Everton's remaining UEFA Cup home game against Zenit St. Petersburg and AZ Alkmaar.

Portsm. 29.11 : Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp and chief executive Peter Storrie were among five people arrested on Wednesday by police investigating corruption in English football. Redknapp, who is being linked to the vacant role as England coach, was questioned at a police station and later released. Redknapp returned to the club's training ground Thursday and insisted that he had done nothing wrong. The others were former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, now in charge at Championship side Leicester City, former Portsmouth player Amdy Faye and his agent, Willie McKay.

Derby 28.11 : Paul Jewell was appointed as the new manager of Derby County, the last-place team in the Premier League with only six points from 14 games. The 43-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract to replace Billy Davies, who left the club on Monday. Jewell quit as Wigan Athletic manager in May after securing their Premiership survival on the last day of last season. He now has taken on the challenge of saving promoted Derby from the drop.

Birming. 28.11 : Alex McLeish has stepped down as Scotland's national team coach with immediate effect after only 10 months, clearing the way for him to become the manager of English Premier League club Birmingham. The 48-year-old took the team to within one win of a place at EURO 2008, missing out with a 2-1 home defeat by Italy in their final game City. McLeish has been linked with the vacant manager's post at Birmingham following the departure of Steve Bruce, who quit to take over at Wigan last week.

Liverpool 27.11 : Manager Rafael Benitez's future at Liverpool appears in doubt after falling out with the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over transfer funds. "They don't understand the transfer window in Europe," Benitez said after last weekend's 3-0 win at Newcastle. It was the Spaniard's latest outburst against what he claims is the owners' refusal to let him pursue new signings in the January transfer period.

ITALY

Palermo 27.11 : Palermo have parted company coach Stefano Colantuono after a 5-0 defeat by Juventus and rehired his predecessor Francesco Guidolin. Colantuono arrived from Atalanta last summer but has failed to live up to the high expectations of Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini with 18 points from 13 Serie A games. Guidolin, 52, returns for his fourth stint at the Sicilian club, after leading the team in 2004/05 and 2006/07, when he was sacked in April and reappointed in May.

Empoli 27.11 : Alberto Malesani has replaced Luigi Cagni as coach of Empoli after a disappointing start of the season. The Serie A side have taken just ten points from 13 games and scored only seven goals with 19 allowed. The 51-year-old Malesani previously coached Udinese, Modena, Verona, Parma and Fiorentina. Cagni, who led Empoli to a UEFA Cup place last term, was the sixth coach to lose his job in the Serie A this campaign.

Milan 27.11 : Milan will be without midfielder Massimo Ambrosini and forward Filippo Inzaghi when they visit Benfica in the the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Ambrosini, who suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's 2-1 win at Cagliari, will have further scans to determine the full extent of his problem, though he would not have played in Lisbon anyway because of suspension. Inzaghi is also unavailable because of a bout of flu. Clarence Seedorf remains doubtful after missing the Cagliari game with an ankle injury.

Roma 26.11 : Captain Francesco Totti will miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League visit to Dynamo Kyiv after aggravating a foot injury in training last week. The Italy playmaker suffered a knock on the same foot he injured in the 2-1 win against Sporting on October 23. There was some good news for Roma as midfielders Taddei and Alberto Aquilani both resumed training, though Aquilani will also not travel to Kiev. Neither player featured in the 1-0 defeat of Genoa on Saturday.

25.11 : Milan got a much-needed victory in Serie A, coming from behind to defeat Cagliari 2-1 for only their fourth win of the season. The European champions could have won by a larger margin but Cagliari goalkeeper Marco Fortin saved a 44th-minute penalty kick by Kaka after Ronaldo was fouled in the area. The result moved Milan up to ninth place and sent Cagliari bottom.

Juventus and Udinese both leapfrogged Fiorentina to move into third and fourth place respectively. David Trezeguet scored his league-leading 11th goal of the season to help Juventus beat Palermo 5-0. Udinese enjoyed a 2-0 success against Siena, while Fiorentina were held to a 0-0 draw at Reggina, Inter beat Atalanta 2-1 to maintain their lead in the Serie A, while second-placed Roma edged Genoa 1-0.

Udinese 25.11 : Coach Pasquale Marino has extended his contract with Udinese following a successful start to the season. The 45-year-old, who arrived from Catania in the summer, has signed a new three-year contract that keeps him at the club until 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed. Marino has guided Udinese into fourth position, just three points behind leaders Inter.

Milan 24.11 : "I'm ready, but it's up to the coach to decide whether I play or not," said Ronaldo. "I really want to play. I have been training hard, but a game is a different matter." The 31-year-old Brazilian striker suffered what looked like a minor injury on 31 July, but a series of complications since have kept him out for nearly four months.

Roma 24.11 : Captain Francesco Totti suffered a recurrence of the foot problem that has sidelined him for the last month. "This morning Francesco arrived with the intention of training but he felt pain as soon as he put on his boot, so did not train at all and will not play against Genoa," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said. "I don't know when he will be able to play." He will definitely miss Saturday's Serie A game at Genoa and it is highly unlikely that Totti will be available for the Champions League Group F match in Kiev.

SPAIN

game, against Espanyol on Saturday, due to a leg injury. The France striker also sat out Tuesday's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw at Lyon, while Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho started from the bench for the first time since his arrival in 2003. Striker Samuel Eto'o and midfielder Edmilson returned to training this week after long layoffs following surgery, but neither is likely to return against Espanyol.

Celtic 29.11 : Defender John Kennedy faces three months on the sidelines with a knee injury. The centre-back was carried off the field 42 minutes into Wednesday's 2-1 UEFA Champions League home win against Shakhtar Donetsk. Tests revealed a damaged cartilage and ligament in his left knee. Kennedy, 24, missed the entire 2004/05 and 2005/06 campaigns because of a serious injury to the same kne.

Villarreal 27.11 : Villarreal have signed a pre-contract agreement to allow Argentinean international midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme to rejoin Boca Juniors when the transfer window opens. This deal should end the 29-year-old's five-year spell in Spanish football. Riquelme spent the final six months of last season on loan at Boca Juniors having fallen out with coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Espanyol 27.11 : Espanyol will be without midfielder Ivan de la Pena for Saturday's Primera Division match against Barcelona. He will miss the city derby after picking up the right quadriceps injury in Sunday's 2-1 win at Osasuna. De la Pena has only featured four times for Espanyol this season, with a separate knee injury also limiting his play.

Barcelona 26.11 : Thierry Henry has been left out of Barcelona's squad for the UEFA Champions League match against Lyon. The French striker and Oleguer Presas both missed Sunday's training session and will not make the trip to France. Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, who was rested in a 3-0 victory against Recreativo Huelva on Saturday, will be available for Tuesday's match.

25.11 : Villarreal missed a chance to move to the top of the Primera Division for the first time in their history, settling for a 1-1 draw with Almeria. So, Villarreal stay second with 28 points, one behing league-leading Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 with Murcia. Barcelona are third with 27 points after their 3-0 win over Recreativo Huelva, while Espanyol moved into fourth with 25 points after beating Osasuna 2-1.

FRANCE

League visit of Barcelona after tests revealed that he had sustained an injury to his right thigh. The 19-year-old left the field in the 47th minute of Lyon's 2-0 win at Rennes on Saturday after receiving a kick on the leg from Bruno Cheyrou. "I feel like I will be OK but I await the green light from the doctor," said Benzema, who is the French league's top scorer with eleven goals in 15 appearances this season.

25.11 : Juninho and Hatem Ben Arfa scored first-half goals Saturday, and Lyon won 2-0 at Rennes in the French league to stay three points ahead of Nancy. The six-time defending champion have 34 points, and Nancy have 31 after beating Lille 2-0 on goals from Sebastien Puygrenier and Jonathan Brison. Bordeaux remain third despite a crushing 5-0 defeat at Caen.

Lilian Laslandes and Bakary Kone each scored Sunday to help Nice beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1. Nice improved to 23 points after 15 rounds, while PSG dropped into the relegation zone. Auxerre managed a morale-boosting 3-0 victory against surprise outfit Le Mans. Mamamdou Niang scored twice to lead Marseille to a 3-1 home win over last-place Metz.

Lyon 24.11 : Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet returned to returned to training yesterday. The 34-year-old ruptured a cruciate ligament just two days before the start of the Ligue 1 campaign three-and-a-half months ago, and is eyeing a return before the end of the Champions League group stage. "We did not push him too hard in his session but seeing him back is a boost for us," said coach Alain Perrin, who may be able to call on the France international for the away match against Rangers on 12 December.

GERMANY

Stuttgart 29.11 : Defender Andreas Beck will not play until after the winter break after damaging ligaments in his right knee. The 20-year-old was hurt during Stuttgart's 3-2 victory over Scottish side Rangers in on Tuesday. Beck has played five games in the Bundesliga and twice in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Bayer L. 29.11 : Chilean defender Arturo Vidal may be out of action for several weeks after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in training. The 20-year-old has played in eleven Bundesliga games for Bayer Leverkusen this season. He has also played in four UEFA Cup matches, and coach Michael Skibbe hopes Vidal will be available again for their meeting with Sparta Prague.

Bayern 25.11 : Martin Demichelis, Lukas Podolski and Daniel Van Buyten are listed as questionable for Thursday's UEFA Cup match with Braga. Argentinean defender Demichelis returned from international duty with a bruised calf and although he was in the side that beat Wolfsburg 2-1, he sat out training on Sunday after the injury flared up. Belgian defender Van Buyten and Germany striler Podolski also missed out after picking up toe injuries.

25.11 : The former Bayern coach Felix Magath left Munich without a point as his Wolfsburg were beaten 2-1 by the Bundesliga leaders. Franck Ribery scored one goal and set up another and Bayern snapped a three-game winless streak to stay a point ahead of Werder Bremen and Hamburger. Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic, whose career seemed to be over after twice undergoing liver transplants, played for Werder in a 2-0 winner against Energie Cottbus, his first Bundesliga game since December 17, 2006.

Hamburger shook off the news last week that coach Huub Stevens will leave the team and beat Hansa Rostock 2-0 in the Bundesliga. They continued a fine run that has seen them go unbeaten in all competitions after a reverse on September 15 against Eintracht Frankfurt, winning eleven out of their 13 games played since. Hamburg's 10 goals allowed this season is second only to Bayern's eight. Defending champions Stuttgart won their fourth straight 4-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Dortmund 25.11 : Defender Philipp Degen will undergo surgery after damaging ligaments in his left ankle during Switzerland's 1-0 friendly defeat by Nigeria last Tuesday. Details were not immediately available and it's not yet known how long the 24-year-old will be sidelined. Degen has played eight Bundesliga games for Dortmund this season.

Werder 24.11 : Werder Bremen has suspended striker Boubacar Sanogo and midfielder Carlos Alberto after the two clashed in practice. Neither will be in Werder's roster for Saturday's Bundesliga match at Energie Cottbus. Sanogo threw a couple of punches at Alberto after accusing the Brazilian of intentionally kicking his tender left ankle during practice Thursday. Sanogo is just coming back after the injury. Both players may also be fined, the club said.

Schalke 23.11 : Forward Kevin Kuranyi should be fit to face Valencia in the UEFA Champions League next week. Kuranyi is also in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga game at Hannover after spending almost three weeks on the sidelines with a torn thigh muscle. Midfielders Carlos Grossmuller and Jermaine Jones are both doubtful after sitting out Wednesday's training due to various injuries.

WEEKEND FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-30T21:08:00.000+01:00

English Premier League : Manchester City : 30.11.07

Manchester City without key player

Midfielder Elano will miss Manchester City's trip to Wigan Athletic on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury in training. The 26-year-old Brazilian international, a key player of the club's success this season, has scored five goals since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in August for a €12m fee. Elano joins Darius Vassell on the sidelines, after the striker was ruled out for two weeks with a knee injury

Spanish Primera Liga : Barcelona : 30.11.07
Henry out, Ronaldinho could again be on bench

Thierry Henry will miss his second straight Primera Division game, against Espanyol on Saturday, due to a leg injury. The France striker also sat out Tuesday's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw at Lyon, while Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho started from the bench for the first time since his arrival in 2003. Striker Samuel Eto'o and midfielder Edmilson returned to training this week after long layoffs following surgery, but neither is likely to return against Espanyol.

English Premier League : Middlesbrough : 29.11.07

Double injury blow for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have received a double injury blow with Mido likely to be out until the New Year and Mark Schwarzer set to miss Saturday's match at Reading. Australian goalkeeper Schwarzer, an ever-present this season, has damaged a thumb while Egyptian striker Mido faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a persistent groin injury. Mido has only played in five Premier League games since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in August.

English Premier League : Portsmouth : 29.11.07

Portsmouth manager Redknapp arrested

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp and chief executive Peter Storrie were among five people arrested on Wednesday by police investigating corruption in English football. Redknapp, who is being linked to the vacant role as England coach, was questioned at a police station and later released. Redknapp returned to the club's training ground Thursday and insisted that he had done nothing wrong. The others were former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, now in charge at Championship side Leicester City, former Portsmouth player Amdy Faye and his agent, Willie McKay.

Scottish Premier League : Rangers : 29.11.07

Beasley misses several weeks

DaMarcus Beasley could be sidelined for several weeks after damaging a knee ligament on Tuesday. The American midfielder was hut in a collision with Stuttgart goalkeeper Raphael Schaefer during Rangers' 3-2 UEFA Champions League loss. Beasley's injury is a huge blow for Rangers, who play six domestic matches in December.

English Premier League : Birmingham : 28.11.07

McLeish quits Scotland to take Birmingham job

Alex McLeish has stepped down as Scotland's national team coach with immediate effect after only 10 months, clearing the way for him to become the manager of English Premier League club Birmingham. The 48-year-old took the team to within one win of a place at EURO 2008, missing out with a 2-1 home defeat by Italy in their final game City. McLeish has been linked with the vacant manager's post at Birmingham following the departure of Steve Bruce, who quit to take over at Wigan last week.

WEEKEND GOALS

2007-11-26T13:37:00.000+01:00

ENJOY, ESPECIALLY VARELA'S GOAL (RC MALLORCA)

DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-26T11:21:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND PREMIERLEAGUE

Arsenal's Toure: Gallas as good as Adams, Vieira. Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says captain William Gallas stands up well alongside great Gunners leaders such as Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira.
Liverpool boss Benitez facing December axe.
Man Utd's Nani keen to duck Ronaldo comparison.
Newcastle owner Ashley contacts Mourinho, Jol.
Derby set to sack Davies.

SPAIN PRIMERA DIVISION

Real Madrid management split over Guti fine. Real Madrid management are split over action to take against Guti for his dismissal in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Real Murcia. Guti's sending off left Real president Ramon Calderon and sports director Pedja Mijatovic fuming and both powerbrokers want the midfielder fined, says El Mundo Deportivo.
However, just as he stood up for Robinho, coach Bernd Schuster is insisting Guti be left alone. Last week, Schuster claimed "success" after choosing not to fine Robinho after he returned late from international duty with Brazil earlier this season
Edmilson tells Barcelona pals: I regret nothing.
Diego advisor: He couldn't turn down Real Madrid.
Barcelona coach Rijkaard: I want Ronaldinho to regain football joy.
Real Madrid's Guti: I'm tired of getting kicked.

ITALY SERIE A

AC Milan president Berlusconi: I want Barcelona's Zambrotta.AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi admits they're chasing Barcelona fullback Gianluca Zambrotta. "I've asked for Zambrotta," said Berlusconi. "But I haven't forgotten that we also have Marek Jankulovski, who is a great attacking fullback."The Milan powerbroker also remarked: "I highly admire Dario Simic. I hope he stays with us."
Del Piero plays down spat with Juventus pal Palladino.
Montero backs Juventus push for Fenerbahce's Lugano.
Fenerbahce coach Zico: I'd take Inter Milan's Adriano.
AC Milan's Ronaldo hits back at Inter coach Mancini.

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA

Hamburg moved back to within a point of leaders Bayern Munich with victory over Hansa Rostock.
Karlsruhe maintain form.
Bayern rubbish Hitzfeld report.
Hoeness threatens to quit.
Ismael bitter towards Hitzfeld.
Bayern reject Rafa rumours.
Van Buyten exit talk quashed.
Rafa rubbishes Bayern talk.
Stevens lands PSV job.
Lahm in Barca link.

FRANCE LIGUE 1

Auxerre climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory over high-flying Le Mans.
Lyon in two minds over Baros.
Le Havre insistent over star.
Baros linked with England move.
Baros set for Lyon exit.
Koller: England move has gone.
Benzema not keen on move.

HOLLAND EREDIVISIE

Ajax returned to the top of the Eredivisie with a 4-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem, while Feyenoord lost to FC Groningen.
Stevens lands PSV job.
Heerenveen hope to keep Alves.
Elano hopes for Alves deal.
Stevens to shun PSV.
NEC hammer Heracles

Drama at the Draw

2007-11-26T11:18:00.000+01:00

A total of 170 teams discovered the hurdles they must overcome to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ™ today when the Preliminary Draw took place in Durban. It proved to be a memorable ceremony, decorated by the presence of some iconic figures from within the sport and providing a foretaste of the magical tournament that South Africa promises to deliver.

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke conducted proceedings as former players, association presidents, celebrities from across the globe and the world's football press looked on in earnest to see which teams Draw Assistants George Weah, Ali Daei, Marcel Desailly, Kasey Keller, Kaizer Motaung, Abedi Pele, Doreen Nabwire, Jomo Sono, Lucas Radebe and Christian Karembeu guided into the respective qualifying pools.

Some of the national coaches present at the International Convention Centre will know their teams must negotiate testing groups in order to progress to the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup. Among them are Croatia, England and Ukraine, who will compete against one another in the European Zone's Group 6, and Group 1 rivals Portugal, Sweden and Denmark. Interestingly, the Swedes and the Danes have locked horns 100 times in senior internationals but never in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland will hope to provide reigning world champions Italy with a serious challenge, while Germany 2006 runners-up France will take on Romania and Serbia in their section.

There were gasps from the audience when the AFC Zone pitted Australia, who narrowly missed out on a quarter-final place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, against both Iraq, the reigning Asian champions, and China PR, who participated in the 2002 finals. Qatar, who have played Iraq five times in FIFA World Cup qualifiers (with two wins apiece and one draw), completed the pool, from which two teams will advance to the concluding stage of Asian qualifying.

For the hosts, the highlight came when the African qualifying groups were drawn. South Africa, whose place at the tournament is already assured, will nonetheless compete in the preliminaries, which will also serve as qualifiers to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2010. There they will meet no less a power than Nigeria in Group 4, while Senegal and Algeria will face each other in an intriguing-looking Group 6.

Of the heavyweights in the CONCACAF region, Canada were handed the stiffest Stage 2 challenge in the form of St Vincent and the Grenadines, whom they have never played but who impressed during the qualifying rounds for the 2002 finals. Perhaps the most intriguing development was how the Stage 4 groups will appear if the favourites avoid upsets. Indeed, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and Honduras could do battle for two places in the deciding phase, while USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Guatemala may have to do the same.

Perfect prelude
The meetings between the aforementioned sides are just some of the many fascinating duels thrown up by the Preliminary Draw. In the Asian Zone, Korea Republic and Korea DPR will clash, with the latter looking to reverse two unanswered losses to their neighbours in FIFA World Cup preliminaries. Kuwait will also be out to upset a trend: in six qualifiers for the competition against Iran they have failed to win.

Over in Europe, Czech Republic and Slovakia, the two sides that formerly made up two-time FIFA World Cup finalists Czechoslovakia, will face off, and memories are bound to resurface when Scotland take on Netherlands, whom they beat 3-2 in a memorable match at Argentina 1978.

you can't find more at www.fifa.com

DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-26T11:12:00.000+01:00

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA

As was the case for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign, uefa.com will provide in-depth coverage as the European body's 53 member associations chase the 13 spots on offer from this continent at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The associations will be divided into eight groups of six teams and one of five. The nine group winners will advance to South Africa, while the eight best runners-up will contest four play-off matches to determine Europe’s other four finalists in November 2009. To follow Sunday’s draw in Durban live, click on the FIFA link on the right-hand side of this page.

WEEKEND TIPS

2007-11-23T19:06:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND TIPS

Arsenal - Wigan 1
Everton - Sunderland 1
Man. City - Reading 1
Derby - Chelsea 2

GERMANY TIPS

Bayer L. - Duisburg 1
Hamburg - Hansa 1

ITALY

Udinese - Siena 1
Cagliari - Milan 2

SPAIN

Barcelona - Recreativo 1
Villarreal - Almeria 1

WEEKEND FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-23T19:01:00.000+01:00

England,

Wigan Athletic were forced to put the arrival of Steve Bruce as manager on hold due to an unresolved issue between him and current employers Birmingham City. Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer said that the Premier League club had been unable to sign a contract as planned, but they remained committed to the former Manchester United defender. Bruce had been lined up to replace Chris Hutchings, who was sacked earlier this month after 13 games in charge. Manager Steve Bruce is leaving Birmingham City to join Premiership rivals Wigan Athletic after the clubs reached a €4.2m compensation agreement. Bruce, who previously had eight games in charge of Wigan in 2001, twice led Birmingham to promotion into the Premier League. The 46-year-old replaces Chris Hutchings, who was sacked earlier this month after 13 games in charge. Bruce had been unsettled at Birmingham with his future uncertain as the club is involved in a long-running takeover bid.

Germany,

Schalke 23.11 : Forward Kevin Kuranyi should be fit to face Valencia in the UEFA Champions League next week. Kuranyi is also in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga game at Hannover after spending almost three weeks on the sidelines with a torn thigh muscle. Midfielders Carlos Grossmuller and Jermaine Jones are both doubtful after sitting out Wednesday's training due to various injuries.

Bayern 20.11 : Bayern Munich will release defender Valerien Ismael during the winter transfer period if the Frenchman finds another club. The 32-year-old has struggled to find a regular first-team place at the German giansts after missing 18 months with knee and other injuries. Bayern also denied reports about Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez as a possible replacement for coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who has indicated that he might leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. General manager Uli Hoeness said Bayern would talk to Hitzfeld during the winter break about his future.

Werder 20.11 : Striker Hugo Almeida could be sidelined for three weeks. The 23-year-old scored the only goal in Portugal's 1-0 victory over Armenia but also injured his right thigh in the game. Almeida will miss Portugal's EURO 2008 decider against Finland on Wednesday as well as Werder Bremen's UEFA Champions League game against Real Madrid on November 28. Almeida has scored seven goals in 12 Bundesliga games for Werder Brementhis season.

Hamburg 20.11 : Huub Stevens will return to his native Netherlands to coach PSV Eindhoven once his contract with Hamburg expires in the summer. The 53-year-old will sign a two-year deal as a permanent replacement for Ronald Koeman, who recently left for Valencia. Hamburg said the Stevens wants to be closer to his ailing wife. PSV have revealed that Sef Vergoossen, currently at Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight, will replace Jan Wouters as interim coach in January. When Stevens arrives next summer, Vergoossen will stand down and work on developing the club's younger players.

Italy,

Roma 22.11 : Defender Max Tonetto has signed a two-year contract extension worth €1.8m per season, excluding performance-related bonuses. The 33-year-old, who can play in defense and midfield, has appeared eleven times in Serie A and made three UEFA Champions League appearances this season. Tonetto joined Roma in 2006 from Sampdoria.

Atalanta 20.11 : The Italian football league has closed a section of Atalanta's stadium for four months after crowd disturbances at the start of a Serie A match against Milan on November 11. A group of Atalanta fans attempted to smash through a barrier and force their way onto the field after a policeman fatally shot a Lazio fan two weeks ago. The league also ruled that Atalanta's game against Milan will be replayed without fans at a date to be announced.

Spain,

Barcelona 15.11 : Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has denied Spanish media reports that Frank Rijkaard's job as coach is under threat following the team's irregular start to the season. Begiristain also refuted suggestsions that the club had plans to sell Ronaldinho.

Atletico M 15.11 : Greek defender Giourkas Seitaridis will undergo surgery on his troublesome achilles tendon, ruling him out for up to six weeks. The 26-year-old defender, who has missed Atletico Madrid's past two games, will be absent for Greece's final two EURO 2008 qualifiers against Malta and Hungary. Seitaridis has featured in ten league matches this season.

Villarreal 13.11 : Midfielder Josico will be away from the team for six weeks after suffering a hairline fracture to his right fibula in Sunday's Primera Division defeat of Sevilla. The 32-year-old had to be replaced shortly before half-time after being tackled by Seydou Keita. Josico has made eight league appearances this season.

Sevilla 13.11 : Striker Frederic Kanoute has been ruled out of action for two weeks with a calf strain. The Mali international pulled a muscle in his right calf which forced him off at half-time of last weekend's 3-2 league defeat by Villarreal. Kanoute, 30, will miss Sevilla's Primera Division match against Mallorca following the international break and is also a doubt for the visit of Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on November 27. He has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.

SPORTS BETTING INFO

2007-11-23T18:55:00.001+01:00

German Bundesliga : Schalke 04 : 23.11.07

Kuranyi returns to action for Schalke

Forward Kevin Kuranyi should be fit to face Valencia in the UEFA Champions League next week. Kuranyi is also in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga game at Hannover after spending almost three weeks on the sidelines with a torn thigh muscle. Midfielders Carlos Grossmuller and Jermaine Jones are both doubtful after sitting out Wednesday's training due to various injuries.

Scottish Premier League : Rangers : 23.11.07
Novo blow for Rangers

Striker Nacho Novo is unlikely to be fit before Christmas after dislocating his shoulder in a friendly match against Middlesbrough. The 28-year-old Spaniard has been ruled out of Rangers' remaining fixtures in UEFA Champions League. Novo will miss next Tuesday's game at Stuttgart and the potentially-decisive visit of Lyon on December 12.

Italian Serie A : Roma : 22.11.07
Tonetto extends contract with Roma

Defender Max Tonetto has signed a two-year contract extension worth €1.8m per season, excluding performance-related bonuses. The 33-year-old, who can play in defense and midfield, has appeared eleven times in Serie A and made three UEFA Champions League appearances this season. Tonetto joined Roma in 2006 from Sampdoria.

English Premier League : Wigan : 22.11.07
Wigan put Bruce move on hold

Wigan Athletic were forced to put the arrival of Steve Bruce as manager on hold due to an unresolved issue between him and current employers Birmingham City. Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer said that the Premier League club had been unable to sign a contract as planned, but they remained committed to the former Manchester United defender. Bruce had been lined up to replace Chris Hutchings, who was sacked earlier this month after 13 games in charge.

FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-23T18:36:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Arsenal's Gilberto Silva invites Italy offers
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva admits he fancies a move to Italy's Serie A.
Arsenal, Chelsea target Modric "best midfielder in world"
Man City, Spurs encouraged by Baptista agent
Atletico Madrid plan bid for Liverpool's Xabi
Fergie "delighted" as O'Shea pens new Man Utd deal

SPAIN

Barcelona board puts Rijkaard on notice
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard knows his future could be decided before the Spanish Liga's winter break.
Barcelona's Edmilson admits Ronaldinho confidence fragile
Guti taunts Barcelona: No black sheep at Real Madrid
Iniesta: Edmilson has apologised to Barcelona teammates
Agent: Altidore excited about Real Madrid interest

ITALY

Inter Milan open Real Madrid talks for £12M Diarra
Inter Milan are already in talks with Real Madrid for midfielder Mahamadou Diarra
Villanueva followed by Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid
Chiellini urges Juventus to forget defensive signings
AC Milan bringing forward plans for Parma's Cigarini
AC Milan striker Ronaldo: I'm ready to roll

ASIAN

Man City boss Eriksson: East Asia will produce 'a Maradona'
Veteran defender Pressley battling for Celtic stay
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is convinced "a Maradona" will soon emerge from Far East Asia.

SCOTLAND

Veteran defender Pressley battling for Celtic stay
Stephen Pressley admits he's battling for his future at Celtic.
Calderwood taking time over Aberdeen contract
Rankin ready to quit Inverness Caley
Falkirk's Latapy keen on St Johnstone job
Hibs boss Collins: Fletcher next for Scotland

EURO 2008 QUALIFIER

2007-11-23T18:31:00.000+01:00

EURO 2008 QUALIFIER REPORTS

2007-11-23T18:23:00.000+01:00

England 2 - Croatia 3 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) In a total shambles of a first-half (highlights here), Scott Carson became the focus of failure, as the newly appointed England goalkeeper had a horror show unfold when he failed to stop a speculative shot Kranjcar. The nightmare then got worse for England, as an appalling defensive line allowed Olic to burst through without being tracked, and he rounded Carson for the second goal. Desperate, McClaren once again turned to Beckham at half-time as he replaced the ineffective Wright-Phillips. Defoe also came off the bench, and the Spurs’ fourth choice striker managed to hustle a penalty which Lampard gratefully converted. And then the miracle seemed to be onn the cards as Beckham’s excellent first-time cross was well-collected by Crouch, who sent Wembley into raptures as he equalised. Then, typifying McClaren’s tenure as manager, England managed to throw it all away as Petric’s left-foot strike sailed past Carson for the killer third for the Croatians. Darren Bent missed the final chance for England as they bowed out of Euro 2008.

Turkey 1 - Bosnia 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Nihat Kahveci scored just before halftime to give the win which secure their place at the European Championship finals.

Belarus 2 - Holland 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Bulyga gave the hosts the lead, before his was involved in assisted Korytko to make it 2-0 in the 65th. Rafael van der Vaart netted a late consolation, who had already secured qualification for next year’s tournament.

Ukraine 2 - France 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) The hosts went ahead early on through Voronin, but a beautiful turn and goal by Henry and Govou’s excellent finish put the already qualified French in front. However the game ended in a draw after Sebastien Frey failed to deal with Shevchenko’s looping header in the opening minutes of the second-half.

Slovenia 0 - Bulgaria 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Bulgaria beat 10-man Slovenia thanks to late goals by Blagoy Georgiev and Dimitar Berbatov.

Serbia 2 - Poland 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Murawski fired the Poles ahead with a clinical finish. Matusiak scored two minutes after the break to make it 2-0. Zigic pulled one back for Serbia when he headed home from close range a deflected cross and Lazovic equalised two minutes later with a diving header following a corner.

Andorra 0 - Russia 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Russia claimed the narrow win and qualification thanks to a header from striker Dmitry Sychev but they made hard work of it, missing a penalty just before halftime and playing the closing minutes with 10 men after the sending off of striker Andrei Arshavin.

Spain 1 - Northern Ireland 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Spain dominated throughout but were unable to break the deadlock until seven minutes into the second-half when Xavi beat Maik Taylor with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.

Hungary 1 - Greece 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Buzsaky who scored his first international goal with a deflected shot. The visitors drew level when Vanczak headed past his own keeper Marton Fulop. Basinas hit the winner from the spot.

Italy 3 - Faroe Islands 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Benjaminsen deflected the ball into his own net in the 11th minute, before Toni made it 2-0 , volleying home from close range. Chiellini scored five minutes later with a stunning shot from distance. Jacobsen headed in a consolation for the visitors.

Denmark 3 - Iceland 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Nicklas Bendtner scored the opener before goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson and Thomas Kahlenberg ensured that the Danes signed off heir campaign in style.

Cyprus 0 - Czech Republic 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

Portugal 0 - Finland 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Portugal secured the point they needed to advance to the finals of Euro 2008. The home side dominated but a fine performance from Jussi Jaaskelainen kept the game goalless.

Georgia 0 - Lithuania 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

Sweden 2 - Latvia 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Marcus Allback opened the scoring within a the first minute of the match, but Swedish hearts were in their mouths when Juris Laizans equalised after 26 minutes. Kim Kallstrom re-established the lead just short of the hour mark marking Sweden’s qualification to Euro 2008.

Germany 0 - Wales 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

San Marino 0 - Slovakia 5 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Michalik opened the scoring. Holosko and Hamsik both scored in the second-half before Cech rounded things off with a late brace.

Romania 6 - Albania 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Nicolae Dica and Daniel Niculae scored twice. The other goals came from Tamas, who scored a free-kick, and from Marica who converted a penalty.

Malta 1 - Norway 4 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) A hat-trick by Steffen Iversen was not enough to send Norway through to next year’s finals.

Israel 1 - Macedonia 0 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Elyaniv Barda scored the only goal of a game.

Azerbaijan 0 - Belgium 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

Armenia 0 - Kazakhstan 1 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

Georgia 0 - Lithuania 2 (Euro 2008 qualifier, November 21, 2007)

***

Brazil 2 - Uruguay 1 (World Cup 2010 qualifier, November 21, 2007) (Longer highlights here.) Sebastian Abreu gave Uruguay an eighth-minute lead before Luis Fabiano equalised in the 44th minute and snatched the winner midway through the second-half.

Ecuador 5 - Peru 1 (World Cup 2010 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Ecuador raced to a 3-0 lead with goals from Walter Ayovi, Ivan Kaviedes and Edison Mendez. Ayovi and Mendez scored again after halftime. Mendoza scored Peru’s consolation.

Chile 0 - Paraguay 3 (World Cup 2010 qualifier, November 21, 2007) Salvador Cabanas pounced on poor defending to put Paraguay ahead midway through the first-half, before Paulo da Silva scored with two headers, both from corners, either side of halftime. Paraguay lead the 10-team group with 10 points from four games.

FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-19T12:44:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Chelsea, Real target Kaka delays AC Milan talks
AC Milan ace Kaka is ready to put off new contract talks as Real Madrid and Chelsea firm up their interest in the coming weeks.
Arsenal's Cesc wants Real Madrid, Barcelona talk over
AC Milan rival Juventus for Villa's Mellberg
Deco questions Chelsea without Mourinho
Makelele ponders Chelsea future

SPAIN

Victor courts disaster rapping Barcelona attitude
Recreativo Huelva coach Victor Munoz is courting a Barcelona backlash ahead of this weekend's match at the Nou Camp.
Albelda slams Bernabeu crowd over chants for Real Madrid's Raul
Cashed-up Real Sociedad go for Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
Calderon: Real Madrid 10-12 points clear of Barca by Christmas
Real Madrid target Altidore wants Europe move "as soon as possible"

ITALY

Samuel backs Riquelme for Inter Milan move
Walter Samuel is urging Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti to go for Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.
AC Milan ace Kaka targets FIFA presidency!
Boca Juniors president reveals AC Milan bid for Banega
Roma's Totti won't make Italy return
AC Milan make bumper contract offer to Fiorentina's Frey

DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-11-12T14:24:00.001+01:00

Premier League

City join Jovetic hunt
Premier League review
Cahill hits out at Essien
Sven plays down transfer talk
Reading v Arsenal preview
Carvalho worry for Blues
Espanyol warn off Spurs
McLeish confirms club ambition

Primera Division

Guiza and Senna recalled
Pirlo reveals Real offer
Flattered Pique to stay put
Jarque in Spurs link
Rijkaard: Fabregas is perfect
Ramos rules out move
Uefa Cup Group C round-up
Odonkor out for two months
Fergie vows to keep Pique

Tiago to have English options
Pirlo reveals Real offer
Adriano: I am depressed
Ramos rules out move
Uefa Cup Group C round-up
Spurs eye Dalla Bona
Spalletti remains hopeful

SPORTS NEWS

2007-11-12T14:22:00.000+01:00

Chelsea power battle over Ronaldinho

Chelsea's board is split over the pursuit of Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho.
Man City get serious about Man Utd target Jovetic
Chelsea try again for Uruguayan kid Barreto
Liverpool plan bid for Juventus defender Zebina
Inter Milan ready to take Sissoko off Liverpool hands

Barcelona players want Rijkaard to show teeth

Barcelona's senior players believe coach Frank Rijkaard needs to start selecting his team on form - and not reputation.
Agent: Barcelona candidate wanted Real Madrid's Raul
Real Madrid's Guti spent £200,000 in one hour
Puyol furious with poor Barcelona attitude
Robinho: I'll let Ronaldinho know Real Madrid top of Liga

Van Basten big fan of Inter ace Ibrahimovic

Marco van Basten is reluctant to compare himself with Inter Milan strike-ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
AC Milan eyeing Villarreal striker Rossi
Lippi impressed by Juventus youngsters
Ranieri happy with Juventus playmaker Tiago
LA Galaxy confirm interest in AC Milan's Ronaldo

SPORTS BETTING NEWS

2007-08-18T10:35:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Everton have suspended Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde due to a breach of club discipline (non-appearance at training). Manager David Moyes said: "Andy has had numerous warnings about this type of thing and we won't tolerate it any longer. I will make a decision regarding the player's future next week."
Liverpool Steven Gerrard may miss England's friendly with Germany on Wednesday after suffering a hairline fracture of the toe in the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Toulouse, which Liverpool won 1-0. Gerrard is expected to play against Chelsea on Sunday with the aid of a pain-killing injection but manager Rafael Benitez says the midfielder may have to pull out of the England game.
Tottenham Striker Dimitar Berbatov and defender Younes Kaboul became the latest addition to Tottenham's growing injured list. Berbatov will be out of action for several weeks because of a persistent groin problem, while Kaboul will also miss three to four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Everton. Tottenham are already without Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Lee Young-pyo.
Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for three games, including Sunday's derby against rivals Manchester City. The Portuguese winger was sent off for an apparent head-butt on Portsmouth substitute Richard Hughes in Wednesday's Premiership game, just seconds after Pompey's Sulley Muntari was ejected in the 83rd minute for his second yellow card. The match finished 1-1 and Manchester United were left still looking for their first league victory of the season.
West Ham United have completed the transfer of England midfielder Kieron Dyer from Newcastle United for a fee believed to be in the region of €10m. The 28-year-old scored 23 goals in 190 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, but struggled with injuries. Dyer also has 32 caps for his country.
Chelsea Sevilla have rejected Chelsea's offer for highly rated Brazilian international Daniel Alves. Spanish media reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich put the brakes on the deal because he baulked at paying such a large fee for the defender and that he had reduced the offer to from €32m to €25m. Alves, 24, joined Sevilla from Bahia in 2003 for less than a million euros.
Middlesbrough Egypt international striker Mido completed his move to Middlesbrough from Tottenham Hotspur in a €8.8m deal. The 24-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract, is available for Saturday's away trip to Fulham. Mido scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for Tottenham. He had been set to join Birmingham City in the close season but a move fell through.
Derby County have agreed the transfer of United States midfielder Benny Feilhaber from Hamburger for a reported fee of €1.5m. The 22-year-old has signed a three-year contract with with the English Premiership newcomers. Manager Billy Davies also signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Derby County until summer 2010.

FRANCE

Toulouse Right-back Albin Ebondo suffered the hamstring injury at Toulouse’s 1-0 home defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday. The 23-year-old will be sidelined for three weeks.
Marseille have taken striker Matt Moussilou on loan from Nice with the option of a permanent transfer next summer..Midfielder Samir Nasri will miss Wednesday's Ligue 1 match against Valenciennes. The France playmaker, who had just returned from an ankle injury, is hampered by a sore thigh muscle. Nasri will rejoin forward Mamadou Niang on Marseille's injured list, but it was not immediately known how long he will be sidelined.
Auxerre Forward Toifilou Maoulida, who missed two penalties in a 2-0 defeat by Bordeaux at the weekend, has been left out for Wednesday's visit to Strasbourg. Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez has criticised Maoulida for insisting on taking the second penalty after missing the first.
Lyon Captain Cris will be out of action for about six months after injuring his knee. The Brazil defender tore two ligaments in his right knee after colliding with Johan Elmander in the 1-0 defeat by Toulouse on Saturday. His injury is another blow to Lyon, who will be without France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet until December, also because of damaged knee ligaments.
Monaco have announced that midfielders Lucas Bernardi and Camel Meriem have been ruled out of their league game at Lorient this weekend. It was not immediately known how long they will be sidelined. Argentine Bernardi has a groin injury while Frenchman Meriem has thigh pains.

GERMANY

Bayern Left-back Marcell Jansen, 21, have suffered a calf injury in training. He has been ruled out of Bayern's Bundesliga game against Werder Bremen on Saturday and Germany's friendly in England on Wednesday.
Wolfsburg have signed one of the Czech Republic's most talented young footballers, Sparta Prague central defender Jan Simunek, in a deal reportedly worth €5m. The 20-year-old has moved to the Bundesliga club on a contract until 2011. Simunek was captain of the Czech team which lost 2-1 to Argentina in the final of the Under-20 World Cup in Canada last month. Brazil midfielder Josue, 28, also reached a deal to move from Brazilian champion Sao Paulo to Wolfsburg for nearly €1.4m.
Stuttgart Ivory Coast defender Arthur Boka has been ruled out of action for up to a month. The 24-year-old left-back has damaged ligaments in his left knee in training. On a brighter note, Turkey midfielder Yildiray Basturk returned to full training after recovering from a pulled muscle. Basturk joined Stuttgart from league rivals Hertha Berlin earlier this summer.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008

2007-08-16T12:19:00.000+01:00

Football Manager 2008 Announced

SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Football Manager™ 2008 for PC and Apple Macintosh will be in stores before Christmas 2007. Football Manager™ 2008 is the next iteration of the prize-winning Football Manager™ series developed by world respected studio Sports Interactive. The latest version of Football Manager will be fully updated for the new season and will allow players to select their favourite club or international team and guide them to glorious success by putting them through Cup matches, Leagues, European Championships and even major international tournaments, with over 5,000 playable teams from over 50 countries.

Fan feedback on the previous version of Football Manager™ was, as always, taken very seriously by the Sports Interactive team, resulting in over a hundred new features, including a brand new advisory system to help new players through the different aspects of the game. This makes Football Manager™ 2008 the most accessible Football Manager™ yet, without losing any depth for the more experienced player.

"With Football Manager™ 2008 we're once again raising the bar in the sports management genre." commented Miles Jacobson, Studio Director of Sports Interactive. "With dozens of new small features and larger things like a complete revamp of international management and the new match flow system, we're really looking forward to seeing the reaction from people when they get to play it on release.

"With all-new features, improved gameplay and a depth only seen from Sports Interactive, Football Manager 2008 offers a management simulation that is second to none. To whet the appetite of every Football fan, SEGA and Sports Interactive have unveiled the key new features available in Football Manager™ 2008.

Match Flow - The largest change to match-day in a Sports Interactive game since the introduction of the second match engine. Match flow brings more atmosphere to match-days with match previews, team talks, opposition player instructions, the match itself, half time and post match. These now seamlessly follow on from one another, with no more pausing to make tactical changes, and a mini-radar pitch whilst making those tactical changes to keep you in touch with what's going on in the match.

International Management - The international management gameplay has been completely revamped for Football Manager™ 2008, including, but not limited to, media improvements, international retirements, player interaction, international scouting, improved pool selection, captain selection and a separation of international and club morale for players.

Easier to Use - A much cleaner skin, a brand new advisor system to help players through various areas of the game. A new notes and notebook system, better button positioning for simpler navigation and an updated tutorial and manual. Also, coach reports make taking over a new team easier, and the new calendar system lists all important dates throughout the season. These all help to make Football Manager™ 2008 the easiest Sports Interactive game to use yet.

Confidence - Players can now easily tell what the board and supporters think about their performance in the game through the new confidence section. This gives players feedback not just on their current progress in competitions, but also their financial management and signings.

Transfer Centre - A new way of managing all current transfer and loan bids for a players club, both incoming and outgoing, making it easier to compare bids and reject or accept them.

Match Engine Improvements - A greatly improved match engine, once again utilising the footballing brain of former Republic of Ireland international player Ray Houghton as well as other tools used by real-life managers to make the most accurate simulation of football in a computer game. The ability to change the pitch dimensions at the start of the season to suit players styles of play better has also been added.Awards re-write - An overhaul of the awards system inside the game which is not only more accurate now, but also includes new awards such as the European golden boot, and a "best eleven", which shows the all-time (in game) best eleven for all teams and nations.

Finances revamp - To reflect the changes in modern day football, Sports Interactive have updated the finance area of Football Manager™ 2008 to better reflect the ever changing football world, with more information available to the manager too, including, but not limited to, corporate match day income, season ticket news, investment funds, improved sponsorships, collective win bonuses, and the ability to move around funds from the wage budget and transfer budget (and vice versa) at any point to help you in your quest for the ideal squad.

Fan days - The board can now arrange fan days to boost ailing attendances, or for matches that are likely to attract a low crowd, with a long term affect to attendances if all goes well.

Expanded media - More media and feedback than ever before, plus more detail in existing media, and a new competition news section to find out what major things are going on in all league competitions.

Regenerated player photo's - All in game generated players now have pictures using FaceGen technology to give each player more personality, and the ability for the players to be seen to grow up in front of your eyes as the game is going on.Faster - Saving and loading is now significantly faster, with network gaming faster and smoother to play, as well as tactical changes and match reports being quicker than ever before.

Football Manager 2008 for PC (XP & Vista) and Apple Macintosh (OS10.3.9 and above) is set for release before Christmas 2007.

THE "FUTURE" STARS

2007-08-16T12:13:00.000+01:00

Giovani Dos Santos

Barcelona's next big thing By Chris Beattie - August 13, 2007 Their Far East tour may've courted controversy - including criticism from within - but Barcelona directors will welcome the squad back this week thrilled with the emergence of Mexican teenager Giovani dos Santos.
The 18 year-old ended the tour as Barca's top scorer and created such a clamour from Japanese and Chinese media that there was pressure on coach Frank Rijkaard to continue selecting him. Demand for Dos Santos interviews outstripped requests for big-names Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho and now after only a few days on the other side of the world, Barca's marketing team know they have the world's next big thing on their books.
And it will be Dos Santos' year. The attacking midfielder will collect his Spanish passport before the end of the month and the form he showed last week will give Rijkaard a welcome headache. Never mind how he fits his 'Big Four' into the team - how will he handle the growing pressure to give a young Mexican his chance?
For all his unpredictable flair and flamboyance, Dos Santos has emerged from a very organised and systematic career path. His Brazilian father, Zizinho, a former star with Sao Paulo before enjoying further success in Mexico with Monterrey and America, brought on Giovani's talent through his own football school. Zizinho established the Sao Paulo soccer school in Monterrey, where Giovani was the star pupil. His son's first taste of success was in the prestigious Dallas Cup youth tournament, where Sao Paulo won the U12 division and Giovani won the plaudits. That success convinced Zizinho his son needed exposure to a professional environment and he was soon signed to Monterrey.
"My Dad is a very important person, he was my first coach, he taught me how to play and I have footballer's blood thanks to him," says Giovani. "But both (Mum and Dad) have supported me since we changed countries. I am grateful to them for everything."
Only weeks into his time at Monterrey, a last-minute call to join a tour of France by their youth squad was to change Giovani's life forever.
Monterrey faced a Sevillan team with Barcelona ties during the trip and Dos Santos' performance was enough for their coach, German Vaya, to immediately call Barca's youth chief at the time, Joaquin Rife, and alert him to this prodigious talent. Soon Barca president Joan Gaspart and sports director Carles Rexach were on the phone to Zizinho to close a deal for the 13 year-old.
That one-off game in France not only changed the life of Giovani, but also younger brother Jonathan. Now 17, Jonathan has been with Giovani at Barca since his early teens and such has been his progress that he is expected to feature for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona B this season. Zizinho's eldest son, Eder, is also a pro, having just signed with Club America's satellite team, Socio Aguila.
"I am very happy seeing my children have success," says Zizinho. On Giovani's development, he is adamant: "The skill of walking, running, mainly dribbling with the ball that Giovani possesses is typical of a Brazilian player. I'm very happy about this."
Giovani could easily have declared for Brazil before leading Mexico to the U17 World Championships crown two years ago. As Zinedine Zidane now hints, you fancy Brazilian fans will long be lamenting Zizinho's reluctance to push his son to choose Brazil over the nation of his birth.
"He is a very good player," says Zizou. "I enjoy watching him play. He's something different, with great vision, and it's good he's playing for Mexico. Barcelona must take care of him and protect him."
Zidane needn't worry. As they did with Lionel Messi, Barca have placed a protective shield around Dos Santos - both on and off the pitch. A Mexican TV crew's request to profile the teen was knocked back before he left for the Far East and his media appearances in Japan and China - while standing room only - were carefully stage-managed.
On the playing side, Barca's fitness staff won't get near the 18 year-old with a weights program for another two years. He's currently regarded as being two kilos overweight, but that's of no concern given his age. However, Giovani's diet will change this year as he can stack on the kilos easily.
Also like Messi, Dos Santos has been taken under the wing of Ronaldinho. The Brazilian ace is regarded as the one senior player closest to Dos Santos. Tales of pranks in hotel rooms and delaying flights involving the pair only added to Dos Santos' popularity amongst the Asian media.
But for all the high spirits, Barca's senior players are sure to keep him grounded. Fellow Mexican Rafael Marquez explained: "He knows he must keep his feet on the ground and work hard. He knows how competitive things are here at Barca.
"I think we all know about the potential that he has and we will help him in anyway possible to maintain his improvement."
Just like those few days in France five years ago, a week on the other side of the world has marked another leap forward in Giovani Dos Santos' career.

Nashat Akram

Talent deserves the Premiership stage By Chris Beattie - August 13, 2007 Did he choose too soon? Or had Premiership interest dried up?
That's the question fans of Nashat Akram are now asking after the Iraq midfielder chose Al Ain over a potential move to England this month.
Only weeks earlier, Akram was upbeat about his chances of breaking ground for Iraqi footballers: "I have offers from the English Premier League�s Sunderland, Egypt's Zamalek and two other clubs.
"Roy Keane was my favourite player, my hero. I watched him when I was young.
"He is the most special player and I would be delighted to join his team and learn from him."
The interest from Sunderland arrived before the Asia Cup, where Akram led Iraq to an emotional victory and emerged as the tournament's outstanding player.
While Premiership clubs have worked hard to extend their global scouting network into developing football nations, the Middle East appears untapped. Concerns persist over the quality of football and player that competed in last month's Asia Cup, but Akram's stunning performance against the Australians, which featured many long-time Premiership names, should have ended any doubts about his ability to cope with top-flight life in England.
As an audition, it was five-star. Akram, at an imposing 186cm, showed off an array of midfield weapons. The game's pace was played through him, it was he who would decide when to slow the tempo, or quicken it. He'd regularly find ways of passing through Australia's rearguard and his nimble feet would consistently prove too quick for tackles. It was a superb, complete midfield performance and the only mystery was why it wasn't enough to have Premiership representatives pushing contracts under his hotel door.
After his performance against Australia, speculation had Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce joining Sunderland in their interest. But nothing came of it and as comparatively modest Australian talent was plucked from the A-League by Premiership and Championship clubs, it was clear that despite the quality, the experience and being just 22, Akram would have to pursue his career in Asia - for at least another season.
Not that he is complaining. Starting as a rookie in the Premiership would have meant a pay-cut for Akram, whose one-year deal with the UAE's Al Ain is said to be worth a cool US$1 million. His signing was a personal project for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - and how can you turn down someone who is the Prime Minister and vice-president of UAE - and ruler of Dubai?
For his part, Akram and his representatives are known to drive a hard-bargain. Soon after his move to Al Ain was confirmed, Egypt's Zamalek complained about his personal demands, while his release from Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab came amid contract wrangles.
Now armed with a bumper 12-month deal at Al Ain, at 22 Akram still has enough time to win a move to the Premiership. But he and his representatives may have to accept that getting a foot in the door is more important than any million pound contract.
But the cards may fall in Akram's favour over the next year. Allardyce took a chance on Iran international Andranik Teymourian at Bolton Wanderers last summer and more is expected from the midfielder this term. A strong showing from Teymourian will convince Premiership clubs to take more interest in the Middle Eastern game, where Akram is regarded as a genuine superstar.
Playing for Al Ain and having Sheikh Mohammed championing your cause is also sure to help. The Sheikh came close to taking over Liverpool last year and has also been paired with Arsenal. His Premiership links are strong and chairman won't need much convincing that taking a player of Akram's star profile will lift their club's name across the region.
And managers won't need much convincing either - if they're willing to widen their transfer net. It may mean having to trial, but the rewards for the player, Iraq and Middle Eastern football will be worth the dent to Akram's pride.

COMMENT, ANALYSIS, STORIES ...

2007-08-16T12:05:00.000+01:00

Marina Hyde in the Guardian calls for shares in footballers to be traded on the open market. “With concepts such as loyalty seemingly increasingly outmoded, surely the time has come to contemplate a future where clubs would hold a player’s registration - as they have in the case of Tevez - but be made starkly aware that the market is the ultimate decision-maker.”

Also in the Guardian, Barney Ronay looks at “the rise of the celebrity gaffer.” “Mourinho has both an official and unofficial 2007 photo-calendar (both sold out). Football management is hip. It gets you noticed. How did this happen? And is it likely to stop soon?”

With some quite apalling timing, Lawrence Donegan in the Guardian says “The wonder is not that there has been a Beckham backlash in the States but that it hasn’t been more vehement.” If only he would have waited just a few more hours…In the same paper John Doyle has an insightful article on Toronto FC and Danny Dichio.

Michael Henderson in the Daily Telegraph claims that “Roy Keane is a modern-day Brian Clough”. “He’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he, Roy Keane? The block in question being Brian Clough, who played with distinction for the club the Irishman now manages.”

Martin Samuel, writing his weekly op-ed in The Times, opts to talk about his favourite topic - the England team and Steve McClaren’s failings. “As he surveys the wreckage of his forward line, Steve McClaren, the England head coach, has two choices: to learn from history, or to repeat it.”

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-08-16T11:52:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Sheffield United have confirmed they plan to sue West Ham for the cost of relegation from the Premier League
United draw again, Chelsea come from behind; Voronin
Liverpool boss Benitez: Voronin can be revelation
Gelson: City are Manchester's favourite team
Newcastle convinced over deal for Everton's Neville
Inter Milan keep tabs on Arsenal striker Bendtner
Arsenal, Chelsea eyeing Bordeaux whiz Saivet

SPAIN

Sevilla offer £40M Alves for Real Madrid pair Baptista and Cicinho
Five defeats for Real Madrid but Schuster says: Don't panic
Barcelona's Messi delighted with comeback goal
Valencia won't shelve Van der Vaart pursuit
Boca Juniors won't give up on Villarreal's Riquelme

ITALY

Napoli ahead of Torino for Inter Milan's Recoba
Wolfsburg move for Udinese striker Di Natale
Juventus chasing 'new Eto'o'
Palladino confident Del Piero will pen Juventus deal
Cagliari have inside-running for Chievo striker Obinna

SCOTLAND

Celtic boss Strachan proud after Spartak Moscow draw
Cervenkov confident winning over Hearts fans
Positive financial result for Scottish clubs
Beslija: I have Hearts future
Inverness Caley won't stop signings with Watt

GERMANY

Schalke have signed Uruguay international Carlos Grossmuller from Danubio
Hertha Berlin boss Lucien Favre is set to sign Steve von Bergen from his former club FC Zurich
Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has extended his current deal with the Bundesliga champions
Big guns eye Czech starlet
Germans miss out on Eduardo
Davies waits on duo
Valencia bid for van der Vaart
Wolfsburg set to bag Simunek
Larsen sidelined after clash
Hammarby trio wanted
Bundesliga round-up
Borowski out for Germany

FRANCE

Barnet manager Paul Fairclough is still looking to sign Caen left-back Kenny Gillet
Paris Saint Germain striker Pauleta has admitted he could leave the club this month
Lyon forward Sylvain Wiltord is still keen to secure a move to Rennes, according to his lawyer
Elmander keen on England
Baup: We were in awe of Reds
Fred wants to quit Lyon
Wiltord set for Lyon stay
Elmander ready for Reds
Perrin drops Heinze hint
Lyon consider Heinze bid
Emon admits injury concerns
Hammarby trio wanted

FANS TALK FOOTBALL HEADLINES

2007-08-07T09:03:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man Utd's Heinze: I've told boss I want out.
Real Madrid want Chelsea to cover Ballack wages
Chelsea tell Real Madrid: £27M for Robben
Ardiles: Man Utd's Tevez can play with Rooney
Aston Villa bid big for West Brom's Davies
Everton confident of deal for Porto's Gonzalez
Shevchenko to make Chelsea kickoff
Chelsea's Drogba to miss Liverpool clash

SPAIN

Reyes tells fans: I will give everything to Atletico Madrid
New keeper signing Oier wins Barcelona debut
Lyon coach Perrin keen on Sevilla's Kanoute
Boca Juniors declare Villarreal's Riquelme set to sign
Di Stefano backs Saviola to make Real Madrid impact
Drenthe makes courts threat to get Real Madrid move
Fiorentina to offer Ujfalusi in deal for Sevilla's Alves
Real Madrid try again for Ajax's Sneijder
Jose Mari seeks Villarreal exit
Juventus offer Legrottaglie to Atletico Madrid
Betis approach Benfica for striker Nuno Gomes
Osasuna make offer for Belenenses striker Dady
Agent: No Inter Milan offer for Real Madrid's Emerson

ITALY

Maldini welcomes new AC Milan teammate Pato
AC Milan signing Pato to be handed Sheva's old No7 shirt
Lazio eager to wrap up Szetela deal
Real Madrid consider Roma offer for Cicinho
Ivanovic: Juventus move would be fantastic
Lazio keen on Torino's Di Loreto
Reginaldo ready to fight for Parma place
Ze Maria linked with Parma return
Genoa to send Figueroa away on-loan
Napoli in Juventus talks for Blasi
Napoli go for Piacenza pair Cacia, Kharja
Parma complete Pavarini signing
Agent rules out Napoli for Inter Milan's Cruz
Roma sign Bellinoza teen Unal
Stronati promises major Siena striker signing
Colantuono admits Palermo must find Bresciano replacement
Palermo coach delighted with preseason form
Inter Milan's Coco blasts Saint-Etienne
Comotto keen to see Torino fans turn-out

SCOTLAND

Hearts won't panic in market, insists Frail
More exchanges between Hearts, Kaunas
Newcastle's Krul: Numan convinced me about Falkirk
Sheffield Wednesday move for Celtic's Riordan
Cash gap widening between Scottish and English game
Celtic boss Strachan admits Mozart interest
Hearts contact Zeta for midfield pair Marco Cetkovic and Slaven Stjepanovic
Sylla leaving Kilmarnock
Sionko fires parting shot at Rangers
Kilmarnock boss Jefferies: £2M price-tag stays on Naismith
Dundee Utd ready to splash out on Roussel
Dundee Utd boss defends Flood after diving dismissal
Motherwell boss McGhee targets more signings after opening win
Rangers suffer Boyd setback

GERMANY

Werder Bremen target Martin Fenin has been attracting interest from clubs in England.
Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Costa has been ruled out for the rest of the year after injuring his knee
Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf is confident his team will progress in the UEFA Champions League
Tottenham Hotspur new boy Kevin-Prince Boateng admits he is hurt by Hertha Berlin's reaction to his move
Schuster: Rafael on my list
Fenin linked with Bundesliga duo
Delura agrees Greek switch
Roque ready to rumble
Spurs pick up Prince
Schalke end Appiah interest
Intertoto Cup round-up
Castelen joins Hamburg
Bayern claim early success

FRANCE

Yepes tipped for PSG exit
Koller expects bench role
Niang worry for L'OM
Toulouse wait on Elmander
Diawara nears Bordeaux move
Beye: I want to enjoy it
Domenech rues Coupet injury
Cisse denies Rafa rift
Asamoah to join Nice
Signorino signs for Getafe
Reading snap up Fae

HOLLAND

Drenthe fights for Real move
Roda JC have announced the signing of Club Brugge striker Jeanvion Yulu-Matondo
Van Persie settles feisty tie
AZ Alkmaar boss Louis van Gaal has criticised Middlesbrough's efforts to sign Gretar Steinsson.
Feyenoord held by Porto
Ajax see off Atletico
Blues get Alex clearance
Real give up on Drenthe
Ajax capture Colin
Touma leaves FC Twente
Metgod wants Drenthe stay
Pelle signs AZ deal
Ajax fail in Suarez bid

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-07-29T20:23:00.000+01:00

Iraq win the Asian Cup

Iraq 1 - Saudi Arabia 0 (Asian Cup Final, July 29, 2007) Khalef sealed a momentous victory for Iraq at the back post with eighteen minutes remaining.
Arsenal 2 - Inter Milan 1 (Emirates Cup, July 29, 2007) Suazo gave Inter the lead after an hour, Arsenal secured the win with goals from Hleb and a quite brilliant turn and strike from Van Persie.
PSG 3 - Valencia 0 (Emirates Cup, July 29, 2007) Goals from Diane, N’Gog and Luyindula.
Celtic 1 - Parma 0 (Pre-season friendly, July 29, 2007) Celtic finished their pre-season preparations with a win thanks to an 84th-minute goal by Aiden McGeady.
Newcastle 2 - Juventus 0 (Pre-season friendly, July 29, 2007) An impressive win for the Geordies thanks to goals from Luque (penalty) and youngster Carroll.

ENGLAND

Atletico trump Real Madrid for Arsenal's Reyes
Juventus chief: We'll discuss Man Utd's Heinze
Keegan lined up for sensational Newcastle return
Chelsea boss Mourinho ready to sell Ballack
Benfica signing Di Maria targets Chelsea move

SPAIN

Kaka agent expects £60M Real Madrid bid
Real Madrid agree £8.5M fee for Feyenoord's Drenthe
Inter Milan president Moratti: I want Barcelona's Messi
Barcelona coach Rijkaard: Krkic, Dos Santos just perfect
Red Bull Salzburg escape for Real Madrid's Cassano

ITALY

AC Milan's Ancelotti shrugs off Inter summer spending
Pato: AC Milan's Leonardo to meet agent, club president
AC Milan coach Ancelotti: I like Baptista
Inter Milan coach Mancini: Chivu just like Sinisa
Fiorentina keen on Ajax rebel Maduro

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-07-22T13:49:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man Utd, Man City go for house-hunting Eidur
FIFA agree Tevez, Man Utd talks tomorrow
Beckham: LA Galaxy debut incredible
Gill: Chelsea will NEVER be as big as Man Utd
Petrov wants Tottenham move
Magpies confirm Barton will miss the start of the new season.
Jose: Robben's staying with us
Heinze wants starting role

SPAIN

Fit-again Henry anxious to kickoff Barcelona career
Cannavaro: I'm staying with Real Madrid
Valencia step up bid for Lyon's Kallstrom
Italy's Livorno snap up Mallorca striker Tristan
Arveladze delighted with Levante move
Khalid out to prove Jose wrong
Baptista putting Real first
Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela has agreed to join Osasuna on loan next season

ITALY

Buffon insists: Rivals still fear Juventus
AC Milan ahead of Villarreal for Real Madrid's Baptista
Adriano blames booze for poor Inter Milan season
Spalletti urges Roma fans to lay-off Chivu
Vieri delighted with Fiorentina move
Livorno land Tristan
AZ continue Pelle hunt
Ranieri unhappy at Chiellini

FRANCE

Rennes agree Wiltord deal
Bolton missed out on the Peace Cup trophy as Lyon scored a late winner in Korea
Lyon consider Reyes
Nice defender Rod Fanni has agreed to sign a four-year contract with Rennes
Rothen on Lyon list
Nantes midfielder Emerse Fae has emerged as an option for Manchester City

GERMANY

Stuttgart hope for Ciprian Marica deal
Fulham flop Bjorn Runstrom looks set to move to Germany with Kaiserslautern
Zimling in Leverkusen link
Toffees confirm Pienaar deal
Meira happy with Stuttgart

HOLLAND

Ryan Babel defied a request from Holland boss Marco van Basten to sign for Liverpool
Marseille new boy Boudewijn Zenden aims to claim a place in Holland's Euro 2008 squad
Utrecht have confirmed Willem van Hanegem as their new coach
PSV Eindhoven have confirmed the arrival of Chelsea starlet Slobodan Rajkovic on loan
Twente ace Karim El Ahmadi has agreed a new deal with the club

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-07-17T14:28:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Tevez plea: I want to play for Man Utd
Spurs hope to close deal for Chelsea's Wright-Phillips
Chelsea boss Mourinho: Dos Santos deal not up to me
Newcastle boss Allardyce: Barzagli very good player
Agent: Chiellini keen on Liverpool move

SPAIN

Ronaldinho facing axe from Barcelona leadership group
Ajax's Sneijder contacted by Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid go for Benfica ace Simao
Boulahrouz delighted with Sevilla switch
Espanyol's De La Pena: Nothing with Real Madrid

ITALY

Barcelona's Giuly in Italy for Roma talks
Altafini convinced AC Milan will sign Ronaldinho
Roma coach Spalletti welcomes back Chivu
AC Milan ask Zaragoza to name Milito price
AC Milan chief rules out Cassano arrival

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-07-14T01:25:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Tevez expected at Man Utd next week
Caen warn Arsenal off Gouffran
Boateng wants Spurs move
Everton boss Moyes raps Premiership spending
Chelsea boss delighted with Ben Haim addition

SPAIN

Real Madrid make contact with Villarreal's Riquelme
Real Madrid agree Drenthe fee with Feyenoord
Barcelona chief Txiki delighted with Milito capture
Valencia won't give up on Porto's Gonzalez
Barcelona president: Ronaldinho not for sale

ITALY

Berlusconi blocked Toni move to AC Milan
Adriano wants to prove value at Inter Milan
Juventus signing Criscito ponders Genoa return
Fiorentina clinch deal for Nocerino
Juventus coach Ranieri rules out Cannavaro return

DAVID BECKAM ARRIVAL IN LOS ANGELES

2007-07-14T01:19:00.000+01:00

David Beckham arrives in the USA
Uploaded by dbfo

Beckham’s presentation to the LA Galaxy

Beckham Presentation To La Galaxy - SSN Part 2
Uploaded by FootballHeaven

COPA AAMERICA 2007

2007-07-08T17:05:00.000+01:00

Brazil & Uruguay blitz their way into the semis

1/4 FINALS RESULTS

venezuela 1-4 uruguay
Uploaded by boules13010

The 50 worst footballers

2007-07-06T13:41:00.000+01:00

Times Online presents the players who had no rightful place in England’s elite division in the modern era.

Who is the "Champion"!?

50 Claus Lundekvam (Southampton)
Saints boss Gordon Strachan paid this glowing tribute to the one-paced Scandinavian in 2003: “He was carried off at Leicester and someone asked me if he was unconscious. I didn’t have a clue. That’s what he’s always like.”
49 Massimo Taibi (Manchester United)
United’s worst keeper ever – in a competitive field featuring Mark Bosnich. The Italian takes the prize for that dive over a shot from Matt Le Tissier, an all-time You Tube favourite. Watch that ludicrous blunder.
48 Stephane Guiv’arch (Newcastle)
Milburn, Macdonald, Shearer and ... Guiv’arch! The World Cup winner never came close to that pantheon. Come to that, he’s lagging in Tyneside’s Hall of Centre-Forward Fame (they could call it Striker Grove) behind Cunningham, Mirandinha and Ameobi.
47 Jody Morris (Chelsea, Leeds)
Grew up at Chelsea with Dennis Wise as his mentor, and turned into the snidey kid brother everyone hates. Had all of Wise’s sly tendencies and penchant for a scrape, but none of the skill. Perfect acquisition for Leeds in 2003, then.
46 Nigel Quashie (QPR, Forest, Southampton, WBA and more)
Relegated four times with four clubs – and only narrowly avoided No 5 with West Ham last year.
45 Roque Junior (Leeds)
The execrable Brazilian arrived on loan for a few months from AC Milan in 2003, and did as much as anybody to shove Leeds towards destruction.
44 Sergei Rebrov (Tottenham)
Looked good enough playing alongside Andriy Shevchenko for Dynamo Kiev. Sadly, Glenn Hoddle’s £11m signing never looked the same force with Steffen Iversen.
43 David May (Blackburn, Man United)
The guy picked up Premiership winner’s medals with two clubs. But so did Larry Lloyd.
42 Larry Lloyd (Liverpool, Nottingham Forest)
See David May (No 43)
41 Bosko Balaban (Aston Villa)
They said Deadly Doug was tight, but you can hardly blame him after Ellis fished £6m out of his humbug tin for John Gregory to spend, and the manager came back with the elusive Croatian. He never started a Premiership game and scored no goals.
40 Carlton Palmer (Southampton)
“He covers every blade of grass out there,” said Saints manager, Dave Jones. “But that’s only because his first touch is so crap.”
39 Claudio Marangoni (Sunderland)
The striker swapped the rolling pampas of Argentina for Wearside when he signed for a club-record £320,000 at Christmas 1979. One year and three goals later he went back home. Only Geordies were sorry to see him go.
38 Glenn Keeley (Everton)
Arrived on loan from Blackburn keen to show his mettle at the highest level. On debut in 1982, against Liverpool no less, he was sent off in the first-half, The Reds won 5-0 and he never played for Everton again.
37 Marco Materazzi (Everton)
Yes, he won the World Cup with Italy. But the lean centre-half couldn’t tackle a Sayers’ steak and kidney pie during his pointless spell at Goodison.
36 John Jensen (Arsenal)
Empires rose and fell in the time it took the bubble-permed Dane to score his first Arsenal goal. Searing pace, an eye for goal and a fierce shot were just three qualities he didn’t have.
35 Dean Austin (Tottenham)
The wafer-thin defender earned the wrath of the notoriously fickle Spurs support early doors, and never won them round. Even now, he featured strongly in a straw poll of Tottenhamites’ least favourite player ever to wear the white.
34 Ramon Vega (Tottenham)
The big Swiss was Dean Austin, with (cow) bells on.
33 Alberto Tarantini (Birmingham City)
Jim Smith went down the Spurs road and hired himself an Argentinian World Cup winner in the afterglow of 1978, but the Bald Eagle chose this dud left-back. Blues were relegated.
32 Gary Sprake (Leeds)
The Kop serenaded the hapless Welshman with “Careless Hands” when he threw another one into the back of his own net, hardly a unique moment for the accident-prone Inspector Clouseau of international goalkeeping.
31 Charlie Nicholas (Arsenal)
The much-hyped Champagne Charlie didn’t even amount to Pomagne Charlie at Highbury.
30 Darren Ferguson (Manchester United)
Tried to make a name for himself at Old Trafford in the early 90s, but it was already taken.
29 Winston Bogarde (Chelsea)
For all the good this expensive, non-playing flop ever did Chelsea, they might as well have signed foppish character actor, Dirk Bogarde. Or maybe they did and tried to cover it up.
28 Iain Dowie (West Ham)
Headlines that were never written: “It’s Iain Wow-ie!”, and maybe “Dow ya think I’m sexy.” Watch Dowie's "finest" moment with a classic own goal against Stockport County here.
27 Eric Djemba-Djemba (Man United, Aston Villa)
One Djemba would have been bad enough, but two of them was more than plenty.
26 Frank Sinclair (Leicester City)
Whatever the opposite of a purple patch is, Frank ‘Spencer’ Sinclair had one in August 1999. In two matches in August he scored two risible own goals, single-handedly costing his team three points. That month of mishaps alone earns him a place in the annals of infamy.
25 Steve Marlet (Fulham)
Mr Fayed didn’t rise to the top in business by not knowing the value of a pound. So mystery remains why he was persuaded to give Lyons eleven and a half mill for the misfit striker. Marlet’s ghost will haunt him to the end of his days.
24 Mark Dennis (Birmingham City)
There were rumours in the game that Dennis could actually play, and possessed a decent enough left foot. But the Blues’ anti-footballer was content to amass the game’s blackest rap sheet.
23 Torben Piechnik (Liverpool)
Graeme Souness faces the bad transfer tribunal again for the inexplicable purchase of the dithering Dane. English football was no picnic for Piechnik and he slunk back to Denmark in short order.
22 John Fashanu (Wimbledon)
Fash elbows his way into the list for a legion of crimes and misdemeanours inflicted on association football in the dubious cause of Wimbledon FC, topped by the assault which shattered Saint Gary Mabbutt’s eye socket.
21 Nikola Jovanovic (Manchester United)
Third-worst United centre-half of all time (see nos 5 and 6).
20 Jason Lee (Nottingham Forest)
“He’s got a pineapple on his head,” crooned fans all over the land in homage to the dreadlocked striker, who couldn’t hit a ruminant’s posterior with a stringed musical instrument. Watch a clip of Jason on Baddiel and Skinner's Fantasy Football League here.
19 Marco Boogers (West Ham)
He made his mark on English football, but only on Gary Neville’s midriff as a murderous tackle almost wiped out the United right-back. It was all downhill from there, as Mad Marco fled East London for a caravan park somewhere in the Low Countries.
18 Martin Jol (West Brom)
The Dutchman was away from school the day they taught the sophisticated tenets of Total Football, and the no-nonsense midfielder went on to spread mayhem across the midfields of England.
17 Nicky Summerbee (Manchester City)
The mid-90s City ‘winger’ earns his place on account of his singular running style. Arse stuck out in the fashion of a cartoon Mick Jagger, in Manchester derbies he made the ungainly Phil Neville look like Nijinsky.
16 Chris Kamara (Leeds)
For more than two decades Kammy has sported the perma-frizzed coiff of a 60s soul legend, but it failed to distract from a playing style long on effort, short on elegance.
15 Ade Akinbiyi (Leicester City)
Big Ade’s combined career transfer value would dwarf the national debt of an especially feckless banana republic, but he couldn’t buy a goal at Filbert Street after signing in 2000.
14 Micky Droy (Chelsea)
Nouveau Chelsea fans should know that their swanky club’s DNA contains the traces of lumbering 1970s dinosaurs such as Big Micky.
13 Steve Daley (Manchester City)
The poor bloke suffered from one of Man City’s periodic bouts of madness when they insisted on paying Wolves a record £1.45m for him in 1979, back in the days when £1.45m was £1.45m. He never looked close to matching the valuation.
12 Terry Hurlock (Millwall)
Graced Cold Blow Lane during The Lions’ unlikely late 80s spell in the top flight, and unleashed a short-lived reign of midfield terror. Hurlock, a one-man disciplinary crime wave, remains, unsurprisingly, a cult hero in Millwall-supporting enclaves of south London.
11 Billy Woof (Middlesbrough)
Even three decades down the road Boro fans are still convinced Billy only ever got a game because he was the son-in-law of John Neal, the manager.
10 Vinnie Jones (Wimbledon and more)
Told Kenny Dalglish he intended to bite off his ear and spit in the whole. And they said there were no characters left in the game.
9 Ian Ormondroyd (Aston Villa)
Nature’s prototype for Peter Crouch lived at the same lofty altitudes as his Villa Park successor, but perhaps lacked his touch and speed – so why did he play on the wing?
8 Andrea Silenzi (Nottingham Forest)
The Italian who looked much like a horse turned out to be a load of pony at the City Ground after his multi-billion lira move from Torino in 1995, and pips Justin Fashanu as Forest’s greatest transfer rick ever.
7 Li Wei-Feng (Everton)
Arrived as part of the same strange deal which brought the not-too-bad Li Tie to Goodison in 2002. Why? Perhaps he came free, like the prawn crackers we get in our Chinese takeaway when we spend more than a tenner.
6 William Prunier (Man United)
The baldy Bordeaux triallist starred in a calamitous 4-1 defeat at Spurs on New Year’s Day 1996, and he was bundled back onto a plane to France the next day.
5 Arnold Sidebottom (Man United)
Ryan’s dad also bowled quickly for England, but the centre-half injected no discernible pace to the worst United team since records began.
4 Istvan Kozma (Liverpool)
Yet another Souness master signing – the abject Magyar cost £300,000 from Dunfermline in 1992 and played just three games for the Reds before Souey realised he’d made one more transfer goulash.
3 Gus Caesar (Arsenal)
“... painfully, obviously, out of his depth ... he looked like a rabbit frozen to the spot ... and then he starts to thrash about, horribly and pitifully...” not our words – those of ultra-loyal Arsenalist, Nick Hornby.
2 Tomas Brolin (Leeds, Crystal Palace)
Hard to imagine that Leeds United, normally a model of fiscal probity, paid £4.5m for the Swedish meatball in 1995. A good footballer treats his body like a temple. Brolin’s was a bouncy castle.
1 Ali Dia (Southampton)
Was he George Weah’s cousin? Was he hell! Neither had the impostor won 12 caps for Senegal, nor had he played for Paris St Germain. But it took Saints boss Graeme Souness a whole 52 minutes to suss he’d been had in 1996.

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-07-06T13:26:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Schuster wants Arsenal's Cesc, Reyes at Madrid
Bolton's Anelka: Valencia interest touching
Chelsea chief Kenyon shrugs off Man Utd mega spending
West Ham deal for Liverpool's Bellamy worth £25M
Man City move for Bayern Munich's Santa Cruz

SPAIN

Cesc tells Barcelona: Give Henry free-role
Sporting Lisbon clinch deal for Barcelona's Maxi
Espanyol move for Partizan Belgrade's Smiljanic
Sevilla invite offers for Hinkel
Barcelona offer cash, players for Zaragoza's Milito

ITALY

Chivu tells Roma: I want Inter Milan deal
Inter Milan to offer Ibrahimovic new contract
Juventus go for Portugal defenders Andrade, Meira
Argie star Lavezzi: Napoli feels like home
Juventus coach Ranieri: I need Nedved, Camoranesi

FRANCE

Zenden set for Marseille
Rennes reveal Samaras interest
Rennes reject Utaka offers
Chelsea confident on Malouda
Rennes confirm Mvuemba exit
Spurs capture Kaboul

GERMANY

Feyenoord sign Turkish prodigy Nuri Sahin on loan
Schalke out of Appiah race
Sevilla in for Prince Boateng
Wolfsburg linked with Pape Diakhate
Stuttgart interested in Tamas Priskin
Valencia seal keeper Timo Hildebrand deal

HOLLAND

Feyenoord sign Turkish prodigy Nuri Sahin on loan
Blues land Dutch flyer Daniel de Ridder.
Offers made for Drenthe
Rovers make Rigters move
Borussia secure Rob Friend deal

2007-07-06T13:16:00.000+01:00

The Copa América 2007 is the 42nd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for South America. It is organized by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body, and is set to be held in Venezuela between June 26 and July 15, 2007, being the first time that Venezuela will hold the tournament. The winner may represent CONMEBOL at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Play-Off

July 7
18:05 Venezuela - Uruguay
20:50 Chile - Brazil

July 8
16:05 Mexico - Paraguay
18:50 Argentina - Peru

VIDEO: COPA AMERICA 2007 GOALS

2007-06-28T12:35:00.000+01:00

After sixteen minutes Antonio Valencia gave Ecuador the lead with a good finish. Top-heavy Humberto Suazo equalised five minutes later before Ecuador retook the lead two minutes later through Benitez after joke Chilean defending. Chile equalised thanks to Suazo’s second ten minutes from time, and with three minutes to go Villanueva got the winner with a brilliant free-kick.

Copa America 2007 - Chile vs Ecuador (3-2)
Uploaded by charlatecnica

Dunga loses his first competitive match in charge of Brazil. Nery Castillo scored a wonderful opener, with a goal which was reminiscent of Pele’s 1958 World Cup final goal against Sweden. A Ramon Morales free-kick eight minutes later made it 2-0. And it should have been three, but Castillo missed an open goal after doing all the hard work.

VIDEO : COPA AMERICA 2007 GOALS

2007-06-27T12:02:00.000+01:00

Uruguay had the better chances in the first half but Peru got the goal when centre-back Villalta powered home a header, and the Uruguayans had the ref to thank for a poor call saving them from a two nil deficit at the break. The decisive goal of the game, taking Peru into a 2-0 lead, was a right foot beauty from sub Marino from the edge of the box. The humiliating third was scored by Hamburg striker Guerrero.

The hosts of the Copa America were twice pegged back, the second equaliser came seven minutes from time.

101 Great Goals 2006/7 update

2007-06-26T01:40:00.000+01:00

You cant see the outher parts in section blog arcive. THANKS!!!

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

COPA AMERICA 2007 PREVIEW

2007-06-26T01:33:00.000+01:00

The 42nd edition of international football's oldest competition kicks off on Tuesday.The South American competition will take place in Venezuela for the first time and the continent's finest sides, as well as invitees United States and Mexico, will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Brazil who won the competition in 2004.
Former World Cup winner Dunga is now at the helm of the Samba stars and will be wary of the challenge of historic rivals Argentina, who lost in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the final three years ago.
Brazil may be lacking world superstars such as Kaka and Ronaldinho, but their squad is still bursting with talent and the Copa America will be an early opportunity for Manchester United fans to see new signing Anderson in action.
Rivals Arsenal will have potential new captain Gilberto Silva to cheer on, whilst Julio Baptista has also been included in Dunga's squad after returning to Real Madrid.
Argentina boast Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze from the Premier League, with a whole array of stars from all over the continent hoping to bring their country glory.
Gold Cup winners United States and beaten finalists Mexico are also along for the ride after being nominated as this year's invited teams.
Group A comprises Venezuela, Uruguay, Bolivia and Peru, Group B contains Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Ecuador, whilst Argentina, United States, Paraguay and Colombia contest Group C.
The top two in each group, and the two best third-placed finishers, will then make up the quarter-finalists.
If Argentina or Uruguay triumph in the final in Maracaibo on 15th July then they will edge ahead in the history books with a 15th victory in the competition, with Brazil surprisingly lagging behind with just seven wins.
Skysports.com will be producing a preview for every game during the competition, and you can check our TV schedule for details of individual kick-off times as the tournament progresses.

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-26T01:23:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Tottenham join race for Man Utd striker Smith
Barcelona president rules out Arsenal's Wenger
Onuoha pens new Man City contract
Roberts confident Benni will stick with Blackburn
Atletico Madrid president: No Liverpool offer for Torres

SPAIN

Real Madrid's Metzelder can't choose between Capello, Schuster
Aguirre wants Barcelona's Marquez at Atletico Madrid
Parma move for Valencia striker Tavano
Valdano praise for Barcelona after Henry coup
Real Madrid can trump Barcelona for Chivu

ITALY

Inter Milan make contact with Barcelona's Deco
Adriano desperate for Inter Milan stay
Ajax's Maduro offered to Lazio
Juventus make final effort for Zaragoza's Milito
AC Milan chief Galliani: Eto'o tops shopping list

SCOTLAND

Celtic confirm deal for AC Milan midfielder Donati
Donati backed to be big Celtic success
Celtic eyeing Nice defender Fanni
Dundee Utd defend Porter deal

FRANCE

Barca have announced the signing of Yaya Toure from Monaco
Diouf hopeful over Cisse bid
Gers must up Faubert bid
Milan Mandaric has confirmed Leicester are hoping to sign Marek Saganowski
Rozehnal set to Czech in
Cisse in Atletico link

GERMANY

Huggel returns home to FC Basel
Karlsruhe sign Gorlitz
Klasnic set for new deal
Jon Dahl Tomasson has revealed that four clubs are pursuing his services

HOLLAND

Sky Blues line up de Zeeuw
PSV still wait for Perez deal
Drenthe calm on future
Salmon hopes for AZ deal
Mathijssen back in Tilburg

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-24T01:17:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Newcastle, Man Utd step up Gudjohnsen battle.
Villa go cold on West Ham's Reo-Coker.
Eriksson agent confirms Man City talks.
Lastuvka chooses Bochum over Birmingham.

SPAIN

Barcelona: Man Utd spending drove up Henry fee.
Real Madrid's Cassano: Only Inter can lure me back.
Lotina hints at Deportivo La Coruna switch.
Barcelona's Puyol, Edmilson ruled out long-term.
Valdo chooses Espanyol over Marseille.

ITALY

Inter Milan signing Suazo facing six-month ban.
AC Milan agree to drop Suazo pursuit.
Nedved to decide Juventus future.
Semioli to choose between Fiorentina, Roma.
Bettega leaves Juventus.

SCOTLAND

Celtic agree Donati fee with AC Milan.
Dundee Utd boss Levein delighted with Dods deal.
Hearts to jettison Barasa.
Cardiff snap up Rangers midfielder Rae.
Butcher moves for Hibs keeper Brown.

FRANCE

Rozehnal relishing Newcastle move.
Rangers fancy Faubert.
Gregory Paisley has left relegated French side Troyes to sign for Strasbourg.
Lens have signed St Etienne captain Julien Sable.
Rozehnal to Czech in at Newcastle.
Auxerre cool Sagna exit talk.

GERMANY

Stuttgart 'eyeing Ewerthon'.
Mainz have completed the double signing of Miroslav Karhan and Srdjan Baljak.
Jan Lastuvka will snub interest from Birmingham to join Bochum on loan.
Ricardo Sousa signs off at Hannover.
Ze Roberto back at Bayern.
Stuttgart: No go for Gomez.

HOLLAND

Holland hold on to U21 title winning against Serbia 4-1.
Ryan Babel praised coach Foppe de Haan after Jong Oranje's victory in Groningen.
De Haan: Drenthe not ready for Premiere League.
Feyenoord capture De Cler.
Babel: No Gunners contact.
Feyenoord chase Landzaat

THE REAL FOOTBALL FACTORY

2007-06-22T00:20:00.000+01:00

height="350">

The 101 greatest goals of 2006/2007

2007-06-20T00:49:00.000+01:00

Enjoy in 46 goals, more will come soon!

1. Vahirua (v Lyon, Aug. 26), 2. Agger (v West Ham, Aug. 26), 3. Miceika (v Scotland, Sept. 6), 4. Ronaldinho (v L. Sofia, Sept. 12), 5. Agyemang (v W. Brom, Sep. 12), 6. Drogba (v Liverpool, Sept. 17), 7. Alonso (v Newcastle, Sept. 20), 8. Stankovic (v Chievo, Sept. 23), 9. Crouch (v Galatasaray, Sept. 27), 10. Bentley (v Salzburg, Sept. 28),

11. Van Persie (v Charlton, Sept. 30), 12. Yaya Toure (Le Mans, Sept. 30), 13. Bresciano (v Bahrain, Oct. 11), 14. Mascara (v Inter, Oct. 15), 15. Drogba (v Barcelona, Oct. 18), 16. Stankovic (v AC Milan, Oct. 28), 17. Van Persie (v Everton, Oct. 29), 18. Gonzalez (v Hamburg, Nov. 1), 19. Griffin (v Coventry, Nov. 6), 20. Arteta (v Bolton, Nov. 18),

21. Salcido (v Excelsior, Nov. 18), 22. Tugay (v Spurs, Nov. 19), 23. Van der Vaart (v Arsenal, Nov. 21), 24. Nakamura (v M. United, Nov. 21), 25. Crespo (v Sporting, Nov. 22), 26. Anelka (v Arsenal, Nov. 25), 27. Ronaldinho (v Villareal, Nov. 25), 28. Totti (v Sampdoria, Nov. 26), 29. Gakpe (v Lille, Nov. 26), 30. Van Persie (v Fulham, Nov. 29),

31. Distin (v A. Villa, Nov. 29), 32. Dalmat (v PSV, Dec. 5), 33. Roman Pavlyuchenko (v Sporting, Dec. 5), 34. Berbatov (v M’boro, Dec. 5), 35. Nelson (v M. United, Dec. 6), 36. Taylor (v Everton, Dec. 9), 37. Pauleta (v Lyon, Dec. 10), 38. Doni (v Messina, Dec. 10), 39. Essien (v Arsenal, Dec. 10), 40. Ledesma (v Roma, Dec. 10),

41. Angulo (v Zaragoza, Dec. 16), 42. Taylor (v Arsenal, Dec. 16), 43. Landry (v Valenciennes, Dec. 16), 44. Mancini’s 2nd goal in this game (v Palermo, Dec. 17), 45. Quagliarella (v Reggina, Dec. 17), 46. Materazzi (v Messina, Dec. 17), 47. Lampard (v Everton, Dec. 17), 48. Drogba (v Everton, Dec. 17), 49. Paponi (v Messina, December 20), 50. Taddei (v Cagliari, Dec. 23),

51. Scholes (v A. Villa, Dec. 23), 52. Nakamura (v Dundee U., Dec. 26), 53. Crouch (v Bolton, Jan. 1), 54. Van Hooijdonk (v Galatasaray, Jan. 9), 55. Henry (v Blackburn, Jan. 13), 56. Martins (v Spurs, Jan. 14), 57. Grosso (v Empoli, Jan. 17), 58. Sinclair (v Barnet, Jan. 27), 59. Rooney (v Portsmouth, Jan. 27), 60. Nugent (v Crystal Palace, Jan. 27),

61. Rasoul Khatibi (v Belarus, Feb. 7), 62. Fred (v Lorient, Feb. 10), 63. Adriano (v Chievo, Feb. 11), 64. Villa (v Inter, Feb. 21), 65. Ilan (v PSG, Feb. 25), 66. Barnes (v Sunderland, Feb. 25), 67. Martin Palermo (Independiente, Feb. 24), 68. McCarthy (v Arsenal, Feb. 28), 69. Mancini (v Lyon, March 6), 70. Ehiogu (v Celtic, March 11),

71. C. Ronaldo (v Europe XI, March 13), 72. Matuzalem (v Sevilla, March 15), 73. Preuss (v B. Munich, March 17), 74. Rooney (v Bolton, March 17), 75. Sinclair (v Crystal Palace, March 17), 76. Sneijder (v PSV, March 18), 77. Shevchenko (v Spurs, March 19), 78. Quaresma (v Belgium, March 24), 79. Bale (v San Marino, March 28), 80. Scholes (v Blackburn, March 31),

81. Farfan (v NAC, March 31), 82. Quagliarella (v Chievo, April 1), 83. Riise (v PSV, April 3), 84. Silva (v Chelsea, April 4), 85. Carrick’s 2nd goal in this game (v Roma, April 10), 86. McFadden (v Charlton, April 15), 87. Ribery (v Nantes, April 18), 88. Messi (v Getafe, April 18), 89. Emana (v Rennes, April 21), 90. Diego (v Aachen, April 20),

91. Vieri (v Siena May 6), 92. Berbatov (v Charlton, May 7), 93. Vasquez (v Orebro, May 7), 94. Grafite (v Toulouse, May 10), 95. Hitzelsperger (v Energie Cottbus, May 19), 96. Kristiansen (v Stuttgart, May 26), 97. Villa (v Villareal, May 26), 98. Postiga (v Belgium, June 2), 99. Souza (v Gremio, June 6), 100. Quagliarella (v Lithuania, June 6) 101. Spann (v El Salvador, June 7).

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-19T00:18:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man Utd boss Ferguson to check on Fellaini
Alex: Mourinho wants me at Chelsea
Marseille plan loan offer for Liverpool's Cisse
Leeds: Chelsea face competition for Gordon
Middlesbrough warn suitors off Downing
Sporting Lisbon's Veloso shrugs off Arsenal interest
Rossi wants to "cut it" at Man Utd
Portsmouth join race for Chelsea's Makelele
Dhorasoo gutted to miss Fulham chance
Bolton's Anelka in sensational Arsenal return
Real Madrid to bid for Chelsea's Robben
Parma president: Man Utd's Rossi wants return
Middlesbrough, Newcastle eyeing Bordeaux's Faubert
Fulham close to deal for Tottenham's Mido
Newcastle remain keen on Bolton pair Anelka, Diouf
Carr fighting for Newcastle stay
Everton won't give up on Benfica's Fernandes
Sunderland chairman "delighted" to land Halford
Spurs to bid for Nantes winger Wilhelmsson
Jaaskelainen demanded £60,000-a-week from Bolton
Man Utd tracking Juventus youngster Paolucci
Arsenal keep tabs on Lazio's De Silvestri
Zola: We should've used Man Utd's Rossi
Everton to offer Beattie, cash for Middlesbrough's Downing
Birmingham, Sunderland eyeing Liverpool keeper Carson
Blackburn seek Williams checks
No Bournemouth move for West Ham's Sheringham
Middlesbrough to bid for Aberdeen's Anderson
Birmingham eyeing Fulham's Knight
Rangers bid for West Ham's Konchesky
Newcastle plan Liverpool talks for Hyypia
Chelsea boss Mourinho desperate to land McCarthy
Spurs move for £3M Inter Milan defender Materazzi
Liverpool want Roma's Mancini in Bellamy bid
West Ham's Tevez hopes for Real Madrid move
Man City won't give up on Sevilla coach Ramos

SPAIN

Napoli sound out Real Madrid striker Cassano
Agent won't rule out Inter Milan for Barcelona's Eto'o
Sevilla in advanced talks for Ajax fullback De Mul
Capello demands answers from Real Madrid president Calderon
Agent: Roma want to discuss Chivu with Barcelona
Atletico Madrid to hand Aguirre new deal
Mane to stand down at Athletic Bilbao
Zaragoza move for Nacional defender Godin
Zaragoza have deal for Barcelona's Saviola
AC Milan, Juventus to pounce for Barcelona's Edmilson
Beckham celebrates as Reyes clinches Real Madrid title
Real Madrid to make sensational bid for Barcelona's Eto'o
Agent: Barcelona will sell one of Eto'o, Ronaldinho
LA Galaxy: Real Madrid can buy back Beckham - for $100M
Real Madrid, Juventus eyeing Barcelona's Iniesta
Real Madrid's Cannavaro admits Juventus talks
Ajax's Sneijder urges Valencia not to give up
Agent: Real Madrid have no chance over Kaka signing
Valencia chief Carboni confirms Juventus talks over Trezeguet
Livorno locked in Valencia talks for Tavano
Casillas welcomes Real Madrid push for Dudek
Man Utd's Pique targets Euro send-off for Zaragoza

ITALY

Dad seeks hefty pay-hike for AC Milan's Kaka
Nedved confident Juventus will land Van der Vaart
Angry AC Milan drop Real Madrid contact over Emerson
Lazio kid De Silvestri wanted by Juventus
Juventus make new contact for Reggina's Bianchi
Buffon urges Juventus to go for Tiago, Huntelaar
AC Milan to recall Digao to settle Kaka
Lazio eyeing Lyon fullback Clerc
Roma to recall Comotto from Torino
Agent: Fiorentina close for Inter Milan's Andreolli
Barcelona offer Giuly for Fiorentina striker Mutu
Lazio in Leggo talks for Dallocco
Palermo to clear up co-ownership players
Sampdoria rival Catania for Napoli's De Zerbi
Acquafresca happy with Cagliari move
Genoa anxious to secure Forestieri to new deal
Balzaretti agent insists Fiorentina deal done
Figo wants Champions League glory for Inter Milan
Agent denies Lazio exit for Jimenez
Fiorentina make £7M bid for Porto's Pepe
Cagliari close to deal for Ascoli's Fini
Reggina keen to do Gazzi deal with Bari
Chievo's Semioli keen on Palermo move
Sampdoria, Parma rival Atalanta for Sammarco
Roma captain Totti wins Golden Boot
Chiellini: Italy could've won U21 Euros
Torino announce deal for Palermo's Corini
Buffon: I know Juventus can win trophies

IT'S ALL DONE REAL MADRID ARE CHAMPIONS

2007-06-18T00:38:00.000+01:00

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Mallorca - Madrid Win La Liga
Uploaded by FootballHeaven

LATEST FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

2007-06-16T14:07:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND PREMIERE LEAGUE

T. Ben Haim from Bolton to Chelsea
J. Barton from Manchester City to Newcastle
M. Melchiot from Stade Rennais to FC Wigan Athletic
T. Sanli from Fenerbahce to Middlesbrough

ITALY SERIE A

A. Barusso from Rimini to Roma
C. Bellucci from Bologna to Sampdoria
F. Bazzani from Livorno to Brescia
G. Inler from Zurich to Udinese
A. Floro Flores from Arezzo to Udinese
A. Pit from Bellinzona to Roma
Suazo from Cagliari to Inter

SPAIN PRIMERA DIVISION

Portillo from Real Madrid to Osasuna
V. Kujovic from Roda to Levante
Cheli from Recreativo to Malaga
Carlos Martins from Sporting L. to Recreativo
Arizmendi from Atletico Madrid to Valencia
T. Hildebrand from VfB Stuttgart to Valencia
Silvestre Varela from Sporting L. toRecreativo
Valdo from Osasuna to Espanyol
Roberto Carlos from Real Madrid to FenerbahÃ§e

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA

S. Angelov from Levski Sofia to Cottbus
B. Berisha from Hamburg to Burnley
T. Hoogland from Schalke 04 to Aachen
T. Hildebrand from VfB Stuttgart to Valencia
M. Petric from Basel to Borussia
M. Hesse from Aachen to Dynamo Dresden
O. Kirch from Mönchengladbach to Arminia Bielefeld
F. Ribéry from Olympique de Marseille to Bayern

FRANCE LIGUE 1

J. Audel from OSC Lille to Valenciennes FC
M. Ciani from AJ Auxerre to FC Lorient
A. Keita from OSC Lille to O. Lyon
M. Bodmer from OSC Lille to O. Lyon
M. Melchiot from Stade Rennais to FC Wigan Athletic
K. Akale from AJ Auxerre to RC Lens
Marcos Antonio from Leiria to AJ Auxerre
E. Tavlaridis from OSC Lille to AS Saint-Etienne

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-16T13:56:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Gudjohnsen: Man Utd move perfect for me
Arsenal boss Wenger in secret Eto'o meeting
Spurs confident wrapping up Bent deal in 48hrs
Arsenal agree fee for Norwegian prospect Nordtveidt
Middlesbrough want Portsmouth's O'Neil in Yakubu offer
Leeds eyeing Reading defender Bennett
Marseille ask Liverpool for Hyypia
Arsenal bid £6M for Auxerre fullback Sagna
Man City try again for Sevilla boss Ramos
Djemba-Djemba leaving Villa for Portugal
Wigan boss prefers Dorus over Carroll
Barton excited to play for Newcastle fans
Spurs to trump Roma for Wilhelmsson
Portsmouth to offer LuaLua for Wigan's Camara
West Ham bid for Middlesbrough striker Yakubu
Charlton to wrap up deal for West Ham's Mullins
Ashley takes control of Newcastle
Fulham swoop for Villa defender Hughes
Blackburn boss Hughes not interested in Man City

SPAIN

Barcelona president mulls over Eto'o swap for Inter's Adriano
Valencia chief urges Soler to cough up for Trezeguet
Real Madrid's Meija keen on Zaragoza move
Torres urges Atletico Madrid to deal in Aguirre
Levante land Roda keeper Kujovic
Albelda insists he's happy with Valencia deal
Murcia in Villarreal talks over Riquelme loan deal
Real Madrid's Beckham: I'm excited about LA Galaxy move
Ronaldinho: No problems with Barcelona pal Eto'o
Capello tells Calderon: I'm staying with Real Madrid
Agent: Barcelona offering Sylvinho in Chivu bid
Real Madrid angry with AC Milan over Emerson talks
FIFA side with Real Madrid in Robinho dispute
Marquez, Dos Santos staying with Barcelona - agent
Malaga move for Murcia striker Noel-Williams
Villarreal eyeing Celta Vigo's Angel
Agent: Roma keen on Real Madrid's Marcelo
Laudrup handed deadline over Recreativo offer
Levante swoop for Sevilla's Castedo
Recreativo coach Marcelino confirms Betis talks

ITALY

Barcelona failed with cheeky offer for Inter Milan's Ibrahimovic
Real Madrid make £7M-a-year offer to Kaka's Dad
Lyon's Tiago: Juventus offer is fascinating
Agent warns Roma over Faubert bid
Ghana powerhouse Barusso on way to Roma
Nedved backs Juventus bid for Van der Vaart
Lyon to bid for Roma winger Mancini
Fiorentina eyeing Lyon trio defender Cris, midfielder Tiago and Claudio Cacapa
Di Vaio wants Genoa stay
Peruzzi hopes for Lazio job
Napoli's De Zerbi fancies Catania return
Rieti striker Zarineh reveals Roma interest
Cagliari president opens Napoli door to midfield duo Antonio Langella and Mauro Esposito
Baldini wants Berti as new Catania keeper
Tardelli leaving Juventus board
Udinese confirm Floro Flores deal
Palermo's Corini reveals Roma offer
Reja confirms Napoli stay
Zalayeta unsure of Juventus future
Lazio president: No keeper decision made
Galliani: AC Milan happy with strikers pool
Wilhelmsson agent reveals new Roma talks

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-13T11:29:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Arsenal want to pair Henry with Trezeguet
Tevez to choose between Man Utd, Inter Milan
Ronaldinho: Gerrard better than Man Utd's Ronaldo
Eto'o keen to see Barcelona land Arsenal's Henry
Newcastle turn to Reading's Shorey
Haugesund warn Arsenal over Nordtveidt fee
Fulham eyeing Noveski
Fulham join battle for Watford's Shittu
Spurs, Portsmouth target Davies wants away from West Brom
Portsmouth go for West Ham's Harewood
Derby, Portsmouth move for QPR winger Cook
Tuncay to earn £60,000-a-week at Middlesbrough
Man Utd's Rossi ready to face England
Birmingham go for West Brom's Koumas
Jenas: Spurs must keep Berbatov
Crouch can't rest at Liverpool
Cox yet to pen Reading deal
Portsmouth signing Muntari likened to Beckham
Newcastle remain keen on Liverpool's Hyypia
Newcastle in Marseille talks for Beye
Segers: Cerny great for Spurs
Man Utd's Richardson facing England U21 axe
Chelsea target Gordon rejects Leeds offer
Preston beat Man City, Everton for Jones
Bolton rival Newcastle for Karadeniz
Wigan to confirm Melchiot deal today
Wigan make bid for West Brom's Koumas
Ex-Fulham boss Coleman in Man City frame
Sheffield Utd boss won't give up on Everton, Villa target Jagielka
Arsenal board want Kroenke talks
Newcastle secure Solano, Krul to new deals
Ex-Chelsea chief Birch joins Derby
Blackburn won't block Todd exit
Jeffers could stay with Blackburn - Williams
Keane expects more Sunderland signings to follow Halford
Portsmouth boss Redknapp rules out O'Connor, Webo
Liverpool agree deal with MTK Hungaria academy
Man Utd join race for Independiente keeper Ustari
Rozehnal agent confident of Newcastle move
Southampton keen to re-sign Liverpool's Guthrie
Fulham silent on double bid for West Brom's Kamara, Koumas
Forest clinch deal for Lennon
Middlesbrough chief Lamb in Istanbul for Tuncay talks
Whelan intends to stay with Wigan
Liverpool granted clear run at Benfica's Simao
Lyon president urges Chelsea, Liverpool to make Malouda bid
Liverpool made offer for Man Utd target Renato
West Ham told to up bid for Benfica striker Gomes
AC Milan keen on Chelsea's Makelele
Blackburn leave Baird to Fulham
Torres to spark mad Man Utd, Liverpool scramble
Arsenal won't stand aside in Eto'o battle
Trezeguet agent admits Man Utd, Arsenal in frame
Newcastle agree Rozehnal fee with PSG
Barcelona kid Crosas ponders Liverpool offer
Zaragoza move for Arsenal defender Senderos

SPAIN

Zaragoza's Milito will join Juventus - agent
Real Madrid president: Capello, Mijatovic set to stay
Barcelona seek Italian buyer for Eto'o
Andrade favours Barcelona over Real Madrid
Barcelona, Real Madrid battle for £7M Zapater
Tomasson ponders Villarreal stay
Mallorca in Real Madrid talks for Soldado
Osasuna locked in Real Madrid talks for Portillo, Pablo Garcia
Sevilla eyeing Boca Juniors defender Silvestre
Atletico Madrid remain keen on Akale
Agent: Zambrotta staying at Barcelona
Real Madrid's Emerson organises AC Milan medical
Brazil make points threat to Real Madrid over Robinho
AC Milan chief Galliani to offer £25M for Barcelona star Eto'o
Real Madrid convinced they have Barcelona's Saviola
Marseille in talks with Barcelona for Edmilson
Valencia agree terms with Atletico Madrid for Arizmendi
Quaresma coy over Atletico Madrid interest
Recoba warming to Atletico Madrid move
Zaragoza to snap up Real Madrid defender Meija
Real Sociedad's Prieto favours Bilbao move
Murcia go for Atletico Madrid striker Mista
Espanyol make Costa available
Villarreal strike terms for Independiente keeper Ustari

ITALY

Inter Milan president Moratti: Suazo talks now advanced
Juventus to use Trezeguet to land Lyon's Tiago
AC Milan's Ancelotti: We'd love to sign Eto'o
Palermo president reveals Juventus talks over Barzagli
Ranieri wants Miccoli at Juventus
Roma eyeing Corinthians star Ratinho
Sampdoria, Genoa move for Roma's Vucinic
Cagliari's Esposito keen on Napoli move
Cagliari president slams Fiorentina's Canini offer
Jimenez agent slams Lazio exit rumours
Palermo president: Lazio, Roma want Caracciolo
Palermo president: Gonzalez returning from Inter Milan
Rimini chief: Barusso has 60% chance of joining Roma
Udinese chief Leonardi: No Juventus deal yet for Iaquinta
Empoli to re-sign AC Milan pair Pozzi, Marzoratti
Atalanta president insists Doni stays
Chievo chief: Fiorentina talks stalled over Semioli
Mandorlini named Siena coach
Agent: AC Milan have withdrawn Gilardino from market
Juventus defender Tudor confirms Hajduk Split move
Di Carlo confirmed as Parma coach
Colantuono confident leading Palermo to European qualification
Preziosi resigns Genoa presidency

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-11T00:26:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Fenerbahce rival Man Utd for Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
West Ham ask River Plate for Carizzo
Newcastle aim to trump Arsenal for Sagna
Chelsea want immediate deal for Pato
Chelsea to sign and loan back PSV's Da Costa
Liverpool's Fowler in LA Galaxy talks
Rangers battle Liverpool, Valencia for Bjarsmyr
Man Utd open talks over stunning Tevez deal
Wenger: I won't break Arsenal contract
Newcastle make contact with Liverpool's Bellamy
Villa swoop for Austrian whizkids Andreas Weinann and Dominic Hoffbaur
Bolton monitor Sheffield Utd's Gillespie talks
Bournemouth keen on West Ham striker Sheringham
Bolton's Vaz Te hit by injury
De la Cruz reveals Reading talks
Portsmouth go for Osasuna striker Webo
Newcastle approach Charlton for Young
Arsenal boss Wenger coy on Malouda pursuit
Tottenham's Defoe rejects £12M West Ham return
Sunderland move for Celtic's Lennon
Stefanovic ready to fight for Portsmouth place
Villa confirm trials for Jonsson
Middlesbrough confirm deal for Arsenal's Aliadiere
Ajax confident keeping Spurs, Villa target Sneijder
Birmingham to offer £4M for Tottenham's Mido
Spurs, West Ham battle for Charlton's Bent
Newcastle in Ben Haim talks this weekend
Nigeria axe Chelsea's Obi Mikel
Middlesbrough move for South Africa keeper Fernandez
Middlesbrough rule out Chelsea's Geremi
Villa eyeing Hamburg's De Jong
Arsenal's Djourou closer to Birmingham move
Fulham reject Wigan offer for Brown
Blackburn to include Roberts in bid for Everton's Beattie
Derby move for Stoke's Diao
Man Utd's Heinze on way to Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid's Torres remains on Man Utd shopping list
West Ham include Benayoun in bid for Liverpool's Bellamy
Next PM Brown: Henry staying with Arsenal
Newcastle, Bolton to bid for Hearts signing Kingston
Celtic eyeing Arsenal's Ljungberg
Ipswich ahead of Derby for Blackburn's Jeffers
Brann striker Helstad hopes for Everton offer
Roda keen on Newcastle keeper Krul
Reading linked with Depor striker Xisco
Arsenal's Aliadiere agrees Middlesbrough move
Newcastle, Birmingham chasing Tuncay
Charlton chiefs in Valencia for Bent talks
Middlesbrough keen on Charlton fullback Young
PSV coach Koeman new Man City favourite
Middlesbrough, Reading target Kamara wants West Brom exit
Portsmouth miss out on Ogbuke
Kanu closer to Portsmouth exit
Millwall move for Derby's Currie
Tottenham confirm deal for Bilbao fullback Berciche
Liverpool boss Benitez approaches Charlton for Bent

SPAIN

Casillas admits Real Madrid players now "cautious"
Barcelona star Messi: Hand-ball goal doesn't matter now
Ronaldinho blanks Barcelona teammates
Barcelona offer Giuly in bid for Monaco's Toure
Recreativo set to land Sporting Lisbon pair Varela, Martins
Deportivo, Zaragoza offers for Real Madrid's De la Red
Real Madrid hero Tamudo: I was only doing my job
Hamburg's Van der Vaart urges Real Madrid to make offer
Fiorentina in advanced talks for Barcelona's Giuly
River Plate move for Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez
Zaragoza's Milito wants Juventus move
Lyon confirm Barcelona talks over Abidal
Sevilla make offer to Roma target Juan
Juventus bid for Barcelona's Iniesta
Real Madrid president: Capello can continue
Atletico Madrid have first option on Porto's Quaresma
Barcelona's Saviola to continue in Spain
Murcia go for Valencia pair Butelle, Viana
Osasuna cut loose Milosevic, Valdo, Inaki
Getafe to spend big on Racing Santander's Vitolo
Guardiola agrees terms on Barcelona coaching post

ITALY

Inter Milan in talks with Juventus striker Trezeguet
AC Milan make contact with Lyon's Tiago
Juventus close to deal for Palermo's Barzagli
Inter Milan heap pressure on Roma over Chivu, Juan
Figo confirm new deal until 2008
Palermo clinch deals for Migliaccio, Ujkani
Reggina's Mesto wants Lazio move
Fiorentina chief Corvino in France for Lyon talks
Chievo up price for Fiorentina target Semioli
Catania move quickly for dumped Palermo favourite Corini
Roma confirm Juan interest
Juventus in advanced talks for Empoli's Almiron
Siena swoop for Jarolin, Eleftheropoulos
Parma snap up Sampdoria defender Falcone
Spalletti: Roma must keep Chivu
Del Neri named new Atalanta coach
Rossi confident Rocchi will stay with Lazio
Del Piero prepared to wait for Juventus contract talks
Mazzarri wants Quagliarella at Sampdoria
AC Milan chief Galliani: Gilardino is staying
Makinwa unhappy at Lazio
Inter Milan step closer to landing Cagliari ace Suazo
Inter Milan demand Cassano in Real Madrid's Adriano offer
AC Milan medical scheduled for Real Madrid's Emerson
Juventus ace Camoranesi invites Roma offer
Buffon delighted after extending Juventus deal
Atalanta in talks with Juventus schemer Tacchinardi
Catania move for AEK duo italian pair Stefano Sorrentino and Bruno Cirillo
Fiorentina eyeing Bulgaria U21 keeper Mihaylov
Lazio rival Udinese for Inler
Benfica to bid for Messina striker Rigano
Dudu agent reveals Fiorentina contact
Torino in boxseat for AC Milan target Barusso
Palermo's Zaccardo admits big club ambition
Cagliari close to deal for Ascoli's Fini
Mexes to accept new Roma deal today
Palermo keen on Lazio striker Makinwa
Jimenez wants Lazio stay
Novellino delighted with Torino move
Beretta cancels Siena contract
Marino delighted with Udinese appointment
Real Madrid president: AC Milan's Kaka will join us

FRANCE

Casillas admits Real Madrid players now "cautious"
Barcelona star Messi: Hand-ball goal doesn't matter now
Ronaldinho blanks Barcelona teammates
Barcelona offer Giuly in bid for Monaco's Toure
Recreativo set to land Sporting Lisbon pair Varela, Martins
Deportivo, Zaragoza offers for Real Madrid's De la Red
Real Madrid hero Tamudo: I was only doing my job
Hamburg's Van der Vaart urges Real Madrid to make offer
Fiorentina in advanced talks for Barcelona's Giuly
River Plate move for Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez
Zaragoza's Milito wants Juventus move
Lyon confirm Barcelona talks over Abidal
Sevilla make offer to Roma target Juan
Juventus bid for Barcelona's Iniesta
Real Madrid president: Capello can continue
Atletico Madrid have first option on Porto's Quaresma
Barcelona's Saviola to continue in Spain
Murcia go for Valencia pair Butelle, Viana
Osasuna cut loose Milosevic, Valdo, Inaki
Getafe to spend big on Racing Santander's Vitolo
Guardiola agrees terms on Barcelona coaching post

ITALY

Inter Milan in talks with Juventus striker Trezeguet
AC Milan make contact with Lyon's Tiago
Juventus close to deal for Palermo's Barzagli
Inter Milan heap pressure on Roma over Chivu, Juan
Figo confirm new deal until 2008
Palermo clinch deals for Migliaccio, Ujkani
Reggina's Mesto wants Lazio move
Fiorentina chief Corvino in France for Lyon talks
Chievo up price for Fiorentina target Semioli
Catania move quickly for dumped Palermo favourite Corini
Roma confirm Juan interest
Juventus in advanced talks for Empoli's Almiron
Siena swoop for Jarolin, Eleftheropoulos
Parma snap up Sampdoria defender Falcone
Spalletti: Roma must keep Chivu
Del Neri named new Atalanta coach
Rossi confident Rocchi will stay with Lazio
Del Piero prepared to wait for Juventus contract talks
Mazzarri wants Quagliarella at Sampdoria
AC Milan chief Galliani: Gilardino is staying
Makinwa unhappy at Lazio
Inter Milan step closer to landing Cagliari ace Suazo
Inter Milan demand Cassano in Real Madrid's Adriano offer
AC Milan medical scheduled for Real Madrid's Emerson
Juventus ace Camoranesi invites Roma offer
Buffon delighted after extending Juventus deal
Atalanta in talks with Juventus schemer Tacchinardi
Catania move for AEK duo italian pair Stefano Sorrentino and Bruno Cirillo
Fiorentina eyeing Bulgaria U21 keeper Mihaylov
Lazio rival Udinese for Inler
Benfica to bid for Messina striker Rigano
Dudu agent reveals Fiorentina contact
Torino in boxseat for AC Milan target Barusso
Palermo's Zaccardo admits big club ambition
Cagliari close to deal for Ascoli's Fini
Mexes to accept new Roma deal today
Palermo keen on Lazio striker Makinwa
Jimenez wants Lazio stay
Novellino delighted with Torino move
Beretta cancels Siena contract
Marino delighted with Udinese appointment
Real Madrid president: AC Milan's Kaka will join us

FRANCE

Saints close on Saganowski
Olimpique Marseille discuss Cisse with Reds
Lyon open to Abidal offers
Laurent Blanc has insisted he wants to keep the nucleus of his Bordeaux squad together
Harry Redknapp has admitted he cannot compete for Craig Bellamy or Jimmy Briand

GERMANY

Podolski going nowhere
Frankfurt sign Mehdi Mahdavikia
Di Natale open to Wolves move
Hamburg midfielder Nigel de Jong has emerged as a transfer target for Aston Villa
Andres D'Alessandro has joined Real Zaragoza on a permanent deal
Bayern Munich have completed the signing of French international Franck Ribery

HOLLAND

Ajax hopeful over Sneijder
Beasley keen on Rangers switch
Roda keen to bring Krul home
Lazovic delight at PSV move
NEC Nijmegen have wrapped up deals for Jeremain Lens and Mark Otten

Primera Division video goals

2007-06-10T01:56:00.000+01:00

Barca concede in the 89th, van Nistelrooy scores in the 89th

Bar_esp
Uploaded by mightymagyar

[Saragosse - Real Madrid] Résumé
Uploaded by -Matfoot-

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-06T23:29:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Liverpool, Man Utd urged to bid for Trezeguet
Chelsea, Barcelona sound out Del Piero
Chelsea's Obi Mikel courts more Nigeria controversy
Bosingwa unsure of Spurs interest
Portsmouth turn to Bolton striker Anelka
Agent insists Benayoun wants West Ham stay
Four Premiership clubs battle for Diarra
Liverpool, AC Milan move for Mudingayi
Portsmouth, Newcastle eyeing Bordeaux's Faubert
Derby keeper Grant on way to Sheffield Wednesday
Juventus target Lampard rejects £140,000-a-week Chelsea deal
Juventus move for Man Utd striker Rossi
Chelsea to bid for Brazilian whizkid Pato
Chelsea, Spurs keep tabs on Newcastle's Dyer
West Ham boss Curbishley determined to land Bent
Benitez wants new Liverpool deal for Valencia target Macia
Sheffield Wednesday waiting for Fulham, Wigan offers for Brunt
Middlesbrough eyeing CSKA striker Vagner Love
Portsmouth to offer £3M for Wigan's Camara
Portsmouth rival Fulham for Villa's Davis
Middlesbrough must beat Spurs, Sevilla for Bosingwa
Shepherd can stay as chairman at Ashley's Newcastle
Birmingham in Arsenal talks for Djourou
Arsenal to send Merida to Atletico Madrid
Spurs to bid £8M for Atletico Madrid's Petrov
Middlesbrough step up bid for Villa's Moore
West Ham eyeing Reading's Hunt
Wigan signing Sibierski: Allardyce wanted me to stay
Sunderland boss wants Man Utd's Simpson
Routledge ready for Spurs move
No Derby deal for Currie
Portsmouth chasing Kenya star Mariga
Derby boss Davies determined to be competitive

SPAIN

Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos agrees Fenerbahce deal
Robinho: With Kaka Real Madrid would be invincible
Villarreal's Forlan, Senna come to blows
Real Madrid to rival Barcelona for Abidal
Barcelona eyeing Colombian starlet Cabrera
Baiano welcomes Atletico Madrid interest
Bento working on Martins over Recreativo move
Chivas in Barcelona talks over Dos Santos
Inter Milan's Recoba fields Sevilla, Atletico Madrid offers
Sergio Garcia agrees new Espanyol contract
Real Betis offer terms to Ilic
Real Madrid include Baptista in Daniel Alves bid
Real Madrid to send Marcelo to Espanyol
Barcelona express interest for Lazio striker Rocchi
Guti: Fundamental Capello continues with Real Madrid
Barcelona's Giuly open to Marseille move
Barcelona hero Guardiola offered Nou Camp return
Valencia revive bid for Depor ace Arizmendi
Nastic striker Portillo: I want Osasuna move
Sevilla's Castedo in Levante talks
Barcelona rival Milan clubs for Carlos Eduardo
Tuncay opens door to Real Madrid move

ITALY

Juventus coach Ranieri wants Barcelona's Edmilson
Juan wants Roma move
Juventus move for Inter Milan defender Andreolli
Ranieri plea: I need Buffon here at Juventus
Galliani: Barcelona's Eto'o prime AC Milan target
AC Milan chief: We'll talk to Real Madrid about Emerson
Gremio starlet Carlos Eduardo: I have AC Milan, Barcelona offers
Inter Milan rumble Roma tallks for Chivu
Olympiakos move for Fiorentina's Kroldrup
Napoli reject big Torino offer for Calaio
Lazio in CSKA talks for Dudu
Agent opens Lazio door to Inter Milan's Toldo
Reggina president hints replacing Bianchi with Lucarelli
Roma eyeing Bundesliga stars Juan, Mertesacker
Catania coach Baldini wants keeper Manninger
Dainelli set to stay with Fiorentina
Diaz ponders Italy return
Parma president Ghirardi ponders lower division coach appointment
Galliani admits AC Milan keen on Trezeguet
Marino confirms Udinese move
Mazzarri delighted with Sampdoria appointment
Cagliari president warns Inter Milan over Suazo deal
Agent expects Fiorentina deal for Semioli
Mavuba agent reveals Fiorentina interest
Agent expects Fiorentina move for Palermo's Barzagli
Guidolin linked with Parma
Roma captain Totti seeks to cool Italy controversy

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-05T00:30:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Moratti to make offer for Chelsea's Shevchenko
Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool go for Rosina
Chelsea rival Liverpool for Lyon ace Malouda
Arsenal plan major bid for Gomis
Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter check on Dembele
Ranieri wants Juventus winger Marchionni at Man City
Reading keen on Celtic's Gravesen
Arsenal to clinch deal for Bolton kid Bartley
Everton eyeing Steaua Bucharest defender Goian
Wigan complete signing of Newcastle defender Bramble
Portsmouth rival Arsenal, Spurs for Briand
Berbatov delighted Spurs chasing Petrov
Arsenal approach Liverpool for Cisse
West Ham target Parker wants Newcastle stay
Roma move for Liverpool's Zenden
Newcastle boss Allardyce watched Rozehnal
Chelsea, Man City ask Brescia for Hamsyk
Newcastle eyeing Lyon stopper Cacapa
Newcastle boss Allardyce won't give up on Anelka
Auxerre's Jaures on Newcastle radar
Torino seek talks for Liverpool's Leto
Atletico Madrid ask Arsenal for Merida
Barcelona chief denies interest for Chelsea's Lampard
Sunderland to bid for West Brom's Robinson
Bolton battle Wigan for Newcastle's Sibierski
West Ham aim to beat Newcastle for Barton
Giggs: Wales captaincy will help Liverpool's Bellamy
Wigan wrapping up deal for Newcastle's Bramble
Petrov welcomes Tottenham interest
Bolton chairman: Man Utd doesn't want Anelka
Charlton furious with opening Spurs bid for Bent
Chelsea's Makelele open to MLS move
Figo makes contact with Tottenham

SPAIN

Robinho: Real Madrid teammates are jealous
Real Madrid president Calderon goes for Barcelona's Saviola
Real Madrid in talks with agent of Sevilla's Daniel Alves
Juventus won't give up on Zaragoza's Milito
Barcelona in partnership talks with Ajax
Barcelona encouraged to try again for Werder Bremen's Klose
Camacho: Capello deserves to continue as Real Madrid coach
Depor approach Atletico Madrid for Pichu
Espanyol to bid for Partizan Belgrade fullback Rukavina
Real Madrid checked on Fenerbahce's Tuncay five times
Recreativo swoop for Sporting Lisbon schemer Carlos Martins

ITALY

Inter's Materazzi close to AC Milan move
AC Milan to offer Gilardino for Barcelona's Eto'o
Ranieri wants own staff appointed at Juventus
Lyon's Cris: Take me five minutes to agree Juventus deal
Torino star Rosina backs Novellino appointment
Frustrated AC Milan striker Gilardino: I'm off!
Zanetti: I hope Saviola chooses Inter Milan ahead of Juventus
Juventus president Cobolli Gigli: Ranieri our kind of guy
Novellino discusses new signings with Torino
Udinese swoop for Catania trio. Coach Pasquale Marino is joining Udinese on a two-year contract worth £400,000-a-season and will soon be followed by Catania striker Gionatha Spinesi and midfielder Fabio Caserta.
Genoa plan loan deal for Fiorentina's Bojinov
Siena go for Juventus attacker Boudianski
Napoli move for Roma striker Montella
Torino battle Bayern Munich for Marinkovic
Colantuono wants Del Vecchio as first Palermo signing
Atalanta eyeing Parma fullback Parravicini
Siena, Atalanta battle for coach Mandorlini
Montolivo hopes Canini joins Fiorentina
Palermo's Di Michele dreams of Roma move
Barone denies demanding Torino exit
Roma keeper Curci ponders future
Catania name Baldini as new coach
Juventus president admits Trezeguet talks continuing
Inter Milan's Recoba: I want Torino move
AC Milan coach Ancelotti admits Emerson admiration
Ancelotti: Only one AC Milan player a first-choice
Buffon slams Italy performance

FRANCE

Gregory Coupet will miss France's Euro 2008 qualifier with Georgia on Wednesday.
Borussia Dortmund admit Newcastle are favourites to land Czech star David Rozehnal.
Sedan's Nicolas Marin has penned a three-year deal with French Ligue 1 side Lorient.
Sochaux have named Frederic Hantz as their new coach.
Marseille are set to hold talks with Liverpool regarding Djibril Cisse next week.

GERMANY

Bayern Munich say they are close to a deal to sign France striker Franck Ribery.
Joachim Low says the out-of-form Miroslav Klose remains Germany's top striker.
Mehdi Mahdavikia says he will turn down any offers from Borussia Dortmund.
Hamburg have signed Egyptian striker Mohamed Zidan from Mainz.
Brazilian international Ze Roberto has been linked with a return to Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund admit Newcastle are favourites to land Czech star David Rozehnal.

SCOTLAND

Vennegor wants to close career in Celtic shirt
Shock Scotland call for Middlesbrough winger Morrison
St Johnstone will fight Motherwell for Coyle
St Mirren wait on Mehmet, Sutton
Dundee Utd favourites for Caley striker Dargo
Celtic want foreign work permit laws relaxed
Brown ready for extra Celtic pressure
Larsson backs Celtic to crack Champions League last 16
St Mirren's Sutton eyes England return
Coyle seen as favourite for Motherwell job
New signing Killen: Celtic to shed strikers
Rangers boss Smith ready to make "firm" bids
Rangers swoop for Motherwell keeper Martin
Jankauskas leaves Hearts
Malpas parts ways with Motherwell

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-06-04T00:00:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Bolton's Anelka: I can't reject Man Utd.
Ronaldo wants Man Utd stay for "many, many years".
Real Betis keen on Liverpool's Dudek.
Man Utd boss Ferguson explains squad reshaping.
Chelsea boss Mourinho: Abramovich backs me.
Spurs reject mega Chelsea bid for Chimbonda
Man Utd keeper Kuszczak rules out loan exit
Morris improves offer for Leeds
Southampton coach Snodin joining Northern Ireland staff
McCabe convinced Sheffield Utd will be restored to Premiership
Preston chairman denies rejecting Fulham offer for Nash
Derby rival Wigan for West Ham's Etherington
Toshack blasts back at Blackburn's Savage
Ranieri can clinch Lampard for Juventus
Barcelona wait for sign from Arsenal's Henry
Arsenal ask Newcastle for Martins, Owen
Barcelona in advanced talks for Liverpool's Xabi
Spurs revive Matuidi interest
Everton, Villa go for Wolves winger Kightly
Man City eyeing Sporting Lisbon's Romagnoli
Arsenal's Reyes orders agents to find Spanish club
Sheffield Utd rival West Ham for Man Utd's Richardson
Sunderland won't meet Villarreal's £18M Forlan asking price

SPAIN

Cicinho: Real Madrid can prise Kaka away from AC Milan.
Zidane convinces Ribery about Real Madrid.
Sevilla's Puerta: I have Real Madrid offer
Valencia close in on Juventus striker Trezeguet
Dinamo Zagreb's Eduardo Da Silva wants Sevilla move
Real Madrid may sign Nasri and loan him to Marseille
Zaragoza reject £12M Juventus bid for Milito
Ibanez wants Atletico Madrid stay
Aris Salonika in talks for Barcelona winger Calvo
Barcelona eyeing Levante keeper Molina
Atletico Madrid agree deal for Cleber Santana
Villarreal seek a return for Recreativo's Cazorla
Sevilla clinch terms with Fiorentina's Ujfalusi
Agent denies Barcelona exit for Zambrotta
Xavi strike clinches vital points for Spain
Caneira unsure of Valencia return
Marcelino confirms Recreativo departure
De Guzman wants Deportivo La Coruna stay
Nihat targets late Villarreal comeback
Real Madrid will fight to keep Cannavaro from Juventus
Abidal: Lyon can't deny me Barcelona chance
Guti makes fresh Real Madrid exit threat
Agent denies Barcelona deal for Palacio
Sevilla's Poulsen: I rejected AC Milan
Betis midfielder Assuncao wants Roma return
Depor president Lendoiro lunched with Marcelino
Levante to bid for Baiano, Savio
Espanyol face competition for Ponce
Atletico Madrid join race for Livorno keeper Amelia

ITALY

AC Milan keep tabs on Real Madrid ace Beckham.
Inter Milan clinch Cagliari agreement for Suazo.
AC Milan offer £7M for Gremio star Carlos Eduardo
Liverani: I'm leaving Fiorentina
Vanden Borre: Fiorentina move dream come true
Sampdoria in Juventus talks for Mirante
AC Milan coach Ancelotti wants Lazio's Mudingay
Atalanta go for Tacchinardi, Gargano
Juventus, Lazio chasing Vasco da Gama star Morais
Livorno keeper Amelia hopes for Roma move
Parma eyeing Lazio striker Inzaghi
Sampdoria go for Chievo defender Sammarco
Lazio told to up bid for Atletico Mineiro keeper Diego
Del Neri leaves Chievo
Juventus fullback Balzaretti: Fiorentina move close
Udinese chief confirms Juventus talks for Iaquinta
Almiron agent reveals Palermo interest
Juventus coach Corradini: I could've joined Real Madrid
Agent: Aquilani staying with Roma
Zeman linked with Reggina
Juventus fullback Chiellini: Italy favourites for U21 Euros
Roma's Totti faces ban over Azzurri snub
Buffon backs Ranieri appointment at Juventus
Donadoni: Italy finishing wasn't good enough
New Sampdoria coach Mazzarri writes to Reggina fans
Fiorentina unveil Czech Republic duo
Catania reveal Baldini talks

Top 10 Champions League goals season 2006/2007

2007-06-03T23:53:00.000+01:00

EURO 2008 QUALIFIERS

2007-06-02T21:56:00.000+01:00

RESULTS

Group A (qualifiers)

FT Kazakhstan 1 - 2 Armenia
FT Azerbaijan 1 - 3 Poland
FT Finland 0 - 2 Serbia
FT Belgium 1 - 2 Portugal

Group B (qualifiers)

FT Lithuania 1 - 0 Georgia
FT Faroe Islands 1 - 2 Italy
FT France 2 - 0 Ukraine

Group C (qualifiers)

FT Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 - 2 Turkey
FT Norway 4 - 0 Malta
FT Greece 2 - 0 Hungary

Euro 2008 - Group D (qualifiers)

FT Wales 0 - 0 Czech Republic
FT Germany 6 - 0 San Marino

Group E (qualifiers)

FT Russia 4 - 0 Andorra
FT Rep. of Macedonia 1 - 2 Israel
FT Estonia 0 - 1 Croatia

Group F (qualifiers)

FT Iceland 1 - 1 Liechtenstein
Suspended on 90' Denmark 3 - 3 Sweden
FT Latvia 0 - 2 Spain

Group G (qualifiers)

FT Belarus 0 - 2 Bulgaria
FT Albania 2 - 0 Luxembourg
FT Slovenia 1 - 2 Romania

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-31T23:43:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Torino to offer £6M for Man Utd's Luis Saha.
Lyon's Florent Malouda: There's been Liverpool talks
Tottenham boss Martin Jol leaning towards Michael Owen bid
Spurs rival Arsenal for unsettled Briand
Man Utd confirm Owen Hargreaves signing
Spurs keep tabs on want-away Troyes starlet Matuidi
Fiorentina ready to meet Liverpool price for Sissoko
Catania, Torino keen on Liverpool keeper Padelli
Defoe seeks assurances from Spurs boss Jol
Villa keeper Henderson joins Bristol City
Xavi: I'd sign Arsenal's Henry instantly
Liverpool to bid as agent opens door to Daniel Alves sale
Garcia: I want both Xabi, Eto'o at Liverpool
Tottenham turn to Blackburn's Pedersen
Bayern Munich to snap up Chelsea's Boulahrouz
Chelsea, Liverpool alerted as Valencia chief warns Silva
Michael Owen impressed by Newcastle boss Allardyce
Arsenal, Liverpool eyeing Zaragoza's Zapater
West Ham, Wigan know Riga price
Sevilla coach Ramos rejected Man City offer
Middlesbrough, Man City to check on Paraguay star
Ranieri can rescue Corradi's Man City career
Wigan will better any Everton offer for Jagielka
Chelsea boss Mourinho fancies Everton's Lescott
Spurs back in for Atletico Madrid winger Petrov
Reading move for Watford's Shittu
Spurs Christmas knees-up convinced Berbatov to stay

SPAIN

Raul: Eto'o never wanted to leave Real Madrid
AC Milan's Kaka "very happy" Real Madrid plan new bid
Agent: Real Madrid's Emerson happy with Barcelona interest
Wolfsburg to snap up Real Madrid's Meija
Zaragoza's Diego Milito: Barcelona interest is exciting
Saviola: My Barcelona career is over
Villarreal swoop for Babovic, Ja Tomane
Gabi: Aguirre deserves new Atletico Madrid deal
Racing Santander won't consider Garay sale
Getafe to snap up Depor striker Arizmendi
Agent: Betis perfect for Estudiantes striker Pavone
Osasuna clinch deal for FC Zurich's Margairaz
Calderon convinced he can land Kaka for Real Madrid
Real Madrid president: We didn't push Beckham to LA Galaxy
Lyon's Abidal: Barcelona want me
Fed-up Belletti hits out at Barcelona coach Rijkaard
Osasuna's Soldado reluctant to return to Madrid
Juventus alerted as Atletico Madrid ponder Perea sale
Barcelona eyeing Monaco's Toure
Krkic to stay with Barcelona next season
Racing Santander to lose coach Portugal
Espanyol clinch Rodriguez agreement with Spartak Moscow
Atletico Madrid to offload Ze Castro
Depor coach Caparros: Arizmendi's Atletico Madrid return good business
Forlan: I don't expect Villarreal exit
Regueiro unsure of Valencia future

ITALY

Real Madrid raise Cassano swap for Inter Milan's Adriano
Palermo president blasts Juventus over Amauri interest
Corradini excited by Juventus chance
Agent reveals Porto push for Inter Milan's Gonzalez
Parma boss Ranieri in Juventus sights
Genoa president Preziosi goes for Bojinov, Recoba
CSKA Moscow make bid for Palermo kid Cavani
Sampdoria use Taormina to land Spartak Moscow's Mozart
AC Milan field offers for Legati
Barusso agent reveals Roma, Fiorentina interest
Fiorentina target Amoruso wants Reggina stay
Fiorentina chief: Semioli suits us
Palermo chief: Budan staying with Parma
Gamberini expects new Fiorentina arrivals
Sensi confident Roma will secure Chivu to new deal
Buffon warming to Juventus stay
Palermo swoop for Atalanta's Migliaccio
Catania snap up Tedesco, Babu
Corvino admits Fiorentina exit likely for Liverani
Novellino: I wish I had brought Recoba to Sampdoria
Fiorentina chief: We'll replace Toni
Novellino welcomes Juventus, Torino interest

FRANCE

Malouda reveals Reds interest
Ribery Real talk cooled
Saints face Marek Saganowski fight
Rangers are chasing St Etienne ace Pascal Feindouno.
Alain Perrin has been named as the new manager of French champions Lyon.
Henri Camara's PSG talk played down

GERMANY

United confirm Owen capture
Germany to visit Wembley
Matthieu Delpierre pens Stuttgart deal
E. Cottbus have signed Dimitar Rangelov on loan from Strasbourg.
Bayern confirm 11 euros Toni deal
Wolves capture Magath

HOLLAND

Alex is hoping to show Chelsea fans just what he can do when Brazil face England.
Arsenal will play in the prestigious Amsterdam Tournament this summer.
Aberdeen have swelled their squad with the capture of Jeffrey de Visscher.
Danny Buijs will decide his future after Feyenoord's appointment of a new manager.
NAC Breda have snapped up Tim Gilissen from Go Ahead Eagles.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed delight at his international return.

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-31T00:47:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man Utd watch as Barca offer Eto'o for Henry
Arsenal's Henry favours Inter Milan move
Man Utd may loan Nani back to Sporting Lisbon
Man Utd stunner: Nani, Anderson deals confirmed
Chelsea, Arsenal ponder move for Saint-Etienne star Gomis
LA Galaxy open door to Newcastle, Spurs move for Beckham
Chelsea allow Crespo to remain with Inter Milan
Muntari delighted to join "fantastic" Portsmouth
Man Utd's Giggs: Right time to leave Wales
Primus close to inking new Portsmouth deal
Spurs silent on Lennon absence
Arsenal confirmed for Amsterdam tournament
Premiership influence growing in USA squad
Villa's Hendrie fancies Derby move
Birmingham chairman Gold expects relegation battle
Newcastle to sacrifice Parker for Man City's Barton
Chelsea, Man Utd among pack chasing Toure
Chelsea, Arsenal keep tabs on Swedish superkid Ekdahl
Atletico Madrid join race for Man Utd's Heinze
Everton alerted as Atletico Madrid ponder Ibanez sale
Espanyol, Osasuna move for Portsmouth's Kanu
Cocu: Alex will be fantastic for Chelsea
Atletico Madrid ask Arsenal for Vela loan
Villa's Hendrie ready to relocate to stay in Premiership
Real Madrid big threat to Arsenal in Ribery race
Bolton close in on Lens striker Cousin
Newcastle ahead of Villa in Gravgaard battle
Chelsea chief Kenyon in Milan today for Crespo, Sheva talks
Fulham in talks with Juventus defender Tudor
Blackburn warn Liverpool, Spurs off Pedersen
Leicester set to snap up Wigan's De Zeeuw
Derby's Barnes tells Spurs: I'm Arsenal mad!
Arsenal to offer £8M for West Brom's Davies

SPAIN

Calderon convinced he can land Kaka for Real Madrid
Real Madrid president: We didn't push Beckham to LA Galaxy
Lyon's Abidal: Barcelona want me
Fed-up Belletti hits out at Barcelona coach Rijkaard
Osasuna's Soldado reluctant to return to Madrid
Juventus alerted as Atletico Madrid ponder Perea sale
Barcelona eyeing Monaco's Toure
Krkic to stay with Barcelona next season
Racing Santander to lose coach Portugal
Espanyol clinch Rodriguez agreement with Spartak Moscow
Atletico Madrid to offload Ze Castro
Depor coach Caparros: Arizmendi's Atletico Madrid return good business
Forlan: I don't expect Villarreal exit
Regueiro unsure of Valencia future
Beckham: Real Madrid nothing like Man Utd
Atletico Madrid in talks for Inter Milan's Recoba
Valencia president chooses Flores over Carboni
Real Madrid chiefs want Sevilla wing-back Puerta
Lyon defender Abidal agrees Barcelona terms
Atletico Madrid signing Diego: I could've joined Porto
Marcos Senna wants Villarreal stay
Nastic want Barcelona whiz Krkic on-loan
Espanyol agree new deal with Dani Jarque

ITALY

Departing Fiorentina star Toni: I couldn't join Italian rival in respect to club owners, the Della Valle family.
Inter Milan chiefs go for Porto star Anderson, Nasri
AC Milan make contract offer to Roma target Juan
Juventus clinch personal terms with Mavuba
AC Milan make contract offer to Roma target Juan
Juventus clinch personal terms with Mavuba
Barcelona, Lyon lead chase as Juventus plan Trezeguet sale
Juventus move for £15M Palermo striker Amauri
Chievo chief: Semioli close to Fiorentina deal
Palermo's Di Michele keen on foreign switch
Napoli chief seeking talks with Fiorentina's Dainelli
Sampdoria eyeing Bari defender Belmonte
Parma in Messina talks for D'Aversa
Sampdoria in Valencia talks for Tavano
Ascoli's Pesce welcomes Lazio interest
Empoli's Raggi excited by Lazio link
Leonardi replaces Zanzi at Udinese
Orlandoni signs Inter Milan deal
Future of Reggina coach Mazzari decided in 48hrs
AC Milan's Oddo wants more trophies
Atalanta's Zampagna open to Fiorentina move
Italy coach Donadoni disappointed with Nesta retirement
Agent unsure of Chievo future for Obinna
Lupoli can't wait for Fiorentina move
Juventus keeper Buffon: I'd stay for Lippi
Galliani taunts Inter: Ibrahimovic, Zambrotta wanted to join AC Milan
AC Milan chief: We like Real Madrid's Emerson
Spartak Moscow swoop for Sampdoria kid Taormina
Kaka rejects Spain: I'm happy at AC Milan
Blanc: Lippi can have any Juventus job he likes
Juventus to bid big for AC Milan striker Gilardino
Vieri in sensational Juventus return
De Rossi: I want Roma stay for life
Roma chief Sensi confident over Mexes contract talks
Messina's Zoro completes Benfica move
Siena chief admits Beretta could leave
Tedesco pens new Palermo deal
Kaladze commits to AC Milan
Figo still to declare Inter Milan exit

UEFA 2008 LATEST NEWS

2007-05-29T22:00:00.000+01:00

Solskjær and Ferdinand ruled out

Two Manchester United FC stars have succumbed to injury and lead a growing list of players who will miss this weekend's international matches across Europe.

Georgia to go on without Arveladze

AZ Alkmaar's Georgian forward Shota Arveladze has announced his international retirement ahead of next month's Group B games against Lithuania and France.

Finland urged to fight for points

Finland coach Roy Hodgson is staying confident despite his squad being short on fitness for their Group A double-header against Serbia and Belgium.

Weakened Andorra go to Russia

Andorra's head coach David Rodrigo must take on qualifying Group E rivals Russia in St Petersburg without at least eight established players.

In-form Inzaghi back in Italy squad

Having fired AC Milan to UEFA Champions League glory, Filippo Inzaghi has been recalled for Italy's EURO qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

Duo in line for Hungary debuts

Újpest FC goalkeeper Szabolcs Balajcza and Debreceni VSC midfielder Balázs Dzsudzsák are the novelties in the Hungary squad to face Greece and Norway.

Beenhakker appoints new deputy

Experienced coach and former Polish international Adam Nawałka has been made assistant to Poland boss Leo Beenhakker, taking over from Dariusz Dziekanowski.

Slovakia missing key trio

Slovakia coach Ján Kocian will be without Marek Mintál, Martin Jakubko and Szilárd Németh when his side meet Germany in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier on 6 June.

Mintál setback for Slovakia

Marek Mintál suffered a knee ligament injury in Saturday's German Cup final victory, ruling him out of a return to the country in Slovakia colours next week.

Lennon misses England qualifier

Aaron Lennon has been ruled out of England's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Estonia with a knee injury, paving the way for a David Beckham comeback.

Zivkovic to miss Croatia qualifiers

HNK Hajduk Split defender Boris Živkovic is out of Croatia's UEFA EURO™ qualifying matches against Estonia and Russia after suffering a knee injury.

Bellamy earns Wales a draw

Wales 2-2 New ZealandWales needed two Craig Bellamy equalisers to draw Saturday's friendly in Wrexham.

Beckham back in England fold

Former captain David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for Friday's friendly with Brazil and the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in Estonia on 6 June.

Fitzel 'positive' about Malta's task

After naming an unchanged squad for next week's UEFA EURO™ qualifiers against Norway and Bosnia Herzegovina, Malta coach Dušan Fitzel remains "positive".

England fringe feast on Albania

England B 3-1 Albania The visitors were beaten by an England B selection featuring ten full internationals in a friendly game at Burnley FC's Turf Moor.

Soldado gets Spain's approval

Roberto Soldado has taken the place of the injured Fernando Morientes in the Spain squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ games against Latvia and Liechtenstein.

Domenech keeps faith in youth

France coach Raymond Domenech has called up the uncapped duo of Jimmy Briand and Bakary Sagna for the qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia.

Victor Piturca has included two newcomers in his tried-and-tested Romania squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying double-header against Slovenia, on 2 and 6 June.

Qualifying round - Match kick-offs are listed in local time

02/06 Wales 15:00 Czech Republic
02/06 Iceland 16:00 Liechtenstein
02/06 Kazakhstan 18:00 Armenia
02/06 Russia 19:00 Andorra
02/06 Germany 19:00 San Marino
02/06 Finland 19:15 Serbia
02/06 F.Y.R. Macedonia 19:30 Israel
02/06 Faroe Islands 19:45 Italy
02/06 Denmark 20:00 Sweden
02/06 Bosnia-Herzegovina 20:00 Turkey
02/06 Norway 20:05 Malta
02/06 Albania 20:30 Luxembourg
02/06 Slovenia 20:45 Romania
02/06 Belgium 20:45 Portugal
02/06 Azerbaijan 21:00 Poland
02/06 Lithuania 21:00 Georgia
02/06 France 21:00 Ukraine
02/06 Belarus 21:00 Bulgaria
02/06 Latvia 21:30 Spain
02/06 Greece21:30 Hungary
02/06 Estonia 21:30 Croatia

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-29T19:37:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Man Utd monitor Ibrahimovic's Inter row
Huntelaar convinces Man Utd boss Ferguson
Inter president to shock AC Milan with Shevchenko bid
Liverpool chasing Lille winger Keita
Crespo tells Liverpool, Chelsea: Sign Tevez, win title
Liverpool scout Inter Milan defender Burdisso
Arsenal target Ribery: Decision made next week
Man Utd, Villa have Afonso Alves in sights
Portsmouth to bid for Watford's Bouazza
Man City, West Ham move for Levante hotshot Riga
Heinze can buy out Man Utd contract
West Brom boss Mowbray: I won't stop stars leaving
Ashley blanks Newcastle board meeting request
Wigan boss seeks talks with Liverpool's Hyypia
Villa to offer £6M for West Ham's Reo-Coker
Sunderland turn to Villa defender Ridgewell
Birmingham to bid for Charlton winger Thomas
Middlesbrough move for Fulham's Brown
Middlesbrough battling to keep Boateng
Blackburn's Bentley: Gazza, Waddle my heroes
Newcastle to meet West Brom's £10M price for Davies
Man Utd, Newcastle linked with Portsmouth target Diarra
Wallace wins new Sunderland deal
Liverpool check on Torino star Rosina
Varga staying with Sunderland
Phillips fears West Brom will lose stars
PSG's Hellebuyck wanted by Man City, Middlesbrough
Spurs to close Kaboul deal today
Blackburn chairman pleads with town to back team
Davies: I'm not leaving Derby
Blackburn keep tabs on Everton's Beattie
Liverpool rival PSG, Lyon for Bodmer

SPAIN

Barcelona have three-striker shortlist for summer market
Beckham: Real Madrid nothing like Man Utd
Atletico Madrid in talks for Inter Milan's Recoba
Valencia president chooses Flores over Carboni
Real Madrid chiefs want Sevilla wing-back Puerta
Lyon defender Abidal agrees Barcelona terms
Atletico Madrid signing Diego: I could've joined Porto
Marcos Senna wants Villarreal stay
Nastic want Barcelona whiz Krkic on-loan
Espanyol agree new deal with Dani Jarque
Barcelona chiefs furious over ref's Messi threat

ITALY

Juventus keeper Buffon: I'd stay for Lippi
Galliani taunts Inter: Ibrahimovic, Zambrotta wanted to join AC Milan
AC Milan chief: We like Real Madrid's Emerson
Spartak Moscow swoop for Sampdoria kid Taormina
Kaka rejects Spain: I'm happy at AC Milan
Blanc: Lippi can have any Juventus job he likes
Juventus to bid big for AC Milan striker Gilardino
Roma move for Toulouse striker Elmander
Vieri in sensational Juventus return
Inter Milan sending Gonzalez back to Palermo
AC Milan coach Ancelotti admits Italy ambitions
De Rossi: I want Roma stay for life
Roma chief Sensi confident over Mexes contract talks
Messina's Zoro completes Benfica move
Siena chief admits Beretta could leave
Hable: Fiorentina move dream come true
Palermo set for major clearout
Lippi not ready for Juventus return
Pizarro agent: Roma, Inter Milan both great destinations
Ranieri happy at Parma
Livorno's Lucarelli wins Italy call-up
Tedesco pens new Palermo deal
De Biasi wants to remain Torino coach
Kaladze commits to AC Milan
Figo still to declare Inter Milan exit
Fiorentina confirm Toni departure
Roma coach Spalletti: AC Milan doesn't need De Rossi
Agent denies Juventus move for Fiorentina's Pasqual

FRANCE

Bayern Munich have denied reports suggesting Franck Ribery has signed for the club.
Jean-Claude Plessis has confirmed Alain Perrin as Lyon's next manager.
Liverpool target Florent Malouda is hoping to resolve his future as soon as possible.
Lyon could be set to sign Lille stars Abdul Kader Keita and Mathieu Bodmer.
Jean-Pierre Papin has confirmed he will continue as Strasbourg coach next season.
Gervais Martel is keen to keep Francis Gillot at Lens despite his resignation on Monday.

GERMANY

Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto has joined Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayern Munich have denied reports suggesting Franck Ribery has signed for the club.
Bayer Leverkusen have signed German international defender Manuel Friedrich.
Bundesliga champions Stuttgart have confirmed the signing of Yildiray Basturk.
Nurnberg have confirmed that Jan Kristiansen will be staying at the club.
Thomas Doll has confirmed Christoph Metzelder is due to join Real Madrid.

HOLLAND

AZ Alkmaar have pulled off the surprise capture of Brazilian forward Ari.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed delight at his international return.

SCANDINAVIA

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is to miss Norway's Euro 2008 qualifier against Malta.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban has been linked with Celtic.
Kim Kallstrom has admitted Gerard Houllier's decision to step down came as a shock.
Johan Elmander is remaining coy on reports linking him with a move to Roma.
Sunderland target Per Nilsson insists he has not yet agreed a move to FC Copenhagen.

SCOTLAND

Celtic chief Lawwell: Nakamura, Boruc won't be tempted away.
Saint-Etienne star Feindouno happy with Rangers interest.
Jankauskas leaving Hearts
Hibs striker Killen reveals Cardiff move
Brown: Celtic only one for me
Strachan insists: Celtic best club in world to manage
Cup hero Doumbe chasing Celtic deal
Alvaro Novo: Rangers spirit will overcome Celtic spending
Rangers set to open talks for Kilmarnock's Naismith
Dundee Utd, Kilmarnock go for Queen's Park stars

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-28T12:39:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Real Madrid are closing in on a £5 million deal for Manchester United left-back Gabriel Heinze. They want him to replace Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos, 34, who is being released after 10 years at the Bernabeu. Heinze said: "I am convinced that if a good offer arrives then Manchester United will let me go."
Tottenham are planning a cheeky bid for Manchester United favourite Ryan Giggs. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted Giggs stayed. And both he and the player said at the end of the season that Giggs would remain for 2007-08.
Chelsea risk losing stars John Terry and Frank Lampard after news that club owner Roman Abramovich is putting away his chequebook. The two England stars have failed to agree new deals with the Blues and Abramovich has laid down the law that there has to be a wage cap.
Mike Ashley is ready to commit a staggering £270 MILLION to Newcastle United in order to win the Premiership inside the next three years. The sports retail tycoon has budgeted an incredible £270 million for winning the Premiership within three years and challenging for the Champions League within five years.
Rafa Benitez says there's no chance of him walking away from Liverpool, despite his frustration with the slow progress over transfer deals. "I am really pleased with the club and the supporters, but I just think that maybe the owners don't know the football market. It is a different market to what they understand in sports in the United States. I say that because if we don't start signing players - and I mean in the next week - then finishing in the top four will be a big challenge for us. "The owners want to finish as high as possible because they are winners - that is what I like about them - but they need to understand the situation here.
Manchester United remain favourites for Sporting Lisbon winger Nani.
Barcelona are ready to move for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.
Inter Milan offer Adriano for Arsenal skipper Henry
Chelsea chief Kenyon plans Kaka bid
Arsenal favourites as Marseille admit Ribery sale
Aston Villa to bid for Hamburg's De Jong
Juventus to pounce for Liverpool's unsettled Sissoko
Fiorentina eyeing Chelsea's Geremi
Chelsea's Crespo confident of Inter Milan stay
Peterborough swoop for Arsenal striker Simpson
Chelsea plan opening bid for Valencia ace Villa
Man Utd boss Ferguson still keen on Kightly
Newcastle rival Everton for Sheffield Utd's Jagielka
Fulham boss Sanchez moving for Villa's Hughes
Egypt star Zidan wanted by Spurs, Fulham
Liverpool won't stand aside for Chelsea in Mellis battle
West Ham boss Curbishley wants Zamora stay
Wigan move for Rennes defender Melchiot
Solano to miss out on Newcastle testimonial
West Ham's Benayoun: I thought I was goner
Hammill unsure of Liverpool future
Crouch: Rafa wants me at Liverpool
Arsenal join race for West Ham's Reo-Coker
Newcastle to bid for Tottenham striker Defoe
Spurs eyeing Auxerre fullback Sagna
Toulouse fight to keep Emana from Portsmouth, Villa
African Nations Cup may keep Shevchenko at Chelsea
Berger ready to pen new Villa deal
Sheffield Wednesday, Hearts set for talks with Sunderland's Miller

SPAIN

Barcelona management are furious over threats made by ref Alfonso Perez Burrell to Leo Messi during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Getafe.
Deportivo La Coruna players were still furious last night - 24 hours after their defeat against Real Madrid. Depor are convinced they were "robbed" after Ruud van Nistelrooy handled the ball for Real's opener - which was scored by Sergio Ramos.
Valencia to bid big for Villarreal striker Forlan. The Uruguay international is a favourite of Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores and the Los Che board are prepared to spend big to land the striker. Forlan's buyout clause is £16 million and AS says he'd welcome a move to the Mestalla next season.
Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Doll has confirmed defender Christoph Metzelder is joining Real Madrid this summer. The Germany international will arrive at Real on a Bosman in June and Doll said: "Metzelder will play for Real Madrid. We will have to look for a central defender to replace him."
Albelda blasts his Valencia fans
Barcelona not panicking over B team relegation
Espanyol chief reveals rejected Wolfsburg offer for Pandiani
Mallorca keen to offload Delibasic
Real Sociedad risk losing Savio
Sao Paulo seek Espanyol talks over Fredson
Stoichkov convinced his Celta Vigo can beat drop

ITALY

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted they're trying to prise Daniele De Rossi away from Roma.
Ibra tests Inter Milan patience with more Moggi praise
Recoba confirms Inter Milan exit: I won't stay in Italy
Deschamps: Pressure too great at Juventus
Totti: Roma must buy

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-27T19:06:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Liverpool, Chelsea go for AC Milan's Kaladze
Eto'o: Playing for Liverpool fans would be wonderful
Gillett writes off Liverpool title hopes
LA Galaxy warning for England over Beckham selection
Chelsea check on Genoa stars Di Vaio, Coppola

SPAIN

Real Madrid's Van Nistelrooy: Ball hit my hand
Real Madrid president Calderon: We're unstoppable

Madrid_depor
Uploaded by mightymagyar

Atletico Madrid have deal for Santos winger Cleber
No Juventus move for Barcelona pair Giuly, Saviola
De la Pena ready to sign Espanyol deal
Barcelona win at home against Getafe

Barca vs Getafe
Uploaded by BozWolf

ITALY

Chievo, Messina and Ascoli are in serie B
Inter's Ibrahimovic linked with sensational AC Milan move
Roma make major offer for Torino star Rosina
Siena beat Real Madrid for Peru starlet Arroe
Barone demands Torino move

FRANCE

Bhoys hero wants deal
Toulouse claimed a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League
Didier Deschamps' exit from Juventus has been confirmed
Sochaux boss Alain Perrin has revealed he has been approached by Lyon
Kim Kallstrom has admitted Gerard Houllier's decision to step down came as a shock
Djibril Cisse has admitted he would be open to staying at Marseille
Inter coach Mancini slams AC Milan taunts

GERMANY

Metzelder closes on Real move
Owen Hargreaves is looking forward to playing in the 'strongest league in the world'.
Nurnberg lifted the DFB Pokal on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Stuttgart

Wolfsburg have signed of Energie Cottbus duo Sergiu Radu and Vlad Munteanu
Porto playmaker Ricardo Quaresma says he is not interested in joining Bayern Munich

HOLLAND

Ajax beat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League
Heerenveen striker Lasse Nilsson has admitted he is tempted by a move to PSG

SCOTLAND

Doumbe the hero as Celtic see off brave Pars
Elvis: Celtic must target Treble next season
Rangers must trump Spanish interest for Feindouno
Kilmarnock's Hay: Naismith deserves big club move
Hart wants Aberdeen stay

FANS TALK DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS

2007-05-25T17:34:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Zidane: Kaka ahead of Man Utd's Ronaldo
Glazers stunned by Man Utd sale reports
Capello wants to take Buffon with him to Chelsea!!!
Arsenal boss Wenger: Cesc and I are staying
Chelsea, Newcastle move for Nantes whiz Payet
Tottenham in Sporting Lisbon talks for Nani
Atletico Madrid to try again for Arsenal's Rosicky
Bolton rival Portsmouth for Lyon's Diarra
Eriksson keen on Man City talks
Everton boss Moyes to check on Jagielka
Chelsea keen on PSV's Da Costa
Tottenham secure Man Utd target Berbatov to bumper new deal
Villa eyeing Portsmouth's Taylor
Southampton legend Le Tissier: I signed Tottenham contract
Portsmouth wrap up Hreidarsson deal
Bolton boss Lee clinches Samuel deal
Real Madrid convinced they can land Arsenal's Cesc
Newcastle to land Liverpool's Hyypia
Sunderland go for Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen
Watford move for Arsenal keeper Poom
Sunderland in swap talks for Preston's Nugent
Portsmouth in PSG talks for Kalou
French clubs queue for Portsmouth's Pamarot
Portsmouth must cough up for Mvuemba
Fulham turn to Aberdeen skipper Anderson
Barnsley to splash out on West Ham's Reid
Swansea snap up Fulham's Collins
Man Utd plan stunning £39M bid for Berbatov
Drogba sticking with Chelsea - for now
Chelsea offer £10M for Tottenham's Chimbonda
Liverpool go for Valencia sensation Silva
Celtic boss Strachan wanted by Thaksin for Man City
Real Madrid's Beckham set for England return
Villa boss O'Neill has £30M to spend
Villa inviting offers for Ridgewell
N'Gotty still considering Birmingham offer
Reading skipper Murty: Sidwell deserves Chelsea success
Birmingham can trump dithering Portsmouth for Bramble
Sunderland make Arnau available
Newcastle boss Allardyce wants Baines as first signing
Reading eyeing Villa's McCann
Collins hopes Tevez sticks with West Ham
Sunderland offer £2M for Bolton keeper Jaaskelainen
Chelsea to trump Liverpool for Sheffield Utd whiz Mellis
Lyon eyeing Chelsea fullback Ferreira
Man Utd leave Bale to Tottenham
Man City kid Evans tipped for top
Liverpool boss confirms Betis deal for Gonzalez
Newcastle boss Allardyce keen on Liverpool's Fowler
Benfica move for Liverpool keeper Dudek
Reina, Xabi committed to Liverpool
Mascherano: Liverpool move for Tevez is possible
Coventry, Leicester join race for Villa's Hendrie
Newcastle pair Owen, Dyer impressed by Allardyce
Sampdoria seek return for Liverpool's Padelli
West Ham go for £5M Reading fullback Shorey
Benayoun still to commit to West Ham
Hargreaves Man Utd deal waiting for Gill
Villa, Blackburn encouraged to bid for Liverpool's Bellamy
Chelsea's Drogba wins surprise Eto'o praise
Benitez can't rule out selling top Liverpool stars
Baptista admits Arsenal exit
Udinese chief: Muntari fee agreed with Portsmouth
Gerrard expects Liverpool to spend big this summer
Newcastle's Owen ready to take on England responsibility
Makelele wants Chelsea stay
Bayern still option for Chelsea's Robben
Middlesbrough may sell to buy Kamara, Aliadiere
Carlsberg extend Liverpool agreement

SPAIN

Real Madrid, Juventus offers for Juventus keeper Buffon
Juventus return on for Real Madrid's Capello
Robinho: Kaka dreams of playing for Real Madrid
Barcelona's Zambrotta denies AC Milan talks
Real Zaragoza go for Espanyol's Dani Jarque
Nene: I'll go down with Celta Vigo
Depor president seeks Real Madrid youngsters in Andrade deal
Osasuna president admits Raul Garcia on way to Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid eyeing Belenenses defender Brandao
Lyon move for Celta Vigo's Oubina
Levante move for Villarreal defender Alvarez
Marseille's Nasri: I'm not ready for Real Madrid
Roberto Carlos: Cicinho wrong on Real Madrid talks
Barcelona's Eto'o won't rule out sensational Real Madrid return
Juventus close in on Barcelona's Marquez
AC Milan to offer Oliveira for Real Madrid's Emerson
Agent: Sevilla's Maresca would welcome Roma move
Bayern Munich's Santa Cruz: Betis, Marseille, Roma want me
Osasuna agree new deal with coach Ziganda
Celta Vigo chief Carnero in Atletico Madrid sights

ITALY

Zizou: Juventus must go forward with Deschamps
It's Deschamps or Secco at Juventus
AC Milan president Berlusconi hints at big attacking signing
Roma rejected Lyon striker Fred
Ancelotti won't stop Kaladze leaving AC Milan
Real Madrid's Emerson coy on AC Milan rumours
Agent reveals big interest for Juventus winger Marchionni
Palermo president has deal for Atalanta coach Colantuono
Agent insists Chivu staying with Roma
Palermo chief: Livorno asking too much for Amelia
Palermo vice-president: Biava, Brienza will be sold
Amoruso snubs Fiorentina for Reggina stay
Fiorentina chasing Albinoleffe's Colombo
Cribari happy at Lazio
Spartak, CSKA Moscow move for Empoli's Almiron
De Biasi warning for Torino
Agent: Cagliari's Langella can follow Colantuono to Palermo
Palermo chief Micciche reveals Cigarini talks
Roma in first round of talks with Ferrari
AC Milan's Nesta silences critics
Udinese keeper De Sanctis wanted by Lazio, Palermo - agent
AC Milan to retire Maldini's No3
Cagliari not big enough for Suazo - Giampaolo
AC Milan's Ambrosini happy to play bigger role

FRANCE

Gerard Houllier has stepped down as Lyon coach.
Franck Ribery claims his future will become clearer by the end of next week.
Raymond Domenech has resisted the temptation to recall striker David Trezeguet.
Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet has confessed he is still puzzled about his future.
Jimmy Briand has expressed his surprise after being named in the France squad.
Heerenveen striker Lasse Nilsson has admitted he is tempted by a move to PSG.

GERMANY

Porto playmaker Ricardo Quaresma says he is not interested in joining Bayern Munich.
Felix Magath is reportedly being lined up to become sport director at VfL Wolfsburg.
Energie Cottbus have signed defender Toni Wachsmuth on a two-year deal.
Bayern Munich have signed full-back Marcell Jansen from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Owen Hargreaves is having talks with Man Utd over his proposed move from Bayern.
Joachim Low will not be able to call on the services of Michael Ballack.

SCOTLAND

Agent reveals Celtic talks for Spartak Moscow's Mozart
McCoist delighted as Gow stars against LA Galaxy in Rangers debut
Aberdeen boss Calderwood fears Premiership vultures
Kilmarnock boss: No approaches for Naismith
Hearts risk losing Kingston
Darlington swoop for Motherwell's McBride
Rangers boss Smith can't see Old Firm in Premiership
McAllister: I broke Dad's heart rejecting Celtic
Hearts keeper Gordon: No player worth £10M
Celtic will resist any Siena bid for Sno
Dundee Utd agree deal for Zaluska

HOLLAND

Heerenveen striker Lasse Nilsson has admitted he is tempted by a move to PSG.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is to make himself available for Holland next season.
Ajax have shuffled their goalkeeping options for next term.
Roda JC's interest in Gambia midfielder Mustapha Jarju has been confirmed.
Ramon Zomer is looking to move forward after signing a new deal with Twente.
Excelsior have retained their Eredivisie place, while RKC have another chance.

2007-05-24T14:37:00.000+01:00

ENGLAND

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger made a cash plus player offer to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday for striker Fernando Torres. AS says Wenger asked about Torres' availability and offered Aleksandr Hleb and Freddie Ljungberg in part-exchange for the Atletico captain. Atletico chiefs Miguel Angel Gil and Jesus Garcia Pitarch turned down the proposal, but left the door open by expressing interest in Manu Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky.

Eto'o wants Arsenal's Henry at Barcelona
Lyon president knows price for Man Utd's Saha
Barcelona eyeing Man Utd defender Heinze
Spurs make offer to Lyon striker Fred
Villarreal rival Juventus for Man Utd's Heinze
Barcelona check on Palace superkid Moses
Arsenal boss Wenger informs Baptista: No deal
Atletico Madrid haggle over Reyes fee with Arsenal's Wenger
Middlesbrough, Villa linked with Sporting Lisbon keeper Martins
Newcastle approach Germinal Beerschot for Sterchele
Reading to expand stadium
Zenden, Gonzalez first to leave Liverpool
Southampton's Bale set for Tottenham medical
Arsenal boss Wenger: Vela a special talent
Watford move for Fulham striker Helguson
Crewe in for Liverpool striker Lindfield
Sullivan: Forssell has Birmingham future
West Ham hike up fee for Birmingham, Rangers target Konchesky
Bayern Munich move for Chelsea's Makelele
Bolton ask PSG for Luyindula
Portsmouth eyeing Metz starlet Gueye
Birmingham move for Racing Genk stopper Caillet
Watford swoop for Wigan's Jackson

SPAIN

Roberto Carlos: Cicinho wrong on Real Madrid talks
Barcelona's Eto'o won't rule out sensational Real Madrid return
Juventus close in on Barcelona's Marquez
AC Milan to offer Oliveira for Real Madrid's Emerson
Agent: Sevilla's Maresca would welcome Roma move
Bayern Munich's Santa Cruz: Betis, Marseille, Roma want me
Osasuna agree new deal with coach Ziganda
Real Madrid check on Marseille starlet Nasri
Depor president Lendoiro keen on Victor Munoz
Celta Vigo chief Carnero in Atletico Madrid sights
Valladolid confirm interest in Real Madrid striker Higuain
Barcelona eyeing Lille whiz Hazard, Ajax's Blind
Barcelona make Roma's De Rossi priority signing
Schuster: Kaka can be 'new Zidane' at Real Madrid
Cicinho: Roberto Carlos wants Real Madrid stay
Inter Milan offer cash, Solari for Valencia's Joaquin
Flores slams Valencia bid for Ajax's Sneijder
Del Bosque backs Real Madrid for title
Barcelona linked with Flamengo keeper Bruno
Marcelino admits Recreativo departure
Caparros: Deportivo La Coruna free to speak with other coaches
Atletico Madrid eyeing Stuttgart striker Cacau
Atletico Madrid chief non-committal on Aguirre future
Getafe coach Schuster: No Real Madrid deal

ITALY

Euro champs AC Milan plan mega Barcelona raid
Chelsea's Shevchenko delighted for AC Milan
Juventus offered Trezeguet to Roma
Sampdoria GM Marotta held Vialli talks
AC Milan hero Inzaghi: My greatest moment
Galliani: Ancelotti staying as AC Milan coach
Ibrahimovic wants Moggi, Chivu at Inter Milan
AC Milan go for 'new Cesc Fabregas' , Racing Santander prospect Mario Ortiz.
Juventus chief Secco: First Buffon meeting already held
Kaladze hints at AC Milan exit
Fiorentina in talks for Romanian sensation Ochirosii
Juventus agree terms for Siena's Molinaro
Torino go for unsettled Fiorentina schemer Liverani
Roma eyeing Bologna's Belluschi
Felipe hopes for Udinese stay
Wolfsburg scout Udinese striker Di Natale
Giampaolo plans Cagliari stay
Livorno president: Crunch Lucarelli meeting today
Zanetti commits to Ascoli
Livorno keeper Amelia reveals Palermo offer
Ruggeri: Colantuono staying with Atalanta
Mutu expects Toni Fiorentina exit
Ibrahimovic reveals new Inter Milan contract talks
AC Milan ace Kaka: God saved my career
Moggi: Deschamps will stay with Juventus
Juventus chiefs meet with Roma over Mexes, Chivu
Roma move for AC Milan's Gourcuff
Fiorentina ace Toni: Nothing signed with Bayern
Juventus to offer Trezeguet for Sevilla's Kanoute
Reggina's Bianchi welcomes Lazio interest
AC Milan captain Maldini: Kaka deserves Ballon d'Or
Juventus chief admits Fiorentina eyeing Balzaretti, Marchionni
Agent: Roma keen on Toulouse fullback Mathieu
Dacourt to pen new Inter Milan deal
Udinese join battle for Palermo's Caracciolo
Empoli's Raggi: Lazio move would be dream
Fiorentina expect Juventus bid for Pasqual
Agent: Brighi wants Roma future
Livorno president: Roma keen on Amelia
Cagliari keeper Chimenti keen on Roma move
Messina chief Valentini: Everyone up for sale
Palermo's Corini: Zamparini wants me to stay
Vieira wants to close career with Inter Milan
Vierchowod wants Sampdoria job