Archive soccer news from around the world
Ferguson swerves around Keane row (Oct 31, 2005)
Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to comment on reports Roy Keane had castigated several team-mates in an interview that was so scathing the club's television station was ordered not to broadcast it. . . . more . . .
Viduka determined to wipe out bitter memory of Iran fiasco (Oct 31, 2005)
Mark Viduka is using his most painful memory in football to fire himself up for Australia's World Cup play-off crunch with Uruguay. . . . more . . .
Strachan in awe of Japanese work ethic (Oct 31, 2005)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has all but admitted he would have his side packed with Japanese players in the mould of magic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura. . . . more . . .
Helguera added to Real Madrid injury list (Oct 31, 2005)
Spanish international Ivan Helguera became the latest Real Madrid casualty ahead of their Champions League group F match at Rosenborg on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Gillespie eyes Blades promotion (Oct 31, 2005)
Veteran midfielder Keith Gillespie shrugged off Sheffield United's loss of their 100-percent home record and tipped his side to maintain their promotion push for the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Shearer and Owen can fire Newcastle to top: Souness (Oct 31, 2005)
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness believes his golden strike force of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen can fire the Magpies into a challenge at the top of the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Shearer and Owen can fire Newcastle to top, says Souness (Oct 31, 2005)
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness believes his golden strike force of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen can fire the Magpies into a challenge at the top of the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Santa Cruz injury prompts Bayern to look at Podolski (Oct 31, 2005)
Bayern Munich are poised to step up their interest in FC Cologne's Germany striker Lukas Podolski during the winter break following Roque Santa Cruz's injury which will sideline him for six months. . . . more . . .
Benitez shields Morientes from fans' flak (Oct 31, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has vowed to keep faith in misfiring striker Fernando Morientes ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group G encounter with Anderlecht, despite growing criticism being aimed in the direction of the former Real Madrid star. . . . more . . .
Tigana signs with ailing Besiktas (Oct 31, 2005)
Former Fulham manager Jean Tigana signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with struggling Turkish first division side Besiktas. . . . more . . .
Terry says League Cup blues can boost Euro charge (Oct 31, 2005)
John Terry has claimed that Chelsea's exit from the League Cup will strengthen their bid for glory in the Champions League this season. . . . more . . .
Chelsea and Mourinho out to turn back the clock (Oct 31, 2005)
It's a curious statistic but, for all their other successes, it has now been a year since Chelsea won away from home in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Best improving but in "incredible" pain (Oct 31, 2005)
George Best's condition improved further with doctors reporting that the ailing British football legend could be out of intensive care this week. . . . more . . .
Betis looking for triple boost against Chelsea (Oct 31, 2005)
Real Betis coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer believes a win against Chelsea in their Champions League group G match on Tuesday could revive his ailing team. . . . more . . .
Vassell double for City haunts former club (Oct 31, 2005)
Darius Vassell scored twice against his old club Aston Villa in a 3-1 Premiership victory from an opportunist strike and then a superb piece of finishing. . . . more . . .
Ranieri out of running for Hearts job (Oct 31, 2005)
Former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Hearts job. . . . more . . .
Robert fined for non sit down protest (Oct 31, 2005)
French winger Laurent Robert has been fined by Portsmouth after refusing to be a substitute in Saturday's 4-1 win over Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Hearts reeling after key directors quit (Oct 31, 2005)
Former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Hearts job on the day that the Scottish club were left reeling by two more high level departures. . . . more . . .
Keane verdict on Boro loss pulled from MUTV (Oct 31, 2005)
A Roy Keane interview on Manchester United's sorry 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough has been pulled from the club's MUTV programme schedule. . . . more . . .
Ferguson swerves round Keane row (Oct 31, 2005)
Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated the need for focus and cohesion when Manchester United play Champions League group D rivals Lille at the Stade de France in the hope of appeasing their angry fans. . . . more . . .
Argentine D'Alessandro out for month (Oct 31, 2005)
VfL Wolfsburg's Argentine international Andres D'Alessandro will be out for at least a month with a thigh injury sustained in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by MSV Duisburg. . . . more . . .
McLeish woes mount as key defender crocked (Oct 31, 2005)
Rangers will be without French defender Jose Pierre-Fanfan for the Champions League match against Artmedia Bratislava in Slovakia, adding to embattled manager Alex McLeish's troubles ahead of an encounter that could decide his future. . . . more . . .
Van der Sar admits to United blunder (Oct 31, 2005)
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has held his hands up and said he was to blame for the opening goal in the shock 4-1 defeat by Middlesbrough at Riverside. . . . more . . .
O'Leary on the line as Villa takeover draws near (Oct 31, 2005)
The future of Aston Villa manager David O'Leary could soon be in the balance after the club confirmed they have received a "preliminary approach" regarding a takeover of the club. . . . more . . .
Mourinho launches attack on Wenger the 'voyeur' (Oct 31, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger who he claims gets his kicks commenting on Chelsea's Premiership campaign. . . . more . . .
Struggling Bilbao sack coach, bring in Clemente (Oct 31, 2005)
Rock-bottom Spanish side Athletic Bilbao said they had sacked coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, who thus becomes the first top flight managerial casualty of the season. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Makaay too lazy says Rummenigge (Oct 30, 2005)
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Dutch international striker Roy Makaay needs to up his workrate considerably if he wants to end his recent barren spell in front of goal. . . . more . . .
Chelsea deny Hasselbaink's illegal bonus claims (Oct 30, 2005)
Premiership leaders Chelsea have denied making any illegal bonus payments to players following the claims by former striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink. . . . more . . .
Injured Beckham and Michel Salgado in Real squad (Oct 30, 2005)
David Beckham and Michel Salgado were both named in Real Madrid's squad to face Rosenborg in their Champions League group F match on Tuesday, despite the pair carrying injuries. . . . more . . .
Britain's ailing football star Best a little better (Oct 30, 2005)
Britain's football legend George Best was showing slight signs of recovery in a London hospital after days clinging to life on a ventilator in intensive care. . . . more . . .
Dark horses Fiorentina emerge as title contenders (Oct 30, 2005)
Fiorentina moved to within five points of Serie A leaders Juventus after fighting back from a goal down to beat Cagliari 2-1. . . . more . . .
Tokyo defeat J-League front-runners Osaka (Oct 30, 2005)
Yasuyuki Konno struck home a game-deciding goal to give FC Tokyo a stunning 2-1 win over front-runners Gamba Osaka and narrow the gap at the top of the J-League. . . . more . . .
Hearts manager will need my help says Romanov (Oct 30, 2005)
Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov has insisted he will continue to wield a certain amount of influence over the running of the team no matter who the next manager is. . . . more . . .
Fans looking forward to Villa takeover (Oct 30, 2005)
Aston Villa fans groups are hoping the anticipated 64 million pounds takeover by property company Comer Homes Group will launch a new era which will lead to their dreams of competing in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Osasuna maintain lead after Espanyol victory (Oct 30, 2005)
Osasuna maintained their unexpected lead of the Spanish first division when they beat struggling Espanyol 2-0. . . . more . . .
Tottenham fan arrested after abusing Campbell (Oct 30, 2005)
A Tottenham fan who abused Arsenal's England international Sol Campbell as players left the field in their derby match at White Hart Lane at the weekend has been arrested. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Magath eyes Hamburg revenge in Cup (Oct 30, 2005)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath insisted he was delighted to draw SV Hamburg in the last sixteen of the German Cup and hopes to avenge their 2-0 league defeat at the end of September. . . . more . . .
Dark horses Fiorentina up to third (Oct 30, 2005)
Fiorentina moved to within five points of Serie A leaders Juventus after fighting back from a goal down to beat Cagliari 2-1. . . . more . . .
Celtic back in SPL command (Oct 30, 2005)
Celtic went top of the Scottish Premier League for the first time this season after a dramatic 4-2 win over Dundee United at Tannadice. . . . more . . .
Owen at the double for Magpies (Oct 30, 2005)
A Michael Owen double and a late strike from Alan Shearer helped kick some life into Newcastle's Premiership campaign with a 3-0 away win at West Bromwich Albion. . . . more . . .
PSG lose ground on Lyon on night of violence (Oct 30, 2005)
Paris Saint Germain's title aspirations received a knock when they slipped up 2-0 at Auxerre in a game marred by crowd trouble. . . . more . . .
Osasuna stay on top but Barca up to second (Oct 30, 2005)
Osasuna maintained their leadership of the Spanish first division with a 2-0 win over Espanyol but champions Barcelona are breathing down their necks after a thumping 5-0 win against Real Sociedad. . . . more . . .
Catastrophe for Bayern as Cruz sidelined for six months (Oct 30, 2005)
Bayern Munich revealed that Paraguayan international striker Roque Santa Cruz would be sidelined for six months after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury in Saturday's 2-1 win over FC Cologne. . . . more . . .
Cole approach for Ghana coaching role (Oct 29, 2005)
Former England striker Andy Cole has been approached by Ghana for a possible coaching role at the World Cup finals next year. . . . more . . .
Rangers held as Hearts suffer first defeat (Oct 29, 2005)
Rangers could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premier League to pile more pressure onto under fire manager Alex McLeish. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid stop the slump (Oct 29, 2005)
Real Madrid ended their Spanish League slump with a 2-0 win at Real Betis which will relieve the growing pressure on manager Wanderley Luxemburgo. . . . more . . .
Liverpool finally discover scoring touch (Oct 29, 2005)
Liverpool finally overcame the failings in front of goal that have threatened to wreck their season with a 2-0 win against West Ham United at Anfield. . . . more . . .
No way not playing for Australia: Cahill (Oct 29, 2005)
Tim Cahill, at odds with Everton over club-versus-country, said there was no way he would miss playing for Australia. . . . more . . .
Lampard double steers Chelsea to victory (Oct 29, 2005)
Frank Lampard again came to Chelsea's rescue with two goals to help the Premership leaders beat plucky Blackburn 4-2. . . . more . . .
Rangers held as Caley break Hearts (Oct 29, 2005)
Rangers' hopes of successfully defending their Scottish Premier League title were dented further after they were held 1-1 at home by Inverness Caledonian Thistle. . . . more . . .
Inter's title hopes fading fast after draw (Oct 29, 2005)
Inter Milan's hopes of reviving their Serie A title challenge suffered another setback after they were held to a 2-2 draw away to Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Everton off the bottom after Taylor horror show (Oct 29, 2005)
Maik Taylor's blunder gifted Everton the three points that took the Merseysiders off the bottom of the English Premiership following a 1-0 win over Birmingahm at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Four star Boro stall United's title push (Oct 29, 2005)
Manchester United suffered one of their worst defeats in the Premiership as Gaizka Mendieta scored twice in Middlesbrough's thumping 4-1 triumph at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Magnificent Milan halt Juve's charge (Oct 29, 2005)
AC Milan ended Juventus' 100 per cent league record in style with a 3-1 victory over the Serie A leaders. . . . more . . .
Marseille held by Lille, Lyon extend lead (Oct 29, 2005)
Lille tuned up for Manchester United's Champions League visit next week with a well earned 1-1 draw against Marseille. . . . more . . .
Nolan keeps Bolton in Champions League push (Oct 29, 2005)
Skipper Kevin Nolan scored a late goal to give Bolton a 1-0 win at Charlton which kept Sam Allardyce's side on course for a Champions League place. . . . more . . .
Pires saves derby point for Arsenal (Oct 29, 2005)
Robert Pires celebrated his 32nd birthday in style by coming off the bench to score the goal that rescued a point for Arsenal in their 1-1 north London derby draw away to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Beckham-less Real Madrid turn the tide (Oct 29, 2005)
Goals from Robinho and second-half substitute Alvaro Mejia helped Real Madrid reverse their mini-slump, after having lost their two previous games in the last week, with a 2-0 win at Real Betis. . . . more . . .
Couceiro takes the reins at Belenenses (Oct 29, 2005)
Portuguese first division club Belenenses have named former FC Porto boss Jose Couceiro as their new coach until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Pompey blitz sends Sunderland bottom (Oct 29, 2005)
Sunderland slumped to the foot of the table after visitors Portsmouth shrugged off a petulent protest from Laurent Robert to win 4-1 at the Stadium of Light. . . . more . . .
Ballack midas touch continues as Bayern stay top (Oct 29, 2005)
German international captain Michael Ballack underlined his importance to champions Bayern Munich by scoring yet another decisive late goal to clinch a 2-1 comeback win over FC Cologne. . . . more . . .
PSV and Australia coach Hiddink investigated for tax fraud (Oct 29, 2005)
PSV Eindhoven and Australia coach Guus Hiddink is being investigated for tax fraud, judicial sources have revealed. . . . more . . .
Vitoria Setubal reaches deal to pay players (Oct 29, 2005)
Portuguese top flight club Vitoria Setubal has finally come up with the money to pay its players, who have not received their salaries since August. . . . more . . .
Wigan's Chimbonda downs Fulham at the death (Oct 29, 2005)
Pascal Chimbonda's injury-time header handed Wigan a last-gasp 1-0 win at home against Fulham to maintain their impressive record in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
No ultimatum for under-fire Rangers boss (Oct 29, 2005)
Alex McLeish vowed he will still be Rangers manager for the Champions League match against Artmedia Bratislava night despite another shocking result for his side in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand facing Euro axe after Boro defeat (Oct 29, 2005)
Rio Ferdinand is in danger of being dropped for Manchester United's midweek Champions League trip to Lille following his personal horror show here at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Newcastle get to keep N'Zogbia: arbitrators (Oct 28, 2005)
International arbitrators confirmed the transfer of French side Le Havre's midfielder Charles N'Zogbia to Newcastle last year. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss ready to reach for cheque book (Oct 28, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is ready to spend in the January transfer window in an effort to save the European champions' faltering season. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Henry out of Tottenham clash (Oct 28, 2005)
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been ruled out of the team's Premiership derby against Tottenham on Saturday because of an injury. . . . more . . .
Britain's Prince William joins pros at Charlton... for a day (Oct 28, 2005)
Britain's Prince William joined Premiership football side Charlton Athletic for training and a fact-finding tour ahead of his appointment to the presidency of the English game's governing body. . . . more . . .
Beckham out of trip to Betis (Oct 28, 2005)
David Beckham will miss Real Madrid's weekend visit to struggling Real Betis as he has a leg muscle strain which is adding to the back trouble that has been plaguing him recently. . . . more . . .
Troussier set to pen Morocco deal (Oct 28, 2005)
Much-travelled coach Philippe Troussier said that he was on the verge of signing a deal to take charge of the Morocco team but that there were still crucial points to be ironed out. . . . more . . .
Hickersberger named Austria coach (Oct 28, 2005)
Josef Hickersberger has been named coach of the Austrian national football team, according to media reports. . . . more . . .
Newcastle announce nine million pound loss (Oct 28, 2005)
Newcastle have announced a nine-million-pound (13.2-million-euro) loss because of big spending in the transfer market coupled with failure to qualify for the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Kenyan star Otieno retires from international football (Oct 28, 2005)
Kenyan national team captain Musa Otieno has announced his retirement from international football following the country's failure to qualify for the finals of the 2006 Africa Nations Cup in Egypt. . . . more . . .
Filan eyeing Socceroos return (Oct 28, 2005)
Australian goalkeeper John Filan wants his Premiership progress with Wigan Athletic to be rewarded with a Socceroos return in time for next year's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Ahly coach demands away win in African Champions League final (Oct 28, 2005)
Egyptian champions Al-Ahly's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has said he expects his side to secure an away win over Tunisia's Etoile Sahel in the opening leg of the Champions League final on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Cahill burnt out playing for Australia, says Everton manager (Oct 28, 2005)
Midfielder Tim Cahill was burnt out by constant travelling to play for Australia, his Everton manager David Moyes told Australian team officials. . . . more . . .
Fatigue now major Mourinho concern (Oct 27, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is wary of the effects of fatigue on his players when they return to Premiership action against Blackburn on Saturday after their marathon League Cup defeat by Charlton midweek. . . . more . . .
Gazza named new Kettering boss (Oct 27, 2005)
Former England star Paul Gascoigne has been appointed manager of non-league outfit Kettering after his consortium took control of the club. . . . more . . .
Getafe and Valencia losses keep Osasuna in front (Oct 27, 2005)
Getafe, who started the week leading the Spanish league, were knocked off pole position and slid to second when they went down 3-0 at Real Sociedad. . . . more . . .
Football legend Best 'better' but life remains in balance (Oct 27, 2005)
Doctors treating football legend George Best said they had managed to limit dangerous internal bleeding but were keeping him sedated on a respirator with his life still in the balance. . . . more . . .
Rooney fire could inspire England at World Cup, says Maradona (Oct 27, 2005)
Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Wayne Rooney can inspire England to glory at the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Strachan hails Nakamura (Oct 27, 2005)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan hailed Shunsuke Nakamura after his sensational free-kick in a 5-0 win against Motherwell and compared him with David Beckham. . . . more . . .
Hearts confirm Robson and Ranieri contact (Oct 27, 2005)
Scottish Premier League leaders Hearts said that former England manager Sir Bobby Robson and ex-Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri are both in the running to take over from George Burley. . . . more . . .
Spanish surprises Getafe run out of steam (Oct 27, 2005)
Getafe, who started the week leading the Spanish league, were knocked off pole position when they went down 3-0 at Real Sociedad. . . . more . . .
Soccer legend Best 'better' but life still in the balance (Oct 27, 2005)
Soccer legend George Best responded to new medication that has limited internal bleeding but he remains a "very sick man" clinging to life in a London hospital, doctors said. . . . more . . .
Football legend Best 'fighting for life' in hospital (Oct 27, 2005)
Troubled ex-Manchester United football legend George Best, reported to be fighting for his life in a London hospital, was in a stable condition but still in intensive care, hospital officials said. . . . more . . .
Gerrard tells players to take blame (Oct 26, 2005)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said the players must accept responsibility for the lacklustre display that saw the European champions crash out of the League Cup against Crystal Palace and not manager Rafael Benitez. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart's Trapattoni feeling heat after cup exit (Oct 26, 2005)
Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni's miserable start to the season continued as his VfB Stuttgart side lost 3-2 at second division Hansa Rostock to exit the cup at the second round. . . . more . . .
United kids too much for 10-man Barnet (Oct 26, 2005)
Manchester United's youngsters took centre stage as they thrashed League Two strugglers Barnet 4-1 in the third round of the League Cup at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
We can't compete with Chelsea, concedes Ferguson (Oct 26, 2005)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that his side does not have the financial means to compete for the same players as champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Record-setting Juve on cloud nine (Oct 26, 2005)
Leaders Juventus won 2-0 at home to Sampdoria for their ninth consecutive league victory - a new record for the best start to a Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Honours even in first leg of Asian Champions League final (Oct 26, 2005)
Defending champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Al Ain in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Chelsea pay the penalty against Charlton (Oct 26, 2005)
League Cup holders Chelsea were knocked out of this season's competition 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out by Premiership rivals Charlton at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Record setting Juve on cloud nine (Oct 26, 2005)
Leaders Juventus won 2-0 at home to Sampdoria for their ninth consecutive league victory - a new record for the best start to a Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Celtic crush Well as Rangers stumble (Oct 26, 2005)
Stilian Petrov grabbed a hat-trick as Celtic crushed Motherwell 5-0 in Glasgow to keep the pressure on Scottish Premier League leaders Hearts. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid best option for Ballack says Beckenbauer (Oct 26, 2005)
Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has advised German international captain Michael Ballack to join Spanish giants Real Madrid should he decide to leave Bayern. . . . more . . .
France back off from Zidane row with Madrid (Oct 26, 2005)
France coach Raymond Domenech has said he will not try to force Zinedine Zidane to turn out in two friendlies next month after Real Madrid said their playmaker needed up to two weeks off to recover properly from a persistent groin injury. . . . more . . .
O'Neill not interested in Republic of Ireland job (Oct 26, 2005)
Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant post of Republic of Ireland manager. . . . more . . .
Marseille follow Lyon out of French League Cup (Oct 26, 2005)
Marseille midfielder Abdoulaye Meite condemned his side to an early French League Cup exit after scoring an own goal past Fabien Barthez to given Bordeaux a late 1-0 win. . . . more . . .
Betis suffer more bad times against Villarreal (Oct 26, 2005)
Villarreal didn't thrash fellow Champions League contenders Real Betis in the same fashion as Chelsea and Malaga had done, but Betis still suffered and the visitors won 3-2. . . . more . . .
Barca leave it late to silence critics (Oct 26, 2005)
Goals from Ronaldinho and Henrik Larsson in the last ten minutes gave reigning Spanish champions Barcelona a 2-0 win over Malaga to help silence their critics. . . . more . . .
Troussier appointed Morocco coach (Oct 26, 2005)
Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has been appointed coach of the Moroccan national football team, The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed. . . . more . . .
Injury-hit Real fail again at Deportivo (Oct 26, 2005)
Real Madrid's sorry streak at Deportivo La Coruna continued when the Spanish giants crashed 3-1 in their bogey team's intimidating Riazor stadium. . . . more . . .
Beckham can't bail out Real Madrid (Oct 26, 2005)
David Beckham may have been given a last minute reprieve and allowed to play for Real Madrid but the England captain could not help the Spanish giants who crashed 3-1 at Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
World Cup managers feel the heat (Oct 26, 2005)
If under-fire German manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who came face to face with his critics on Tuesday, ever feels like pouring out his heart he could always phone a friend - Sven, Raymond, or Luis would do. . . . more . . .
Shearer blow for Newcastle (Oct 25, 2005)
Alan Shearer may need to have a hernia operation next month which would force him out of the Newcastle United team for several weeks. . . . more . . .
United's Queiroz plays down criticism (Oct 25, 2005)
Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz insisted he has been unaffected by the criticism coming his way following the lacklustre start to the Red Devils' Premiership season. . . . more . . .
Charlton ready for vist of Prince William (Oct 25, 2005)
Britain's Prince William, a football fan, could find himself taking part in a kickabout with top-flight players when he visits high-flying English Premiership side Charlton's training ground on Friday. . . . more . . .
Eriksson backs red card Beckham (Oct 25, 2005)
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson has come out in support of his captain David Beckham despite his weekend red card for Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Winning every game was never on says Chelsea's Lampard (Oct 25, 2005)
England football star Frank Lampard, who saved Chelsea with an equaliser against Everton at the weekend, said winning every match this season had never been a realistic goal. . . . more . . .
Schalke hit for six in cup humiliation (Oct 25, 2005)
Last season's finalists Schalke 04 crashed out of the German cup after a humiliating 6-0 second round defeat at the hands of Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. . . . more . . .
Lyon suffer first defeat as Nantes make them pay the penalty (Oct 25, 2005)
Under-strength Lyon, the undisputed number one team in France, suffered their first defeat of the season as they went out of the League Cup 4-3 on penalties to First Division rivals Nantes after the match ended 1-1 after extra-time. . . . more . . .
Chelsea looking for trophy clean sweep (Oct 25, 2005)
Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke has stressed that the League Cup holders are determined to retain their title as they bid to win four major competitions this season. . . . more . . .
Zidane out again for depleted Real (Oct 25, 2005)
Real Madrid playmaker Zinedine Zidane has been left off Wanderley Luxemburgo's rapidly decreasing list of first team players for the away trip to Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday due to an ongoing groin injury. . . . more . . .
Parker wins yellow card appeal (Oct 25, 2005)
Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker has won his appeal against the yellow card he received in last weekend's north-east derby with Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Beckham wins Real red appeal (Oct 25, 2005)
Real Madrid's England star David Beckham has won his appeal to have the red card he received Sunday against Valencia rescinded by the Spanish league's competition committee. . . . more . . .
Liverpool out of League Cup after Palace coup (Oct 25, 2005)
Liverpool's season went from bad to worse when the Champions League holders crashed out of the English League Cup with a 2-1 defeat away to Championship side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. . . . more . . .
Manchester United's Ferguson backs UNICEF AIDS campaign (Oct 25, 2005)
Top soccer club Manchester United is throwing its weight behind a new UN campaign to focus global attention on children hit by HIV-AIDS, its manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. . . . more . . .
Milan fans to boycott Empoli match (Oct 25, 2005)
AC Milan supporters are to boycott Wednesday's Serie A match away to Empoli in protest over high ticket prices and the new security measures enforced by the Italian government. . . . more . . .
World Cup to create 100,000 jobs in Germany (Oct 24, 2005)
The 2006 World Cup will help create up to 100,000 new jobs in Germany, according to the Federal Employment Agency (BA). . . . more . . .
German legend Matthaus keen on Bundesliga return (Oct 24, 2005)
Hungary coach Lothar Matthaus admits he is longing for a return to the Bundesliga and invited an approach from struggling FC Nuremberg. . . . more . . .
Benitez will not ring changes for Cup after Fulham loss (Oct 24, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has named most of the players involved in the 2-0 loss to Fulham on the weekend in the squad for Tuesday's League Cup tie with Crystal Palace. . . . more . . .
Bolton want loan star Nakata on permanent deal (Oct 24, 2005)
Bolton are determined to sign Japanese international midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata on a permanent deal in the January transfer window. . . . more . . .
Premiership referees under fire (Oct 24, 2005)
Premiership referees Mark Clattenburg, Steve Bennett and Mike Dean are under fire after controversial decisions at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Real on the rocks after Beckham ban? (Oct 24, 2005)
Real Madrid will be without at least four of their key players at Deportivo La Coruna in the wake of their first loss in five games when they went down 2-1 at home to Valencia on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Iran star Karimi could replace Ballack says Magath (Oct 24, 2005)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath admits Iranian international Ali Karimi could take over as the club's playmaker should Michael Ballack choose to leave the Allianz Arena. . . . more . . .
Football legend Best 'doing well' in hospital (Oct 24, 2005)
Troubled Manchester United legend George Best was recovering his health after suffering a liver infection, his agent said. . . . more . . .
Hearts put Robson on short-list (Oct 24, 2005)
Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton admits Sir Bobby Robson is high on the club's wanted list to replace George Burley, who left after the Edinburgh club cited "irreconcilable differences" after guiding them to the top of the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Brazil and Juventus players top list for European footballer of the year (Oct 24, 2005)
Players from Brazil and Italian champions Juventus top the list of 50 players in the race for the European footballer of the year award for 2005. . . . more . . .
Beckham red-carded as nine-man Real Madrid crash (Oct 23, 2005)
England skipper David Beckham was sent-off as Real Madrid crashed to a 2-1 defeat to Valencia, leaving city neighbours Getafe to take top spot in the Spanish championship. . . . more . . .
Four-goal Lyon in charge as Marseille slump (Oct 23, 2005)
French league leaders Lyon handed out a 4-0 thrashing to bottom club Metz to stay seven points clear but Marseille's hopes of forcing their way into the top four were dashed by a 2-1 defeat at Saint Etienne. . . . more . . .
McLeish rubbishes Burley speculation (Oct 23, 2005)
Rangers manager Alex McLeish says he is not worried about speculation linking George Burley to his job. . . . more . . .
PFA to dig heels in over plans for random tests (Oct 23, 2005)
Plans to carry out random drugs tests on players will be fought by the Professional Footballers' Association. . . . more . . .
Petrov keeps Celtic in touch with Hearts (Oct 23, 2005)
Stilian Petrov's first-half goal gave Celtic a 1-0 win away to Kilmarnock that saw the Glasgow giants move back to within three points of surprise Scottish Premier League leaders Hearts. . . . more . . .
Newcastle give Souness derby delight (Oct 23, 2005)
Newcastle United gave under pressure manager Graeme Souness valuable breathing space with a 3-2 win in the local derby against Sunderland at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Eight's great for leaders Juve (Oct 23, 2005)
Leaders Juventus won 3-0 at Lecce to maintain their 100 per cent league record and equal the best ever start to a Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Germany legend Matthaus to make 2006 World Cup draw (Oct 23, 2005)
West Germany's 1990 World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus has been handpicked by FIFA to make the group draw for the 2006 World Cup finals in Leipzig on December 9. . . . more . . .
Getafe continue to shine by thrashing Zaragoza (Oct 23, 2005)
Getafe bounced back after losing their unbeaten record last week with a comprehensive 5-2 defeat of Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Brazilian Marcelinho invites Bayern approach (Oct 23, 2005)
Hertha Berlin's Brazilian playmaker Marcelinho has admitted he would love to join German champions Bayern Munich should they need him as a replacement for Michael Ballack. . . . more . . .
Hamburg fall off title pace despite rescued point (Oct 23, 2005)
Title contenders SV Hamburg fell further behind leaders Bayern Munich after a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund. . . . more . . .
Eight's great for Juve, honours even in Rome derby (Oct 23, 2005)
Leaders Juventus won 3-0 at Lecce to maintain their 100 per cent league record and equal the best ever start to a Serie A season. . . . more . . .
Korvalho on target as CSKA increase lead in Russian league (Oct 23, 2005)
Brazilian playmaker Daniel Korvalho helped UEFA Cup champions CSKA Moscow increase their lead in the Russian Premier League with a 1-0 win at Perm. . . . more . . .
Lampard strike rescues Chelsea (Oct 23, 2005)
Frank Lampard saved Chelsea from their first defeat of the season with a stunning second-half equaliser, but the Premiership champions saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end with bottom club Everton deservedly holding on for a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Robson back in Hearts frame (Oct 23, 2005)
Bobby Robson has put himself in the frame to take over at Scottish league leaders Hearts who were left managerless when George Burley quit the club. . . . more . . .
Barcelona lose injured Belletti and Deco (Oct 23, 2005)
Barcelona have lost two of their key players, Belletti and Deco, to injury ahead of a hectic schedule which sees them play four games in the next two weeks. . . . more . . .
Controversial Hammers win stops rot (Oct 23, 2005)
West Ham have won their first Premiership match in four attempts with a 2-1 win against Middlesbrough but the game ended in controversy with Boro furious with the Hammers' winner. . . . more . . .
Japan's Nakata spurs Bolton to Premiership victory (Oct 23, 2005)
Japan international midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata hit a late opener to spur Bolton to a 2-0 Premiership victory over West Brom. . . . more . . .
Chelsea won't scare us, says Everton boss (Oct 22, 2005)
Everton boss David Moyes has told his rock-bottom players not to fear Chelsea when his struggling Merseysiders face the defending champions at Goodison Park on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Dickov makes Blues pay penalty (Oct 22, 2005)
Paul Dickov's penalty early in the second half sent Blackburn Rovers on their way to a 2-0 Premiership win over struggling Birmingham City at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
No secret to Wigan success, says Jewell (Oct 22, 2005)
Wigan boss Paul Jewell says there is no secret to the success his unheralded team are enjoying in their debut Premiership campaign. . . . more . . .
Burley leaves Hearts (Oct 22, 2005)
Hearts manager George Burley has quit the club he has led to the top of the Scottish Premier League after a 10-game unbeaten run. . . . more . . .
Bayern waste no time in returning to summit (Oct 22, 2005)
After one week away from the summit Bayern returned to what they regard as their rightful position with a 4-0 home win over MSV Duisburg. . . . more . . .
Manchester United wrong for Ballack: Rummenigge (Oct 22, 2005)
Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes Michael Ballack would be foolish to join Manchester United claiming there is nothing special about the English Premiership side. . . . more . . .
Impressive Wigan down Villa (Oct 22, 2005)
Premiership newcomers Wigan continued their impressive stay in the top flight with a hard-fought 2-0 win away to Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Owen faces derby day fitness battle (Oct 22, 2005)
England striker Michael Owen has handed Newcastle United an injury dilemma on the eve of their much-anticipated north-east derby clash against Sunderland. . . . more . . .
Pires fires Gunners past City (Oct 22, 2005)
Robert Pires's penalty ensured Arsenal maintained their perfect home record in the Premiership this season with a 1-0 win against Manchester City at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Kahn considering Japan move (Oct 22, 2005)
Bayern Munich captain Oliver Kahn admitted he is considering leaving the German champions at the end of the campaign with several clubs in Japan ready to offer lucrative contracts. . . . more . . .
