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
Thursday, December 6, 2007
UEFA CUP RESULTS
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.
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
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
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
Monday, December 3, 2007
FOOTBALL NEWS
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
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
Friday, November 30, 2007
SPORTS BETTING NEWS
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.
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
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.
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.
Monday, November 26, 2007
DAILY FOOTBALL NEWS
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
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
