Archive soccer news from around the world
Ranieri warns Blues must get back to winning ways (Apr 30, 2004)
Claudio Ranieri has challenged his Chelsea players to use Saturday's crucial Premiership clash with Southampton as a springboard for next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Monaco. . . . more . . .
Rooney poised to sign new Everton deal (Apr 30, 2004)
Everton manager David Moyes believes he has finally beaten Chelsea in his battle to keep England striker Wayne Rooney who has been linked to a string of clubs. . . . more . . .
Beckham set to leave Real Madrid (Apr 30, 2004)
David Beckham's business partners were reported to be negotiating his move to a London club after just one season at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Juventus cash in on new Sky deal (Apr 30, 2004)
Italian soccer giants Juventus have signed a new two-year deal with Sky Italia worth 184.5 million euro, the Turin club revealed. . . . more . . .
Larsson set to lead Sweden in Euro 2004 (Apr 30, 2004)
Henrik Larsson was reported to have agreed to come out of international retirement to play for Sweden in the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal. . . . more . . .
Real and Barcelona said to be battling over van Nistelrooy (Apr 30, 2004)
Manchester United's attempts to stamp out a wave of speculation suggesting Ruud van Nistelrooy could be on his way to Barcelona or Real Madrid have failed lamentably with newspapers insisting the Spanish clubs had increased their efforts to poach the Dutch striker. . . . more . . .
Leeds slap 10 million price tag on Smith (Apr 30, 2004)
Leeds United have said they will not accept anything less than 10 million pounds for England striker Alan Smith if, as seems inevitable, they are relegated from the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Larsson confirms Celtic exit despite Euro u-turn (Apr 30, 2004)
Henrik Larsson insists he will still be leaving Scottish champions Celtic despite coming out of international retirement to play for Sweden in the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal. . . . more . . .
Beckham set to say adios to Real Madrid (Apr 30, 2004)
David Beckham's business partners were reported to be negotiating his move to a London club after just one season at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Maradona out of hospital after 12 days in intensive care (Apr 30, 2004)
Argentina soccer great Diego Maradona has left hospital and was being taken care of by friends 12 days after going into intensive care with heart and breathing problems. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Desailly to miss Champions League match against Monaco (Apr 30, 2004)
Marcel Desailly will miss Chelsea's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Monaco next week after an appeal to overturn the ban for violent conduct failed. . . . more . . .
Hitzfeld confirms Bayern exit in 2005 (Apr 30, 2004)
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has confirmed he will leave the German champions at the end of the 2004/2005 season. . . . more . . .
Campbell insists Gunners will stay focused as history looms (Apr 30, 2004)
England centre-back Sol Campbell insists Arsenal will not allow the chance of making history to be lost through complacency in the wake of their Premiership title triumph. . . . more . . .
Leeds hoping Viduka return can help them beat drop (Apr 30, 2004)
Leeds are praying the return of Mark Viduka will help them defy recent history and escape relegation. . . . more . . .
Italian footballers dress up for May 1 (Apr 30, 2004)
Italian footballers will don special jerseys this weekend to celebrate the 75 million people set to become the "new Europeans" on May 1. . . . more . . .
Cameroon striker Eto'o crowned king of African football (Apr 30, 2004)
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o atoned for several near misses when he was named African Footballer of the Year. . . . more . . .
Monaco still challenging for French league title (Apr 30, 2004)
Monaco's 2-1 away victory at Nice thanks to first-half goals from Dado Prso and Ludovic Giuly gave warning they are still challenging strongly for the French league title. . . . more . . .
Pressure eases on Zico after Japan's surprise away win over Czechs (Apr 29, 2004)
Japan's surprise 1-0 away win over the Czech Republic has helped ease pressure on their coach Zico, who was blamed for the Asian champions' stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign. . . . more . . .
Big Sam tells Rivaldo to make up his mind on Bolton deal (Apr 29, 2004)
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Rivaldo may be stalling on signing for his side in the hope of attracting an offer from a more glamorous club. . . . more . . .
Leeds ace blasts club for plotting sales (Apr 29, 2004)
Leeds and England striker Alan Smith has blasted his relegation-threatened club for hiring an agent to look into selling stars including himself and strike partner Mark Viduka. . . . more . . .
United battle to quell van Nistelrooy rumours (Apr 29, 2004)
Manchester United have moved quickly to stamp on a fresh wave of speculation suggesting Ruud van Nistelrooy could be on his way to Barcelona or Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Santini looks ahead to France's date with England (Apr 29, 2004)
France coach Jacques Santini has warned his players not to become too obsessed with their opening Euro 2004 clash with England. . . . more . . .
Bayern boss hints at quitting in 2005 (Apr 29, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld has hinted that he will be looking for a new job at the end of the 2005 German league season. . . . more . . .
Lippi splits with Juventus (Apr 29, 2004)
Marcello Lippi is standing down as coach of Serie A giants Juventus at the end of the season, he announced at a press conference. . . . more . . .
Referees told to come down hard on errant players at Euro 2004 (Apr 29, 2004)
UEFA has instructed referees at the European championships in Portugal to have zero tolerance for violent play and other rule violations, tournament organizers said. . . . more . . .
Crowd trouble fears prompt Greek Cup final switch (Apr 29, 2004)
The Greek Cup final between arch rivals Panathinaikos and Olympiakos has been relocated because of fears that a brand-new stadium built for the Olympic Games will be damaged by warring fans. . . . more . . .
Pompey look West for defensive reinforcement (Apr 29, 2004)
Portsmouth have resurrected their bid to sign Nigeria centre-back Taribo West as part of moves to strengthen their squad for next season. . . . more . . .
Premiership high-flyers Charlton eye summer trip to China (Apr 29, 2004)
English Premier League side Charlton Athletic, battling for a Champions League berth, are in talks to play two matches in China in mid-July. . . . more . . .
Germany a laughing stock after Romania rout (Apr 29, 2004)
German national coach Rudi Voller wanted to travel to the European championships undefeated and on a high note but that wish was torn apart when a young Romania team ran riot in Bucharest crushing the World Cup finalists 5-1. . . . more . . .
Duff dislocates shoulder again (Apr 29, 2004)
Chelsea's Damien Duff could be out for the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder for the second time this season. . . . more . . .
Mature Becks can fire England to Euro glory: Real boss (Apr 29, 2004)
David Beckham's boss at Real Madrid believes the England captain has matured significantly playing in Spain and tipped him to be one of the stars of Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Australia looking for over-age striker to boost Olympic team (Apr 29, 2004)
National coach Frank Farina said he was looking for an over-age striker to boost Australia's football squad ahead of the Athens Olympics in August. . . . more . . .
Frings getting heated between Bayern and Dortmund (Apr 29, 2004)
German champions Bayern Munich claim they have agreed a deal with German international midfielder Torsten Frings but face a tug-of-war to prise the player away from Borussia Dortmund. . . . more . . .
Tearful Baggio bows out as Italy salute 'Divine Ponytail' (Apr 29, 2004)
He will always be remembered for missing the penalty that cost Italy the 1994 World Cup final, but the Azzurri fans showed just how much they will miss Roberto Baggio. . . . more . . .
Sands of time might be running out for Vogts after Danish defeat (Apr 28, 2004)
Substitute Ebbe Sand's second-half header consigned Scotland to another defeat under Berti Vogts as Euro 2004 bound Denmark ran out 1-0 winners. . . . more . . .
Portugal blast for United's Ronaldo (Apr 28, 2004)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has threatened to discard Cristiano Ronaldo for Euro 2004 after the Manchester United winger pulled out of training for the friendly against Sweden. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer not thinking about UEFA presidency (Apr 28, 2004)
Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer admits he is flattered that FIFA president Sepp Blatter has touted him as the next UEFA president but insists he has not given it a moment's thought. . . . more . . .
German star Metzelder out of Euro finals (Apr 28, 2004)
German defender Christoph Metzelder has ruled himself out of the 2004 European championships in Portugal claiming it is a bridge too far. . . . more . . .
Ferguson plots Gerrard move to replace Keane (Apr 28, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was reported to be considering a 20 million pound bid for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard to replace captain Roy Keane. . . . more . . .
Five star Romania humiliate Germany (Apr 28, 2004)
World Cup finalists Germany may be bound for the 2004 European championships in Portugal but they were given a lesson in the art of finishing by an inexperienced Romania team who ran out 5-1 winners in a friendly international here. . . . more . . .
China bounce back to stun Algeria (Apr 28, 2004)
China showed real character here as they rebounded from their worst ever defeat to make Robert Waseige's debut as coach of Algeria a miserable one deservedly beating the African giants 1-0 in their international friendly. . . . more . . .
Injured Lehmann out of Germany tie (Apr 28, 2004)
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been forced to pull out of the Germany squad for the friendly match with Romania in Bucharest. . . . more . . .
Scots patience with Berti running out (Apr 28, 2004)
Scottish football chiefs' apparently endless patience with national coach Berti Vogts finally appears to be running out. . . . more . . .
Blatter gets thumbs down over win at all costs idea (Apr 28, 2004)
The controversial idea of FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, to abolish draws in football has been greeted with a chorus of disapproval by the leading figures in German sport. . . . more . . .
Arsenal sign Feyenoord winger van Persie (Apr 28, 2004)
Arsenal have signed Dutch winger Robin van Persie from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, the Premiership champions said. . . . more . . .
Czech Republic's Euro aspirations hit by Kubo (Apr 28, 2004)
The Czech Republic, touted as one of the favourites for Euro 2004, suffered their second straight defeat when going down 1-0 to an under-strength Japan in a friendly here. . . . more . . .
Spurs axe French striker Dalmat (Apr 28, 2004)
Tottenham have sacked French striker Stephane Dalmat and sent him back to Inter Milan after a string of bust-ups at the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho will not be sold, say Barcelona (Apr 28, 2004)
Ronaldinho will not be sold for all the money in the world, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said hours after telling Spanish radio it would be difficult to keep hold of him. . . . more . . .
Time running out for players hoping for Euro 2004 places (Apr 28, 2004)
Six weeks before the first ball of Euro 2004 is kicked in anger players still hoping to make it to the party in Portugal will be out to impress in the latest batch of warm-ups. . . . more . . .
Leeds striker Smith accepts inevitable (Apr 28, 2004)
Alan Smith appears to have accepted that Leeds will not escape relegation by asking fans to understand if he leaves Elland Road in the summer. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo mulling Bolton move (Apr 28, 2004)
Rivaldo has flown home to Brazil to mull over an unlikely move to mid-table English Premiership club Bolton, his English-based agent said. . . . more . . .
Chelsea line up Mourinho, Ronaldo and Beckham (Apr 28, 2004)
Big-spenders Chelsea were reported to have lined up Porto coach Jose Mourinho as their new manager and were ready to snatch Ronaldo and David Beckham from Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
PSG keep double dream alive as they clip Canaries wings (Apr 28, 2004)
French giants Paris Saint Germain maintained their push for the domestic double as they won a penalty shootout 4-3 against Nantes to progress to the French Cup final after a dramatic match ended 1-1. . . . more . . .
'Divine ponytail' hoping for fairytale international farewell (Apr 28, 2004)
Italy entertain Spain in a Euro 2004 warm-up friendly where the biggest cheers will be for a player who won't even be in Portugal for this summer's 16-nation tournament. . . . more . . .
Four-star Brazil in first ever win against Hungary (Apr 28, 2004)
World champions Brazil registered their first ever win against Hungary with two goals from Luis Fabiano and one apiece from AC Milan star Kaka and Barcelona's Ronaldinho. . . . more . . .
Baggio steals the show as Italy are held by Spain (Apr 28, 2004)
Roberto Baggio may not be going to Portugal this summer, but he stole the limelight as Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Spain in a fiercely-contested warm-up friendly for Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Barthez set for Marseille extension (Apr 27, 2004)
France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is to sign a two-year extension to his present deal with UEFA Cup semi-finalists Marseille, it was revealed by a club source. . . . more . . .
France coach Santini interested in Spurs job (Apr 27, 2004)
France coach Jacques Santini, unhappy at not being offered a new deal until after the Euro 2004 final, is interested in taking over as manager at English Premiership side Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Edu set to cap memorable week with Brazil debut (Apr 27, 2004)
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Edu could complete a memorable week in his career if he makes his international debut against Hungary just three days after winning the English Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Troubled South Korea take on Paraguay in soccer friendly (Apr 27, 2004)
Troubled South Korea play Paraguay in their first international since the abrupt departure of Portuguese coach Humberto Coelho. . . . more . . .
Keane out of Ireland comeback (Apr 27, 2004)
Roy Keane has been ruled out of his long-awaited comeback for the Republic of Ireland after picking up a hamstring injury which has forced him out of Wednesday's friendly in Poland. . . . more . . .
Ailton mourns losing out on Champions League (Apr 27, 2004)
Werder Bremen's Brazilian striker Ailton admits he is frustrated at missing Champions League football next season. . . . more . . .
Forssell stays at Birmingham (Apr 27, 2004)
Chelsea's Finnish striker Mikael Forssell is to stay on loan at Birmingham for another season. . . . more . . .
Real Valladolid sack coach Vazquez (Apr 27, 2004)
Fourth-from-bottom Real Valladolid have sacked coach Fernando Vazquez and replaced him with his deputy Antonio Santos as they battle to avoid relegation with four matches to play. . . . more . . .
Reputation not the selection criteria for over-age players: Farina (Apr 27, 2004)
Australia will be choosing over-age players for their football team at the Olympics on positional need, rather than reputation, national coach Frank Farina revealed. . . . more . . .
Germany's Deisler optimistic about Portugal chances (Apr 27, 2004)
Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler has not given up hope of making the German squad for the 2004 European championships despite not playing competitively since November. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo closes in on move to Bolton (Apr 27, 2004)
Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo is very close to clinching a move to English Premiership club Bolton, according to the player's English agent Peter Harrison. . . . more . . .
Chelsea appeal Desailly ban (Apr 27, 2004)
Chelsea have appealed UEFA's three-match ban on defender and French captain captain Marcel Desailly for violent conduct. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Trapattoni gives Baggio Euro 2004 hope (Apr 27, 2004)
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni admitted there is still a small chance he will take veteran striker Roberto Baggio to this summer's European championships in Portugal. . . . more . . .
Wenger gets Arsenal war chest (Apr 27, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been told he will have 15 million pounds to spend on strengthening his English Premiership winning squad in the summer. . . . more . . .
Lionhearted Irishman in like Flynn for Livingston (Apr 27, 2004)
Irish businessman Pearse Flynn has won the battle to take over Scottish League Cup champions Livingston who have been in administration since February with debts of 7 million pounds (10.5million dollars). . . . more . . .
Wenger plots more Arsenal glory (Apr 26, 2004)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has wasted no time in looking ahead to the future after plotting a second English Premier league title in three years. . . . more . . .
US billionaire increases stake in Manchester United (Apr 26, 2004)
Billionaire businessman Malcolm Glazer has increased his stake in Manchester United but made no mention of a possible takeover bid for the English football club. . . . more . . .
Huth facing video trial over Shearer clash (Apr 26, 2004)
Chelsea's German defender Robert Huth faces an FA investigation following his stamp on Newcastle captain Alan Shearer. . . . more . . .
Unsatisfied Vieira wants European riches (Apr 26, 2004)
Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira says he will not be satisfied until the English champions are crowned Kings of Europe. . . . more . . .
Booed Besiktas chairman to step down (Apr 26, 2004)
Besiktas chairman Serdar Bilgili said he would step down after coming under a barrage of personal insults as the defending champions lost a crucial match to fierce rivals Fenerbahce. . . . more . . .
2010 bid reports soon but Blatter mum on favourite (Apr 26, 2004)
World soccer chief Sepp Blatter said reports on the ability of Africa's five contenders to host the 2010 World Cup would be open for scrutiny in early May but he refused to be drawn into his own choice for winner. . . . more . . .
King Henry thanks Arsenal family (Apr 26, 2004)
Frenchman Thierry Henry has been showered with praise after being named Players' Player of the Year for his sensational season with English champions Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Gillespie back for Northern Ireland (Apr 26, 2004)
Leicester City's Keith Gillespie is back in the Northern Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Serbia and Montenegro at Windsor Park. . . . more . . .
Australian match abandoned after player refuses to remove headscarf (Apr 26, 2004)
Australian soccer authorities said they had launched an investigation after a soccer match was abandoned after the referee instructed a female player to remove her Islamic head scarf, or hijab. . . . more . . .
English clubs have it harder in Europe: Henry (Apr 26, 2004)
Thierry Henry insists the domestic fixture programme hinders English clubs in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Father's death nearly made Campbell give up football temporarily (Apr 26, 2004)
The death of the father of English Premiership champions Arsenal defender Sol Campbell last September forced the player to think about stopping playing for several months he revealed. . . . more . . .
Champions League race will be tight: Shearer (Apr 26, 2004)
Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer reckons the race for the final Champions League spot will go right to the wire. . . . more . . .
Arsenal poised to sign Feyenoord's van Persie (Apr 26, 2004)
Feyenoord Rotterdam striker Robin van Persie looks bound for English champions Arsenal after turning down a move to PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Leverkusen star Neuville ready to snub Rangers (Apr 26, 2004)
German international Oliver Neuville claims he is now willing to take a pay cut to stay at Bayer Leverkusen despite interest from Rangers. . . . more . . .
Woodgate worsens Newcastle woe (Apr 26, 2004)
Newcastle United's injury woes worsened as England centre-half Jonathan Woodgate was ruled out for the rest of the season. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo facing tough time at Bolton (Apr 26, 2004)
Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo will have to prove his work ethic if he joins Bolton, says Trotters striker Kevin Davies. . . . more . . .
Cole pleads for ban on summer sales (Apr 26, 2004)
Joe Cole has called on his Chelsea bosses to refrain from selling off a batch of players if, as now looks likely, Roman Abramovich's 140 million pound buys fail to win a trophy. . . . more . . .
West Brom boss Megson aims to break through glass ceiling (Apr 26, 2004)
Gary Megson takes West Brom back into the Premiership for the second time in three years knowing that unless money is made available to buy quality players the club will be heading back down again. . . . more . . .
England, Spain or Italy for me says Lizarazu (Apr 26, 2004)
Bayern Munich defender Bixente Lizarazu admits he has not yet decided on where his next challenge lies but is enticed by the prospect of playing in England, Spain or Italy. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo closes in on move to Bolton (Apr 26, 2004)
Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo is very close to clinching a move to English Premiership club Bolton, according to the player's English agent Peter Harrison. . . . more . . .
Troussier looking for South Korea coaching job: report (Apr 26, 2004)
Under-fire Qatar coach Philippe Troussier wants to pilot South Korea into the 2006 World Cup finals, it was reported. . . . more . . .
Keane out of Ireland comeback (Apr 26, 2004)
Roy Keane has been ruled out of his long-awaited comeback for the Republic of Ireland after picking up a hamstring injury which has forced him out of Wednesday's friendly in Poland. . . . more . . .
Real protect Beckham from British press (Apr 26, 2004)
Real Madrid blocked the British press from attending Sunday's post-match press conference in a move to protect David Beckham after the flood of revelations about his personal life. . . . more . . .
Write Germany off at your peril warns Kahn (Apr 25, 2004)
Confident German captain Oliver Kahn claims the three-time European championship winners should not be underestimated in the 2004 European championships in Portugal pointing out that they always come good when it matters. . . . more . . .
Shearer wonder goal gives Chelsea the blues (Apr 25, 2004)
Alan Shearer scored one of the most spectacular goals of his illustrious career to fire Newcastle to a crucial 2-1 win over Chelsea. . . . more . . .
PSG beat Marseille to boost title ambitions (Apr 25, 2004)
A Pedro Pauleta double earned Paris Saint Germain a 2-0 French league victory against arch rivals Marseille to give their title credentials a boost as they moved up to second. . . . more . . .
Relegation battle to go down to the wire (Apr 25, 2004)
The battle to avoid relegation from the Spanish first division will go down to the wire as threatened teams Celta Vigo, Real Mallorca and Albacete all won. . . . more . . .
Trapattoni calls up Baggio for Italy farewell (Apr 25, 2004)
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni kept his word by naming Roberto Baggio in his 21-man squad for next week's Euro 2004 warm-up friendly against fellow qualifiers Spain in Genoa. . . . more . . .
Champions League race heats up after Liverpool, Villa win away (Apr 25, 2004)
Gerard Houllier conceded Liverpool's place in next season's Champions League was far from secure despite his side's 1-0 win at Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Pires slams French team-mates over Champions League playacting (Apr 25, 2004)
Arsenal's France midfielder Robert Pires blasted his international team-mates Claude Makelele and Marcel Desailly for their performances in the 3-1 Champions League semi-final defeat by Monaco. . . . more . . .
Bayern keep title hopes intact as Bremen wobble (Apr 25, 2004)
Bayern Munich refuse to surrender their German title without a fight as they moved to within six points of tabletoppers Werder Bremen with a 1-0 win over city rivals 1860 Munich. . . . more . . .
Adams admits sex case scandal may have sealed Leicester's fate (Apr 25, 2004)
Leicester manager Micky Adams has admitted a controversial mid-season trip to the La Manga resort may have been fatal to the club's chances of avoiding relegation from the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Promotion sweeter this time for West Brom boss Megson (Apr 25, 2004)
West Brom manager Gary Megson said winning promotion to the English Premiership was sweeter this time than two years ago after other teams' results ensured the Baggies will be back in the top-flight next season. . . . more . . .
Beckham and I are a marriage made in heaven says Ronaldo (Apr 25, 2004)
Should England captain David Beckham move from Spanish giants Real Madrid to Premiership bigspenders Chelsea in the summer he is likely to be joined by Brazil's World Cup hero Ronaldo according to the latter. . . . more . . .
Houllier braced for stressful season finale despite Murphy's tonic (Apr 25, 2004)
A relieved Gerard Houllier is bracing himself for another anxiety-ridden final day of the season after Liverpool gave their Champions League hopes a massive boost with victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Gunners clinch Premiership title (Apr 25, 2004)
Arsenal wrapped up their 13th English title with four games to spare after a 2-2 draw with north London rivals Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Milan frustrated as Roma set up title showdown (Apr 25, 2004)
AC Milan will have to wait another week before they can wrap up the Italian league title after they were held to a goalless draw away to Udinese and closest rivals Roma beat relegation-threatened Empoli 3-0. . . . more . . .
Wenger warns Gunners not to take their eye off the ball (Apr 25, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on his players to stay focused ahead of the club's potential title-winning game at London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, reminding them that the trophy is not yet in the cabinet. . . . more . . .
Maradona's life still in danger one week on (Apr 25, 2004)
Argentine football legend Diego Maradona was still fighting for his life, a week after being admitted to hospital with severe heart and breathing problems. . . . more . . .
Barca's Luis Garcia out of Real Madrid clash (Apr 25, 2004)
Barcelona winger Luis Garcia will miss Sunday's clash with bitter rivals Real Madrid because of a groin strain sustained in training. . . . more . . .
Barca blow hole in Real Madrid title hopes (Apr 25, 2004)
Barcelona blew a gaping hole in Real Madrid's hopes of retaining their Spanish title when they won 2-1, their first victory at the Santiago Bernabeu for seven seasons. . . . more . . .
Gray refuses to throw in the towel (Apr 25, 2004)
Leeds boss Eddie Gray refused to concede defeat in his side's battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership, despite a 2-1 defeat at home to Portsmouth that pushed them to the edge of the abyss. . . . more . . .
Bayern keep title hopes intact as Werder wobble (Apr 25, 2004)
Bayern Munich refuse to surrender their German title without a fight as they moved to within six points of tabletoppers Werder Bremen with a 1-0 win over city rivals 1860 Munich. . . . more . . .
Sutton and Pearson earn Celtic award double (Apr 25, 2004)
Scottish Champions Celtic swept the board at the Scottish Professional Footballers Association awards ceremony. . . . more . . .
Baggies back in top flight (Apr 24, 2004)
West Bromwich Albion will be playing Premiership football next season after promotion rivals Sunderland were held to a goalless draw in a lunchtime match at Wigan. . . . more . . .
Maradona taken off artificial respirator, remains in serious condition (Apr 24, 2004)
Doctors took Argentine football legend Diego Maradona off an artificial respirator Friday though his condition remained serious, the Buenos Aires hospital where he is being treated for respiratory distress said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Owen linked with Barcelona (Apr 24, 2004)
Speculation was growing that Liverpool striker Michael Owen could be on his way to Spanish giants Barcelona at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
O'Leary starts to dream of Europe (Apr 24, 2004)
David O'Leary has admitted for the first time that Aston Villa -- relegation candidates at the start of the season -- could finish the campaign by snatching a place in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Kluivert open to Premiership offers (Apr 24, 2004)
Dutch star striker Patrick Kluivert would welcome a move to England, further fuelling rumours that Liverpool's Michael Owen could be on his way to the Catalan giants. . . . more . . .
Bayern unable to play hunter role claims Hitzfeld (Apr 24, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld believes his team's inability to reach the Bundesliga summit this season has put too much pressure on his players who are not used to hunting the opposition. . . . more . . .
Liverpool win at Manchester United as City cling to survival (Apr 24, 2004)
Liverpool moved a step closer towards Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win away at ten-man Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Escape route still open for Espanyol (Apr 24, 2004)
Espanyol picked the right time to notch up their best home win of the season, beating Atletico Madrid 3-1. . . . more . . .
Thistle lose control of destiny (Apr 24, 2004)
Partick Thistle lost control of their own destiny when a 1-0 home defeat by Dundee guaranteed they will finish the season at the bottom of the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Maradona making progress, but still seriously ill (Apr 24, 2004)
Argentine football legend Diego Maradona was continuing to make progress in hospital the day after he was taken off an artificial respirator, doctors said. . . . more . . .
Murphy's tonic revives Liverpool Champions League bid (Apr 24, 2004)
Danny Murphy revitalised Liverpool's bid to claim a place in next season's Champions League with the 63rd minute minute penalty that gave Gerard Houllier's side a crucial 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Leverkusen keep Champions League dream alive as Dortmund fall (Apr 24, 2004)
Bayer Leverkusen remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot after an impressive 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena. . . . more . . .
Stead steers Blackburn to safety (Apr 24, 2004)
Jonathan Stead virtually ensured Blackburn's Premiership survival with a well-taken late header to sink Everton at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Bolton's Davies hits winner at Southampton (Apr 24, 2004)
Bolton's Kevin Davies hit the winner as they completed a quickfire 2-1 comeback win over his former club Southampton with two goals in two minutes. . . . more . . .
Crouch keeps ten-man Villa on Euro trail (Apr 24, 2004)
Substitute Peter Crouch grabbed a late winner as ten-man Aston Villa kept their unlikely bid for a Champions League spot firmly on track with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
No winners as Deportivo draw with Malaga (Apr 24, 2004)
Champions League semi-finalists Deportivo La Coruna drew 1-1 at Malaga, a result that did nobody any favours despite an entertaining game. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's Ronaldo to miss Barca derby (Apr 24, 2004)
Ronaldo will miss Sunday's derby match against his former club and bitter rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid officials confirmed. . . . more . . .
Maradona back on respirator, but condition not worse: doctors (Apr 24, 2004)
Doctors placed Argentine football legend Diego Maradona back on a respirator, saying that his illness had not worsened but that sedatives had diminished his breathing. . . . more . . .
Lyon take control after Monaco defeated (Apr 24, 2004)
Reigning champions Lyon opened up a four-point lead at the top in France after they easily beat Rennes 3-0 and Monaco crashed to defeat at the hands of Nantes. . . . more . . .
Belgians face Turkey without Emile Mpenza (Apr 23, 2004)
Belgium coach Aime Anthuenis named a 20-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Turkey next Wednesday at the King Baudouin stadium here. . . . more . . .
Kanu warns Nigeria to beware World Cup rivals (Apr 23, 2004)
Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu has warned Nigeria they could be undone by Rwanda and Algeria for a ticket to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. . . . more . . .
Veron sidelined for another ten days (Apr 23, 2004)
Juan Sebastian Veron is to be given another ten days to recover his fitness in the wake of his disastrous appearance in Chelsea's midweek Champions League defeat by Monaco. . . . more . . .
AC Milan close in on Serie A title (Apr 23, 2004)
AC Milan will claim their 17th Italian league title and their first since 1999 if they win at Udinese on Sunday and closest rivals Roma fail to beat Empoli. . . . more . . .
Old Trafford referee axed in diving row (Apr 23, 2004)
Controversial referee Graham Poll has been ruled out of Manchester United's Premiership clash with Liverpool over claims that Gary Neville is a 'diver'. . . . more . . .
Zico vows to go on as Japan gear up for European friendlies (Apr 23, 2004)
Brazilian legend Zico has vowed to pilot Japan through the 2006 World Cup and then quit coaching altogether, as his squad gears up for friendlies in Europe with his job hanging in the balance. . . . more . . .
Gray rubbishes reports of Viduka rift (Apr 23, 2004)
Leeds boss Eddie Gray has rubbished reports that Australian striker Mark Viduka was threatening to strike over the non-payment of part of his wages. . . . more . . .
Celtic look to mend broken Hearts (Apr 23, 2004)
Celtic, already crowned Scottish Premier League champions, will look to recover from their surprise defeat by Aberdeen when they travel to Hearts on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Kewell disappoints Liverpool (Apr 23, 2004)
Gerard Houllier has admitted Harry Kewell has disappointed him this season but the Liverpool manager has not lost faith in the Australian. . . . more . . .
Real and Barca derby becomes world war (Apr 23, 2004)
Real Madrid play host to Barcelona on Sunday with, as usual, a huge amount at stake in one of the bitterest derby matches in the world of club football. . . . more . . .
Bolton hopeful of sealing Rivaldo deal (Apr 23, 2004)
Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo could sign for English Premiership side Bolton over the weekend. . . . more . . .
Hungry Canaries target Monaco (Apr 23, 2004)
Didier Deschamps' Monaco will put their European dreams on hold when they get back to the rigours of the French league, and another step towards the title. . . . more . . .
Arsenal set to earn their Spurs again (Apr 23, 2004)
Arsenal will be crowned Premiership champions if they win Sunday's north London derby away to Tottenham and Chelsea fail to beat Newcastle on the same day. . . . more . . .
Unsympathetic Bayern look to put 1860 to the sword (Apr 23, 2004)
There is no room for sentiment in football and German champions Bayern Munich hope to heap more misery on troubled neighbours 1860 Munich in Sunday's derby match at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Ranieri unaware of Lampard's Chelsea pay row (Apr 23, 2004)
Chelsea have reportedly refused Frank Lampard's demands to be paid the same as his overseas teammates amid interest from Italian giants Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Double boost for Red Devils (Apr 23, 2004)
Manchester United head into Saturday's Old Trafford showdown with Liverpool fortified by skipper Roy Keane's return from injury and a pledge from Ruud van Nistelrooy that he has no plans to leave the club. . . . more . . .
Newcastle can find the net in Marseille: Robson (Apr 23, 2004)
Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is confident his side have the attacking strength to win the UEFA Cup semi-final against Marseille despite a 0-0 draw in the first leg. . . . more . . .
Mourinho admits dream is to coach English Premiership side (Apr 23, 2004)
FC Porto manager Jose Mourinho admitted it is one of his dreams to coach an English Premier League team and confirmed that two clubs had approached him. . . . more . . .
Arveladze boost for Gers as Old Firm chase Van Persie (Apr 23, 2004)
Georgian international Shota Arveladze is on the verge of commiting his future to Rangers, the striker's agent confirmed. . . . more . . .
Lampard in Chelsea pay row (Apr 23, 2004)
Chelsea have reportedly refused Frank Lampard's demands to be paid the same as his overseas team-mates amid interest from Italian giants Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Kewell vows to repay Houllier's faith (Apr 23, 2004)
Gerard Houllier has admitted Harry Kewell has disappointed him this season but the Liverpool manager has not lost faith in the Australian. . . . more . . .
Villarreal frustrate Valencia in semi-final stalemate (Apr 23, 2004)
Valencia coach Rafa Benitez lamented his side's inability to apply the clinical finish as the Spanish giants were held to a goalless draw by the less illustrious Villarreal in their UEFA Cup semi-final first leg. . . . more . . .
Desailly banned for three matches (Apr 23, 2004)
Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly was banned for three matches by UEFA for elbowing Monaco striker Fernando Morientes during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final this week. . . . more . . .
