Archive soccer news from around the world
Liverpool lose Smicer for six months (Jul 31, 2004)
Czech international midfielder Vladimir Smicer will miss six months of Liverpool's Premiership campaign after having surgery on his right knee, the club revealed. . . . more . . .
Japan into Asian Cup semis after shoot-out drama as Iran win thriller (Jul 31, 2004)
Holders Japan and three-time champions Iran battled into the last four of the Asian Cup here after winning quarter-final matches bristling with controversy and goals. . . . more . . .
Premiership more important than Champions League says Ferguson (Jul 31, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he will be putting the emphasis on regaining the Premiership title rather than winning the Champions League this season. . . . more . . .
Swedish international Edman joins Spurs (Jul 31, 2004)
Tottenham have signed Swedish international defender Erik Edman from Dutch club Heerenveen, the Premiership club announced on its website. . . . more . . .
Marseille sign Luyindula to fill Drogba void (Jul 30, 2004)
Peguy Luyindula was unveiled as Marseille's latest signing to fill the void left by Didier Drogba's departure to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Gazza hosts Boston tea party (Jul 30, 2004)
Former England international Paul Gascoigne, who once graced the World Cup, the Premiership and Italy's Seria A, has joined lowly English side Boston as player-coach. . . . more . . .
Champions League qualifying draw (Jul 30, 2004)
UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round drawn Friday: Graz AK (AUT) v Liverpool (ENG) Juventus (ITA) v Djurgardens (SWE) or Kaunas (LIT) KF Tirana (ALB) or Ferencvaros (HUN) v APOEL (CYP) or Sparta Prague (CZE) Rosenborg (NOR) or Sheriff Tiraspol (MOL) V Maccabi Haifa (ISR) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) v Banik Ostrava (CZE) Neftchi Bakou (AZE) or CSKA Moscow (RUS) v Glasgow Rangers (SCO) Pyunik Erevan (ARM) or Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Club Brugge (BEL) or Lokomotiv Plovdiv (BUL) Dynamo Kiev (UKR) v Skonto Riga (LAT) or Trabzonspor (TUR) Young Boys Berne (SWI) or Red Star Belgrade (SEM) v PSV Eindhoven (NED) MSK Zilina (SVK) or Dinamo Bucharest (ROM) v Manchester United (ENG) FC Basel (SWI) v Inter Milan (ITA) Benfica (POR) v Anderlecht (BEL) Deportivo La Coruna (SPA) v Hajduk Split (CRO) or Shelbourne (IRL) PAOK Salonika (GRE) v HJK Helsinki (FIN) or Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) Gorica (SLO) or FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Monaco (FRA) WIT Georgia (GEO) or Wisla Krakow (POL) v Real Madrid (ESP) First leg: 10/11 August 2004 Second leg: 24/25 August 2004 . . . more . . .
Porto sign Brazil midfielder Diego (Jul 30, 2004)
European champions Porto have signed Brazil midfielder Diego from Brazilian side Santos on a five-year contract. . . . more . . .
Owen hopes to seal Liverpool future before new season (Jul 30, 2004)
Michael Owen said that Liverpool was in his blood and he hoped to seal his future at Anfield with a new contract before the start of the new Premier League season. . . . more . . .
I'm looking forward to World Cup qualifiers, says Eriksson (Jul 30, 2004)
Under-fire England coach Sven Goran Eriksson shrugged off the latest crisis enveloping his personal life by inisting that he is looking forward to plotting his team's path to the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Heavyweights collide at Asian Cup as Japan take on minnows (Jul 30, 2004)
South Korea and Iran collide in a heavyweight Asian Cup quarter-final showdown Saturday as champions Japan seek to find their scoring touch against defence-minded minnows Jordan. . . . more . . .
Arsenal trio in injury scare (Jul 30, 2004)
Arsenal fear Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell could all miss the start of the English Premiership season because of injuries suffered during Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Arsenal, River Plate in goalless draw (Jul 30, 2004)
Arsenal's first game of the Amsterdam Tournament ended in a drab goalless draw with River Plate of Argentina. . . . more . . .
China into Asian Cup semis as Iraq lose the plot (Jul 30, 2004)
China marched into the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, sending plucky Iraq packing with a hard-fought 3-0 victory in a game marred by a 20-man brawl and the sending off of the Iraqi goalkeeper. . . . more . . .
Celtic secure Camara deal (Jul 30, 2004)
Scottish champions Celtic took Senegalese international striker Henri Camara from Wolves on a year's loan. . . . more . . .
Kanu sparks double West Brom transfer splash (Jul 30, 2004)
Newly-promoted English Premiership side West Brom made a double swoop into the transfer market by signing Nigerian star Kanu from Arsenal as well as Hungary skipper Zoltan Gera. . . . more . . .
Spurs suffer pre-season blow with Keane injury (Jul 30, 2004)
Tottenham coach Jacques Santini is facing up to having to survive the first six weeks of the new Premiership season without the services of striker Robbie Keane. . . . more . . .
Benfica tackle Anderlecht in top Champions League match (Jul 30, 2004)
Benfica take on Anderlecht in the plum pick of the third and final qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. . . . more . . .
Arsenal striker Kanu joins West Brom (Jul 30, 2004)
Newly-promoted English Premiership side West Brom have signed Nigeria star Kanu on a free transfer from Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Experienced Loew appointed as Klinsmann's assistant (Jul 30, 2004)
Stuttgart's former coach Joachim Loew was named as new German manager Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant. . . . more . . .
Liverpool get go-ahead for new 60,000 stadium (Jul 30, 2004)
Liverpool were given the go-ahead to build a new 60,000-seater stadium next door to their famous Anfield home. . . . more . . .
French coach calls on Zidane to stay in international fold (Jul 30, 2004)
New France coach Raymond Domenech has urged Zinedine Zidane to postpone international retirement and stay on to help guide the side to the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Bahrain through to Asian Cup semis as Uzbeks pay the penalty (Jul 30, 2004)
Bahrain defeated Uzbekistan 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Cup for the first time in the tiny Gulf nation's history. . . . more . . .
Edmilson shunned Real Madrid to join Barcelona (Jul 29, 2004)
Brazil's World Cup-winning midfielder Edmilson has revealed he turned down an offer from Real Madrid before joining their bitter rivals Barcelona this week. . . . more . . .
Thomert's price tag too much for Tottenham (Jul 29, 2004)
Tottenham have ended negotiations to secure French player Olivier Thomert after Lens slapped a 14-million-euro (17-million-dollar) price tag on the midfielder, the French first division club side. . . . more . . .
Embattled Eriksson breaks his silence (Jul 29, 2004)
Under-fire England coach Sven Goran Eriksson broke his silence over the alleged affair with a Football Association secretary which could cost him his job. . . . more . . .
Zola stays on at Cagliari (Jul 29, 2004)
Italian football great Gianfranco Zola is staying on at Cagliari for another season, sources at the Sardinian club indicated. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann recruits fellow striker Bierhof (Jul 29, 2004)
Former striker Oliver Bierhoff was appointed deputy to new Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann. . . . more . . .
Holland turn to Van Basten (Jul 29, 2004)
Holland have given Marco van Basten and John van 't Schip the job of qualifying them for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Celtic surprises Manchester United 2-1 on US soil (Jul 29, 2004)
Celtic's first win was Manchester United's first loss on American soil as Craig Beattie's goal in the 71st minute gave the Scots-side a 2-1 decision over the Red Devils. . . . more . . .
Everton support Olympic call-up, says Cahill (Jul 29, 2004)
New Everton signing Tim Cahill said the English Premier League club has supported his call-up to play football for Australia in the Athens Olympics next month. . . . more . . .
Benfica get Norway defender Karadas (Jul 29, 2004)
Benfica have signed Norway defender Azar Karadas from Rosenborg Trondheim on a four-year deal for a reported 1.75 million euros. . . . more . . .
Newcastle chase Miguel but Benfica says he is not for sale (Jul 29, 2004)
Benfica said they were not interested in selling their international defender Miguel, who has sparked interest from Newcastle United since his standout performance during Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Eriksson campaign scents blood (Jul 29, 2004)
England football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said last December he would quit if speculation about his private life became too much. . . . more . . .
West Brom sign Boro's Greening (Jul 29, 2004)
Newly-promoted West Brom have signed Middlesbrough midfielder Jonathan Greening for three years for an initial 1.25 million pounds. . . . more . . .
Celtic beat Manchester United 2-1 in US friendly (Jul 29, 2004)
Celtic imposed a first defeat on US soil on Manchester United thanks to Craig Beattie's impudent 71st-minute strike. . . . more . . .
Gerrard has no regrets over staying at Anfield (Jul 29, 2004)
Steven Gerrard insisted he has made the right decision to reject offers from Chelsea and stay at Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid shrug off slow start in pre-season Japan match (Jul 29, 2004)
Star-studded Real Madrid shrugged off a slow start in their first match on tour in Japan as they stormed back from an early goal down to beat local club JEF United Ichihara 1-3. . . . more . . .
Inamoto to quit Fulham and return to Japan (Jul 29, 2004)
Fulham midfielder Junichi Inamoto is returning home to play for J-league side Gamba Osaka, Japanese news agencies said. . . . more . . .
Camara set for Celtic talks (Jul 28, 2004)
Wolves striker Henri Camara will hold talks with Scottish giants Celtic here Thursday, his agent confirmed. . . . more . . .
Marseille and me are a marriage made in heaven says Lizarazu (Jul 28, 2004)
Veteran France left-back Bixente Lizarazu said that the main reason for him moving to French championship side Marseille was that it was a marriage made in heaven. . . . more . . .
Arsenal chief in Vieira Real talks (Jul 28, 2004)
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was due to meet Patrick Vieira for talks which could lead to the France midfielder joining Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Zidane tightlipped about future with Les Bleus (Jul 28, 2004)
French captain Zinedine Zidane was tightlipped about his future with the national side, but paid tribute to Lilian Thuram after the defender brought his own international career to an end. . . . more . . .
Carvalho concludes Chelsea summer spree (Jul 28, 2004)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has declared an end to the London club's summer shopping spree after Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho became the final piece in manager Jose Mourinho's 24-man jigsaw. . . . more . . .
Bulgarian skipper Petrov staying at Celtic (Jul 28, 2004)
Stilian Petrov has ruled out following new Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov's call to leave Celtic for a big club like Barcelona to improve his game. . . . more . . .
Inter's midfield just champion claims Davids (Jul 28, 2004)
Inter Milan's midfield was one of the best in last season's Champion's League, newly recruited Dutch international Edgar Davids claimed at his unveiling. . . . more . . .
Desert kingdom aiming to end goal-drought at Asian Cup (Jul 28, 2004)
Jordan believe that they must go from famine to feast if their fairytale Asian Cup run is to go beyond the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Lizarazu returns to France with Marseille (Jul 28, 2004)
Veteran France left-back Bixente Lizarazu has joined Marseille on a two-year deal after playing abroad for eight years with Athletic Bilbao and Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
China struggling with injuries ahead of Iraq quarter-final showdown (Jul 28, 2004)
China's preparations for their Asian Cup quarter-final against Iraq have been thrown into turmoil with news that striker Li Yi is likely to miss the match through injury. . . . more . . .
Eriksson confident of surviving Svengate (Jul 28, 2004)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident he will survive the controversy over his alleged cover-up of an affair with an FA secretary. . . . more . . .
No Liverpool shopping spree (Jul 28, 2004)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has ruled out a Chelsea-style shopping spree to challenge Arsenal for the English crown. . . . more . . .
South Korea getting stronger and stronger, coach warns (Jul 28, 2004)
South Korea's coach warned that the World Cup semi-finalists are getting stronger with every game after their crushing defeat of Kuwait to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Real legend Hierro joins Bolton (Jul 28, 2004)
Bolton have confirmed former Spain skipper Fernando Hierro has joined the English Premiership side on a one-year contract. . . . more . . .
Edmilson leaves Lyon for Barcelona (Jul 27, 2004)
Brazil's World Cup-winning midfielder Edmilson will play for Barcelona next season after an agreement was reached with French club Lyon, a source close to the Spanish club told AFP. . . . more . . .
Angel to miss start of season (Jul 27, 2004)
Aston Villa's Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel will miss the start of the English Premiership season as he struggles to recover from an operation on his knee. . . . more . . .
Ecuador accept Gomez's resignation reluctantly (Jul 27, 2004)
Hernan Gomez's resignation as Ecuador national coach following their first round exit from the Copa America was accepted by the national federation (FEF) reluctantly. . . . more . . .
Lyon agree to sell Luyindula to Marseille (Jul 27, 2004)
French champions Lyon said they had agreed to transfer French international striker Peguy Luyindula to Marseille to help fill the gap left by Didier Drogba's move to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Lizarazu edges closer to Marseille deal (Jul 27, 2004)
Veteran French international defender Bixente Lizarazu joined Marseille's pre-season training camp as he moved closer to joining the club. . . . more . . .
Vieira agrees terms with Real Madrid: report (Jul 27, 2004)
Real Madrid have agreed terms with Arsenal and French international midfielder Patrick Vieira which will see him pulling on the famous white shirt in the next few days, a report said. . . . more . . .
Rampant Koreans demolish Kuwait for place in Asian Cup quarter-finals (Jul 27, 2004)
South Korea finally hit form in the Asian Cup, demolishing Kuwait 4-0 to confirm their place in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Chelsea chase Carvalho (Jul 27, 2004)
Chelsea were reported to be close to completing a deal for Porto defender Ricardo Carvalho after pulling back from an attempt to buy Tottenham defender Ledley King. . . . more . . .
English soccer chiefs call Eriksson summit (Jul 27, 2004)
Embarrassed Football Association officials have called on England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to defend himself against mounting calls for his resignation over his affair with an FA secretary. . . . more . . .
United chase Rui Costa (Jul 27, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson wants veteran Portugal's Rui Costa to add midfield sparkle to his English Premiership challenge. . . . more . . .
West Ham snap up Rebrov (Jul 27, 2004)
First Division West Ham have signed former Tottenham striker Sergei Rebrov on a free transfer subject to the Ukrainian receiving a work permit. . . . more . . .
Fulham sign Senegal midfielder Diop (Jul 27, 2004)
Fulham have signed Senegal international Papa Bouba Diop from French club Lens on a four year deal for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
No football fit for a king but Jordan through to Asian Cup quarters (Jul 27, 2004)
It was hardly a feast of football fit for a king, but Jordan left their biggest fan beaming with delight after clinching a place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Football chiefs call Eriksson summit (Jul 27, 2004)
Embarrassed Football Association officials have called on England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to defend himself against mounting calls for his resignation over his affair with an FA secretary. . . . more . . .
Thuram ends international career (Jul 27, 2004)
France defender Lilian Thuram has decided to end his international career after 103 caps at the age of 32. . . . more . . .
Chelsea sign Carvalho for 30 million euros (Jul 27, 2004)
English premier league side Chelsea have signed FC Porto defender Ricardo Carvalho for 30 million euros (36.5 million dollars, 19.8 million pounds), the Portuguese team said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Malaga defender Josemi signs with Liverpool (Jul 27, 2004)
Spanish defender Josemi has made the move to Liverpool, Rafael Benitez, manager of the English Premiership club, said. . . . more . . .
Butt to leave Man United for Newcastle (Jul 26, 2004)
England international midfielder Nicky Butt is set to join Newcastle after his club Manchester United confirmed they have agreed a deal with the Tyneside club. . . . more . . .
Greek Euro 2004 star Kapsis signs with Bordeaux (Jul 26, 2004)
Greece's Euro 2004-winning central defender Mihalis Kapsis has signed a two-year contract with French club Bordeaux, president Jean-Louis Triaud said. . . . more . . .
Knee injury ends Overmars' career (Jul 26, 2004)
Netherlands star Marc Overmars has retired at the age of 31 because of a chronic knee injury. . . . more . . .
Liverpool edge closer to Owen deal (Jul 26, 2004)
Liverpool hope to secure Michael Owen's signature on a new contract during the club's three-match trip to the United States. . . . more . . .
Bolton chase Hierro but Djorkaeff set to leave (Jul 26, 2004)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is on the verge of adding former Spanish skipper Fernando Hierro to his cosmopolitan squad although he is set to lose the services of Youri Djorkaeff. . . . more . . .
Ferguson concedes Olympic defeat (Jul 26, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is resigned to the fact he will be without Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze for the start of the new season. . . . more . . .
Bahrain play down expectations after historic Asia Cup success (Jul 26, 2004)
Bahrain's coach has played down expectations after the tiny Gulf nation stormed into its first ever Asian Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Indonesia. . . . more . . .
Bolton chase Hierro (Jul 26, 2004)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is on the verge of adding former Spain skipper Fernando Hierro to his cosmopolitan squad. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann new Germany coach (Jul 26, 2004)
Jurgen Klinsmann was named the new Germany coach with a two year contract to take him to the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Wenger battles Vieira Real move (Jul 26, 2004)
Arsene Wenger remains confident that Patrick Vieira's future lies with Arsenal despite mounting media speculation the French midfielder will be joining David Beckham at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Eriksson fights England quit calls (Jul 26, 2004)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has brushed aside media calls for him to stand down after the Football Association admitted he had an affair with an FA secretary. . . . more . . .
Eriksson, Rooney flings splash Britain's press (Jul 26, 2004)
Tittle-tattle involving England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's amorous antics, as well as prodigy striker Wayne Rooney's fling with a call girl, littered the British press. . . . more . . .
Saudi coach fired after Asian Cup exit: team official (Jul 26, 2004)
Saudi Arabia coach Gerard van der Lem has been sacked following his team's Asian Cup exit at the hands of Iraq, team officials. . . . more . . .
South Korean coach showing ruthless streak at Asian Cup (Jul 25, 2004)
South Korea coach Jo Bonfrere has told his players to start delivering or face being dropped as they look to secure a place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Scolari in no rush to return to Brazil (Jul 25, 2004)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he was in no rush to return to his native Brazil, which he led to the 2002 World Cup title. . . . more . . .
Three Iranian players suspended, referee sent home from Asian Cup (Jul 25, 2004)
Three Iran players have been suspended and a referee kicked out of the Asian Cup in the wake of the three-time champions' bitterly controversial draw with Oman. . . . more . . .
Goal-hungry Esperance and Enyimba make mark on African Champions League (Jul 25, 2004)
African Champions League favourites Esperance of Tunisia and title holders Enyimba of Nigeria were in merciless moods this weekend. . . . more . . .
Brazil crowned Copa America champions (Jul 25, 2004)
Brazil were crowned Copa America champions when they beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties after the final had ended 2-2 after normal time. . . . more . . .
Thailand's football future may rest with German star Effenberg (Jul 25, 2004)
Former German midfield stalwart Stefan Effenberg has targeted 2010 as a breakout year for football in Asia and in particular Thailand, saying he has just the ticket to help them get to the World Cup finals in six years time. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's new signing Deco assaulted in Portugal (Jul 25, 2004)
Barcelona's new signing Deco was physically assaulted by three men over the weekend while on holiday in his former home Portugal but was not seriously injured. . . . more . . .
I'm still number one says Keane (Jul 25, 2004)
Manchester United's veteran captain Roy Keane believes that he is still more than a match for any midfielder in the English Premiership despite recent injuries. . . . more . . .
Liverpool confirm Josemi talks (Jul 25, 2004)
Liverpool confirmed they are in talks with Spanish defender Josemi over a move to Anfield. . . . more . . .
Eriksson and his boss had affairs with same secretary (Jul 25, 2004)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had a sexual relationship with a female secretary at the Football Association (FA), his employers confirmed after initially denying the affair. . . . more . . .
Adriano helps Brazil to improbable Copa America victory (Jul 25, 2004)
A last-gasp goal from Adriano helped Brazil clinch an improbable penalty shoot-out win over Argentina in the Copa America final. . . . more . . .
Uruguay claim third-place with 2-1 win over Colombia (Jul 25, 2004)
Goals from Fabian Estoyanoff and Vicente Sanchez gave Uruguay a 2-1 win over Colombia in their Copa America third-place play-off. . . . more . . .
Kluivert set to fight for first-team place (Jul 25, 2004)
Dutch international striker Patrick Kluivert admitted that he was not expecting to walk straight into the Newcastle first-team side next season. . . . more . . .
South African referee shoots coach dead for questioning decision (Jul 25, 2004)
A South African football referee shot a coach dead and injured two players for questioning his decision to hand out a yellow card to one of their team members during a match, police said. . . . more . . .
Portugal turns down Chelsea request to spare Tiago from Olympics (Jul 25, 2004)
The Portuguese Football Federation has turned down a request by Chelsea to exclude their new signing Tiago Mendes from Portugal's squad for next month's Olympic Games. . . . more . . .
Greek defender Kapsis poised for Bordeaux move (Jul 24, 2004)
European champion central defender Mihalis Kapsis has agreed a deal with French club Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Shearer relishing Kluivert link-up (Jul 24, 2004)
Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer believes his final season in football will be enriched by the arrival of Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Lampard commits to Chelsea (Jul 24, 2004)
England midfielder Frank Lampard has committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new five-year deal, the English Premiership side confirmed. . . . more . . .
Everton target Van Bommel (Jul 24, 2004)
Everton boss David Moyes has admitted that the cash-strapped Merseysiders are chasing Dutch international midfielder Mark Van Bommel. . . . more . . .
Setback for China as striker Hao ruled out of Asian Cup (Jul 24, 2004)
China's Asian Cup hopes were dealt a devastating blow after it was confirmed that veteran striker Hao Haidong could be ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury. . . . more . . .
Japan into Asian Cup quarter-finals as Iran stumble (Jul 24, 2004)
Holders Japan came from behind to beat Thailand and book their place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals as Iran fought back to snatch a controversial draw with Oman. . . . more . . .
I may not be good enough for English football, says Viana (Jul 24, 2004)
Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana, who earlier this week returned to his old club Sporting Lisbon on loan for a year, has said he feels he may not have what it takes to shine in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Price still not right for Inamoto insists Fulham boss (Jul 24, 2004)
The permanent move of Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto to English Premiership side Fulham has reached deadlock, manager Chris Coleman said. . . . more . . .
Notorious Beckham ball ends up with Canadian casino (Jul 23, 2004)
The ball David Beckham's expensive boot kicked over the crossbar and into footballing infamy in a Euro 2004 shootout has landed in the hands of a Canadian-registered online casino. . . . more . . .
Beckham lauds Vieira, insists settled into Madrid stay (Jul 23, 2004)
England star David Beckham reiterated he had never thought of ducking his continued challenge with Real Madrid despite the Spanish giants failing to land a trophy in his opening season. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo is thrilled with Olympics call despite Ferguson anger (Jul 23, 2004)
Manchester United's Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo says he understands manager Sir Alex Ferguson's anger over his Olympics call but he is thrilled at the chance to represent his country in Athens next month. . . . more . . .
Radzinski heads for Fulham (Jul 23, 2004)
Fulham have completed the signing of Canadian international Tomasz Radzinski from Everton for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
Ferguson's Olympic ultimatum to Heinze (Jul 23, 2004)
Alex Ferguson has told Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze to skip next month's Athens Olympics or never play for Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Chelsea make Terry captain (Jul 23, 2004)
Jose Mourinho has made England defender John Terry Chelsea's new captain for next season. . . . more . . .
Boro complete Parlour deal for free (Jul 23, 2004)
Middlesbrough completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, who is moving north on a free transfer after agreeing a three-year contract. . . . more . . .
Jose knocks down Fergie (Jul 23, 2004)
New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho agrees with Alex Ferguson that you cannot buy success at football and points out how Porto proved the argument last season when they knocked out Manchester United in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Everton confident of keeping Rooney (Jul 23, 2004)
Everton have had positive talks with Wayne Rooney's agent and will continue negotiating over the weekend. . . . more . . .
Di Vaio sees Valencia as gateway to greatness (Jul 23, 2004)
Marco Di Vaio, Spanish champions Valencia's latest Italian capture, said he saw his move from Juventus as a major step forward in his career. . . . more . . .
Kluivert warning for Newcastle (Jul 23, 2004)
Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson has been warned to lay down the law if he wants to get anything out of Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert. . . . more . . .
Arsenal chasing FC Porto's Maniche (Jul 23, 2004)
English Premiership champions Arsenal are interested in signing FC Porto midfielder Nuno Maniche, the player's manager said. . . . more . . .
Thai counter-attack troubling Japan coach Zico (Jul 22, 2004)
Japan coach Zico says his team must stifle Thailand's speedy counter-attacking if they are to secure their place in the quarter-finals with a victory in Group D here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Reds told to adapt to get best from Cisse (Jul 22, 2004)
Rafael Benitez has warned that Liverpool will have to adapt their style to get the best out of record signing Djibril Cisse. . . . more . . .
Old Trafford to host bulk of England World Cup qualifiers (Jul 22, 2004)
England will play four out of their five home World Cup qualifiers at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann and Bierhoff to guide Germany (Jul 22, 2004)
Germany have turned to former strikers Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff to lead them to the 2006 World Cup finals which will be held on German soil. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann and Bierhoff to guide Germany: reports (Jul 22, 2004)
Germany have turned to former strikers Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff to lead them to the 2006 World Cup finals which will be held on German soil. . . . more . . .
Beckham on target as Real squash minnows in pre-season friendly (Jul 22, 2004)
England star David Beckham was on target as Real Madrid rolled over third division minnows Chiclana 11-0 in their opening pre-season tune-up in the southern city of Jerez. . . . more . . .
Trezeguet commits to Juventus (Jul 22, 2004)
French international striker David Trezeguet has extended his contract with Italian side Juventus for a further four years, team general manager Luciano Moggi confirmed. . . . more . . .
Benfica's Mantorras held over suspected false passport (Jul 22, 2004)
Benfica's Angolan striker Pedro Mantorras was detained at Lisbon's international airport on suspicion of travelling with a false passport, national news agency Lusa reported citing a police source. . . . more . . .
Brazil survive shoot-out to reach Copa America final (Jul 22, 2004)
Brazil, without their World Cup stars, proved their mettle in a penalty shoot-out against Uruguay in the semi-final to reach the Copa America final against Argentina. . . . more . . .
'Lucky' Koreans prepare for UAE test in Asian Cup (Jul 22, 2004)
United Arab Emirates coach Aad de Mos has dismissed South Korea's run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals as a fluke ahead of the two teams' crucial Asian Cup match here Friday. . . . more . . .
Iraq down Turkmenistan in five-goal Asian Cup thriller (Jul 22, 2004)
Iraq's war-weary footballers overcame a late fightback from 10-man Turkmenistan to breathe life into their Asian Cup campaign with a pulsating 3-2 victory. . . . more . . .
Canaries capture Helveg as Palace snap up Finnish star (Jul 22, 2004)
Premiership newcomers Norwich City have completed the signing of Danish international defender Thomas Helveg on a two-year contract. . . . more . . .
Parlour and ex-wife take pay cut after Boro move (Jul 22, 2004)
Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has agreed to join Middlesbrough in a deal that will mean a substantial cut in income for both the former England international and his ex-wife. . . . more . . .
Marseille midfielder Flamini joins Gunners (Jul 22, 2004)
France Under 21 international midfielder Matthieu Flamini was branded a traitor after reportedly agreeing to leave Olympique Marseille for English champions Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Uzbekistan into Asian Cup quarter-finals as Saudis face shock exit (Jul 22, 2004)
Uzbekistan became the first side to reach the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, leaving three-time champions Saudi Arabia facing a crunch showdown with rivals Iraq for a place in the last eight. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo completes Olympiakos move (Jul 22, 2004)
Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo signed a two-year contract with Greek giants Olympiakos Piraeus with an option for an additional season. . . . more . . .
Cahill bound for Everton as Radzinski joins Fulham (Jul 22, 2004)
Australia midfielder Tim Cahill has agreed to move from Millwall to Premiership side Everton for a fee of two million pounds (3.7 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Olympic blow for Ferguson (Jul 22, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will have to start the English Premiership without Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze after they were called up by their countries for next month's Athens Olympics. . . . more . . .
I'm no reserve, says tug-of-war star Eto'o (Jul 22, 2004)
Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o said he does not want to go on loan to Real Madrid if it is just to spend a season kicking his heels. . . . more . . .
Magpies count on Kluivert to sharpen cutting edge (Jul 22, 2004)
Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson believes his side will start the new season with the best strike force in the Premiership following the capture of Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert. . . . more . . .
Benitez aims to paint Premiership red inside three years (Jul 21, 2004)
New Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has given himself a three-year deadline for restoring the Reds to their former place at the summit of English football. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann surprise new name in Germany frame (Jul 21, 2004)
Former international striker Jurgen Klinsmann is the latest name to enter the fray for the vacant Germany manager's job. . . . more . . .
Ferguson fires off Mourinho warning shot (Jul 21, 2004)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has reignited his feud with Jose Mourinho by claiming Chelsea's spending will not guarantee success. . . . more . . .
Kluivert flies in to tie up Magpies deal (Jul 21, 2004)
Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert flew into Newcastle on declaring himself ready for a move to the English Premiership club after being frozen out at Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Argentina sweep past Colombia into Copa America final (Jul 21, 2004)
Favourites Argentina swept past defending champions Colombia with three unanswered goals into the Copa America final. . . . more . . .
Newcastle loan out Viana to Sporting (Jul 21, 2004)
Newcastle United have agreed to loan out Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana to his old club Sporting Lisbon for a year. . . . more . . .
Olympiakos Piraeus sign Rivaldo (Jul 21, 2004)
Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo has agreed to join Olympiakos Piraeus, the Greek club's office said. . . . more . . .
Boro want Arsenal's Parlour (Jul 21, 2004)
Middlesbrough have made an approach for Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour after being turned down by Chelsea for their Cameroon midfielder Geremi. . . . more . . .
Bolton quick off the mark in move for Speed (Jul 21, 2004)
Bolton have signed veteran Wales midfielder Gary Speed from English Premiership rivals Newcastle for 750,000 pounds (1.4 million dollars), the club announced. . . . more . . .
Moyes hopeful Rooney will stay at Everton (Jul 21, 2004)
Everton boss David Moyes has declared himself hopeful that Wayne Rooney will commit himself to a new five-year deal at the Merseyside club. . . . more . . .
Robson delighted by capture of 'dazzling' Kluivert (Jul 21, 2004)
Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert signed for Newcastle on a three-year deal and immediately set his sights on resurrecting a career that had gone into freefall at Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Beckham ready to make critics eat their words (Jul 21, 2004)
England skipper David Beckham says he will make his critics eat their words as Real Madrid look to shake off the hangover of last season. . . . more . . .
Palace reward promotion heroes with new deals (Jul 21, 2004)
Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace have rewarded two of the heroes of their promotion campaign - Finnish midfielder Aki Riihilahti and Australian defender Tony Popovic - with new two-year contracts. . . . more . . .
Mourinho to carry on spending after Tiago completes Chelsea move (Jul 21, 2004)
Jose Mourinho wants to extend Chelsea's 70-million-pound summer spending spree with the capture of a top class central defender after completing the signing of Benfica midfielder Tiago. . . . more . . .
Rivaldo arrives at Olympiakos (Jul 21, 2004)
Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo arrived in the Greek capital after agreeing to join Olympiakos. . . . more . . .
FIFA positive over plans to relaunch Kenyan football (Jul 21, 2004)
FIFA said talks with Kenyan sporting officials had yielded positive results on plans to re-launch the Kenya Football Federation (KFF). . . . more . . .
Barca give up on Eto'o bid (Jul 21, 2004)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Wednesday that they have given up on their bidding war with arch-rivals Real Madrid for African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o. . . . more . . .
Valencia's Italian bias continues with Di Vaio signing (Jul 20, 2004)
Juventus striker Marco Di Vaio is the subject of a five year 10.5 million euro transfer to UEFA Cup champions Valencia, the Spanish club's vice president announced. . . . more . . .
Marseille let Drogba join Chelsea revolution (Jul 20, 2004)
Chelsea have agreed terms with French club Marseille for the 50-million-dollar transfer of striker Didier Drogba as the Londoners' new coach Jose Mourinho steps up his recruitment of new blood. . . . more . . .
Keegan set to hand Sun new City role (Jul 20, 2004)
Chinese international Sun Jihai could find himself switched from defence to midfield at Manchester City next season, the English Premiership club's boss Kevin Keegan has admitted. . . . more . . .
Newcastle stalwart Speed set for Bolton (Jul 20, 2004)
Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed, who holds the Premiership appearance record, has agreed terms with Bolton. . . . more . . .
Maradona junior in Dunfermline dither (Jul 20, 2004)
Diego Maradona Junior looks to have destroyed his chances of engineering a move to Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline. . . . more . . .