Archive soccer news from around the world
Middlesbrough edge Bolton in League Cup Final to make history (Feb 29, 2004)
Middlesbrough won a major trophy for the first time in their history when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the League Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium here. . . . more . . .
LuaLua turns on Newcastle to rescue Pompey (Feb 29, 2004)
Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua, on loan from Newcastle, snatched an 89th minute equaliser that gave the Premiership strugglers a 1-1 draw against his parent club at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Leeds and Liverpool in four-goal thriller (Feb 29, 2004)
Leeds United and Liverpool had to make do with a point apiece after an exciting 2-2 draw at Elland Road here. . . . more . . .
Real consolidate pole position after Valencia lose (Feb 29, 2004)
Spanish league leaders Real Madrid turned on the style with three second-half goals in 16 minutes to beat Celta Vigo 4-2. . . . more . . .
Tamudo puts freeze on Valencia's title hopes (Feb 29, 2004)
Valencia's ambitions of regaining the Spanish league title faded after they went down 2-1 at struggling Espanyol. . . . more . . .
Celtic on course for title as Rangers lose (Feb 29, 2004)
Celtic all but wrapped up the Scottish Premier League title. . . . more . . .
FIFA temporarily lift Guatemalan football suspension (Feb 29, 2004)
FIFA have temporarily lifted the suspension imposed on the Guatemala football federation for governmental interference until next May, the sport's world governing body decided during a meeting of their Executive Committee decided. . . . more . . .
Roma and Juve keep the pressure on Milan (Feb 29, 2004)
Roma and Juventus kept the pressure on league leaders AC Milan with impressive victories on Sunday as the race for the Serie A title gathered pace. . . . more . . .
Defiant Fergie refuses to give up hope (Feb 29, 2004)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted his under-fire players remained capable of upsetting the odds and overhauling Arsenal's nine-point lead in the Premiership title race. . . . more . . .
Ambrosini pounces to keep Milan out in front (Feb 29, 2004)
AC Milan retained their five-point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A after defeating Lazio 1-0 at the Olympic stadium. . . . more . . .
Cisse shows France what they could be missing at Euro 2004 (Feb 29, 2004)
Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse showed France what they could be missing at Euro 2004 with his well-taken goal in a 1-1 French league draw at home to Paris Saint Germain. . . . more . . .
Makaay and Bayern on song again, Ismael makes amends for Bremen (Feb 29, 2004)
German champions Bayern Munich followed up their 1-1 Champions League draw against Real Madrid in midweek with a 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday that keeps the heat on leaders Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Board abolishes golden, silver goals, limits friendly subs to six (Feb 28, 2004)
World football's rule-making International Board decided to abolish the use of the golden or silver goal rules to settle drawn matches in favour of a return to the classic formula of extra-time followed by penalties from next season. . . . more . . .
Draw is bad news for United (Feb 28, 2004)
Louis Saha scored against his old club but Manchester United dropped two potentially crucial points and fell further behind in the title race after Fulham held the champions to a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Makaay and Bayern on song again, Ismael makes amends for Bremen (Feb 28, 2004)
German champions Bayern Munich followed up their 1-1 Champions League draw against Real Madrid in midweek with a 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg that keeps the heat on leaders Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Chelsea punish wasteful City (Feb 28, 2004)
Chelsea moved back to second place in the Premiership table as Manchester City were made to pay for their woeful finishing. . . . more . . .
Arsenal march on at the double (Feb 28, 2004)
Arsenal killed off this London derby against Charlton with two superbly worked goals in the opening four minutes to continue their relentless charge to the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo walks out on Brazilian champions (Feb 28, 2004)
Rivaldo walked out on his club Cruzeiro 24 hours after his close friend Wanderley Luxembergo quit as coach in mysterious circumstances. . . . more . . .
Monaco held by Toulouse (Feb 28, 2004)
Monaco stumbled again in their bid to win the French title when they failed to pick up maximum points at struggling Toulouse. . . . more . . .
Hearts strengthen grip on third place (Feb 28, 2004)
Hearts consolidated their grip on third place in the Scottish Premier League with a goalless draw against Dunfermline, the only side with a realistic chance of overhauling them. . . . more . . .
Being "true men" means no "weird" Beckham-like haircuts for China players (Feb 27, 2004)
David Beckham may be one of China's most idolized football stars, but his ponytail hairstyle, and other "weird" cuts, have been banned among China's under-17 team who must learn how to become "true men". . . . more . . .
Fergie plea to United fans over Cheltenham protest (Feb 27, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has pleaded with fans to drop plans to protest against Irish shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus on Gold Cup day at next month's Cheltenham Festival. . . . more . . .
Southgate set on Cup success (Feb 27, 2004)
Middlesbrough have never won a major trophy - but captain Gareth Southgate is determined to put that right against Bolton Wanderers in Sunday's English League Cup Final in Cardiff. . . . more . . .
Football League in Coca-Cola sponsorship deal (Feb 27, 2004)
The English Football League will be known as the Coca-Cola League from next season under a new sponsorship deal with the American soft drinks giant. . . . more . . .
Westerveld out for three months after finger fracture (Feb 27, 2004)
Real Sociedad's Dutch international goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has been sidelined for up to three months after fracturing the little finger of his left hand. . . . more . . .
Celtic, Liverpool waltz through as Inter draw with on-form Sochaux (Feb 27, 2004)
Celtic and Liverpool proved their UEFA Cup credentials with convincing first leg wins in the third round of the competition. . . . more . . .
Gunners have six games to clinch title: Wenger (Feb 27, 2004)
Arsene Wenger believes the next six games will decide whether his side will reclaim the Premiership title from Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Parkhead no paradise for Euro big guns: Lambert (Feb 27, 2004)
The likes of Inter Milan and Liverpool will be keen to avoid a UEFA Cup trip to Celtic's Parkhead stadium, Bhoys skipper Paul Lambert has claimed after his side virtually ensured their place in the fourth round of the competition. . . . more . . .
Saha set for Fulham return (Feb 27, 2004)
Never go back is often good advice but Manchester United striker Louis Saha will have little option when the champions arrive at Loftus Road for their Premiership match against Fulham. . . . more . . .
Euro 2004 fans face alcohol and drug tests (Feb 27, 2004)
Portuguese police will perform alcohol and drug tests on fans who turn up for Euro 2004 matches this June looking intoxicated as part of measures to curb hooliganism, the chief of the tournament's security committee said. . . . more . . .
Shearer slams Sir Bobby for making him a sub (Feb 27, 2004)
Newcastle's Alan Shearer has hit out at manager Sir Bobby Robson for leaving him out of the UEFA Cup third round first leg tie against Norwegian side Valerenga. . . . more . . .
Buoyant Bayern look to reel Bremen in (Feb 27, 2004)
Bayern Munich will hope to use their vintage Champions League performance against Real Madrid as a springboard to their challenge for the Bundesliga crown with VfL Wolfsburg the next visitors at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Leeds shares suspended (Feb 27, 2004)
Trading in the shares of cash-strapped Premiership club Leeds United was suspended pending a statement on the club's financial position. . . . more . . .
Leeds on the brink as shares suspended (Feb 27, 2004)
Leeds United's bid to stave off bankruptcy was left hanging in the balance after trading in the club's shares was suspended until further notice following the expiry of a standstill agreement with creditors. . . . more . . .
Benfica gears up for 100th birthday (Feb 26, 2004)
Benfica, Portugal's most widely supported and titled football club, is planning a weekend of festivities to mark the centenary of its founding on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Cash-strapped Roma deny Russian bid (Feb 26, 2004)
Financially troubled Roma dismissed media reports they had receieved a firm offer from Russian oil company Nafta Moskva to buy the ailing Serie A club. . . . more . . .
FIFA warning on Internet World Cup tickets (Feb 26, 2004)
Football's world governing body FIFA warned of illegal attempts to sell tickets online for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. . . . more . . .
McCarthy sees Keane red card as quarter-final invite (Feb 26, 2004)
Benni McCarthy believes Manchester United skipper Roy Keane's red card against FC Porto here could be his side's ticket to the last eight of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Celtic hit the ground running in new UEFA Cup quest (Feb 26, 2004)
Celtic's bid to repeat last year's UEFA Cup adventure got off to a flying start with an impressive 3-0 win over Czech side FK Teplice. . . . more . . .
Parma flounder in UEFA Cup (Feb 26, 2004)
Parma face an uphill task to stay in the UEFA Cup after losing 1-0 to Turkish side Genclerbirligi in the first leg of their third round tie. . . . more . . .
Given assures Newcastle draw in Norway (Feb 26, 2004)
Newcastle keeper Shay Given made some late saves for Bobby Robson's English Premiership side to ensure a 1-1 draw against Norwegian side Valerenga in their UEFA Cup third round first leg tie. . . . more . . .
Turkish delight for Gaziantepspor (Feb 26, 2004)
A first-half strike from Yusuf Simsek gave Turkish first division side Gaziantepspor a 1-0 win over Roma in the first leg of their UEFA Cup third round tie. . . . more . . .
Lampard revels in pressure as Chelsea chase Champions League glory (Feb 26, 2004)
Frank Lampard says Chelsea's 1-0 win over VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League proves just how well the London club is thriving under pressure. . . . more . . .
Reds stars lift the pressure on Houllier (Feb 26, 2004)
Steven Gerrard and Harry Kewell sunk Levski Sofia with two superb strikes as Liverpool beat the Bulgarians 2-0 in their UEFA Cup third round, first leg tie to lift the pressure on beleaguered manager Gerard Houllier. . . . more . . .
Taggart back at Stoke (Feb 26, 2004)
First division Stoke have signed former Northern Ireland international defender Gerry Taggart on a free transfer from Premiership side Leicester City. . . . more . . .
Dunn injury blow for Birmingham (Feb 26, 2004)
Record signing David Dunn is facing a lengthy spell out of action after a recurrence of a hamstring injury in Birmingham's FA Cup defeat against Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Former UEFA chief Georges dies (Feb 26, 2004)
Former UEFA and French football federation president Jacques Georges died aged 87, the French federation revealed. . . . more . . .
Anelka back in training (Feb 26, 2004)
Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka has resumed training following a groin strain, the club announced. . . . more . . .
Blatter happy for Old Firm to play in England (Feb 26, 2004)
World soccer chief Sepp Blatter said he had no problem with Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers playing in England's Premiership. . . . more . . .
Fraud squad raids Italian clubs (Feb 26, 2004)
Fraud squad detectives raided the offices of European champions AC Milan, city rivals Inter Milan and reigning Italian champions Juventus in a probe into accounting irregularities, judicial officials revealed. . . . more . . .
Houllier's future in hands of Bulgarian minnows (Feb 26, 2004)
Liverpool have won four European Cups but the future of embattled manager Gerard Houllier could hinge on the third round tie against Bulgarian minnows Levski Sofia in the less prestigious UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Leeds takeover consortium pulls out (Feb 26, 2004)
One of the two consortia involved in buyout talks with Premiership crisis club Leeds United pulled out. . . . more . . .
Roma shares suspended on Milan stock exchange (Feb 26, 2004)
Shares in Roma were suspended from trading on the Milan stock exchange pending a statement from the financially troubled Serie A club. . . . more . . .
Man Utd made to sweat on second leg (Feb 26, 2004)
Manchester United have serious work to do if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after Benni McCarthy scored twice for FC Porto to send the English side to a 2-1 defeat. . . . more . . .
Kahn makes Real blunder (Feb 25, 2004)
Eternal enemies Real Madrid and Bayern Munich shared the spoils when their fourth clash in five seasons produced a bad-tempered 1-1 draw as the Champions League moved into the last 16 stage. . . . more . . .
Dominant Lyon take a bite out of Sociedad (Feb 25, 2004)
French champions Lyon came away with a valuable 1-0 win over Real Sociedad after a scrappy but convincing first leg in their Champions League first knockout round tie here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Tight marking the key to successful Italian job says Depor's Silva (Feb 25, 2004)
Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Mauro Silva has warned his team-mates not to give an inch to Juventus' potentially dangerous strikers in the Champions League second round, first leg tie at the Riazor stadium. . . . more . . .
Celta keeper nose op after Arsenal accident (Feb 25, 2004)
Celta Vigo said their goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero has had an operation on his broken nose, which he sustained during their 3-2 Champions League loss to Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Makelele buys in to Servette (Feb 25, 2004)
Chelsea's French midfielder Claude Makelele has become a shareholder in cash-strapped Swiss first division side FC Servette, the Geneva-based club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Glazer raises stake in United (Feb 25, 2004)
Billionaire American businessman Malcolm Glazer has increased his stake in Manchester United to 16.69 percent, his investment company said in a statement to the Stock Exchange. . . . more . . .
United turn to captain Keane to hold off Porto (Feb 25, 2004)
Manchester United captain Roy Keane is set to be coralled into defensive duties as the English champions look to ease their path into the last eight of the Champions League against FC Porto. . . . more . . .
Deportivo have Luque on their side to beat Juventus (Feb 25, 2004)
Juventus once again found Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor stadium an inhospitable place as last season's beaten finalists went down 1-0 to an Albert Luque goal. . . . more . . .
McCarthy leaves United on the edge (Feb 25, 2004)
Benni McCarthy got the better of his South African compatriot Quinton Fortune as FC Porto came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1 in their Champions League second round first leg. . . . more . . .
Ailton tempted to ditch Samba origins and play for Qatar (Feb 25, 2004)
Brazilian striker Ailton, who leads the scoring charts in the German Bundesliga, is considering an offer to switch nationalities and play for oil-rich Qatar to help them qualify for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Edu a hit but Wenger worried by Arsenal defence (Feb 25, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised his Brazil midfielder Edu for his two goals but admitted his defnce had him worried in their 3-2 Champions League win over Celta Vigo in Spain. . . . more . . .
Last chance saloon for Chelsea's Ranieri as Stuttgart eye revenge (Feb 25, 2004)
The Champions League represents Chelsea's last realistic chance of silverware this season, making the tie with German runners-up VfB Stuttgart at the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium a vital game for Italian coach Claudio Ranieri. . . . more . . .
Kahn vows to make amends (Feb 25, 2004)
Bayern Munich captain Oliver Kahn vowed to make amends the day after his his late error gifted Real Madrid an equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Vogts pleads for patience (Feb 25, 2004)
Scotland manager Berti Vogts insisted he was promoting young players into the national side but begged fans to be patient as they came to terms with representative football. . . . more . . .
Ranieri breathes easier as own goal gifts Chelsea victory (Feb 25, 2004)
Chelsea's expensive assembly of stars put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over VfB Stuttgart, easing the pressure on their manager Claudio Ranieri. . . . more . . .
Birmingham wait on Dugarry (Feb 25, 2004)
Birmingham City manager Steve Bruice denied he was trying to pay off French striker Christophe Dugarry who was back home in Bordeaux after suffering a recurrence of his knee injury. . . . more . . .
"Tired" Hayter sets new hat-trick record (Feb 25, 2004)
Bournemouth substitute James Hayter scored the fastest hat-trick in English Football League history despite feeling "tired", his manager said. . . . more . . .
Blanc in talks on Marseille role (Feb 25, 2004)
Former France international and Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc is in talks with Marseille with a view to becoming the club's director of sporting operations. . . . more . . .
Carragher comes to Houllier's defence (Feb 25, 2004)
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said it was up to the players to ease the pressure on their under-fire French manager Gerard Houllier. . . . more . . .
We need to be more clinical says Milan coach Ancelotti (Feb 25, 2004)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team must be more clinical in front of goal if they are to retain their Champions League trophy. . . . more . . .
Smith steers Sunderland into FA Cup quarter-final (Feb 25, 2004)
Substitute Tommy Smith scored two extra-time goals which gave First Division Sunderland a 2-0 FA Cup fifth round replay victory away to Premiership side Birmingham at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Sparta frozen out by holders Milan (Feb 24, 2004)
Reigning European champions AC Milan rarely moved into top gear but did enough to earn a valuable 0-0 draw away to Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Champions League second round tie. . . . more . . .
Ruud admits Man United miss Beckham (Feb 24, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted Manchester United's faltering English Premiership challenge is partly down to David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Ruud backs Reds to produce Euro backlash (Feb 24, 2004)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has warned Manchester United's Champions League opponents FC Porto they could feel the backlash from the English champions' Premiership woes. . . . more . . .
Duff and Crespo back for Chelsea (Feb 24, 2004)
Damien Duff and Hernan Crespo have won their fight for fitness to join Chelsea's Champions League trip to Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Fulham set up Manchester United Cup clash (Feb 24, 2004)
Fulham will face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup next month after defeating London rivals West Ham 3-0 in a dramatic fifth round replay here at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Kahn calamity hands Real the luck of the draw (Feb 24, 2004)
A late blunder from veteran keeper Oliver Kahn handed Real Madrid a fortunate 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the knockout round of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Training ground clash disrupts Deportivo Champions League hopes (Feb 24, 2004)
Deportivo La Coruna's preparations for Wednesday's European Champions League clash with Juventus were disrupted by a flaming row between coach Javier Irureta and striker Albert Luque. . . . more . . .
Former Charlton winger Holmes wins Muscat pay-out (Feb 24, 2004)
Former Charlton Athletic winger Matty Holmes has won a 750,000 pound pay-out six years after Australian defender Kevin Muscat's tackle ended his professional career. . . . more . . .
Limping Bayern face Real test against mighty Madrid (Feb 24, 2004)
Familiar foes Bayern Munich and Real Madrid pit their wits against each other once again in the tantalising Champions League tussle at the Olympic Stadium as two powerhouses of European football target a place in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Gunners count on double agent Reyes to boost firepower (Feb 24, 2004)
Arsenal will count on Jose Antonio Reyes's inside knowledge of Spanish football to help guide them into the last eight of the Champions League at the expense of Celta Vigo. . . . more . . .
Brown dilemma for Ferguson (Feb 24, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson faces a defensive dilemma for this Wednesday's Champions League clash with Porto with Wes Brown admitting he is not fully match-fit. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's French connection seals first win in Spain (Feb 24, 2004)
English Premiership leaders Arsenal notched up their first ever Champions League victory in Spain when they beat Celta Vigo 3-2. . . . more . . .
Mourinho ready to cross swords with Ferguson (Feb 24, 2004)
Jose Mourinho has never made any secret of his desire to manage a top English club and the FC Porto coach has clearly absorbed some lessons from one of the masters of that particular profession. . . . more . . .
Lokomotiv steam ahead but Monaco claim crucial away goal (Feb 24, 2004)
Lokomotiv Moscow brushed off the cobwebs of the off-season to hand French league leaders Monaco a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the Champions League first knockout round. . . . more . . .
Paquito to lead Villarreal (Feb 24, 2004)
Villarreal have appointed the veteran coach Francisco Garcia once again to be at the helm until the end of the season, the Spanish club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Duff set for Chelsea comeback (Feb 23, 2004)
Damien Duff is expected to make his long-awaited comeback from injury with a place on Chelsea's bench for the European Champions League tie against Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Beckham hopes to relive glory days in Munich (Feb 23, 2004)
David Beckham hopes he can have a glorious night in Munich once again when Real Madrid take on Bayern Munich in Tuesday's Champions League showdown. . . . more . . .
European leaders state their case (Feb 23, 2004)
From Milan to Madrid, Monaco to Munich, Europe's footballing superpowers flexed their muscles in their respective leagues over the weekend. . . . more . . .
Thai PM eyeing purchase of Premier giants Liverpool (Feb 23, 2004)
Thailand's billionaire Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is intent on buying an English football club by June and is eyeing league giants Liverpool, the Thai national team coach said. . . . more . . .
Fitness doubt over Arsenal skipper Vieira (Feb 23, 2004)
Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira faces a fitness test on his knee before their European Champions League game against Celta Vigo on in Spain on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Wenger looks forward to 2006 in new Arsenal home (Feb 23, 2004)
English Premiership leaders Arsenal have secured 357 million pounds (663 million dollars) in funding to build a new stadium for 2006 which French manager Arsene Wenger believes can help transform the club into a European super power. . . . more . . .
Thai PM eyeing purchase of Premiership giants Liverpool (Feb 23, 2004)
Thailand's billionaire Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is intent on buying an English football club by June and is eyeing Premiership giants Liverpool, the Thai national team coach said. . . . more . . .
Barcelona hang onto Henry dream (Feb 23, 2004)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, outbid by Real Madrid for Manchester United's David Beckham last summer, has not given up hopes of getting Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry. . . . more . . .
Monaco told to keep eye on the ball (Feb 23, 2004)
Monaco coach Didier Deschamps has warned his players they will crash if they take their eyes off the ball in Tuesday's European Champions League match at Lokomotiv Moscow. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss Houllier faces survival battle (Feb 23, 2004)
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has admitted the FA Cup defeat at Portsmouth leaves the club struggling to salvage their season. . . . more . . .
Vieira given green light for Vigo game (Feb 23, 2004)
Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has recovered from a knock to the knee and will play in the Champions League first leg match at Spanish side Celta Vigo. . . . more . . .
Inter coach Zaccheroni unfazed as Mancini rumours persist (Feb 23, 2004)
Inter Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni says he is confident of keeping his job despite persitent rumours he will be shown the door and replaced by current Lazio coach Roberto Mancini. . . . more . . .
Terry pleads with Abramovich to spare Ranieri (Feb 23, 2004)
England defender John Terry has pleaded with Roman Abramovich to spare Italian coach Claudio Ranieri the sack after their 2-1 defeat by Arsenal as good as put paid to their Premiership title hopes. . . . more . . .
Maspoli, Uruguay's 1950 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, dies at 86 (Feb 23, 2004)
Roque Gaston Maspoli, who kept goal when Uruguay shocked the host nation Brazil to win the 1950 World Cup, has died at the age of 86. . . . more . . .
Man United face Scholes ban (Feb 23, 2004)
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been charged with violent behaviour by the Football Association for his two-handed push in the face of Middlesbrough midfielder Doriva. . . . more . . .
New Leeds bid taking shape (Feb 23, 2004)
Leeds United could be under new ownership if a bid by a group of local businessmen due to be presented to the cash-strapped Premiership club on Thursday is accepted. . . . more . . .
Fergie refuses to throw in the towel as Gunners pull clear (Feb 22, 2004)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to throw in the towel in the English Premiership title race, despite his side slipping seven points behind leaders Arsenal with just 12 games left. . . . more . . .
Capello keen on Spurs job (Feb 22, 2004)
Roma boss Fabio Capello could be on his way to the English Premiership after expressing an interest in taking over the vacant manager's position at Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Ferguson waiting on news on Ferdinand appeal (Feb 22, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he is being kept in the dark by the Football Association over Rio Ferdinand's appeal against an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test. . . . more . . .
Villa stunned by Birmingham late show (Feb 22, 2004)
Aston Villa's unexpected push for a place in Europe stalled as local rivals Birmingham came back from two goals down to snatch a draw deep into stoppage time. . . . more . . .
Double injury blow for AC Milan (Feb 22, 2004)
Holders AC Milan will be without Danish forward Jon Dahl Tomasson and defender Alessandro Nesta for Tuesday's Champions League second round, first leg tie away to Sparta Prague, the Italian Serie A club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Owen penalty miss costs Liverpool dear (Feb 22, 2004)
Former Arsenal trainee Richard Hughes fired Portsmouth into an FA Cup quarter-final meeting with his former club as Liverpool paid the price of a penalty miss by superstar striker Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
Cassano hat-trick keeps Roma in the hunt (Feb 22, 2004)
Antonio Cassano scored a hat-trick as Roma thrashed Siena 6-0 to give a welcome boost to their goal difference and close the gap on Serie A league leaders AC Milan to five points. . . . more . . .
Celtic smash 40-year-old winning record (Feb 22, 2004)
Celtic smashed one of Scottish football's oldest surviving records when they notched up a 24th consecutive league victory with a 4-1 win over bottom side Partick Thistle at Firhill. . . . more . . .
Dortmund and Ewerthon on a roll (Feb 22, 2004)
Borussia Dortmund recorded their third win in succession with Cologne their latest victim in a 1-0 defeat at the Westfalen Stadium. . . . more . . .
Defoe spares Spurs blushes (Feb 22, 2004)
Jermain Defoe took his goals tally for Spurs to four in three games since his move from West Ham with a double that included a last-ditch equaliser in an eight-goal thriller at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Demichelis rescues ineffective Bayern, Stuttgart falter (Feb 22, 2004)
A morale-boosting win would have sent Bayern Munich into their Champions League clash with Real Madrid on a high, but instead the German champions needed a late goal from Argentine defender Martin Demichelis to grind out a 1-0 win over SV Hamburg. . . . more . . .
Zaragoza out of the relegation zone (Feb 22, 2004)
Spanish Cup finalists Real Zaragoza climbed out of the relegation zone on goal difference after a convincing 4-1 win over Villarreal. . . . more . . .
Enyimba beat Etoile du Sahel in African Super Cup (Feb 22, 2004)
African champions Enyimba of Nigeria confirmed their status as the continent's leading club side in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel in the African Super Cup. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Nantes hold Marseille to a draw (Feb 22, 2004)
Marseille were wolf-whistled off the pitch by their home fans after an unspectacular 1-1 draw against ten-man Nantes left them treading water in sixth place. . . . more . . .
Parma keep up pressure in race for Champions League place (Feb 21, 2004)
Cash-strapped Parma maintained their push for a place in the lucrative Champions League next season by winning 2-1 at Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Lyon keep tabs on Monaco (Feb 21, 2004)
French champions Lyon kept their title defence bandwagon on the road with a 2-0 win over strugglers Le Mans. . . . more . . .
Jensen upstages Friedel in five-goal thriller (Feb 21, 2004)
Claus Jensen upstaged Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel's late heroics with a stoppage-time winner for Charlton moments after the American had scored an equaliser from a corner at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Lizarazu at real pains to face friend Zidane (Feb 21, 2004)
Bayern Munich's Frenchman Bixente Lizarazu admits he will find it hard to put aside his long-time friendship with compatriot Zinedine Zidane when Bayern lock horns with Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League showdown. . . . more . . .
Under-fire Lehmann apologises for Kahn jibe (Feb 21, 2004)
Arsenal's outspoken German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has apologised to rival Oliver Kahn for his personal attack on the Bayern Munich captain that has increased the clamour for his expulsion from the German national team. . . . more . . .
UEFA confirm one-year ban for Titov (Feb 21, 2004)
An appeal by Russian footballer Yegor Titov against a one-year ban for doping was denied by European football's ruling body UEFA. . . . more . . .
Bayern and Stuttgart look for wind in sails as big-guns await (Feb 21, 2004)
Germany's Champions League participants Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart will both be looking to end wretched runs of form with weekend wins in the Bundesliga, as they hope to bolster confidence ahead of European tussles with Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively. . . . more . . .
D-day for Chelsea and Man Utd in pursuit of Gunners (Feb 21, 2004)
Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has warned his side that they must overcome their Arsenal jinx or forget about winning the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Borja bids to fill Beckham's boots for Real (Feb 21, 2004)
Borja Fernandez is not a name that comes to mind as quickly as Ronaldo or Raul when the Real Madrid squad is mentioned but he will have a vital role to play when the league leaders face Espanyol. . . . more . . .
United will fight Scholes ban (Feb 21, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson said he is confident of beating a ban which could be handed to Paul Scholes over his two-handed push on Middlesbrough midfielder Doriva. . . . more . . .
Espanyol make it easy for Real Madrid (Feb 21, 2004)
Real Madrid enjoyed themselves at the expense of relegation-threatened Espanyol with an emphatic 4-2 victory which maintained the reigning champions' position as league leaders. . . . more . . .
Deportivo squander chances and settle for draw (Feb 21, 2004)
Deportivo La Coruna's Spanish international strike force of Diego Tristan and Albert Luque squandered a series of second half chances which meant the Galicians had to settle for 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Demichelis rescues ineffective Bayern, Stuttgart falter (Feb 21, 2004)
A morale-boosting win would have sent Bayern Munich into Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid on a high, but instead the German champions needed a late goal from Argentine defender Martin Demichelis to grind out a 1-0 win over SV Hamburg. . . . more . . .
'Gentle Giant' John Charles dead at 72 (Feb 21, 2004)
Wales, Juventus and Leeds legend John Charles has died at the age of 72. . . . more . . .
Gunners shoot down Chelsea title hopes (Feb 21, 2004)
Arsenal took a massive step towards reclaiming the English Premiership crown with a 2-1 win over Chelsea that amounts to the kiss of death for their London rivals' title ambitions. . . . more . . .
Milan missing the Maldini factor for derby clash (Feb 21, 2004)
AC Milan's experienced defender Alessandro Costacurta believes the Serie A leaders can cope without their suspended captain Paolo Maldini for the crunch match against local rivals Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Milan show the stuff of champions to sink Inter (Feb 21, 2004)
League leaders AC Milan fought back from being two goals down at half-time to defeat local rivals Inter Milan 3-2 and keep their title challenge firmly on track. . . . more . . .
Gers take revenge on Hibs (Feb 21, 2004)
Rangers claimed revenge for their League Cup exit at the hands of Hibs with a 3-0 Premier League win at Ibrox. . . . more . . .
United slump seven points behind Arsenal (Feb 21, 2004)
Manchester United slipped seven points behind leaders Arsenal after a tenacious Leeds side rode their luck to hold the reigning champions to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid extend lead as Valencia stumble (Feb 21, 2004)
Real Madrid enjoyed themselves at the expense of relegation-threatened Espanyol with an emphatic 4-2 victory which consolidated their position as league leaders. . . . more . . .
France striker Cisse appeals to CAS over five-match ban (Feb 20, 2004)
France striker Djibril Cisse has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in an attempt to have his five-match UEFA ban reduced to two, CAS said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Li Tie resigned to fate after breaking leg (Feb 20, 2004)
Everton's Chinese midfielder Li Tie has brushed aside concerns that his career in English football is under threat after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg. . . . more . . .
Fergie warns Arsenal of dangers of over confidence (Feb 20, 2004)
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has warned Arsenal that their unbeaten record in the Premiership could finally end up costing them another title. . . . more . . .
Wenger demands an end to friendlies farce (Feb 20, 2004)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has demanded a radical shake-up of the way international friendlies are organised in the wake of Australia's move to bar Mark Viduka from playing for Leeds against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Keane drops Ireland hint (Feb 20, 2004)
Roy Keane suggested he could return to international football with the Republic of Ireland. . . . more . . .
Viduka ban prompts Aussie officials to set up European base (Feb 20, 2004)
The Australian Soccer Association said it will establish a European headquarters to help stop a repeat of the damaging Mark Viduka tug-of-war which led to national team no-shows, suspensions, walk-out threats and possible legal action. . . . more . . .
Adebayor hat-trick shoots Monaco to victory (Feb 20, 2004)
A virtuoso display by Togo's Emmanuel Adebayor helped shoot Monaco back to winning ways in a 4-0 victory over Montpellier their French league match. . . . more . . .
Anigo backs Blanc for Marseille job (Feb 20, 2004)
Marseille coach Jose Anigo has given his backing to the possible appointment of former France international defender Laurent Blanc as the first division side's general manager next season. . . . more . . .
Scholes charged over Dorriva clash (Feb 20, 2004)
Paul Scholes has been left facing a potential three-match ban after being charged with violent behaviour over a clash with Middlesbrough's Dorriva during Manchester United's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford on February 11. . . . more . . .
Solskjaer in line for Reds return (Feb 20, 2004)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in line to return for Manchester United for the first time in five months during this weekend's Premiership clash with Leeds at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Sorry - we were unacceptable, Vogts tells Tartan Army (Feb 20, 2004)
Scotland's German coach Berti Vogts has issued an apology to the Tartan Army after what he described as his side's unacceptable performance in Wednesday's 4-0 humbling by Wales. . . . more . . .
Arsenal won't slip up says Keane (Feb 19, 2004)
Manchester United captain Roy Keane has told everyone at Old Trafford to forget about Arsenal repeating last year's collapse which helped Alex Ferguson's side win the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Li Tie out for season (Feb 19, 2004)
Li Tie will miss the rest of the season after breaking a leg on international duty with China, the midfielder's club Everton said. . . . more . . .
England fans to appear in court following attack on Portuguese police (Feb 19, 2004)
Two England fans will appear in court accused of attacking Portuguese police officers before Wednesday's friendly international between the two countries which ended in a 1-1 draw, the Lusa news agency reported. . . . more . . .
New format for world club championship (Feb 19, 2004)
The new format for the FIFA Club World Championship in 2005 and 2006, which is expected to last eight days and comprise six teams in a December tournament in Japan, has been finalised, FIFA said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Zidane signs new Real deal (Feb 19, 2004)
Zinedine Zidane has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which will keep the world's most expensive footballer at the Spanish champions until 2007. . . . more . . .