Archive soccer news from around the world
North Korean football in dock after ugly crowd scenes (Mar 31, 2005)
North Korean football was in the dock after thousands of fans went on the rampage following a World Cup qualifier defeat by Iran, hurling bottles and chairs at players and officials. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Lincoln flattered by Real interest (Mar 31, 2005)
Schalke 04's Brazilian playmaker Lincoln admits he is flattered by talk of interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid but vowed to stay at the Arena Auf Schalke. . . . more . . .
Argentina and Brazil lead the way in South America qualifiers (Mar 31, 2005)
Powerhouses Argentina and Brazil consolidated their positions atop the South American zone World Cup qualifying groups after the latest round of matches. . . . more . . .
Pennant released from prison (Mar 31, 2005)
Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant has been released from prison after serving 31 days of a three-month sentence for drink driving offences. . . . more . . .
Chelsea faces crunch UEFA disciplinary hearing (Mar 31, 2005)
Chelsea were facing a potentially damaging disciplinary hearing at European soccer's governing body UEFA, following the English side's claim that referee Anders Frisk acted improperly during their Champions League clash against Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Chelsea fined and Mourinho banned by UEFA (Mar 31, 2005)
Chelsea were fined 50,000 euros and their manager Jose Mourinho banned for two games by UEFA here for accusing referee Anders Frisk of improper conduct in the Champions League clash with Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Beckham defends Owen after Alberto attack (Mar 31, 2005)
England captain David Beckham has called for Michael Owen to be shown "more respect" after the striker was on the receiving end of a bitter verbal attack by Azerbiajan boss Carlos Alberto. . . . more . . .
Saving Lazio prevented fan violence, says Berlusconi (Mar 31, 2005)
Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said the deal to save Lazio from bankruptcy prevented the threat of violence from the Rome club's volatile fans. . . . more . . .
Donovan leaves Bundesliga to join MLS Los Angeles Galaxy (Mar 31, 2005)
American striker Landon Donovan has returned to Major League Soccer from Bayer Leverkusen of the German Bundesliga and will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, who open the MLS season on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Shearer postpones retirement plans: reports (Mar 31, 2005)
Former England skipper Alan Shearer has cancelled plans to retire and will play on for Newcastle next season, reports said. . . . more . . .
Late-show Poles keep up pressure on England (Mar 30, 2005)
Poland kept up the pressure on England for automatic qualification for the 2006 World Cup from Group 6 with a slender 1-0 win against Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Kuwait and Saudi battle to stalemate (Mar 30, 2005)
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 stalemate leaving South Korea in the Group A driving seat in the race for the 2006 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Croats and Czechs turn up World Cup pressure (Mar 30, 2005)
Croatia and the Czech Republic boosted their dreams of making the 2006 World Cup finals with convincing wins as another busy night of qualifiers got underway in Europe. . . . more . . .
Sissoko joins Kanoute in Mali quit threat (Mar 30, 2005)
Mali midfielder Mohamed Sissoko joined Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute in considering retirement from international football following the violence which followed the team's shock World Cup defeat to Togo at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Ukraine eye first World Cup finals with Denmark victory (Mar 30, 2005)
Ukraine shrugged off the absence of injured star striker Andrei Shevchenko to beat Denmark 1-0 and take another huge step towards their first ever World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Kanoute shocked by death threats after Mali defeat (Mar 30, 2005)
Tottenham striker Fredi Kanoute says he may quit playing for his country Mali after he was threatened by angry fans following the 2-1 World Cup qualifier loss to Togo last weekend. . . . more . . .
Bayern can do the treble says Kahn (Mar 30, 2005)
Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn claims Bayern Munich are more than capable of winning the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup this season to lift a historic treble. . . . more . . .
Rooney assault claim withdrawn (Mar 30, 2005)
A student who said he'd been assaulted by England striker Wayne Rooney has withdrawn his claims, police said. . . . more . . .
Eriksson fearful of player burn-out (Mar 30, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson fears the demands of international football may lead to a growing number of players cutting short their England careers. . . . more . . .
Iran win marred by crowd trouble as Japan get back on track (Mar 30, 2005)
Iran overpowered North Korea 2-0 in Pyongyang triggering an angry reaction from home fans while Japan were gifted a 1-0 win over Bahrain thanks to an own goal in their Asian World Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
Angry scenes in Pyongyang after World Cup loss to Iran (Mar 30, 2005)
Wild scenes erupted in Pyongyang after North Korea lost their World Cup football qualifier to Iran, with angry fans throwing bottles and chairs at the referee and visiting team. . . . more . . .
Scotland not for me says Juninho (Mar 30, 2005)
Brazil maestro Juninho says he is quitting Scottish football having become disillusioned with the way the game is played north of the border. . . . more . . .
Coyne blunder kills Wales hopes (Mar 30, 2005)
Wales' nightmare World Cup campaign suffered a new low when a blunder by goalkeeper Danny Coyne handed Austria a 1-0 victory in their Group Six clash. . . . more . . .
Own goal hands Japan 1-0 win over Bahrain in World Cup qualifier (Mar 30, 2005)
Japan kept their bid to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Germany on track with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain in Asian qualifying, courtesy of an own goal. . . . more . . .
Leverkusen to cut losses with US star Donovan (Mar 30, 2005)
Bayer Leverkusen have told US international midfielder Landon Donovan that he can leave the club opening the door for a swift return to his homeland. . . . more . . .
Ukraine eye World Cup finals with Denmark victory (Mar 30, 2005)
Ukraine shrugged off the absence of star striker Andrei Shevchenko to beat Denmark 1-0 and take another huge step towards their first ever World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Mourinho defiant as Chelsea prepare for hearing (Mar 30, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho remained in combative mood ahead of Thursday's UEFA hearing into the English Premier League leaders' claims that referee Anders Frisk acted improperly during their Champions League clash against Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Israel's Badier gives France the Blues (Mar 30, 2005)
Israel's Walid Badier scored a late equalizer for a 1-1 draw against France at the Ramat Gan stadium night to keep European zone World Cup Group 4 wide open. . . . more . . .
Charlton announce loss of over 1 million pounds (Mar 30, 2005)
English Premiership side Charlton Athletic announced a net loss of 1.682 million pounds for the six months ended December 31, 2004. . . . more . . .
England labour to World Cup win over minnows (Mar 30, 2005)
Steven Gerrard and David Beckham struck as England remained on course to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals with a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Second-string Italy held by Iceland (Mar 30, 2005)
An experimental Italy side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Iceland in an international friendly. . . . more . . .
Switzerland struggle past minnows Cyprus (Mar 30, 2005)
Switzerland capitalised on a game in hand with a 1-0 victory in their World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Zurich after they nearly squandered precious points against the group four minnows. . . . more . . .
Stalemate adds to Spain's World Cup woe (Mar 30, 2005)
Spain's stuttering World Cup campaign suffered another hiccup when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Group Seven rivals Serbia-Montenegro. . . . more . . .
Robben vows to make Chelsea run-in return (Mar 30, 2005)
Arjen Robben said he was determined to regain fitness before the season ended and play a part in the climax to what is already shaping up as Chelsea's greatest season. . . . more . . .
Iran out-muscle angry North Koreans 2-0 in Asian World Cup qualifier (Mar 30, 2005)
Iran overpowered North Korea 2-0 in Pyongyang in a spiteful Asian World Cup qualifying match in which the home team and crowd of 70,000 at Kim Il-Sung stadium reacted furiously to the loss. . . . more . . .
Emerson said in line for Madrid move (Mar 30, 2005)
Juventus midfielder Emerson is set to add to Brazil's colony of Real Madrid stars this summer by moving to the Bernabeu, Marca sports daily reported. . . . more . . .
No rest for Chelsea promises Ferguson after lifetime achievement award (Mar 29, 2005)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson insisted his team had not given up hope of catching runaway Premiership leaders Chelsea after being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 HMV Football Extravaganza dinner in London. . . . more . . .
Scolari unfazed by Mourinho interest in his job (Mar 29, 2005)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he thought it was natural that Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho would like to one day take the post which he now occupies. . . . more . . .
Barca 'dreaming' of Henry deal (Mar 29, 2005)
Spanish league leaders Barcelona are "dreaming" of landing Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry and linking him up with Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o and Brazilian star Ronaldinho in a star-studded attack. . . . more . . .
It's not all over for Scotland, Taylor says (Mar 29, 2005)
Scotland still have a chance of reaching the World Cup finals and have been boosted by a good performance in the 2-0 loss in Italy on Saturday according to SFA chief executive David Taylor. . . . more . . .
Barca star Eto'o to face judge over reckless driving (Mar 29, 2005)
Barcelona's Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o is to appear before a judge on April 7 in Palma, Mallorca, to answer charges of dangerous driving following a road accident on October 10, the plaintiff's lawyer said. . . . more . . .
England unchanged for Azerbaijan as Eriksson backs Beckham (Mar 29, 2005)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named an unchanged side to face Azerbaijan in Wednesday's European zone Group Six World Cup qualifying match here at St James' Park and stressed he was happy for David Beckham to continue as captain. . . . more . . .
Chelsea already guilty in UEFA's eyes: Mourinho (Mar 29, 2005)
Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho believes his club have already been found guilty ahead of a UEFA ruling into the English Premiership leaders' controversial conduct in last month's Champions League visit to Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Australia cruise to a 3-0 win over brave Indonesia (Mar 29, 2005)
Australia's foray into Asian football met with success as they extended their unbeaten international run to 11 matches with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Indonesia at Perth's Subiaco Oval. . . . more . . .
England unchanged for Azerbaijan (Mar 29, 2005)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named an unchanged side to face Azerbaijan in Wednesday's European zone Group Six World Cup qualifying match here at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Queiroz open to return to Africa (Mar 29, 2005)
Manchester United's assistant coach Carlos Queiroz said he would be willing to return to Mozambique to coach the southeast African nation's national team before retiring. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's Rui Costa relieved after jet scare (Mar 29, 2005)
AC Milan midfielder Manuel Rui Costa has expressed his relief after he and his family escaped unhurt from an emergency landing made by his private jet at the city's Malpensa airport. . . . more . . .
Rooney completes journey from fan to hero (Mar 29, 2005)
Wayne Rooney was once a 12-year-old football fan who wanted to be Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
Private jet with Milan player, family, in emergency landing (Mar 29, 2005)
A private jet carrying AC Milan's Portuguese international Manuel Rui Costa and his family was involved in an emergency landing at the city's Malpensa airport, airport authorities said, adding that those aboard were unhurt. . . . more . . .
Kerr rings changes for China (Mar 29, 2005)
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr announced several changes to his side to play China in an international friendly here at Lansdowne Road. . . . more . . .
Morrison's late strike sees off China (Mar 29, 2005)
Clinton Morrison's goal eight minutes from time was good enough to give the Republic of Ireland a lacklustre 1-0 friendly win over China at Lansdowne Road here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Robben out of Bayern match (Mar 28, 2005)
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will miss Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final game against Bayern Munich after injuring himself in the World Cup qualifier against Romania. . . . more . . .
French sports minister slams cynical Barthez (Mar 28, 2005)
French Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour slammed claims by French international goalkeeper Fabien Barthez that the world of football was rotten as the words of a bitter man. . . . more . . .
Real, like Schumi, will be great again: Helguera (Mar 28, 2005)
Real Madrid, facing finishing a second straight season empty-handed, will be great again just as surely as Michael Schumacher is not finished after two winless starts to the new Formula One season, according to Real defender Ivan Helguera. . . . more . . .
Mexico maintains mastery of US visitors with World Cup win (Mar 28, 2005)
Mexico continued a home-field mastery of arch rival United States, taking a 2-1 victory that snapped a 16-match US unbeaten streak. . . . more . . .
81 arrested after riots follow Mali's World Cup defeat (Mar 28, 2005)
Police have arrested 81 people after angry football fans ran riot in the streets of Mali's capital Bamako following their country's World Cup qualifying match home defeat at the hands of Togo, police said. . . . more . . .
Hartson ready to play on for Wales (Mar 28, 2005)
Wales striker John Hartson dispelled speculation about his future by stating that he has no intention of quitting international football. . . . more . . .
Carlos Alberto impressed by England (Mar 28, 2005)
Azerbaijan boss Carlos Alberto said he believes England are the best team in Europe and are ready to win the World Cup next year. . . . more . . .
Beckham and Gerrard return to England training (Mar 28, 2005)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson looks set to name an unchanged line-up for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan after David Beckham and Steven Gerrard shook off injury worries and trained with the squad on Monday. . . . more . . .
I've nothing left to prove to Madrid says Owen (Mar 28, 2005)
England striker Michael Owen said that he has nothing left to prove to his Real Madrid teammates. . . . more . . .
Casillas eyes United move (Mar 28, 2005)
Real Madrid's Spanish international goalkeeper Iker Casillas claimed that English Premiership side Manchester United are interested in signing him. . . . more . . .
Rosicky not for sale, indebted Dortmund tell Tottenham (Mar 27, 2005)
Borussia Dortmund slapped a not for sale sign on their Czech international midfielder Tomas Rosicky after an approach by English Premiership side Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Henry still uncertain for Israel qualifier says Domenech (Mar 27, 2005)
France coach Raymond Domenech admitted that star striker Thierry Henry was fit to play against Switzerland in their group four 2006 World Cup qualifier but was sidelined to avoid any risk of injury. . . . more . . .
Birmingham close to Pennant deal (Mar 27, 2005)
Birmingham are close to tying up a three-million-pound (4.3-million-euro) deal for Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant following his release from prison next week. . . . more . . .
Argentina stay ahead of Brazil in South America qualifiers (Mar 27, 2005)
Argentina stayed top of the South American zone World Cup qualifiers at the weekend when they rallied from a goal down to defeat Bolivia 2-1 at altitude in La Paz. . . . more . . .
Wales door still open for Savage (Mar 27, 2005)
Wales assistant manager Roy Evans said that Robbie Savage could still return to Welsh colours after an acrimonious split with national manager John Toshack that led to his international retirement. . . . more . . .
Robben rules out Armenia, Bayern matches after ankle injury (Mar 27, 2005)
Arjen Robben has ruled himself out of Holland's World Cup qualifying match with Armenia and Chelsea's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich after sustaining an ankle injury. . . . more . . .
Eriksson grateful for made-by-Mourinho midfield (Mar 27, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has paid tribute to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for helping him to construct a midfield quartet that he insists should be the envy of the world. . . . more . . .
Blues boss Mourinho joins Israel peace promotion (Mar 27, 2005)
Wearing a blue jersey with the slogan "Jose Mourinho coach for peace" Chelsea's Portuguese manager kicked off his Israeli peace tour at the Ramat Gan stadium near Tel Aviv. . . . more . . .
Kaka seals Brazil win (Mar 27, 2005)
A late goal from AC Milan's attacking midfielder Kaka gave world champions Brazil a 1-0 win over Peru in their South America zone World Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
US futility in Mexico continues with 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss (Mar 27, 2005)
Mexico snapped a record 16-match unbeaten streak by the United States, keeping their perfect home mark over their arch rivals with a 2-1 victory in a World Cup 2006 qualifying match. . . . more . . .
European big guns look to book World Cup spots (Mar 26, 2005)
Europe's big guns play World Cup 2006 qualifiers in the knowledge they have little room for error with just one automatic group qualifying spot up for grabs. . . . more . . .
Nigeria scrape past Gabon to go top (Mar 26, 2005)
Nigeria scraped past Gabon 2-0 to go top of the World Cup 2006 African zone group four, which also serves as a qualifying tournament for next year's African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Argentina extend lead with win over Bolivia (Mar 26, 2005)
Argentina rallied from a goal down to extend their lead on top of the South American zone World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Bolivia. . . . more . . .
Gerrard rubbishes Chelsea move rumours (Mar 26, 2005)
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said he is fed up hearing that he is about to leave Merseyside for Chelsea, and has insisted he is committed to Rafael Benitez's side. . . . more . . .
Super sub Suan stuns Irish (Mar 26, 2005)
A last gasp goal from Israel's Abas Suan held Ireland 1-1 and threw World Cup qualifying Group 4 wide open. . . . more . . .
Irish facing tricky tie against Israeli underdogs (Mar 26, 2005)
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has warned his players to be wary of what could prove to be a tricky tie against Israel in their World Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
Misfiring France held to scoreless draw by Switzerland (Mar 26, 2005)
Former world champions France dropped potentially precious points in their entertaining World Cup 2006 qualifier with group four rivals Switzerland which ended in a scoreless 0-0 draw. . . . more . . .
Spain swamp China in friendly (Mar 26, 2005)
Spain swatted China 3-0 in an international friendly in a rain-soaked warm-up for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Serbia and Montenegro. . . . more . . .
Diouf leads Premiership goal parade as Senegal crush Liberia (Mar 26, 2005)
El-Hadji Diouf scored twice as Senegal crushed Liberia 6-1 to strengthen their chance of a second consecutive World Cup appearance. . . . more . . .
Sub Elrich saves Aussie blushes with late winner over Iraq (Mar 26, 2005)
Substitute Ahmad Elrich scored with his first touch to give Australia a flattering 2-1 win over Iraq in a football international at the Sydney Olympic stadium. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer confirms interest in UEFA presidency (Mar 26, 2005)
Franz Beckenbauer confirmed his interest in standing for the 2006 UEFA presidency. . . . more . . .
Pirlo's precision sinks Scotland (Mar 26, 2005)
Italy took a step closer to the 2006 World Cup after beating Scotland 2-0 in a Group Five qualifying match at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Six killed, 40 injured in Iran-Japan football match (Mar 26, 2005)
Five people were trampled to death and 40 injured in a crush of spectators after Friday evening's World Cup qualifier between Iran and Japan, and another person died of an apparent heart attack brought on by the nail-biting clash, press reports said. . . . more . . .
England turn on the style (Mar 26, 2005)
England took another step towards qualifying for the World Cup with an entertaining 4-0 win over a hopelessly outclassed Northern Ireland here in their group six qualifier. . . . more . . .
Lucky South Africa edge Uganda in World Cup qualifier (Mar 26, 2005)
South Africa looked far from contenders for a place at the 2006 World Cup in Germany as they laboured to a 2-1 win over Uganda in a Group 2 qualifier. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia beat much-fancied Koreans (Mar 25, 2005)
Saudi Arabia's convincing 2-0 victory over World Cup semi-finalists South Korea has put Gabriel Calderon's team well on course to qualify for the 2006 finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Henry and Trezeguet likely to French strike force (Mar 25, 2005)
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and his Juventus counterpart David Trezeguet have shaken off injury niggles and look likely to spearhead France's attack against Switzerland in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday. . . . more . . .
England hand Cole licence to thrill (Mar 25, 2005)
England's 50th international under the guidance of Sven-Goran Eriksson is shaping up as a milestone in more than just the numerical sense. . . . more . . .
Japan and Iran set for battle in crucial World Cup qualifier (Mar 25, 2005)
Two of Asia's top teams, Iran and Japan, will be battling it out in Tehran in the latest round of Asian qualifiers, a fixture seen as critical for both sides' 2006 World Cup dreams. . . . more . . .
Undermanned Bahrain upset North Korea 2-1 in Pyongyang (Mar 25, 2005)
Bahrain's bid to make the World Cup finals for the first time received an unexpected boost when they upset North Korea 2-1 in their Asian qualifying match in Pyongyang. . . . more . . .
Giggs set to carry on with Wales (Mar 25, 2005)
Wales skipper Ryan Giggs has vowed to continue in international football despite seeing seven players call time on their careers with the country following the departure of Mark Hughes as the national side's boss. . . . more . . .
Henry and Trezeguet likely to speahead French strike force (Mar 25, 2005)
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and his Juventus counterpart David Trezeguet have shaken off injury niggles and look likely to spearhead France's attack against Switzerland in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Retirement won't affect Eriksson's job insists FA boss (Mar 25, 2005)
Football Association (FA) executive director David Davies insisted that his retirement after next year's World Cup will have no bearing on Sven-Goran Eriksson's future as England head coach. . . . more . . .
Gerrard welcomes four-week break (Mar 25, 2005)
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard welcomed the four-week break granted to the England squad ahead of the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Refs too harsh on Rooney claims Ferdinand (Mar 25, 2005)
Centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes that referees are being too harsh on England and Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney. . . . more . . .
Eriksson backs Rooney to shrug off assault row (Mar 25, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident that Wayne Rooney will not allow allegations he was involved in a nightclub brawl earlier this week affect his performance in England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Saturday. . . . more . . .
AS Roma sporting director Baldini quits (Mar 25, 2005)
AS Roma sporting director Franco Baldini has quit, it was revealed at the Italian first division club. . . . more . . .
Cahill to play for Australia against Iraq (Mar 25, 2005)
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill will spearhead a near full-strength Australia team in their football international against Iraq here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bundesliga stars help Iran to 2-1 win over Japan (Mar 25, 2005)
Iran made sure their World Cup dream was kept on track with a convincing 2-1 home win against top Asian rivals Japan, largely thanks to their trio of Bundesliga-based stars. . . . more . . .
Sanchez extends Northern Ireland contract (Mar 25, 2005)
Coach Lawrie Sanchez has been rewarded for turning Northern Ireland's fortunes around with a two-and-a-half-year contract extension which will see him lead the team in their bid to reach the 2008 European Championships. . . . more . . .
Drogba vows to do better (Mar 25, 2005)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba said Friday he'd yet to hit top form since joining the Premiership leaders in a 24 million pounds pre-season move from French club Marseille. . . . more . . .
Beckham hints at Real exit over paparazzi harassment of children (Mar 24, 2005)
David Beckham has dropped the strongest hint yet that he could be forced to quit Real Madrid because of paparazzi harassment of his children in the Spanish capital. . . . more . . .
Becks backing Cole to seize England chance (Mar 24, 2005)
David Beckham believes Joe Cole is ready to force his way into England's World Cup plans. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand prepared to win ugly (Mar 24, 2005)
Manchester United centreback Rio Ferdinand has warned his England team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by Northern Ireland's unheralded players in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand prepares for changing of the guard (Mar 24, 2005)
The Old Trafford surroundings will be familiar but for Rio Ferdinand Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland still represents a step into uncharted territory. . . . more . . .
Robinson happy to be in England spotlight (Mar 24, 2005)
England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has said he is happy to live with an increased public profile if that's part of the price he has to pay to fulfil his dream of being an international regular for the next 10 years. . . . more . . .
Benitez dismisses speculation of Real move (Mar 24, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed speculation that he could become Real Madrid's next coach. . . . more . . .
Gunners chief seeks speedy resolution to Cole issue (Mar 24, 2005)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has called for a speedy resolution to the Premier League investigation into Chelsea's alleged illegal approach to Arsenal's England left-back Ashley Cole. . . . more . . .
Gerrard vows to set the record straight at World Cup 2006 (Mar 24, 2005)
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has promised that England fans will see the best of him at next summer's World Cup in Germany. . . . more . . .
Sven gets his way over four-week break (Mar 24, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has won his battle with the English football hierarchy to ensure his players will have a four-week break between the end of the 2005-06 club season and the start of the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Kenyon hits back at UEFA (Mar 24, 2005)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has claimed the club have little chance of receiving a fair hearing from European soccer governing body UEFA when they answer disrepute charges next week. . . . more . . .
Germany use bet warning system in wake of Hoyzer scandal (Mar 24, 2005)
The German Football Federation (DFB) and German Football League (DFL) have signed a rolling contract with security company 'Betradar' to monitor betting in German football. . . . more . . .
Fitness fanatic Klinsmann wants 'high tempo' German side (Mar 24, 2005)
German national coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his team must be one of the fittest in world football if they are to achieve their aim of World Cup glory in 2006. . . . more . . .
Cahill puts country first ahead of Everton (Mar 24, 2005)
Midfielder Tim Cahill has gone against the wishes of his English club Everton by making himself available to play for Australia in their two matches over the Easter period. . . . more . . .
United supremo backs off from Fergie ultimatum (Mar 23, 2005)
Manchester United's chief executive David Gill has moved to avert a potentially damaging rift with Sir Alex Ferguson by playing down comments which implied the Scot's position at the club could be under threat. . . . more . . .
Liverpool face striker crisis as Baros apologises for horror tackle (Mar 23, 2005)
Liverpool face the unenviable prospect of having to play one of the biggest games of their season without a single recognised striker. . . . more . . .
Hamburg keen on Takahara (Mar 23, 2005)
German first division side SV Hamburg are in talks with Japanese international striker Naohiro Takahara about a lucrative new deal to keep him at the AOL-Arena. . . . more . . .
Best calls for Ireland united (Mar 23, 2005)
Northern Ireland great George Best has called for a unified national team. . . . more . . .
Montella ruled out of Scotland match (Mar 23, 2005)
Roma striker Vincenzo Montella pulled out of the Italy squad for Saturday's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Milan's San Siro stadium. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer missed UEFA boat says Platini (Mar 23, 2005)
France legend Michel Platini has spiced up the race for the 2006 UEFA presidency claiming his main rival, West Germany's 1974 World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer, would have been better going for the post a decade ago. . . . more . . .
Cole ready to grab England chance with both hands (Mar 23, 2005)
Joe Cole's emergence as a key player for Chelsea looks set to be rewarded with a place in the England starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland. . . . more . . .
Beckham issues word of caution to Rooney (Mar 23, 2005)
David Beckham has issued a warning to Wayne Rooney about the need to be prudent in his activities off the pitch as police probe an alleged nightclub assault by the Manchester United teenager. . . . more . . .
Giggs future to be decided at United (Mar 23, 2005)
Ryan Giggs' future at Manchester United is set to be decided at talks this summer aimed at resolving a dispute over the length of a new contract. . . . more . . .
German stars to net 300,000 euros for World Cup win (Mar 23, 2005)
The German Football Federation(DFB) reached agreement to give Jurgen Klinsmann's players a 300,000 euro (389,000 dollar) bonus if they win the 2006 World Cup on home soil. . . . more . . .
Rooney's England place safe despite police inquiry (Mar 23, 2005)
Wayne Rooney is set to retain his place in England's squad for their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland despite police inquiries into an alleged nightclub brawl. . . . more . . .
Beckham hints at Real exit over paparazzi harassment of children (Mar 23, 2005)
David Beckham has dropped the strongest hint yet that he could be forced to quit Real Madrid because of paparazzi harassment of his children in the Spanish capital. . . . more . . .
Reyes for Real and Owen a Gunner (Mar 23, 2005)
Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes already has one foot in Real Madrid's door, according to press reports which say the unsettled Gunner could join the Madrid giants at the end of June. . . . more . . .
Chelsea charged over alleged illegal approach to Cole (Mar 23, 2005)
The English Premier League have issued formal charges against Chelsea over an alleged illegal approach to Arsenal's England left-back Ashley Cole. . . . more . . .
Eriksson touts World Cup glory as bait for four-week break (Mar 23, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the four-week break he has demanded for his squad before next year's World Cup could make the difference between England coming home as flops or heroes. . . . more . . .
Eriksson: Four-week break could mean World Cup gold for England (Mar 22, 2005)
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the four-week break he has demanded for his squad before next year's World Cup could make the difference between England coming home as flops or heroes. . . . more . . .
Axe threat looms over Italy's Gattuso (Mar 22, 2005)
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso could be forced to drop out of the Italy squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland if the Italian football federation (FIGC) carry out their threat to sanction players who refuse to take blood tests. . . . more . . .
Schalke struggle to shake off 'choker' tag (Mar 22, 2005)
German teams locked in a title showdown with Bayern Munich often tend to fold like a cards player holding a bad hand, and Schalke 04's 2-1 defeat by lowly Mainz 05 on Sunday suggest the Ruhr club may be the latest team to choke under the pressure. . . . more . . .
Manchester United sees interim profits slump (Mar 22, 2005)
Manchester United, the world's richest football club, posted a 54-percent slump in half-year profits to 12.4 million pounds (17.9 million euros, 23.6 million dollars), citing lower revenues from television deals and European football matches. . . . more . . .
Foreign journalists descend on Pyongyang for World Cup campaign (Mar 22, 2005)
Dozens of foreign journalists arrived in Pyongyang to report on North Korea's World Cup football campaign, kicking off a rare major international media presence in the Stalinist state. . . . more . . .
Ferguson "sackable" says United CEO (Mar 22, 2005)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is "sackable", the club's chief executive David Gill said after the club announced a 54-percent slump in half-year profits to 12.4 million pounds (17.9 million euros, 23.6 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Johnson doubt for England (Mar 22, 2005)
Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson is a doubt for England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Saturday after missing out on the squad's first training session. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid to take stake in Chinese club (Mar 22, 2005)
Spanish football giant Real Madrid plans to buy a 30 to 40 percent stake in Chinese club Beijing Guo'an for 30 million yuan (3.6 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Giggs counting on Grand Slam factor to lift Wales (Mar 22, 2005)
Ryan Giggs has urged his Wales team-mates to draw inspiration from the country's rugby heroes as they seek to get their World Cup qualifying bid back on track against Austria. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Huth rules out Bayern move (Mar 22, 2005)
Chelsea's German defender Robert Huth said he did not want to join Bayern Munich despite their interest in him. . . . more . . .
No Juninho offers says O'Neill (Mar 22, 2005)
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said the club had not received any offers for Juninho even though the playmaker has made it clear he wants to return to his native Brazil. . . . more . . .
Manchester United sees interim profits halve (Mar 22, 2005)
Manchester United, the world's richest football club, posted a 54-percent slump in half-year profits to 12.4 million pounds (17.9 million euros, 23.6 million dollars). . . . more . . .
Eriksson talks up Heskey as England lose Johnson (Mar 22, 2005)
Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Smith calm over Dickov absence against Italy (Mar 22, 2005)
Scotland manager Walter Smith has reacted calmly to the loss of striker Paul Dickov ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier away to Italy, saying it was "disappointing but not a surprise." . . . more . . .
Show goes on despite UEFA action against Chelsea, says Mourinho (Mar 22, 2005)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said his focus on his job has not been hurt by UEFA's decision to open disciplinary proceedings against him and the London-based club on charges of bringing the game into disrepute. . . . more . . .
Johnson out of England squad (Mar 22, 2005)
Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Saturday. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's Nesta ruled out of Scotland match (Mar 22, 2005)
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out of Saturday's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Milan's San Siro stadium. . . . more . . .
Unknown striker tipped to trouble England's big name defenders (Mar 22, 2005)
Northern Ireland have recalled Warren Feeney for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against England on Saturday and the unknown striker has been tipped to trouble England's big-name defenders at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan owner plays down Adriano loss (Mar 22, 2005)
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has insisted his team can cope without injured striker Adriano. . . . more . . .
Barca target PSV's van Bommel (Mar 22, 2005)
Barcelona have made PSV Eindhoven captain Mark van Bommel their number one target for next season. . . . more . . .
Liverpool face striker crisis as Baros apologises for horror tackle (Mar 22, 2005)
Liverpool face the unenviable prospect of having to play one of the biggest games of their season without a single recognised striker. . . . more . . .
Eriksson defends England's US tour (Mar 21, 2005)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson defended his plans for a post-season tour to the United States after the two-match trip was criticised by both Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger. . . . more . . .
Brazilian ace Roque Junior extends Leverkusen stay (Mar 21, 2005)
Brazilian World Cup winner Roque Junior has extended his contract at Bayer Leverkusen until June 2007. . . . more . . .
Victory comes at a cost for Liverpool (Mar 21, 2005)
Rafael Benitez was left counting the cost of Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Everton with potentially costly injuries to Dietmar Hamann, Fernando Morientes and Luis Garcia marring this bruising Anfield encounter. . . . more . . .
UEFA take action against Chelsea (Mar 21, 2005)
European football's governing body UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea and the club's manager Jose Mourinho on charges of bringing the game into disrepute. . . . more . . .
Defence the key for masterful Milan (Mar 21, 2005)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti lavished praise on his rock-solid defence for providing the platform for Sunday's 2-0 Serie A win at Roma. . . . more . . .
Kluivert not prepared to go Dutch anymore (Mar 21, 2005)
Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert has all but ended his international career as he announced that even if he was called up to the Dutch national squad he would probably turn it down. . . . more . . .
