Archive soccer news from around the world
Chelsea to sign Germany star Ballack (Feb 28, 2006)
English Premiership champions Chelsea will make Germany captain Michael Ballack the world's highest paid player after winning the battle to sign the midfielder. . . . more . . .
Trinidad coach praises two-goal Yorke (Feb 28, 2006)
Trinidad and Tobago Head Coach Leo Beenhakker paid tribute to the contributions of Dwight Yorke and Collin Samuel after his side beat Iceland 2-0 at Loftus Road, but admitted there is much to do before the Soca Warriors are ready for the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Rape charges dropped against Arsenal's van Persie (Feb 28, 2006)
The rape charges against Robin van Persie have been dropped due to lack of evidence, the court heading the investigation against the Arsenal star announced. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy demands United recall (Feb 28, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has demanded a recall to the Manchester United starting line-up but attempted to play down reports of a bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
I still want to play for Madrid says sad Beckham (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's surprise resignation was sad said England captain David Beckham. . . . more . . .
Cole facing World Cup heartbreak after new injury setback (Feb 28, 2006)
Ashley Cole's chances of being fit for England's World Cup campaign have suffered a fresh blow after the left-back broke down just seven minutes minutes into his latest comeback match. . . . more . . .
Ballack agent denies move to Chelsea (Feb 28, 2006)
Michael Ballack's agent dismissed a British newspaper report that the captain of Germany had agreed to join English Premiership champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Lampard out of England friendly (Feb 28, 2006)
Frank Lampard has pulled out of the England squad for a friendly international against Uruguay after tweaking his hamstring in training. . . . more . . .
World Cup fever keeps Gerrard engine ticking over (Feb 28, 2006)
Steven Gerrard's season started seven and a half months ago but, 44 exhausting matches later, he is not about to admit to the slightest trace of fatigue. . . . more . . .
Beckham reaffirms Madrid ambitions as Perez jumps ship (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid, heading for a third season without silverware, were trying to right a storm-tossed ship after chairman Florentino Perez stepped down in a shock move. . . . more . . .
Fernando Martin, new man in charge at Real Madrid (Feb 28, 2006)
Fernando Martin Alvarez, the new man at the helm following Florentino Perez's surprise resignation as Real Madrid chairman on Monday, is a close friend of his predecessor and a well-known face in Spanish business circles. . . . more . . .
Robbie Keane as mustard to be Irish captain (Feb 28, 2006)
Spurs striker Robbie Keane was named Irish captain by coach Steve Staunton and will make his first start in that role on Wednesday against Sweden. . . . more . . .
Zidane issues rallying call to his troops (Feb 28, 2006)
French skipper Zinedine Zidane regards Wednesday's World Cup warm-up against Slovakia as the perfect opportunity for the 1998 champions to start showing their true colours. . . . more . . .
Yorke strikes twice for Trinidad (Feb 28, 2006)
Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke struck twice as Trinidad and Tobago began their preparations for the World Cup in style, recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iceland. . . . more . . .
Ballack denies he has signed for Chelsea (Feb 28, 2006)
Germany's captain Michael Ballack denied a British newspaper report that he had agreed to join English Premiership champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Neville expecting new faces at United (Feb 28, 2006)
Gary Neville believes Manchester United will be active in the post-season transfer market as the club look to build on their League Cup success. . . . more . . .
Ghosts of goalkeepers past don't scare Robinson (Feb 28, 2006)
The danger of becoming a national scapegoat is part of the job description for an England goalkeeper. . . . more . . .
Zaragoza fined for racism (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Zaragoza announced they must pay a 9,000-euro fine for racism aimed at Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o during a Spanish first division match at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has unexpectedly resigned to herald the end of an era at Spain's, and possibly the world's, most famous football club. . . . more . . .
Quashie charged by FA after Boro red card (Feb 28, 2006)
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie was charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) after being sent-off last weekend against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Five arrested over football violence in Turkey (Feb 27, 2006)
Police in this southeastern Turkish city arrested five people over violence during a first division game at the weekend which left some 30 people injured. . . . more . . .
Teenager Nyatanga set for new Wales record (Feb 27, 2006)
Lewin Nyatanga is set to become Wales's youngest full international after manager John Toshack confirmed the 17-year-old would play in Wednesday's friendly against Paraguay here at the Millennium Stadium provided the Derby defender recovered from a toe injury. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportdly resigned at an extraordinary meeting of the top Spanish club's board. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns: official (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has resigned, the Spanish first division club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Taylor wants Eriksson's job (Feb 27, 2006)
England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor declared himself a candidate to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as boss of the senior national side after the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Guti out of Spanish friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid midfielder Guti withdrew from the Spanish squad to face African Nations Cup finalists Ivory Coast in a friendly on Wednesday with a thigh strain which forced him to miss Sunday's defeat by Real Mallorca. . . . more . . .
Becks back on track for Uruguay (Feb 27, 2006)
David Beckham expects to be fit for the start of England's World Cup countdown in a friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
No all capital final after Scottish Cup draw (Feb 27, 2006)
Hopes of an all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup Final were dashed when capital rivals Hibernian and Hearts were paired together in the semi-final draw. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy future in doubt after Cup final 'snub' (Feb 27, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy's Manchester United future has been thrown into fresh doubt after the club's top striker was left on the bench for all of the 4-0 League Cup final win over Wigan. . . . more . . .
Italy's Gattuso ruled out of Germany friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Italy's Gennaro Gattuso has been ruled out of Wednesday's international friendly against World Cup hosts Germany in Florence. . . . more . . .
Raul and Ronaldo ratchet up simmering feud (Feb 27, 2006)
The defeat at Real Mallorca has intensified a simmering feud between Real Madrid stars Raul and Ronaldo with the Brazilian hitting back at earlier criticism from the Spanish international. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho out of Brazil's Moscow friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Ronaldinho will miss Brazil's World Cup warm-up against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday after picking up an injury in Barcelona's Champions League win against Chelsea last week. . . . more . . .
Viana added to Portugal squad for Saudi Arabia friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Valencia midfielder Hugo Viana has been added to Portugal's squad for their friendly against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in Germany, the Portuguese Football Federation revealed. . . . more . . .
I came back to win World Cup not be a clown: Zidane (Feb 27, 2006)
French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane said that he had not returned to the international fold to be made look a clown but to win the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Roo relief over first United medal (Feb 27, 2006)
Wayne Rooney has admitted his relief at winning the first medal of his professional career by inspiring Manchester United to a 4-0 League Cup final thrashing of Wigan. . . . more . . .
Ivory Coast may walk away from World Cup finals (Feb 27, 2006)
The Ivory Coast may not go to the World Cup finals in June if there is still no peace in the war-torn country, the president of the Ivorian Football Federation warned. . . . more . . .
Eriksson's successor doesn't have to be British: Lampard (Feb 27, 2006)
Frank Lampard has thrown his weight behind the appointment of a foreign coach to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager after urging the Football Association not to limit their search to within the British Isles. . . . more . . .
No replacements for Scots against Swiss says McCoist (Feb 27, 2006)
Scotland coach Ally McCoist has said he did not expect manager Walter Smith to bring in replacements for Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley after the Hearts pair withdrew from the squad for Wednesday's friendly international against Switzerland here at Hampden Park. . . . more . . .
Chelsea returf pitch after player complaints (Feb 27, 2006)
Chelsea admitted they were relaying their badly-worn Stamford Bridge pitch after players at the London club complained the surface was a threat to the English champions' hopes of further title success. . . . more . . .
Israel wins Arsenal deal to promote 'sun and fun' (Feb 26, 2006)
Israel has won an exclusive deal with English football club Arsenal to promote a country infamous for suicide bombings as a "sun and fun" holiday destination. . . . more . . .
Juve march on as Roma set new record for consecutive wins (Feb 26, 2006)
Juventus kept their 10-point lead at the top of Serie A after beating struggling Lecce 3-1, while Roma defeated city rivals Lazio 2-0 to set a new record of 11 consecutive league wins in Italy's top division. . . . more . . .
Eriksson urges FA to hurry up and appoint his successor (Feb 26, 2006)
The next England coach should be appointed by the Football Association as soon as possible the present incumbent Sven-Goran Eriksson has said. . . . more . . .
Barca benefit as Valencia draw, Real Madrid lose (Feb 26, 2006)
Spanish league leaders Barcelona saw their lead stretch to eight points after their nearest rivals Valencia and Real Madrid both dropped points. . . . more . . .
Juve beat Lecce to maintain 10-point lead (Feb 26, 2006)
Juventus maintained their 10-point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A after beating relegation-threatened Lecce 3-1. . . . more . . .
Eriksson: I can't wait to find new job (Feb 26, 2006)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson insisted he cannot hang around until after the World Cup to find himself a new job in time for next season. . . . more . . .
Kewell winner lifts Liverpool onto United's shoulder (Feb 26, 2006)
Australian winger Harry Kewell scored the goal that lifted Liverpool level on points with Manchester United in the English Premiership table, following a 1-0 win over 10-man Manchester City at Anfield. . . . more . . .
10-man Lille see off hapless Monaco (Feb 26, 2006)
Troubled Monaco were booed off by their fans after falling 1-0 to ten-man Lille in a result that will have done nothing to ease the sense of crisis surrounding the 2004 Champions League finalists. . . . more . . .
Rooney buys Ferguson breathing space (Feb 26, 2006)
Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United avoided the ignominy of a second consecutive trophy-less season by hammering Wigan 4-0 to win the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Bayern boss says Bundesliga romps meaningless against AC Milan (Feb 26, 2006)
Bayern Munich manager Uli Hoeness said his side's 5-2 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt was meaningless unless they can repeat the feat in a key Bundesliga match and against AC Milan next month. . . . more . . .
Bolton edging towards Champions League (Feb 26, 2006)
Kevin Nolan's second half strike boosted Bolton's Champions League hopes as the Trotters rose to sixth in the English Premiership following a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Zaragoza's racist fans condemned as players support Eto'o (Feb 26, 2006)
Racism again reared its ugly head in Spanish football as Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o suffered sustained abuse at Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Injured Koller bouyant about World Cup prospects (Feb 26, 2006)
The Czech Republic's injured attacker, Jan Koller, surprised his teammates by taking part in a training session in Prague and did his best to dispel doubts about his participation in June and July's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Kewell goal sinks 10-man City (Feb 26, 2006)
Australian winger Harry Kewell strengthened Liverpool's hopes of finishing in the Premiership's top two as Manchester City lost 1-0 at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Valencia lose ground after Getafe draw (Feb 26, 2006)
Valencia lost ground on the Spanish league leaders Barcelona, and opened the door for Real Madrid to overtake them, when the 2004 champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe. . . . more . . .
Zoro disgusted as Eto'o suffers racial abuse (Feb 26, 2006)
Messina's Ivory Coast defender Marc Zoro has expressed his disgust over the racial abuse suffered by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o in Saturday's Spanish first division match at Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Lehmann close to securing Arsenal future (Feb 25, 2006)
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been offered a new one-year contract and says he is keen to stay at the club. . . . more . . .
Barca beat Zaragoza amidst another racism controversy (Feb 25, 2006)
Barcelona beat Real Zaragoza 2-0 to stay comfortably at the top of the Spanish league but their victory was overshadowed by the appalling racist abuse of Samuel Eto'o. . . . more . . .
Cup romance as minnows Gretna reach Scottish semis (Feb 25, 2006)
Tiny Gretna became the first Second Division side to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals since 1982 as Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and Hearts also made it through. . . . more . . .
Recovery puts Heinze on track to make World Cup (Feb 25, 2006)
Gabriel Heinze, the Manchester United and Argentina left-back currently battling back from a serious knee injury, is set to return to action in time for the World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Solano at the double as resurgent Newcastle sink Everton (Feb 25, 2006)
Peru winger Nolberto Solano scored both goals as Newcastle United beat Everton 2-0 at St James's Park to extend their unbeaten run to five games under caretaker-manager Glenn Roeder. . . . more . . .
Lyon crash to Rennes to open up title race (Feb 25, 2006)
Lyon suffered only the second defeat of their near-flawless season when Gerard Houllier's champions crashed 4-1 to Rennes. . . . more . . .
Atletico add to Malaga misery (Feb 25, 2006)
Fernando Torres' lightning double strike helped Atletico Madrid notch up their sixth consecutive victory as they romped to a 5-0 win over hapless bottom club Malaga. . . . more . . .
Brown back in England squad as Sven shapes up for Germany (Feb 25, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson recalled Manchester United defender Wes Brown to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Uruguay as the Swede begins to finalise his World Cup plans. . . . more . . .
FA can have Pearce for nothing (Feb 25, 2006)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce, one of the leading contenders to replace Sven Goran Eriksson as England manager after the World Cup, has revealed he is working without a contract. . . . more . . .
Aussie club tries to lure Baggio out of retirement (Feb 25, 2006)
Australian A-League club Sydney FC are trying to coax former FIFA world player of the year Roberto Baggio out of retirement for a guest playing stint here next season. . . . more . . .
Roberts fears United Cup Final backlash (Feb 25, 2006)
Wigan Athletic striker Jason Roberts fears a Manchester United backlash in Sunday's League Cup as Sir Alex Ferguson's side look to avoid a disastrous second successive trophy-less season. . . . more . . .
Rovers bite another chunk out of Arsenal's Premiership campaign (Feb 25, 2006)
Arsenal, magnificent in beating Real Madrid in midweek, again showed their domestic limitations as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Fiorentina go fourth after six-goal thriller (Feb 25, 2006)
Fiorentina shrugged off two straight defeats to stage a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Parma and move into fourth in Serie A. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa grind out draw at Charlton (Feb 25, 2006)
Aston Villa clung on for a 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic, keeping dangerous striker Darren Bent at bay before the watching England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Chelsea make hard work of Portsmouth (Feb 25, 2006)
Frank Lampard edged Chelsea nearer to a second consecutive English Premiership title as his strike helped seal an unconvincing 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Unhappy slappy Adriano loses appeal (Feb 25, 2006)
Brazil striker Adriano has had his appeal against a two-match ban for slapping Livorno defender Alessandro Grandoni rejected by the Italian Football Federation's appeals panel. . . . more . . .
Trapdoor closing on Sunderland after Heskey winner (Feb 25, 2006)
Emile Heskey's goal ignited a glimmer of hope in Birmingham's quest to beat the drop while hammering another nail in Sunderland's coffin as the hosts won 1-0 at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Eriksson admits injuries fear (Feb 24, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted he feels scared every time one of his England players hits the ground and said injuries pose the biggest threat to the country's World Cup hopes in Germany. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Cesc gets Spanish call-up (Feb 24, 2006)
Arsenal's teenage midfielder Cesc Fabregas earned a first call up to the full Spanish squad from Spanish coach Luis Aragones for a March 1 friendly with Ivory Coast. . . . more . . .
Fixture pile-up for Cup rivals (Feb 24, 2006)
The winners of the FA Cup fifth-round replay between West Ham and Bolton will have to play three matches in six days after it was confirmed the quarter-finals will be played on consecutive midweek nights next month. . . . more . . .
German state to enforce condom use in brothels during World Cup (Feb 24, 2006)
Health authorities in Germany's southern state of Bavaria have said they will put up signs in brothels during the 2006 World Cup to remind clients of a local law obliging them to use condoms. . . . more . . .
Ferguson allays Smith career fear (Feb 24, 2006)
Alan Smith, who underwent surgery Monday on the horror injury he suffered in Manchester United's FA Cup loss to Liverpool, could be back in action for the start of next season. . . . more . . .
Porto's Emanuel eyeing Angola World Cup squad (Feb 24, 2006)
Portuguese side Porto's Angolan-born defender Pedro Emanuel, who is unlikely to make Portugal's World Cup squad, has said he welcomed an invitation to play for Angola during the finals in Germany later this year. . . . more . . .
Injured Kahn out of Italy friendly (Feb 24, 2006)
Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has been forced to pull out of Wednesday's World Cup warm-up friendly against Italy after failing to overcome a thigh strain, Bayern Munich spokesman Markus Horwick said. . . . more . . .
Chelsea vow to punish fans over ref threats (Feb 24, 2006)
Terje Hauge, the Norwegian referee who handled Chelsea's Champions League defeat by Barcelona, has been the subject of abusive messages posted on the London club's offical internet messageboard. . . . more . . .
Al-Hadary the hero again as Ahly lift African Super Cup (Feb 24, 2006)
Goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary was once again the hero of Egypt as Al-Ahly lifted the African Super Cup with a penalty shootout triumph over FAR Rabat. . . . more . . .
Worns will not be picked for World Cup says Klinsmann (Feb 24, 2006)
Dortmund's veteran international defender Christian Worns will not be selected for this summer's World Cup finals, Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann said, reacting to criticism from the player. . . . more . . .
Champions Egypt get soft African Nations Cup qualifying draw (Feb 23, 2006)
The 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying draw treated newly crowned champions Egypt and runners-up Ivory Coast generously. . . . more . . .
Bitter sweet UEFA Cup experience for French and English clubs (Feb 23, 2006)
French and English clubs had a bitter-sweet night as the UEFA Cup, Europe's second-tier club competition, was whittled down to the final 16 teams. . . . more . . .
Quaresma in Portugal squad for Saudi Arabia friendly (Feb 23, 2006)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called up FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, a regular at the Under-21 level, for a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 1. . . . more . . .
FIFA in the dock over World Cup image rights (Feb 23, 2006)
The world's media are threatening to take legal action against FIFA unless football's governing body lifts the restrictions its imposed on coverage at this year's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Kahn to get Italian nod over Lehmann (Feb 23, 2006)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected bitter goalkeeping rivals Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann together in the same squad for the first time since the middle of last year, ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Florence. . . . more . . .
Madrid fans want Henry claims Marca (Feb 23, 2006)
Real Madrid fans are clamouring for their club to sign Arsenal's talismanic French striker Thierry Henry after his wonder goal secured victory for the English Premiership side at the Bernabeu, according to sports daily Marca. . . . more . . .
Marseille, Middlesbrough and AS Roma in UEFA Cup spotlight (Feb 23, 2006)
Marseille's coach crisis, Middlesbrough's Cup run on two fronts plus AS Roma's superb form were the talking points in the run-up to Thursday's UEFA Cup action. . . . more . . .
Clubs condemn Smith ambulance assault (Feb 23, 2006)
Manchester United and Liverpool have issued a joint statement condemning the fans who attacked the ambulance taking United midfielder Alan Smith to hospital at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Turkey could play Euro 2008 qualifying matches at Dortmund (Feb 23, 2006)
Turkey could play their Euro 2008 home qualifying matches in Dortmund, Germany, top official of the German first division club Hans-Joachim Watzke said. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo outburst took away some of the 'magic': Raul (Feb 23, 2006)
An outburst by Real Madrid's unhappy Brazilian star Ronaldo was poorly timed and took away some of the 'magic' of the Champions League, fellow striker Raul said. . . . more . . .
Messi defends himself over Del Horno red card (Feb 23, 2006)
Lionel Messi insisted Asier del Horno had tried to hurt him before being sent-off for a foul on the Barcelona teenager in the Spanish vistors' 2-1 Champions League victory away to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Spanish football legend dies (Feb 23, 2006)
Legendary Spanish striker Telmo "Zarra" Zarraonandia, whose goal against England in the Maracana Stadium gave his country their only World Cup semi-final berth in 1950, died aged 85, hospital sources in Bilbao said. . . . more . . .
Boro lose but still edge out Stuttgart (Feb 23, 2006)
Middlesbrough just did enough to make it through into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup despite losing 1-0 at home to Stuttgart at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Hard choices don't floor Jewell (Feb 21, 2006)
Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell is ready to be unpopular with his own players in order to spring a surprise and steer the club to victory over Manchester United in the League Cup Final. . . . more . . .
Liverpool dreaming of repeat glory (Feb 21, 2006)
The Champions League returns this week after the winter recess with titleholders Liverpool in high spirits for the last-16 first leg tie at Benfica buoyed by their weekend FA Cup victory over age-old rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Reina planning to emulate sidelined Dudek (Feb 21, 2006)
Jose Reina has already ousted Jerzy Dudek from the Liverpool team. . . . more . . .
Colourful Mourinho makes his pitch to beat Barcelona (Feb 21, 2006)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted the Stamford Bridge pitch was up to scratch for their mouthwatering repeat of last year's last 16 Champions League clash against Barcelona by using a colourful analogy. . . . more . . .
Chelsea standing in way of Shearer Cup dream (Feb 20, 2006)
Premiership champions Chelsea were left standing in the way of Alan Shearer's dreams of leading Newcastle to FA Cup glory, in what the former England captain has said will be his last season as a player, after the clubs were drawn together in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Naysmith back in Scotland squad (Feb 20, 2006)
Everton defender Gary Naysmith was recalled to the Scotland squad for the March 1 friendly against Switzerland here at Hampden Park. . . . more . . .
FA Cup moved from Wembley over delay fears: construction firm (Feb 20, 2006)
The FA Cup final will not be held at the new Wembley Stadium because the English Football Association (FA) fears it will not be ready in time, according to the Australian construction giant overseeing the troubled project. . . . more . . .
ASEAN football bosses turn on 'gratuitous' Asian soccer chief (Feb 20, 2006)
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) football chiefs have lashed out at a senior Asian soccer administrator, criticising him for doing nothing to help the game in their region. . . . more . . .
Czech manager Bruckner names squad for Turkey friendlies (Feb 20, 2006)
Czech manager Karel Bruckner has named a 28-strong squad, without injured Ajax players Tomas Galasek, Zdenek Grygera and Juventus midfield star Pavel Nedved, to play against Turkey in Izmir on March 1. . . . more . . .
Smith reveals injury concern (Feb 20, 2006)
Manchester United's Alan Smith knew he sustained major injuries during the weekend's FA Cup defeat against Liverpool because "when I looked down the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing to Hong Kong". . . . more . . .
Roma captain Totti upbeat after surgery (Feb 20, 2006)
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he was surprised by the cheery mood of striker Francesco Totti after the Italian international striker underwent major surgery on his badly-injured left leg. . . . more . . .
Koeman ponders Robert gamble (Feb 20, 2006)
Benfica coach Ronald Koeman is contemplating a gamble on the form and fitness of Laurent Robert for Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg match with Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Arsenal can still gun us down, says Real coach (Feb 20, 2006)
Real Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro admitted that the Champions League tie against Arsenal was the pinnacle of his short career at the helm of the Spanish giants. . . . more . . .
Multiplex say FA Cup final to be moved from Wembley to Cardiff (Feb 20, 2006)
Australian construction giant Multiplex said the English Football Association (FA) will transfer the FA Cup final from Wembley to its reserve venue, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. . . . more . . .
Impressive African Confederation Cup debut by Zambian club (Feb 20, 2006)
Zesco United of Zambia made a dream African Confederation Cup debut by outclassing Pointe aux Sables Mates of Mauritius 3-0 at the weekend. . . . more . . .
If Fergie is having a dig, I must be doing something right: Benitez (Feb 20, 2006)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez brushed aside Sir Alex Ferguson's jibe that his side had played for only "five minutes" in Saturday's FA Cup victory at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Helguera dropped by Real Madrid (Feb 20, 2006)
Real Madrid coach Juan Lopez Ramon Caro has left Spanish international Ivan Helguera out of the 18-man squad that will face Arsenal in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
USA beats Guatemala in World Cup warm-up (Feb 20, 2006)
Cold weather didn't cool off Chris Klein and the United States as they posted a 4-0 victory over Guatemala in a friendly international football match. . . . more . . .
Smith pulls out of Scotland squad (Feb 20, 2006)
Aberdeen's top scorer Jamie Smith has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad to play Switzerland in a friendly at Hampden on March 1 with a hamstring injury. . . . more . . .
Wenger has high hopes for Henry (Feb 20, 2006)
Arsenal coach Arsenal Wenger relieves that his unsettled French striker Thierry Henry could be the key to success or failure against Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 tie. . . . more . . .
USA beats Guatemala in World Cup warm-up (Feb 19, 2006)
Cold weather didn't cool off Chris Klein and the United States as they posted a 4-0 victory over Guatemala in a friendly international football match. . . . more . . .
McClaren can go if England call on him says Boro supremo (Feb 19, 2006)
Middlesbrough manager and England assistant coach Steve McClaren can leave if he is asked to be the successor to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson his club chairman has said. . . . more . . .
Athletic Bilbao improve survival chances (Feb 19, 2006)
Athletic Bilbao have won the Spanish title eight times but the focus of their attention this season has been on the other end of the table. . . . more . . .
Beckham finally ready for the Real deal (Feb 19, 2006)
England skipper David Beckham said he was about to start talks about new contract with Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Cole helps Chelsea survive Colchester scare (Feb 19, 2006)
Joe Cole struck twice to ensure Premiership champions and leaders Chelsea staved off what would have been one of the all-time great upsets to advance into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at home to Colchester United. . . . more . . .
Chelsea leave it late to beat Colchester (Feb 19, 2006)
Joe Cole came off the bench to score twice as Chelsea eventually advanced into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over lowly Colchester United at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Red-hot Roma rocked by Totti injury blow (Feb 19, 2006)
Roma defeated Empoli 1-0 to equal the record of 10 consecutive Serie A wins and snatch fourth place from Fiorentina in the race for Champions League places next season. . . . more . . .
Barca will be desperate for revenge says Gallas (Feb 19, 2006)
Barcelona will be even more motivated this time round in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash here on Wednesday said Chelsea's French international defender William Gallas. . . . more . . .
Defoe just Champion for Spurs (Feb 19, 2006)
Jermain Defoe has kept Tottenham on course for a Champions League spot after his strike ensured a 2-2 draw against Wigan at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Kahn injured but Ballack saves Bayern (Feb 19, 2006)
An 89th-minute Michael Ballack header saved German league leaders Bayern Munich from defeat to Hannover 96 on Saturday but Bayern suffered a blow when 'keeper Oliver Kahn had to leave the field injured. . . . more . . .
Smith career not over claims agent (Feb 19, 2006)
Alan Smith will definitely miss the World Cup after suffering a horror injury in Manchester United's FA Cup defeat at Liverpool but his agent has dismissed reports the midfielder's career could be over. . . . more . . .
Super Mario comes to Valencia's rescue (Feb 19, 2006)
Valencia stay in second place in La Liga thanks to their Uruguayan international winger Mario Regueiro, who had two moments of brilliance to earn them a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. . . . more . . .
Metz upset Marseille to renew survival hopes (Feb 19, 2006)
Metz, at the foot of the French first division and with a mountain to climb to stave off relegation, breathed new life into their survival hopes with a shock 1-0 win over Marseille. . . . more . . .
Smith operation a 'success' say United (Feb 19, 2006)
Manchester United described the surgery on Alan Smith's broken leg as a "success" with the England international's agent insisting the player would resume his career even if he is set to miss the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Yakubu at the double for Boro (Feb 19, 2006)
Nigeria striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored twice as Middlesbrough advanced into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win away to Championship club Preston North End. . . . more . . .
City leave it late to keep Pearce's dream alive (Feb 19, 2006)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce's hopes of becoming the first English boss for more than a decade to lift the FA Cup were still alive after Micah Richards grabbed a heart-stopping equaliser in injury-time to secure a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro sees red but Juve snatch point (Feb 18, 2006)
Juventus coach Fabio Capello admitted struggling Sicilians Messina gave his side one of their hardest games of the season after an entertaining 2-2 Serie A draw. . . . more . . .
Ferreira set for Chelsea return (Feb 18, 2006)
Paulo Ferreira is set to be available for Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round clash against Colchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after missing seven games with a thigh injury. . . . more . . .
Crouch ends Liverpool's 85-year Cup wait against United (Feb 18, 2006)
Peter Crouch ended Liverpool's 85-year wait for an FA Cup triumph over bitter rivals Manchester United with the first-half header that ensured a 1-0 win at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Raul returns but Ronaldinho rules (Feb 18, 2006)
Real Madrid legend Raul returned to action for the first time in three months and the team responded in style as they won for the sixth successive league match beating Alaves 3-0. . . . more . . .
Kahn injured but Ballack saves Bayern from defeat (Feb 18, 2006)
An 89th-minute Michael Ballack header saved German league leaders Bayern Munich from defeat to Hannover 96 but Bayern suffered a blow when 'keeper Oliver Kahn had to leave the field injured. . . . more . . .
Sven says no to World Cup shadow (Feb 18, 2006)
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has told the Football Association that he is against the idea of his successor shadowing England during the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro sees red but Juve salvage point (Feb 18, 2006)
Serie A leaders Juventus played for almost the entire second half with 10 men but they still managed to draw 2-2 at Messina. . . . more . . .
Rangers buoyed by Hibs victory (Feb 18, 2006)
Rangers moved up to third place in the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 win at home to Hibernian. . . . more . . .
Ashton lets Bolton off the hook in Cup stalemate (Feb 18, 2006)
Dean Ashton spurned the chance to send West Ham into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a glaring second-half miss as the London club fought out a miserable 0-0 draw against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Japan beat Finland 2-0 in World Cup warm-up (Feb 18, 2006)
Mitsuo Ogasawara set up the opening goal and then struck home himself to spearhead Asian champions Japan to a 2-0 win over Finland in a warm-up game for the World Cup in June. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux stay in touch with Lyon (Feb 18, 2006)
Bordeaux kept some pressure on leaders Lyon by beating Ajaccio 2-0 to stay seven points off the pace in the French championship. . . . more . . .
Dyer spares Newcastle's blushes (Feb 18, 2006)
Kieron Dyer struck the winner on his first start in six months as Newcastle United edged out Southampton 1-0 for a place in the last eight of the FA Cup. . . . more . . .
Ashton lets Bolton off the hook in Cup statlemate (Feb 18, 2006)
Dean Ashton spurned the chance to send West Ham into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a glaring second-half miss as the London club fought out a miserable 0-0 draw against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Vogts to be Germany's World Cup 'spy' (Feb 17, 2006)
Former Scotland coach Berti Vogts will be Germany's 'spy' at this summer's World Cup making notes on opponents and relaying them to manager Jurgen Klinsmann. . . . more . . .
Beckham bone breaker interested in United move (Feb 17, 2006)
Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Aldo Duscher said he would be interested in a move to the English Premiership amid reports of interest from Manchester United, four years after he broke former United star David Beckham's foot in a Champions League encounter. . . . more . . .
Mouscron coach Put sacked (Feb 17, 2006)
Paul Put, the coach of Belgian first division club Mouscron, has been sacked because of his involvement in the match-fixing scandal which has rocked Belgian football. . . . more . . .
Lyon take another step towards fifth French title (Feb 17, 2006)
Lyon beat Nantes 3-1 to take a 10-point lead in the French league and another step towards their fifth consecutive championship. . . . more . . .
Vogts to help Klinsmann at World Cup (Feb 17, 2006)
Former Germany coach and World Cup winning player Berti Vogts will co-ordinate the German team of coaches at the World Cup from June 9 to July 9, German Football Federation (DFB) officials announced. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht sack corrupt players (Feb 17, 2006)
Belgian giants Anderlecht dismissed two players who were caught up in the match-fixing scandal which has rocked Belgian football. . . . more . . .
Deschamps sues over Marseille fixed match claim (Feb 17, 2006)
Former France World Cup winning captain and Monaco coach Didier Deschamps is taking legal action over claims that he knew all about the infamous fixed game between Marseille and Valenciennes in 1993. . . . more . . .
Thai factory drafted to make stitchless World Cup footballs (Feb 17, 2006)
A Thai factory has been drafted in to produce the special stitchless football for the upcoming World Cup. . . . more . . .
I made the right decision says Rooney over United move (Feb 17, 2006)
Wayne Rooney says he has no regrets about joining Manchester United and believes the move to Old Trafford has improved him as a player. . . . more . . .
Djemba-Djemba sorry for late Villa return (Feb 17, 2006)
Aston Villa's Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba apologised to his manager David O'Leary and the club's fans after returning home late from the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Chelsea shrug off Barca pitch claims (Feb 17, 2006)
Chelsea have defended the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch and insist claims it will favour them against Barcelona next week are nonsense. . . . more . . .
Real confident they can spike Gunners (Feb 16, 2006)
Real Madrid are confident they can spike the Gunners when Arsenal come calling next week for the pair's Champions League showdown, media quoted French veteran Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian Roberto Carlos as saying. . . . more . . .
